Mystery and Cookbook Italian Style

As an avid mystery reader who enjoys mysteries from different countries, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Donna Leon’s books.  In her latest book, The Golden Egg, Ms. Leon continues her saga about Commissario Guido Brunetti’s cases and family life.  With wonderful descriptive scenes of life in Venice, Italy, detail description of characters which you learn about in each book and delicious mouth watering lunches and dinners, the reader will fall in love with Italy.  In the latest book, Questore Patta asks Commissario Brunetti to look into the mayor’s future daughter-in-law and the possibility of wrong doing.  Brunetti’s reluctance to comply with his superior’s command leaves him with no choice but to comply.  He would prefer not to get involved in any political scandals.  His wife, Paola on the other, hand wants him to look into the death of a mentally handicapped man, employed at their local dry cleaner. He appears to have died from a lethal pill overdose. Brunetti’s investigation will lead him to many paths with many people and the discovery that this sweet and simple-minded does not have any records of his existence. 

A wonderful companion to Ms. Leon’s mystery series is Brunetti’s Cookbook. Ms. Leon’s best friend, Roberta Pianaro brings fabulous Venetian meals for the reader to cook such as orrechiette with asparagus, pumpkin ravoli and pork ragu and many other delicious recipes.  At the end of each chapter, Ms. Leon includes excerpts of her culinary stories.  Reading and cooking these appetizing recipes will make the reader feel they are in Venice. Can you smell the aromas yet?

 Book Review By:  Elaine T. Perez, Librarian

Visit Patchogue-Medford Library in the Adult section to locate Donna Leon’s international best selling, prize-winning books.  Brunetti’s Cookbook - Recipes by Roberta Pianaro, Culinary Stories by Donna Leon