• Beastly Things

  • A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery, Book 21
  • By: Donna Leon
  • Narrated by: David Colacci
  • Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (572 ratings)

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Beastly Things  By  cover art

Beastly Things

By: Donna Leon
Narrated by: David Colacci
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Publisher's summary

When the body of man is found in a canal, damaged by the tides, carrying no wallet, and wearing only one shoe, Brunetti has little to work with. No local has filed a missing-person report, and no hotel guests have disappeared. Where was the crime scene? And how can Brunetti identify the man when he can’t show pictures of his face?

The autopsy shows a way forward: It turns out the man was suffering from a rare, disfiguring disease. With Inspector Vianello, Brunetti canvasses shoe stores, and winds up on the mainland in Mestre, outside of his usual sphere. From a shopkeeper, they learn that the man had a kindly way with animals. At the same time, animal rights and meat consumption are quickly becoming preoccupying issues at the Venice Questura, and in Brunetti’s home, where conversation at family meals offer a window into the joys and conflicts of Italian life. Perhaps with the help of Signorina Elettra, Brunetti and Vianello can identify the man and understand why someone wanted him dead.

As subtle and engrossing as ever, Leon’s Beastly Things is immensely enjoyable, intriguing, and ultimately moving.

©2012 Donna Leon (P)2012 AudioGO Ltd.

What listeners say about Beastly Things

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Performance
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorites thus far

Great story. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The plot was great, good flow throughout.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best Donna Leon so far

What did you love best about Beastly Things?

As usual, Leon addresses a political issue. This time it's the inhumane killing of animals for food. Very powerful.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beastly Things?

The journey into the abbatoir--like Dante's Hell.

Have you listened to any of David Colacci???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I almost wept at the ending. Touching and powerful.

Any additional comments?

Donna Leon's best yet. Exciting storyline, Brunetti is growing older gracefully, and the book has lots of political punch. Don't miss it!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

kudos to author and narrator

Would you listen to Beastly Things again? Why?

Donna Leon has a wonderful style and apparently an acute observer of people and things. David Colacci makes her book a real joy to "read."

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beastly Things

I love David Colacci as the narrator for this series! He does a great job. I like the plot of this book, I feel like it's somewhat different than most mystery topics which is nice to have something new! Sometimes I get bored with the same story line in different mystery novels.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Deeply moving

Not often am I moved to tears, but this theme after horrifying info concluded with the most poignant scene I have ever read. Encore


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

one of my favourites Donna Leon books.

narrator is great.
The plot holds water and its pace is just right.
Not too lengthy.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A GREAT GUIDO BRUNETTI STORY BUT NOT THE BEST

Would you listen to Beastly Things again? Why?

Yes, it was interesting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Guido Brunetti - I like the way the Commissario thinks. He's always outsmarting his boss and his family is his main priority.

Have you listened to any of David Colacci’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

David Colacci always gives a stellar performance even when the material is not.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I can't think of a particular moment.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Narrator Stinks!

I have listened two two other Donna Leon books in this series...both by excellent narrators. David Colacci couldn't narrate his way out of a paper bag. Why was he chosen as the narrator for the bulk of her books? He has no narration skills, talent...that he has an American accent just makes his uselessness as a narrator even worse.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Slow and simple

I've enjoyed 3 books in this series but found this one incredibly slow paced. The crime was obvious early on but not to Brunetti, so it was necessary to suffer through his laborious detecting. Very disappointing.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

If you like plodding stories...

This book wasn???t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The book was sooo slow moving. However, I tried several times to put it down and did not. If you like a story that plods along, this book is for you.

Would you be willing to try another book from Donna Leon? Why or why not?

No. If this is an example of her stories, I am not interested.

What three words best describe David Colacci???s performance?

Good listen. Characters were distinct and very Italian.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment.

Any additional comments?

Come on; a funeral with pets?

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