[Leon's] portrait of Venice and modern Italy is; as always; captivating...The lively conversations between...characters; displaying Leon's sly humour; are a delight. Evening Standard A Kirkus Reviews Best Mystery 2011 A Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Bestseller __________________________________ A young woman returns from holiday to find her elderly neighbour dead on the floor. A heart attack seems the likely cause; but Commissario Brunetti is not so sure and decides to take a closer look. Soon he discovers that she was part of an organization that cares for abused women and that her apartment was a safe-house. Convinced that this is the lead he has been looking for; Brunetti begins his search for answers. But as he sets out to discover the truth behind her death; he is drawn into a decades-old story of lies and deceit that has blighted love and ruined lives - and has claimed this innocent woman as its newest victim. Brunetti's investigation takes him deep into the dark heart of his beloved Venice.