So Shall You Reap

Commissario Brunetti Mysteries, Book 32

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: David Colacci

In the thirty-second installment of Donna Leon’s bestselling series, a connection to Guido Brunetti’s own youthful past helps solve a mysterious murder

On a cold November evening, Guido Brunetti and Paola are up late when a call from his colleague Ispettore Vianello arrives, alerting the Commissario that a hand has been seen in one of Venice’s canals. The body is soon found, and Brunetti is assigned to investigate the murder of an undocumented Sri Lankan immigrant. Because no official record of the man’s presence in Venice exists, Brunetti is forced to use the city’s far richer sources of information: gossip and the memories of people who knew the victim. Curiously, he had been living in a small house on the grounds of a palazzo owned by a university professor, in which Brunetti discovers books revealing the victim’s interest in Buddhism, the revolutionary Tamil Tigers, and the last crop of Italian political terrorists, active in the 1980s.

As the investigation expands, Brunetti, Vianello, Commissario Griffoni, and Signora Elettra each assemble pieces of a puzzle—random information about real estate and land use, books, university friendships—that appear to have little in common, until Brunetti stumbles over something that transports him back to his own student days, causing him to reflect on lost ideals and the errors of youth, on Italian politics and history, and on the accidents that sometimes lead to revelation.

©2023 Donna Leon (P)2023 Recorded Books

Donna Leon in Her Prime

This is Donna Leon's take on gay issues, and one that makes me happy to support her writing efforts.

David Colacci's narration is perfect, as always.

So Shall You Reap

I enjoyed listening to this book while i was at work. The story line is intriguing and fun.

Great Mystery.

Awesome book and we'll read! I enjoy the entire series. I highly recommend this book.

Great story and presentation.

I have enjoy all of the Guido Brunetti series and this story does not disappoint. Donna Leon has a way of drawing one into the Venetian life and environment that adds to the story without actually adding to the storyline itself thus making the story seem more real. Although I acknowledge her criticism of the Catholic Church’s failures, as a lifelong Catholic, I have a different understanding of my faith that separates the underlying principles of the faith from the flawed humans that have lead the church in through it history. I find the agnosticism displayed by Guido and his wife actually add to how compelling the relationship play out, giving texture to the stories. Wry good book, weary good performance. I can’t wait for the next book of this series!

A slow development

The story develops very slowly and it takes many chapters for Donna Leon to set the premise for the plot and the crime. I always enjoy the historical background she provides. Again, as is often the case, justice is not fully served. David Colacci is as always, excellent.