Death in a Strange Country

Death in a Strange Country (1993) Donna Leon

A body if found in the canal and all signs point to it being an American.

‘Ah, that could be it,’ the doctor said. ‘An American.’

‘What?’

‘Why he’s in such good shape,’ Rizzaldi answered… ‘That might explain it. They’re always so fit, so healthy.’ Together, they looked at the body, at the narrow waist that showed under the still open shirt.

‘If he is,’ Rizzaldi said, ‘the teeth will tell me.’

‘Why?’

‘Because of the dental work. They used different techniques, better materials. If he’s had any dental work done, I’ll be able to tell you this afternoon if he’s American.

Odd, the things that set people apart.

In this story, we finally get to meet Vianello, but still no Signorina Elettra. Soon, I hope, because she’s one of my favorite characters.

Of course, we still have Patta.

‘Brunetti,’ he began. ‘I’d like you to step down to my office for a moment.’

‘Immediately, sir,’ Brunetti answered, bulling yet another report towards him, opening it, and beginning to read.

‘I’d like yo uto come now, not “immediately”, Commissario,’ Patta said, so sternly that Brunetti realized he mist have someone, someone important, in his office with him.

I’ll warn you, there is no happy resolution to this story. Those who least deserve it are the ones who are punished.

Despite that, it’s still a very good story.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Penguin Books

 
 

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