Publication
AudioGO (2011), Edition: Unabridged, 1 pages
Original publication date
1994
Collections
Genres
Subjects
Awards
Deutscher Krimi Preis (1997)
Description
Commissario Guido Brunetti's hopes for a refreshing family holiday in the mountains are once again dashed when a gruesome discovery is made in Marghera-a body so badly beaten the face is completely unrecognizable. Brunetti searches Venice for someone who can identify the corpse but is met with a wall of silence. He then receives a telephone call from a contact who promises some tantalizing information. And before the night is out, Brunetti is confronting yet another appalling, and apparently senseless, death.
User reviews
LibraryThing member cyderry
Commissario Guido Brunetti's mysteries third installment exposes several imperfections in Brunetti's nature -- some charming, some perplexing, all fascinating.
A man's body wearing a dress and new high-heeled shoes, beaten beyond recognition, is found in an area frequented by prostitutes. What
Guido notices that the shaving of the body doesn't appear to be expertly done which leads him to question if the victim was truly a transvestite. His own sensitivities make the Commisario question his prejudices as his investigation treads through the world of the demimonde. At the same time as Guido is struggling with his own bigotries he has to deal with his private satisfaction as his superior, Vice-Questore Patta, copes with the departure of his wife in the arms of a well-known pornographer.
Paola and the kids go off to vacation without Guido which necessitates the need for additional characters to interact with Guido so we are introduced to Signorina Elettra Zorzi, a new secretary/assistant. Supposedly the secretary to Patta, her abilities for computer hacking as well as contacts in the "outside" world bode a great future for this character.
The social observations at the end where the victim's widow states that no matter that it was proven that her husband was not a transvestite, he will always be remembered for being found dead in dress, makes the reader stop to think of what else Brunetti's future will comment on in society.
Again, a winner with Commisario Guido Brunetti.
A man's body wearing a dress and new high-heeled shoes, beaten beyond recognition, is found in an area frequented by prostitutes. What
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initially is thought to be a transvestite's violent death, slowly evolves into a tale of intrigue involving lawyers, fraud, money laundering and transvestitism.Guido notices that the shaving of the body doesn't appear to be expertly done which leads him to question if the victim was truly a transvestite. His own sensitivities make the Commisario question his prejudices as his investigation treads through the world of the demimonde. At the same time as Guido is struggling with his own bigotries he has to deal with his private satisfaction as his superior, Vice-Questore Patta, copes with the departure of his wife in the arms of a well-known pornographer.
Paola and the kids go off to vacation without Guido which necessitates the need for additional characters to interact with Guido so we are introduced to Signorina Elettra Zorzi, a new secretary/assistant. Supposedly the secretary to Patta, her abilities for computer hacking as well as contacts in the "outside" world bode a great future for this character.
The social observations at the end where the victim's widow states that no matter that it was proven that her husband was not a transvestite, he will always be remembered for being found dead in dress, makes the reader stop to think of what else Brunetti's future will comment on in society.
Again, a winner with Commisario Guido Brunetti.
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LibraryThing member Joycepa
3rd in the Commisario Brunetti series set in Venice.
In a field in Mestre, a small city just to the west of Venice on the mainland, in a field used by the most desperate type of prostitutes, a worker in an abbatoir discovers the body of a middle-aged man dressed in a cheap red dress and red shoes.
Because it’s August, and Mestre’s Questura is understaffed due to holidays and other misfortunes, Patta decides to “lend” Brunetti to the Mestre force to investigate the crime. Not that there’s much doubt in anyone’s mind what happened--something “gone wrong” in a transaction by the most despised of prostitutes, transvestites. Brunetti, who was supposed to go on the family’s annual vacation in the mountains, instead sees Paola, Chiara, and Raffi off at the train station, and returns to a hot, humid Venice--and Mestre--for this distasteful investigation. Before too long, Brunetti is less than convinced of the apparent motive for the murder; the investigation takes him further into the world of transvestite prostitution and those of the moneyed class in Venice who use their services.
In most of her books, Leon uses some social issue as a background for her plots, illuminating the less than pleasant aspects of Italian life--in this case, transvestites and the attitudes felt by most Italians towards them, attitudes that in many cases are utterly hypocritical. She does a good job of this without ever becoming preachy, letting the characters speak for themselves and showcase the situation. While I don’t think that Leon does as good a job on the same subject as Magdalen Nabb in her Marshal Guarnaccia series (The Marshall’s Own Case), it’s still a glimpse into that world.
Because Paola and the teenagers are off on vacation, this book does not have their strong contributions to the series, but that is more than made up for by the introduction of one of Leon’s great characters, the ineffable Signorina Elettra Zorzi. Nominally secretary to Patta, the pompous Vice Questore, Elettra in her debut appearance gives ample notice of the serene, sophisticated, highly talented computer hijacker role which she will expand in future books. The book is worth reading if just for the relish of her appearance. Patta plays an unusually large role in this book in a surprising way. We’re getting used to some of the more minor ones now, such as Sgt. Vianelli and his always off-stage wife Nadia who has found a second career as amateur investigator; all the minor characters lend strength to the series.
All in all, an excellent story, with the usual good plotting, fine writing, and strong characters. Highly recommended.
In a field in Mestre, a small city just to the west of Venice on the mainland, in a field used by the most desperate type of prostitutes, a worker in an abbatoir discovers the body of a middle-aged man dressed in a cheap red dress and red shoes.
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His face has been smashed in, making him virtually unidentifiable.Because it’s August, and Mestre’s Questura is understaffed due to holidays and other misfortunes, Patta decides to “lend” Brunetti to the Mestre force to investigate the crime. Not that there’s much doubt in anyone’s mind what happened--something “gone wrong” in a transaction by the most despised of prostitutes, transvestites. Brunetti, who was supposed to go on the family’s annual vacation in the mountains, instead sees Paola, Chiara, and Raffi off at the train station, and returns to a hot, humid Venice--and Mestre--for this distasteful investigation. Before too long, Brunetti is less than convinced of the apparent motive for the murder; the investigation takes him further into the world of transvestite prostitution and those of the moneyed class in Venice who use their services.
In most of her books, Leon uses some social issue as a background for her plots, illuminating the less than pleasant aspects of Italian life--in this case, transvestites and the attitudes felt by most Italians towards them, attitudes that in many cases are utterly hypocritical. She does a good job of this without ever becoming preachy, letting the characters speak for themselves and showcase the situation. While I don’t think that Leon does as good a job on the same subject as Magdalen Nabb in her Marshal Guarnaccia series (The Marshall’s Own Case), it’s still a glimpse into that world.
Because Paola and the teenagers are off on vacation, this book does not have their strong contributions to the series, but that is more than made up for by the introduction of one of Leon’s great characters, the ineffable Signorina Elettra Zorzi. Nominally secretary to Patta, the pompous Vice Questore, Elettra in her debut appearance gives ample notice of the serene, sophisticated, highly talented computer hijacker role which she will expand in future books. The book is worth reading if just for the relish of her appearance. Patta plays an unusually large role in this book in a surprising way. We’re getting used to some of the more minor ones now, such as Sgt. Vianelli and his always off-stage wife Nadia who has found a second career as amateur investigator; all the minor characters lend strength to the series.
All in all, an excellent story, with the usual good plotting, fine writing, and strong characters. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member CathyWoolbright
This is the third in Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti series, although the second I have read. I enjoy the way she follows Brunetti throughout the investigation in detail, giving us insights into his professional actions as well as his human reactions. Venice, Italy becomes a character in the
This is more of a procedural crime novel, we find out pretty early who is involved and follow Bunetti's efforts to pull in the net around the purpotrators.
The crime in this book is quite brutal, the motivations involving corruption and greed in the upper echelons of society.
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book, which for me was quite interesting as it gives the native Italian's view rather than the guidebook picture perfect view. All of her characters are drawn with looks and gestures, speech and sighs such that they become almost three dimensional. Brunetti's family is brought in to add another dimension to his life and it was interesting to see him as family man, going to market, loving his family and then facing the gruesome details of his profession. Quite a juxtaposition.This is more of a procedural crime novel, we find out pretty early who is involved and follow Bunetti's efforts to pull in the net around the purpotrators.
The crime in this book is quite brutal, the motivations involving corruption and greed in the upper echelons of society.
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LibraryThing member TadAD
Another pleasant adventure with Commissario Guido Brunetti. A nearby town calls Brunetti in to investigate the corpse of what is apparently a transvestite found lying near the industrial district, a common hangout for the sex trade.
I enjoyed this one even more than the last (Death in a Strange
Three books in and this series is still one I recommend—they are getting better as they go.
I enjoyed this one even more than the last (Death in a Strange
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Country). The story felt more like a mystery, whereas the last one felt a bit more like a political treatise. This is not to say that Leon doesn't provide some commentary on social issues in this episode. In this one, she turns her attention to the condition of prostitutes, particularly male prostitutes, and transvestites in Italy. As usual, there is a fair degree of cynicism about Italian authorities and social conventions as Brunetti works to resolve the case in spite of them.Three books in and this series is still one I recommend—they are getting better as they go.
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LibraryThing member Talbin
In Dressed for Death, third in Donna Leon's Brunetti series, Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the murder of a man, found in a field, dressed in a red dress with red stiletto heels. The man had been beaten, his face crushed beyond recognition. At first, everyone - including Brunetti - assumes
Once again, Leon has woven a tale that combines a good mystery with a bit of social commentary. Here the commentary is about prejudices against transvestites and homosexuals. Brunetti finds himself confronting his own biases toward both groups. In a subplot, Vice-Questore Patta (Brunetti's self-absorbed and politically inclined boss), finds that his wife has run away with Italy's master of porn. Throughout the book, Leon is gently prodding her readers to think about various issues of sex, scandal and gossip.
Another good installment in the Brunetti series.
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that the man was probably a transvestite prostitute, and the killing because something has gone wrong in an fairly commonplace - but distasteful - transaction. However, as Brunetti digs deeper, he discovers connections with some well-placed people in Venice society, people trying to cover up both their potentially scandalous activities and the ever-present corruption that seems to thread its way through Italian society.Once again, Leon has woven a tale that combines a good mystery with a bit of social commentary. Here the commentary is about prejudices against transvestites and homosexuals. Brunetti finds himself confronting his own biases toward both groups. In a subplot, Vice-Questore Patta (Brunetti's self-absorbed and politically inclined boss), finds that his wife has run away with Italy's master of porn. Throughout the book, Leon is gently prodding her readers to think about various issues of sex, scandal and gossip.
Another good installment in the Brunetti series.
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LibraryThing member sjmccreary
The 3rd book in the excellent Commissario Guido Brunetti series set in Venice, Italy, this book opens with the discovery of the body of a prominent local banker dressed in a red dress and red high-heeled women's shoes and dumped in a field in an area frequented by prostitutes. Brunetti's
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investigation forces him to look closely into the normally hidden world of homosexual prostitution, transvestites, and men who like boys. A world that seems to populated by several prominent, and married, men. Add to this a possible scandal involving a well-known but little understood charity, and stifling summer heat that has Brunetti's family taking refuge in the cool mountains while he is forced to cancel his vacation and stay behind in the city. The result is a fast-paced and intense investigation where the bodies seem to be piling up faster than the clues. Show Less
LibraryThing member porch_reader
This is the third in the Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery series. The series just keeps getting better. In this book, the mystery is very well plotted, with plenty of twists and turns. Brunetti continues to be one of my favorite characters in mystery fiction - an incredibly smart detective with a
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gentle way of interacting with others. I am especially fascinated by his relationship with his wife Paola. Leon spoils her readers with beautifully written prose and weaves Venice into the novel like another character. Plot, character, writing, setting - Leon's books could serve as a how to guide for excellent mystery writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
Another great episode of Commissario Guido Brunetti and his crew as they solve the murder of an alleged transvestite prostitute, and the criminal activities of a large non-profit involved in the murders. This is the 2nd of the series, and in this one we meet the Senorina Electra, Brunetti's
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secretary and admin assistant extraorinaire. More great scenes of Venice, and the surrounding area. More wonderful tempting descriptions of Italian eating , and a well developed plot with great characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Audio book performed by David Colacci
Commissario Guido Brunetti’s plans for a family getaway to the mountains are waylaid when a body is found, the face so badly beaten as to be unrecognizable. What is clear, however, is that the man was a transvestite, and probably a prostitute. Or was he?
I love
Commissario Guido Brunetti’s plans for a family getaway to the mountains are waylaid when a body is found, the face so badly beaten as to be unrecognizable. What is clear, however, is that the man was a transvestite, and probably a prostitute. Or was he?
I love
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Guido and this series of mysteries set in and around Venice. Brunetti is methodical and unflappable; he understands the Italian bureaucracy, and how to get around it. Not a man who suffers fools gladly, he prefers to use his brains to outwit the bad guys, but isn’t above using some brawn when called for. Colacci’s performance on the audio is great, bringing this quiet hero to life. Show Less
LibraryThing member ritaer
A frustrating investigation of anonymous male corpse in female clothing leads to a clever racket created from a religious charity. Interesting view of Venice and Italian politics.
LibraryThing member BooksForDinner
Always well written and always the best family-relationship-dynamic scenes. Brunetti is my new favorite detective.
LibraryThing member ccayne
Great audio. Characters overshadow the mystery which is fine with me
LibraryThing member reader68
This Commissario Brunetti murder mystery reads as if it were the first one in the series. The dead man was investigating rent fraud at his bank. The man behind it all, Santomauro, escapes with censure for mismanagement and misconduct. As excellent as ever.
LibraryThing member tangledthread
Working my way through the Commissario Brunetti mysteries and enjoying the series tremendously. Guitto Brunetti does not have the dark, brooding nature of so many fictional detectives. Instead he has a loving marriage and a happy home life.
This one dealt with transvestites and a money laundering
This one dealt with transvestites and a money laundering
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scheme through what is supposed to be a housing program for widows and orphans. Body count hit 4 by the end of the story if I was counting correctly. There wasn't quite as much scenery of Venice in this one as in the last one, [Death in a Strange Country]. Show Less
LibraryThing member lucybrown
Engaging detective and romantic setting. The mystery angle was a bit on the easy side to figure, but intelligently written and, at times, witty. My only real qulam was that Inspector Brunetti struck me as a bit too naive for a man in his line of work.
LibraryThing member lucybrown
Engaging detective and romantic setting. The mystery angle was a bit on the easy side to figure, but intelligently written and, at times, witty. My only real qulam was that Inspector Brunetti struck me as a bit too naive for a man in his line of work.
LibraryThing member cameling
An earlier one in the Commissario Brunetti series, we are introduced to smart and beautiful Elettra in this one. A body is found in a field behind a slaughterhouse, the person so violently beaten that there is no face to identify the person who later is found to be a transvestite. Without an
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identity and with just an artist's rendition of what the person might look like based on part of his facial structure and hair, Brunetti and team visit the red light districts of Venice to try their luck interviewing the prostitutes. The biggest challenge he has is finding a motive for the victim's murder and he takes us along with him on this puzzling journey as he interrogates, annoys and generally makes a few important people in the city nervous. Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
The Commissario is called out to investigate the death of a possible transvestite prostitute. His methodical approach soon finds a deeper motive for the murder. Unfortunately, the are several other deaths that occur as part of a coverup for a serious embezzlement scheme. Thwarted by the political
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connections of the primary suspect, all seems lost. But, then? Narrated well. Show Less
LibraryThing member lucybrown
Engaging detective and romantic setting. The mystery angle was a bit on the easy side to figure, but intelligently written and, at times, witty. My only real qulam was that Inspector Brunetti struck me as a bit too naive for a man in his line of work.
LibraryThing member majkia
I'm enjoying the unique Venitian outlook on life, love and death. And I love his family. It wasn't very LGBTQ friendly, this episode, but not because of our hero, but rather the attitudes of others, so that made that bearable.
LibraryThing member diana.hauser
Dressed for Death is Book #3 in Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery series.
“Commissario Guido Brunetti’s hopes for a refreshing family holiday in the mountains are dashed when a gruesome discovery is made in Marghera - a body so badly beaten that the face is completely
Tenacious, hard-working Commissario Brunetti is, of course, the star of this series. But the city of Venice is a major character in its own right.
A new character is introduced, Patta’s new secretary, Elettra Zorzio. She is a welcome addition.
The language, the culture, the endless food and drink, the glimpses of Italy, good mysteries - a series excellent for reading. ****
“Commissario Guido Brunetti’s hopes for a refreshing family holiday in the mountains are dashed when a gruesome discovery is made in Marghera - a body so badly beaten that the face is completely
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unrecognizable. Brunetti searches Venice for someone who can ID the corpse but is met with a wall of silence.”Tenacious, hard-working Commissario Brunetti is, of course, the star of this series. But the city of Venice is a major character in its own right.
A new character is introduced, Patta’s new secretary, Elettra Zorzio. She is a welcome addition.
The language, the culture, the endless food and drink, the glimpses of Italy, good mysteries - a series excellent for reading. ****
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LibraryThing member AnnieMod
Back to reading the early books from the series. The story sounded familiar but I was not sure if I had read it before or had seen an episode based on it - I discovered Brunetti via the German series, not via the books. As it turns out, I've read the book in 2012 so there were flashes of "oh, I
It is a hot summer, everyone is on vacation so when a body is found next to a slaughter house in Mestre, Brunetti is sent to investigate. Meanwhile in the Questura in Venice, Patta is in a bad mood - not only his wife left him but she left him for a man who everyone knows - and not in a good way. And while Patta is trying to find a way to discredit the lover, Brunetti's vacation need to be delayed and/or cancelled - a murder takes priority.
Except that almost noone wants to really work the case - the man was dresses as a woman so everyone is ready to just call it an unfortunate incident and move on - transvestites are making Italian men uncomfortable, transvestite whores make things even worse. Even Guido has some weird thoughts, voiced only at home to Paula - which as usual serves to make him reexamine his thoughts.
The deeper Brunetti digs, the more it starts looking like the case is not as straight-forward as it appeared to be - things do not add up. And this is where I have no idea how much of what was getting obvious comes from how Leon wrote the story and how much was my memory serving me snippets from 9 years ago. A murder getting tied to corruption is nothing new in this series so I was not surprised that this is where the story went - if anything, this is a lot more likely in Leon's Venice than anything else.
And this is the novel where Signorina Elettra Zorzi makes her first appearance. The later novels cannot exist without her so her being the new character was a bit unusual. She is a lot more muted than in later novels but she still shows her ability to find information.
The end got me - I definitely did not remember the very end of the novel. I did not expect it - the novel looked finished and yet, it fits perfectly.
Another good entry in the series - and I am happy I revisited it.
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know where this is going" but not enough to spoil the pleasure of the novel. It is a hot summer, everyone is on vacation so when a body is found next to a slaughter house in Mestre, Brunetti is sent to investigate. Meanwhile in the Questura in Venice, Patta is in a bad mood - not only his wife left him but she left him for a man who everyone knows - and not in a good way. And while Patta is trying to find a way to discredit the lover, Brunetti's vacation need to be delayed and/or cancelled - a murder takes priority.
Except that almost noone wants to really work the case - the man was dresses as a woman so everyone is ready to just call it an unfortunate incident and move on - transvestites are making Italian men uncomfortable, transvestite whores make things even worse. Even Guido has some weird thoughts, voiced only at home to Paula - which as usual serves to make him reexamine his thoughts.
The deeper Brunetti digs, the more it starts looking like the case is not as straight-forward as it appeared to be - things do not add up. And this is where I have no idea how much of what was getting obvious comes from how Leon wrote the story and how much was my memory serving me snippets from 9 years ago. A murder getting tied to corruption is nothing new in this series so I was not surprised that this is where the story went - if anything, this is a lot more likely in Leon's Venice than anything else.
And this is the novel where Signorina Elettra Zorzi makes her first appearance. The later novels cannot exist without her so her being the new character was a bit unusual. She is a lot more muted than in later novels but she still shows her ability to find information.
The end got me - I definitely did not remember the very end of the novel. I did not expect it - the novel looked finished and yet, it fits perfectly.
Another good entry in the series - and I am happy I revisited it.
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LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
Commissario Guido Brunetti and his family are set to go on a vacation in the mountains, to get away from the heat and humidity Venice is experiencing. When an expensive, fire engine red high heel is found in an abandoned field, next to the abattoir, plans change. The family will go on, but Brunetti
The body is dressed in a bright red dress and lacy underwear and there is no identification. Whores work this area and that is the first thought. Things change a bit, when the body is found to be male. Is it a transvestite? And why the brutality of the murder?
Brunetti finds himself in a world where things may not always be what is seen. Secrets are the norm and people don’t give up information easily. Brunetti makes contact with a source of possible information, only to find another murder when he arrives at the meeting.
Threads tied to financial dealings, players in the upper levels of society and the legal world — all players with a lot to lose if their secrets become known.
I enjoy this series. Brunetti is one who looks for little things for the details. He thinks about how things could be related and doesn’t just rush to the solution.
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will not. A body was found near that shoe.The body is dressed in a bright red dress and lacy underwear and there is no identification. Whores work this area and that is the first thought. Things change a bit, when the body is found to be male. Is it a transvestite? And why the brutality of the murder?
Brunetti finds himself in a world where things may not always be what is seen. Secrets are the norm and people don’t give up information easily. Brunetti makes contact with a source of possible information, only to find another murder when he arrives at the meeting.
Threads tied to financial dealings, players in the upper levels of society and the legal world — all players with a lot to lose if their secrets become known.
I enjoy this series. Brunetti is one who looks for little things for the details. He thinks about how things could be related and doesn’t just rush to the solution.
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LibraryThing member waldhaus1
A murder victim is initially identified as a transvestite whore. As Brunetti investigates he begins to wonder if things aren't what they seem.
The investigation focuses on possible misuse of a charitable organization and calls on Brunetti to act the tough cop more then in past stories. Leon kept
The investigation focuses on possible misuse of a charitable organization and calls on Brunetti to act the tough cop more then in past stories. Leon kept
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this reader guessing maintaining a good level of suspense while still sharing a visit to Venice with the reader. Show Less
LibraryThing member jetangen4571
Venice, law-enforcement, murder-investigation*****
This is my first foray into the world of Commissario Brunetti but it certainly won't be the last! The only difference in the police work from other law enforcement areas id that it is all by water and not by roadways. Otherwise, policework is much
This is my first foray into the world of Commissario Brunetti but it certainly won't be the last! The only difference in the police work from other law enforcement areas id that it is all by water and not by roadways. Otherwise, policework is much
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the same everywhere and this book is a fine example of due diligence in a murky social sphere. Well written and I loved it! Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1609986059 / 9781609986056
Physical description
1 p.; 5 inches
Pages
1