By its Cover: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

I love the way Leon writes but this latest effort ismuch more a novella than a novel. Too short, not nearly enough character development....too simplistic of a plot...but I live Brunetti so I will keep reading the series. I just hope Leon puts forth a better effort in the next book.

Guido is among the most intelligent and charming of policemen around today. Enough atmosphere and detail so that you can smell Venice, and enough leisurely crime without the usual grisly details so you can comfortably read this before bedtime. I'm other words, a joy as always.

Donna Leon always writes a good book, one in which the setting is as big a component as any character. She can talk anyone out of moving to Italy, focusing on the corruption rather than the charm. This book is good with the same sympathetic people readers already know. But the story seems rushed and not just that abrupt ending.

You move to Venice in her novels and never regret it. Comissario Brunetti is a fascinating melange of astute mind, loving father and husband, and a man of principle in a system that has few of them. The plot is well written and the end is a total surprise. Never think that you know who is guilty.

It was very interesting to see that the Germans adapted the Donna Leon mysteries to film. I have read all of her novels and loved the characters so seeing them was interesting. The German Brunetti did appear as I envisioned him but some of the other characters did not seem to fit with the descriptions in the novels. All in all a good adaptation and a lot of fun to watch and see Venice.

The background info is excellent, and explains the cultural as well as literary nuances. The only criticism I would have is the entire solution occurs in the last 20 pages. Yes, there is somewhat of an evidence trail, but not much.

Will I read more Donna Leon/Brunetti? You bet!

As usual, the biggest complaint of Donna Leon's books is that they end too soon. It always seems t5hat there is more to say and talk about. One cannot get enough about Brunetti or Venice. A great read. There are few loose threads I would have liked to see resolved and maybe the solution is a bit slick and contrived. But it is still a fun book

With the last few projects not involving the Commisario the recent efforts are wanting. Now Brunetti is back. Too bad the children and his wife aren't more in evidence. Leon sure knows her books but the story drags a bit regarding the story line. After all this is supposed to be a mystery. The plot doesn't get pushed to the front until the middle of the book. By then many readers might have written this effort off as another of her latest efforts. Bring back Elletra! Bring back Patta, and most of all give us another good mystery filled with the romantic scenes of Venice. Also Florians isn't all that bad!

I do not praise lightly, expecting a great deal from those chosen to be published. The Brunetti series never disappoints, but this is sterling. The author seems so relaxed as she tells the tale with a confidence that comes from knowing precisely where she's going with it. Loved it. More, please.

Big fan of the series. With this one, though the plotting was capable as always and the focus on thievery in the world of precious books a nice twist, there was not enough of the personal details (food, drink, Guido/Paola interaction, etc.). To me, these are the elements which elevate these mysteries above the crowd.

I agree with other reviewers -- the story ends abruptly and leaves some loose ends. I enjoy the Guido Brunetti series, but I was disappointed in this book. Perhaps Donna Leon needs a vacation? Or had to make a deadline for contractual obligations? I'm relatively new to the series. Maybe I'll start reading more of the older books.

I am a Commissario Brunetti fan, and love anything Leon writes, but this book is deeply into ancient books - their titles and contents, values etc. the entire plot revolves around them. Some people may possibly find it all too much for them, they're not that interested in libraries and rare books. She ends the book in an ambiguous way which I found unsatisfying. But she writes in her usual fantastic way, and explores thoroughly the worldwide problem of theft from public buildings, which is rampant. It really raises your awareness, which was her intent of course.

Another good Guido Brunetti story with all the references to places in Venice that I have been to and remember fondly. I have read all of the series and this was like sitting down with an old friend. In addition to all that, the mystery part keeps you guessing until the end but the human interaction is the main draw to this series in my opinion. Very enjoyable.

The story lines are very well written. Venice as a place of great history and unique problems and culture make the story interesting and unusual image the issues of a library and museum of ancient tomes in a place where moisture is an issue as well as thieves and then murder. Well done.

The premise to this mystery is interesting and certainly within the realm of probable crimes, however, this is one of the least developed of the Brunnetti series. I love the series, although "By its Cover" left me somewhat unsatisfied. I have come to expect truly delightful human stories from Leon, and she almost always meets my expectations. Regardless, I did enjoy the book.

Most liked: characters
Fully developed, compatible, getting to know them more with each book, becoming comfortable reading their stories
Leon is excellent storyteller in my opinion
And of course being in Venice
Let us go for cafe near the canal

I liked the book. It is different from the others as it started out about books before the murder. I thought the book ended abruptly. I was waiting for more to happen. The same policemen were in it. And the head of the library was very cooperative. I was disappointed that more was not done with the so called "American/Mafia" man. I will read the next one.

usual leisurely pace story with great characters. Abrupt ending though. Did Donna need a holiday.? think maybe I will look for new authors. But I do like the Venice background and indication that for corruption in Europe the Italians are doing their best to get to Numero Uno.

I have been reading this series since the beginning. I am catching up on the three most recent books. Although there is a formulistic quality apparent (gripes against tourists, gentrification, Patta, et.all.) I would sorely miss Donna Leon's Venice, if she stopped writing about it. This latest book keeps hope alive.

Donna Leon always inspires me to do additional research and reading. Brunetti and Paola are great people to pretend to know. Some of those he has to deal with are less so, but always vivid and three-dimensional.

Donna Leon did it yet again - an engaging, somehow comforting Brunetti mystery about the usual topics - greed, violence, pathos, love, charm. I keep thinking that she can't pull it off again, but she does. Old friends of the the series and new readers will be equally entertained.

This is a polished and well-crafted new mystery with Guido Brunetti being as competent and successful as always. Brunetti becomes a little more phisophical with each new story: his love of history and his knowledge of the Italian political scenario add interesting background to the story. Donna Leon never disappoints and "By Its Cover" is right up to her usual high standard.

It was the usual and wonderful Commissario Brunetti mystery. Donna Leon is a master of her craft. As usual we have the lovely family meals in the background. I think what I appreciate most is the lack of gory details. Even when there is a bloody murder you are never too"freaked" by the details. Quick read too!

Leon's humane and human Commissario Brunetti, a dedicated family man, struggles within a corrupt system to solve crimes while living up to his ideals of justice. The atmosphere of Venice developed by Leon is the perfect setting for these mysteries. A delightful read!

Donna and Guido: a winning combination with room for Paola,the children,and his colleagues at the station. I am never unsatisfied and the last page of the last chapter is unfailingly a shock and a surprise that you had not thought to conclude by not concluding.

An interesting and educational plot. The story is overshadowed by the very fine personal details about Brunetti, his extended family and staff. As always Venice itself is a star. I wish maps were included in the books.

So typically poetic of Leon. The serenity of Venice intertwines with the tension of crime to create another complex tapestry revealing Brunetti's understated investigative technique. Leon's none-too-subtle references to the ethical dichotomy of Italian justice reveal the contradictions of good and evil while leading us to a most satisfying ending.

Then of course you have to read the latest installment, but the flavor of Venice seems less, and the infinitesimal emotional adjustments of characters during their conversations seems to dominate the story. The mystery was more reminiscent of last year's THE JEWELS OF PARADISE (sans Brunetti) than the earliest volumes of the perfectly compelling Brunetti series.

I'm always surprised how long Donna Leon lived in Venice since she finds so many problems with the government and other administrations. However, her sense of place is so perfect that her stories can be an augmentation to a travel book.
Commissario Brunetti is a charming and intriguing main character as are his wife, children and co-workers.

I'm always surprised how long Donna Leon lived in Venice since she finds so many problems with the government and other administrations. However, her sense of place is so perfect that her stories can be an augmentation to a travel book.
Commissario Brunetti is a charming and intriguing main character as are his wife, children and co-workers.

Love the Guido Brunetti series integrating Venice architecture, geography and food details into a police mystery -- usually with many facets. This mystery was lighter than most, focusing on book theft, but still well worth the time.

An excellent Brunetti but it does end rather abruptly. Many clues were scattered about early but not wrapped up. Still it is vintage. Read it if you liked the other Brunetti books. There's good stuff here just not enough of it.

I have read all of Donna Leon's commissario Guido Brunetti books, have enjoyed them all, and this latest one, "By Its Cover, " doesn't fail. In this book, the compelling characters take precedence over the descriptions of Venice, it's food, and the public issues of the day. In the end, though, the gripping story is what makes this book a page turner.

Donna Leon is the finest police procedural author currently writing in English. Since "Drawing Conclusions," the Brunetti series has entered a very rarified realm, one that Paola Brunetti would appreciate and that only Nicolas Freeling and a few other crime writers have reached in this century: Her books are as human, as subtle, and as insightful as Henry James.

This Brunetti story took a while to get going but was quite a good read if you like a fairly slow pace. The rather laid back Venice police force is in great contrast to other countries. The story line was predictable but pleasant.

Very poor storyline. It almost reads as though D. Leona has run out of ideas.

It is really not very good - some better editing would have helped.

I would actually give it about 2 1/2 stars.

Although not much of a standard mystery (as there were not many characters introduced), Leon's writing is a tremendous pleasure in and of itself. And, of course, the characters she has created are so wonderful that reading about them is like visiting old friends.

There is something about this series that grabs me. It is a mystery to be sure but the mixture of culture, history and food pulls me in every time. The characters are some of my favorites-strong women and interesting men.