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Tante Poldi #1
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
On her sixtieth birthday, Auntie Poldi retires to 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, and something always seems to get in the way of her relaxation. 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.
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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2015
1872 people are currently reading
8163 people want to read
About the author
Mario Giordano
65 books241 followersMARIO GIORDANO, the son of Italian immigrants, was born in Munich. He is the author of 1,000 Feelings for Which There Are No Names; he has also written thrillers, books for children, and screenplays. Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions is his first novel translated into English. He lives in Cologne.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,324 reviews
March 30, 2023
Isolde Oberreiter möchte ihren Lebensabend in Sizilien verbringen, der Heimat ihres verstorbenen Mannes. So zieht sie von München nach Italien und gerät dort prompt in einen Mordfall. Sie nimmt auf eigene Faust Ermittlungen auf, was sie bald selbst in Gefahr bringt.
🔎🔎🔎
Mein Leseeindruck:
Auf den ersten Seiten musste ich mich noch an den Schreib- bzw. Erzählstil gewöhnen, denn der Neffe erzählt die Geschichte seiner Tante Poldi. Doch schnell hatte ich mich eingelesen und war dann auch bald gefangen in der Geschichte. Die Handlung ist sowohl spannend als auch humorvoll. Tante Poldi ist eine sehr ungewöhnliche Protagonistin, die viele Ecken und Kanten hat, was sie nur um so liebenswerter macht. Besonders gut hat es mir gefallen, wenn sie auf bayrisch gesprochen - und auch geflucht! - hat. ;-)
Die Handlung spielt zum größten Teil in Italien bzw. auf Sizilien, und es kommt beim Lesen direkt ein wenig Urlaubsstimmung auf.
Mir hat das Lesen des Buches sehr viel Freude gemacht; ich hatte kurzweilige und unterhaltsame Lesestunden mit Tante Poldi. Somit freut es mich auch sehr, dass es weitere Fälle mit ihr geben wird; ich werde die Reihe auf jeden Fall weiterverfolgen.
🔎🔎🔎
Mein Leseeindruck:
Auf den ersten Seiten musste ich mich noch an den Schreib- bzw. Erzählstil gewöhnen, denn der Neffe erzählt die Geschichte seiner Tante Poldi. Doch schnell hatte ich mich eingelesen und war dann auch bald gefangen in der Geschichte. Die Handlung ist sowohl spannend als auch humorvoll. Tante Poldi ist eine sehr ungewöhnliche Protagonistin, die viele Ecken und Kanten hat, was sie nur um so liebenswerter macht. Besonders gut hat es mir gefallen, wenn sie auf bayrisch gesprochen - und auch geflucht! - hat. ;-)
Die Handlung spielt zum größten Teil in Italien bzw. auf Sizilien, und es kommt beim Lesen direkt ein wenig Urlaubsstimmung auf.
Mir hat das Lesen des Buches sehr viel Freude gemacht; ich hatte kurzweilige und unterhaltsame Lesestunden mit Tante Poldi. Somit freut es mich auch sehr, dass es weitere Fälle mit ihr geben wird; ich werde die Reihe auf jeden Fall weiterverfolgen.
May 18, 2018
This is the first of a series featuring the retired German quirky Isolde Oberreider aka Auntie Poldie, who has moved to Sicily with every intention of living the good island life of sun, sea and wine whilst eyeing up the young men. The book sets out to establish a set of characters, the tone of gentle humour in this crime cozy and is narrated by Auntie Poldie's nephew, Giordano, an aspiring writer. Her magnetic personality draws people to her and who go out of their way to help her. One such person, the good looking Valentino Candela helps around her home until he vanishes, only to later be discovered murdered. Auntie Poldie can't believe that hardly anyone is concerned with his disappearance and sets out to find out what happened to him, she has no qualms about interfering in detective Vito Montana's investigation. This is a light hearted comic crime mystery set in a wonderful island location. I found it slightly laboured at times and uneven on occasion but overall an enjoyable read. Many thanks to John Murray Press for an ARC.
February 1, 2024
Sicilian-German cozy mystery
First off let me say that I enjoyed this one. There aren't a lot of mysteries featuring a late middle age or early old age female German-Sicilian amateur sleuth with a fixation on traffic directing policemen. Probably no others. Anyway, after living in Munich for most of her life, Poldi now lives in Sicily near her Sicilian relatives. The book's atmosphere is fine with interesting characters and a lot of information about Sicily, particularly the food. Very entertaining wth a lot of low key humor. Low key, not the laugh out loud, roll in the aisles sort.
I liked it well enough to read the second volume. However, I didn't like it well enough to buy it for $14.95. There are a multitude of free and cheap books available on Amazon so I reserve spending more than $6.99 for favorite authors and subjects.
First off let me say that I enjoyed this one. There aren't a lot of mysteries featuring a late middle age or early old age female German-Sicilian amateur sleuth with a fixation on traffic directing policemen. Probably no others. Anyway, after living in Munich for most of her life, Poldi now lives in Sicily near her Sicilian relatives. The book's atmosphere is fine with interesting characters and a lot of information about Sicily, particularly the food. Very entertaining wth a lot of low key humor. Low key, not the laugh out loud, roll in the aisles sort.
I liked it well enough to read the second volume. However, I didn't like it well enough to buy it for $14.95. There are a multitude of free and cheap books available on Amazon so I reserve spending more than $6.99 for favorite authors and subjects.
April 13, 2022
I expected to enjoy this rather more than I did. It's not bad, but it could have done with a good deal more focus and a good deal less background and self-conscious quirkiness.
Aunti Poldi is a Bavarian woman who, at the age of about 60, moves back to Sicily to be with her sisters and drink herself to death. However, a murder mystery and a handsome policeman begin to restore her. Poldi herself is a real Character – rather too much so, for my taste. Her "characterful" behaviour became increasingly implausible and eventually rather annoying at times. Also, the story is slow. This isn't necessarily a problem, but I found the long digressions into Sicilian culture, customs, geology, history and so on got in the way quite badly; I could really have done without several pages on the history of Sicilian sulphur mining, for example. When the plot finally comes to a head the climax is ridiculous, with a hopelessly implausible Cornered Killer Climax From Which She Only Narrowly Escapes. I do realise that this isn't supposed to be particularly realistic, but even making generous allowances for this, it was pretty silly.
It's not a bad book and has its moments of humour; some of the characters are rather well drawn and we do get a strong sense of place, even if it's overdone at times. However, I found it a bit of a slog and can only give it a rather lukewarm recommendation. This is the start of a series, but it's not a series I'll be rushing to read., I'm afraid.
(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)
Aunti Poldi is a Bavarian woman who, at the age of about 60, moves back to Sicily to be with her sisters and drink herself to death. However, a murder mystery and a handsome policeman begin to restore her. Poldi herself is a real Character – rather too much so, for my taste. Her "characterful" behaviour became increasingly implausible and eventually rather annoying at times. Also, the story is slow. This isn't necessarily a problem, but I found the long digressions into Sicilian culture, customs, geology, history and so on got in the way quite badly; I could really have done without several pages on the history of Sicilian sulphur mining, for example. When the plot finally comes to a head the climax is ridiculous, with a hopelessly implausible Cornered Killer Climax From Which She Only Narrowly Escapes. I do realise that this isn't supposed to be particularly realistic, but even making generous allowances for this, it was pretty silly.
It's not a bad book and has its moments of humour; some of the characters are rather well drawn and we do get a strong sense of place, even if it's overdone at times. However, I found it a bit of a slog and can only give it a rather lukewarm recommendation. This is the start of a series, but it's not a series I'll be rushing to read., I'm afraid.
(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)
January 28, 2018
3.5 stars, actually.
If you're looking for what I'd describe as a cute, almost-cozy murder mystery with some quirky characters, you might want to give this one a try. Where else will you find a borderline elderly retired costume designer with a nose for adventure who's moved to Sicily for the sole purpose - at least initially - of drinking herself to death?
Meet Auntie Poldi, officially Isolde Oberreider. Despite her penchant for wearing askew wigs, she considers herself to be attractive to the opposite sex and moved to a new country after her husband died - finding a rather unkempt house overlooking the sea not far from her sisters. Narrating the whole thing is Poldi's nephew, a would-be writer in the throes of writer's block who's hoping, I suppose, that documenting his aunt's adventures will kick-start his creative juices.
And find adventure she does. After a young man to whom she took a fancy turns up dead on a beach, she turns into an almost frenzied amateur investigator (much to the dismay of local authorities, in particular hunky detective Vito Montana). Once she gets going, a missing sculptured lion comes into play as she tries to connect the dots to a wealthy landowner she suspects may be up to nefarious activities.
Her adventures and attempts at solving the murder are documented in fine fashion - sometimes with a bit of humor - right up to the end. Admittedly, while I do love headstrong women, she proved to lean a little more in that direction than I'd like to meet in person; still, there's no getting around the appeal of her rather off-the-wall character. The ending suggests that more installments will come in the future (and notably, this is the author's first book to be translated into English).
In the interests of full disclosure, I won an advance copy of this book (in paperback format) at Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for what I'd describe as a cute, almost-cozy murder mystery with some quirky characters, you might want to give this one a try. Where else will you find a borderline elderly retired costume designer with a nose for adventure who's moved to Sicily for the sole purpose - at least initially - of drinking herself to death?
Meet Auntie Poldi, officially Isolde Oberreider. Despite her penchant for wearing askew wigs, she considers herself to be attractive to the opposite sex and moved to a new country after her husband died - finding a rather unkempt house overlooking the sea not far from her sisters. Narrating the whole thing is Poldi's nephew, a would-be writer in the throes of writer's block who's hoping, I suppose, that documenting his aunt's adventures will kick-start his creative juices.
And find adventure she does. After a young man to whom she took a fancy turns up dead on a beach, she turns into an almost frenzied amateur investigator (much to the dismay of local authorities, in particular hunky detective Vito Montana). Once she gets going, a missing sculptured lion comes into play as she tries to connect the dots to a wealthy landowner she suspects may be up to nefarious activities.
Her adventures and attempts at solving the murder are documented in fine fashion - sometimes with a bit of humor - right up to the end. Admittedly, while I do love headstrong women, she proved to lean a little more in that direction than I'd like to meet in person; still, there's no getting around the appeal of her rather off-the-wall character. The ending suggests that more installments will come in the future (and notably, this is the author's first book to be translated into English).
In the interests of full disclosure, I won an advance copy of this book (in paperback format) at Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2023
This was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed.
And…
Because of its enticing colorful cover, I decided to read it. It also sounded like it had an interesting premise.
Apparently…
This is the first in a series for this German author with Italian/Sicilian descent.
So…
We may be taking a ride into a part of his own life, told from this fictional perspective.
Premise: Aunti Poldi is our main character, who is a rather fiery retiree, intending to retire in Sicily.
But…
A murder happens in her villa, which means…
Of course…
She needs to solve it.
And…
Thus, the story gives us a case, an attractive detective in charge of it, and Poldi, finding inspiration to live.
How do I describe this tale?
Eccentric. Kind of appealing. Quirky characters.
But…
Okay in its delivery. Will this make readers want to tune in to the next Aunti Poldi adventure? Not sure.
Still…
It was nice to take in the Sicilian countryside and culture. 3.5 stars.
November 25, 2016
Auntie Poldi is an eccentric, Bavarian lady; who always wears a wig, enjoys photographing traffic controllers and fully intends to retire to Sicily in order to drink herself to death. Her nephew, who is currently writing a book, spends much of his time visiting – and narrates much of the story. Poldi’s nephew is not the only person that she has helping out though and much is made of how everyone who comes in contact with Poldi wants to help her. This includes a handsome young man names Valentino Candela, who does odd jobs for her before disappearing. Although she has quite tenuous links to Valentino, Poldi seems to be the only person concerned about his whereabouts and sets off on a crusade to discover his whereabouts.
This is a gentle mystery, where the plot revolves around the characters and the place. For me, one of the real weaknesses of the story was that you know little about Valentino, although we learn more about it as the novel progresses. However, Poldi’s concern seems a little too much like a plot device, rather than genuine concern, and much is made of her father, Georg Oberreiter, having been a Detective Chief Inspector.
Saying that, this is obviously the first in a series and so we are being introduced to the characters. There are Poldi’s supportive sisters in law, her neighbours, the beautiful young Valerie Raisi di Belfiore and the handsome Vito Montana, who is heading the investigation and is going to receive Poldi’s investigative input, whether he likes it or not… This plot has a lot of twists, some good characters and a likeable central character. Despite the fact that Poldi is often threatened, you do not really feel that she is ever seriously in danger. This is a comfortable, cosy mystery. I enjoyed it enough that I would try the next in the series, but it took me some time to get into the book. Rated 3.5.
This is a gentle mystery, where the plot revolves around the characters and the place. For me, one of the real weaknesses of the story was that you know little about Valentino, although we learn more about it as the novel progresses. However, Poldi’s concern seems a little too much like a plot device, rather than genuine concern, and much is made of her father, Georg Oberreiter, having been a Detective Chief Inspector.
Saying that, this is obviously the first in a series and so we are being introduced to the characters. There are Poldi’s supportive sisters in law, her neighbours, the beautiful young Valerie Raisi di Belfiore and the handsome Vito Montana, who is heading the investigation and is going to receive Poldi’s investigative input, whether he likes it or not… This plot has a lot of twists, some good characters and a likeable central character. Despite the fact that Poldi is often threatened, you do not really feel that she is ever seriously in danger. This is a comfortable, cosy mystery. I enjoyed it enough that I would try the next in the series, but it took me some time to get into the book. Rated 3.5.
June 11, 2019
When the outgoing, fun-loving, wine-guzzling Auntie Poldi relocates from her native Bavaria to her late husband’s ancestral home of Sicily, one couldn’t imagine more of a fish out of water. Wearing bright clothes, telling smutty stories, drinking to excess, Auntie Poldi stands in stark contrast to her loyal Sicilian in-laws: Poldi’s late husband’s three sisters, a Bavarian-born nephew and her brother-in-law, Uncle Martino. Auntie Poldi (a.k.a. Isolde Oberreider) had every intention of drinking herself to death in the sun and warmth of Torre Archirafi, the village where she settles. But a chance encounter changes all of that.
Poldi’s handyman, 19-year-old Valentino Candela, goes missing. And, as a fluke, Auntie Poldi begins to investigate. The mystery eases Poldi’s depression, and Auntie Poldi’s loyal family — Aunts Teresa, Caterina and Luisa, and Teresa’s devoted husband Uncle Martino, plus the nephew who recounts the tale — join Poldi in solving more than one mystery. Like Poldi’s relatives, author Mario Giordano is himself born in Munich but the son of Italian immigrants, and Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions was originally published in German. Giordano has crafted a joyous novel, full of fun, laughs and insights. I enjoyed this novel so much that I can’t wait to start on the sequel, Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna.
Narrator Matt Addis brings the perfect touch to the Audible edition of this book.
Poldi’s handyman, 19-year-old Valentino Candela, goes missing. And, as a fluke, Auntie Poldi begins to investigate. The mystery eases Poldi’s depression, and Auntie Poldi’s loyal family — Aunts Teresa, Caterina and Luisa, and Teresa’s devoted husband Uncle Martino, plus the nephew who recounts the tale — join Poldi in solving more than one mystery. Like Poldi’s relatives, author Mario Giordano is himself born in Munich but the son of Italian immigrants, and Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions was originally published in German. Giordano has crafted a joyous novel, full of fun, laughs and insights. I enjoyed this novel so much that I can’t wait to start on the sequel, Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna.
Narrator Matt Addis brings the perfect touch to the Audible edition of this book.
January 21, 2018
Auntie Poldi has decided to retire in Munich and retire to a house by the sea in Sicily and drink herself to death but spending her remaining time flirting with various men. She has sisters in Sicily and her nephew flies out every few weeks from Germany to keep an eye on her. This may be a cultural thing but that alone seemed odd to me. How could he afford the time and money? It is Europe so travel is easier but it still seems like a big commitment. The story is told through the nephew's eyes.
It takes quite awhile to get to the murder that Poldi investigates and by then I was quite bewildered by a number of things. Why does a woman who dresses with low cleveage to attract men and spends a lot of time discussing their eyes want to drink herself to death? How does she stumble across the dead body? It was a little coincidental. It goes on and on.
And then the jokes, Again it may be cultural. "Why do carabininieri always patrol in three? Well, one can read, one can write and the third is to keep an eye on that pair of dangerous intellectuals."
Unfortunately this book didn't translate for me.
It takes quite awhile to get to the murder that Poldi investigates and by then I was quite bewildered by a number of things. Why does a woman who dresses with low cleveage to attract men and spends a lot of time discussing their eyes want to drink herself to death? How does she stumble across the dead body? It was a little coincidental. It goes on and on.
And then the jokes, Again it may be cultural. "Why do carabininieri always patrol in three? Well, one can read, one can write and the third is to keep an eye on that pair of dangerous intellectuals."
Unfortunately this book didn't translate for me.
September 12, 2020
Mario Giordano is a German author. I read this book in its English translation.
The author takes us to Sicily with his Bavarian aunt, who has relocated to a city by the sea for her retirement. In short order, she makes friends with the locals, spends time with her relatives, and discovers a body. The story unfolds in charming fashion as Aunt Poldi attempts to solve the murder while learning more about Sicilian culture and history.
Recommended.
SR
The author takes us to Sicily with his Bavarian aunt, who has relocated to a city by the sea for her retirement. In short order, she makes friends with the locals, spends time with her relatives, and discovers a body. The story unfolds in charming fashion as Aunt Poldi attempts to solve the murder while learning more about Sicilian culture and history.
Recommended.
SR
October 17, 2019
Coincidentally, I too am an aunt. Obviously must read.
***
Well, let's address the elephant in the room. Despite our shared aunt-hood, I am nothing like Auntie Poldi.
But gosh darn it, I kind of want to be. She just rocket-launched onto my favorite characters list. I'm obsessed.
Where to begin with this gem of a book? I'm a little hazy on the exact definition of a cozy mystery but I think this counts as one. It is a lovely setting. The author conveys life in Sicily through quirky characters, beautiful descriptions, and odd jokes. The seaside town and the eccentric people who populate it make for a fun, endearing location.
Then there is the narrator of the piece, Auntie Poldi's nephew. He's a failed writer who pops in every now and then to make sure she doesn't drink herself to death. He does not take a main role; far from it, he is always away when any action goes down. But his dramatic descriptions, random interjections, and overall attitude really add another dimension. I credit him for the reason this book achieves five stars.
But of course, the real star of the story is Auntie Poldi herself. This is a rather light-hearted novel and yet it deals with surprisingly heavy topics via the main character. Auntie Poldi wants to drink herself to death. She is a severely depressed woman who lives off a pittance and longs for death. She experiences setbacks regularly. But she also is a loved woman. Her (ex?) in-laws watch out for her. They drop everything to come to her aid and endlessly discuss her love life. The people in the village accept her. She is nosy without being annoying; a woman with a past that adds humor and pizzazz without detracting from the present. Her random celebrity connections are funny.
She is an intriguing, vivacious, depressed, over-the-top 60-year-old woman. And it is hard to not love her. Think Agatha Raisin meets Phryne Fisher. But then add a host of relatives, alcoholism, and random tangents involving deaths and/or cyclops. It just works.
There are some fade to black scenes I did not super love but surprisingly didn't mind as much as I would expect.
The murderer is somewhat predictable. But...I'm not sure you read this for the murder or the romance. Oh, I suppose you do. It is, after all, a murder mystery. But there is more here. There are genuinely brilliant quotes and funny scenes and great characterizations.
I look forward to more in this series!
***
Well, let's address the elephant in the room. Despite our shared aunt-hood, I am nothing like Auntie Poldi.
But gosh darn it, I kind of want to be. She just rocket-launched onto my favorite characters list. I'm obsessed.
Where to begin with this gem of a book? I'm a little hazy on the exact definition of a cozy mystery but I think this counts as one. It is a lovely setting. The author conveys life in Sicily through quirky characters, beautiful descriptions, and odd jokes. The seaside town and the eccentric people who populate it make for a fun, endearing location.
Then there is the narrator of the piece, Auntie Poldi's nephew. He's a failed writer who pops in every now and then to make sure she doesn't drink herself to death. He does not take a main role; far from it, he is always away when any action goes down. But his dramatic descriptions, random interjections, and overall attitude really add another dimension. I credit him for the reason this book achieves five stars.
But of course, the real star of the story is Auntie Poldi herself. This is a rather light-hearted novel and yet it deals with surprisingly heavy topics via the main character. Auntie Poldi wants to drink herself to death. She is a severely depressed woman who lives off a pittance and longs for death. She experiences setbacks regularly. But she also is a loved woman. Her (ex?) in-laws watch out for her. They drop everything to come to her aid and endlessly discuss her love life. The people in the village accept her. She is nosy without being annoying; a woman with a past that adds humor and pizzazz without detracting from the present. Her random celebrity connections are funny.
She is an intriguing, vivacious, depressed, over-the-top 60-year-old woman. And it is hard to not love her. Think Agatha Raisin meets Phryne Fisher. But then add a host of relatives, alcoholism, and random tangents involving deaths and/or cyclops. It just works.
There are some fade to black scenes I did not super love but surprisingly didn't mind as much as I would expect.
The murderer is somewhat predictable. But...I'm not sure you read this for the murder or the romance. Oh, I suppose you do. It is, after all, a murder mystery. But there is more here. There are genuinely brilliant quotes and funny scenes and great characterizations.
I look forward to more in this series!
September 6, 2016
A murder mystery that is a cross between Beautiful Ruins and the cozy mystery genre.
It's throughly a murder mystery but I wouldn't put it in the subgenre of cozy mystery.
I've really been enjoying the books being published this year that feature older characters who prove that they may be old but they are far from dead or useless.
Auntie Poldi isn't actually that old. Only 60. Feisty enough to be a big nuisance to the local detective unlucky enough to catch the case.
A distinct personality and a force of will to go with it. Auntie Poldi will not bore you.
The choice of narrator was an interesting one. The nephew tells the tale as presumably told to him by his aunt. He's a wannabe writer who can't get started with his first project. This gives him interesting qualification as the narrator.
What's funny about it is that he isn't afraid to go places in his imagining of the scenes that make up the story. Including ones where things get a wee bit racy.
Enjoyable. Excellent if you want a crime novel with a bit less gore and depravity. Sometimes you need a break and a palate cleanser.
Recommended for fans of crime novels. The setting was a bonus perk for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's throughly a murder mystery but I wouldn't put it in the subgenre of cozy mystery.
I've really been enjoying the books being published this year that feature older characters who prove that they may be old but they are far from dead or useless.
Auntie Poldi isn't actually that old. Only 60. Feisty enough to be a big nuisance to the local detective unlucky enough to catch the case.
A distinct personality and a force of will to go with it. Auntie Poldi will not bore you.
The choice of narrator was an interesting one. The nephew tells the tale as presumably told to him by his aunt. He's a wannabe writer who can't get started with his first project. This gives him interesting qualification as the narrator.
What's funny about it is that he isn't afraid to go places in his imagining of the scenes that make up the story. Including ones where things get a wee bit racy.
Enjoyable. Excellent if you want a crime novel with a bit less gore and depravity. Sometimes you need a break and a palate cleanser.
Recommended for fans of crime novels. The setting was a bonus perk for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2018
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for providing an e-galley of Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions by Mario Giordano in exchange for an honest review. This mystery is narrated by the nephew of Auntie Poldi, a sixty-year-old retiree from Munich who has decided that Sicily will be ideal for her quiet, alcohol-imbued retirement. However, life changes unexpectedly when her handyman is murdered and our heroine becomes an amateur sleuth. Her meddling ways cause problems for the police officer charged with the investigation. And she also makes a nuisance of herself with the individuals that she suspects of the murder. This mystery flows well and is often quite amusing. A most enjoyable read.
September 2, 2018
3.5
Auntie Poldi is a woman after my own heart. All she wants in her retirement is a view of the sea and a good bottle of wine. Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions is the first book in a new series by German-Italian writer Mario Giordano. I love mysteries that take place in different parts of the world like The Number One Ladies Detective Series which takes place in Botswana.
Following the death of her husband, Auntie Poldi retires to Sicily to be close to relatives, have a view of the sea and some good wine - lots of good wine. She hires Valentino, an extremely handsome and capable young man to do repairs on the dilapidated house she has purchased. Within the first few pages of the book Valentino goes missing and Poldi, daughter of a police detective, is on the hunt.
This book was fun! I loved Auntie Poldi, her relatives and acquaintances, all of them "real characters." The plot sometimes meanders, but eventually comes together. And the locale - priceless. Once again I want to be in the locale of a book I am reading - if only for a week. And I wouldn't mind a good bottle of wine to go with the view of the sea.
I am editing this review from a 4 star to a 3.5. For characters and setting I am giving it 4.0 and for meandering plot, 3.0.
Auntie Poldi is a woman after my own heart. All she wants in her retirement is a view of the sea and a good bottle of wine. Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions is the first book in a new series by German-Italian writer Mario Giordano. I love mysteries that take place in different parts of the world like The Number One Ladies Detective Series which takes place in Botswana.
Following the death of her husband, Auntie Poldi retires to Sicily to be close to relatives, have a view of the sea and some good wine - lots of good wine. She hires Valentino, an extremely handsome and capable young man to do repairs on the dilapidated house she has purchased. Within the first few pages of the book Valentino goes missing and Poldi, daughter of a police detective, is on the hunt.
This book was fun! I loved Auntie Poldi, her relatives and acquaintances, all of them "real characters." The plot sometimes meanders, but eventually comes together. And the locale - priceless. Once again I want to be in the locale of a book I am reading - if only for a week. And I wouldn't mind a good bottle of wine to go with the view of the sea.
I am editing this review from a 4 star to a 3.5. For characters and setting I am giving it 4.0 and for meandering plot, 3.0.
March 7, 2018
☀️🥂 #partner • Traveling to Sicily with Auntie Poldi was a DELIGHT! This is a story in a familiar genre ~ woman of a certain age solves a murder while engaging in hijinks along the way ~ set in a delicious location with a very welcome European flair. Given that Poldie is actually German, she learns about the region’s customs and quirks alongside us non-Sicilians, making this a great cultural experience for me. I believe it’s my first book that I’ve ever read set entirely in Sicily and it was just the warmth I needed during this Wisconsin winter dreariness!
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This was a slower read for me, given some of the language and translation barriers, but that just let me savor the experience longer and really immerse myself in the setting. I believe this is the first in a new series and I will definitely looking for further books about Auntie Poldi ❤️
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Thanks to BookishFirst and @hmhbooks for this review copy! This is available on shelves now 😊
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This was a slower read for me, given some of the language and translation barriers, but that just let me savor the experience longer and really immerse myself in the setting. I believe this is the first in a new series and I will definitely looking for further books about Auntie Poldi ❤️
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Thanks to BookishFirst and @hmhbooks for this review copy! This is available on shelves now 😊
April 22, 2019
Auntie Poldi leaves her native Bavaria in her sixtieth year, in a quest to get a new life in sunny Sicily. She's no Miss Marple, she's no Hercule Poirot, she's not precious. She's full bodied, hilarious, still in the game, and racing to find answers on a crime before the local police, one of which she has more than a passing interest in. So it is personal. There's more than usual humor here and something about how law enforcement plays out in Sicily, and a more than intriguing mystery to solve. I hope the series continues to be as good.
August 20, 2023
Important reasons for reading a book and how this book fared:
Excellent writing? No. Rather tedious writing.
Fascinating characters? Nope, a main character who does little except drink.
Learning great truths about life? Sorry, but no.
That leaves little but a delightful setting? Surely, this book had a delightful setting? Okay, a weak yes for this one...thus, the two-star rating.
Excellent writing? No. Rather tedious writing.
Fascinating characters? Nope, a main character who does little except drink.
Learning great truths about life? Sorry, but no.
That leaves little but a delightful setting? Surely, this book had a delightful setting? Okay, a weak yes for this one...thus, the two-star rating.
August 10, 2019
I was drawn to this book by the cover (even though I read on Kindle), and the concept of location and a woman of ‘a certain age’.
I certainly don’t think there are enough books that represent this age group of women.
Overall I enjoyed the book, though there were stages where I thought ‘can I really be bothered to carry on’?
I’m glad I did. In fact I’m looking forward to reading the next book, as I believe this writer may have overcome the more laboured parts in this one.
Not to forget that this book is a translation and perhaps that could have been a contributor.
I certainly don’t think there are enough books that represent this age group of women.
Overall I enjoyed the book, though there were stages where I thought ‘can I really be bothered to carry on’?
I’m glad I did. In fact I’m looking forward to reading the next book, as I believe this writer may have overcome the more laboured parts in this one.
Not to forget that this book is a translation and perhaps that could have been a contributor.
March 7, 2018
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.
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.
February 6, 2018
If I had to read one more sentence that started "My Auntie Poldi" ... I think this would have been a lot better read if Giordano had just stuck with plain old standard third person. Preempting scenes as if he was there, witnessing/hearing it got to be distracting and annoying.
The gist of the story is "my auntie Poldi" interferes with the police as she tries to solve a mystery she is involved with. There is an attraction between her and the main investigator, friction between another and the perpetrator makes attempts on her life.
I really tried.
The gist of the story is "my auntie Poldi" interferes with the police as she tries to solve a mystery she is involved with. There is an attraction between her and the main investigator, friction between another and the perpetrator makes attempts on her life.
I really tried.
June 1, 2018
Anyone who enjoys a glass of crisp Prosecco before noon is fine by me.
It takes place in Sicily, but was originally written in German, so perhaps the translation hindered my ability to get into it right away. But by chapter 8 I was hooked. This quirky, charming mystery will make you wish you were in Sicily with Auntie Poldi. She is smart, sassy and so much fun! I'd love to be her sidekick. Where do I sign up?
It takes place in Sicily, but was originally written in German, so perhaps the translation hindered my ability to get into it right away. But by chapter 8 I was hooked. This quirky, charming mystery will make you wish you were in Sicily with Auntie Poldi. She is smart, sassy and so much fun! I'd love to be her sidekick. Where do I sign up?
August 12, 2019
I cannot blather on enough about how much I enjoyed this book. Auntie Poldi is my new hero—I want to be just like her! She crazy, quirky, impulsive, smart, and possessed of a marvelous sense of herself. She also likes to drink and smoke a bit. After being widowed, she disposes of her small estate and buys a charming home in Sicily, where she plans to die with a view of the sea and a glass of wine. But life is not finished with Poldi—and Poldi discovers that she is not finished with life. She gets embroiled with a local mystery, and the story is on. I loved the descriptive language and the thorough character development in this book. The narrator is a nephew who plays a minuscule role in the story but has a huge impact on your experience of it. How amazing is that? The book is translated from German, and I think that somehow added to the pleasure of reading it. Delizioso! Please, Mr. Giordano: keep writing these books! It won’t take me any time to devour the sequel, and I’ll be needing more. And, to paraphrase Poldi, I know a thing or two about needing more 😉
January 15, 2020
Pēc vāka un anotācijas domāju, ka būs kaut kas līdzīgs Ritas Falkas detektīviem. Kaut kādā mērā varbūt arī ir: ir humors, ir spilgta vide, ir dīvaiņi un ir nesarežģīta detektīvintriga. BET stils! Valoda sacakināta līdz absurdam. Gari, piņķerīgi, sacukuroti poētiski teikumi. Brīžiem gluži kā 19. gs. romānos. To vēl vairāk paspilgtina nodaļu ievadanotācijas. Kaut kādos mirkļos stila dīvainība sasniedza kiča līmeni un bija izturama, bet pārsvarā krita uz nerviem.
Izlasīt jau izlasīju, jo gribēju zināt atrisinājumu, bet arī tas lika vilties: beigās bija pārāk daudz no lasītāja slēptu jaunumu. Līdz ar to nekādas iespējas pašam kaut ko izdomāt. Vārdu sakot, visai savdabīgs darbiņš. Ļoti šaubos, vai lasīšu turpinājumus.
P.S. Un tā NEKĀDĀ gadījumā nav mis Mārpla nekādā gaumē.
Izlasīt jau izlasīju, jo gribēju zināt atrisinājumu, bet arī tas lika vilties: beigās bija pārāk daudz no lasītāja slēptu jaunumu. Līdz ar to nekādas iespējas pašam kaut ko izdomāt. Vārdu sakot, visai savdabīgs darbiņš. Ļoti šaubos, vai lasīšu turpinājumus.
P.S. Un tā NEKĀDĀ gadījumā nav mis Mārpla nekādā gaumē.
March 12, 2018
Poldi is a sort of German Agatha Raisin....she's an older woman but not of the "little old lady" variety. I picture her more like Maude on the Golden Girls. She's enterprising and persistent whether it's tracking down clues in a case or getting a man....some funny parts. I like Agatha Raisin better but neither one is LOL funny. If anyone knows of cozy mysteries that are truly funny, I'd be interested. I need something light in between my usual depressing fare.
February 1, 2020
Cozy detective ir kaut kas līdzīgs literārajam fast food. Lieliska izvēle,kad gribas atpūsties un palasīt kaut ko izklaidējošu un nesarežģītu. Tante Poldi ir patiešām izdevies literārais tēls - 60 gadīga dāma,kura variē starp nepārspējamu dzīvesprieku un melanholiju. Pametot dzimto Bavāriju,izlēmusi pārcelties uz dzīvi Sicīlijā,kur nolēmusi "nodzerties ar skatu uz jūru". Viņas dzīves moto "when chips are down,show plenty of cleavage". Poldi mierīgos plānus,protams,izjauc slepkavības izmeklēšana.
Papildus vērtību šai grāmatai piešķir Sicīlijas un tās iedzīvotāju raksturojumi. Tā kā esmu bijusi tik Itālijas Ziemeļos,kur (saskaņā ar grāmatu), dzīvo "fašisti,kuri izdomājuši stāstus par Sicīliešu mafiju", ļoti sagribējās apceļot arī Dienvidus. Protams, kā jau grāmatā par Itāliju,daudz vīna un gardu ēdienu. Vietām varbūt nedaudz nevajadzīgi apraksti,bet kopumā man patika.
Papildus vērtību šai grāmatai piešķir Sicīlijas un tās iedzīvotāju raksturojumi. Tā kā esmu bijusi tik Itālijas Ziemeļos,kur (saskaņā ar grāmatu), dzīvo "fašisti,kuri izdomājuši stāstus par Sicīliešu mafiju", ļoti sagribējās apceļot arī Dienvidus. Protams, kā jau grāmatā par Itāliju,daudz vīna un gardu ēdienu. Vietām varbūt nedaudz nevajadzīgi apraksti,bet kopumā man patika.
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August 9, 2025DNF. De eerste 20% van dit boek heb ik met tegenzin gelezen, gewoon voor het geval dat het toch nog beter zou worden… dat bleek niet zo te zijn. Na een tijd heb ik dan toch besloten dat ik mijn vakantie niet wenste te verspillen aan een “slecht” boek.
Mijn irritatie en teleurstelling lagen voornamelijk bij de schrijfstijl, die echt niet mijn ding was. Het idee achter de verhaallijn had namelijk wel iets unieks.
Mijn irritatie en teleurstelling lagen voornamelijk bij de schrijfstijl, die echt niet mijn ding was. Het idee achter de verhaallijn had namelijk wel iets unieks.
April 21, 2018
After awhile I felt I wasn't getting into this one, but decided to soldier on. At around 2/3, I fell asleep finding the book at the end when I awoke. I just didn't care enough to go back and listen - moving on. The gimmick of the narrator nephew was okay, but I think one has to be "Bavarian" (NOT just German) to appreciate it Poldi and her background.
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August 16, 2020Laurie King blogged about older female detectives, so I downloaded a few that I had never read before to see if I could find a series I would enjoy reading. Auntie Poldi is just not my cup of tea. I think she has a lot of fans, though.
Library Loan
Library Loan
October 27, 2019
Atzīšos, reti kura grāmata tā "nelasās" pēdējā laikā. It kā jau sižets nebija slikts, varoņi arī puslīdz ok, bet laikam man pietrūka tāds vieglums un nepiespiestība. Manas sajūtas - autors pārāk nopūlējās būt asprātīgs, tik ļoti gribēja radīt savu īpašo detektīvu, ka šīs pūles bija ļoti pat pamanāmas. Liktu 2 *, bet viena papildu * par Sicīliju. Par belle figura:) Cerams, pārējās grāmatas (autors jau 4 sarakstījis) varētu būt labākas.
September 30, 2017
2,5 ☆
Mówiąc szczerze miałam nadzieję na coś zupełnie innego. Więcej humoru i wpadek głównej bohaterki. Czegoś w stylu Stephanie Plum. Niestety mamy tutaj sporo informacji, które człowiekowi nie są zupełnie do życia potrzebne, a także niezbyt dobry sposób prowadzenia narracji, który wprowadza niezły chaos. Ach, no i w okolicach 200 strony domyśliłam się kto jest zabójcą.
Mówiąc szczerze miałam nadzieję na coś zupełnie innego. Więcej humoru i wpadek głównej bohaterki. Czegoś w stylu Stephanie Plum. Niestety mamy tutaj sporo informacji, które człowiekowi nie są zupełnie do życia potrzebne, a także niezbyt dobry sposób prowadzenia narracji, który wprowadza niezły chaos. Ach, no i w okolicach 200 strony domyśliłam się kto jest zabójcą.
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