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Franki Amato Mysteries #4
Campari Crimson
Halloween is looming large in New Orleans, and Private Investigator Franki Amato’s in a gloomy mood. Her boyfriend Bradley has to leave on an extended business trip, and her slacker brother is coming to town with her matchmaker nonna who’s determined to see a Sicilian lemon superstition bear fruit. Meanwhile, the entire city is spooked because a caped figure is targeting its blood banks. Things turn macabre when a psychic makes a dark prediction about Franki’s brother and a frat boy is found in a cemetery crypt with his blood drained. As bad luck would have it, Franki is hired to investigate the murder by the number one police suspect, an eighteenth-century vampire impersonator. A detective acquaintance offers to team up to find the killer, but he’s interested in more than Franki’s professional input. To solve the case, she goes solo into NOLA’s vampire community and immerses herself in local vampire legends. Can Franki prevent another bloodletting? Or will the next blood spilled be her own?
Campari Crimson is book 4 in the Franki Amato Mysteries, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like zany characters and laugh-out-loud humor with a splash of suspense, then you’ll drink up this fun series by USA Today Bestselling Author Traci Andrighetti. Cheers!
FRANKI AMATO MYSTERIES:
Limoncello Yellow (book 1)
Prugnolino Purple (spring short story 1.5)
Prosecco Pink (book 2)
Rosolio Red (holiday short story 2.5)
Amaretto Amber (book 3)
Fragolino Fuchsia (Rome short story 3.5)
Campari Crimson (book 4)
Cannellino Caramel (holiday short story 4.5)
Galliano Gold (book 5)
Cremoncello Cream (Sicily short story 5.5)
Marsala Maroon (book 6)
Mirto Magenta (Sardinia short story 6.5)
"Andrighetti’s dialogue is genuine yet uproarious, and her glowing characters animatedly leap off the page. Her sparkling wit keeps the hijinks brimming with merriment."
—Long Island Book Reviews
“Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amato Mysteries have me tickled pink! Her smart, sassy heroine, wacky cast of characters, and vividly original settings had me glued to the page. I can’t wait to read more from this author!”
~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
“Traci’s writing is sharp and funny; the world she paints leaps off the page and makes the reader laugh out loud…. A thoroughly enjoyable new voice in fiction!”
~ Kristin Harmel, Internationally bestselling novelist (The Sweetness of Forgetting)
Campari Crimson is book 4 in the Franki Amato Mysteries, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like zany characters and laugh-out-loud humor with a splash of suspense, then you’ll drink up this fun series by USA Today Bestselling Author Traci Andrighetti. Cheers!
FRANKI AMATO MYSTERIES:
Limoncello Yellow (book 1)
Prugnolino Purple (spring short story 1.5)
Prosecco Pink (book 2)
Rosolio Red (holiday short story 2.5)
Amaretto Amber (book 3)
Fragolino Fuchsia (Rome short story 3.5)
Campari Crimson (book 4)
Cannellino Caramel (holiday short story 4.5)
Galliano Gold (book 5)
Cremoncello Cream (Sicily short story 5.5)
Marsala Maroon (book 6)
Mirto Magenta (Sardinia short story 6.5)
"Andrighetti’s dialogue is genuine yet uproarious, and her glowing characters animatedly leap off the page. Her sparkling wit keeps the hijinks brimming with merriment."
—Long Island Book Reviews
“Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amato Mysteries have me tickled pink! Her smart, sassy heroine, wacky cast of characters, and vividly original settings had me glued to the page. I can’t wait to read more from this author!”
~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
“Traci’s writing is sharp and funny; the world she paints leaps off the page and makes the reader laugh out loud…. A thoroughly enjoyable new voice in fiction!”
~ Kristin Harmel, Internationally bestselling novelist (The Sweetness of Forgetting)
336 pages, ebook
Published February 21, 2018
250 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Traci Andrighetti
47 books748 followersTraci Andrighetti is the USA Today bestselling author of the Franki Amato mysteries and the Danger Cove Hair Salon mysteries, and she is a co-author of the Killer Foursome mysteries. Her latest release is 4 SLEUTHS & A BACHELORETTE, Franki's first co-investigation with the sleuths of Leslie Langtry, Arlene McFarlane, and Diana Orgain. Right now Traci's plotting TUACA TAN, Franki Amato 8, about the members of an all-female Mardi Gras krewe who keep dropping dead. Next off the press is Franki’s second investigation with her new “krewe,” 4 SLEUTHS & A BURLESQUE DANCER, about a washed up dolphin dancer found dead in the water. LMAO (the initials of Langtry, Andrighetti, McFarlane, and Orgain)! :D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 28, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up. More fun with Franki and her friends and family. This time Franki is trying to get to the bottom of bloodless corpses. Anne Rice references are aplenty. It is the whole New Orleans vampire thing after all.
Want to read
March 26, 2022I've got 5 free download codes for the Campari Crimson audiobook! Anyone want to review it?
December 22, 2018
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**
Campari Crimson by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is Book 4 in the Franki Amato Mysteries series. While it can stand-alone, your enjoyment and overall experience will be heightened if you start at the beginning with Book 1. This series is so good, and I know when you listen to one book, you will want the rest in the series. Main character Franki Amato is awesome. As expected, she is the main reason I fell in love with the series, and I have no doubt you will feel the same. Andrighetti is clearly a talented author. She has me wondering if she's also a comedian. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this book! In addition, her strategically placed details throughout are so exact that I can still see places and characters even after the book has ended. She really has a way with words! Along with watching the plot unfold before my very eyes, I also felt like every time Franki spoke, she was talking to me, like we were old friends. Excellent writing! Between the real-to-life characters and clever one-liners, I found myself laughing and feeling right at home with this quirky crew! I know you will, too!
Madeline Mrozek is, hands down, the best narrator out there! The unique voices she uses for each character made me forget there was only one narrator speaking. Wow! Her ability to switch between and then stay in character is impressive. Literally, her performance is flawless. I listen, on average, to about two audiobooks per week, which means I am exposed to a variety of narrators. It isn't on accident that I find myself circling back to Mrozek's books. The quality of her work is outstanding, and I know I will always be entertained. As long as she keeps recording, I will keep listening!
I'm a high school teacher, so, naturally, I read to my students often. How I wish my reading engaged my students the same way Mrozek engages me! Well, I've been practicing, embarrassingly enough. I know I'm getting better, though, because my students attitude toward reading has improved greatly, and lately they actually have requested I read to them, rather than to themsleves or with each other in groups. Yes, high schoolers...teenagers...they don't ever like anything and are always way too cool for everything. :-) Thank you, Ms. Mrozek, for being my inspiration to make characters come alive for my students! We read a large variety of texts, but their favorites are short stories. Next semester, we are going to do another novel study, which we decided together would be an independent choice novel this time. Hmmmm...with that being said, why did my 5th hour just tell me the title of the novel "they" decided "we" would read together...huh? Together?? I thought they voted on an independent novel study (smiling to myself and secretly excited). Do they think it's easy being their own personal narrator? (Still smiling to myself). I don't know how you do it, Ms. Mrozek, but I see a TON of practice in my future if I'm going to read an entire novel to them and keep the momentum going strong! Maybe one of their individual assignments should be to narrate and record a chapter for the class to listen to. I think it would give them an understanding and new appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes in to being a narrator. Keep up the awesome work and thank you for all you do! YOU ARE A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
The audiobook Campari Crimson: Franki Amato Mysteries, Book 4 by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is highly entertaining and will definitely keep you guessing through to the last page. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series, to those who love mysteries mixed with light suspense and a lot of humor. Andrighetti and Mrozek are not to be missed. They are a dynamic duo and complement each other's work perfectly. Bravo! I'm looking forward to finding out what comes next!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
Campari Crimson by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is Book 4 in the Franki Amato Mysteries series. While it can stand-alone, your enjoyment and overall experience will be heightened if you start at the beginning with Book 1. This series is so good, and I know when you listen to one book, you will want the rest in the series. Main character Franki Amato is awesome. As expected, she is the main reason I fell in love with the series, and I have no doubt you will feel the same. Andrighetti is clearly a talented author. She has me wondering if she's also a comedian. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this book! In addition, her strategically placed details throughout are so exact that I can still see places and characters even after the book has ended. She really has a way with words! Along with watching the plot unfold before my very eyes, I also felt like every time Franki spoke, she was talking to me, like we were old friends. Excellent writing! Between the real-to-life characters and clever one-liners, I found myself laughing and feeling right at home with this quirky crew! I know you will, too!
Madeline Mrozek is, hands down, the best narrator out there! The unique voices she uses for each character made me forget there was only one narrator speaking. Wow! Her ability to switch between and then stay in character is impressive. Literally, her performance is flawless. I listen, on average, to about two audiobooks per week, which means I am exposed to a variety of narrators. It isn't on accident that I find myself circling back to Mrozek's books. The quality of her work is outstanding, and I know I will always be entertained. As long as she keeps recording, I will keep listening!
I'm a high school teacher, so, naturally, I read to my students often. How I wish my reading engaged my students the same way Mrozek engages me! Well, I've been practicing, embarrassingly enough. I know I'm getting better, though, because my students attitude toward reading has improved greatly, and lately they actually have requested I read to them, rather than to themsleves or with each other in groups. Yes, high schoolers...teenagers...they don't ever like anything and are always way too cool for everything. :-) Thank you, Ms. Mrozek, for being my inspiration to make characters come alive for my students! We read a large variety of texts, but their favorites are short stories. Next semester, we are going to do another novel study, which we decided together would be an independent choice novel this time. Hmmmm...with that being said, why did my 5th hour just tell me the title of the novel "they" decided "we" would read together...huh? Together?? I thought they voted on an independent novel study (smiling to myself and secretly excited). Do they think it's easy being their own personal narrator? (Still smiling to myself). I don't know how you do it, Ms. Mrozek, but I see a TON of practice in my future if I'm going to read an entire novel to them and keep the momentum going strong! Maybe one of their individual assignments should be to narrate and record a chapter for the class to listen to. I think it would give them an understanding and new appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes in to being a narrator. Keep up the awesome work and thank you for all you do! YOU ARE A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
The audiobook Campari Crimson: Franki Amato Mysteries, Book 4 by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is highly entertaining and will definitely keep you guessing through to the last page. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series, to those who love mysteries mixed with light suspense and a lot of humor. Andrighetti and Mrozek are not to be missed. They are a dynamic duo and complement each other's work perfectly. Bravo! I'm looking forward to finding out what comes next!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
February 27, 2018
Campari Crimson is the latest in the Franki Amato series from author Traci Andrighetti, & like the earlier books in the series, it grabs the reader in from page one & doesn't let go.
Franki and "Private Chicks," the detective agency owned by her BFF Veronica, have two unique cases in her latest adventure- one brought by Psychic Chandra, a repeat character from Prosecco Pink, involving her hubby, Lou the plumber, and the other a wild, vampiric murder-mystery that brings forth the title, Campari Crimson. Perhaps the strangest part of the murder mystery is that, along the way, we find out that Private Chick's customer was referred to them by none-other than Det Wesley Sullivan, another returning character (readers will remember his tipping from Ameretto Amber), who probably was the last person Franki expected to recommend her to clients. His admission that he likes the way Franki shakes things up is shocking to Franki, to say the least.
Along for the ride are other of Franki's friends & family- Glenda, her landlady/ ex(sort of) stripper; Carni-vaul, Glenda's friend & drag-queen extraordinaire; David & "the Vassal;" Anthony; Ronnie (Veronica); Bradley; and Nonna.
Author Andrighetti warns that this story is a Vampire Tale, but cozy-mystery readers need not fear. Yes, Vampire lore is involved, but this isn't your Grandmother's vampire story. You don't have to worry that you'll be reading about Transylvania, Borgo Pass, the vampiric sucking of human blood in gory detail, or transmogrification. These are more modern vamps- one is a "psychic feeder vampire," feasting on the "energy & emotions" of others- & only with permission. But there are some truly eerie tales of gothic legends sprinkled throughout, & fascinating facts that show, as always, Andrighetti knows her stuff. In fact, I want to go to New Orleans & take a Vampires & Victims tour asap. And the side characters- Phil the caretaker & Pam the tour guide are reason enough to buy the book!
I don't do spoilers. But I will say, I dropped every other book to read this one, then I couldn't stop. It "sucked me in," (sorry!) and I had to keep going. The plot, the descriptions, the characters- all classic Traci Andrighetti, all completely irresistible to a reader. I want to walk the streets with the characters, get a drink with them (but, sadly, not Campari anymore), go to the Crimson Ball, even visit the psychic & plumbing shop. You won't want to put it down. And the real culprit was a surprise.
A few minor issues. I hoped- really, truly- that Bradley was gone. Caput. Finito. I'm just not sold on him. But, in the end. Well, no spoilers:). But, I have a little more hope for him. I found Sullivan's revelation at the end- after all his pursuing Franki AND telling his Captain he had a date with her- to be unbelievable. Still not sure what's going on there. You really should read the other books in the series- at least Amber Ameretto- to fully understand this one. So just do it. You'll love them. And, I have fibro, so I'm putting everyone on warning now- you'll understand that after the book.
I loved it, & can't wait for the next one.
Sent from my iPhone
Franki and "Private Chicks," the detective agency owned by her BFF Veronica, have two unique cases in her latest adventure- one brought by Psychic Chandra, a repeat character from Prosecco Pink, involving her hubby, Lou the plumber, and the other a wild, vampiric murder-mystery that brings forth the title, Campari Crimson. Perhaps the strangest part of the murder mystery is that, along the way, we find out that Private Chick's customer was referred to them by none-other than Det Wesley Sullivan, another returning character (readers will remember his tipping from Ameretto Amber), who probably was the last person Franki expected to recommend her to clients. His admission that he likes the way Franki shakes things up is shocking to Franki, to say the least.
Along for the ride are other of Franki's friends & family- Glenda, her landlady/ ex(sort of) stripper; Carni-vaul, Glenda's friend & drag-queen extraordinaire; David & "the Vassal;" Anthony; Ronnie (Veronica); Bradley; and Nonna.
Author Andrighetti warns that this story is a Vampire Tale, but cozy-mystery readers need not fear. Yes, Vampire lore is involved, but this isn't your Grandmother's vampire story. You don't have to worry that you'll be reading about Transylvania, Borgo Pass, the vampiric sucking of human blood in gory detail, or transmogrification. These are more modern vamps- one is a "psychic feeder vampire," feasting on the "energy & emotions" of others- & only with permission. But there are some truly eerie tales of gothic legends sprinkled throughout, & fascinating facts that show, as always, Andrighetti knows her stuff. In fact, I want to go to New Orleans & take a Vampires & Victims tour asap. And the side characters- Phil the caretaker & Pam the tour guide are reason enough to buy the book!
I don't do spoilers. But I will say, I dropped every other book to read this one, then I couldn't stop. It "sucked me in," (sorry!) and I had to keep going. The plot, the descriptions, the characters- all classic Traci Andrighetti, all completely irresistible to a reader. I want to walk the streets with the characters, get a drink with them (but, sadly, not Campari anymore), go to the Crimson Ball, even visit the psychic & plumbing shop. You won't want to put it down. And the real culprit was a surprise.
A few minor issues. I hoped- really, truly- that Bradley was gone. Caput. Finito. I'm just not sold on him. But, in the end. Well, no spoilers:). But, I have a little more hope for him. I found Sullivan's revelation at the end- after all his pursuing Franki AND telling his Captain he had a date with her- to be unbelievable. Still not sure what's going on there. You really should read the other books in the series- at least Amber Ameretto- to fully understand this one. So just do it. You'll love them. And, I have fibro, so I'm putting everyone on warning now- you'll understand that after the book.
I loved it, & can't wait for the next one.
Sent from my iPhone
February 27, 2018
Franki Amato, a PI, lives in New Orleans where the bizarre is common and PI's handle cases involving voodoo, magic, and vampires. In this delightfully chilling book, Franki is called upon for a couple odd cases. One of those includes attending a cooking class. Now you might think there is nothing odd about a cooking class, but you would be so wrong. Her client's husband is trying to earn the spot on next year's Mardi Gras float, but someone in the class is sabotaging his cooking. Now frankly it might be hard to tell because the food they are making is all sourced from dumpsters and other free foods. (Think bugs!) Just to complicate things, the client is also psychic and delivers some creepy news to Franki.
A caped intruder broke into the blood bank and stole type B positive blood, the only kind of blood a vampire can drink. It also happens to be both Franki's and her brother Anthony's blood type. Unfortunately her mother has dumped Anthony and Nonna on Franki while he finds a job. But if the psychic is right, Anthony is going to be strung up and drained just like other poor souls have been. Wait, are vampires even real? This close to Halloween there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about vampires, including vampire tours, and oh yes! How about the newest client who goes out in a top hat and cape as he researches vampires during the night for his book. A book about a vampire who he just happens to look like!
If this isn't enough, Franki has to go to the cemetery to try and see the crime area, and is helped by a jolly caretaker who has such hobbies as taxidermy, making beer in a crypt, and making his own cheese and sausage our of undetermined ingredients. He doesn't inspire confidence for Franki, and is secretly thrilled when Detective Sullivan becomes protective of her and physically caries her out of the cemetery.
I suppose stepping on bones there would make anyone need rescuing!
Creepy, complex, a cunning murderer, too much Anthony and Nonna, too little Bradley, too much frat house dealings, too many vampires, too many murders, and trying to figure our what Campari Crimson means all add up to Franki doing what she does best!
The author has done a great job of combining fact and fiction and local legends into a book that showcases Franki's abilities to dig until she gets to the truth. It also shows an impressive amount of research on the part of the author in order to write a fiction book that has romance, friendship, parties, mysteries (many of which tie together) good characters and some funny scenes. This book has it all!
Fun book that I could barely put down long enough to fix a meal for my family or go to sleep. I have to admit I was creeped out and loved it!
A caped intruder broke into the blood bank and stole type B positive blood, the only kind of blood a vampire can drink. It also happens to be both Franki's and her brother Anthony's blood type. Unfortunately her mother has dumped Anthony and Nonna on Franki while he finds a job. But if the psychic is right, Anthony is going to be strung up and drained just like other poor souls have been. Wait, are vampires even real? This close to Halloween there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about vampires, including vampire tours, and oh yes! How about the newest client who goes out in a top hat and cape as he researches vampires during the night for his book. A book about a vampire who he just happens to look like!
If this isn't enough, Franki has to go to the cemetery to try and see the crime area, and is helped by a jolly caretaker who has such hobbies as taxidermy, making beer in a crypt, and making his own cheese and sausage our of undetermined ingredients. He doesn't inspire confidence for Franki, and is secretly thrilled when Detective Sullivan becomes protective of her and physically caries her out of the cemetery.
I suppose stepping on bones there would make anyone need rescuing!
Creepy, complex, a cunning murderer, too much Anthony and Nonna, too little Bradley, too much frat house dealings, too many vampires, too many murders, and trying to figure our what Campari Crimson means all add up to Franki doing what she does best!
The author has done a great job of combining fact and fiction and local legends into a book that showcases Franki's abilities to dig until she gets to the truth. It also shows an impressive amount of research on the part of the author in order to write a fiction book that has romance, friendship, parties, mysteries (many of which tie together) good characters and some funny scenes. This book has it all!
Fun book that I could barely put down long enough to fix a meal for my family or go to sleep. I have to admit I was creeped out and loved it!
February 27, 2018
This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Franki Amato Mystery series and is written by Traci Andrighetti. This book can be read as a standalone, but you will want to go back and read the other books so you can get the characters history. Franki Amato is a Private Investigator in New Orleans. Her boyfriend Bradley has to leave on an extended business trip, and her slacker brother is coming to town with her matchmaker nonna who’s determined to see a Sicilian lemon superstition bear fruit. Meanwhile, the entire city is spooked because a caped figure is targeting its blood banks. Things turn macabre when a psychic makes a dark prediction about Franki’s brother and a frat boy is found in a cemetery crypt with his blood drained. As bad luck would have it, Franki is hired to investigate the murder by the number one police suspect, an eighteenth-century vampire impersonator. A detective acquaintance offers to team up to find the killer, but he’s interested in more than Franki’s professional input. To solve the case, she goes solo into NOLA’s vampire community and immerses herself in local vampire legends. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
February 27, 2018
“Tales of the Crisp!”
Quick, clever, & edgy; oddball characters; & uproariously funny situations! Author Traci Andrighetti has done it again! Poor Frankie, she has to deal with an ex-stripper landlord, an intimidating drag queen, vampires, & most stressful, her marriage-on-the-brain Nona! This is New Orleans where abnormal is normal. Suspense builds as Frankie, with a little, & I do mean little, help from her friends, tries to find a killer who is draining all blood from helpless victims. But as life is never easy for Frankie, she also has to deal with her crazy family & an exasperating love life, along with solving her cases. There were moments when I laughed out loud, & others I found myself holding my breath in a grip of suspense. Fasten your seatbelts, you’re in for an exhilarating ride!
Quick, clever, & edgy; oddball characters; & uproariously funny situations! Author Traci Andrighetti has done it again! Poor Frankie, she has to deal with an ex-stripper landlord, an intimidating drag queen, vampires, & most stressful, her marriage-on-the-brain Nona! This is New Orleans where abnormal is normal. Suspense builds as Frankie, with a little, & I do mean little, help from her friends, tries to find a killer who is draining all blood from helpless victims. But as life is never easy for Frankie, she also has to deal with her crazy family & an exasperating love life, along with solving her cases. There were moments when I laughed out loud, & others I found myself holding my breath in a grip of suspense. Fasten your seatbelts, you’re in for an exhilarating ride!
February 28, 2018
A Fraternity, a cemetery and a nursing home!
Franki’s adventures continues with with Nonna and her brother as house guests. Trouble I in paradise with Bradley and Vampires on the loose. It all makes for an entertaining read. You will laugh at parts, be biting your nails in parts and pulling for certain characters. Traci does a fantastic job of developing her characters and getting your buy in to them. You will love some and hate others. If you have read This series you will love this one too and if you have not , it is a great place to start. As someone who has lived in New Orleans Traci does a great job of making you feel like you are really there. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.
Franki’s adventures continues with with Nonna and her brother as house guests. Trouble I in paradise with Bradley and Vampires on the loose. It all makes for an entertaining read. You will laugh at parts, be biting your nails in parts and pulling for certain characters. Traci does a fantastic job of developing her characters and getting your buy in to them. You will love some and hate others. If you have read This series you will love this one too and if you have not , it is a great place to start. As someone who has lived in New Orleans Traci does a great job of making you feel like you are really there. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.
May 18, 2018
I loved it!
Campari Crimson is based on New Orleans' vampire legends and real vampire stories. Yes, you heard that right: REAL. It gets a little graphic, so consider yourself forewarned.
I loved it! At times too creepy to read on, but too suspenseful to stop :) Also very humorous! I don’t normally read a lot of vampire books, but here I loved the vampire-thing! This was my first Franki Amato Mystery, but I’m definitely going to read the rest of the series too!
Campari Crimson is based on New Orleans' vampire legends and real vampire stories. Yes, you heard that right: REAL. It gets a little graphic, so consider yourself forewarned.
I loved it! At times too creepy to read on, but too suspenseful to stop :) Also very humorous! I don’t normally read a lot of vampire books, but here I loved the vampire-thing! This was my first Franki Amato Mystery, but I’m definitely going to read the rest of the series too!
February 23, 2018
Oh my goodness! This was the best Franki Amato book yet!! Will be honest with you, I am not a “Vampire/Twilight/ghost” fan, and enjoyed the story that much!! The characters were very well written! The dynamics between Franki and her brother Anthony were spot on, as well as the dynamics between Franki and her Nonna...priceless. The biggest surprise is what happens with Franki and Detective Sullivan......but you will need to read the book first!!! All I can say is, it doesn’t matter if you are not a vampire fan....there is enough mystery, laugh-out-loud fun, a bit of love to keep you entertained! This is definitely a must read!
February 27, 2018
a really fun read! Murder, Vampires, fun! Wonderful characters, I love Franki! Want to be vampires and some horrible murders, interesting twists and turns make this a book you cannot put down! This book is suspenseful and will make you laugh out loud! I love how Trace Andrighetti can bring it all together! Wonderful fun book!
March 31, 2019
If you love over-the-top, creepy, spooky fun mysteries with complex, fast-moving plots, then Campari Crimson, #4 in the Franki Amato mystery series, is for you. Although this is the fourth book of Franki’s adventures, it can easily be read standalone. But go back and read them from the start to get the full benefit of Franki and her crazy family and friends and author Traci Andrighetti’s great writing.
It’s Halloween in New Orleans, and there’s a killer who just might be a real vampire on the loose. There’s also a cooking class with garbage and dead bugs, Franki’s less than satisfactory love life which includes getting hit on by the police detective, her slacker brother, the nonna who is determined to get her married off, and a full cast of characters, each more outrageous than the last.
And underneath the laugh out loud fun and craziness is a solid plot and mystery with clues and details throughout that nicely tie together in the end, with non-stop action, real danger, and more than a bit of disgusting gore, and some genuinely terrifying situations.
I received a copy of the audiobook on Audible from the author in exchange for an honest review. Campari Crimson is a thoroughly enjoyable listen – a compelling story that will keep you engaged and fully satisfy you at the end.
It’s Halloween in New Orleans, and there’s a killer who just might be a real vampire on the loose. There’s also a cooking class with garbage and dead bugs, Franki’s less than satisfactory love life which includes getting hit on by the police detective, her slacker brother, the nonna who is determined to get her married off, and a full cast of characters, each more outrageous than the last.
And underneath the laugh out loud fun and craziness is a solid plot and mystery with clues and details throughout that nicely tie together in the end, with non-stop action, real danger, and more than a bit of disgusting gore, and some genuinely terrifying situations.
I received a copy of the audiobook on Audible from the author in exchange for an honest review. Campari Crimson is a thoroughly enjoyable listen – a compelling story that will keep you engaged and fully satisfy you at the end.
March 19, 2018
This is the fourth installment of the Franki Amato series. What could be more frightening at Halloween in New Orleans than a vampire stealing blood and killing people or Nonna showing up with Franki’s youngest brother! Nonna sets her sights on Detective Sulllivan since Franki’s boyfriend Bradley hasn’t proposed yet. Franki is on both cases. This is yet another hilarious murder mystery. The cases get weirder and so do the characters especially the way Franki handles both. I highly recommend this series! I can’t say enough good things about it. I’m an avid reader and this has become my new favorite series.
March 5, 2018
Standing among parade-goers at Jackson Square, Franki Amato noticed a young vampire staring at her. She mentioned it to her boss, Veronica Maggio, who admonished her about being so suspicious of people – despite the fact that they were private investigators who actually should be suspicious! Franki was waiting for her 60+ year-old ex-stripper landlady, Glenda O’Brien, to arrive and then she would head home. She should have stuck to that plan, because Glenda brought her friend Carnie along and Carnie kept hurling non-stop insults at Franki.
The books in this series are hilarious and a joy to read! The main character is fantastic, and the secondary characters are perfect in bringing out Franki’s talents! You never know what to expect, but you’ll love the crooked pathways that get you there! Between the vampire shenanigans, a caped figure trying to rob the blood banks, and Franki’s crazy family members crashing into her life, Franki has her hands full! There’s more than a gruesome murder to solve too, with some funny business thrown in regarding a cooking class! But murder and mayhem are the norm in this crazy place! And what’s going on with Det. Sullivan?? Be a part of the investigation – but keep your neck covered just in case!
The books in this series are hilarious and a joy to read! The main character is fantastic, and the secondary characters are perfect in bringing out Franki’s talents! You never know what to expect, but you’ll love the crooked pathways that get you there! Between the vampire shenanigans, a caped figure trying to rob the blood banks, and Franki’s crazy family members crashing into her life, Franki has her hands full! There’s more than a gruesome murder to solve too, with some funny business thrown in regarding a cooking class! But murder and mayhem are the norm in this crazy place! And what’s going on with Det. Sullivan?? Be a part of the investigation – but keep your neck covered just in case!
March 22, 2019
This was such a fun read! I love a good mystery, and this one is based out of New Orleans which made it even more special. This is the only book I've read from Andrighetti's Franki Amato series, and I definitely intend to check out more.
Franki is from Texas, but working as a private investigator in New Orleans. Even though Nola is full of the supernatural, vampires, voodoo, and witches, Franki is creeped out by vampires. She nonetheless takes on a client suspected of being a vampire. She has to put her fears behind her to determine whether or not Josh Santo is robbing blood banks and draining people's blood, or if he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Franki is from Texas, but working as a private investigator in New Orleans. Even though Nola is full of the supernatural, vampires, voodoo, and witches, Franki is creeped out by vampires. She nonetheless takes on a client suspected of being a vampire. She has to put her fears behind her to determine whether or not Josh Santo is robbing blood banks and draining people's blood, or if he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
March 11, 2018
Too good to be true.
While it's bad enough for Frankie dealing with her Nona over the phone, dealing with her in person and with brother Anthony in tow is a disaster waiting to happen. Throw in vampires and it all becomes a bit more than any alcohol can handle.
While it's bad enough for Frankie dealing with her Nona over the phone, dealing with her in person and with brother Anthony in tow is a disaster waiting to happen. Throw in vampires and it all becomes a bit more than any alcohol can handle.
March 1, 2018
One word for this book - AWESOME!! This is the 4th book in the Frank Amato Mysteries and it's my favorite so far. I love the New Orleans setting of all the books, but this book really incorporated a lot of the history, myths & legends that New Orleans is famous for. It's Halloween time and all the ghosts, goblins, and vampires have come out to play. A gruesome murder takes place and Franki is asked by the main suspect to investigate. Could one of those vampires be a murderer? While she is investigating she has to deal with her Mama, brother, Nonna, Detective Sullivan and his attitude, Bradley and his lack of attention & of course Glenda and all of her colorful antics. On top of all this, she is asked to find a saboteur in an "interesting" cooking class. Join Franki and the gang for a wild ride, you won't be sorry you did!
March 6, 2018
WOW! My fourth read, and first full-length read, from entertaining author Traci Andrighetti. As good as the shorts were this one was outstanding! Characters so well-developed that by this time you feel like you know them and are invested in them. I need to get more books in this series by this outstanding author.
March 1, 2018
This is a reading delight with a crazy cast of characters including vampires, mystery and mayhem set in New Orleans. I feel like Franki Amato is a friend as she works as a PI with her best friend Veronica who owns Private Chicks and deals with her Sicilian grandmother and brother who are staying with her for a month.
I couldn't put this page-turner down and wanted it to continue when I got to the last page. Ms. Andrighetti has given us another winner in a series that gets better with each book and I can hardly wait to see what Franki gets into in book five.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of Campari Crimson and liked it so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
I couldn't put this page-turner down and wanted it to continue when I got to the last page. Ms. Andrighetti has given us another winner in a series that gets better with each book and I can hardly wait to see what Franki gets into in book five.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of Campari Crimson and liked it so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
March 4, 2018
This is a great book. It is the most current in the Franki Amato series. This is a great series taking place in New Orleans. Franki is a Private Investigator
Investigating magic, voodoo and vampires. The series is written by Traci Andrighetti. Traci does a great job of developing her characters.
If you want a good read, then this the book for you.
Investigating magic, voodoo and vampires. The series is written by Traci Andrighetti. Traci does a great job of developing her characters.
If you want a good read, then this the book for you.
March 4, 2018
awesome!!!
December 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I don't normally choose vampires stories (as they just creep me out) but I read previous Franki stories and really enjoyed them so I read the book. So glad I did, I just love everything about this series, the location, New Orleans just sounds like a fun place to live (well apart from having so many grave yards and murders) and all the fun quirky characters (and I don't just mean the people in the street parades or floats).
In this book Franki is having to solve a murder while her home life is is thrown up side down, with her boyfriend away on business and her brother has given up the family business to move in with big sister until he works out what he wants to do with his life (other than party) but if that isn't bad enough her Nonna has moved in to make sure Anthony has a cooked meal and doesn't stave on her watch. Facing down a vampire sounds a piece of cake conspired to living with family, that is until her brother makes the vampires kill list.
Very enjoyable book with lots of laughs, twist and suspects.
In this book Franki is having to solve a murder while her home life is is thrown up side down, with her boyfriend away on business and her brother has given up the family business to move in with big sister until he works out what he wants to do with his life (other than party) but if that isn't bad enough her Nonna has moved in to make sure Anthony has a cooked meal and doesn't stave on her watch. Facing down a vampire sounds a piece of cake conspired to living with family, that is until her brother makes the vampires kill list.
Very enjoyable book with lots of laughs, twist and suspects.
August 14, 2018
I love this series and the Danger Cove books that Traci writes. Her characters are always fun, realistic (not 100 pounds and perfectly gorgeous), others are hysterical even if a bit out there - those who have read know who I’m referring to - and she writes in a way that you feel that you’re there. The series is great and I cannot wait for the next one! Being half Italian myself, but growing up with grandparents who didn’t speak Italian, I LOVE learning more about the culture and learning new expressions and words. My Nonna always had told me to ward off the evil spirits too, and everytime Franki mentions or does it, it makes me think of her. NOLA is a place I’ve always wanted to visit and it really makes me feel like I’ve been to and know the area. The Bradley/Wesley thing was kind of surprising, but was needed - no relationship is perfect and it’s nice to have a female protagonist who isn’t chasing the man she loves or wants and plays it straight!
February 2, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
This was a pretty fun vampire mystery that had some really cute and moments throughout. The author did a pretty good job on keeping me guessing about who the murderer is and what exactly Campari Crimson was comprised of. I liked these character and all of the various interactions between them and I liked that we get a little bit of romantic drama thrown into the mix. I think that this was a great standalone; however I did find myself thinking that I probably missed important character interactions from previous books that would have allowed me to get more attached to these characters. It is a little gruesome at times, but for the most part it is a light mystery.
The narrator did a great job on this performance. There was plenty of differentiation between character voices and her voice was pleasant to listen to.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
This was a pretty fun vampire mystery that had some really cute and moments throughout. The author did a pretty good job on keeping me guessing about who the murderer is and what exactly Campari Crimson was comprised of. I liked these character and all of the various interactions between them and I liked that we get a little bit of romantic drama thrown into the mix. I think that this was a great standalone; however I did find myself thinking that I probably missed important character interactions from previous books that would have allowed me to get more attached to these characters. It is a little gruesome at times, but for the most part it is a light mystery.
The narrator did a great job on this performance. There was plenty of differentiation between character voices and her voice was pleasant to listen to.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
February 4, 2020
The main protagonist of this series is really awful. Worse in this book than in the previous three.
She's won't stand up for herself so she's stuck with:
- A dismissive and hyper critical "best friend" (who, frankly, needs slapping)
- An overbreaing and interfering grandmother (likewise with the slapping)
- A liberty-taking policeman (who needs telling it's no wonder his wife dumped him).
- A bullying drag-queen (who needs to be told to go do something anatomically improbable to herself)
- A freeloading brother (who needs throwing out on his ear)
Instead of standing up to any of them, all Franki does is continue to embrace alcoholism.
As with the previous books the mystery is good, but the main protagonist sucks dead bunnies... backwards... through a straw...
I couldn't listen to the end - I stopped caring what happened because Franki-the-doormat is so irriatating.
She's won't stand up for herself so she's stuck with:
- A dismissive and hyper critical "best friend" (who, frankly, needs slapping)
- An overbreaing and interfering grandmother (likewise with the slapping)
- A liberty-taking policeman (who needs telling it's no wonder his wife dumped him).
- A bullying drag-queen (who needs to be told to go do something anatomically improbable to herself)
- A freeloading brother (who needs throwing out on his ear)
Instead of standing up to any of them, all Franki does is continue to embrace alcoholism.
As with the previous books the mystery is good, but the main protagonist sucks dead bunnies... backwards... through a straw...
I couldn't listen to the end - I stopped caring what happened because Franki-the-doormat is so irriatating.
January 5, 2019
This is a really fun series. Franki lives in a former whorehouse in New Orleans; her landlady is a former stripper (how funny is that) and Franki's Italian Mother, Grandmother and her brother have all arrived in New Orleans and are crashing in her 1 bedroom apartment! Tons of fun/funny situations continue in this book and you won't be disappointed. The book is well written and characters are well developed and you will love all the subcharacters which add so much to the book! The narrator is absolutely phenomenal and adds so much to the whole experience, Madeline Mrozek definitely brings Franki to life!!!
December 16, 2018
Start with NOLA near Halloween, add in an ex-cop PI with two unreliable men in her life, an obsessed old school Sicilian grandmother and her cronies, a lazy brother, a bunch of frat boys, a subculture of wannabe vampires, and some gruesome murders. If the plot doesn't get you, the characters will. There's no doubt that the snarky humor and situations will have you laughing yourself silly! You can always count on Ms Andrighetti for suspense in a hilarious read!
Best news is that I got the audio and even better is that it is narrated by the incomparable Madeline Mrozek!
Best news is that I got the audio and even better is that it is narrated by the incomparable Madeline Mrozek!
February 28, 2019
This was another great Franki mystery! This book left me a little spooked by the vampire trend though... I would hate to have a rare blood type! I love Franki's landlady, she's a hoot. If you're looking for a mystery with laughs, this book is for you. It has everything from a little romance to murder, with some fun and blood sucking in between. This was the audio version so I need to give a little shout out to one of the best voices in the biz, Madeline Mrozek. Thank you for another great performance!
May 2, 2018
Frankie Amato does it again!
Each Franki Amato book gets better and better. With the usual cast of quirky characters, life gets complicated when a vampire killer goes on a spree in The Big Easy. To make matters worse, there's trouble in paradise with Bradley, and then there's the surprise arrival of her meddling nonne and slacker brother. Pop in your fangs, New Orleans night life is going to get wild!
Each Franki Amato book gets better and better. With the usual cast of quirky characters, life gets complicated when a vampire killer goes on a spree in The Big Easy. To make matters worse, there's trouble in paradise with Bradley, and then there's the surprise arrival of her meddling nonne and slacker brother. Pop in your fangs, New Orleans night life is going to get wild!
March 13, 2018
it was another great story by Traci. I felt like I was really in New Orleans. People are dying,being drained of all their blood. Is it a vampire or is someone just severely anemic? Read it and find out.
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