Donna Leon
Donna Leon was born on September 28th, 1942 and is currently 83 years old. Donna Leon was born in Montclair, New Jersey, USA.
Donna Leon is known for writing in the Mystery and Crime Fiction genres.
Donna Leon is the author of the Guido Brunetti series which currently consists of 33 novels. The Guido Brunetti series started in 1992 with the novel Death at La Fenice. The most recently released novel in the Guido Brunetti series was A Refiner’s Fire which was released in 2024. There are no upcoming novels for the Guido Brunetti series.
Donna Leon has also written 6 Non-Fiction Books, including Handel's Bestiary: In Search of Animals in Handel's Operas and Venetian Curiosities.
Donna Leon: Awards & Accolades
Leon's book, Friends in High Places won the Crime Writer's Association Award, Silver Dagger Award, in 2000.
Donna Leon books have also been nominated for multiple awards, Doctored Evidence was nominated for the Gumshoe Award, Best European Crime Novel, in 2005. Drawing Conclusions was nominated for the CrimeFest, Sounds of Crime Award, in 2012. Unto Us a Son Is Given was nominated for the Crime Writer's Association Award, Gold Dagger Award, in 2019.
Donna Leon: Lists & Other Mentions
- Acqua Alta / Death in High Water: The Sunday Times: The 100 Best Crime Novels and Thrillers since 1945 Selection in 2019.
- Death at La Fenice: Dead Good Books: 100 Best Crime Books Of All Time Selection in 2020.
Related Authors
Fans of Donna Leon also enjoy these authors:
- Ed McBain, author of the 87th Precinct Series.
- Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway Series.
- Peter Lovesey, author of the Peter Diamond Series.
- Ruth Rendell, author of the Inspector Wexford Series.
- Andrea Camilleri, author of the Inspector Montalbano Series.
- J.A. Jance, author of the Joanna Brady Series.
- Elizabeth George, author of the Inspector Lynley Series.
- Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus Series.
- Anne Hillerman, author of the Leaphorn & Chee Series.
- Ben Aaronovitch, author of the PC Peter Grant / Rivers of London Series.
Donna Leon: F.A.Q
When was Donna Leon Born? How old is Donna Leon?
Donna Leon was born on September 28th, 1942. Donna Leon is currently 83 years old.
Where was Donna Leon Born?
Donna Leon was born in Montclair, New Jersey, USA and is American.
What book awards has Donna Leon won?
Friends in High Places: Crime Writer's Association Award: Silver Dagger Award (2000).
What was the first book Donna Leon wrote?
The first book written by Donna Leon was Death at La Fenice, published in 1992.
What was the most recent book Donna Leon wrote?
Her most recently released work was Backstage: Stories of a Writing Life on August 26th, 2025.
What is the most popular book by Donna Leon?
Based on the number of readers on Book Notification, the most popular Donna Leon book is
Death at La Fenice. Here are her most popular books and their average ratings:
- Death at La Fenice (8.09)
- Death in a Strange Country (8.53)
- The Anonymous Venetian / Dressed for Death (8.17)
- Venetian Reckoning / Death and Judgment (8.36)
- Acqua Alta / Death in High Water (8.35)
What genres does Donna Leon Write?
Donna Leon primarily writes in the Crime Fiction and Mystery genres. Her work includes sub-genres such as Police Procedural Mystery, Detective Mystery, and Regional Mystery.
Are there upcoming new books by Donna Leon?
Donna Leon does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
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How many books has Donna Leon written?
Donna Leon has written 42 books. 33 books in the Guido Brunetti Series, 2 books in the Guido Brunetti Companion, 1 Standalone Novel, 6 Non-Fiction.