• Falling in Love

  • By: Donna Leon
  • Narrated by: David Colacci
  • Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (414 ratings)

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Falling in Love  By  cover art

Falling in Love

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

Donna Leon's Death at La Fenice, the first novel in her beloved Commissario Guido Brunetti series, introduced listeners to the glamorous and cutthroat world of opera and one of Italy's finest living sopranos, Flavia Petrelli - then a suspect in the poisoning of a renowned German conductor. Years after Brunetti cleared her name, Flavia has returned to Venice and La Fenice to sing the lead in Tosca.

Brunetti and his wife, Paola, attend an early performance, and Flavia receives a standing ovation. Back in her dressing room, she finds bouquets of yellow roses - too many roses. Every surface of the room is covered with them. An anonymous fan has been showering Flavia with these beautiful gifts in London, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, and now Venice, but she no longer feels flattered.

A few nights later, invited by Brunetti to dine at his in-laws' palazzo, Flavia confesses her alarm at these excessive displays of adoration. And when a talented young Venetian singer who has caught Flavia's attention is savagely attacked, Brunetti begins to think that Flavia's fears are justified in ways neither of them imagined. He must enter in the psyche of an obsessive fan before Flavia, or anyone else, comes to harm.

©2015 Donna Leon (P)2015 Recorded Books

What listeners say about Falling in Love

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I just spent a day in Venice

I love so many things about Donna Leon's books. In this book Guido is helping an opera singer Flavia Petrelli-- who is scared by unwanted attention she has received, and then, he tries to find her dangerous stalker. This book is not centered on a murder, so it is less intense than others. To me these books are so much about Guido Brunetti- his appreciation for Venice and his relationships with Paola and Signorina Elettra and his workmates and family. I love the literary allusions. We get to peek into whatever Paola or Guido is reading. I like the mystery and the view of another culture. While I am listening to these books, I am living in Venice- smelling its smells, feeling its weather, traveling its canals, eating its food, understanding some of its history and how it is changing. What could be better? I love to read about a man who loves his family-- and enjoys going home to his wife. And for me, listening to David Colacci is something I could do all day every day.

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12 people found this helpful

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

A Night at the Opera

I'm a big fan of Brunetti and Donna Leon, but this book did not seem to me to be at all inspired. The first of Leon's Venetian mysteries was set at La Fenice opera house, and this one is a return of both the location and one of the main characters of that book.

Unfortunately, that is about the only appeal of "Falling in Love." Venice, usually the star of this series, seems a bit tired and not nearly as 'present' as in previous volumes. Brunetti and his family and work colleagues also lack the vitality and wit we're used to.

The plot is slow to develop and not all that interesting. In short, "Falling in Love" is a pale, weakened addition to this series, and I, at least, hope Donna Leon will either find her Venetian muse again or move on to a new, fresher series.

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11 people found this helpful

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

Is Commissario Brunetti Losing His Edge?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I like this series and think friends would enjoy it. It isn't bloody and gory like many books these days but the high caliber writing is a big attraction.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the characters interacted. The singer was older and famous but nervous. Her friend, Frankie, watched out for her but you weren't sure if he was the one stalking her. The entire storyline kept you guessing and in the end all is revealed.

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

Yes. I've listened to,all of his performances as Brunetti. He is always superb.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Could have listened but it was possible to put it down. It wasn't as riveting as some earlier books by Leon but it was very well written and I hope Brunetti continues to keep Venice safe.

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3 people found this helpful

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

Dedicated Donna Leon fan

This is one of her best in the series. Fans of the opera, Tosca, will love it.


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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Disconnected

I am disappointed in this story. I found it disjointed and floating. I have heard many of Donna Leon wonderful books through Audible and always enjoying the easy and realistic flow through her books I found myself confused throughout of this story not a pleasant reading experience.

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2 people found this helpful

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

brilliant

loved it...listened while shoveling snow and doing chores...time flew by and all the chores are done

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2 people found this helpful

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

pedantic

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

a writing teacher might be impressed with the minutia of descriptions.

What was most disappointing about Donna Leon’s story?

Failure to develop the main characters and failure to achieve interesting minor characters.

What does David Colacci bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's just good.

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

boredom

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2 people found this helpful

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

The ending is as dramatic as Tosca

This story is full of intense suspense. Flavia is revisited as a much more relatable character than before. She is in Venice to sing Tosca. Sra Elettra almost gets into trouble. Vianelli has a new experience. Alvise becomes very useful. Scarpa is his usual annoying self. Pata is the same vacuous idiot we love to hate. But, the story is the main thing. It is so interesting and detailed. But it is easy to follow. It is natural that the real threat is not revealed till near the end. And the climax is in the last few minutes and is a nail-biter. Even though you know it will (probably) turn out alright, you will still be on the edge of your seat.
Much of my enjoyment of this story was because i had become so familiar with the characters from previous books that I was able to feel very invested in what happened to each of them. I definitely think this is a series worth reading in order.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Simplified plot, lovely atmosphere

Donna Leon's plot in this latest novel is much simplified from the usual complexity of having 3 or 4 simultaneous storylines. This novel involves the stalking of a famous opera star, and the descriptions of the back-stage atmosphere are particularly well done. It's always lovely to be in the company of Brunetti and his family.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Bene

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

If you've read other Leon books you won't be disapointed

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Shows the story-telling abilities of Leon

What aspect of David Colacci’s performance would you have changed?

Nothing - A fine performance

Do you think Falling in Love needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Possibly, more insight into Guido's friends

Any additional comments?

It was refreshing to have and strong and intelligent victim

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1 person found this helpful