Feuerprobe. Commissario Brunettis dreiunddreißigster Fall.

Commissario Brunetti #33

by Donna Leon

Scherben auf der Piazza San Marco. Zwei Kinderbanden sind aneinandergeraten, mitten in der Nacht. Während Commissario Griffoni mit weiblichem Gespür herauszubekommen versucht, wie ein Teenager in den Sog eines Flashmobs geraten konnte, nutzt Brunetti seine eigenen Connections. Ja sogar Vice-Questore Patta ist zu allem bereit, um sich und seine Leute vor Vorkommnissen zu schützen, die zumal in einer Touristenstadt wie Venedig nicht willkommen sind.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Italy, Crime, Audiobook, Detective, Contemporary

Hardcover

First published July 9, 2024

About the author

Donna Leon (born September 29, 1942, in Montclair, New Jersey) is an American author of a series of crime novels set in Venice and featuring the fictional hero Commissario Guido Brunetti.

Donna Leon has lived in Venice for over twenty-five years. She has worked as a lecturer in English Literature for the University of Maryland University College - Europe (UMUC-Europe) in Italy, then as a Professor from 1981 to 1999 at the american military base of Vicenza (Italy) and a writer.

Her crime novels are all situated in or near Venice. They are written in English and translated into many foreign languages, although not, by her request, into Italian. Her ninth Brunetti novel, Friends in High Places, won the Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger in 2000.

Series:
* Commissario Brunetti

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In this 33rd book in the 'Commissario Guido Brunetti' series, the Italian policeman investigates a local man who was deployed during the Iraq war.



One of my favorite things about this book, set in Venice, is the slow pace. Unlike detectives on American television shows, who are always running around and chasing suspects, the detectives in this story amble around Venice on foot, taking time to enjoy the beauty of the city.

The story can be read as a standalone, but readers familiar with the characters will enjoy it more.


*****

As the story opens, teenage gangs in Venice are using Instagram to arrange a 'rumble', and when two groups of boys meet at the Piazzetta del Leoncini after midnight, surveillance cameras catch them tussling, throwing punches, smashing windows, thieving, etc.



The delinquents are rounded up by the Carabinieri, taken to the Questura, and mothers and fathers are called.



All the boys are picked up by their parents except for fifteen-year-old Orlando Monforte, who explains that he lives in Castello with his father Dario Monforte, who turns off his phone at 11:00 PM.



Commissario Claudia Griffoni, on duty that night, decides to act 'in loco parentis' and walk Orlando home.



Along the way, Orlando confides that he can come home any time he wants, and he wishes his father paid more attention to him. Griffoni feels bad for the boy, and they stop for coffee and brioche, and - since it's cold out - Griffoni lends Orlando her red scarf.

The next day, Commissario Griffoni consults with Commissario Guido Brunetti about the teen gangs, which the cops call 'baby gangs'. In fact, pressure from influential parents ensures that the police and newspapers write up the 'rumble' as an argument about soccer, that ended with name-calling.

Later, Brunetti's boss, Vice-Questore Patta - who never saw a job he couldn't evade doing - passes a task to Brunetti.



A wealthy American woman is buying a house in Venice, and needs someone to get permits and take care of administrative procedures. She's considering hiring Dario Monforte, and she wants him vetted. Brunetti recognizes Dario as the father of baby gang member Orlando Monforte.



The name Dario Monforte strikes a chord with Brunetti, and a computer search reveals that Dario was 'The Hero of Nasiriyah.' Over twenty years ago, a suicide bombing at the Italian embassy in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah claimed nineteen victims. Dario Monforte was widely lauded for saving two comrades while being badly burned himself.



Something about the Dario Monforte story doesn't sit right with Brunetti, and further research, aided by Signorina Elettra - who's a whiz at data mining - reveal that there's MUCH MORE to the tale, including illegal activities.



Dario Monforte doesn't appreciate being under the Questura's microscope, and to halt the inquiries, he gets a shady lawyer to allege that Commissario Claudia Griffoni acted inappropriately when she walked Orlando Monforte home after the baby gang clash. It's clear that Dario Monforte has something to hide, and a good part of the novel involves Brunetti trying to figure out what was going on with the Italians in Nasiriyah during the Iraq war.

As this is going on, Brunetti's colleague, forensic lab technician Enzo Bocchese is very upset, and he tells Guido that his teenage neighbor is harassing him.



The neighbor boy, Gianpaolo Porpora, who's tall and built like a bull, trips Enzo on the stairs, bumps into him, and has threatened Enzo's treasured statuettes, which the technician collects. All this has dire consequences, including another, much more dangerous, clash of the baby gangs.



For me, the part of the story that concerns Dario Monforte's schemes in Nasiriyah was especially compelling. I also enjoyed the domestic vignettes in the novel, like Guido and his wife Paola meandering around Venice, looking at the lovely sights.



There are also homey domestic scenes in the book, when Guido is at home with his wife and children. In one of of the best family scenes, Guido, Paola, their teenage children Raffi and Chiara, and Paula's parents (the Conte and Contessa), enjoy a delicious meal while discussing literature, history, education, influencers, and more. This is a family it would be a pleasure to know.



My minor quibble with the novel would be a thread left hanging at the end, which I wish had been tied up.

Thanks to Netgalley, Donna Leon, and Atlantic Monthly Press for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Andrew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book thirty-three, in a series I feel I’ve been reading forever. The first book, featuring Venice based senior policeman Guido Brunetti, was published more than thirty years ago. The stories are as much about Venice and it’s unique culture as they are about a crime that challenges Guido in each episode. In actual fact, it’s sometimes rather difficult to spot the crime. In the course of this series, readers will have gotten to know Brunetti’s family and his colleagues pretty well; here, the focus falls significantly on Guido’s fellow Commissario, Claudia Griffoni.

So-called baby gangs, groups of youths in their early teens, have been clashing in the city. In effect, rival gangs have been communicating online with a view to meeting for a mass punch-up. Nobody has gotten seriously injured – yet – but it’s tying up police resources and drawing criticism from many sources. Then, one night after the arrest of a group of youths, Claudia offers to escort the last remaining boy home, the others having already been collected from the questura (police station) by their parents. Though this task is completed without drama, it is to draw retrospective criticism and pose a degree of threat for Griffoni.

Another of Brunetti’s colleagues is also having his problems: Enzo Bocchese, the quiet, almost reclusive, head technician at the questura. It seems he’s being bullied, a young man who lives in an apartment in the same building as the technician. There are a number of other issues occupying Guido’s mind, too, but none of any real consequence. This gives him plenty of time to slip home early for a meal with his wife and family or to simply put his feet up and read. There’s always time to stop for a coffee, too. Well, it’d be rude not to. Then, after a meal at his father-in-law’s palazzo, he’s able to stroll through the city with his wife and admire the beauty and tranquillity of this glorious place they call home.

The various threads here, some of which initially seem relatively benign, do eventually come together in what is actually an explosive ending. As always with this series, I was sad to finish my latest visit to this city, and bring to my visit to what I would now call my friends to an end. I miss these people and this place for eleven months each year, but I look forward to being reunited with them again – hopefully next year.

My thanks to Grove Atlantic for supplying a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Leon's fire is refining her writing and her characters and her Venice. For me it continues to feel such a comfort to read because I've been reading this series for years now and each book apart from creating it's own memories brings up the memories of the past.

Leon plays with fire in this one, an inferno from the past with lasting effects into the present. What's forged in that inferno has the present firmly in it's grasp and the lies that are a foundation for the present will take their own toll.

Superbly done as always.

An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Edelweiss - Netgalley>

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe that I'm giving such a low rating to a book by Donna Leon, but she seems to be phoning them in at this point.

Perhaps it's because she now lives in Switzerland There are still a few lovely lyrical descriptions of Venice, but somehow the writing seems diminished.

The Brunetti family make brief appearances, but they seem to be just for the sake of making sure the characters appear.

There is too much Claudia, and here she does the same tired act of making friends with someone to extract information. Worked well before, but now it's just the same old same old.

Patta and one other regular character do have interesting bits here, but in general the book feels forced, as if Leon is writing it to fulfill a contract, not because she still enjoys writing these. Makes me sad.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a problem in Venice caused by "baby gangs:" young teens who are causing trouble. Griffoni tries to help one of the boys, Orlando, and her good deed does not go unpunished. In the course of the investigation, Brunetti and Griffoni learn of an event that happened years ago in Iraq involving Orlando's father and some stolen artifacts. Was he really a hero, as was proclaimed? Certainly, Venice doesn't sound like a pleasant tourist destination in this book, and I was disappointed at the number of loose plot threads that were left hanging. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Lilisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 33rd and latest in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series. I love the series and have read all 33 books. I’m a huge fan of Donna Leon and cannot say enough good things about the amazing main character she has created in Guido Brunetti who operates in present day Venice solving mysteries and crimes in his upstanding yet empathetic way. So it pains me to say I was disappointed with this book. Yes, I still like the characters, the issues around which the book revolves are relevant and current, and the book is still a decent read. I won’t rehash the book’s synopsis here. My disappointment was probably magnified because the author has done such an amazing job with 32 of the Guido Brunetti books. What was missing for me in this book was how all the pieces didn’t quite hang together well. Maybe if the issues had been delved more deeply into, they would have. At times I felt the book was a bit disjointed and the transitions could have been better. Maybe it’s fair to not be too disappointed and wait for her 34th when hopefully I can be a happier Donna Leon and Guido Brunetti fan! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[John McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, it appears that Lorenzo Vianello's been sent off by Donna Leon, and Claudia Griffoni substituted. The problem I have with this is that Sergente Vianello, I think, was the brain that gave us insight into how Brunetti thinks. Griffoni has equal rank to Brunetti but she will never acquire, as long as Leon writes these stories, the insight into crime, classics, and justice that Brunetti demonstrates.

One other problem with this book is that for the first 100 or so pages, the author deals with what looks like juvenile pranks and it is hard to see where the mystery or crime-solving enters. Then, Leon begins a well thought-out tale of art theft in Iraq by a platoon of Italian soldiers sent to Iraq. That story appeared to have real legs when a long-time forensics specialist with the police, someone admired by Brunetti, gets assaulted and his collection of valuable statuettes get vandalized.

The story shifted again to what turned out to be a fire set by the "baby gangs", and wham-o, the story ends.

In all, disappointing in an incomplete, unresolved story, was, as is always the case with Ms. Leon, well-written.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number thirty three in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series and I have happily read all of them.

Leon is an excellent writer, sharing wit and wisdom and capturing so well the the pulse and rhythm of Venice. Not the Venice that the hoards of day trippers experience, but the real city of the Venetians who reside there. It is a joy to read such a literate writer whose books touch on philosophy, classical literature, political science, history, justice. Her books transcend one genre…they are police procedurals, mysteries, literary fiction.

The cases, while always intriguing, are almost secondary to the wonderful characterizations, musings and observations of life, especially Venetian life, by Brunetti. It is always so nice to visit again with all the familiar actors, flamboyant Signora Elletra, strong and wise Paola, philosophical Guido, comical Patta, capable Griffoni, loyal Foa.

The plot of this installment involving the “baby” (underage) gangs trying to wreak havoc on the islands of the Veneto intersects with Brunetti and Griffoni’s interaction with an acclaimed hero from the suicide attack on the Italian carabinieri headquarters at Nasiriyah during the Iraq War twenty years ago. My only hesitation with this story is that I would have liked to have known what happens next for one of the characters. I don’t want to say any more as I don’t write spoilers, but if you read it, you will know who I mean.

Leon conveys so much what Venice is all about....the politics, the cynicism, the decaying beauty. I feel that Brunetti and his family and associates are old friends. Last time we were in Venice, I passed by the Questore fully expecting to encounter him and stopped at his favorite bar for a coffee. Leon's books make me want to return to La Serenissima.

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne
Meine Gedanken (wie immer keine klassische Rezension!) zu „Feuerprobe“
Dies war meine 33. Reise nach Venedig zum feinfühligen, nachdenklichen, belesenen
(momentan beschäftigt er sich mit den Memoiren des Marquis de Custine) Commissario Brunetti, auf dessen Wegen durch die Stadt uns auch die morbide, vergängliche Atmosphäre Venedigs entgegenschlägt.
Anspielung auf ein baldiges Ende der Krimiserie?
Hoffentlich nicht.

Gesellschaftskritik ("Baby-Gangs" - mit viel Zerstörungswut und Aggression terrorisieren sie die Menschen in der Stadt - warum sind auch sie Opfer, welche Rollen spielt ihre Selbstdarstellung im Internet?), gewohnt ausführliche Gespräche und Verhöre, Brunettis Blick auf Bedürfige aller Art.

Wahre Ereignisse aus dem Jahr 2003 spielen eine Rolle, damals wurden bei einem Selbstmordattentat in Nassiriyah im Irak neunzehn Italiener, Angehörige der MSU Carabinieri, getötet.
Mehrere Handlungsstränge entwickeln sich.
Ein widerlicher Anwalt, ein Anschlag auf einen Kollegen Brunettis, der Bronzestatuen sammelt, der Commissario, der in geheimen Dossiers Unfassbares entdeckt.

Von der inzwischen 81jährigen Autorin klug geschildert, unterhaltsam zu lesen, dramatisches Finale.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Refiner’s Fire is the thirty-third book in the Commissario Brunetti series by award-winning American-born author, Donna Leon. Early spring in Venice, and the baby gangs are out and about. Mostly under prosecutable age, they gather in the late evening to fight, for no other reason, it seems, than to be able to boast about it.

When two gangs choose Piazza San Marco just on the police change of shift, they are rounded up, their details recorded, and their parents summoned to collect them. When Orlando Monforte’s father is unreachable in the early hours, duty Commissario Claudia Griffoni offers to see him safely home, even offering the shivering boy her scarf and trying to save him embarrassment in front of his neighbours by not revealing herself as police, kindnesses that backfire on her.

That same morning, Vice Questore Patta offers up Commissario Guido Brugnetti’s services to a new American resident to vet a facilitator recommended to help her deal with the copious paperwork involved in making her rental property habitable. A quick check confirms for Guido that retired Carabiniere Dario Monforte is the hero of an incident in Iraq that cost many Italian lives but, when he meets the man, something doesn’t sit quite right, and Guido resolves to get Signorina Elettra Zorzi to do some digging.

One of the gang members, it turns out, is the grandson of retired Judge Alfonso Berti, and thus the airbrushing of the behaviour of the gang by the Gazzettino, a publication usually eager to sink its teeth into crime and shake it around until there was some blood on the walls, and the Vice Questore’s admonition to keep it quiet.

While Elettra works her magic, Officer Dano Alvise, perhaps by dint of his own obvious curiosity in the lives and welfare of the people he speaks to, becomes an auditor to tales of human peculiarity and learns that not everyone is full of praise for the “convenient hero”.

But it’s when a colleague whom Guido considers a friend is attacked, having already expressed his fear of a local gang member, that the Vice Questore uncharacteristically gives Guido full rein, even offering Elettra’s talents, and unfettered database access.

Leon manages to convey her setting with consummate ease. She gives the reader a very appealing protagonist who readily admits his faults and failings and seems utterly devoid of arrogance. His inner monologue is often engaging, and his philosophical musings are insightful. Just one statement to Claudia demonstrates his attitude: “I’m not sure I really understand what makes us – men, almost always – put violence on the list of possible choices when we have to respond to something.” This is intelligent crime fiction at its finest.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic

[Fernando Gonzalo Pellico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nueva entrega de los casos del Comisario Brunetti. En esta ocasión el caso gira en torno a la delincuencia de menores y bandas violentas. Pero no está a la altura de varias novelas de la Saga, se llega a un final predecible a través de una trama poco lineal y clara. Es Brunetti, claro, y si te gusta el ambiente, lo disfrutarás, pero no es de lo mejor de la autora.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the opening scenes of the book regarding the 'baby gangs' of teenagers confusing. I much preferred the other storylines by comparison: one was about an historic art theft by Italian soldiers in Iraq and the other involved the persecution of a forensic scientist, one of Brunetti's work colleagues, which were developed, but then left hanging, while we rounded back to the 'baby gangs' again. I was left with questions, which feels less than satisfying.

Quotes that stood out:

This one because it made me chuckle: "Benny had changed in the years since the two men had last met [...] His paunch was larger and his shoulders were narrower, a combination of changes much too challenging for his jacket."

This one because it made me go, aw: Paola makes coffee for herself and Brunetti. "He drank it, leaned back and rested his head on the back of the sofa. Paola did the same and took his hand, sat these two, one another's best."

[Linda Pittaway · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in this latest in the Brunetti saga. Having read and enjoyed all in the series (though I must comment that the last two or three have lacked the spark and enthusiasm for Venice and its inhabitants that was so lovingly portrayed in the earlier novels) I questioned whether the “case” was really a case, or was a grasping at straws to meet a deadline.
I missed the personal side of Brunetti and the stories of his friends and family which provided a very human backdrop to the earlier mysteries. Even the character of Signorina Elettra seemed pale and was a very secondary character.
I regret to say this book read like a Sunday scribble of a overdue assignment rather than one of the Venetian treasures I have come to expect when the name of Brunetti pops up.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read this series you know. These are stories more than mysteries. In this I could not be sure till the end if there was a mystery involved or if Leon was just describing the current day and concerns of Brunetti. It was interesting and I kept listening just to hear more about Venice and the police who must navigate its tiny streets, canals and millions of tourists. it was fun and made me dream of a European trip. Story centered around youth gangs and the craziness young men can get into. The background story about an actual explosion in Nasiriyah, Iraq at the Italian Police Headquarter during the war gave an unexpected bit of flavor to what could have been a rather dull story. Certainly enough here to keep me listening. Read it for that if you have an interest in smuggling of artifacts.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Refiner’s Fire”, #33 in Leon’s Guido Brunetti series, is a fast, smooth read, but it felt disjointed. Brunetti spent much of his time thinking about philosophy as discussed in various classic books and not much time investigating crime in Venice. Even after an explosive ending, the story seemed unfinished.

There were three separate threads occupying Brunetti’s musings: (1) a long ago criminal undertaking that was never resolved; (2) how Brunetti’s fellow Commissario, Claudia Griffoni, is now being intimidated because she helped Orlando, a teenage boy, get home after being involved in a “baby gang” fight; and (3) a current crime wherein one of Brunetti’s colleagues, Enzo Bocchese, was attacked in his apartment by a teenage neighbour.

Out of curiosity, Brunetti investigates the background of Orlando’s father, Dario Monforte, a former Carabinieri who survived a 2003 suicide bombing in Iraq, tying threads (1) and (2) together. Thread (2) is tied partially to thread (3), when Orlando takes part in a “baby gang” led by the teenager who attacked Bocchese.

Brunetti does nothing, however, to with respect to the attack on Bocchese. Furthermore, the teenager who attacked Bocchese appears to continue his bullying ways as a leader in the “baby gang” fight; he does not suffer, in any way, even after the explosive ending.

So, although, the descriptions of Brunetti’s wandering investigations were vivid—particularly with respect to (1) his meeting with Monforte’s former colleague, Lino, and (2) the figurines collected by Bocchese—I was left feeling that the story was unfinished. Too much meandering philosophy on Brunetti’s part and not enough active endeavours to solve the corruption he encountered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for earlier books in this series:
Transient Desires (Commissario Brunnetti, #30)
Give Unto Others (Commissario Brunnetti, #31)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I always enjoy these. This one a bit harder to follow than the usual. Baby gangs, antiquities thefts from Iraq, a surprising change in character for Patta, lots going on.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long running crime series...with the attraction being its location in Venice.
It's a combination of modern era crimes and various comments on Italian society and Italian history ...
This one has kinks to Italian involvement in the Gulf and Adolescent (Baby ) gangs.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leon Donna writes so poetically! Forever an ode to the Venetian culture. This is the perfect type of novel to fall asleep with (without forgetting the snooze button!), because it is so slow moving, you can feel the tranquility despite the crimes. I didn't feel the plot was as interesting as many of her other novels though.

[Rafa Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

La novela anual de Donna Leon sigue la pauta de las últimas entregas, no defrauda ni sorprende, la autora parece que tiene el propósito de escribir una cada año mientras su cuerpo aguante. Por nuestro lado, los devotos seguidores del Commissario Guido Brunetti no podemos pedir más.

En esta ocasión, el comisario ve preocupado el creciente fenómeno de la criminalidad de bandas juveniles en Venecia, por chicos italianos con un componente de extrema derecha violenta. Este problema del presente se entremezcla con la actuación en noviembre del 2003 del ejército italiano en la ocupación en Irak y un atentado en Nasiriya donde murieron 19 soldados. Estos hechos sirven, como en toda la serie de novelas, para profundizar en las personalidades de los personajes del microcosmos Brunetti, como son el huraño policía científico Bocchese o la ebúrnea comisaria Grifoni o el patricio vicequestore Patta. La ciudad de Venecia no puede faltar a esta función teatral, como un personaje más de la trama. Me ha gustado mucho esta entrega.

[Q]

33rd annual trip to Venice. It’s off season. This was about baby gangs in today’s Venus and Illegal activities in Iraq during the war back when. This book was more violent than any of Donna Leon’s earlier books. That surprised me. Idid enjoy the characters and Patta’s surprises. We said goodbye to one reliable character at the station who’s been there from the start. He was given a front page role for a good chunk of the book.His hobby is collecting bronze statues. Who would of known.

Most likely will visit Italy again next year if all goes well. Will end with a thank-you to Donna Leon

[Anna Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantàstic! Estic realment emocionada, perquè després dels anteriors llibres de'n Brunetti, on veia un descens en el que jo pensava que havia de ser un bon Brunetti... Zas! M'ha recordat els millors casos. El fet de retrobar-me amb la família de'n Guido i els companys de la Questura, més les maquinacions, les ironies, els finals que tenia per costum trobar. Però això sí, si vols començar a llegir-ne, et recomano que comencis per una altra, ja que els dobles sentits i alguns dels comentaris només tenen significat si s'han llegit altres llibres de la sèrie. Et recomano: "Acqua alta", "Cristall enverinat", "Contactes a les altres esferes", "L'ou d'or", "En nom del fill"... Són les que més m'han agradat i veuràs una mica l'evolució dels personatges, per entendre la manera de funcionar de la família Brunetti i la de la Questura.

----
Fantástica! Estoy realmente emocionada, porque después de anteriores ediciones de los libros de Brunetti, donde percibía un descenso de lo que yo pensaba que tenía que ser un buen Brunetti.. Zas! Me ha recordado los mejores casos! Reencontrarme con la familia de Guido y los compañeros de la Questura, añadiendo las maquinaciones, ironías, finales que tenía por costumbre encontrar. Pero esos sí, si quieres entrar en el universo Brunetti, te recomiendo las que más me gustaron, un poco para ver su evolución: "Acqua alta", "Veneno de cristal", "Amigos en las altas esferas", "En nombre del hijo", "El huevod e oro"... para poder entender la forma de funcionar de la familia Brunetti y la de la Questura.

[Scott Nickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

So one of my delights each year is to read the latest mystery novel by Donna Leon and starring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Brunetti serves the citizens of Venice, Italy while also thinking deeply about the great (and small) issues concerning the human condition. The mysteries are always interesting…though not always dramatic. But Leon’s prose is elegant, the key players always finely drawn, and, as an added bonus, the hero of many of her dramatic tales is Venice herself.
There are hundreds of these reviews that describe the essential plot points of this 33rd installment in the Brunetti series. The reason I gladly give “ A Refiner’sFire” 5 stars is that I love a mystery story that elevates into the realm of classic literature. So thanks to Donna Leon for several more hours of reading joy and for NetGalley for the chance to read A Refiner’s Fire.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read 32 of the 33 Guido Brunetti books and this most recent installment is among the weakest.

A lazy plot, a dull midsection and a silly ending.

Ms Leon’s antipathy towards young men and masculinity in general, while present in all her books, is tiresome here.

Her usual targets of ridicule, the Catholic Church and faith of any kind, are lightly included but never far from her writing.

Time to wrap it up. 33 is enough.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s happening in Venice?

Young teenagers are forming what are called “baby gangs” They’re fighting each other on the streets of Venice late at night. They’re highly volatile, pumped up with testosterone, and heedless of anyone crossing their path when in the grip of battle fever. Commissario Claudia Griffoni confesses to Brunetti the danger she feels, and the trouble brewing.
Arrests are made after one battle in the Piazzetta. Griffoni is on duty that night, taking part in recording names and arranging for parents to collect their sons. All are picked except for one boy, Orlando Monforte. Griffoni walks him home, a somewhat unwise move as it transpires. They have coffee and pizza at various places enroute to his residence.
It turns out Orlando's father is a hero of the Iraq War. His troop was on duty as peace keepers in Iraq when their headquarters was rammed by a truck filled with explosives. A conflagration happened, a fireball erupted. Many were killed. Italy was in shock. Amidst the raging fires, Dario Monforte rescued two of his comrades. Newspapers called him the “Hero of Nasiriyah.”
How then did this “baby battle” suddenly have Brunetti immersed in blackmail, investigating a hero’s past, looking into possible art thefts, finding a friend being threatened and his valuable statues smashed, and the baby gangs letting it be known that something BIG was about to happen.
Brunetti is on the cusp of a changing world. His Venice is disappearing, change is afoot. Yet it’s old memories that will shine light on new challenges.
An enigmatic, reflective work, thought provoking without much being said.
As always a pleasure to read Leon’s elegantly crafted and refined works. An exquisite read.

A Grove Atlantic ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Jan Vranken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik ben geen betrouwbare gids: las Brunetti vanaf nummer één en liep daarna elk voorjaar naar de boekenwinkel om te kijken of de nieuwe editie er al was. Dit jaar lang moeten wachten, maar het was de moeite waard. Een van haar betere; je moet niet te lang wachten op wat actie (alhoewel ik veel hou van haar beschrijving van het leven in Venetië en van Brunetti’s huishouden). De laatste hoofdstukken zijn heel meeslepend.

[barryid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

Donna Leon has written 32 excellent police procedurals. Number 33 is a travel book - a guide to Venice - interspersed with rambling conversations. Nothing happens until 48% into the book. The policing part starts at 83%. Sad

[4cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

My time has flown since the first Brunetti novel hit the shelves, and now we have number 33 in this much loved and respected series. As always with a Brunetti novel you don't get an out and out crime novel, there is so much more which happens within the story, with multiple plotlines happening. In this Leon turns her eye to the 'baby gangs' which are plaguing Venice causing damage and injury to take place throughout the night, because the offenders are under 18 Brunetti and Griffoni find their hands tied as to what the police can actually do and Griffoni finds herself in a complicated situation. The father of one of the young boys has a past which Brunetti finds himself looking at with the ever present Signorina Elettra delving into the hidden depths of the state records. The Questura are shocked at an incident involving one of their own and Patta puts Brunetti in charge. This is not a typical crime read with a crime which needs solving, as with many of the Brunetti novels you don't always get the ending you are expecting.

I always say this the Brunetti novels are the jewels in the crown of crime writing.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

lively characters but the story was more weird/disgusting that interesting/thriliing and i led nowhere, still i enjoyed reading a completely different genre since i know i'm not the target group (which is 60+, it's my grandfathers favorite series and he gave me this book)

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein Krimi für zwischendurch, Brunetti, gutes Essen, ein etwas herbei gezogenes Verbrechen, Venedig… kann man lesen.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well accomplished work from Leon. I have been a fan for years!