Death and Judgment

A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

A truck crashes and spills its dangerous cargo on a treacherous road in the Italian Dolomite mountains. Meanwhile, in Santa Lucia, a prominent international lawyer is found dead aboard an intercity train.

Suspecting a connection between the two tragedies, Commissario Guido Brunetti digs deep for an answer, stumbling upon a seedy Venetian bar that holds the key to a crime network that reaches far beyond the laguna. But it will take another violent death in Venice before Brunetti and his colleagues begin to understand what is really going on.

Death in Venice: investigate more of Guido Brunetti's cases.

©1995 Donna Leon (P)2009 BBC Audio

Critic reviews

"Leon isn't well known is this country, but she should be. She's a superbly gifted writer whose stories are complex and filled with charm, humor, and intelligence." ( Booklist)

Not as Venice-oriented as the other Brunetti books

Donna Leon's Venetian police procedurals have long been on my favorites list and I would read anything that stars Guido Brunetti.

This edition is a bit of a change as much of the story does not occur in Venice - as many would guess from the introductory road accident. It also visits some very unpleasant issues - something which does not become clear until late in the book. Unlike most in this series, the squeamish index shoots to the top in one scene - be forewarned if violent sex bothers you (not graphic but violent).

But it does feature my favorite cast of characters and give a glimpse into the everyday life of a Venetian family (Venetian, mind you, not Italian).

David Colacci is a fabulous narrator for this series - he IS Guido Brunetti to my ears.

I would not recommend this as a first read in the series - but if you are already addicted, this should keep you satisfied.

Excellent story but so depressing!

The widespread corruption in leadership in Venice/Italy seems reflective of what is going on in the world in general today. The commissioner is so honorable but it seems the odds against him are insurmountable. This one was particularly sad.

Best of the First 4 Brunetti Mysteries

Suggest reading this series in order because each book further develops the main/central/ongoing characters and sometimes refers to events in previous novels, which adds to the enjoyment of those wanting to read the series.

Fabulous, interesting and evocative

This is a very well-narrated book in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series. The characters come to life in the capable narration of David Colacci. The characters of the prostitutes and the few policemen who try to help them are well portrayed. Of particular interest is the loving and lovely interactions between the policeman and his young daughter, who is so much like him that she unintentionally puts herself in harm's way. A tour-de-force, with a cynical ending.

Slow moving story

This us my first outing with a Donna Leon mystery. I found the story, in the first half of this Audible selection, to just plod along. There was a slight twist at the end but not enough to say it was a good story. The narration by Dabid Colacci was a caricature of every Italian you've seen on American TV. Think Father Guido Sarducci. Very disappointed since this Audible presentation was recommended to me.

Into another world

What I love about this whole series is the way it colors a culture with native nuances and viewpoint while at the same time weaving a wonderful murder mystery tale.

Terrific stuff

Met all my expectations. Love this series. Donna Leon has mastery of her craft. And we are fortunate to be in on it.

No satisfaction

I like the narration but this story is not just depressing and horrifying but unending. No satisfactory conclusions. This is the way it is, nothing can be done about it and you the reader must be a masochist to continue with the series. Yuck! Good thing it was included with the membership.

Spoiler Alert!

I struggled with whether or not to write a review of this book. It’s very engaging and a gripping story. I titled the review “spoiler alert” because I am revealing that it does not have a happy ending. There is no resolution at the end. At least, it is not a satisfying resolution. I respect the author for doing things this way because the book deals with real life problems that exist in our world today that cannot be solved. Therefore, it would have ruined the entire concept of Commissario Brunetti if he had been able to solve them in this one volume. It would have thrown this book into the realm of fantasy. Though the characters and the actions in this story are fictional, the subject matter is frighteningly real. If your enjoyment of a murder mystery hinges upon having a happy resolution, then skip this volume. Brunetti does not win this time around.

Gripping, devastating, and impossible to put down

Venitian intrigue at its best. Brunetti is a thoroughly engaging protagonist. The Italian narrator brought to life each interaction, each emotion, the sights and sounds of the Venetian region. Leon is a masterful storyteller and social justice advocate.