Book Review: A Question of Belief

A Question of Belief
Commissario Brunetti #19
Author: Donna Leon
Pages: 262 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: April 5th 2011 (paperback)
Review Source: Penguin Books
Available: Penguin / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Summary: (from Penguin) "Brunetti is a marvel: smart, cultured, and dedicated to his work." --The Washington Post 

Commissario Guido Brunetti longs to escape the crowds of tourists and oppressive heat of Venice in August. But before he can join his family on holiday in the mountains, a folder containing court records lands on his desk. An old friend suspects a sinister motive behind a local court's notorious inefficiency. Meanwhile, Brunetti's colleague, Inspector Lorenzo Vianello, is concerned about his aunt's sudden- and expensive-interest in astrology and enlists the commissario's help. Just when it seems Brunetti will be able to make his getaway, a brutal crime shocks the city and he forces himself to shake off the heat and get down to work.

Being a fan of mystery novels, I was very enthusiastic when I found out my next review book was a mystery written by Donna Leon, but was soon very disappointed by it. Half thru the book most of what I had read were references to the weather, food and politics in Venetia. The passion the writer feels for the city overshadowed the suspense I expected and made the progress of the plot excruciating slow. It was hard to keep the interest alive to finish the book.