This is the second of Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti mysteries I've read. They feel like Simenon's Maigret mysteries; police procedurals with all the details of daily life in a European setting. In Leon's novels the setting is Venice. Interesting and well-written.

Second Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery in which an American soldier from the base in Vicenza is found stabbed to death and floating in a canal in Venice. Brunetti's attempts at investigation are blocked on nearly every side, from his superior, Patta, to the Carabaneri, to the American base personnel. Instructed to write it off as an attempted robbery, Brunetti is determined to find out why the American was really killed. Excellent story, wonderfully painted setting of Venice and of Brunetti's life there. Cast of supporting characters is also excellent. This could become one of my favorite mystery series!

A very enjoyable mystery. The characters are complex and the plot leaves you with a lot to consider regarding justice.

Another good book in a great series.

Great book! It wasn't as good as the first one, but I'm in love with this series, and I'm ready for the next books. :)

This mystery was a little more complex and I grew bored off and on with the American portions of the book. Being an American military brat myself, I grew impatient with the plot. I really enjoyed how some chapters were solely dedicated to Guido and his family because I like his character so much! Again, I think Guido's interactions with his superior, Patta, are hilarious, and I truly laugh out loud during those moments.

As for this particular book, I'm glad Leon got the "Americanized military" plot out of the way in this second installment. I hope other books in the series don't revisit the Vicenza base!

Early one morning, and Commisioner on the Venice Italy police force, confronts a grisly site when the body of a young American military man is fished out of canal. A good crime mystery.

A Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery set in Venice.

Commissario Guido Brunetti is my favorite detective and Donna Leon's ability to create the atmosphere of Venice is amazing!

Guido Brunetti gets involved in a military murder and uncovers another government cover up that leads to disillusionment.

The book brings alive the Italian culture, both in general and through the police operations in solving the case. However, the result doesn't live up to what I expected from this book.

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