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lina_ty75's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
fesselnd und gleichzeitig entspannend zu lessen
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
This ain't Agatha Christie, and it isn't trying to be.
Brunetti isn't Popeye Doyle or Columbo.
It's trying to be an enjoyable set of mysteries set in Venice, and as such this is 4*
I've been to Venice, I love her, and I'm going again. So this series STARTS at 2*
As in the other two I've read so far, Brunetti's a competent cop who has figured out how to operate in the complex and corrupt systems of Italy and Venice. He's a decent man but understands that he's not in a world where you can play it by the book. He's surrounded by interesting characters.
The plots aren't car chases (or boat chases) and shootouts. They're just something happens, cop tries to figure it out, and while he is doing so other stuff happens.
Would it work if set in Minneapolis? Maybe not, but that doesn't matter. It's Venice.
An enjoyable quick read, and Im'a get me a couple more.
Brunetti isn't Popeye Doyle or Columbo.
It's trying to be an enjoyable set of mysteries set in Venice, and as such this is 4*
I've been to Venice, I love her, and I'm going again. So this series STARTS at 2*
As in the other two I've read so far, Brunetti's a competent cop who has figured out how to operate in the complex and corrupt systems of Italy and Venice. He's a decent man but understands that he's not in a world where you can play it by the book. He's surrounded by interesting characters.
The plots aren't car chases (or boat chases) and shootouts. They're just something happens, cop tries to figure it out, and while he is doing so other stuff happens.
Would it work if set in Minneapolis? Maybe not, but that doesn't matter. It's Venice.
An enjoyable quick read, and Im'a get me a couple more.
kvlreader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
wanderlustsleeping's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
3.5
Another solid one. Gotta admit I loved Brunetti’s anger and malicious words to the old lady at the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse
81_stufen_nach_hause's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
The various Civil Codes and official gridlock are revealed in all their beaurocratic insanity. Themes of money-lending, drug selling and the entitlement of nobility.
eastofthesunwestofthemoon's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars. The writing is good and the plot is reasonable, but all the corruption and dirty dealing that never gets resolved just leaves me feeling dissatisfied. It may be realistic, but it's too bleak.
margaret21's review against another edition
4.0
Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti books are always a pleasure. I like the man, I like his family, I love the meals he eats, and I always become involved in the plot. In a country where corruption and Mafia-led intrigues are the norm, Brunetti himself is incorruptible, but he's a fallible and entirely likeable detective.
This time, he has a moral dilemma himself. Does he really have title to his apartment? And if not, should he pull the strings to regularise his position? While he's mulling things over, the official who gave him the news that his flat might not in fact 'exist', dies in an accident. Or is it murder? Brunetti elects to find out, and discovers more than he bargained for. No spoiler alerts here. Simply this. If you like Italy, if you like Venice, if you enjoy a good and involved thriller with believable characters, read this one.
This time, he has a moral dilemma himself. Does he really have title to his apartment? And if not, should he pull the strings to regularise his position? While he's mulling things over, the official who gave him the news that his flat might not in fact 'exist', dies in an accident. Or is it murder? Brunetti elects to find out, and discovers more than he bargained for. No spoiler alerts here. Simply this. If you like Italy, if you like Venice, if you enjoy a good and involved thriller with believable characters, read this one.