A review by booksrockcal
Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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.