THE DEATH OF FAITH

Donna Leon has an astute feel for Venice and all the passions and pride of Italian life. As her books are hard to find in America, audiobooks may lead listeners to a great new mystery series. Blackstone has published four of Leon's mysteries featuring police commisario Guido Brunetti and narrated by Anna Fields. While Fields is capable, she has the disadvantage of presenting a story with a male protagonist. Bill Wallis, narrating The Death of Faith, shows a thorough understanding of the rhythms and customs of Venice. He captures Brunetti's chauvinism and projects his delight in the food, architecture and people. He's deft at Brunetti's frustration with bureaucracy and, in this story, the Church. The stories are close to travelogues, with details that the casual or passionate visitor can revel in. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 99]