by Donna Leon, 1994, Audiobook produced 2009, narrated by David Colacci, Blackstone Audio, Inc.

This book is about a murder of a supposed transvestite man whose face is bashed in. Guido Brunetti is called to Mestre (near Venice) to investigate and begins to have suspicions that the circumstances of the man’s death are not what they appear to be. It’s not too long that the murder is revealed to be part of a larger plot that leads to additional murders.

The book is a typical Donna Leon mystery in that it is extremely slow moving, but well-crafted Each of the characters are formed with great detail and are very believable. in addition, Leon inserts, not too subtly at times, her critique of Italian society and culture. Brunetti’s family life is also woven into the plot and is delightfully described.

II you are a fan of Donna Leon’s Brunetti mysteries and/or all things Italian, this is well worth it.