So Shall You Reap

The torture murder of an undocumented Sri Lankan immigrant, whose body was dumped in a Venice canal, drives bestseller Leon’s enjoyable 32nd outing for Commissario Guido Brunetti (after 2022’s Give unto Others). The man had been living in a converted garden home behind a decaying palazzo, where Brunetti had met him the day before. Brunetti was inquiring whether the palazzo owned by a university professor was for sale. With no official record the man even existed, Brunetti taps into Venice’s gossip chain and the memories of longtime residents to investigate. He comes to suspect that the death may be related to Italy’s complicated history and politics. Along the way, Brunetti is reminded that Venice is basically a small town where “everyone... knows something about everyone.” Brunetti’s respect for his squad, coupled with his detectives’ regard for him, plays a major part in the crime solving, while the portrait of his strong marriage and solid relationship with his family serves to reinforce his beloved character. As usual, the rich backdrop of Venice complements the well-designed plot. Leon shows no signs of losing steam. Agent: Susanne Bauknecht, Diogenes Verlag (Switzerland). (Mar.)