vici_loves's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
2.5
dixiet's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun book to read after two histories of Venice. The atmosphere was great and the characters were well drawn. As a mystery, though, it seemed a bit underdone to me. Spoiled by Erle Stanley Gardner, no doubt.
dmturner's review against another edition
4.0
A charming, leisurely mystery set in Venice. Policeman Guido Brunetti investigates the death of a famous conductor. The sense of place is vivid and the lead character is a subtly drawn character who drew me into the story. I felt as if I were visiting Venice in the 90s.
First in a series, recommended to me during a visit to The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City.
First in a series, recommended to me during a visit to The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City.
hmcendree's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
zackarinareads's review against another edition
2.0
I finally finished the first novel in the Brunetti series about four months after starting it. (That is not exactly a good sign...)
When it comes to detective stories, I always care about the investigators much more than about the crime itself. I just did not care about Brunetti! He is just a clever, moderately old, white man, who didn't stand out to me in any way. For that reason, about 80% of this book was just pretty boring. The people he meets and interrogates are also all kind of one-sided and uninteresting.
There are lesbian side characters in this book but I don't think they stood for good representation. (Also, Brunetti is weirdly attracted to one of them... ew, no dude.)
Well, now I know what the Donna Leon/Brunetti hype is supposed to be about. I just don't care.
When it comes to detective stories, I always care about the investigators much more than about the crime itself. I just did not care about Brunetti! He is just a clever, moderately old, white man, who didn't stand out to me in any way. For that reason, about 80% of this book was just pretty boring. The people he meets and interrogates are also all kind of one-sided and uninteresting.
There are lesbian side characters in this book but I don't think they stood for good representation. (Also, Brunetti is weirdly attracted to one of them... ew, no dude.)
Well, now I know what the Donna Leon/Brunetti hype is supposed to be about. I just don't care.
kcherry's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
martha662's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
juliaschweitzer's review against another edition
3.0
took me way too long to read this, it was a lot slower than i thought it would be. it’s all about the policeman just like interviewing the suspects and there aren’t any side plots. writing was pretty good though and the ending was unexpected.