A review by carireadsbooksandtarot
A Noble Radiance by Donna Leon

adventurous mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 

In the 7th installment of the series, Commissario Brunetti is called in to investigate after the body of a young man is found in a field outside of Venice. It seems likely that the body is that of a prominent Venetian family’s son and heir who was kidnapped several years before. Brunetti’s investigation leads him into crimes and scandal that some hope would remain buried. 

 

Leon has a tried-and-true formula for her novels, threading themes between Brunetti’s professional and personal life and continuing to solidify his character. I don’t know that I’ll ever get through all 30+ novels in the series, but I can rely on them as a palate cleanser and a quick audiobook listen when I’m not sure what I’m craving. I think fans of Louise Penny’s Three Pines series would enjoy a trip to Venice with Commissario Brunetti while they wait for the next Gamache mystery.