About the Author:
Donna Leon was named by The Times as one of the 50 Greatest Crime Writers. She is an award-winning crime novelist, celebrated for the bestselling Brunetti series. Donna has lived in Venice for thirty years and previously lived in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Iran and China, where she worked as a teacher. Donna's books have been translated into 35 languages and have been published around the world. Her previous novels featuring Commissario Brunetti have all been highly acclaimed; including Friends in High Places, which won the CWA Macallan Silver Dagger for Fiction, Fatal Remedies, Doctored Evidence, A Sea of Troubles and Beastly Things.
Review:
The much-admired atmosphere of Donna Leon’s mysteries derives from more than their pungent descriptions of Venetian life. Not that we don’t appreciate the scenic walks and vaporetto rides. . . . The special atmosphere that permeates Leon’s novels and especially her latest, A Question of Belief has more to do with the sense it conveys of a Venice teetering on the edge of oblivion and living on the faith that it won’t fall in. Brunetti thus has a dual function: to chronicle the city’s decline as it collapses under the forces of progress and its own internal corruption, and to save it from itself, one crime at a time.” Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
Brunetti is a marvel: smart, cultured, and dedicated to his work.” The Washington Post
Fast-paced, with a strong cast and a powerful look at Venice and its local government.” Harriet Klausner, The Mystery Gazette
Wonderful.” Nina Sankovitch, The Huffington Post
It’s hot as Hades in Venice, and Commissario Guido Brunetti is feeling the heat in this 19th installment in the best-selling series. Not only is the temperature soaring, but Brunetti is working on several hot, puzzling cases. As always, he is a superb police detective calm, deliberate, and insightful as he investigates with a reflective thoroughness. Unfortunately, just when Brunetti thinks he can finally escape on vacation to cooler climes, he is recalled to Venice because of a brutal murder. In the end, he solves one case, but the solution to the other remains hellishly ambiguous. Leon’s daring, provocative conclusion leads us to reflect upon the pernicious consequences of the usual culprits: sex, love, ambition, and greed. An excellent read, especially for those who enjoy intelligent, urbane, literary mysteries set in Europe.” Lynne F. Maxwell, Library Journal
If you are not reading Donna Leon’s novels with Venice Police Commissario Guido Brunetti, then you are missing out. You won’t find an abundance of violence here. Instead, you can expect clever plotting, solid characterization and fine storytelling. If you are wondering why Time named Leon one of the top 50 mystery writers, then A Question of Belief will answer that question conclusively.” Joe Hartlaub, Bookreporter.com
Beautifully written, atmospheric and redolent of an Italian summer at its murderous best.” Bruce Tierney, Book Page
With her trademark flair and grace, Leon imbues A Question of Belief with a conclusion at once stunning and ambivalent and an atmospheric evocation of Venice, either of which would be reason for celebration. But she is not content to confine her gifts, and the third leg of her genius, rich characterization, is again on display as the reader’s appreciation of Brunetti continues to grow. Literate and lovely, A Question of Belief reaffirms Leon’s place in the firmament of the genre.” Jay Strafford, Richmond Times-Dispatch
There are a bare handful of mystery authors who can maintain quality over 19 books. There are even fewer who can claim the latest works are some of their best. A Question of Belief puts Donna Leon in that category. It is a stunning novel, the best of this brilliant series, with a twist at the end that will leave even the most sophisticated reader gasping. . . . Fans shouldn’t miss this, and if you’re not already a devotee, start here and work your way backward.” Margaret Cannon, The Globe and Mail (Canada)
Leon's books are a joy, and the 19th Venice-based Commissario Brunetti novel is well up to her consistently high standard.” Laura Wilson, The Guardian (UK)
Leon vividly churns the social and political stew of her adopted city through Brunetti's eternally dismayed but unvanquished eyes. Despite a wry, laconic delivery, her soft, lingering touch reveals a keen compassion as Brunetti's cynical fatalism vies with a stubborn faith.” John Sullivan, Winnipeg Free Press
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.