“Break out the prosecco! There’s a new detective in town” (People Magazine). Now available in paperback, the delightfully sexy and bighearted novel starring Auntie Poldi, Sicily’s newest amateur sleuth “To the ranks of amateur sleuths, from Miss Marple to Jessica Fletcher, welcome Auntie Poldi.” — Newsday On her sixtieth birthday, Auntie Poldi retires to Sicily, intending to while away the rest … Sicily, intending to while away the rest of her days with good wine, a view of the sea, and few visitors. But Sicily isn’t quite the tranquil island she thought it would be. When her handsome young handyman goes missing—and is discovered murdered—she can’t help but ask questions. Soon there’s an investigation, a smoldering police inspector, a romantic entanglement, one false lead after another, a rooftop showdown, and finally, of course, Poldi herself, slightly tousled but still perfectly poised. This “masterly treat” (Times Literary Supplement) will transport you to the rocky shores of Torre Archirafi, to a Sicily full of quirky characters, scorching days, and velvety nights, alongside a protagonist who’s as fiery as the Sicilian sun.
“Delightful.” — NPR, The Weekly Reader
“Delizioso!” — Adriana Trigiani, best-selling author of Kiss Carlo
more
rambled
Sicily, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, verbal-humor, situational-humor, cultural-exploration
What a great read! As soon as I poked my nose into this book it held on and made me finish it in one day! Auntie Poldi is wonderful with her towering black wigs, risqué attire, fashion sense, and involvement in life even when she is battling depression. She involves herself in the investigation and won’t let go until the right person is charged with the murder. The publisher’s blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but that can’t begin to prepare you for all the laughs! The whole thing is told by her nephew as she fills him in during his monthly visits from Germany while he tries to write a novel. Don’t miss this, especially if you enjoy Comissario Montalbano. I don’t speak Italian or Sicilian, but everything flows well so I credit that to the work of the translation team.
I originally won an uncorrected proof in a LibraryThing Giveaway, had some problems with sight reading, then saw that it would soon be on audio, so I bought it. I actually prefer narrated books when I suspect that I would screw up the other language’s pronunciations. Matt Addis is really super at narrating this one and I hope that he will be doing the others.
Love inspector Montalbano. Felt that I was back in Sicily
I really liked the Auntie Pouldi character and the mystery. I think the book would benefit from Auntie Pouldie’s view more so than the nephew’s.
A fabulous new author in the realm of cosy mysteries. Get on board!
Well written, with apparently good translation from original German. Aunt Poldi is a little like an R-rated version of Angela Lansbury’s character in Murder, She Wrote, on TV. I’m currently reading the second volume in the series, which seemed to be available only in German, which slowed me down somewhat. It has some funny bits – the carabinieri jokes, for example.
I could not get into.
I am Sicilian, and this was an accurate and insightful (as well as humorous and biting) look into the Sicilian psyche.
Irreverent and fun!
This was a fun read. I enjoyed it.
Too convoluted. I was disappointed.
Fun read.
Touching, complex, and funny. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Auntie Poldi retires from her job as a costume designer in Munich and moves to Sicily. You’ll never see her without her wig and almost always with a drink in her hand. I wish she wouldn’t drink that much…. Otherwise she is a pretty fun and eccentric character.
This older lady that never beats around the bush and the sun and warmth of Sicily make this mystery a unique experience. She does a good job of investigating and discovers a bunch of criminal activities in the little town. Lots of humour and a little bit of romance make for an entertaining read.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and the author provided me with a copy.
Totally enjoyed this book that I won from #BookishFirst! A 60-year-old widow, Auntie Poldi, moves from Munich to Sicily (where her in laws live) to have a view of the sea and drink herself to death. That plan is thwarted as she feels compelled to investigate the murder of her young errand boy. Needless to say, she is a character! The writing is humorous and smoothly flowing (if a bit long-winded). Totally recommend! Hope for more! 4