by Donna Leon, 2018, Audiobook narrated by David Colacci, Recorded Books

As is typical of her books, this book by Donna Leon moves extremely slowly. There are many conversations that start with pleasantries and then gradually turn to the topics being discussed. This may be the result of Italian culture and custom, but it certainly doesn’t move the plot along at all.

On the plus side, the author’s characters are portrayed extremely well. Commissario Brunetti, himself, is a concerned and somewhat controlled family man with a strong woman for a wife and two headstrong children. He also has a boss who is well-connected, but nor very competent. It is easy for the reader to identify with Brunetti and like him.

The plot of this book centers on the death of a young American serviceman whose body is found in a canal one morning. It becomes evident that the cause of his death is not a simple mugging but is tied to a much larger situation. Brunetti discovers a web of corruption and disregard for the environment at high levels of private businesses and the government.

This is the sixth book I have read in the series. I turn to these when I can’t seem to find another audiobook on short notice.