Leon, Donna – THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY

[LJ Roberts]

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY (Police Procedural-Venice, Italy-Cont) – G+ Leon, Donna – 15th in series
William Heinemann, 2006- UK Hardcover

Commissario Guido Brunetti helps Inspectore Vianello’s friend, Marco, who has been arrested for protesting against chemical pollution of the Venetian lagoon. Marco is released for lack of evidence, much to the rage of his father-in-law, the owner of a glass factory on Murano. Marco’s wife tells Brunetti she is concerned her father may harm her husband. Whie Brunetti is trying to learn whether her fear has foundation, a man is found dead in front of one of the furnaces, and has left clues implicating the glass companies in illegal chemical dumping.

I love the character of Brunetti, his relationship with his co-workers and family and his love of his city. Leon does an excellent job of making the reader part of the environment. However, this was not the strongest book in the series. It seemed to get off to a very slow start and took awhile before I really felt involved. This is such a good series and every author is allowed a slightly off book. It certainly won’t prevent me from continuing the series.