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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I really loved this book, the first in a series I’m now anticipating with great pleasure. The starring detective, Brunetti, is delightfully jaded and interesting, as is his family. The writing is so vivid that I felt transported to Venice. And the murder mystery is interesting and had an unexpected but satisfying denouement.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
2.5 stars.
I didn’t enjoy the style of writing by this author as much as I thought I would from reading the first few pages.
Fortunately it was a short book so I could persevere with it - plus I’ve got a newborn baby so spend a lot of time with a her attached to me allowing ample reading time.
Personal I wouldn’t read the rest of the series by this author but the writing was good - just not to my taste.
I didn’t enjoy the style of writing by this author as much as I thought I would from reading the first few pages.
Fortunately it was a short book so I could persevere with it - plus I’ve got a newborn baby so spend a lot of time with a her attached to me allowing ample reading time.
Personal I wouldn’t read the rest of the series by this author but the writing was good - just not to my taste.
The sudden death of a famous conductor shines a spotlight on the scandals that surround the legend. The plot hooked me, but the story failed to reel me in. To be fair, it may have suffered from the format I chose - I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a fine job, but the subject matter has the potential to be more impactful when read. All those clues and details can get lost if your attention strays momentarily, as mine did more than once.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
We are going to Venice in October so I thought it was time to read a Donna Leon mystery starring Vice Commissioner of Police in Venice, Guido Brunetti. I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more. Early in the book renowned conductor Helmut Wellnauer is found dead from cyanide poisoning. The investigation leads to many suspects and Brunetti’s investigation is thorough and filled with interesting and well-developed characters. The book reminded me most of Agatha Christie (maybe because of the death by poison) and a bit of Louise Penny, although the characters are not as richly drawn ( though this is the first book so that could change) as Penny’s. It’s still a very satisfying mystery. Venice is truly its own character, with the city’s history and ethos a major part of the book. This was a well written and well executed mystery and I will definitely read more by Leon.
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fun book to read after two histories of Venice. The atmosphere was great and the characters were well drawn. As a mystery, though, it seemed a bit underdone to me. Spoiled by Erle Stanley Gardner, no doubt.
A charming, leisurely mystery set in Venice. Policeman Guido Brunetti investigates the death of a famous conductor. The sense of place is vivid and the lead character is a subtly drawn character who drew me into the story. I felt as if I were visiting Venice in the 90s.
First in a series, recommended to me during a visit to The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City.
First in a series, recommended to me during a visit to The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City.