Two years ago, the only direct heir in the Lorenzoni line, twenty-year-old Roberto, was kidnapped and apparently held for ransom. Eventually, the family realized that they might never see Roberto again and his cousin Maurizio was worked into the family business and life resumed as normal. Now everything is looked at again as Inspector Guido Brunetti begins investigating the young heir's disappearance and subsequent murder. The closer Brunetti looks at the family, the more he realizes they may be involved in much shadier business than expected. He wonders how far the Count will go to keep his business dealings secret and protect his family's future.

A Noble Radiance is a thoughtful police procedural. The investigation is very methodical and Brunetti makes full use of all of his and his staff’s contacts outside of the department. While no one should be surprised with the outcome, the reasons behind the kidnapping may be surprising to some.

Of interest in this book is the relationship between Inspector Guido Brunetti and his wife of many years. His father-in-law comes to Brunetti with concerns that his daughter is not as happy as he would like her to be, giving Brunetti pause to examine their relationship and marriage.

Venice plays an important role in the novel, serving as a very rich, historical backdrop. Inspector Brunetti is a formidable detective, willing to take on players in important families, as well as his own supervisor in the department whose agenda may be different than Brunetti's.

A Noble Radiance is an atmospheric mystery that is very methodical, yet very readable, with real and likable characters.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry