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A review by cj_mo_2222
Trace Elements by Donna Leon
4.0
Venice police officers Commissario Guido Brunetti and his colleague, Claudia Griffoni, are called to the hospice bedside of Benedetta Toso. Benedetta’s husband was recently killed in an accident that has been ruled a suicide. Before she passes, Benedetta utters a few cryptic sentences that lead Brunetti and Griffoni to suspect her husband Vittorio may have been a victim of murder. Their investigation leads them to details about Vittorio’s life as well as bringing up questions about the inspection process that ensures the cleanliness of Venice’s water supply.
There are several previous books in this series but this is only the second one I have read. I really enjoy the vivid descriptions of Venice that really give the reader a picture of the city. The author also includes just enough of the local language to make the setting even more authentic without being confusing to those who don’t speak Italian.
The scenes with Brunetti at home with his own family are wonderful. A little more is revealed about newcomer Griffoni’s personal life and I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Secretary and research wizard Signora Elettra Zorzi is also a delight, but somewhat of an enigma so I hope we get to see more of her outside the office as well.
I enjoy how well Brunetti and Griffoni work together to solve the case. The story of Benedetta is heartbreaking, so I like the compassion the pair shows for her and her family. The issue of water contamination is interesting, although the details included sometimes slow the pace of the story as a whole. The way the case wraps up is surprising and somewhat of a letdown. As hinted in the book’s description, justice can be ambiguous and I understand why Brunetti made the decision he made, but it’s not entirely satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed this well-written book. The characters are unique, the setting is beautiful, and the plot is intelligent and entertaining, so I recommend this book.
I received this book through the courtesy of Atlantic Monthly Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
There are several previous books in this series but this is only the second one I have read. I really enjoy the vivid descriptions of Venice that really give the reader a picture of the city. The author also includes just enough of the local language to make the setting even more authentic without being confusing to those who don’t speak Italian.
The scenes with Brunetti at home with his own family are wonderful. A little more is revealed about newcomer Griffoni’s personal life and I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Secretary and research wizard Signora Elettra Zorzi is also a delight, but somewhat of an enigma so I hope we get to see more of her outside the office as well.
I enjoy how well Brunetti and Griffoni work together to solve the case. The story of Benedetta is heartbreaking, so I like the compassion the pair shows for her and her family. The issue of water contamination is interesting, although the details included sometimes slow the pace of the story as a whole. The way the case wraps up is surprising and somewhat of a letdown. As hinted in the book’s description, justice can be ambiguous and I understand why Brunetti made the decision he made, but it’s not entirely satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed this well-written book. The characters are unique, the setting is beautiful, and the plot is intelligent and entertaining, so I recommend this book.
I received this book through the courtesy of Atlantic Monthly Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.