A review by javierfp82
Trace Elements by Donna Leon

3.0

As per usual in her latest novels Donna Leon uses her books to comment on social, political or, in this case, environmental matters. Also, there's a subplot about pickpocket minors and the police inability to deal with them. Although a crime novel, the crime itself is secondary. In fact, it's not even clear if a murder has been committed, becoming almost incidental, but the story is no less entertaining because of it. At the end, Brunetti is presented with a moral dilemma, and although the ending it's not as satisfying as I would have like from the story point of view, it's a faithful reflection of today's world, as there are times when things don't wrap up as neatly as we wish.

I've been reading this series for years and I keep doing it not for the crimes or the plots themselves, but for its characters. Each book offers a glimpse into their daily lives, sometimes with more interesting stories than others, but always a pleasure to come back.

If you've been a fan of this series for years you'll like this one, but if it's your first Brunetti story and you're expecting a traditional murder mystery I suggest you start with the first books in the series, if only for getting to know these beloved characters from the beginning.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Atlantic Month Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.