The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
Unto Us a Son Is Given

Unto Us a Son Is Given

Shortlisted for the Gold Dagger

Summary

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Unto Us a Son Is Given written by Donna Leon, read by David Sibley.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE GOLD DAGGER AWARD

The latest bestselling Venice crime novel from celebrated author Donna Leon


As a favour to his wealthy father-in-law, the Count Falier, Commissario Guido Brunetti agrees to investigate the seemingly innocent wish of the Count’s best friend, the elderly and childless Gonzalo, to adopt a younger man as his son. Under Italian inheritance laws, this man would become the sole heir to Gonzalo’s substantial fortune, something which Gonzalo’s friends, including the Count, find appalling. For his part, Brunetti wonders why they're so intent on meddling in the old man's business.

Not long after Brunetti meets with Gonzalo, the elderly man unexpectedly passes away from natural causes. Old and frail, Gonzalo’s death goes unquestioned, and a few of his oldest friends gather in Venice to plan the memorial service.

But when Berta, a striking woman and one of Gonzalo’s closest confidantes, is strangled in her hotel room, Brunetti is drawn into long-buried secrets from Gonzalo’s past. What did Berta know? And who would go to such lengths to ensure it would remain hidden?

Once again, Donna Leon brilliantly follows the twists and turns of the human condition, set against the ebb and flow of Venetian life.

Reviews

  • Leon’s novels are unshowy and imbued with the humanist outlook that makes Brunetti such an appealing character.
    Sunday Times

About the author

Donna Leon

Donna Leon is author of the much-loved, best-selling series of novels featuring Commissario Brunetti and one of The Times' 50 Greatest Crime Writers. Widely considered one of the best detective series ever, with admirers including Ursula K. Le Guin and Val McDermid, the Brunetti Mysteries have won numerous awards around the world and been translated into thirty-five languages.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more