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Tante Poldi #4
Tante Poldi und die Schwarze Madonna
Lecktsmiamarsch, Poldis Geburtstag steht vor der Tür! Blöderweise sieht es nicht so aus, als ob sie den überleben würde. Denn als in Rom eine junge Ordensschwester vom Dach des Apostolischen Palastes stürzt, gerät die Poldi unter Verdacht. Einziger Hinweis auf den Täter: die Schwarze Madonna. Und diesmal hat es die Poldi mit sehr gefährlichen Leuten zu tun. Als sich dann noch in Torre Archirafi auf einmal alle von ihr abwenden, reicht es der Poldi. Krachledern, mit Perücke und tüchtig Dings findet sie heraus, warum ihre Freundin, die Signora Cocuzza, immer so traurig ist, und gerät mit dem Commissario ihres Herzens voll ins Visier der Mörder.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
100 people are currently reading
629 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 137 reviews
May 30, 2021
Mario Giordano’s Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is an overwritten, over-the-top, and implausible mystery. I wanted to like this book but the purple prose and absurd plot made this a struggling one-time read. Although this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Flamboyant senior sleuth Auntie Poldi finds herself in the middle of a huge mystery involving an exorcism, a dead nun, and a missing artifact stolen from the Pope himself.
The mystery plot seemed interesting with several intriguing suspects and red herrings. I was really fascinated by the exorcism as well as the church’s involvement. However, the mystery quickly loses momentum and begins to drag. Moreover, the book takes some truly ridiculous plot twists that are straight out of a soap opera. The major plot twist at the centre of the mystery is unbelievable and silly while Poldi’s friendship with Death misses the magical realism mark and just settles into absurdity. Furthermore, while the separate storylines do come together in the end, some of the plot points feel shoehorned in.
Giordano’s writing is verbose, sometimes bordering on purple prose. He also takes many unnecessary detours and there is a lot of information dumping. The book could have been at least fifty pages shorter. There are a few moving and funny moments but, for the most part, the crude and repetitive humour often misses the mark. This book lacks the charm and wit of a cosy mystery while also missing the thrill and suspense of a more traditional mystery.
Although Poldi is definitely the star, the book is written from the first-person perspective of her nephew (who isn’t very interesting to begin with). Giordano switches between the nephew’s perspective and the story that Poldi tells him. This is sometimes difficult to follow.
I did enjoy the small village setting of Torre Archirafi as well as the glimpses into Italian life and culture.
Auntie Poldi is an interesting and eccentric character. Although I do like her brashness and determination and her antics are amusing, she often comes across quite stereotypically. I like the sweet and unconventional relationship between her and her boyfriend, Detective Vito Montano. It’s nice to see senior characters with such prominent roles. Poldi’s long-suffering nephew is fairly sympathetic and always there to support his beloved aunt. However, his romantic drama and writing problems are predictable and stale and make him ultimately forgettable.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the first book that I’ve read in the series and it will definitely be my last. Although I did like the characters, they could have been better written and the mystery could have been more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🍷 out of 5 wine glasses!
Flamboyant senior sleuth Auntie Poldi finds herself in the middle of a huge mystery involving an exorcism, a dead nun, and a missing artifact stolen from the Pope himself.
The mystery plot seemed interesting with several intriguing suspects and red herrings. I was really fascinated by the exorcism as well as the church’s involvement. However, the mystery quickly loses momentum and begins to drag. Moreover, the book takes some truly ridiculous plot twists that are straight out of a soap opera. The major plot twist at the centre of the mystery is unbelievable and silly while Poldi’s friendship with Death misses the magical realism mark and just settles into absurdity. Furthermore, while the separate storylines do come together in the end, some of the plot points feel shoehorned in.
Giordano’s writing is verbose, sometimes bordering on purple prose. He also takes many unnecessary detours and there is a lot of information dumping. The book could have been at least fifty pages shorter. There are a few moving and funny moments but, for the most part, the crude and repetitive humour often misses the mark. This book lacks the charm and wit of a cosy mystery while also missing the thrill and suspense of a more traditional mystery.
Although Poldi is definitely the star, the book is written from the first-person perspective of her nephew (who isn’t very interesting to begin with). Giordano switches between the nephew’s perspective and the story that Poldi tells him. This is sometimes difficult to follow.
I did enjoy the small village setting of Torre Archirafi as well as the glimpses into Italian life and culture.
Auntie Poldi is an interesting and eccentric character. Although I do like her brashness and determination and her antics are amusing, she often comes across quite stereotypically. I like the sweet and unconventional relationship between her and her boyfriend, Detective Vito Montano. It’s nice to see senior characters with such prominent roles. Poldi’s long-suffering nephew is fairly sympathetic and always there to support his beloved aunt. However, his romantic drama and writing problems are predictable and stale and make him ultimately forgettable.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the first book that I’ve read in the series and it will definitely be my last. Although I did like the characters, they could have been better written and the mystery could have been more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🍷 out of 5 wine glasses!
July 20, 2024
I was initially annoyed by this fourth novel by Italian-German author Mario Giordano featuring the flamboyant Auntie Poldi (a.k.a. Isolde Oberreider). We readers and Auntie Poldi’s poor long-suffering nephew always have to suspend disbelief, as the Poldi novels tend to be a cross between magical realism and a picaresque novel; however, Donna Poldina (as she’s now styling herself) strained credulity even based by Poldi’s unreliable standards.
Yet, somehow by the time I got to the halfway point, I didn’t care anymore. I was so enjoying Giordano’s madcap conspiracy-laden tale involving an exorcism, the Vatican (yes, Papa Francesco makes a couple of appearances), organized crime and a priceless Black Madonna statue. And those are the more believable parts! And I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Definitely recommended.
Yet, somehow by the time I got to the halfway point, I didn’t care anymore. I was so enjoying Giordano’s madcap conspiracy-laden tale involving an exorcism, the Vatican (yes, Papa Francesco makes a couple of appearances), organized crime and a priceless Black Madonna statue. And those are the more believable parts! And I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Definitely recommended.
November 13, 2020
This fourth in the series following the improbable sleuth known as Auntie Poldi is better than the preceding two, but never quite reaches the heights of the introductory novel. There is a lot to absorb, and a lot of information about the Madonna and Her various incarnations. Here we have Poldi spending much time in Rome, the Vatican to be exact, and even some cameos by Pope Francis that are quite hilarious. The mystery itself isn't particularly engaging, but the misadventures of a Bavarian sexagenarian rollicking around Italy are intermittently fun if at times a little forced.
August 22, 2021
Fun, light, silly. I enjoyed it. You have to suspend reality a bit and appreciate that it’s all a little over the top. Fun mystery.
May 22, 2021
4. grāmata sērijā par Tanti Poldi, kura pagaidām atmetusi savu A plānu "nodzerties ar skatu uz jūru" un izmēģina privātdetektīves arodu. Arī šajā grāmatā viņa pamanās iekulties dažādos piedzīvojumos, kur iesaistīts pat Pāvests un Vatikāna slepenais dienests. Viegla, jautra lasāmviela atpūtas brīžiem.
August 4, 2021
OK, you can't take this series too seriously. All of them are a fun read. Engaging, funny. Plausible, no. But who cares?! Just enjoy them all. I did.
December 28, 2020
Poldi's nephew is back from the City of Lights and once again takes us on a rollicking ride, propelled by the (somewhat plausible) adventures of his sexagenarian Sicilian-Bavarian sleuth, Auntie Poldi. Take one beehive wig, a liter of grappa, a dash of Baron Munchausen, and a cup of Auntie Mame, and you might just end up with Poldi.
"Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna" begins with an exorcism, where the possessed claims to be Poldi. Soon after, one of the nuns who witnessed the exorcism plunges to her death. Poldi sneaks in to the Vatican to investigate, and uncovers an unholy conspiracy. Encounters include the Pope, twins in fluorescent sneakers, a doppelganger, and, of course, Death and his clipboard.
Poldi's nephew's character growth continues, as does his attempt at writing a novel of his own. Given the plotline of that, you do have to wonder how many of the embellishment's to Poldi's stories are from Poldi herself.
We also learn the history of the Sad Signora.
Poldi and Vito team up in this latest outing, and their relationship is forever altered. As in the preceding novel, "Auntie Poldi and the Handsome Antonio," the Lost Madonna has several red herrings, and Poldi must face her past in order to save her future.
The writing, as always, is exquisite. I don't know how much to attribute to Giordano, the author, and Brownjohn, the translator, but between the two, they produce magic. Go be mesmerized by Poldi.
Highly recommended.
"Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna" begins with an exorcism, where the possessed claims to be Poldi. Soon after, one of the nuns who witnessed the exorcism plunges to her death. Poldi sneaks in to the Vatican to investigate, and uncovers an unholy conspiracy. Encounters include the Pope, twins in fluorescent sneakers, a doppelganger, and, of course, Death and his clipboard.
Poldi's nephew's character growth continues, as does his attempt at writing a novel of his own. Given the plotline of that, you do have to wonder how many of the embellishment's to Poldi's stories are from Poldi herself.
We also learn the history of the Sad Signora.
Poldi and Vito team up in this latest outing, and their relationship is forever altered. As in the preceding novel, "Auntie Poldi and the Handsome Antonio," the Lost Madonna has several red herrings, and Poldi must face her past in order to save her future.
The writing, as always, is exquisite. I don't know how much to attribute to Giordano, the author, and Brownjohn, the translator, but between the two, they produce magic. Go be mesmerized by Poldi.
Highly recommended.
December 3, 2020
Wiedermal absolut überdreht, abgehoben, unrealistisch und albern. Also genau so, wie ich die Poldi liebe. Das musste gerade in dieser anstrengenden Zeit und nach so vielen Entbehrungen unbedingt mal wieder sein. Danke Poldi und Namaste!
June 5, 2022
i wanted to like this book because it was set in italy and therefore mentioned a lot of italian things/places/people/etc., but it just wasn’t for me. it took way too long to get to the action of the plot, and when it finally reached the action, it was kind of rushed for me. i also felt that some details were unnecessary, especially when it came to the nephew’s like irl story (there was a part where he was explaining the plot of his book that took up two pages… i read it and it didn’t register in by my brain, but i was so annoyed i didn’t reread it). furthermore, the details just didn’t line up that great for me when the mystery was revealed, but that also is probably due to the fact that i would go like weeks without reading this book and then suddenly pick it up again and read it where i left off before without rereading whatever i forgot (i really wanted to get this book over with). also, i HATE the evil twin plot line, to me it has always felt like a cheap explanation for a mystery that was just made for “aha!” value, but it’s been done so many times it isn’t shocking anymore, just annoying (like in pretty little liars it SUCKED). i like being able to guess the villain (i’ll say padre stefano was fine ig the whole capture/confess scene was way too short tho, underwhelming payoff). even the reveal of the sad signora and co was underwhelming… like nothing really substantial came out of it nor did anything substantial happen when it was revealed. also i’m super pissed that at the end the statue they were looking for just ends up being destroyed. why didn’t he just fake throw it??? there’s smoke, no one would know. also i did not see a sex scene w poldi and montana coming, and i can tell you that i did not want it. it’s a mystery, that’s what i wanted to read, not a sex scene between a 60 year old and her probably older boyfriend. even if it was short and only once (as far as i can remember, maybe i blocked it out because it was scarring), it was still mentioned an uncomfortable amount of times, even by the nephew talking to said aunt that was in these scenarios??? it’s weird i’m sorry. also nothing happened with valerie despite the build up, and montana being nude when maria is revealed was so unnecessary. there is no way he would’ve lived if he was nude on a mountain for that long, especially since the wind was described numerous times to be very strong. he should be dead from hypothermia. maybe it’s because i haven’t read the other books in this series, but i feel like this is marketed as you can read any without having read them in a specific order? idk, not my favorite but it gets three stars because i enjoyed the nephew’s narration at times (even some aspects of his personal life ig; i especially loved scenes w him and poldi) and because of its italian setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
Tante Poldi wieder in Bestform macht eine Bella Figura. Story wie immer fantastisch und unglaublich. Genau so wie man sie kennt, ich hatte zwischenzeitlich Angst, das der Tod ernst macht, aber alles hat sich ja zum guten gewendet.
September 4, 2021
There's something about a cheerfully sexy and always exuberant sexagenarian, and Giordano has that going for him, but I fear that Auntie Poldi, a Bavarian who has retired to Sicily to drink herself to death with a sea view, may have jumped the shark in this tale, involving as it does the Pope, a missing artifact of great spiritual and material value, the sad remains of a commune that was really being run by a right-wing fascist movement, a dramatic fire, many, many attempted murders (and some successful ones!), and one of the hoariest plot devices in this or any other book. I guess your tolerance for the plot vagaries (and a rather confusing timeline) depends on how much you need a shot of hot sun and grappa.
June 24, 2021
Format: audiobook
Author: Mario Giordano ~ Title: Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna ~ Narrator: Matt Addis
Content: 3.5 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
First, I should write: this is not a typical book that I would read. But I gave it a try in an audiobook form anyway. So my rating won't be the same as if I would regularly read this kind of genre.
Auntie Poldi and The Lost Madonna is the fourth book in a series, but you don't have to read previous books to enjoy this one. The main focus is on an improbable sleuth aunt Poldi. A lot of things in a plot aren't too probable to really happen. But still, it is a nice cozy mystery. You get a feel of Italy with mentions of music, cars, places, words, and swearing.
As mentioned, it is not a book that I would normally pick up. But despite that, I enjoyed this audiobook. And I can clearly see what fans can see in it.
The narration made it better for me. It was excellent, except for one remark: I would prefer if Italian characters wouldn't have a British accent. Even though this audiobook is more than 10 hours long, it is still quite a quick listen.
If you are looking for a lightweight beach read that will make you laugh and you like mysteries, then this is a book/audiobook for you.
Thanks to the publisher Recorded Books for the ARC and the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.
Author: Mario Giordano ~ Title: Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna ~ Narrator: Matt Addis
Content: 3.5 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
First, I should write: this is not a typical book that I would read. But I gave it a try in an audiobook form anyway. So my rating won't be the same as if I would regularly read this kind of genre.
Auntie Poldi and The Lost Madonna is the fourth book in a series, but you don't have to read previous books to enjoy this one. The main focus is on an improbable sleuth aunt Poldi. A lot of things in a plot aren't too probable to really happen. But still, it is a nice cozy mystery. You get a feel of Italy with mentions of music, cars, places, words, and swearing.
As mentioned, it is not a book that I would normally pick up. But despite that, I enjoyed this audiobook. And I can clearly see what fans can see in it.
The narration made it better for me. It was excellent, except for one remark: I would prefer if Italian characters wouldn't have a British accent. Even though this audiobook is more than 10 hours long, it is still quite a quick listen.
If you are looking for a lightweight beach read that will make you laugh and you like mysteries, then this is a book/audiobook for you.
Thanks to the publisher Recorded Books for the ARC and the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2022
Auntie Poldi is a force of nature. While she moved to Sicily with the intent of drinking herself to death, that plan has been postponed while she solves murders, seduces a policeman, bargains with Death, and generally lives her best life. A mixture of philosophy, over the top descriptions (as Auntie Poldi would say, moderation is a sign of weakness-- also, never underdress), improbable plot twists, and larger than life characters, this is a book you will either embrace or fling across the room. Me, I find it a delight, and one of the stronger entries in the series.
May 18, 2021
I missed a few of the books between the first one and this one but that's okay. One, it seems like a relatively short period of time between the books. And two, it can really be read as a standalone. If you want to try translated fiction and enjoy cozy mysteries, then this is a great book to read. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
March 2, 2022
This is the fourth book in the Auntie Poldi mystery series set in Sicily. Auntie Poldi is a 60-year-old German woman solving crime and creating havoc in her small town.
- Karen S.
- Karen S.
March 24, 2022
Basta!
After the disaster that was the third books. This one is a romp and is very very unpredictable. Fun and the vibe though cartoonish is funny. Good relaxing beach read.
After the disaster that was the third books. This one is a romp and is very very unpredictable. Fun and the vibe though cartoonish is funny. Good relaxing beach read.
June 1, 2021
I liked it
December 19, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Auntie Poldi series- following the adventures and eccentric escapades of the aforementioned Auntie Poldi. In this book, an exorcism, the death of a nun and a mysterious organisation all weave together to create another tale of quirkiness and the determined and single minded nature of our heroine. Characters from the previous stories are back . You have to focus as the plot is quite complex with various voices narrating scenes and the back and forth dialogue with Poldi and her young nephew.
You have to let go of reality with this book- there are many improbable but amusing scenes- a collision with the Pope; somehow this book stretched credibility a tad too far and slightly weakened the plot particularly with the arrival of Poldi’s sister. I look forward to the next in the series and hope the story isn’t as fantastical and focuses more of life in Sicily and the lives of the people( maybe a little like a comical Montalbano)in the local area without being so “extreme”.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
You have to let go of reality with this book- there are many improbable but amusing scenes- a collision with the Pope; somehow this book stretched credibility a tad too far and slightly weakened the plot particularly with the arrival of Poldi’s sister. I look forward to the next in the series and hope the story isn’t as fantastical and focuses more of life in Sicily and the lives of the people( maybe a little like a comical Montalbano)in the local area without being so “extreme”.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
August 8, 2024
Dit was weer vertrouwd en heerlijk! In dit deel weer veel humor, vakantie vibes, mysterie, een complot en héél véél actie. Zoveel zelfs dat ik betwijfel of Steven Seagal het tante Poldi zou nadoen… Dit is echt mijn favoriete deel uit de serie!!
July 7, 2021
Definitely a step back in the right direction from the Handsome Antonio!
June 2, 2021
I so enjoy these series of books. The lead character is both lovable and audacious. Giordano combines a good murder mystery with humor and colorful characters, as well as "sicilianita".
July 1, 2021
My favorite bawdy Bavarian broad is back! Investigating murder and the missing Black Madonna! She still can't keep her wig on! Poldi ends up in the Vatican jail, has many visists from the Ninja of Death and turns 61! Very funny as usual and many twists and turns. Does she make it out alive?
March 31, 2021
Fourth in series and at 61 Auntie Poldi is still going strong, both with her love life and in tracking down the bad guys.
As irreverent and hilarious as ever, this adventure has her breaking into the Vatican and meeting and taking on a case for the pope himself. 😂 There are murders, a secret sinister society, a missing religious relic, break ups, sexy times, visits from the Grim Reaper, and a very big surprise twist.
As wonderful as always.
Much thanks to #NetGalley and #MarinerBooks for providing me the early ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
As irreverent and hilarious as ever, this adventure has her breaking into the Vatican and meeting and taking on a case for the pope himself. 😂 There are murders, a secret sinister society, a missing religious relic, break ups, sexy times, visits from the Grim Reaper, and a very big surprise twist.
As wonderful as always.
Much thanks to #NetGalley and #MarinerBooks for providing me the early ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
January 24, 2022
NetGalley Audio ARC.
This series is 100% definitely not for me. I tried the first one, I tried the 4th one. I re-read my review for the first one and agree with everything I said then. It all still holds true. I really don't think this story within story format. It works sometimes (Kingkiller Chronicle) but not here. It's too hard to figure out when you're in the story and when things are happening at present. Meh. Done with this series forever!
This series is 100% definitely not for me. I tried the first one, I tried the 4th one. I re-read my review for the first one and agree with everything I said then. It all still holds true. I really don't think this story within story format. It works sometimes (Kingkiller Chronicle) but not here. It's too hard to figure out when you're in the story and when things are happening at present. Meh. Done with this series forever!
March 25, 2020
Langsam wird es zu übertrieben, um mich noch zu fesseln und zu unterhalten. Ein bisschen wie beim Hundertjährigen, der aus dem Fenster stieg und verschwand. Schade.
October 7, 2024
2 out of 5 Tropes
I think this one jumped the shark with the
I also had a feeling I wouldn't like it as much because my sister warned me that it opened with an exorcism. So I skipped listening to that chapter because I really don't need that voice acting in my ears. I read that chapter in the ebook instead. Then I listened to the rest. Fortunately there were only two scenes where I had to skip the audio edition. Only to find out
There were some moments that were entertaining and I did bookmark some good quotes.
Memorable quotes:
Page 8 - Black and yellow is, after all, Mother Nature's favorite color combination for venomous reptiles, killer wasps, and no-entry areas of all kinds.
Page 60- "And they call this an aperitivo!" he growled abruptly. "What a rip-off! Three measly bowls of cheap nibbles. Order a sundowner in Milan and you'll get a whole buffet of antipasti to choose from in ever bar. They positively outdo each other, the bars do there. Call this an aperitivo? Even at Cipriani in Acireale they cover the whole table with little goodies when you order a Presecco. Why can't they do that here? Have we been so screwed up by tourism, globalization, the internet, Brussels, and FIFA? What have we come to? Have we no self-respect?"
...
Montana had raised his voice; now he rose from his chair and shouted, loudly enough for all to hear,"The aperitivo is an Italian cultural asset, a vertebra in the spine of our italianitá! If we abandon that, if this country can no longer produce a decent aperitivo, we're up the creek! Vaffanculo! Italy's up the creek!"
Page 67 - "...A good-for-nothing who still lives at home with Mamma in his early forties and is waited on hand and foot. There are more like him in Italy than in any other country in the world. Whole dissertations have been written on the subject, but nothing changes, because in Italy no one thinks it's odd if you live with Mamma till you get married..."
Page 82 - Poldi never buckles up, for ideological reason. "Compulsory seat belts," she told me in all seriousness, "are like compulsory helmets. They're just a way of exploiting and suppressing the masses."
Page 101 - Sicilians love drama, and rhetorically well-package anger always has a palpable effect.
Page 125 - She no longer knew what she wanted, because scarcely had I come into her life when-ta-daa!-David popped up like an internet banner ad that you can click off as often as you like but still reappears again and again.
Page 153 - My novel was developing into such a mad gallop, I felt dizzy. I was the god of adjectives, the prince of dramatic twists and turns: I was in the zone!
Page 154 - "..You may love writing, but writing doesn't love you back..."
That will be all for now because book 5 has not been translated into English. My sister told me she read that the translator, John Brownjohn, passed away and there are no plans to hire a new translator. I think my sister also said the plan was that the series would be six or seven books total. So this is the end of the road for me.
My rating overall for the series is 3 out of 5 Homicide Investigations.
I think this one jumped the shark with the
I also had a feeling I wouldn't like it as much because my sister warned me that it opened with an exorcism. So I skipped listening to that chapter because I really don't need that voice acting in my ears. I read that chapter in the ebook instead. Then I listened to the rest. Fortunately there were only two scenes where I had to skip the audio edition. Only to find out
There were some moments that were entertaining and I did bookmark some good quotes.
Memorable quotes:
Page 8 - Black and yellow is, after all, Mother Nature's favorite color combination for venomous reptiles, killer wasps, and no-entry areas of all kinds.
Page 60- "And they call this an aperitivo!" he growled abruptly. "What a rip-off! Three measly bowls of cheap nibbles. Order a sundowner in Milan and you'll get a whole buffet of antipasti to choose from in ever bar. They positively outdo each other, the bars do there. Call this an aperitivo? Even at Cipriani in Acireale they cover the whole table with little goodies when you order a Presecco. Why can't they do that here? Have we been so screwed up by tourism, globalization, the internet, Brussels, and FIFA? What have we come to? Have we no self-respect?"
...
Montana had raised his voice; now he rose from his chair and shouted, loudly enough for all to hear,"The aperitivo is an Italian cultural asset, a vertebra in the spine of our italianitá! If we abandon that, if this country can no longer produce a decent aperitivo, we're up the creek! Vaffanculo! Italy's up the creek!"
Page 67 - "...A good-for-nothing who still lives at home with Mamma in his early forties and is waited on hand and foot. There are more like him in Italy than in any other country in the world. Whole dissertations have been written on the subject, but nothing changes, because in Italy no one thinks it's odd if you live with Mamma till you get married..."
Page 82 - Poldi never buckles up, for ideological reason. "Compulsory seat belts," she told me in all seriousness, "are like compulsory helmets. They're just a way of exploiting and suppressing the masses."
Page 101 - Sicilians love drama, and rhetorically well-package anger always has a palpable effect.
Page 125 - She no longer knew what she wanted, because scarcely had I come into her life when-ta-daa!-David popped up like an internet banner ad that you can click off as often as you like but still reappears again and again.
Page 153 - My novel was developing into such a mad gallop, I felt dizzy. I was the god of adjectives, the prince of dramatic twists and turns: I was in the zone!
Page 154 - "..You may love writing, but writing doesn't love you back..."
That will be all for now because book 5 has not been translated into English. My sister told me she read that the translator, John Brownjohn, passed away and there are no plans to hire a new translator. I think my sister also said the plan was that the series would be six or seven books total. So this is the end of the road for me.
My rating overall for the series is 3 out of 5 Homicide Investigations.
April 13, 2021
Poldi ermittelt wieder – und lässt sich durch keine noch so große Gefahr abhalten
Ich vergebe für das Hörbuch 4,5 Sterne – da es hier halbe Sache nicht gibt, runde ich tendenzmäßig auf 4 Sterne ab.
Bei einem Exorzismus spricht aus einer Nonne offenbar plötzlich ein Dämon – warum nur hat der dieselbe Stimme und Ausdrucksweise wie Poldi? Das fragen sich auch die Ermittler vom Vatikan und statten der Poldi einen Besuch ab. Da Poldi natürlich eine reine Weste hat, möchte sie einmal mehr auf eigene Faust ermitteln, was das nun wieder für eine Geschichte ist und vor allem: wer die Ordensschwester auf dem Gewissen hat. Einziger bisheriger Anhaltspunkt: die schwarze Madonna. An dieser scheint aber viel mehr zu hängen, als nur eine Heiligenfigur. Denn warum sonst wollen die Menschen in Poldis sizilianischer Heimat, dass sie verschwindet? Man droht ihr, man beleidigt sie, man wendet sich ab und grenzt sie aus. Selbst ihre gute Freundin, die traurige Signora Cocuzza, spricht nicht mehr mit Poldi. Zu allem Überfluss hat der Tod der Poldi auch noch offenbart, dass sie an ihrem 61. Geburtstag sterben wird. Verzweifelt Poldi nun? Nein! Denn mal im Ernst: was hat sie denn mit den Aussichten noch zu verlieren? Auf in die Ermittlung! Wieder einmal poltert Poldi auffällig, laut, selbstbewusst und wuchtbrummig durch Italien. Sie muss viele Gefahren überwinden, einige davon kosten ihr beinahe das Leben – oder doch zumindest die Freiheit.
Inzwischen ist mir Poldi sehr ans Herz gewachsen – genau so, wie all die anderen Charaktere; sogar der Tod in seinem schwarzen Ninjaanzug. Einmal mehr löst sie mit ihrer Intelligenz, ihrer Unbeirrbarkeit, ihrem Mut und ihrem bayerischen Ungestüm einen Fall. Doch der hat es diesmal echt in sich. Ist ja schließlich sogar der Vatikan involviert und auch ein vor Jahren stattgefundener Bombenanschlag mit politischem Hintergrund und einer „Geheimorganisation“ spielt eine Rolle. Klar, es ist alles schon sehr an den Haaren herbeigezogen, aber es handelt sich ja auch nicht um einen klassischen Krimi, sondern um Comedycrime (wenn es diesen Begriff denn gibt). Der Tod spielt diesmal eine recht große Rolle (ich könnte mich totlachen über ihn… ob das sein Plan ist?). Die Auflösung ist dann doch sehr überraschend – wie gesagt: nicht unbedingt glaubhaft, weil doch ein bisschen weit hergeholt alles, aber überraschend. Und sehr unterhaltsam. Es geht um Machtgier, um Rache, um Eifersucht und Neid – kurz: um all das, was die Menschheit eben so umtreibt. Man erhält diesmal auch einen etwas tieferen Blick in Poldis frühes Familienleben. Mit jedem Buch kommt ein bisschen mehr zutage von Poldis bewegter, schillernder, abenteuerlicher, gefährlicher Vergangenheit.
Der Sprecher macht seine Sache super! Jeder Charakter hat seine eigene Stimmlage und Poldis urbayerischer Akzent ist ohnehin der Brüller. Jalecktsmiamarsch!
Mir hat dieser 4. Teil wieder besser gefallen als der vorherige und ich freue mich schon auf Teil 5, der schon hörbereit in Warteposition liegt.
Die ausführliche Rezension inkl. Hörprobe gibt’s wie immer in meinem Blog LESEZAUBER_ZEILENREISE: https://lesezauberzeilenreise.blogspo...
Ich vergebe für das Hörbuch 4,5 Sterne – da es hier halbe Sache nicht gibt, runde ich tendenzmäßig auf 4 Sterne ab.
Bei einem Exorzismus spricht aus einer Nonne offenbar plötzlich ein Dämon – warum nur hat der dieselbe Stimme und Ausdrucksweise wie Poldi? Das fragen sich auch die Ermittler vom Vatikan und statten der Poldi einen Besuch ab. Da Poldi natürlich eine reine Weste hat, möchte sie einmal mehr auf eigene Faust ermitteln, was das nun wieder für eine Geschichte ist und vor allem: wer die Ordensschwester auf dem Gewissen hat. Einziger bisheriger Anhaltspunkt: die schwarze Madonna. An dieser scheint aber viel mehr zu hängen, als nur eine Heiligenfigur. Denn warum sonst wollen die Menschen in Poldis sizilianischer Heimat, dass sie verschwindet? Man droht ihr, man beleidigt sie, man wendet sich ab und grenzt sie aus. Selbst ihre gute Freundin, die traurige Signora Cocuzza, spricht nicht mehr mit Poldi. Zu allem Überfluss hat der Tod der Poldi auch noch offenbart, dass sie an ihrem 61. Geburtstag sterben wird. Verzweifelt Poldi nun? Nein! Denn mal im Ernst: was hat sie denn mit den Aussichten noch zu verlieren? Auf in die Ermittlung! Wieder einmal poltert Poldi auffällig, laut, selbstbewusst und wuchtbrummig durch Italien. Sie muss viele Gefahren überwinden, einige davon kosten ihr beinahe das Leben – oder doch zumindest die Freiheit.
Inzwischen ist mir Poldi sehr ans Herz gewachsen – genau so, wie all die anderen Charaktere; sogar der Tod in seinem schwarzen Ninjaanzug. Einmal mehr löst sie mit ihrer Intelligenz, ihrer Unbeirrbarkeit, ihrem Mut und ihrem bayerischen Ungestüm einen Fall. Doch der hat es diesmal echt in sich. Ist ja schließlich sogar der Vatikan involviert und auch ein vor Jahren stattgefundener Bombenanschlag mit politischem Hintergrund und einer „Geheimorganisation“ spielt eine Rolle. Klar, es ist alles schon sehr an den Haaren herbeigezogen, aber es handelt sich ja auch nicht um einen klassischen Krimi, sondern um Comedycrime (wenn es diesen Begriff denn gibt). Der Tod spielt diesmal eine recht große Rolle (ich könnte mich totlachen über ihn… ob das sein Plan ist?). Die Auflösung ist dann doch sehr überraschend – wie gesagt: nicht unbedingt glaubhaft, weil doch ein bisschen weit hergeholt alles, aber überraschend. Und sehr unterhaltsam. Es geht um Machtgier, um Rache, um Eifersucht und Neid – kurz: um all das, was die Menschheit eben so umtreibt. Man erhält diesmal auch einen etwas tieferen Blick in Poldis frühes Familienleben. Mit jedem Buch kommt ein bisschen mehr zutage von Poldis bewegter, schillernder, abenteuerlicher, gefährlicher Vergangenheit.
Der Sprecher macht seine Sache super! Jeder Charakter hat seine eigene Stimmlage und Poldis urbayerischer Akzent ist ohnehin der Brüller. Jalecktsmiamarsch!
Mir hat dieser 4. Teil wieder besser gefallen als der vorherige und ich freue mich schon auf Teil 5, der schon hörbereit in Warteposition liegt.
Die ausführliche Rezension inkl. Hörprobe gibt’s wie immer in meinem Blog LESEZAUBER_ZEILENREISE: https://lesezauberzeilenreise.blogspo...
June 5, 2021
Sicilian senior citizen out-adventures everyone in this funny Vatican-inspired story
Posted on June 5, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
“What do you think I am, a nympho old lady?”
See, this is why the European sense of humor is superior to our flat American politically correct version of what is funny. Did you know Auntie Poldi laid the Pope? Scandalous.
Auntie Poldi and the Los Madonna, An Auntie Poldi Adventure, Book 4, by Mario Giordano, is humor at its best; understated, ridiculous, sassy.
Sicilian detective Auntie Poldi is a 64-year-old bundle of surprises that never ceases to entertain us as she takes on the Vatican and the mystery of a demon-possessed nun who, during an exorcism, screams out to the priest in Auntie Poldi’s native Bavarian voice. Shortly after the exorcism is over, this disturbed and still possessed nun plunges to her death.
Now it is Auntie Poldi’s job to figure out why, among other things. There is the little matter of the missing black Madonna, the fact that two big-handed twins are following her around everywhere, and then there is the strange circumstance in which the Pope tries to convince Auntie Poldi to hunt for the missing Madonna and save the day for all of Vatican-inspired religion.
Of course, Auntie Poldi tells the Pope, “NO!”
And then there is the matter of Auntie’s active love life, which features her longtime on-again, off-again lover, Montana. How does she do it?
Told through the eyes of Auntie Poldi’s nephew, this odd adventure is a spit-your-iced-tea-out-of-your-mouth hoot. This sassy senior is keen to small detail and reminds me of Sherlock Holmes reincarnated as a fast-talking, faster-thinking old lady.
My experience with Auntie Poldi was through an audiobook. Though it took me “a bit” to become accustomed to the British narrator, Matt Addis’ voice, it was worth the effort. Somehow this story seems funnier with that upper-crust twang spouting out of the narrator’s mouth.
I admire Giordano for this wonderful series that started as an Indie Next Pick. This story and its characters provide a kaleidoscope of fun.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Posted on June 5, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
“What do you think I am, a nympho old lady?”
See, this is why the European sense of humor is superior to our flat American politically correct version of what is funny. Did you know Auntie Poldi laid the Pope? Scandalous.
Auntie Poldi and the Los Madonna, An Auntie Poldi Adventure, Book 4, by Mario Giordano, is humor at its best; understated, ridiculous, sassy.
Sicilian detective Auntie Poldi is a 64-year-old bundle of surprises that never ceases to entertain us as she takes on the Vatican and the mystery of a demon-possessed nun who, during an exorcism, screams out to the priest in Auntie Poldi’s native Bavarian voice. Shortly after the exorcism is over, this disturbed and still possessed nun plunges to her death.
Now it is Auntie Poldi’s job to figure out why, among other things. There is the little matter of the missing black Madonna, the fact that two big-handed twins are following her around everywhere, and then there is the strange circumstance in which the Pope tries to convince Auntie Poldi to hunt for the missing Madonna and save the day for all of Vatican-inspired religion.
Of course, Auntie Poldi tells the Pope, “NO!”
And then there is the matter of Auntie’s active love life, which features her longtime on-again, off-again lover, Montana. How does she do it?
Told through the eyes of Auntie Poldi’s nephew, this odd adventure is a spit-your-iced-tea-out-of-your-mouth hoot. This sassy senior is keen to small detail and reminds me of Sherlock Holmes reincarnated as a fast-talking, faster-thinking old lady.
My experience with Auntie Poldi was through an audiobook. Though it took me “a bit” to become accustomed to the British narrator, Matt Addis’ voice, it was worth the effort. Somehow this story seems funnier with that upper-crust twang spouting out of the narrator’s mouth.
I admire Giordano for this wonderful series that started as an Indie Next Pick. This story and its characters provide a kaleidoscope of fun.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
August 29, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the fourth silly, slightly inebriated romp featuring Auntie Poldi and her hapless Watson, by Mario Giordano. Originally published in 2019 in German, this English language translation from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was released 18th May 2021. It's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
These are silly books. This one in particular is exceedingly silly and slapstick and full of completely inappropriate juvenile sexual innuendo. Auntie Poldi is very much like an incorrigible 14 year old boy trapped in an (almost) 61 year old's body. She is insatiable, drinks (way) too much, and does things like breaking into the Vatican and literally tripping over the Pope (knocking him flat on his behind in the process). That being said, this is a sweetly affirming cozy mystery with its heart in the right place. The plotting is over the top, the characters are beyond quirky, the prose is somewhere firmly past purple, but the overall effect is hilarious and touching in some ways. It's about life and love and The Universe And Our Place In It.
Although the plot contains a number of seemingly supernatural agents and plot elements, there's (almost) always a rational explanation and Auntie Poldi's dogged determination eventually brings the truth to light. The mystery itself wasn't the main attraction for me. It's clever enough and ridiculous, but isn't the main event. Seeing Poldi careening around Rome and the awe (and cringe) inspiring hilarious devastation in her wake are worth the price of admission.
I found that I enjoyed the read much more if I were already in a good mood or full of the necessary suspension of disbelief to be carried along. Even those days when I wasn't already in good humor, my mood was much improved by the time I was done reading for the day.
Four stars. This is a well written and irreverently funny tale, well told.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the fourth silly, slightly inebriated romp featuring Auntie Poldi and her hapless Watson, by Mario Giordano. Originally published in 2019 in German, this English language translation from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was released 18th May 2021. It's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
These are silly books. This one in particular is exceedingly silly and slapstick and full of completely inappropriate juvenile sexual innuendo. Auntie Poldi is very much like an incorrigible 14 year old boy trapped in an (almost) 61 year old's body. She is insatiable, drinks (way) too much, and does things like breaking into the Vatican and literally tripping over the Pope (knocking him flat on his behind in the process). That being said, this is a sweetly affirming cozy mystery with its heart in the right place. The plotting is over the top, the characters are beyond quirky, the prose is somewhere firmly past purple, but the overall effect is hilarious and touching in some ways. It's about life and love and The Universe And Our Place In It.
Although the plot contains a number of seemingly supernatural agents and plot elements, there's (almost) always a rational explanation and Auntie Poldi's dogged determination eventually brings the truth to light. The mystery itself wasn't the main attraction for me. It's clever enough and ridiculous, but isn't the main event. Seeing Poldi careening around Rome and the awe (and cringe) inspiring hilarious devastation in her wake are worth the price of admission.
I found that I enjoyed the read much more if I were already in a good mood or full of the necessary suspension of disbelief to be carried along. Even those days when I wasn't already in good humor, my mood was much improved by the time I was done reading for the day.
Four stars. This is a well written and irreverently funny tale, well told.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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