Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 3
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!
Dexter D. (ddonham) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderfully written - lots of flavor of Venice, well-crafted characterization, suspenseful.
Lori C. (phoebeslac) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great book! Very satisfying end. Ms Leon once again evolves her characters into real people. Guido and Paola's relationship is superbly demonstrated to the reader, I miss them once I am done!
Helpful Score: 2
If you love mysteries and the streets and canals of Venice, Italy hold a certain charm and allure for you, add the Guido Brunetti series to your reading list!! Mr. Brunetti is the Chief Inspector for the city of Venice, and while reading about his investigations the reader is treated to detailed descriptions of modern-day Venice. Mr. Brunetti's analytical reasoning is balanced by his rich descriptions of Venetian architecture and art and warmed here and there by glimpses of his family life. A refreshing blend that stands out amongst so many mysteries that are grim and stark. Highly recommended!!
Rebecca H. (amichai) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 368 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) -
While the characters and setting of this series are really terrific, the storylines are not really that interesting to me. I doubt that I will continue with the series.
Diane C. (DEC) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 134 more book reviews
A very enjoyable mystery. The characters are complex and the plot leaves you with a lot to consider regarding justice.
Maggie H. (dipsmom) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 50 more book reviews
This is the second in the series and the second book I have read by Ms.Leon. I enjoy the characters and particularly the ambiance of Venice. It makes me want to take the next ship or plane over. It is good getting to know Commissario Guido Brunetti and his family.
Carole J. (spin) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 71 more book reviews
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!
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!
Ann R. (Annie128) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 20 more book reviews
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.
Shirin S. (ShirinS) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 92 more book reviews
A Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery set in Venice.
Luanne W. (Lulu) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 19 more book reviews
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.
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.
Charlene (ATraveler) -
I found this story interesting. I really liked the first 2/3rds of the story and its development. I was surprised at the turn toward the end that was connecting the Italian Mafia, Italian goverment, Italian bussinessmen and the US government together. And at the second to last chapter I was wondering how the story could be wrapped up in 20 more pages. However Donna Leon pulled it off and did manage to wrap it up with a twist I did not see coming at all.
Linda M. (dryheat) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 25 more book reviews
Always a good read.
Nancy C. (Nuffy) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 121 more book reviews
2nd in the series of Commissioner Brunetti. When a young American man is found floating dead in one of the Venice canals, Guido Brunetti is on the case again. Like the first in the series, this is a great read. Leon is such a comfortable author. After reading her first book, you just fall back into the place, the people and feel right at home. It helped to have a larger map of Venice nearby. Wonderful author, great read!
Kathy N. (addicated-to-reading) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 152 more book reviews
Love this series and this book did not disappoint. Raised some interesting and disturbing questions about what is happening to our environment and how greed and money disregards what is happening when toxic waste is dumped and the governments involved turn a blind eye. Well written and addictive. Am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This series is so good that I'm working my way through the books again. This one starts out with the death of an American soldier in Venice. Soon, his girlfriend is found dead.
Then an unusual crime takes place in Venice -- an art heist from a wealthy man's home. But the why of the crimes is what makes this story interesting and unique. It is nice to know that another country has more bureaucratic nightmares than we have.
Then an unusual crime takes place in Venice -- an art heist from a wealthy man's home. But the why of the crimes is what makes this story interesting and unique. It is nice to know that another country has more bureaucratic nightmares than we have.
Linda P. (katknit) reviewed Death in a Strange Country (Guido Brunetti, Bk 2) on + 355 more book reviews
Brunetti investigates the murder of an American soldier in Venice.
