Donna Leon at Daunt Books

In a crime novel things are never what they initially seem. Donna Leon’s latest mystery By Its Cover explores the unprecedented drama hidden within a book, as the theft of antiquarian tomes leads detective Brunetti on a dark journey into the Venice’s black-market book trade. The best-selling author will discuss this latest novel with an intimate audience at Daunt Books.

As the 23rd instalment of Brunetti series, By Its Cover builds a characteristically vivid picture of Venice. This time the crime scene is a library. When valuable books disappear, Brunetti is in charge of finding the culprit. But the murder of a potential suspect accelerates with search and draws us into a sinister underworld. Leon’s subtle but compelling style weaves together the loose ends and vivifies the dark truths that lurk behind Venice’s antiquarian beauty. As winner of the Crime Writers’ Association Silver Dagger and one of The Times’ 50 Greatest Crime Writers, Donna Leon has a cult following. Her vast experience and impressive achievements in the crime fiction make her a fascinating speaker.

• The price of a ticket to Leon's talk also includes a glass of wine at the event, and 20% off the purchase price of the novel.