jjmann3's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty good story, my first in the Brunetti series. Could have gone lots of different ways, but like how the motivation for the killing was woven into the later half of the tale. Good, descriptive style that I am sure introduces us to a number of recurring characters in the series.
queenmeega's review against another edition
3.0
A conundrum.
Death at La Venice by Donna Leon is the first book in a series. I felt like the author went back and forth between providing lush, thoughtful descriptions to minimalist prose. And this was so confusing as a reader. She would spend so much time detailing a meal, when that meal or scene did nothing to advance the plot. I reviewed my mind the likely culprits about 75% in and realized where the book had to end. Because there just had not really been much mystery to the murder at that point. I liked the main character though. I'm not sure I will read another book but he wad almost interesting enough for me to consider it.
Death at La Venice by Donna Leon is the first book in a series. I felt like the author went back and forth between providing lush, thoughtful descriptions to minimalist prose. And this was so confusing as a reader. She would spend so much time detailing a meal, when that meal or scene did nothing to advance the plot. I reviewed my mind the likely culprits about 75% in and realized where the book had to end. Because there just had not really been much mystery to the murder at that point. I liked the main character though. I'm not sure I will read another book but he wad almost interesting enough for me to consider it.
saraotoole's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
leighbertman1975's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely setting of Venice. It is refreshing to read about Venice from the perspective of a middle class protagonist. Very procedural without too much gore or sex. Does include controversial subjects and treats them with class.
april_golden's review against another edition
3.0
Solid first detective novel in a long series. Definitely a somewhat standard police procedural, but because it’s set in Venice, much different than one set in the US! I enjoyed all the little differences in the way Italian police and politics work. I’ll read the next one for sure. Would give this 3.5 stars if I could.
elysahenegar's review against another edition
4.0
Engaging mystery with vivid characters, among whom are Commissario Guido Brunetti and the glittering city of Venice (with its not so glittering shadows). Brunetti and his smart, saucy wife Paola and their associates become interesting new friends. Leon offers descriptive undertones that make you me want to travel and experience culture and eat delicious food. This first in the series is an easy, delightful read. I definitely recommend it.
poorashleu's review against another edition
3.0
I'm excited to see how many of these I read until I forget about their existence.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
3.0
So I almost bumped this up to a 4 star because the twist at the end was completely unexpected, but ultimately I wasn't as enthralled with this mystery and I wanted to be. I actually guessed the ending (or at least the part pertaining to the crime) so in my mind it made it rather predictable, and it was long winded on subjects that didn't have relevance to the investigation. I felt like the author was just commentating on general views, not providing red-herrings with the information or moving the plot forward. For that I was disappointed, but this was her first in this series, so maybe I'll bop ahead to see if the writing improved since I thought the ultimate "motive" was very well done.
jennfs10's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
griesgrau's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Abortion, Suicide, and Rape