Aurelio Zen returns to his native Venice to investigate the disappearance of a rich American resident but he soon learns that, amid the hazy light and shifting waters of the lagoon, nothing is what it seems. As Zen is drawn deeper into the complex and ambiguous mysteries surrounding the discovery of a skeletal corpse on an ossuary island in the north lagoon, he is also forced to confront a series of disturbing revelations about his own life.
Dead Lagoon
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Review
"Surprisingly moving . . . a first-rate mystery and a fine novel."
--"Washington Post Book World"
"Dibdin's plot is as elegantly elaborate as the crisscrossing canals of Venice."
--"Newsday"
"The author has transcended his own superb craftsmanship by working [two] story lines into a structure of pure steel, and by making it the foundation of a serious study of modern-day Venice."
--"The New York Times Book Review"
--"Washington Post Book World"
"Dibdin's plot is as elegantly elaborate as the crisscrossing canals of Venice."
--"Newsday"
"The author has transcended his own superb craftsmanship by working [two] story lines into a structure of pure steel, and by making it the foundation of a serious study of modern-day Venice."
--"The New York Times Book Review"
"From the Trade Paperback edition." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
About the Author
Michael Dibdin was born in 1947. He went to school in Northern Ireland, and later to Sussex University and the University of Alberta in Canada. He lived in Seattle.After completing his first novel, The Last Sherlock Holmes Story, in 1978, he spent four years in Italy teaching English at the University of Perugia. His second novel, A Rich Full Death, was published in 1986. It was followed by Ratking in 1988, which won the Gold Dagger Award for the Best Crime Novel of the year and introduced us to his Italian detective - Inspector Aurelio Zen. In 1989 The Tryst was published to great acclaim and was followed by Vendetta in 1990, the second story in the Zen series. Dirty Tricks was published in 1991. Inspector Zen made his third appearance in Cabal, which was published in 1992. The Dying of the Light, an Agatha Christie pastiche, was published in 1993. His fourth Zen novel, Dead Lagoon, was published the following year. His next novel, Dark Spectre, was published in 1995. Two more Zen novels followed: Cosi Fan Tutti, set in Naples, was published in 1996 and A Long Finish was published in 1998. Blood Rain, the seventh Zen novel, was published in 1999. Thanksgiving was published in 2000, with the eighth Zen, And Then You Die, appearing in 2002. Aurelio Zen returned in Medusa, in August 2003, and then again in Back to Bologna in 2005. His last novel, End Games, was published posthumously in July 2007.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By taking a rest
HALL OF FAME
Format:Paperback
I have been drawn to this series as this is the fourth "Zen Mystery" I have read recently. For any readers new to these books all the installments are available except "Cabal", which Amazon shows scheduled for release next month. Nothing I have read so far has suffered from my out of sequence start, but as in any series there are references to prior events that would make the reader more comfortable with the history of the character, if known. The Author Michael Dibdin gives at least a sketch of what has happened if not the details, so starting with the most recent book, as I did, was still very enjoyable.
"Dead Lagoon" brings the protagonist back home, to the City of Venice, the Zen Family house, and a Venice in political turmoil that welcomes only those Venetians that meet their criteria. While this book continues the investigative mystery that is the core of these books, Mr. Dibdin coils a second plot line that is politically based in to the narrative. While it is not as distinct an element, the latter half of 20th Century Venetian History is also intertwined.
The subsequent books will tell, but I believe this is a turning point in the development of Aurelio Zen. As he has in the past he winds up in the middle of a crime, but the practical realities of right and wrong, are blurred by who the victim is, what childhood friends are involved, and other issues long thought to be laid to rest that come back to make Zen's world even more chaotic. And as in the other works, Zen is forced to deal with his Mother who has no use for anyone or anything, when her boy leaves her alone in Rome.
Different from the others I have read, but still very worthy of the time spent.
"Dead Lagoon" brings the protagonist back home, to the City of Venice, the Zen Family house, and a Venice in political turmoil that welcomes only those Venetians that meet their criteria. While this book continues the investigative mystery that is the core of these books, Mr. Dibdin coils a second plot line that is politically based in to the narrative. While it is not as distinct an element, the latter half of 20th Century Venetian History is also intertwined.
The subsequent books will tell, but I believe this is a turning point in the development of Aurelio Zen. As he has in the past he winds up in the middle of a crime, but the practical realities of right and wrong, are blurred by who the victim is, what childhood friends are involved, and other issues long thought to be laid to rest that come back to make Zen's world even more chaotic. And as in the other works, Zen is forced to deal with his Mother who has no use for anyone or anything, when her boy leaves her alone in Rome.
Different from the others I have read, but still very worthy of the time spent.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Cheryl M-M
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
As always Dibdins work is beautifully written. I think this Zen story is a bit of a slow burner though. It is almost as if the Aurelio the reader has gotten to know in Rome suddenly becomes the Aurelio from Venice. He is different, somehow more laid back and carefree. His actions seem less cautious and the ever so important female in his life is suddenly out of sight and out of mind.
This was a new side to Zen and I am not sure whether that was the intended course set by Dibdin or if it was just accidental meanderings.
It was an entertaining read with a solid set of characters and a strong story.
This was a new side to Zen and I am not sure whether that was the intended course set by Dibdin or if it was just accidental meanderings.
It was an entertaining read with a solid set of characters and a strong story.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By JB
Format:Kindle Edition
I'm really keen on this series; I like the setting and characters, the pace and the style. But don't come to this book expecting it to be the same as the first three, the author has moved on, both in his personal life but also in his style of writing. Come to this book as a fresh expression of much loved characters and you'll enjoy it just as much as the first three.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aurelio in venice!
Having just visited Venice the week before, I loved this book. I could visualize almost every scene. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Linda Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
My personal favourite in the great series
This novel takes you to Zen's origins in Venice - a Venice that tourists like myself never see. I find myself comparing this book to "The Nine Tailors" by Dorothy Sayers,... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Brian Tooby
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok....
Not one of dibdins best books but zen still an interesting and intriguing character. Good plot with twists and turns and set in beautiful Venice, although not the lovely tourist... Read more
Published 4 months ago by tracy joyce
4.0 out of 5 stars
book
Fine thanks The book was in good condition and it arrived in good time. Good if you enjoy the Zen books.
Published 4 months ago by cynth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dead LagoonFirst came across Aurelio Zen on television and very much...
First came across Aurelio Zen on television and very much enjoyed the experience and in the same way discovered Inspector Montalbano. Read more
Published 8 months ago by C. ANTJOULE
5.0 out of 5 stars
very hard work
I have read several of the Zen books before and I have become used to the rambling style in which Zen coducts his investigations. Read more
Published 15 months ago by bretonjock
4.0 out of 5 stars
Venice by another name
This is the fourth in the series featuring Italian detective Aurelio Zen. Zen comes from Venice and in this novel returns to his native city on a pretext, the real reason being to... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Ragnar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dead Lagoon
This is the fourth book in the series of Inspector Zen series, i enjoyed the first three and also watched them on TV. Read more
Published 16 months ago by margaret
5.0 out of 5 stars
another great Zen novel from Michael Dibdin
i'm so sad there'll be no more as I really loved these books - Zen is a complex, flawed hero with a brilliant mind & I found this book just as intriguing and unputdownable as the... Read more
Published 16 months ago by pollyanna
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent service, excellent condition
Arrived on time and copy was in prime condition. Dead Lagoon is a little less lively others of Dibdin's Zen books but a fine read nonetheless.
Published 19 months ago by rosie
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