Unto Us a Son Is Given
Shortlisted for the Gold Dagger
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4.1 • 49 Ratings
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
'Atmospheric, clever, witty and amusing. If I were only allowed to read one crime series again it would be that of Donna Leon.' The Times
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
SHORTLISTED FOR THE CRIME WRITERS ASSOCIATION GOLD DAGGER AWARD
As a favour to his wealthy father-in-law, the Count Falier, Commissario Guido Brunetti agrees to investigate the seemingly innocent wish of the Count's best friend, the elderly and childless Gonzalo, to adopt a younger man as his son. Under Italian inheritance laws, this man would become the sole heir to Gonzalo's substantial fortune, something which Gonzalo's friends, including the Count, find appalling. For his part, Brunetti wonders why they're so intent on meddling in the old man's business.
Not long after Brunetti and Gonzalo meet, Gonzalo passes away. Old and frail, his death goes unquestioned, until one of his closest confidantes is strangled in her hotel room after sending an email about the adoption. To find the killer and solve a murder most foul, Brunetti must rely on his instincts which lead him to untangling long-buried secrets from Gonzalo's past.
'Leon's novels are unshowy and imbued with the humanist outlook that makes Brunetti such an appealing character.' Sunday Times
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Italy's inheritance laws figure prominently in bestseller Leon's sobering 28th Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery (after 2018's The Temptation of Forgiveness). The Venetian policeman is asked by his father-in-law, Count Orazio Falier, to check out Attilio Circetti, Marchese di Torrebardo. The count's best friend, Gonzalo Rodr guez de Tejeda, proposes to adopt Circetti and make him the heir of Gonzalo's considerable estate. As little is known about the prospective adoptee, and Gonzalo's wealthy siblings are alarmed by their aged relative's intention, the count suspects that his friend may be subject to other forces besides affection. Though Brunetti's respect for both the charming Gonzalo and his wise father-in-law places him in an awkward position, he agrees to investigate. When Gonzalo dies, followed swiftly by the murder of one of his oldest friends, it seems clear to Brunetti that Gonzalo's plans have set a nefarious plot in motion. Leon provides a sad reflection on the devastating impact of selfish desires on innumerable lives.
Customer Reviews
Unto Him A Son Is Born
Donna Leon is back to telling an elegant story with great plot development and narrative arc in this complex but compelling book. (Donna Leon’s previous book, The Temptation of Forgiveness felt rushed and careless and lacked the warm family scenes that appear again in this new book).
Once again, it feels like you are walking beside Commissario Brunetti as he solves this latest mystery with the help of his treasured colleagues, Vianello and Senorina Eletra,even as he basks in the arms of his cheeky kids and patiently loving wife Paolo.
If you, like me are an avid follower of Donna Leon,having read all her previous books, you will be instantly and joyfully caught up in this, her most recent Brunetti tale. I highly recommend this book to all, Leon fans or new readers who enjoy crime fiction, set as always in the ever changing Venice.