Two American women are left on a dock at a hospital - Brunetti has some really trying detective work to find the killer. Donna Leon keeps this series interesting and challenging

Leon’s Commissario Brunetti series is an easy one to jump in and out of. Each book stands alone well. Yes, reading them in order would probably give you a fuller picture of how the characters change, or don’t change, over time, and let you meet new characters when they’re introduced. I don’t feel like I’ve missed much by skipping around.

As always, Transient Desires take place in Venice. The city is almost a character in and of itself. The city is full of both beautiful, old architecture and dark, dangerous alleys. It relies on tourism, but Venetians are contemptuous of the tourists. The picture of Venice is very vivid, which is a part of this series that I always enjoy.

This time, the mystery starts with two young American women left severely injured outside a hospital. Finding out who the men were that dropped them off is easy enough, but leads to a much bigger situation, one that requires cooperation among law enforcement agencies. There is often social commentary and contemporary issues in the Brunetti books, and this one is no exception, Brunetti is not solving puzzles in a bubble, the politics, social structures, prejudices, and other crimes all affect his investigations.

My one complaint is that the book ended rather abruptly. I could do with a little more wrapping up. Other than that, it was an enjoyable book. The plot kept moving, the characters feel real, and visiting Venice is always a joy.

Leon has returned us to Venice in her latest atmospheric mystery. There is a multilayered plot that kept me intrigued throughout and I loved following along on Brunetti’s latest investigation. This series is like an old friend that I love to visit with.
Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Guido Brunetti, beloved protagonist of the series bearing his name, is back in the 30th installment, Transient Desires by bestselling author, Donna Leon. Brunetti and his partner Claudia Griffoni, are investigating the case of two American girls who were injured (one seriously) and dropped off at a hospital by two young Italian men. The investigation leads to something much bigger, and Brunetti and Griffoni are up against almost impossible odds. The investigation becomes dangerous, and Brunetti must bring in other branches of law enforcement.

Leon is famous for setting her scenes in Italy and doing such a good job that readers actually feel they are there. Anyone who has been to Italy will agree that her stories are spot on as far as the country and culture. She is also a master storyteller, and her stories tend to keep readers on the edges of their seats. This novel is no exception and the scenarios are plausible and fascinating.

Everyone who reads Leon’s novels loves Brunetti, and always welcomes a new installment of this excellent series. Her novels always include building suspense, believable scenarios, plenty of Italian cultural nuances including references to Italian food, and a surprise ending. Most readers won’t have any idea what the dénouement will include, but will read as quickly as possible - maybe stay up too late – to find out what happens next. While everything in the story led up to a great ending, getting to the end was exciting, and while readers had their suspicions as to what was going on, it wasn’t certain until the book was finished.

One again, Donna Leon has not disappointed, and Transient Desires is definitely worth reading and savoring.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This is the 30th book in this excellent series. I just started reading the series with book #28 and have really enjoyed those I have read. Commissario Guido Brunetti works well with his colleague Commissario Claudia Griffoni to solve whatever crimes are thrown their way. Guido also has a wonderful relationship with his wife Paola. The characters and the Venice setting make the series a delight and even though I found it late, I’m glad I discovered it.

This book starts out dealing with a case of a boat accident but turns into something much more sinister. Brunetti has to tread carefully in looking into the crimes because of the connections of the suspect and because he has to reach out to law enforcement officials outside his office, so he doesn’t know who he can trust. The plot of the book is complex and intriguing and the many details about life in Venice are spectacular, but I don’t care for the book's grim, very abrupt ending which brought down my overall enjoyment of the book. There should have been one more chapter or at least an epilogue to wrap up the dramatic, violent events in the last scene. As it was, I was left confused and disappointed. I have given this book four stars, but it’s probably more like 3.5 because of the ending. This isn't my favorite of the three Leon books I've read, but is still well-written and intriguing.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Grove Atlantic. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

I received a free ARC of this from the publishers via NetGalley, in return for an unbiased review. This is the 30th Brunetti book, which is quite remarkable really. This one starts out with two women being left on the dock outside A&E, but it’s really the story of how one of the men is connected to some trafficking via his brutal uncle. There was a little less of Brunetti’s historical and literary musings - though maybe more philosophical ponderings - but Brunetti remains a favourite character of mine. Shame Vianello wasn’t very present this time - maybe next book?

I may be getting tired of the somewhat prissy Venetian Commissario Brunetti. In the latest installment he delves into and manipulates the psyche of his suspects while wondering about the fragility of the young. He can’t help drawing parallels with his own children and is forever perplexed. He admits shame for judging a colleague by a mere accent and then weaves it into a larger complexity of bigotry which can deprive a population of friendship and the hope of common humanity.

Interesting how so many arguments popped up about oblique things supported by tangential facts used in justification of almost anything. How did he miss “the coronation of the non sequitur?” And precisely what does that have to do with the crime at hand? What indeed - no answers here.

OK, Brunetti is still reading the classics, Tacitus in this case and promulgating trusting only “the unvarnished truth.” Another parallel, more obscurity. But it makes Brunetti more interesting, more fallible, just a slightly bit more fussy but never less perceptive. Clarity comes from listening and understanding the concept and hopelessness of “a love that dared not speak its name”.

Then the alienation, the confrontation, the last page and dang where is the ending? I kept turning the page but there were no more words.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for a copy.

Hard to believe I’ve joined Guido Brunetti and author Donna Leon for three decades on their annual and always entertaining Venetian mysteries. In Transient Desires, two young American women, severely injured in a boating accident, abandoned on the dock of the hospital, is the linchpin of this episode. The young Italian men who left them are pursued and interrogated but Brunetti realizes there is much more to this case. Guido’s colleague, Claudia Griffoni, actively plays a key role in the investigation.
During the course of the investigation Brunetti meets with the Captain of the Carabinieri on nearby Guidecca and the commander of the Guardia Costiera, the Venetian Coast Guard. Both are crucial participants in the case..
Personal relationships between Brunetti and his family and the vivid atmosphere of Venetian street life, snacks at cafes, canals and bridges have always served to make the humanity and reality of these novels a delight. I particularly enjoyed Guido’s meetings at the Café Nico in Dorsoduro because I’ve enjoyed gelato there on my last Venetian visit.
Piece by piece the more sinister crime and perpetrator is revealed; the story briskly proceeds to a rousing Laguna chase and somewhat violent conclusion.
A fast moving mystery with engaging characters and a few well-placed humorous dialogs and scenes. Highly recommended.

After 30 volumes, Guido Brunetti is getting older, like the Venice he lives in. He’s a little slower, but his outlook on life is just as unique as it’s always been. As usual, he gets involved in a case that develops into something else. Something unexpected and horrible. I’m always surprised at the affection that I have for these characters, which may have something to do with the love that they feel for each other. Be it Guido’s friendship with Griffoni, his respect for Signorina Elettra or his understated but strong love for his wife and children, I love reading about it. I normally don’t like slower plots in which the characters go into their own head, but I enjoy being in Guido’s mind. The ending is both poignant and devastating.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Grove Atlantic!

This was a brilliant read from cover to cover. I have read all of the Brunetti books and feel this is one of the best. A few reviews have commented on the ending - I felt it was the perfect ending which we were being carefully led towards from the outset. It left me satisfied as a reader but as always with Leon already wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next book.

Leon paints a picture of a surface of Venetian beauty with many dark currents swirling beneath. We feel Brunetti’s love for his home but also his despair at the corruption, suspicion and deceit which is part of everyday life. I feel privileged getting to glimpse into the lives Guidi and Paola and feast at their dinner table. My household also love when I am reading ‘A Brunetti’ as we eat Italian dishes every night.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and intrigue, Italian food and/or a great read!

Another winner by Donna Leon.

In this mystery, Brunetti is investigating an accident that left two American tourists in the hospital. He and his colleagues investigate the two young Venetian men who dropped off the tourists at the hospital. During his investigation, he discovers possible criminal activities. The characters, plotting and scenery were all wonderful. The reader could see the villainy of the criminals in the novel.

We walk with Brunetti along the canals of Venice in Italy. I can smell the espresso while reading the novel..

CW: There are some scary moments in the book. Mention of human trafficking. Mention of physical abuse.

A fabulous installment in the ever reliable series that makes one want to book a trip to Italy and visit the places so wonderfully described in the book. Setting and atmosphere make one search out a bowl of pasta and a bottle of wine.

One of Commissario Guido Brunetti’s superiors Signorina Elettra hands him a case to look into: two young American women were found injured and lying unconscious on the wooden dock outside the Emergency Room of the Ospedale Civile in the early hours on Sunday morning. One of the women had been badly beaten and the other had a broken arm. Though Brunetti had read about the case earlier from the local paper. An interesting detective story. Would recommend
Thank you to Donna Leon, NetGalley, and Grove Atlantic for the ARC of this book

Another excellent book in the Brunetti series, just what I needed to take me back to Venice in these lockdown times.

All the familiar characters are there plus a couple of new ones. The part that affected me the most was when Griffoni slips back to her Neapolitan roots and Guid's reaction to it. A real mind opener.

My only slight complaint is the abrupt ending - everything is tied up, but I'd have liked a little more final reflection...

Transient Desires is Donna Leon’s thirtieth (!) book about Guido Brunetti. What an accomplishment to have kept a series fresh over so many novels..

In thinking about this title, I concluded that it is a story of place and character, as compared to a classic mystery. There are people good and bad, those with and without morals, those who get caught up in situations with difficult consequences, vicims, various types of love and more. Venice is also critical part of this story. Areas of the city that were new to me were in this book as were the canals, cafes and tourist sites along, of course, with Brunetti’s home.

My favorite of all of the people in this novel is Brunetti. His desire to do right, his willingness to apologize when wrong, his trying to help others and his love of lunch and Paola (his wife) all play their part.

The plot is not dense. Two young girls are injured and left at a hospital. The story goes from there as it impacts a number of others.

If you are going to be a new reader of Brunetti, start at the beginning with Death at La Fenice. All other Leon fans welcome our Commissario back! Now I just have to wait for #31.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I think this is the best Donna Leon book of the 30 in the series with Brunetti. The story begins with two unconscious American girls who have been left on the dock behind the Ospedale Civile hospital in the middle of the night. Fortunately for them, someone went out for a smoke and found them. One has serious head injuries, and the other an arm broken in two places. The security tapes show that they were delivered from a boat at 2:57am. The tapes also show the two men dropping them off, and the men were soon identified as Filiberto Duso and Marcello Vio who have been close friends since university. Duso's father is a prominent lawyer, and Vio lives with and works for his uncle in a transport business on the Giudecca. Brunetti calls them to come talk to him and Griffoni at the Questura. It turns out that Vio is also injured (he has a broken rib), and that the injuries of all three were because of a boating accident in the middle of the night. The boys thought they would get help at the hospital and Vio was very worried about his uncle's reaction to the accident.

Brunetti is curious about the reactions of the two boys, and keeps talking, especially with Duso, who seems a little more forthcoming. He uses Elettra's clever computer skills to find out more about Vio and his uncle, and he also contacts both the Carbinieri and the Guardia di Costiera. Brunetti with his usual perspicacity and empathy talks with Captain Nieddu, who knew of human trafficing rumors. Gradually, Brunetti gathers information, and everything leads to the great suspense and excitement of the final chapter, which ends very suddenly!

This 30th entry in the Brunetti series seemingly gets off to a slow start. Guido is concerned about weight gain(how could he avoid it with Paola's cooking), aging and retirement.
The report of two young, badly injured, American women being lifted from a boat and dumped at the rear of a hospital, catches his interest even though the incident doesn't fall under his jurisdiction.
The guilty parties are quickly identified and what seems to be
an accident followed by poor choices leads to a more complicated investigation of a sinister crime ring.
Brunetti ultimately faces the results of his own decisions during the investigation.
Some may feel the book ends abruptly and the action does.
What ethical and moral questions Brunetti faces will impact future entries in this long- running series.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of Transient Desires, the thirtieth novel to feature Venice’s Commissario Guido Brunetti.

The delivery of two injured young American women to the dock of the local hospital intrigues Brunetti. He discovers that they were injured in a boating accident, but is further intrigued by the behaviour of the young men who delivered them and this leads him to a much more serious crime than failure to report an accident.

I thoroughly enjoyed Transient Desires and I’m not quite sure why because not much really happens until the action packed finale which ends abruptly with no explanation. I didn’t mind the not much happening part as it consists of Guido’s thoughts and reasoning, his wily ways of ferreting out information and so much interesting information on Italian life. It held my attention throughout, even his rather snobbish intellectual reading habits, which I know nothing about, were interesting for the perspective they offer on his personality, moral, fair, curious and slightly old fashioned. I wasn’t so keen on the abrupt ending and would have liked to know the repercussions of what happened, but maybe it’s indicative of the tone of the novel in that it means Brunetti doesn’t have to examine his conscience for acting out of character and against many of his professed beliefs.

I think it is interesting that the author could produce such an absorbing novel from such a slight, albeit promising, premise. It certainly took a different direction from the one I expected. As ever it depends on Brunetti’s instinct and curiosity, prompted by hearsay, gossip and an unerring ability to put it all together. At times I find the ways of Italian officialdom, their nods, winks and networking, frustrating but I have no doubt that it is a true depiction and Brunetti knows how to work it. This gives the novel a will of the wisp feel with little by way of hard, tangible facts.

Transient Desires is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I have had the time, and the luxury, of working through the entire series of Brunetti detective novels authored by Donna Leon. And thanks to NetGalley I just received, and completed reading, the latest Venice, Italy Brunetti story entitled “Transient Desires.” The outline of this 30th Guido Brunetti: two young American women have been injured in a boating accident on the Laguna while enjoying an evening of partying. The event appears as a simple accident but Brunetti suspects a more nefarious explanation after interviewing the two men in charge of the boat ride.
By virtue of reading the entire series the past several years one can conclude that I enjoy the series, the writing, and Venice so finely drawn that I believe I can see the canals, smell the canals, and perhaps even float on the Laguna. “Transient Desires” did not draw me in as strongly as most of Ms. Leon’s previous efforts. Having written that, I still highly recommend this book since one does not wish to miss any chapters in the life of Brunetti’s families, both at home as well as his work family. Enjoy traveling to Italy (metaphysically) during this worldwide pandemic time!

It's amazing that Leon's long-running series is still delivering such thoughtful entertainment. This one has an interesting structure as an accident and its consequences lead to the tracing of a terrible crime.

The Brunetti family are all as adorable as ever but there's perhaps less of Patta and Signorina Elettra than usual. The ending is uncharacteristically action-packed... and yet ends abruptly - it feels like a wrap-up chapter is missing. Still, head and shoulders over most crime fiction.