<B>The twenty-fifth mystery in the <I>New York Times</I>&#8211;bestselling series "is cause for celebration. . . . Leon brilliantly exposes the corrupt world of Venice</B><B>"</B><B> (<I>Bay Area Reporter</I></B><I><B>).</B></I><BR /> <BR /> At a fundraising dinner for a Venetian charity, a wealthy and aristocratic patroness asks Brunetti if he will investigate the fifteen-year-old attempted drowning of her granddaughter, which left the girl irreparably brain damaged. Brunetti's not sure what to do, but out of a mixture of curiosity, pity, and a willingness to fulfill the wishes of a guilt-wracked older woman&#8212;who happens to be his mother-in-law's best friend&#8212;he agrees.<BR /> <BR /> Brunetti soon finds himself unable to let the case rest, if indeed there is a case. Awash in the haunting story of a woman trapped in a damaged perpetual childhood and the rhythms and concerns of contemporary Venetian life, from historical preservation to housing to new waves of African migrants, <I>The Waters of Eternal Youth</I> is another wonderful addition to this series.<BR /> <BR /> "Donna Leon's Venetian mysteries never disappoint . . . A bittersweet story that makes us appreciate Brunetti's philosophical take on the indignities, insanities, and cruelties of life." &#8212;<I>The </I><I>New York Times Book Review</I><BR /> <BR /> "A new Brunetti adventure is always worth celebrating. . . . In a marvelous and moving last scene, we glimpse a moment of almost transcendent beauty that makes us realize again how important this series is to our reading lives." &#8212;<I>Booklist</I> (starred review)<BR /> <BR /> "Leon's latest novel marks the 25th anniversary of her wonderfully atmospheric series. . . . A sweet poignancy flows through Leon's narrative like the faint smell of chrysanthemums bordering the ancient palazzos." &#8212;<I>Minneapolis </I><I>Star-Tribune</I>