As the 27th novel unfolds in Donna Leon's exquisite chronicle of Venetian life in all its blissful and sordid aspects, Brunetti is ever more impressed by the intuition of his
fellow Commissario Claudia Griffoni, and by the endless resourcefulness and
craftiness of Signorina Elettra, Patta's secretary and gate - keeper, and reminded of the ever - lasting virtues of his own family.