Beastly Things

A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery, Book 21

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: David Colacci

When the body of man is found in a canal, damaged by the tides, carrying no wallet, and wearing only one shoe, Brunetti has little to work with. No local has filed a missing-person report, and no hotel guests have disappeared. Where was the crime scene? And how can Brunetti identify the man when he can’t show pictures of his face?

The autopsy shows a way forward: It turns out the man was suffering from a rare, disfiguring disease. With Inspector Vianello, Brunetti canvasses shoe stores, and winds up on the mainland in Mestre, outside of his usual sphere. From a shopkeeper, they learn that the man had a kindly way with animals. At the same time, animal rights and meat consumption are quickly becoming preoccupying issues at the Venice Questura, and in Brunetti’s home, where conversation at family meals offer a window into the joys and conflicts of Italian life. Perhaps with the help of Signorina Elettra, Brunetti and Vianello can identify the man and understand why someone wanted him dead.

As subtle and engrossing as ever, Leon’s Beastly Things is immensely enjoyable, intriguing, and ultimately moving.

©2012 Donna Leon (P)2012 AudioGO Ltd.

Maybe my favorite so far

I just want to live in these books -- in this place, among these people. I feel like Brunetti, Paola, the Brunetti kids, Signorina Elettra, Vianello, even, heaven help me, the vain and shallow Patta, are all my friends. I love the beautiful world of Venice -- to tourists an exotic destination, to those who live there, a beloved and maddening small town sinking under the weight of its global fame. Donna Leon evokes all the charm and bella vita of daily Italian life while unsparingly portraying the modern-day troubles and corruption that afflict the city, the country, and, in many cases, the world.

Beastly Things takes its place among my favorite Leon/Brunetti novels. The last scene of the funeral attended by the veterinarian's devoted clients and their pets, and presided over by the priest who eulogizes the sanctity of the human-animal bond, just slayed me (to use a term appropriate to the slaughterhouse setting of the novel).

I simply refuse to listen to any Brunetti book not narrated by David Colacci. Period, the end.

Commissario Brunetti Is Still On The Job

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I'd recommend it because I just love all the stories about Commissario Brunetti. The descriptions of Venice just make the storyline even better. Probably wouldn't be as interesting if it took place somewhere else in Italy. It wasn't my favorite book in this series but it is still very readable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Commissario Brunetti, of course. He is always engaging, complicated, and cerebral. His affection for his wife and kids just make him a better detective although in this book he doesn't get to demonstrate his love for his family as much as he has in earlier books.

What about David Colacci’s performance did you like?

His performance was very good. He depicts the characters well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction. I thought the book was a little slow but still engaging.

Don't listen to this while you eat!

Would you listen to Beastly Things again? Why?

Yes, I love this series and the narrator is perfect. This story is the most recent I have read or listened to and the characters continue to evolve. I missed having more about the Brunetti family - those scenes are almost always my favorite in the books.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not this time. It was apparent to me fairly early on what the motive for the crime was and the likely murderer. I still enjoyed watching the unraveling.

Which scene was your favorite?

Favorite scene was the funeral very near the end. It brought a tear of compassion to my eye. It was a lovely and fitting tribute to the departed.

On the flip side, it was very difficult for me to get though the scene at the slaughter house. I am not sure why Brunetti felt they needed the complete tour - perhaps the author wanted to ensure she drove a few readers to become vegetarians.

Any additional comments?

If you have an idiot boss or work with well intentioned but incompetent colleagues, you will recognize the world of Guido Brunetti, even if you are not a commissario in the Venetian police. If you are as elegant, smart and clever as Signorina Elettra, well, I am simply envious beyond words!

Worth the credit

I have been fan of Leon for years and this book didn't disappoint! It is a solid Brunetti book. If you haven't read any of Leon's books I suggest you start with book one since it is a series where the characters (especially Signorina Elettra and Vianello) developing over time. If you have read Brunetti before and disliked his ending I will tell you that this one is more satisfying than usual.

I enjoyed the book

It did take me a bit to get into the book. I’m glad I stuck with it.

A poignant detective story

I love Donna Leon’s Inspector Brunetti series. They all express deep thoughts and observations but in many of them, justice is not served or falls short. This book does not disappoint. It is one of those rare instances where there is justice, at least, for the murdered man. Highly visual and descriptive, it ends beautifully evoking strong emotions. David Colacci narrates very well.

You'll never eat meat again

This was my first listen to a Guido Brunetti mystery, and for the most part, I liked it. It had just enough humor and diversity of characters, although they weren't very deeply developed..

The story was so-so, and would have been rather dull, were it not a potentially very real insight into our food chain. Everything is a business, so that's how sick and unfit animals get into the slaughterhouses and eventually onto our tables. Brunetti's laid-back approach and search for the truth seems to be a personal, not departmental, procedure. With all the bad press of Italian courts lately, This provides an interesting perspective.

The book wasn't "pithy", and a bit of a disappointment, in hindsight. It was relatively short, and had relatively little action. The main character is entertaining, but I think I'll wait awhile before I spend a credit on trying another of these books.

Good story, better reader

The Donna Leon is great, but David is even better, making the book come alive.

One of her best!

Loved it and especially loved that the bad people get consequences in this one! Great story!

Deeply sad

The agony and sadness of the murder of a good caring man because of greed. So slowly and humanly expressed