I used to love Donna Leon’s books but after a while I got tired of their indefatigable cynicism. The system is always so rigged agains the good detective, Italy is always so fathomlessly corrupt, it ends up feeling like there’s no point to any of it. But the descriptions of food are excellent!
Re: genre fiction. Arguably the greatest (least appreciated) novelist of the 20th Century is Patrick O’Brian. I’ve read the Aubrey-Maturin series at least a dozen times. It never loses its luster!
I actually agree with you about the Leon books and have even wondered how Italians feel about them. And I know so many people who just love Patrick O’Brian. I ought to check him out!
Anyway, Mari, I knew you was good people, liking Comissario Brunetti. But I agree with BA and can only read one every couple years. Now the real question: do the two of you know Fred Vargas? If not, you’re in for a real treat.
Also on the O’brian novels, some friends of mine wrote a cookbook. They cooked every bloody dish in the sequence, including some that are not legal. The book is called “lobscouse and spotted dog.”
I have an alternative take on the Penney novels, but I won’t spoil the bonhomie. It speaks to the question of what a noir novel, what detective fiction really is. My $0.02
That animal senses book looks great, also relevant to recent conversations :). I appreciate your eclectic selections! You've persuaded me to try the Babylon Berlin books instead of the show.
Thanks a LOT, Mari! You made all of these sound really good and my To Read list is just getting longer and more unmanageable....
Ha! Happy to help! 😉
I used to love Donna Leon’s books but after a while I got tired of their indefatigable cynicism. The system is always so rigged agains the good detective, Italy is always so fathomlessly corrupt, it ends up feeling like there’s no point to any of it. But the descriptions of food are excellent!
Re: genre fiction. Arguably the greatest (least appreciated) novelist of the 20th Century is Patrick O’Brian. I’ve read the Aubrey-Maturin series at least a dozen times. It never loses its luster!
I actually agree with you about the Leon books and have even wondered how Italians feel about them. And I know so many people who just love Patrick O’Brian. I ought to check him out!
She doesn’t translate them into Italian!! Key point.
But, but... it was published by Norton!
It’s almost as though you don’t consider 18th century Maritime Britain the summit of the culinary arts. Rum, cookery, and the lash. 😹😹😹
On the Vargas books, it’s best to read them in sequence, but by no means essential. Please let me know what you think. 
Anyway, Mari, I knew you was good people, liking Comissario Brunetti. But I agree with BA and can only read one every couple years. Now the real question: do the two of you know Fred Vargas? If not, you’re in for a real treat.
Also on the O’brian novels, some friends of mine wrote a cookbook. They cooked every bloody dish in the sequence, including some that are not legal. The book is called “lobscouse and spotted dog.”
Thanks for the Fred Vargas recommendation! And I think I will respectfully give that cookbook a pass. 😉
Have you read the Louise Penny Chief Inspector Gamache novels? I love them.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I have an alternative take on the Penney novels, but I won’t spoil the bonhomie. It speaks to the question of what a noir novel, what detective fiction really is. My $0.02
I would love to hear it!
Thx! At some point I’ll get into it I hope.
That animal senses book looks great, also relevant to recent conversations :). I appreciate your eclectic selections! You've persuaded me to try the Babylon Berlin books instead of the show.
I’ll be eager to hear what you think!