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angpent

Angel's Book Reviews 2.0

I already have a Goodreads account and a Tumblr book blog. I'm still not sure how I could use this platform fully, so, until further notice, this will be just backup, nothing more.

Dressed for Death

Dressed for Death - Donna Leon 81. DRESSED FOR DEATH, BY DONNA LEON (Book 3 of Commissario Brunetti)

The third book in the Commissario Brunetti series. The last one I’ll be reading this year, even though the series has some 10 others. I probably will continue with it in the future, even though this is not my favorite series.

Synopsis: In the middle of a heat wave in Venice, a male corpse is found dressed in a red dress and high heel shoes in a zone normally used for prostitution in Mestre. The Mestre police department is shorthanded, the case is handed to Venice, and Burnetti is pulled out of his much anticipated vacation in the mountains to investigate it.

Overall enjoyment: Like the other ones, it was a fun read. Nothing that would change my world view or shatter the foundations of my reality, but still, solid entertainment.

Plot: The mystery is better developed and delivered than in the first two books. Some things are suspiciously convenient, but I can let them slide.

Characters: The true reason why I read this series is Brunetti himself. Unlike the majority of fictional officers, he’s still married, with a healthy and rewarding relationship with his wife; he’s a good and present father to his children; he doesn’t use violence unnecessarily and goes out of his way not to distress the people he’s questioning. Plus, he loves food and architecture, and will spend a good time talking about it.

World/setting: Ah, Venice. Such a beautiful city, with an incredible past. It’s a true pleasure to see it through Brunetti’s eyes.

Writing style: Standard and straightforward. Nothing special, but also nothing negative about it.

Representation: It could be better, but she makes an effort.

Political correctness: Brunetti has an old-fashioned view of things, and this view is present throughout the book. He’s not disrespectful, and makes an effort to overlook his own prejudices, but there are still some problematic statements that are too adamant and absolute for the subject.

Up next: The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K. Le Guin