Uniform Justice by Donna Leon

This is one of her creepier ones. Italian political corruption at its worst. There is a murder at a military academy disguised a suicide. The victim is about the same age as Brunetti's son, Rafi, and Brunetti is tormented by the thought that something might happen to his own son.

Actually, I like reading about a cop who becomes emotionally involved with his cases. Very Italian. The political corruption is also very Italian. In most of Leon's books it is a background element, and treated almost with humor on the writer's part and resignation on the part of Brunetti. That element in this one is much darker.

I really enjoy reading her books, probably partly because I know I am never going to win the big lottery and go live in Venice (I hear you actually have to buy a ticket). Leon clearly loves the city because she makes that love a large part of Brunetti's character.

I do wish Brunetti would win one every now and then, though. He always solves them, but he seldom gets to put them away. Maybe they have blown them away a couple of times, but most often there are reasons why the killer is not put away. It's a little frustrating if you love American police procedurals.