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A Refiner's Fire

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Commissario Guido Brunetti returns with a gripping and powerful case about the murkiness of power and a test of loyalties.

When two teenage gangs are arrested after clashing violently in one of Venice’s campi, the son of a local hero is implicated. But when Commissario Guido Brunetti is asked by a wealthy foreigner to vet this man, Monforte, for a job, he discovers that Monforte might not be such a hero after all.

This seeming contradiction, and a brutal attack on one of Brunetti’s colleagues by a possible gang member, concentrate Brunetti’s attentions. Soon, he discovers the sordid hypocrisy surrounding Monforte’s past, culminating in a fiery meeting of two gangs and a final opportunity for redemption.

A Refiner’s Fire is Donna Leon at her very best: an elegant, sophisticated storyteller whose indelible characters become richer with each book, and who constantly interrogates the ambiguity between moral and legal justice.

©2024 Donna Leon (P)2024 Penguin Audio Crime Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedurals Emotionally Gripping

Critic reviews

One of the best European novelists around (Amanda Craig)
All stars
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I wait impatiently each year for the new Brunetti. I devour it as soon as it is released. Then I’m left devastated with only a few glimmers of hope about the state of humankind… and with a long wait for next year’s book. I wanted more Paola in this outing, much as I love Griffoni and Signorina Elettra. Leon’s signature gift for bleakness mixed with comfort remains potent. I’ve never visited Venice but I feel I know it already through her loving but undeceived eyes.

An annual essential, does not disappoint

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I adore Brunetti, so he always stands out as thoroughly portrayed in the novel. A more important role for Claudia Griffoni was welcome too.
The appalling corruption- which I am certain is true - made me shiver

Another remarkable story from Donna Leon

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very boring, so disappointing. too much pointless description and a weak story. not a patch on the other novels.

I found the book difficult

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Very much lacking in the observation of Venetian life and Brunetti’s family life which have made previous books so engaging. Even Signora Elettra is not her usual self! The plot was rambling and not gripping, with few interesting characters. May be time to end this series….

Far from the best Brunetti book, not a good plot, dull in every way

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I have enjoyed all the Donna Leon - Brunetti this tale was a great disappointment ….
hang up your badge and enjoy a retirement…

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