Donna Leon has led an adventurous life, and with her tell-tale knack for observation, she turns her experiences in America, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Italy (of course) and Switzerland into a captivating read. She takes us on a journey around the world, from growing up on a farm, to curfew pajama parties in Iran, financial straits, and a Fiat 600. And we join Donna as she arrives in Italy as a chaperone, as she hunts for the perfect cappuccino, and as she encounters small marvels in the mountains.

»There is no worse crime than not having loved.«
Donna Leon

»In the hands of great authors, characters are like real people, merely realer«, Donna Leon once said. Perhaps this is why her life is so rich in characters and people accompanying her, both real and fictional.

Backstage presents a colorful troupe: the rock genius Frank Zappa, Veniceʼs most famous diamond dealer, a courageous sex worker and womenʼs rights activist, a clever composer, tragic heroes and admired colleagues. In the hands of Donna Leon, these encounters turn into sparkling jewels. A treasure trove of delightful discoveries.

Delicacies with and without calories: 91 recipes as Paola cooks them in the Brunetti novels, written down by Donna Leon’s friend and favourite cook Roberta Pianaro. As a calorie free intermediate course, there are six culinary stories by Donna Leon as well as beautiful vignettes by Tatjana Hauptmann.

Food plays an important role in Donna Leon’s novels. Roberta Pianaro lets readers in on the cooking secrets of Paola Brunetti. Brunetti’s favourite dish, that of the kids, Paola’s apple pie, but also a recipe from Brunetti’s mother and Donna Leon’s favourite meal – they can all be found in this book.

Plus a foreword and six culinary stories by Donna Leon. At Table with the Brunettis is a literary cookbook about Venetian cuisine, for browsing – and for trying out the recipes at home.

A chilly winter's night. At the Christmas market in Campo Santo Stefano, there is a scent of fine food in the air, and it's cold - so nobody notices the two gentlemen with their hats pulled down over their faces, scarves and turned-up collars. They are surrounded by a colourful display, by the blankets laid down by the African street vendors who are hawking their fake Gucci, Prada and Missoni bags in the heart of Venice. But this peaceful atmosphere of Christmas goodwill is suddenly shattered by the sound of five gunshots. One of the street vendors has been murdered in broad daylight. No-one displays much interest in solving the murder case of an illegal immigrant – no-one, that is, except Brunetti. Behind Venice's well-known facades, the Commissario discovers a world with a law of its own. And when the powers that be attempt to hinder his investigation, Brunetti suspects that this case will prove to be particularly enthralling...