Beastly Things is the 21st Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery novel by Donna Leon. This one takes place in the Spring. I am enjoying this series, reading them as I come across them in no particular order. The characters are wonderful and the atmosphere of Venice always makes these books a nice place to visit.
from the dust jacket:
When a body is found floating in a canal, strangely disfigured and with multiple stab wounds, Commissario Brunetti is called to investigate and is convinced he recognizes the man from somewhere. However, with no identification except for the distinctive shoes the man was wearing, and no reports of people missing from the Venice area, the case cannot progress.The Guardian says, "The 21st Commissario Brunetti mystery finds the series' characters and setting as vital as ever." The New York Journal of Books points out the social commentary. Kirkus Reviews has a positive review.
Brunetti soon realizes why he remembers the dead man, and asks Signorina Elettra if she can help him find footage of a farmers' protest the previous autumn. But what was his involvement with the protest, and what does it have to do with his murder? Acting on the fragile lead,
Brunetti and Inspector Vianello set out to uncover the man's identity. Their investigation eventually takes them to a slaughterhouse on the mainland, where they discover the origin of the crime, and the world of blackmail and corruption that surrounds it.
I've also read these from this series:
#1 Death at La Fenice (1992)
#2 Death in a Strange Country (1993)
#3 Dressed for Death (1994)
#4 Death and Judgment (1995)
#18 About Face (2009)
#19 A Question of Belief
#20 Drawing Conclusions
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Oh funny you should mention this author (always thankful for book recommendations), I just finished a book by this author, one that was recommended by our librarian; The Girl of His Dreams by Donna Leon. I like the descriptions of Venice, so I've got a couple more on request from the library.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one yet, but I will. I'm so glad there are so many in this series :)
DeleteI remember the others by Leon you have reviewed. I checked and my library doesn't have a single one of her works. I wish our used bookstore hadn't gone out of business, because unless I try to find it used, I couldn't afford to buy these books. Your review has piqued my interest once again.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a popular and long-running series that they might be willing to get a few. It wouldn't hurt to ask. If there are other libraries close, maybe they could do an inter-library loan? They are worth looking for. I try to find them used, but we still have a couple of used bookstores here.
DeleteSounds like a great series! I love that this one is set in spring and how wonderful that they are based in Venice too 😀. Thanks for the recommendation and enjoy the rest of your week! J 😊 x
ReplyDeleteIt is a great series. I was so lucky to come across a few cheap/used so I could try them :)
DeleteI found some free on audio online after the last time you mentioned her. I listened to one and it was really good. I think I would call it one of the cozy mysteries--for me, anyways, it was. More thinking and less gory with interesting characters. I like those.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely one of my favorite series and detectives. I love finding a long series that holds up. I'm glad you were able to find some free! That's always fun! I need to be on the look-out for some of the ones in the middle. I've had less luck just coming across those.
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