Donna Leon, born on September 29, 1942 in Montclair, New Jersey, is an American writer, living in Venice, Italy. She used to work as a professor for English literature until she decided to quit the job and concentrate on writing. Since 1992 she has published 13 crime novels, starring fictitous Commissario Guido Brunetti, solving crimes (mainly murders) in his hometown Venice. All novels were initially written in English and translated into 19 different languages; some of them have also been picturized for television.
Although she is often accused of portraying the italian character in a very clichéd way her books are a bestseller in many countries, especially Germany. Donna Leon is interested in culture, particularly in operas, which also show up in the novels quite often.
Publications
Yes, I like the books.