Donna Leon: Earthly Remains, Grove Atlantic US Edition, 9780802126474, hardback, April 2017, (UK Edition Heinemann, 9781785151354, hardback, April 2017), German edition not announced yet  

When I get my hands on a new Donna Leon, I know I have guaranteed reading joy ahead. Not only will I be immersed in the life of Commissario Brunetti and his family, but I will be in Venice in spirit, reading about mouthwatering food and great sites, Venetian grandezza, corruption & murder.  “Earthly Remains” is no exception, I loved every moment of reading, and I particularly enjoyed this novel set mostly on one of the Venetian islands.

The usually calm and diplomatic Commissario Brunetti loses his cool during an investigation involving the famous Ruggeri family on a hot July day ending in hospital. Diagnosed with exhaustion, sick of dealing with the nastiness of his job, he is given 3 weeks sick leave. Paola Brunetti decides the best place for him to recuperate is in her Aunt Constanza’s house out on Sant’Erasmo Island where Brunetti can enjoy a swim, rowing and reading in perfect solitude. The caretaker of the house, Davide Casati, picks him up and once Brunetti has settled in, the two men find themselves enjoying daily rowing excursions out on the laguna.  Brunetti learns that Casati has beehives placed on many of the smaller islands, something he has found purpose in after his wife’s death. Rowing, being out on the sea and enjoying Davide’s friendship soon restore Brunetti. When Casati goes missing during a bad storm, Brunetti joins the marine search party the islanders and police embark on. His new friend’s death leaves Brunetti badly shaken and he begins asking questions looking into what does not seem like a clear cut cause of death to him.

I will not reveal more as it would spoil your reading fun.  As always I felt really sad when I was finished reading.  Donna Leon – thank you for giving me the pleasure of reading your new book!!!