On a cold Venetian night just before Christmas, an African street vendor is killed in a scuffle. The only witnesses are tourists who had been browsing the man's wares before his death. Arriving on the scene, Commissario Brunetti wonders why anyone would kill a "vu cumpra," an African purveying goods past normal shop hours and without a work permit. When Brunetti digs deeper into the investigation, he discovers that matters of great value are at stake within the immigrant society. Warned by his superior to resist further involvement in the case, Brunetti becomes even more determined to unearth the truth behind this mysterious killing. How far will he penetrate the murky subculture of the Venetian underworld? Read by David Colacci.
I really can't believe I'm taking the time to write a review on this book. If I think about the story line it is hard to believe I was even able to stick with this one. It just doesn't really seem like "my kind of book" from the outside. The truth is though I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I laughed outloud a number of times hearing the great one liners that are scattered throughout the dialog. The narrator is great and easily kept me interested in the story. I can't debate how crazy, stupid the plot is here, but if you can get past the strangeness this is a really enjoyable book.
Blood from a Stone
Written by Jan Taylor on March 28th, 2008
Book Rating: 1/5
Sorry, but I could only manage to listen to about 20 minutes of this one. Once the Italian-accented English dialogue started, I could not stand it!
Blood from a Stone
Written by Deborah Martinson on July 21st, 2006
Book Rating: 4/5
Ok, the plot is a little slow. But the character of Brunetti (and others) and the Italian context make this book. I'll rent more of Leon's "Brunetti" books.
Blood from a Stone
Written by Anonymous on April 16th, 2006
Book Rating: 5/5
An intriguing mystery and commentary on Venetian life. I was unfamiliar with this author and will definitely read more.
Blood from a Stone
Written by Anonymous on August 1st, 2005
Book Rating: 5/5
An excellent clever mystery with wonderful descriptions of life and sites in Venice Italy. I have read other Donna Leon books but this one really came across beautifully as an audio book. Congratulations to the Reader, D. Colacci.
