Donna Leon: Trace Elements, 9781785152443, Heinemann (Penguin Random House UK), C Format Paperback

It is always wonderful to escape to Donna Leon’s Venice without actually leaving the house which felt especially precious right now since we do not know when we can actually physically enjoy our next trip to Italy or Venice again. Unusual times, sigh….

“Trace Elements” starts with Commissario Guido Brunetti and his colleague Claudia Griffoni being called to a hospice as a dying woman wants to tell them about some bad money her deceased husband was involved in. Additionally Vice Questore Patta becomes obsessed with Roma pickpockets in Venice and the damage this might cause to the city’s reputation. These are in general the two plots running through the novel which is definitely more on the quiet, philosophical and reflective side.  It takes a long time and many pages before gears are set in motion by Commissario Brunetti to unravel the crime behind the dying woman’s last words. Justice can be a two sided sword as Brunetti becomes painfully aware  as can be guilt and responsibility in this complicated case.

I was not overly thrilled with this plot unlike her last novel,  “Unto us a son is given”, which I could not put down.  But as usual Donna Leon’s storytelling skills of Venetian and Italian life are impeccable and always a joy to read.