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Commissario Brunetti #25
The Waters of Eternal Youth
In Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti series, the Venetian inspector has been called on to investigate many things, from shocking to petty crimes. But in The Waters of Eternal Youth , the 25th novel in this celebrated series, Brunetti finds himself drawn into a case that may not be a case at all.
Fifteen years ago, a teenage girl fell into a canal late at night. Unable to swim, she went under and started to drown, only surviving thanks to a nearby man, an alcoholic, who heard her splashes and pulled her out, though not before she suffered irreparable brain damage that left her in a state of permanent childhood, unable to learn or mature. The drunk man claimed he saw her thrown into the canal by another man, but the following day he couldn’t remember a thing.
Now, at a fundraising dinner for a Venetian charity, a wealthy and aristocratic patroness—the girl’s grandmother—asks Brunetti if he will investigate. Brunetti’s not sure what to do. If a crime was committed, it would surely have passed the statute of limitations. But out of a mixture of curiosity, pity, and a willingness to fulfill the wishes of a guilt-wracked older woman, who happens to be his mother-in-law’s best friend, he agrees.
Brunetti soon finds himself unable to let the case rest, if indeed there is a case. Awash in the rhythms and concerns of contemporary Venetian life, from historical preservation, to housing, to new waves of African migrants, and the haunting story of a woman trapped in a damaged perpetual childhood, The Waters of Eternal Youth is another wonderful addition to this series.
Fifteen years ago, a teenage girl fell into a canal late at night. Unable to swim, she went under and started to drown, only surviving thanks to a nearby man, an alcoholic, who heard her splashes and pulled her out, though not before she suffered irreparable brain damage that left her in a state of permanent childhood, unable to learn or mature. The drunk man claimed he saw her thrown into the canal by another man, but the following day he couldn’t remember a thing.
Now, at a fundraising dinner for a Venetian charity, a wealthy and aristocratic patroness—the girl’s grandmother—asks Brunetti if he will investigate. Brunetti’s not sure what to do. If a crime was committed, it would surely have passed the statute of limitations. But out of a mixture of curiosity, pity, and a willingness to fulfill the wishes of a guilt-wracked older woman, who happens to be his mother-in-law’s best friend, he agrees.
Brunetti soon finds himself unable to let the case rest, if indeed there is a case. Awash in the rhythms and concerns of contemporary Venetian life, from historical preservation, to housing, to new waves of African migrants, and the haunting story of a woman trapped in a damaged perpetual childhood, The Waters of Eternal Youth is another wonderful addition to this series.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2016
1313 people are currently reading
3523 people want to read
About the author
Donna Leon
106 books2,919 followersDonna 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,034 reviews
March 30, 2020
Each Spring I look forward to spending a few days in my favourite city, Venice, catching up with old friends. I’ve been doing this for some years now – not literally, of course, but through Donna Leon’s hugely evocative series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. This year my opportunity came early, thanks to the generosity of Grove Atlantic and NetGalley, who very kindly supplied an advance copy of this latest book in the series.
For anyone yet to catch up with Donna Leon’s books, I’d better introduce you to a few of the cast:
- Guido is married to clever Paola who not only presents gorgeous meals (described in mouth watering detail) that are eagerly devoured by her family, but also lectures at the local university. The couple have two children, who we watch develop and grow through the series
- Paolo’s father is Count Orazio Fallier and he lives, with his wife, in a magnficent palazzo on the Grand Canal.
- Guido is a senior police officer and is based at the main police station, the Questora. His boss is the pompous, social climber (and Southern misfit) Vice-Questore Patta. His desire to court the Venetian aristocracy - and to cover his own backside, whatever the cost – is legend.
- Patta’s secretary, and Guido’s partner in his ongoing simmering feud with Patta, is Signorina Elettra. She has an enviable ability to read and outwit Pata and is seemingly able to access information significantly quicker through her own informal channels than would be the case if proper procedure were to be followed. And with apparent impunity, to boot.
- Guido’s right hand man is the laconic Lieutenant Vianello. He and Guido can often be found slipping out to a local bar for a coffee or a white wine, to chew the fat over an ongoing case or just to take a break from the working day. In fact, drinking alcohol during working hours seems to be pretty much a daily requirement for Brunetti.
There are others, but having a feel for the main players will help if you stumble into this series part way through.
There is always a crime – well, this is crime fiction – but sometimes the offence is difficult to spot. In this book it only became clear that an offence had been committed two-thirds of the way through the story. But that’s not really the point of these books. I look upon them as a commentary on the transformation of this beautiful lagoon city from a living municipality for its inhabitants to a grand tourist destination. Many of the stories focus on genuine social problems faced by the populace of the city. There is little violence in the city – actually, there is relatively little serious crime – but it’s a unique place and consequently Venice does have its fair share of challenges.
And the city is always the star of the book. That is to say, the city seen through the eyes of Guido Brunetti. He has a huge appreciation for the history of the place, together with it’s customs, its language (spoken instead of or as well as standard Italian by many of the inhabitants) and its architecture. If you’ve yet to visit La Serenissima then be prepared for the expense of booking your inaugural trip soon after completing your first book in this series. It happened to me!
So to the plot itself! It centres on the grand daughter of a notable society figure who fell into a canal some fifteen years ago. She was saved by an alcoholic but had been under water for so long (she was a non-swimmer) that she suffered irreparable brain damage. Brunetti is asked, by the grandmother, to take a fresh look at the circumstances surrounding this terrible event as she fears the full truth has never truly come to light.
Well, it meanders along nicely, as I’ve indicated, until way past half way and then it picks up pace significantly. The final section, as Guido closes in on the perpetrator of a crime, are deftly handled and the dénouement itself is superbly done.
I know I’m talking as a long time fan of the author here, but I truly believe her books are seriously underrated. I’d urge all fans of ‘gentle’ crime fiction and in fact anyone who has an interest in the city of Venice to seek these out. The only bad news for me is that I’m now going to have to wait another year for my next trip to this wonderful place.
For anyone yet to catch up with Donna Leon’s books, I’d better introduce you to a few of the cast:
- Guido is married to clever Paola who not only presents gorgeous meals (described in mouth watering detail) that are eagerly devoured by her family, but also lectures at the local university. The couple have two children, who we watch develop and grow through the series
- Paolo’s father is Count Orazio Fallier and he lives, with his wife, in a magnficent palazzo on the Grand Canal.
- Guido is a senior police officer and is based at the main police station, the Questora. His boss is the pompous, social climber (and Southern misfit) Vice-Questore Patta. His desire to court the Venetian aristocracy - and to cover his own backside, whatever the cost – is legend.
- Patta’s secretary, and Guido’s partner in his ongoing simmering feud with Patta, is Signorina Elettra. She has an enviable ability to read and outwit Pata and is seemingly able to access information significantly quicker through her own informal channels than would be the case if proper procedure were to be followed. And with apparent impunity, to boot.
- Guido’s right hand man is the laconic Lieutenant Vianello. He and Guido can often be found slipping out to a local bar for a coffee or a white wine, to chew the fat over an ongoing case or just to take a break from the working day. In fact, drinking alcohol during working hours seems to be pretty much a daily requirement for Brunetti.
There are others, but having a feel for the main players will help if you stumble into this series part way through.
There is always a crime – well, this is crime fiction – but sometimes the offence is difficult to spot. In this book it only became clear that an offence had been committed two-thirds of the way through the story. But that’s not really the point of these books. I look upon them as a commentary on the transformation of this beautiful lagoon city from a living municipality for its inhabitants to a grand tourist destination. Many of the stories focus on genuine social problems faced by the populace of the city. There is little violence in the city – actually, there is relatively little serious crime – but it’s a unique place and consequently Venice does have its fair share of challenges.
And the city is always the star of the book. That is to say, the city seen through the eyes of Guido Brunetti. He has a huge appreciation for the history of the place, together with it’s customs, its language (spoken instead of or as well as standard Italian by many of the inhabitants) and its architecture. If you’ve yet to visit La Serenissima then be prepared for the expense of booking your inaugural trip soon after completing your first book in this series. It happened to me!
So to the plot itself! It centres on the grand daughter of a notable society figure who fell into a canal some fifteen years ago. She was saved by an alcoholic but had been under water for so long (she was a non-swimmer) that she suffered irreparable brain damage. Brunetti is asked, by the grandmother, to take a fresh look at the circumstances surrounding this terrible event as she fears the full truth has never truly come to light.
Well, it meanders along nicely, as I’ve indicated, until way past half way and then it picks up pace significantly. The final section, as Guido closes in on the perpetrator of a crime, are deftly handled and the dénouement itself is superbly done.
I know I’m talking as a long time fan of the author here, but I truly believe her books are seriously underrated. I’d urge all fans of ‘gentle’ crime fiction and in fact anyone who has an interest in the city of Venice to seek these out. The only bad news for me is that I’m now going to have to wait another year for my next trip to this wonderful place.
November 21, 2018
First Sentence: He had always hated formal dinners, and he hated being at this one.
When is a case, not a case? When it is a favour for the friend of your in-laws, even though it happened 15 years ago, and there was no dead body, and no real police investigation. A wealthy aristocrat asks Brunetti to look into the supposed suicide attempt by drowning of her granddaughter, now irreparably brain damaged. But to the Contessa, things just don’t add up and, as she ages, she would like the truth. With a little creativity, Brunetti convinces his boss that Guido should re-open the investigation, and finds things were not quite what they seemed.
Leon has a lovely way of taking us immediately into the story and introducing us to the important characters without even seeming to. She also provides us a look into Brunetti’s understanding of human nature—“Only someone who knows us well knows how best to flatter us, knows which virtues we’d like to have attributed to us and which not.” Yet such introspection is also offset by subtle humor—“There was a single cup of coffee, a silver sugar bowl, a spoon, two short glasses of thick cut crystal\al, and a bottle of whisky whose label made Brunetti stare. … ‘To your health,’ she answered and took a sip. Brunetti did the same and thought he’d sell up everything and move to Scotland. Paola could find a job teaching, and the children would find something to do with themselves. Beg, for example.”
It is to Leon’s great credit that there is a wonderful balance between Brunetti the policeman, and Brunetti the husband and father which makes the book so realistic and the character so identifiable. His family life is such a wonderful asset to the full development of the character and to the story. It is interesting that this is one of the rare times, at least in this reviewer’s memory, that we have a physical description of Brunetti..Yet all the characters work so well. One cannot help but love and admire the skills of Signorina Ellettra, and understand their mutual disdain for Lt. Scarpa and the easily manipulated Patta.
A side story has to do with Italy’s immigrant situation, which is very interesting…”It didn’t matter how he had entered the country; the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants had long since been abandoned by the press….” With immigrants being such a pivotal issue in so many countries, it is fascinating to learn how Italy deals with it. But then, there is much in Leon’s writing to make one stop and consider, including about class prejudices.
The plot is fascinating as we really can’t quite tell where we are doing until there is one very well-done plot twist, followed by another. It is interesting seeing Brunetti switch modes between doing research and investigating a crime scene. Although there are coincidences and the case-solving clue coming upon us rather abruptly, it is cleverly not the end of the story as we still learn about a superstition, and witness a lovely ending.
“The Waters of Eternal Youth” is far more than a mystery. It is about people, and relationships, and is all the more wonderful for it.
THE WATERS OF ETERNAL YOUTH (Pol Proc-Comm. Guido Brunetti-Venice, Italy- Contemp) – VG
Leon, Donna – 25th in series
Atlantic Monthly Press, March 2016
When is a case, not a case? When it is a favour for the friend of your in-laws, even though it happened 15 years ago, and there was no dead body, and no real police investigation. A wealthy aristocrat asks Brunetti to look into the supposed suicide attempt by drowning of her granddaughter, now irreparably brain damaged. But to the Contessa, things just don’t add up and, as she ages, she would like the truth. With a little creativity, Brunetti convinces his boss that Guido should re-open the investigation, and finds things were not quite what they seemed.
Leon has a lovely way of taking us immediately into the story and introducing us to the important characters without even seeming to. She also provides us a look into Brunetti’s understanding of human nature—“Only someone who knows us well knows how best to flatter us, knows which virtues we’d like to have attributed to us and which not.” Yet such introspection is also offset by subtle humor—“There was a single cup of coffee, a silver sugar bowl, a spoon, two short glasses of thick cut crystal\al, and a bottle of whisky whose label made Brunetti stare. … ‘To your health,’ she answered and took a sip. Brunetti did the same and thought he’d sell up everything and move to Scotland. Paola could find a job teaching, and the children would find something to do with themselves. Beg, for example.”
It is to Leon’s great credit that there is a wonderful balance between Brunetti the policeman, and Brunetti the husband and father which makes the book so realistic and the character so identifiable. His family life is such a wonderful asset to the full development of the character and to the story. It is interesting that this is one of the rare times, at least in this reviewer’s memory, that we have a physical description of Brunetti..Yet all the characters work so well. One cannot help but love and admire the skills of Signorina Ellettra, and understand their mutual disdain for Lt. Scarpa and the easily manipulated Patta.
A side story has to do with Italy’s immigrant situation, which is very interesting…”It didn’t matter how he had entered the country; the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants had long since been abandoned by the press….” With immigrants being such a pivotal issue in so many countries, it is fascinating to learn how Italy deals with it. But then, there is much in Leon’s writing to make one stop and consider, including about class prejudices.
The plot is fascinating as we really can’t quite tell where we are doing until there is one very well-done plot twist, followed by another. It is interesting seeing Brunetti switch modes between doing research and investigating a crime scene. Although there are coincidences and the case-solving clue coming upon us rather abruptly, it is cleverly not the end of the story as we still learn about a superstition, and witness a lovely ending.
“The Waters of Eternal Youth” is far more than a mystery. It is about people, and relationships, and is all the more wonderful for it.
THE WATERS OF ETERNAL YOUTH (Pol Proc-Comm. Guido Brunetti-Venice, Italy- Contemp) – VG
Leon, Donna – 25th in series
Atlantic Monthly Press, March 2016
March 15, 2016
I'm always afraid to start reading a new book by an author I know and love, as you never know if this last book will be as good as the others (I've had surprises in this area!). With Donna Leon, I never worry. Once again she has written an amazing book, the 25th, in the series, featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti.
When Brunetti is asked by a friend of his mother in law, a Venetian Countess just like her, to look back into an accident her grand-daughter suffered 15 years ago, he gladly obliges and stars inquiring into a case that went cold before it was even opened and was ruled an accident.
Besides Brunetti, we find the usual set of great characters: fiery Paola, the lovely signorina Elettra, Vianello, Patta and Scarpa. And the food! The amazing food is also present.
These is not only a crime-thriller series. It depicts Italy's political and social situation perfectly. Many of the books end, sadly, with Brunetti not being able to do much (or anything). In this book, however, the ending gives him hope, and that was a plus for this excellent book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Brunetti is asked by a friend of his mother in law, a Venetian Countess just like her, to look back into an accident her grand-daughter suffered 15 years ago, he gladly obliges and stars inquiring into a case that went cold before it was even opened and was ruled an accident.
Besides Brunetti, we find the usual set of great characters: fiery Paola, the lovely signorina Elettra, Vianello, Patta and Scarpa. And the food! The amazing food is also present.
These is not only a crime-thriller series. It depicts Italy's political and social situation perfectly. Many of the books end, sadly, with Brunetti not being able to do much (or anything). In this book, however, the ending gives him hope, and that was a plus for this excellent book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2018
Tras haber leído más de quince entregas, llevaba ya algún tiempo sin leer a Donna Leon. Confieso que últimamente me estaba aburriendo un poco con ella.
Con “Las aguas de la eterna juventud” he tenido sentimientos encontrados. Por una parte, reconozco el mérito de la autora al saber hilvanar una trama que, aparentemente, no tiene demasiado interés. Con su característica forma de “cocer a fuego lento” todo lo que escribe, consigue, al menos, rescatar la atención del lector antes de la mitad de la novela, y a partir de ahí te lleva a seguir la investigación de Brunetti hasta el final.
No faltan sus consabidas críticas al estado italiano, su anárquica política, y la sobreexplotación de Venecia como destino turístico. Tampoco echaremos de menos esos momentos culinarios, en los que Paola (¿de dónde saca el tiempo?), nos hará deleitar sabores sin necesidad de probarlos.
Con “Las aguas de la eterna juventud” he tenido sentimientos encontrados. Por una parte, reconozco el mérito de la autora al saber hilvanar una trama que, aparentemente, no tiene demasiado interés. Con su característica forma de “cocer a fuego lento” todo lo que escribe, consigue, al menos, rescatar la atención del lector antes de la mitad de la novela, y a partir de ahí te lleva a seguir la investigación de Brunetti hasta el final.
No faltan sus consabidas críticas al estado italiano, su anárquica política, y la sobreexplotación de Venecia como destino turístico. Tampoco echaremos de menos esos momentos culinarios, en los que Paola (¿de dónde saca el tiempo?), nos hará deleitar sabores sin necesidad de probarlos.
September 3, 2016
Donna Leon gets BETTER with Brunetti.
"As if sensing his attention, Paola turned her head towards him and allowed her eyes to close and then open slowly, as though she'd been told that the Crucifixion had only just begun and there still remained a number of nails."
AH, yes! And that during a formal dinner party with all of its hierarchy of "a Countess at either end" association for the restoration's board. This book has excellent patter from beginning until the end. And Guido goes rowing for two days and is nearly crippled from the effort, so we know his age is catching up.
It also holds Guido musing upon several pertinent subjects over the course of the two entwined cases. With Paola and the kids contributing input most of the time. And with Elettra adding her two Euros, along with an old school pal who has returned with high accomplishments ($$$) from Argentina. "Guido, Argentina in comparison to here- it's like we are Switzerland!"
Some of the subject matters of these musings: politico elections, if the 30 year project to construct the barrier to keep back the tides will ever work or be finished (and who will admit it's just a farce or a profit ploy), the new African immigrants who are assault criminals during numerous robberies (unlike the Senegals) and how they will not learn Italian, and how one of them is begging with intimidation and grabbing outside his daughter's school everyday and is scaring her enough to tell her Dad, how alcoholics' faces age and what their insides look like (this was with the doctor) and all kinds of current issues to the purpose of keeping Venice occupied by breaking some of the old buildings into small public housing sections because otherwise no one will ever be able to live, rent or own there. No, they won't do this.
Lots of food too, of course, and at least 5 kinds of wine and some priceless Scotch at one point.
Also a spectacular quote upon how English speak one at a time while the Brunetti do not. (Paola used to think it was choreographed, like for a play.) It's too long to put here, so read it and laugh yourself. SO TRUE!
Very good Brunetti.
"As if sensing his attention, Paola turned her head towards him and allowed her eyes to close and then open slowly, as though she'd been told that the Crucifixion had only just begun and there still remained a number of nails."
AH, yes! And that during a formal dinner party with all of its hierarchy of "a Countess at either end" association for the restoration's board. This book has excellent patter from beginning until the end. And Guido goes rowing for two days and is nearly crippled from the effort, so we know his age is catching up.
It also holds Guido musing upon several pertinent subjects over the course of the two entwined cases. With Paola and the kids contributing input most of the time. And with Elettra adding her two Euros, along with an old school pal who has returned with high accomplishments ($$$) from Argentina. "Guido, Argentina in comparison to here- it's like we are Switzerland!"
Some of the subject matters of these musings: politico elections, if the 30 year project to construct the barrier to keep back the tides will ever work or be finished (and who will admit it's just a farce or a profit ploy), the new African immigrants who are assault criminals during numerous robberies (unlike the Senegals) and how they will not learn Italian, and how one of them is begging with intimidation and grabbing outside his daughter's school everyday and is scaring her enough to tell her Dad, how alcoholics' faces age and what their insides look like (this was with the doctor) and all kinds of current issues to the purpose of keeping Venice occupied by breaking some of the old buildings into small public housing sections because otherwise no one will ever be able to live, rent or own there. No, they won't do this.
Lots of food too, of course, and at least 5 kinds of wine and some priceless Scotch at one point.
Also a spectacular quote upon how English speak one at a time while the Brunetti do not. (Paola used to think it was choreographed, like for a play.) It's too long to put here, so read it and laugh yourself. SO TRUE!
Very good Brunetti.
October 11, 2016
Very moving story about a young girl and the abuse she suffered and her attempted murder.
February 21, 2016
I had never heard of Donna Leon until a year or two ago, when her first book, Death at La Fenice, was made available through Book Bub. I loved it, and promptly bought and read the next 20 or so books in the series. The last one or two weren't great, and reviews for the next two were dismal, so I stopped there, slightly saddened, but appreciative of the ones (and hours) I'd enjoyed. When this new book came up for review, I jumped at the chance and dove back in--and am so glad I did!
This is Donna Leon--and her inspector, Guido Brunetti, and his team--back at their best. Like all of her books, there is heart-breaking, human tragedy here, and the slow life-sapping seep of sorrow--but, unlike too many of the past novels, there is also some justice, some joy, and ultimately, some hope for the future. I think we read this series less for the mystery than for the Mensch: Guido Brunetti, that now almost-mythical paradigm of intelligence, humanity, and heart; and those he's gathered around him--his wife and children, his faithful colleagues, the magical secretary who can change the world (and see behind every curtain) with the touch of a button, and their predictable, pathetic, but powerful boss.
I want a Signorina Elettra in the office, a Brunetti to come home to, a brilliant wife (who can cook!) to meet over dinner and discourse, in my life. I want to live in a city filled with art and beauty, to watch the lights change over the canal, to stroll in the evening over ancient bridges on my way to dinner at the palazzo. In the course of lamenting Venice's physical and psychological decay, Leon paints a perfect world--a perfect Venice--which may not exist, but which we long to live in. Thanks for giving us another chance to do so, if only for a few, brief, golden moments. And especially, in this novel, for ending on a note of hope--for Manuela, for mankind, for me.
This is Donna Leon--and her inspector, Guido Brunetti, and his team--back at their best. Like all of her books, there is heart-breaking, human tragedy here, and the slow life-sapping seep of sorrow--but, unlike too many of the past novels, there is also some justice, some joy, and ultimately, some hope for the future. I think we read this series less for the mystery than for the Mensch: Guido Brunetti, that now almost-mythical paradigm of intelligence, humanity, and heart; and those he's gathered around him--his wife and children, his faithful colleagues, the magical secretary who can change the world (and see behind every curtain) with the touch of a button, and their predictable, pathetic, but powerful boss.
I want a Signorina Elettra in the office, a Brunetti to come home to, a brilliant wife (who can cook!) to meet over dinner and discourse, in my life. I want to live in a city filled with art and beauty, to watch the lights change over the canal, to stroll in the evening over ancient bridges on my way to dinner at the palazzo. In the course of lamenting Venice's physical and psychological decay, Leon paints a perfect world--a perfect Venice--which may not exist, but which we long to live in. Thanks for giving us another chance to do so, if only for a few, brief, golden moments. And especially, in this novel, for ending on a note of hope--for Manuela, for mankind, for me.
May 31, 2016
This is one of those books you read for the place/time. There is very little police work done.
January 14, 2016
Guido Brunetti receives a request from a friend of his mother-in-law to look into an apparent accident which happened fifteen years ago to her granddaughter. Manuela was fifteen when she apparently fell into one of the canals in Venice and her brain was starved of oxygen resulting in her being left with the mental age of seven.
The man who pulled her out of the canal said at the time that he saw someone push her in but as he was a well known drunk no one paid much attention to him and the matter was ruled to be an accident. Brunetti is reluctant to investigate as he doesn't see what can be gained now after all this time and in any case it won't change the outcome - tragic though it is. But gradually the case starts to intrigue him and he is personally touched by Manuela's situation.
Full of Leon's trademark elliptical and subtle dialogue and the intrigues which seem to typify Venice, this is an entertaining and disturbing read. I am always left with a feeling of many layers in the story when reading any of the books in this well written series and this latest book is no exception. Brunetti and his family are interesting and well drawn characters with much more depth than you normally find in crime series.
Venice is, as always, a character in its own right not just the background to the story. In fact the story could not happen anywhere else in the world as it so much embedded in its geographical location. As well as being a good read this book makes you stop and think about all sorts of issues. I loved the ending - it was absolutely perfect. Nice to see more of Claudia too, I have thought for a while that there must be more to her than at first appears.
I recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys crime novels with plenty of depth and well drawn characters as well as an excellent background. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
The man who pulled her out of the canal said at the time that he saw someone push her in but as he was a well known drunk no one paid much attention to him and the matter was ruled to be an accident. Brunetti is reluctant to investigate as he doesn't see what can be gained now after all this time and in any case it won't change the outcome - tragic though it is. But gradually the case starts to intrigue him and he is personally touched by Manuela's situation.
Full of Leon's trademark elliptical and subtle dialogue and the intrigues which seem to typify Venice, this is an entertaining and disturbing read. I am always left with a feeling of many layers in the story when reading any of the books in this well written series and this latest book is no exception. Brunetti and his family are interesting and well drawn characters with much more depth than you normally find in crime series.
Venice is, as always, a character in its own right not just the background to the story. In fact the story could not happen anywhere else in the world as it so much embedded in its geographical location. As well as being a good read this book makes you stop and think about all sorts of issues. I loved the ending - it was absolutely perfect. Nice to see more of Claudia too, I have thought for a while that there must be more to her than at first appears.
I recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys crime novels with plenty of depth and well drawn characters as well as an excellent background. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
June 13, 2016
Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti series continues apace. For diehard Leon fans, an enjoyable read awaits them. For me, my dissatisfaction with her most recent work festers. What puts me off? Firstly, the feeling that the novels are written more as auditions for screen treatment than for readers. The writing feels abridged, the complexity that drives the deep enjoyment of crime novels is nowhere to be found and further, the new volumes telegraph all their punches. Meh.
What remains enjoyable are the interludes with Brunetti's family, the appeal of the descriptions of the elements of their meal, and the allure of Signorina Elletra. I find myself wondering this morning if I can find a specialty cheese described for one of the dishes here to learn the taste of it. One of the reasons for Elletra's appeal is what is not said about her and I credit Leon for developing and maintaining the integrity of this woman. And not for nothing, I'm not feeling the afterburn of good crime stories where the crime remains intriguing even after its initial resolution. It's the food curiosity that has stayed with me.
The feeling that the books increasingly read like an elegy for a vanishing Venice and a city irrevocably spoiled by its location and its appeal to tourists is saddening. Equally saddening is the feeling that this series has been dumbed down to increase its appeal to certain not so voracious readers. They need books too, I just wish authors I have adored would not succumb to the pressure of agents and the desire to attain the ubiquity of James Patterson. So, I've given it three stars. But I feel that it's an acknowledgement of the series and not so much this particular story. I won't be so sentimental next time.
What remains enjoyable are the interludes with Brunetti's family, the appeal of the descriptions of the elements of their meal, and the allure of Signorina Elletra. I find myself wondering this morning if I can find a specialty cheese described for one of the dishes here to learn the taste of it. One of the reasons for Elletra's appeal is what is not said about her and I credit Leon for developing and maintaining the integrity of this woman. And not for nothing, I'm not feeling the afterburn of good crime stories where the crime remains intriguing even after its initial resolution. It's the food curiosity that has stayed with me.
The feeling that the books increasingly read like an elegy for a vanishing Venice and a city irrevocably spoiled by its location and its appeal to tourists is saddening. Equally saddening is the feeling that this series has been dumbed down to increase its appeal to certain not so voracious readers. They need books too, I just wish authors I have adored would not succumb to the pressure of agents and the desire to attain the ubiquity of James Patterson. So, I've given it three stars. But I feel that it's an acknowledgement of the series and not so much this particular story. I won't be so sentimental next time.
April 24, 2016
Not her best
I live in Italy and generally enjoy Donna Leon's books. I appreciate how difficult it must be for an author to always stay at the top of his or her game but that doesn't mean that the reader doesn't notice and doesn't feel disappointed. I had the impression Leon was using this book to get a lot of stuff of her chest about current day Italy. I am not saying she is wrong in her judgements but that fiction is not the place for ranting. Consequently, I found this book superficial, facile and a bit silly, especially all that concerning the horse and horseback riding (I myself have a horse) and would suggest to Donna Leon fans that this is one they could easily skip.
I live in Italy and generally enjoy Donna Leon's books. I appreciate how difficult it must be for an author to always stay at the top of his or her game but that doesn't mean that the reader doesn't notice and doesn't feel disappointed. I had the impression Leon was using this book to get a lot of stuff of her chest about current day Italy. I am not saying she is wrong in her judgements but that fiction is not the place for ranting. Consequently, I found this book superficial, facile and a bit silly, especially all that concerning the horse and horseback riding (I myself have a horse) and would suggest to Donna Leon fans that this is one they could easily skip.
February 26, 2022
I really love this series. I love the characters and the way the author moves the plot along. And I love how she comments on the nature and level of corruption in Venice and how its residents, even those who don't necessarily participate in it, are so accustomed to it.
Commissario Brunetti is asked by a Contessa, a close friend of his mother-in-law's, to investigate a fifteen-year-old crime that may not have been a crime. With the help of Commissario Claudia Griffoni and, of course, Signorina Elettra, he does manage to get to the bottom of it, but along the way someone who was involved is murdered and they must figure out whether it was related.
Commissario Brunetti is asked by a Contessa, a close friend of his mother-in-law's, to investigate a fifteen-year-old crime that may not have been a crime. With the help of Commissario Claudia Griffoni and, of course, Signorina Elettra, he does manage to get to the bottom of it, but along the way someone who was involved is murdered and they must figure out whether it was related.
February 4, 2018
Bravo! This is the story of a young woman who met with an accident 15 years before, the circumstances of which were never satisfactorily understood. Commissario Brunetti is on the trail, along with the indispensable cast of well-formed characters, and wonderfully clever repartee. A pleasure from start to finish.
August 13, 2019
In this outing, Commissario Guido Brunetti persuades his boss, Vice-Questore Patta, to allow him to investigate a cold case... that was never a case at all, really. Fifteen years ago, a young woman was rescued from a canal by a passing drunk. She was soon discovered to have suffered brain damage from being too long underwater. The drunk, who told the officer on the scene that a man had pushed the girl in, recalled nothing upon sobering up.
Manuela, mentally aged seven, but now in her thirties, has a grandmother, a contessa and old friend of Brunetti's mother-in-law, who wants to know before she dies if her sweet, childish grandchild really did fall in the canal--or if she was pushed. When the officers learn Manuela was raped before her unexpected swim, they seek out the witness--but he's murdered before Brunetti can speak to him. The team starts to seriously believe the girl was victimized by a cold-hearted killer.
Elsewhere, Lt. Scarpa tries to manipulate Signorina Elletra into believing she is being investigated for her computer excursions, and we get to know some interesting facts about Commissario Griffoni, who it turns out was an Olympic medallist, and can do a very nice turn as a femme fatale.
It's always a pleasure to spend time with Brunetti and the other characters of Donna Leon's long-running series about the Venetian homicide investigator. This book is no page turner--no reader should pick up a Donna Leon with that expectation. The leisurely pace reflects life in Venice, where the pedestrian lifestyle (meaning everyone walks, or travels by boat)carries over into the calm way the police investigate crimes. All will be revealed, slowly. This one also offers a satisfying resolution, and a touching ending.
Manuela, mentally aged seven, but now in her thirties, has a grandmother, a contessa and old friend of Brunetti's mother-in-law, who wants to know before she dies if her sweet, childish grandchild really did fall in the canal--or if she was pushed. When the officers learn Manuela was raped before her unexpected swim, they seek out the witness--but he's murdered before Brunetti can speak to him. The team starts to seriously believe the girl was victimized by a cold-hearted killer.
Elsewhere, Lt. Scarpa tries to manipulate Signorina Elletra into believing she is being investigated for her computer excursions, and we get to know some interesting facts about Commissario Griffoni, who it turns out was an Olympic medallist, and can do a very nice turn as a femme fatale.
It's always a pleasure to spend time with Brunetti and the other characters of Donna Leon's long-running series about the Venetian homicide investigator. This book is no page turner--no reader should pick up a Donna Leon with that expectation. The leisurely pace reflects life in Venice, where the pedestrian lifestyle (meaning everyone walks, or travels by boat)carries over into the calm way the police investigate crimes. All will be revealed, slowly. This one also offers a satisfying resolution, and a touching ending.
December 10, 2015
In this book, Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the near-drowning of a 15 year old girl. His investigation is hindered by the fact that it is now 15 years later, and the only witness to the event was thoroughly drunk on the night of the incident. It has been a while since I read a Donna Leon book, and I had forgotten how much I like Brunetti. Leon manages to keep him interesting even though he has no demons, is not angst ridden, generally obeys the rules and has an uncomplicated home life. I also love the setting for these books. Venice is just a delight to read about. My one quibble is that Italian words are sprinkled throughout the book, without translation. I think I probably figured most of them out by the context in which they were used, but I'm sure I got some wrong.
The plot was interesting and generally believable. However I thought it was improbable that the parents of a child who is terrified of the water would force her to live in Venice, of all places. My only other problem was the ending, which was too "Lifetime movie" for my taste. The author has a very elegant writing style, with just enough of everything: plot, description, humor, characterization. I also liked the fact that the police were competent and that no one in the book made stupid decisions simply in order to drive the plot. All in all a good read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 3, 2017
The 25th in the series - Commisario Brunetti in Venice re-investigates the fifteen-year-old near drowning of a teenage girl. And the crime consequent to this re-opening.
I had not read one of these for over three years, having read up to no. 16.
I was reminded of the excellence of the writing, the depth of the characters, and the humanity and understanding of Leon/Brunetti.
The plot, the investigation, and the solution are all full of interest, but the main pleasure is from the writing, the Venetion background, and the recurring and incidental characters and their interactions.
Lucky me, I have numbers 17 to 24 to read!
I had not read one of these for over three years, having read up to no. 16.
I was reminded of the excellence of the writing, the depth of the characters, and the humanity and understanding of Leon/Brunetti.
The plot, the investigation, and the solution are all full of interest, but the main pleasure is from the writing, the Venetion background, and the recurring and incidental characters and their interactions.
Lucky me, I have numbers 17 to 24 to read!
May 9, 2016
Well I think I have reached the end of the series. I loved the main character and I love the city of Venice which I have visited but the story lines are getting increasingly boring without the added advantage of progressing the family story. I am just tired of it. I will miss David Colacci's wonderful reading of these books.
February 7, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2021 continues to be my personal series of unfortunate events, so after some emergency surgery I was in dire need of some comfort read. I thought that this being the 25th installment and having previously enjoyed the rest of the series I was in for a win but that couldn't have been further from the truth. If any, this almost put me in my first reading slump in months.
After giving it some thought, I think my main issue with this book (and series) is that it has slowly turned into a social critique with the murder mystery playing an anecdotal part at best (in this case, a body doesn't make an appearance until the 60% mark). While the writing is beautiful and evocative as always, the plot drags endlessly (I know this is how cases work IRL but I'd like some fiction in my fiction, thank you very much), with lots of long-winded and meandering conversations that don't do anything either for the plot or the character's development. My other issue is that the mystery plot was SO obvious that I can't understand how Brunetti didn't make the connection sooner than he did when even my drug-addled brain guessed it correctly as soon as the body appeared.
Even though this is far from my favourite entries in the series, I guess I'll keep on reading Brunetti's adventures cause at this point I love the characters and Ms. Leon's way of depicting Venezia.
2021 continues to be my personal series of unfortunate events, so after some emergency surgery I was in dire need of some comfort read. I thought that this being the 25th installment and having previously enjoyed the rest of the series I was in for a win but that couldn't have been further from the truth. If any, this almost put me in my first reading slump in months.
After giving it some thought, I think my main issue with this book (and series) is that it has slowly turned into a social critique with the murder mystery playing an anecdotal part at best (in this case, a body doesn't make an appearance until the 60% mark). While the writing is beautiful and evocative as always, the plot drags endlessly (I know this is how cases work IRL but I'd like some fiction in my fiction, thank you very much), with lots of long-winded and meandering conversations that don't do anything either for the plot or the character's development. My other issue is that the mystery plot was SO obvious that I can't understand how Brunetti didn't make the connection sooner than he did when even my drug-addled brain guessed it correctly as soon as the body appeared.
Even though this is far from my favourite entries in the series, I guess I'll keep on reading Brunetti's adventures cause at this point I love the characters and Ms. Leon's way of depicting Venezia.
December 18, 2018
Manchmal begeistert mich Brunetti regelrecht und dann gibt es dazwischen Bände, da springt der Funke einfach nicht über.
Die Story war ganz nett. Aber das gewisse Etwas hat gefehlt.
Die Story war ganz nett. Aber das gewisse Etwas hat gefehlt.
January 6, 2017
Antes de nada hay que hablar del Comisario Guido Brunetti. Fue creado por Donna Leon en 1992 con Muerte en la Fenice y desde entonces ha protagonizado 25 libros, contando este último.
Es comisario de la prefectura de Venecia, ciudad donde nació y donde vive con su mujer, Paola, y sus hijos adolescentes, Raffi y Chiara. Paola es profesora universitaria y una gran cocinera, hija de un conde veneciano de gran abolengo, el Conde Falier, esto le permite a Brunetti acceso a una clase social que le estaría vedada por su origen humilde, lo que a veces le ayuda en sus investigaciones.
Brunetti es Licenciado en Derecho, algo cínico, amable, tranquilo, le encanta leer a los clásicos. Un policía honesto que odia las injusticias que lo rodean.
Con él vamos a encontrarnos a los incondicionales de la saga:
El jefe de Brunetti, el Vicequestore Patta, que representa los peores defectos de los mandos, es perezoso, prepotente, ridículo, ineficaz y patoso.
La secretaria de Patta la señorita Electra Zorri, que presta una gran ayuda a Brunetti en sus casos, pues es hábil con el ordenador y además tiene una red extensa de contactos que le suelen ayudar.
Los colaboradores preferidos de Brunetti: Lorenzo Vianello y Roberto Pucetti (éste último no aparece en esta novela). Y el Teniente Scarpa, un mal bicho, al que prefieren evitar.
La comisaria de origen napolitano, Claudia Griffoni, incorporada en las últimas novelas de la serie, que en este caso va a ser de gran ayuda al comisario.
Y Ettore Rizzardi, el forense.
La historia se sitúa en el marco habitual de sus novelas, Venecia, la ciudad de los canales y de los turistas omnipresentes.
En esta novela no hay un crimen aparente. La contessa Demetriana Lando-Continui, gran amiga de la suegra de Brunetti, le pide como favor que investigue que pasó realmente hace 15 años a su nieta Manuela. Ésta estuvo a punto de morir ahogada, dejo de recibir flujo de oxígeno al cerebro por lo que posee una discapacidad mental del 80% que le hace tener una edad mental de 7 años.
No se sabe sí se intentó suicidar, si cayo por error al agua, si iba borracha o drogada... Aunque su abuela cree que algo pasó, que no fue un accidente, pues los días anteriores al suceso estaba muy nerviosa y algo cambiada.
Brunetti acepta el desafío y con la ayuda de la Srta Electra y de la comisario Griffoni, a la que se le dan bien los niños, empieza a investigar. Lo primero que tiene que hacer es convencer al Vicequestore Patta para que autorice la investigación. Y lo consigue, no os digo como para que lo averigües vosotros si leéis la novela.
Se enfrenta a un gran desafío, pues el único testigo es un borracho que no recuerda nada. No hay informe policial pues ha desaparecido. Todo son trabas. Al final, Brunetti logra resolver el caso de Manuela y otro caso de asesinato actual que está relacionado con el de la joven.
Es una novela entretenida, de ágil lectura, dinámica pero sin más pretensión que hacer pasar al lector un buen rato. Es verdad, que los finales, y este caso no es diferente, son demasiado rápidos. La sucesión de los acontecimientos, unido a las pistas que la autora va dejando estratégicamente, nos lleva a la resolución del caso.
Me gustan los libros de Donna Leon pues te hacen pasar un buen rato, no te pide una gran concentración para descubrir que ha pasado, son de fácil lectura y no tienen unos misterios demasiado enrevesados, sino más bien crímenes que pueden pasar en un día común en una ciudad común. A su vez se nos presenta a Venecia como otra protagonista de la novela, nos adentra en sus calles, en sus historias y en sus tradiciones, la vamos conociendo poco a poco, pero de una forma no tan turística a la que estamos acostumbrados.
Y otra cosa que me encanta es la forma en la que presenta la oferta gastronómica que podemos encontrarnos en la ciudad a través de las comidas que Paola hace para su familia y de lo que Brunetti toma cuando esta de servicio en los bares y tratrorias que va encontrando en su camino a la resolución del caso. A mí siempre me entran unas ganas locas de comer comida italiana ¿no os pasa?
Así que si queréis pasar un buen rato, no dudéis en darle una oportunidad a este comisario veneciano.
Es comisario de la prefectura de Venecia, ciudad donde nació y donde vive con su mujer, Paola, y sus hijos adolescentes, Raffi y Chiara. Paola es profesora universitaria y una gran cocinera, hija de un conde veneciano de gran abolengo, el Conde Falier, esto le permite a Brunetti acceso a una clase social que le estaría vedada por su origen humilde, lo que a veces le ayuda en sus investigaciones.
Brunetti es Licenciado en Derecho, algo cínico, amable, tranquilo, le encanta leer a los clásicos. Un policía honesto que odia las injusticias que lo rodean.
Con él vamos a encontrarnos a los incondicionales de la saga:
El jefe de Brunetti, el Vicequestore Patta, que representa los peores defectos de los mandos, es perezoso, prepotente, ridículo, ineficaz y patoso.
La secretaria de Patta la señorita Electra Zorri, que presta una gran ayuda a Brunetti en sus casos, pues es hábil con el ordenador y además tiene una red extensa de contactos que le suelen ayudar.
Los colaboradores preferidos de Brunetti: Lorenzo Vianello y Roberto Pucetti (éste último no aparece en esta novela). Y el Teniente Scarpa, un mal bicho, al que prefieren evitar.
La comisaria de origen napolitano, Claudia Griffoni, incorporada en las últimas novelas de la serie, que en este caso va a ser de gran ayuda al comisario.
Y Ettore Rizzardi, el forense.
La historia se sitúa en el marco habitual de sus novelas, Venecia, la ciudad de los canales y de los turistas omnipresentes.
En esta novela no hay un crimen aparente. La contessa Demetriana Lando-Continui, gran amiga de la suegra de Brunetti, le pide como favor que investigue que pasó realmente hace 15 años a su nieta Manuela. Ésta estuvo a punto de morir ahogada, dejo de recibir flujo de oxígeno al cerebro por lo que posee una discapacidad mental del 80% que le hace tener una edad mental de 7 años.
No se sabe sí se intentó suicidar, si cayo por error al agua, si iba borracha o drogada... Aunque su abuela cree que algo pasó, que no fue un accidente, pues los días anteriores al suceso estaba muy nerviosa y algo cambiada.
Brunetti acepta el desafío y con la ayuda de la Srta Electra y de la comisario Griffoni, a la que se le dan bien los niños, empieza a investigar. Lo primero que tiene que hacer es convencer al Vicequestore Patta para que autorice la investigación. Y lo consigue, no os digo como para que lo averigües vosotros si leéis la novela.
Se enfrenta a un gran desafío, pues el único testigo es un borracho que no recuerda nada. No hay informe policial pues ha desaparecido. Todo son trabas. Al final, Brunetti logra resolver el caso de Manuela y otro caso de asesinato actual que está relacionado con el de la joven.
Es una novela entretenida, de ágil lectura, dinámica pero sin más pretensión que hacer pasar al lector un buen rato. Es verdad, que los finales, y este caso no es diferente, son demasiado rápidos. La sucesión de los acontecimientos, unido a las pistas que la autora va dejando estratégicamente, nos lleva a la resolución del caso.
Me gustan los libros de Donna Leon pues te hacen pasar un buen rato, no te pide una gran concentración para descubrir que ha pasado, son de fácil lectura y no tienen unos misterios demasiado enrevesados, sino más bien crímenes que pueden pasar en un día común en una ciudad común. A su vez se nos presenta a Venecia como otra protagonista de la novela, nos adentra en sus calles, en sus historias y en sus tradiciones, la vamos conociendo poco a poco, pero de una forma no tan turística a la que estamos acostumbrados.
Y otra cosa que me encanta es la forma en la que presenta la oferta gastronómica que podemos encontrarnos en la ciudad a través de las comidas que Paola hace para su familia y de lo que Brunetti toma cuando esta de servicio en los bares y tratrorias que va encontrando en su camino a la resolución del caso. A mí siempre me entran unas ganas locas de comer comida italiana ¿no os pasa?
Así que si queréis pasar un buen rato, no dudéis en darle una oportunidad a este comisario veneciano.
August 26, 2016
One of the best in the series. Manuela, now 31, suffered brain injury after falling into the canal 15 years ago, and now has the mentality of a 7 year old. Her grandmother, a titled friend of Brunetti's mother in law, the Countess, feels the police inquiry left something to be desired and asks Commissario Brunetti to look into it. The only witness is a habitual drunk. But you know Brunetti will solve the riddle, this time with the aid of his colleague Claudia Griffoni. I hope we see more of her. Like every book in the series, this one makes you feel that you really are back among the calles and canals and cuisine of Venice.
October 25, 2017
Many quiet moments of perception in this one.
"Brunetti was put in mind of a television program he had watched ages ago, must be thirty years: Visitors, which featured man-sized reptiles disguised as humans. When they were killed, their human carapace fell away, exposing the giant reptile within that was already shrinking into death. Vittori was losing his carapace of casual arrogance and seemed, even as Brunetti observed him, to be growing smaller, as if withering away."
Satisfying ending.
"Brunetti was put in mind of a television program he had watched ages ago, must be thirty years: Visitors, which featured man-sized reptiles disguised as humans. When they were killed, their human carapace fell away, exposing the giant reptile within that was already shrinking into death. Vittori was losing his carapace of casual arrogance and seemed, even as Brunetti observed him, to be growing smaller, as if withering away."
Satisfying ending.
March 31, 2016
I keep up with this series to check in with the Venetian inspector and his family as well as his work family. This was a sedate, sad and sweet tale. Quick read, so that's good. Humor is sparse and mostly too subtle to make a ripple. No reason for me to spoil the plot - so I won't!
March 22, 2024
Though the sadness of Venice's decline continues to permeate this series, this book is somehow sweeter than many of the recent novels by Leon. And this ends with a final chapter that may leave you in tears. One of my favorites in the series.
April 21, 2017
It's been a while since I've read one of these, so it was a good plane book. The mysteries are a bit contrived and the endings simple, but the details of Venice are nice and it is a good page-flipper
August 26, 2017
4.5 Guido rules.
January 16, 2023
I’ve been enjoying the Commissario Brunetti series and listening/reading them - totally out of order - and not missing a beat. They can definitely be read this way :-). Once again we’re in Venice and Guido Brunetti is presented with a challenging situation - to delve into a case from 15 years ago. A young girl fell into a canal and almost drowned. She was rescued by a drunk man, who couldn’t remember all the details the next morning. Sadly, she had been in the water too long and sustained irreparable brain damage, which left her mind still that of a young girl 15 years later. But what happened before she fell into the canal? For as her grandmother shared with Brunetti, she was deathly afraid of the water…if you’re looking for a fast paced, heart pounding adventure mystery, the Commissario Brunetti books are not for you. This book unfold like an onion, layer by layer, thoughtfully, compassionately, humorously, but with little wiggle room for the perpetrator. Donna Leon is so insightful and has a keen window into the psyche of people - she understands motives, thoughts, and feelings. This is what makes her books so enjoyable - it’s not just the cases to be solved, it’s how they are resolved that is so satisfying. While these books are mysteries, what makes them even more enjoyable is the social, cultural, and political backdrop that the author lays out for us - the good and the bad. This was one of the best books in the series and a five-star read because of the storyline, how it unfolded, the character development, and the understated emotions that ran throughout the book. As in real life, we don’t always get to tie things up with a nice red bow but I love it when we did here - great job Commissario Guido Brunetti!
March 11, 2021
A wealthy dowager asks Brunetti to investigate an old case concerning her granddaughter who was rescued from the canal 15 years prior but who suffers brain damage from it. Claudia Griffoni, a favorite of mine, also is part of the investigation.
October 15, 2019
It felt good to be back in Venice with Commissario Brunetti. I am looking forward to three more books by Donna Leon, which means hours of pleasure.
June 21, 2019
Plan to explore more of this series. It had a Louise Penny/ Gamanche feel to it, though the subordinate characters didn't seem as complete or dimensional.
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