Donna Leon

Donna Leon is an acclaimed American author best known for her crime novels featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. These novels are set against the evocative backdrop of Venice, Italy, where Leon lived for over 30 years before moving to Switzerland.

Donna Leon was born in Montclair, New Jersey. Her academic pursuits took her beyond the United States to countries such as Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia, where she taught English literature at various universities.

While teaching in Venice for the University of Maryland, she was inspired to write her first crime novel after witnessing a scene that seemed ripe for fictional treatment. Encouraged by a friend, Leon submitted her manuscript to a writing contest, which she won. This success marked the beginning of her celebrated career in mystery writing.

The character of Commissario Brunetti, introduced in Leon’s debut novel Death at La Fenice (1992), quickly won readers over. Brunetti is a thoughtful and pragmatic detective who navigates the complex waters of Venetian society. Through his investigations, Leon explores themes of corruption, justice, and the impact of history on present-day life. Despite their setting in Italy, Leon has chosen not to have her books translated into Italian.

Her work is known for its complex plots, well-developed characters, and social commentary. Her novels often focus on Venice, showing its glamorous side and hidden issues. Her characters, like Brunetti’s family and colleagues, are well-written and help make her stories more interesting.

Leon has also written nonfiction books about music. She has written books about the connection between music and literature. She loves opera and classical music.

Donna Leon has received the Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger for her novel Friends in High Places (2000). Her books have been adapted into a German television series.

Leon divides her time between Switzerland and Venice.

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