Donna Leon: Venetian villagers, smart squid and catty chickens

SummaryIn this episode of the Whodunnit Dinners podcast, hosts Katie McLaughlin and Helen Barbour explore the intersection of murder mysteries and culinary delights. They delve into the works of Donna Leon, particularly her Commissario Brunetti series, set in the enchanting city of Venice. The conversation covers the unique portrayal of Venice as a character, the development of Brunetti as a modern detective, and the themes of family and societal issues within the narrative. The hosts also discuss potential casting for a TV adaptation and share food inspirations from the book, culminating in a delightful exploration of Venetian cuisine. And there's the usual ridiculous conversations about which actor would be right to play the leading role. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Who Done It Dinners Podcast00:58 Exploring Venetian Cuisine and History03:13 Introducing the Commissario Brunetti Mysteries05:32 Setting the Scene: Venice as a Character10:03 Modern Themes in Brunetti's Investigations13:52 Character Analysis: Commissario Brunetti19:22 Reflections on the Story and Writing Style20:14 Connecting Food and Literature23:32 Final Thoughts and Future Recommendations