By Its Cover
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  • Published: 1 June 2015
  • ISBN: 9780099591283
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:

By Its Cover

Formats & editions
EBook
3 Apr 2014
Audiobook
3 Apr 2014
Paperback
1 Jun 2015
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The 23rd installment in the brilliant Brunetti series from The Sunday Times bestselling author, Donna Leon.

A Washington Post Bestseller
A New York Times Bestseller

‘Inspired by the real-life looting of the Girolamini Library in Naples, this book adds to Donna Leon’s best-selling Commissario Guido Brunetti series . . . Leon’s description of the setting is vivid’ New York Times

‘Will both delight and strike fear into bibliophiles’ hearts. . . . A finely drawn tale that encompasses theft, blackmail, emotional violence, and murder, as well as a rich array of characters . . .’ Boston Globe

When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice, Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene. The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them, but for Brunetti something doesn't quite add up.

Taking on the case, the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the library's regulars, such as the ex-priest Franchini, a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature, and Contessa Morosini-Albani, the library's chief donor.

Soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books. Alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra, he delves into the pages of Franchini's past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth.
  • Published: 1 June 2015
  • ISBN: 9780099591283
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:

About the author

Donna Leon

Donna Leon was named by The Times as one of the 50 Greatest Crime Writers. She is an award-winning crime novelist, celebrated for the bestselling Brunetti series. Donna has lived in Venice for thirty years and previously lived in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Iran and China, where she worked as a teacher. Donna’s books have been translated into 35 languages and have been published around the world.

Her previous novels featuring Commissario Brunetti have all been highly acclaimed; including Friends in High Places, which won the CWA Macallan Silver Dagger for Fiction, Fatal Remedies, Doctored Evidence, A Sea of Troubles and Beastly Things.

portrait photo of Donna Leon

Also by Donna Leon

A Refiner's Fire
Wandering Through Life
Backstage
So Shall You Reap
Give Unto Others
Transient Desires
Trace Elements
See all

Praise for By Its Cover

The multiple award-winning Leon has lost none of her talent for weaving intrigue, and the atmosphere of Venice is as beguiling as ever.

Living North

An excellent entry in the Brunetti series … There are few detectives with whom I enjoy spending time more and I must now endure the long wait for Leon’s next book.

2606 Books

Leon's command of the baroque Italian thriller is second to none.

Good Book Guide

The multiple award-winning Leon has lost none of her talent for weaving intrigue, and the atmosphere of Venice is as beguiling as ever.

Living North

An excellent entry in the Brunetti series … There are few detectives with whom I enjoy spending time more and I must now endure the long wait for Leon’s next book.

2606 Books

Leon's command of the baroque Italian thriller is second to none.

Good Book Guide
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