Another insight into the strange place that is Brunetti’s Venice

I’ve read all of the Brunetti novels and in a way have found all of them fascinating but infuriating.
In the same way as when I’ve watched an episode of Montalbano on the TV, I wonder how a lead detective can be paid to spend his time investigating an apparent family disagreement, a throwaway remark which has perturbed a friend. There appears to be little crime of note in la Serenissima.
Even when things get ‘meatier’, Brunetti seems to have no other work across his desk that he should be concentrating on and can continue to pursue something that has interested him, even when he knows it isn’t in his remit.
I knew that it would end as it did - so many of these stories have a less than robust ending - and on this one I’d have liked Leon to really turn the screws on so many of the characters, seen and unseen, but it didn’t happen
Having said all that, it was an interesting listen made more so by the description of post (ish) Covid Venice.
And isn’t it about time that his kids jumped ship? Or are they destined to live at home until they’re in their 40s? They barely get a mention.

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Lacks the human touch of earlier books

I reckon I've read or listened to all of the author's Brunetti novels and enjoyed them all. As before, this book has an interesting case to be solved, or not as is sometimes the outcome in these novels. Part of the charm of this series has been the inclusion of Brunetti's domestic life and the evocative descriptions of the delicious meals prepared by his wife Paula. Unusually, there are no comical scenes with his conceited boss, Patta. Even the usually fascinating Signorina Electtra lacks her usual verve in this novel. Altogether a competent book that doesn't stand out from all the 100s of other books in this genre, unlike the earlier books in the series. Maybe the author is getting tired of her characters and is simply going through the motions of producing another books. I've noticed many crime novel series deteriorate as the number of books increases.

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2 people found this helpful

Typical Brunetti

I do like this narrator, he has the perfect voice for a Donna Leon story. Once again Brunetti solves a crime and there is no legal ‘punishment’ however ……………..

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1 person found this helpful

Slow and overwritten: needs editing

The writing was so repetitive and irritating. A two-minute conversation covered a dozen pages because every little movement of hand or head had to be recorded in excruciating detail. Once you start to notice all the endless hand-wringing or tipping a chin this way and that way it becomes incredibly irritating. It's as if there wasn't enough content or action available, so it's been padded with detail. The event at the veterinary surgery is extremely poorly written. I totally understand why Donna Leon doesn't want these books to be translated into Italian. The lack of activity, the fact that most of the important discoveries and work are carried out by a woman who is employed as a personal or administrative assistant, while the police amble around: it is literally incredible.

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I gave up!

I very rarely give up on books, but I was so desperate after the first few chapters to know where the hell the story was going I had to waive the white flag ! Utterly boring and slow

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Has the series had its day?

This was my least favourite book in the series. The supporting regular characters that added interest to previous books were pretty much non existent. I also didn’t especially enjoy the plot line. There were a couple of points in the books where I asked myself “Do you actually care what happens?” I guess I cared enough to finish the book. The narration was excellent, only to be let down by a weak story line.

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