Donna Leon is an American author born in 1942 in Montclair, New Jersey. She is best known for her series of crime novels set in Venice, Italy, which feature the fictional detective Commissario Guido Brunetti as the protagonist. Leon's novels are written in English and have been translated into numerous foreign languages. However, at her request, her works have not been translated into Italian. This decision reflects her long personal connection to Italy, where she formerly lived and continues to visit monthly. She prefers not to have recognition in the country where she spent significant time. The Brunetti series has become her signature work, establishing her as a notable figure in contemporary crime fiction.