Reviews

3.5***

In this second Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery, Leon crafts a plot that includes a conspiracy involving the American military, Italian business interests and the Mafia.

A dead man is found floating in the canal. He is without identification but has three U.S. coins in his pocket. He also has an expertly placed stab wound in his side; someone knew what he was doing when he stabbed the victim between the ribs and directly into the heart. As it turns out he is not a tourist but a Public Health Inspector from the American Army post in nearby Vicenza. The reaction of his superior officer on identifying the body raises Brunetti’s suspicions. Doctor Peters seemed frightened when she saw the nature of the deadly wound, and Brunetti is certain she is withholding information. When his own superior officer seems content to call it a mugging, and the Americans quickly lose interest in any further investigation, Brunetti is even more convinced that something big is behind this.

Leon is a good writer and she has created a wonderful character in Brunetti. In his profession he’s learned to keep secrets and control his emotions, yet he is a loving family man. I love the way he interacts with his wife, Paola; although his interaction with his children is severely limited. Conspiracy-based storylines are not my favorite, however, so that detracted from my enjoyment of this book. On the other hand, I really enjoy the little details of Italian life that Leon includes – especially the food!

sjyudelson's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rainynook's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I listened to the Audible version, and thought the reader was skilled & good at doing all the needed accents. This is the second in the series, and I also read the first one. This one got better reviews than the first one, but I did not find it more compelling. It's a good story, but I'm getting the feel for author Donna Leon's "slow burn" throughout rather than shocking details and page-turning suspense. I enjoyed getting to "know" the seamier side of Venice (and at an American military base in Vincenza, which is also featured in the novel).

Content Warnings