If you enjoy reading books by Donna Leon then you might also like the following authors:
Andrea Camilleri is known for his Inspector Montalbano series, which features mysteries set in Sicily, filled with vivid local color and engaging characters. Fans of Donna Leon will appreciate the strong sense of place and the protagonist’s own ethical dilemmas.
Michael Dibdin wrote the popular Aurelio Zen mysteries, which take readers across various regions of Italy. Like Donna Leon, Dibdin captures the nuances of Italian culture and bureaucracy, providing an intriguing backdrop for his crime stories.
Louise Penny creates rich, atmospheric mysteries set in the village of Three Pines with her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. Her books, much like Donna Leon’s, emphasize character development, moral questions, and strong settings.
Author of the Bruno, Chief of Police series, Martin Walker sets his mysteries in the picturesque Dordogne region of France. His works are notable for their focus on local cuisine and customs, much like how Leon’s novels explore Venice.
Donna Andrews writes the Meg Langslow series, combining comedy with mystery. Readers who enjoy the lighter moments in Donna Leon’s work might appreciate Andrews’ clever wit and engaging plots.
M.C. Beaton created both the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series, which blend humor and mystery. Her ability to create charming small-town settings may appeal to those who like Leon’s depiction of Venetian life.
Ruth Rendell’s Inspector Wexford books are known for their exploration of human behavior and society. Her stories can be both dark and introspective, qualities that fans of the deeper themes in Leon’s work might enjoy.
Award-winning writer Fred Vargas sets her Commissaire Adamsberg series in France. Her quirky characters and inventive plots provide an intriguing reading experience that Leon’s fans may find compelling.
Elizabeth George, with her Inspector Lynley series, constructs intricate plots and deeply developed characters. Her narratives are character-driven, similar to the Brunetti novels.
Known for his Inspector Morse series, Colin Dexter crafts intricate mysteries set in the academic city of Oxford. Readers who appreciate the intellect and complexity in Leon’s plots may find Dexter’s work appealing.
Camilla Läckberg’s Fjällbacka series blends relationship drama with crime in the Scandinavian setting. Her psychological insight and ability to build suspense offer qualities that fans of Leon will find engaging.
P.D. James wrote the Adam Dalgliesh series, celebrated for its rich characterization and exploration of moral questions. Her style is thoughtful and detailed, traits that align with Donna Leon’s approach.
Tana French, with her Dublin Murder Squad series, is praised for psychological depth and literary writing style. Her stories often reflect on identity and human nature, resonating with themes in Leon’s novels.
Ann Cleeves is behind the Vera Stanhope and Shetland Island series, offering compelling mysteries set in atmospheric locations. Both Cleeves and Leon bring their settings vividly to life, adding depth to their narratives.
Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series, set in post-World War I England, combines historical detail with mystery. Her attention to character and societal observation will appeal to readers who enjoy the depth in Donna Leon’s stories.