About Face

I liked this book, but take note that it doesn't move quickly and it's not just a detective mystery. Leon's detective Guido __ solves the case but along the way one is treated to a view of Italian life, specifically Venice. A good deal of time is spent on Guido's family with sharp dialogue with his wife, who is a gem, kids and in-laws. The narrator is top notch and his performance makes it a delight to listen to.

The pace of this book requires adjustment from readers who are used to the hectic rhythms of, say, Michael Connelly and other writers whose procedurals take place in L.A. or New York. So much time is given to the nuances of interaction between characters of differing social class, regional backgrounds and levels of intimacy that it begins to feel a little sleep-inducing. But the plot is gripping and the action, when it comes, is shocking and touching. And although the atmosphere abounds with leisure, books, and camomile tea, the view of life presented is as bleak and hard on the human spirit as anything in Harry Bosch's world.
I am happy to learn that this is part of a long series and I plan to listen at leisure.

Listening to Donna Leon's books transports me from midwest Kansas to the Italy I have visited and vacationed in. The narration and narrative are both excellent. This is the fifth book I have listened to that David Colacci has read. I think he is a perfect match for the text.

This is one of very few instances where I still prefer the book-reading to the book-listening experience. Donna Leon's series is wonderful, and "About Face" is a good example of it. But the narrator fails to convey the warmth of the characters and the constant essence of Venice that add so much to the mysteries.

Great story, and as usual, narrated very well by David Colacci. Lots of great visuals in this one: the woman with the strange face, the interior of a waste-holding metal structure, and the steps of the Venice casino. Very affecting ending, for me, totally unexpected.