Chapter 5, "Slow Burn" Summary

The preliminary results are announced regarding the Fenice fire. It is revealed that the cause is not arson. Wooden beams on the third floor had burned through all the way, giving the indication that the fire spread slowly. Felice Casson, a young looking, handsome prosecutor makes up a list of possible suspects that are being investigated for negligence.

The carnival is introduced in chapter 5. The carnival is a celebration in which parties are held, games are played, and people dress in costume so that they cannot be recognized. The carnival, which used to last only two weeks, now lasts six months. The carnival is a revival of an age-old Venetian festival-a tradition that was put to an end when Napoleon defeated the Venetian republic. Newly revived, however, the carnival is just beginning and Berendt decides to buy...