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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780142004968
ISBN number: 0142004960
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 416
Printing Date: August 31, 2004
Publishing house: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Release Date: August 31, 2004
Sale Popularity Level: 17661
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Product Description:
Donna Leon’s growing American fan base is hungry for more of the books from her internationally bestselling series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Now in what many consider one of the finest in the series, Venice braces for the onslaught of acqua alta—the rising waters from torrential rain. But Brunetti has his own problems, beginning with the savage beating of an old friend. When a man’s body is discovered, Brunetti must wade through the chaos to solve one of his deadliest cases. Full of marvelous plot twists, Acqua Alta is a chilling addition to Donna Leon’s addictive series.
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Rated by buyers 
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First Sentence: Domestic tranquility prevailed.
Commissario Guido Brunetti sees the report of an assault on a woman he'd met during a previous case. Art historian Dotoressa Brett Lynch, staying with her lover, opera diva Flavia Petrelli, is in Venice to meet museum curator, Dottor Semenzati regarding ancient Chinese pots that had been on display in his museum but, when they arrive back in China, Brett finds some of them to be fake.
The men who assaulted her warn her not to meet with Semenzati. Later, Semenzati is found murdered at the museum and Brunetti's case has escalated.
From the opening page, I was completely hooked into this story. There is very good action and suspense, with an unforgettable climax.
Leon's depiction of the characters and their relationships is so well done. I love Brunetti's interactions with his family, his boss, Patta, and the remarkably resourceful Signorina Elettia.
Leon's descriptions of people and places gave me the feeling of being there, particularly during the scenes of "acqua alta," the high tide during the winter rains that causes Venice to flood.
The story includes information on art history and authentication which informs without detracting from the story. This may be my favorite book of the series, so far.
Rated by buyers -
Yet nother delightful visual mystery by Donna Leon. Letting us peek at the secrets of Venice while telling us a mind grabbing tale. Thanks again Ms. Leon
Rated by buyers -
Among the very first four books in the Guido Brunetti series, I was annoyed by the tendency to create mysteries whose solution led to powerful patrons who were able to cover up for themselves so that there was essentially no justice done. I was very pleased to see that Ms. Leon downplayed that theme more in Acqua Alta than in the prior four books. Here, at least, there's some poetic justice.
Venice is always a major character in these novels, but in Acqua Alta it would be fair to say that Venice becomes the main character. If you have only been to Venice during the sunny summer days when the tourists flock there, you'll learn about a Venice you didn't know existed -- one where floods make planning the simplest trip quite a challenge. But flooding isn't merely there for background texture; it's a critical element of the story.
The actual mystery is pretty straightforward: Brett Lynch answers the door to her home in Venice and is beaten by two men who order her not to keep an appointment with the head of Venice's main museum. Since Brett is wealthy, the police assume the motive is robbery . . . even though nothing is taken. Because Brett is a lesbian makes the police less interested. But the all-seeing Signorina Elletra tips off Commissario Guido Brunetti that this "robbery" needs his personal touch.
Brunetti learns that Brett had contacted the museum head about three ceramic fakes that had been sent back to China after an exhibition of ancient Chinese artifacts. He promises to snoop around. Vice-Questore Patta very first orders Brunetti off the case . . . until the mayor calls to say that he wants answers for his friend, Brett.
Two of the most interesting aspects of the case involve a background look at the worlds of obsessive collectors and of opera divas.
The investigation proceeds pretty quickly and easily, much facilitated by Signorina Elletra's remarkable ability to gain information that shouldn't be available to her. In this book, we also find out a little more of why she left a great job to work for the police.
You'll also get an inside look at some of the stresses and strains of a lesbian relationship where the two lovers are pulled in different directions by their careers and interests.
The weakest part of the story comes at the end when Brunetti finds himself needing to ride to the rescue. His willingness to cut corners seems a little far fetched.
In addition, this book involves a little more violence against women than is to my taste. If that sort of thing bothers you, you won't like this book as much as I did.
The good news is that the mystery of who beat up Brett and why aren't the main appeals of this story: The lives of those under siege from the winter floods are.
Enjoy!
Rated by buyers -
This is only the second Commissario Brunetti book I've read, and Acqua Alta is vastly superior to the other (Through a Glass, Darkly). I should admit that I didn't read either for their "mysteries," but rather to enjoy their depictions of the various unique levels of Venecian culture that Guido slogs through.
And herein, he really is slogging; the "acqua alta" (high tide) of the book's title is omnipresent, flooding walkways and forcing detours. I believe I can safely guarantee that no reader has seen a book with more mentions of umbrellas, rubber boots, and drinking on the job as this one.
I did a bit of slogging myself when I came to Acqua Alta's "Scooby Doo" ending. The less said about it, the better, perhaps. I prefer to remember this entertaining book for its wry humor, flavorful characters, and well-depicted setting. This is a terrific airport read, all the more so if the airport in question is near Venezia.
Highly Recommended: Andrea Camilleri's excellent crime novels set in Sicily, for example The Terra-Cotta Dog.
Rated by buyers -
I love Donna Leon's series. Aqua Alta gives you a glimpse of life in Italy and in the sinking city of Venice as well as a mystery. Its a quick read great for traveling.
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