My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've read every one of Donna Leon's Guido Brunetti series and they simply keep getting better and better. This latest involves the discovery, in a Venetian canal, of the body of a man with an unusual condition. First the body has to be identified, then Brunetti and his sidekick Vianello interview possible suspects before gradually a picture emerges of a murky and corrupt feature of life (no spoilers from me here!). And all of the other favourite characters play a role, too, including Paola, Signorina Elletra (complete with her dubious methods of collecting information by computer-hacking), and of course Patta.
There are two features of this book that I liked in particular. First, there's a clear link between the events of Brunetti's working and personal lives; and second, the interviews Brunetti conducts with his suspects are more interesting, slower, better-observed than ever before. Even Patta is a more rounded character than previously.
Roll on the next one. Some crime novels get read, enjoyed, then end up in the charity shop. Donna Leon's go back on the bookshelf ready for the next reading.
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