Death at La Fenice

Commissario Brunetti Mysteries, Book 1

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: David Colacci

A conductor succumbs to cyanide at the famed Venice opera house, in the first mystery in the New York Times-bestselling, award-winning series.

During intermission at the famed La Fenice opera house in Venice, Italy, a notoriously difficult and widely disliked German conductor is poisoned—and suspects abound. Guido Brunetti, a native Venetian, sets out to unravel the mystery behind the high-profile murder. To do so, he calls on his knowledge of Venice, its culture, and its dirty politics. Along the way, he finds the crime may have roots going back decades—and that revenge, corruption, and even Italian cuisine may play a role.

“One of the most exquisite and subtle detective series ever.”—The Washington Post

“A brilliant writer . . . an immensely likable police detective who takes every murder to heart.”—The New York Times Book Review

©2022 Donna Leon (P)2022 Recorded Books

Narration is slow and labored.

Story is ok, not particularly interesting.

Narration is ponderous, uninteresting.

I don’t get why this audio got such good reviews.

Decent story

I'm glad I read a different Donna Leon book first, because if this was the first, I wouldn't choose to read another. The story was good, but drawn out. There was far too much detail, and I love everything Venetian! It could have been trimmed of some of the detail.

The narrator was excellent!

Compelling story and performance

Enjoyed the story, many layers and twists and turns—in a good way. This author was recommended to me and this is the first time I’ve listened to any of their works. I’ll definitely be looking for the rest of the titles in this series!

Incredibly Sad Mystery

The mystery was interesting and the performance was well done. However every part of the story was based on various kinds of sexual deviancy. Each instance and the corresponding result was heartbreakingly sad. I did not find it entertaining to listen to or think about.

Enjoyed this Story

I enjoyed this book. I am sure I will listen to more by the author. I thought the narrator was very good.

Briliantly read, and a subtle and wonderfully thoughtful novel

A friend told me about the author, Donna Leon, and so I downkoaded this, her first novel in the Guido Brunetti series. I was blown away by the careful, subtle, and wonderfully thoughtful style of her writing as she unfold the story. Amazing descriptions as she's builds the narrative. And the reader was truly wonderful and did justice to the story. Great narration. He really brings these characters to life.

Another stunning addition to de Leon’s series

I have enjoyed at least six of Dr Leon’s Venetian police procedurals. This may be my favorite. The large cast of characters, both central and minor, are beautifully crafted, as as are the minute steps taken to the humane solution taken by her always thoughtful and intelligent central character, Commissario Guido Brunettiti.

Set in the rarified world of high opera, the apparent murder by cyanide poisoning of the greatest living conductor of opera draws us into the life of a man whom is both worshipped by opera fans and, we gradually learn, worthy of the hatred of many who knew his darkest secrets, past and present. The list of suspects grows as we learn his hidden past—going back as far as his Nazi involvement before and during WWII, his treatment of sopranos and other females over five decades, his attitudes towards homosexuals and lesbians, and his life with his three wives and families.

Brunetti’s methods of questioning suspects and tangentially connected individuals uncovers the truth at the end and, as shocking as it is, it is also fascinating and inevitable.

Another story that reveals as much about Brunetti’s character as it does about the mystery. A true pleasure and another excellent reading by a gifted narrator. Most highly recommended.

Ponderous

An interesting story with backstage scenes at the opera. But the writing is ponderous and needs editing. This probably contributes to the poor performance.

Guido Brunetti #1

It took me a while to finally find the audio edition of Death at La Fenice / Donna Léon. I have now listened to all 31 currently available, with #32 due March 14th!

Superlative Performance

My first book by Donna Leon. The narrative was excellent - now a fan. Ottima Scrittura!