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outcolder's review
5.0
Zen fulfills the all cops are bastards axiom and 'solves' three bizarre mysteries that border on gothic horror. The ending was not a twist which in this genre and the way this story builds was a surprise that questions: what is justice? Dibdin is also saying something about politics, about centripetal forces within the European Union, but he says it in a very personal (Is anyone ever really 'home'?) and moving way. Published while the war in Bosnia was still going, Dibdin is able to make comparisons between the current crop of nationalist criminals and the more notorious ones from Europe's darkest century in a way that is tender and sympathetic to the 'little' people who fall for all that garbage. Plus: a Venice that is by turns like a romantic painting, a tourist hell-hole, and an actual place where people actually live.
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
I think what makes this Aurelio Zen book stand out is its depiction of Venice. The plot itself is rather disjointed and difficult to explain. Zen is able to solve both cases, but some readers have expressed frustration about the conclusion.
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/dead-lagoon/
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/dead-lagoon/
sandin954's review against another edition
4.0
Aurelio Zen connives a way to get assigned to Venice, his hometown so he can do some freelance detection into the death of a wealthy American. Extremely atmospheric with a complex plot that took a while to unwind, I found this to be a very enjoyable installment in this series.
judesaunders's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
msjaquiss's review
4.0
Great mystery with a frustrating conclusion. I liked the storytelling and the pace.
pattieod's review
5.0
An almost perfect book in an almost perfect series. Dibdin's writing is pure and evocative, from the "show me, don't tell me" school of writing. This one takes place in Zen's native Venice, and is even darker than the others in the series.
One of the few mysteries I've come across that rewards re-reading.
One of the few mysteries I've come across that rewards re-reading.
andrew61's review
3.0
This is the first Zen I have read. I was enjoying it until the last 50 to 100 pages and while I liked the character I found the ending unresolved and the chase around Venice of his old friend daft. Not sure if I will try any more!
heyalisa's review
3.0
I don't know if I just don't understand Italy or if this book was poorly put together.
p3ggy's review
2.0
So this ended up on my list because it was on a 1000-novels-to-read-before-you-die list. First, if you’re reading this—life is short; choose to read things that speak to you. If you’re not into it after 50 pages, let it go. I listen to the audio version of this book, and many times I was bored enough that my mind wandered and I had to rewind to relisten to like a chapter and a half. Plus, his high-pitched manner in reading female voices was just irritating. If you are a fan of Michael Dibdin and you want to read this book, (he is quite skilled at painting a picture with words), I advise against the audiobook. Maybe I’d’ve liked it more if I’d read it myself.
mickymac's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent detective tale but so much more. Duncan's Zen remains cynical, selfish and corrupt to solve his cases. Venice is a suffocating presence as a New Italy emerges, barely less corrupt than its predecessor. Zen experience shows that life is more complex than we think and the folly of seeking a return to home so he remains a stranger in his home town.