Book review - "Dressed for Death" by Donna Leon

I really enjoyed Donna Leon’s Dressed for Death, which I picked up years ago in Puerto Vallarta.  Of the past few books I’ve read, this is one series I might continue to read.

Set in Venice, Commissario Guido Brunetti is called to investigate a body of a man found in Maghera, a short distance from Venice.  The murder is particularly gruesome since the victim’s face has been bashed in so viciously, he cannot be identified.  Also, he is dressed in women’s clothing and wearing make-up. Hence the title.

At first, Brunetti suspects he is one of the male prostitutes who frequent some of the less-reputable areas of Venice, but the victim is older and not as fit as the young men who ply that trade. His investigation is frustrated by lack of leads and an upcoming vacation with his family.  He must complete the investigation before he can join his family. 

Then another body is discovered.

The book was published in 1994 so computer technology was not as advanced as today, so it was interesting to be reminded how much technology has come in the past twenty years.  But attitudes in the novel seem to be before their time.  Brunetti and most of his fellow officers seem open-minded toward homosexuality and transvestites.  Don’t misunderstand me.  Late twentieth-century Italy has its share of homophobia but it was not a major issue in the story, considering the subject matter.

I look forward to reading more of Leon’s work.

4 ₤ out of 5