Donna Leon

Donna Leon is an American author known for her crime novels set in Venice, Italy, featuring the fictional character Commissario Guido Brunetti.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Death At La Fenice

    In this gripping mystery set in Venice, a renowned conductor is found dead in his dressing room at the prestigious La Fenice opera house, prompting Commissario Guido Brunetti to unravel a web of secrets and lies. As Brunetti delves into the world of opera and the personal lives of those connected to the victim, he uncovers a complex tapestry of jealousy, betrayal, and hidden motives. The investigation reveals the darker side of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to protect their reputations and desires, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting yet enigmatic city of Venice.

    The 6975th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Acqua Alta

    A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

    In this gripping installment of a celebrated mystery series set in Venice, the protagonist, a thoughtful and diligent detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a brutal attack on a famous opera singer with a sinister burglary at a local museum. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, navigating the atmospheric and flood-prone streets of Venice, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and long-buried secrets. With the city's unique and treacherous acqua alta (high water) providing both a backdrop and a clue, the detective must use all his skills and local knowledge to solve the case before the rising waters erase all traces of the perpetrator's crimes.

    The 7936th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Friends In High Places

    A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

    "Friends in High Places" is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist, a Venetian detective, as he investigates a case involving the suspicious death of a government official. The detective's inquiry leads him into a tangled web of corruption, real estate fraud, and high society connections in Venice. As he delves deeper, he must navigate the perilous waters of political influence and ethical dilemmas, relying on a few trustworthy allies in a city where appearances often hide darker truths. The novel combines a compelling detective story with a rich portrayal of Venetian life and politics.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Give Unto Others

    A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

    In this gripping mystery novel, Commissario Guido Brunetti is drawn into a complex investigation when an old acquaintance, Elisabetta Foscarini, seeks his help regarding a series of troubling incidents affecting her family. As Brunetti delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond personal grievances into the broader societal issues plaguing Venice. The story intricately weaves themes of loyalty, morality, and the impact of past actions, all set against the richly atmospheric backdrop of the city, as Brunetti navigates the challenges of seeking justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Uniform Justice

    In this gripping mystery novel, Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the suspicious death of a cadet at a prestigious military academy in Venice. As Brunetti delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, secrecy, and moral ambiguity within the institution and its influential connections. The investigation challenges Brunetti's sense of justice as he navigates the complexities of military honor and the personal lives of those involved, ultimately revealing the dark undercurrents beneath the surface of Venetian society.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
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