Leons detective, Commissario Brunetti is a cultured Venetian, much given to pondering the mysteries of life, and engaging with his equally urbane literature professor wife. Each book in the series, as well as providing a well-plotted mystery, advances the relationships between the recurring cast. Particularly attractive is the rather enigmatic Signorina Elettra, for whom Brunetti holds an (always gentlemanly) candle! I found this story really interesting, set as it is on one of the outer islands of Venice, away from the usual tourist haunts.
Donna Leon simply is a mesmerizing writer. No other author--and some do come close--approaches her today in terms of suspense, characterization, plot development, and social significance. In "Sea of Troubles," she continues her exceptional level of excellence. I could hardly wait for this edition (its not available for some incredible reason in the States!)to arrive. Guido Brunetti has his hands full, once more. Two men (a father and his son) are found murdered in a sunken fishing boat in the waters off Pelligrina. However, the villagers close ranks and are in no hurry to cooperate with the police. Enjoining the services of Signorina Ellatra, Brunetti begins a painful, plodding investigation. With this type of story, Leon is quite good--and she never lets up on the environmental issues ("Dont eat the shellfish!"). Her murderers dont come as surprises in the final pages, as Leon doesnt use this device; instead, she depends upon the brilliant thinking of Brunetti and his team to bring the guilty, whom we know early enough, to bear. This is not to say that "Sea of Troubles" doesnt contain great suspense--it does. And Leon, who clearly is in love with Venice, captains this book in the best of traditions. Lucky she has Guido Brunetti and his staff and family as crew members. Dont miss this one! ()
