By Its Cover is the much anticipated twentythird instalment in Donna Leons bestselling crime series where Commissario Brunetti is better than ever as he addresses questions of worth and value alongside his everfaithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them but for Brunetti something doesnt quite add up Taking on the case the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the librarys regulars such as the expriest Franchini a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature and Contessa MorosiniAlbani the librarys chief donor and comes to the conclusion that the thief could not have acted alone However when Franchini is found murdered in his home the case takes a more sinister turn and soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books Alongside his everfaithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra he delves into the pages of Franchinis past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth