Wilful Behaviour [Paperback]

Leon’s inimitable Commisario Guido Brunetti is true to form--and readers know exactly what this is: knight in shining armor in a city that seems to run endlessly in corruption, murder, intrigue. Venice is the setting for Leon’s books--a city that she knows well but never tries to deny its seamier sides.

A young student of Brunetti’s wife Paula comes to her asking for an opinion to a touchy legal situation, going all the way back to the days of resistance, retribution, and collusion of World War II (when the Italians certainly sent many mixed messages!). The young girl wishes to know if someone convicted can now be honorably pardoned. She provides scant information about the circumstances.

Alas, soon she is found murdered, and Leon’s talents move to the front. Brunetti begins the investigation and before he can label the case "solved," he must journey into areas "best left alone," if his critics have their say. The labrynthine situation involves a grand collection of art having been acquired under unscrupulous circumstances as Italy was falling to its knees in the whole War picture. Definite--and mostly negative--feelings were formed during this time, as Italian often pitted himself against Italian as political, economic, religious, and social issues quickly became life and death matters.

It takes all Brunetti’s skills as he uncovers anti-Jewish collaboration and abuse during the wartime, resulting in, now, at least two deaths. With the loyalty of his wife Paola, his dedicated secretary Elatra, his father in law, among others, Brunetti unravels this mystery in skilful, surgical style. Leon, by now, certainly is a master of this genre.

Her characters, especially Brunetti, are remarkably created and presented. The Commisario is a sensitive (and sensible) man, who can appreciate the best Venice has to offer, yet at the same time he recognizes her shortcomings...

Leon's quick wit, her command of the literary allusion, and her thought-provoking subplots (usually involving environmental issues!) combine to make her one of the best of the current writers. One can only hope that her next installment will be coming soon!

In this book, Ms Leon delves into the shadowy world of art ownership as it intersects with the necessities created by World War II in Italy. It is hard to say more about the plot without giving too much of it away; suffice it to say that the plot holds together beautifully. This book grabbed me by the throat from its beginning. I finished it in one sitting, not because it is overly short, but because I was unable to move until it was done. This quality of suspense does have one drawback, however: I now have to wait until next year for the next Donna Leon to be published!

For me, the mysteries which form the bases of Ms Leon's plots are almost secondary to the atmosphere of her books. She is unsurpassed among mystery authors for the quality of her characterizations: I adore the glimpses of Brunetti's home life as well as the hints Ms Leon provides as to the nature of his character. The dramatis personae who move from book to book are equally fascinating, and I find myself frantic for her next book to arrive so that I can get to know them all better.

Perhaps the most remarkable attribute Ms Leon possesses is her ability to write books that, if filmed, would require a director with a film noir touch, but that nonetheless affirm the existence of goodness in humanity. In the midst of rampant corruption, Brunetti and his wife stand as an affirmation of integrity. In this novel, the heroine, who is also the murder victim, does so as well.

Again, this is a superb entry in the Leon series, worthy both of its creator and lead characters.