My friend Ford runs a theological bookstore in Germany, so whenever I see him I’ll ask what he’s been reading lately. Often I get answers that are way beyond my comprehension (this is a man who once translated museum displays of the Dead Sea Scrolls for me). But just as often he’ll suggest a book that makes me smile and ask, “Really? You read that?”

Death at La Fenice: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery is just such a book. It’s a simple pleasure book, an escape from reality for a few hours. And it is pure fun. Well written, great character development, and a mystery that is just wild enough to hold your attention but not an over-the-top circus act.

The book is set in Venice. A renowned Maestro is found dead in his dressing room, poisoned by cyanide. Guido Brunetti, the vice-commissario of police and a brilliant detective, is called in to find the murderer. Brunetti is the main character throughout the book and you follow the story through his eyes. Later books by Leon develop Brunetti and follow his exploits, much like all great mystery writers do.

This was a fun book. I’m actually surprised that I’ve never heard of it before, so I’m thankful that Ford mentioned it to me. Grazi, Herr Munnerlyn!