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tbpg 's review for:
Death at La Fenice
by Donna Leon
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reading this book in 2025 is a reminder of how crime writing has changed since the 1990s. Apart from the opening, there are no exciting or inciting incidents and it is practically impossible for a reader to guess the outcome since they simply don't receive pertinent information till the book is nearing its end. The slow pace and withholding of information create a very different reading experience from modern thrillers or even traditional Christie puzzlebox tales.
Leon can conjure the city with skill, her characters are deftly drawn and there are some beautifully written passages. As a series opener, her talent in those areas might be enough to entice you to read more books in the series but it will be a while before I pick up another one.
Leon can conjure the city with skill, her characters are deftly drawn and there are some beautifully written passages. As a series opener, her talent in those areas might be enough to entice you to read more books in the series but it will be a while before I pick up another one.