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A Refiner's Fire

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A Refiner's Fire

By: Donna Leon
Narrated by: David Sibley
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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)
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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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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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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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I have enjoyed all the Donna Leon - Brunetti this tale was a great disappointment ….
hang up your badge and enjoy a retirement…

Nothing

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The plot was really disappointing. DL’s book are gettibg worse and worse. I do not recommend reading it.

Disappoing

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