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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I used to read a lot of detective stories but then spent many years not reading them. Well, I'm back baby! and my first mystery in probably 15 years was fantastic. Commissario Brunetti is a wonderful character. The books are set in Venice, which is a beautiful and mysterious place to begin with and add all of the flair of equally adoring and poking fun at italians and it's a winner. the story is easy and after the year i've had, I needed something to really escape into. I can't wait to read all of these books and I'm glad Ms Leon has written many.
I really enjoyed this mystery, the Venetian setting, the thoughtful investigator's family life, and the interesting pieces of the puzzle.
Ich liebe Venedig total. Und habe mich auch schon an vielen Brunetti Romanen versucht aber ... irgendwie klappt es nicht. Fast 100 Seiten gelesen und ausser dem "Mord" ist noch nichts passiert. Schade.
Everyone else in book club is giving this three stars, but whatever. I really didn't expect to like this at all and now I want to read more Guido Brunetti mysteries. I also want to go to Italy, and eat lots of food and drink lots of wine. So there you go. (Also, now everyone will understand why I never actually leave reviews here on Goodreads.)
Donna Leon is adept at creating smart, realistic characters who find themselves in horrible, death filled circumstances. Commissario Brunetti, the detective in her series, is intelligent, deliberate, politic, and recognizes that sometimes the best way to learn is by sitting and listening. An impressive first mystery. I look forward to reading more in the series.
A conundrum.
Death at La Venice by Donna Leon is the first book in a series. I felt like the author went back and forth between providing lush, thoughtful descriptions to minimalist prose. And this was so confusing as a reader. She would spend so much time detailing a meal, when that meal or scene did nothing to advance the plot. I reviewed my mind the likely culprits about 75% in and realized where the book had to end. Because there just had not really been much mystery to the murder at that point. I liked the main character though. I'm not sure I will read another book but he wad almost interesting enough for me to consider it.
Death at La Venice by Donna Leon is the first book in a series. I felt like the author went back and forth between providing lush, thoughtful descriptions to minimalist prose. And this was so confusing as a reader. She would spend so much time detailing a meal, when that meal or scene did nothing to advance the plot. I reviewed my mind the likely culprits about 75% in and realized where the book had to end. Because there just had not really been much mystery to the murder at that point. I liked the main character though. I'm not sure I will read another book but he wad almost interesting enough for me to consider it.
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lovely setting of Venice. It is refreshing to read about Venice from the perspective of a middle class protagonist. Very procedural without too much gore or sex. Does include controversial subjects and treats them with class.
Solid first detective novel in a long series. Definitely a somewhat standard police procedural, but because it’s set in Venice, much different than one set in the US! I enjoyed all the little differences in the way Italian police and politics work. I’ll read the next one for sure. Would give this 3.5 stars if I could.
Engaging mystery with vivid characters, among whom are Commissario Guido Brunetti and the glittering city of Venice (with its not so glittering shadows). Brunetti and his smart, saucy wife Paola and their associates become interesting new friends. Leon offers descriptive undertones that make you me want to travel and experience culture and eat delicious food. This first in the series is an easy, delightful read. I definitely recommend it.