Book 6 (2012) Willful Behavior ** by Donna Leon

Another great read starring Venice, Italy.

See other reviews on Donna Leon's Brunetti series on this blog.

Book 14 (2011) The Imperfectionists ** by Tom Rachman

I was surprised that this Canadian (Vancouver) writer was not recognized in Canada until at least a year after the book was published in New York.  


The book has a unique (?) structure of short stories about connected people, knitted together into a very satisfying novel.   The premise is an international English language newspaper, headquartered in Rome, started by a wealthy man who needed a hobby business to add to his conglomerate.   To start with, the premise is very interesting, as are all the characters.   I really enjoyed the book, but all the while I was reading it, I kept thinking --- is this good writing or is it better than good.   

Book 8 (2011) A Sea of Troubles** by Donna Leon

Another treasure in the Comissario Guido Brunette series.   A new setting, the island of Pellestrina on the lagoon, and active involvement by Signorian Elettra.  
A must for Italy lovers who want to learn the inside scoop about Italian culture and politics and read a great mystery with interesting characters.

Book 74 The Girl of His Dreams ** by Donna Leon

This is one of Leon's best in the Brunetti series.  The themes are the church and religion, on which she is more than cynical, and gypsies or Rom as they are called.  

Other books with church/priest themes reviewed on this blog:
The Bishop's Man * by Linden MacIntyre
The Italians **** by Luigi Barzini

Book 22 (2010) About Face** by Donna Leon

 Always wonderful.