Scan barcode
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
The more I settle into this series, the more I enjoy it. I've always thought I'm not a big fan of cozy mysteries, but then I realized how I feel about these books, coupled with the fact that Midsommer Murders was my jam for several years, and I realized that's totally false.
As with every Brunetti book I read, what drew me into this one were the small things: the everyday depictions of the city and its machinations, Brunetti's relationship with his family, Patta's never-ending obsequiousness when it comes to anyone with a title, etc. The ultimate touch for me is the way Brunetti feels about the crimes he investigates, how they're such a shock to his system, shattering the illusion of his secure little world and making him see the broader picture. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that though Brunetti has a firm grounding in justice, and even though he knows he can't single-handedly change the world, he is a man with a code he will continue to follow. I think it's hard not to admire someone who still does the good work, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As with every Brunetti book I read, what drew me into this one were the small things: the everyday depictions of the city and its machinations, Brunetti's relationship with his family, Patta's never-ending obsequiousness when it comes to anyone with a title, etc. The ultimate touch for me is the way Brunetti feels about the crimes he investigates, how they're such a shock to his system, shattering the illusion of his secure little world and making him see the broader picture. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that though Brunetti has a firm grounding in justice, and even though he knows he can't single-handedly change the world, he is a man with a code he will continue to follow. I think it's hard not to admire someone who still does the good work, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
kvlreader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kvlreader's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
zoefruitcake's review
4.0
I read this for my book group and really enjoyed it. I'd read one of the series years ago (coincidently with another book group) but in the meantime I have re-visited Venice so I was reading with fresh eyes on the settings. I will probably read more of them at some point
raphaliest's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
aoosterwyk's review
3.0
I think the stage has been set for the next book to be more family oriented. Those are the ones I prefer. Brunetti's father in law has told Brunetti that he feels Paula is unhappy. Paula throws it back in her father's lap, so I am looking for some fireworks at the big house.
A wealthy family has lost their only son to kidnappers and they remain under the curse brought upon them by an earlier generation who turned in Jewish families during WWII.
A wealthy family has lost their only son to kidnappers and they remain under the curse brought upon them by an earlier generation who turned in Jewish families during WWII.
martaele07's review against another edition
3.0
Está bien, es interesante, pero en parte se siente como una introducción larga.
git_r_read's review
4.0
There have been some [a lot of] books on Mt Git'r'Read for quite some time, so I shopped my shelves. And found this one. I added it to the stack near my chair in the family room and it made its way to the top eventually. I have heard plenty of good things about this author and this series, so I was happy to start. I'm glad it lived up to the reviews I read.
It's been some time since reading a full-on police procedural, so I had to readjust my thought process from amateur sleuth/cozy mystery mode back to regular police mystery mode. And taking place in Italy in 1995 and apparently quite full of corruption but plenty of folks who wanted to continue to do the right thing to seek justice.
Do not go into this book for a quick action read. It's rather methodical and character driven, follow where the information leads and work around the obstacles who happen to be your bosses. My favorite character was Signorina Elettra, the administrative assistant to Brunetti's boss. She is the one who gets things done and takes care of everything and everyone who deserve the care. Woe to the ones who are on her bad side.
I am going back to the beginning of this series and read in sequential order. I think it would help make more sense of the pacing. And the problems of bureaucracy and politics and corruption that Brunetti faces.
I can recommend this book, series and author.
It's been some time since reading a full-on police procedural, so I had to readjust my thought process from amateur sleuth/cozy mystery mode back to regular police mystery mode. And taking place in Italy in 1995 and apparently quite full of corruption but plenty of folks who wanted to continue to do the right thing to seek justice.
Do not go into this book for a quick action read. It's rather methodical and character driven, follow where the information leads and work around the obstacles who happen to be your bosses. My favorite character was Signorina Elettra, the administrative assistant to Brunetti's boss. She is the one who gets things done and takes care of everything and everyone who deserve the care. Woe to the ones who are on her bad side.
I am going back to the beginning of this series and read in sequential order. I think it would help make more sense of the pacing. And the problems of bureaucracy and politics and corruption that Brunetti faces.
I can recommend this book, series and author.