Phyllis

I have always enjoyed Donna Leon's books, but this is short on plot, and an unsuccessful attempt at suspense and sex.

Fake British accent, harsh voices, made this novel almost impossible to finish. I cannot give an unbiased review of the story because the narration was so distracting.

I have always liked PD James' mysteries, and love Jane Austen, so I had high hopes for this combination of author and characters. Unfortunately, this book is just silly. The ponderous narration doesn't help a weak story and minor mystery. The original characters are not much amplified except what would be easily predicted. The many extractions of Austen's glowing phrases for those unfortunates who have not read Pride and Prejudice are not enough to rescue this book.

Found it hard to listen because of the terrible sound quality. Although I liked Marsden as the Inspector on the tv series, he's a little monotonous as a narrator. Otherwise, typical PD James -- which is pretty good.

Stephen Crossley has been a great narrator of other books, but is totally miscast in this Italian venue. Where is David Colacci when we need him?! Story is typically cynical Donna Leon--but interesting, nonetheless.

Although the author has created a wildly imaginative universe, this book was difficult to follow because characters and situations carried over from previous works.