The Napa Murder of Anita Fagiani: A Cold Case that Caught a Serial Killer

by Raymond A. Guadagni

In 1974, the brutal murder of Anita Fagiani Andrews, a fifty-one-year-old former beauty queen and mother of two, shook the small working-class town of Napa. Detectives, criminalists and forensic experts raced to identify who'd struck Anita down in her own bar, but despite their efforts, the case went cold. Decades passed, during which the town grew into a world-renowned wine region and tourist destination, but the case remained an open question. After thirty-seven years, thanks to DNA evidence, the killer--imprisoned for a different murder--was finally found and brought to justice. Join author and retired judge Raymond A. Guadagni as he tells the story of the shocking murder, the investigation and the subsequent trial over which he presided in 2011.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2016

Reviews

[Judy Egnew Ness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I live in the Napa Valley and was interested in reading about how this case was finally solved after being "cold" for 37 years. It's more of a case report than a story, told in a clinical, factual way. But it does fill in information about a case that's puzzled Napans for a long time.

[Kristine Dworkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a child growing up in Napa at the time this crime occurred and although I have no clear recollections of it --- I was a grade schooler at the time --- I was aware of it as I got older. Fagiani's sat sealed, frozen in time and I like many Napa youngsters dared those with us to look in the windows. Occasionally we’d claim to those of us who didn’t take the dare that a ghost just walked into the back room. ⁣⁣⁣ Downtown Napa had a seediness to it in the 70's, not the sheeshy upscale vibe you see now. The building that housed Fagiani's still there but, the tenant has changed as has the façade of the place. History still whispers from underneath if you listen closely enough! This was a interesting book to read to fill in that backstory.

[Betsy Milan · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime story of a cold case

This is the story of a cold case murder in Napa, California that was solved thanks primarily to DNA evidence and a law enforcement office which continually returned to the file, seeking a solution. I am quite familiar with Napa and lived close by when this crime occurred. The author does a credible job of describing what was then a fairly non-descript town populated primarily by second and third generation settlers. The writing is rather prosaic. I frequently found my mind wandering while reading. It's book, but not memorable.

[Eunice Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Napa Murder of Anita Fagiani Andrews

This was a well-written book that followed legal protocol. I enjoyed reading this book even though it was a horrific subject matter. I'm glad the murderer was identified so that the family of Anita Fagiani Andrews could move on with their lives. I have often wondered about the aftermath of a murder for the family and friends of the victim, and now I see how truly traumatic it is. Very educational book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m from Napa Valley and always knew about the murder, but not in detail. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was in the court room during the trial. Gave me many chills. It was also a pleasure meeting the author during our book club meeting. He has another book about murders in Napa Valley. Will be reading that one next.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖊 🌵 ⊱Quite dry reading, but interesting enough since I traversed downtown and outlying Napa, California many times. 🗑 Conversely, other readers may find this true crime story their glass of Beaujolais and right up their vineyard.

🎨Illustrated with black and white photographs.

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[Jayme Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the research

This book is an excellent read. Guadagani did his work. There are no side stories to make longer. Just st this story of Mr. Melanie and his crimes. Hats off to the Good Read it was.

[Pegeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual clear reporter’s outline of what happened. The time capsule of Napa in the 70’s also came through.

[Carmen Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facts, Background of crime

It's an excellent factual report of the crime and investigation that eventually led to the conviction of the murderer. I found it most interesting.

[Laura Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. I loved reading through the process of how they still worked on a case that was as old as it was.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, especially if you have a personal connection to Napa. Fast, easy read.

[Otto Ludvigsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder why they spent that much time and money on
a murder, who is already in prison for the rest of his life !

Otto