Falling in Love

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: David Colacci

Donna Leon's Death at La Fenice, the first novel in her beloved Commissario Guido Brunetti series, introduced listeners to the glamorous and cutthroat world of opera and one of Italy's finest living sopranos, Flavia Petrelli - then a suspect in the poisoning of a renowned German conductor. Years after Brunetti cleared her name, Flavia has returned to Venice and La Fenice to sing the lead in Tosca.

Brunetti and his wife, Paola, attend an early performance, and Flavia receives a standing ovation. Back in her dressing room, she finds bouquets of yellow roses - too many roses. Every surface of the room is covered with them. An anonymous fan has been showering Flavia with these beautiful gifts in London, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, and now Venice, but she no longer feels flattered.

A few nights later, invited by Brunetti to dine at his in-laws' palazzo, Flavia confesses her alarm at these excessive displays of adoration. And when a talented young Venetian singer who has caught Flavia's attention is savagely attacked, Brunetti begins to think that Flavia's fears are justified in ways neither of them imagined. He must enter in the psyche of an obsessive fan before Flavia, or anyone else, comes to harm.

©2015 Donna Leon (P)2015 Recorded Books

Slow tempo

Though I enjoy other Donna Leon’s Brunetti novels, this one seemed slow, even padded in places. It’s not just the opera lore, which I enjoyed, but other stuffing too. The ending, however, almost compensated.

Bene

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

If you've read other Leon books you won't be disapointed

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Shows the story-telling abilities of Leon

What aspect of David Colacci’s performance would you have changed?

Nothing - A fine performance

Do you think Falling in Love needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Possibly, more insight into Guido's friends

Any additional comments?

It was refreshing to have and strong and intelligent victim

The ending is as dramatic as Tosca

This story is full of intense suspense. Flavia is revisited as a much more relatable character than before. She is in Venice to sing Tosca. Sra Elettra almost gets into trouble. Vianelli has a new experience. Alvise becomes very useful. Scarpa is his usual annoying self. Pata is the same vacuous idiot we love to hate. But, the story is the main thing. It is so interesting and detailed. But it is easy to follow. It is natural that the real threat is not revealed till near the end. And the climax is in the last few minutes and is a nail-biter. Even though you know it will (probably) turn out alright, you will still be on the edge of your seat.
Much of my enjoyment of this story was because i had become so familiar with the characters from previous books that I was able to feel very invested in what happened to each of them. I definitely think this is a series worth reading in order.

Simplified plot, lovely atmosphere

Donna Leon's plot in this latest novel is much simplified from the usual complexity of having 3 or 4 simultaneous storylines. This novel involves the stalking of a famous opera star, and the descriptions of the back-stage atmosphere are particularly well done. It's always lovely to be in the company of Brunetti and his family.

A thrilling book with the life of Opera as a backdrop from start to finish!!

Donna Leon does it again! A thrilling mystery with a window to the life of an opera singer. Amazing!