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Ferrara Family Mystery #5
Murder at St. Winifred's Academy
Tranquility, New Jersey’s amateur drama troupe is staging a murder mystery at St. Winifred’s Academy and Alberta Scaglione couldn’t be more thrilled. Even her Italian-American famiglia are getting in on the act. But someone’s making deadly revisions to the script . . .
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace . But before Missy memorizes a single line, she’s found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so—except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick’s checkered whenever she’s around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast—reluctantly playing Missy’s role—to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren’t they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy—but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can’t nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players . . . including Alberta.
Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
“Imagine the Golden Girls starting a detective agency and you’ll get the general idea of J.D. Griffo’s charming Ferrara Family mystery series.”
— Criminal Element
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace . But before Missy memorizes a single line, she’s found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so—except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick’s checkered whenever she’s around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast—reluctantly playing Missy’s role—to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren’t they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy—but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can’t nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players . . . including Alberta.
Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
“Imagine the Golden Girls starting a detective agency and you’ll get the general idea of J.D. Griffo’s charming Ferrara Family mystery series.”
— Criminal Element
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
34 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 9, 2021
The Ferrara lady sleuths are very Sicilian Catholic older widow Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx (a reporter for the local paper), Alberta's ex-nun sister Helen, and former sister in law (and former Wall Street executive) Joyce. They're also known as “Senior Scooby Gang” by their friend, the local police chief in their small town in New Jersey. This series just goes to show that not all of the fun/quirky Sicilian women live in Sicily, New Orleans, or NYC! The local theater group has been accepted by a former child star to play the lead in their latest production, but is found dead in her dressing room. Let the sleuthing begin! Great sleuthing with zany characters, Red Herrings, plot twists, and lots of humor!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 24, 2021
This is the fifth book in the 'Ferrara Family Detective Agency' series featuring a multi-generational Italian-American sleuthing duo Alberta Scaglione and her twenty-odd-year-old reporter granddaughter, Jinx, and it was really enjoyable! Also part of the family is Helen and Joyce. Helen is Alberta's ex-nun sister, and Joyce is their ex-sister-in-law and a former Wall Street executive. Together they are a nobody's fool. The characters are all well crafted by the author J D Griffo, with each one being very individual and having their own distinctive personalities and flaws.
There are several good clues as to the identity of the perpetrator, but also some great red herrings to throw the reader off the scent. The plot is well thought-out and the author's style continues to impress me. With scores of laugh-out-loud moments and superb interaction between the Ferrara family, I would definitely recommend Murder at St. Winifred’s Academy to other cozy readers. This was a five-star read for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
There are several good clues as to the identity of the perpetrator, but also some great red herrings to throw the reader off the scent. The plot is well thought-out and the author's style continues to impress me. With scores of laugh-out-loud moments and superb interaction between the Ferrara family, I would definitely recommend Murder at St. Winifred’s Academy to other cozy readers. This was a five-star read for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 18, 2022
I like this series because the dialog between the sisters and their friends makes me laugh. Great one liners. I like all the old movie, actor, and TV references. The plots are convoluted, geared mostly to getting Alberta and company into ridiculous/dangerous situations; some behavior and characters are stereotypical (once or twice I cringed), and I really hate that every time someone speaks, it's that the character shrieked, screamed (lots and lots of those two), yelled, shared, etc. Nobody ever "says" anything, not even "said loudly" or "said angrily." The author must have been frightened by an adverb as a small child.
There's also a lot of telling by the author, meaning we're told things that would have been more effective if revealed by the characters.
But the humor and the trips down memory lane carry the series for me. This time I particularly enjoyed all the theatre references and information, and the whole Missy Michaels mythology he created, complete with movie plots. Reminded me of an excellent graphic novel, Child Star.
There's also a lot of telling by the author, meaning we're told things that would have been more effective if revealed by the characters.
But the humor and the trips down memory lane carry the series for me. This time I particularly enjoyed all the theatre references and information, and the whole Missy Michaels mythology he created, complete with movie plots. Reminded me of an excellent graphic novel, Child Star.
May 27, 2021
This series is always good cozy fun with a interesting well crafted sleuth. I enjoy this series with such fun full of life charcters as this Italian family. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
This is the fifth book in the 'Ferrara Family Detective Agency' series featuring Alberta Scaglione as our protagnist and her granddaughter, Jinx. They are part of their funny very involved Italian family that are a charming part of this series. The family also has a ex nun and a wall street executive that add to the fun. The charcters are hysterical in this series and all so well done they add to the series.
The plot and sleuth are very well crafted to the series. The sleuth kept me guessing as clues abound and danger lurks for our protagnist. I loved this next in series . I highly recommend this series for all who love cozies with a touch of humor and family fun.
This is the fifth book in the 'Ferrara Family Detective Agency' series featuring Alberta Scaglione as our protagnist and her granddaughter, Jinx. They are part of their funny very involved Italian family that are a charming part of this series. The family also has a ex nun and a wall street executive that add to the fun. The charcters are hysterical in this series and all so well done they add to the series.
The plot and sleuth are very well crafted to the series. The sleuth kept me guessing as clues abound and danger lurks for our protagnist. I loved this next in series . I highly recommend this series for all who love cozies with a touch of humor and family fun.
May 6, 2022
The Ferrara extended family, of amateur sleuths, has their hands full when trouble strikes the local production of Arsenic and Old Lace. The play turns deadly when aging movie star, Missy Michaels, is murdered before she can utter one line of the script. Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx must find out who killed Missy before more any more murders occur. Break a leg never had a more sinister meaning!
What a fun mystery! The Ferrara family - Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx are all top notch amateur sleuths. It's entertaining to see how they use their strengths to solve crimes. Though Alberta is the main character, each supporting character is well written and could have their own series. There is a hint of romance however, the mystery is not overshadowed. There's mystery, family, friendship and humor in this book and I always look forward to visiting Tranquility, New Jersey!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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What a fun mystery! The Ferrara family - Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx are all top notch amateur sleuths. It's entertaining to see how they use their strengths to solve crimes. Though Alberta is the main character, each supporting character is well written and could have their own series. There is a hint of romance however, the mystery is not overshadowed. There's mystery, family, friendship and humor in this book and I always look forward to visiting Tranquility, New Jersey!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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June 15, 2021
I like the characters, the town and the mystery as It kept me guessing. I like all of the characters, and their relationships. I think I'm beginning to be able to remember their relationships. I like that we get a translation of the Italian.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: You always know there will be high jinks when Alberta and her Ferraro Family of amateur sleuths are around. Everyone is delighted when a favourite childhood movie star has agreed to play the lead in a local production of Arsenic and Old Lace.. Excitement turns to sorrow and consternation when the star is murdered in her dressing room before rehearsals have started. Since all of Alberta’s family and friends have invested emotionally in the project, in spite of her sad story of a childhood trauma on stage, she gamely agrees to take over the part. The show must go on but a murderer must be found, even more so when a second body is discovered. Someone is desperate to get away with murder.
Alberta’s close family and circle are completely opposite of what Missy, the star, experienced. Alberta and her friends find that the tightly knit Italian family is not the norm for all- leading to some very good suspects. As is often the case, the obvious is anything but. So as they rush to put on the play, they also must sort through all the lies and secrets that are rife. Good thing Alberta has such a good working relationship with Vinny, her childhood friend, who also is the detective in charge of the case. He has learned to trust her instincts. She is quite intuitive.
The mystery is only half the fun of this series. Alberta and her sister, granddaughter and sister-in-law are a powerful team. In spite of the banter, they are as dedicated to each other as they are to the truth. It’s always an entertaining read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Alberta’s close family and circle are completely opposite of what Missy, the star, experienced. Alberta and her friends find that the tightly knit Italian family is not the norm for all- leading to some very good suspects. As is often the case, the obvious is anything but. So as they rush to put on the play, they also must sort through all the lies and secrets that are rife. Good thing Alberta has such a good working relationship with Vinny, her childhood friend, who also is the detective in charge of the case. He has learned to trust her instincts. She is quite intuitive.
The mystery is only half the fun of this series. Alberta and her sister, granddaughter and sister-in-law are a powerful team. In spite of the banter, they are as dedicated to each other as they are to the truth. It’s always an entertaining read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
June 15, 2021
I like the characters and the theme of these books but 400 pages for a cozy is just too long. The story becomes repetitive after a while.
Tranquility, New Jersey's amateur drama troupe is staging a murder mystery at St. Winifred's Academy and Alberta Scaglione couldn't be more thrilled. Even her Italian-American famiglia are getting in on the act. But someone's making deadly revisions to the script...
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. But before Missy memorizes a single line, she's found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so--except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick's checkered past: whenever she's around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast--reluctantly playing Missy's role--to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren't they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy--but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can't nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players...including Alberta.
Tranquility, New Jersey's amateur drama troupe is staging a murder mystery at St. Winifred's Academy and Alberta Scaglione couldn't be more thrilled. Even her Italian-American famiglia are getting in on the act. But someone's making deadly revisions to the script...
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. But before Missy memorizes a single line, she's found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so--except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick's checkered past: whenever she's around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast--reluctantly playing Missy's role--to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren't they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy--but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can't nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players...including Alberta.
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October 17, 2021Tranquility, New Jersey's amateur drama troupe is staging a murder mystery at St. Winifred's Academy and Alberta Scaglione couldn't be more thrilled. Even her Italian-American famiglia are getting in on the act. But someone's making deadly revisions to the script...
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. But before Missy memorizes a single line, she's found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so--except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick's checkered past: whenever she's around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast--reluctantly playing Missy's role--to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren't they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy--but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can't nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players...including Alberta.
Didn't read - too simplistic.
Alberta can hardly believe it. Her childhood screen idol, 1950s Hollywood starlet Missy Michaels, has signed up for the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. But before Missy memorizes a single line, she's found dead in her dressing room wrapped in lace and clutching a bottle of arsenic. The ultimate drama-queen suicide? Everyone thinks so--except Alberta. A Ferrara woman knows murder when she sees it. Alberta also knows producer Nola Kirkpatrick's checkered past: whenever she's around, trouble abounds.
Alberta and her crime-reporting partner-in-sleuthing granddaughter, Jinx, have a hunch the murderer is among the Players. So Alberta joins the cast--reluctantly playing Missy's role--to get closer to the truth. She notices the director is a little unbalanced, but aren't they all? The leading man is a wildly obsessive Missy Michaels fanboy--but a murderer? Of course, the show must go on. But if Alberta and Jinx can't nab the killer before opening night, it may mean curtains for more Players...including Alberta.
Didn't read - too simplistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
I believe that a good the mystery in a good cozy mystery is easy to solve but what is done with that information is what really makes the difference.
Murder at St. Winifred's Academy does the genre justice in that area, but fails otherwise.
Alberta Ferrera, her granddaughter Jinx, her sister Helen and her sister-in-law, Joyce are back for another exciting adventure. Nola, their in-house always in trouble director, has come upon the best opportunity ever. She has convinced Missy Michaels, a bigger child star than Shirley Temple in the 50's, to make a comeback by starring in their local production of Arsenic and the Old Lace. But as the cast waits for their superstar to finally arrive in Tranquility, they are upset by her tardiness. And just when they think they know what is happening, Alberta finds her murdered in her dressing room.
The story is cute and mysterious. Even when it becomes obvious, it is never clear especially in terms of motive or the details of it. The main characters, as always are lovable and full of life. I didn't enjoy the way everyone treated Nola or the hint of casual sexism in the book.
The book also has a lot of stereotypical storylines such as Brandon and Sanjay, information which is left there very casually. It didn't sit well with me.
Murder at St. Winifred's Academy does the genre justice in that area, but fails otherwise.
Alberta Ferrera, her granddaughter Jinx, her sister Helen and her sister-in-law, Joyce are back for another exciting adventure. Nola, their in-house always in trouble director, has come upon the best opportunity ever. She has convinced Missy Michaels, a bigger child star than Shirley Temple in the 50's, to make a comeback by starring in their local production of Arsenic and the Old Lace. But as the cast waits for their superstar to finally arrive in Tranquility, they are upset by her tardiness. And just when they think they know what is happening, Alberta finds her murdered in her dressing room.
The story is cute and mysterious. Even when it becomes obvious, it is never clear especially in terms of motive or the details of it. The main characters, as always are lovable and full of life. I didn't enjoy the way everyone treated Nola or the hint of casual sexism in the book.
The book also has a lot of stereotypical storylines such as Brandon and Sanjay, information which is left there very casually. It didn't sit well with me.
February 25, 2021
The Tranquility Players are making a come back and Nola has managed to get a beloved former child star to lead the production. Before the troupe can even meet the star, she is found dead in her dressing room. While it seems to many that it was a planned suicide, Alberta believes it was murder and she and the Ferrara ladies are going to prove it and deliver the murderer while they are at it.
With the suspects being part of the acting troupe, it makes it harder for the ladies to determine who’s being real and who’s acting as they investigate. With Alberta replacing the dead star in the lead role, she’s in a prime spot to watch everyone and figure out whodunit, before she becomes the next actor whose role needs to be recast.
This is a fabulous series with a strong female protagonist and her female family members. Always a hoot and always a group of strong women I can relate to. You just can’t keep a Jersey girl down.
With the suspects being part of the acting troupe, it makes it harder for the ladies to determine who’s being real and who’s acting as they investigate. With Alberta replacing the dead star in the lead role, she’s in a prime spot to watch everyone and figure out whodunit, before she becomes the next actor whose role needs to be recast.
This is a fabulous series with a strong female protagonist and her female family members. Always a hoot and always a group of strong women I can relate to. You just can’t keep a Jersey girl down.
May 20, 2021
Let the fun begin with the latest mystery to be tackled by the Ferrara Family - Alberta, Helen and Joyce (all senior sleuths) with Jinx, Alberta's granddaughter. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. They are also a very funny Sicilian family who are very good at catching killers.
The local theater troupe is putting on Arsenic and Old Lace and the lead is being played by a 1950's actress, Missy Michaels. Before the curtain rises for the first rehearsal poor Missy is found dead. Suicide? or murder? Alberta says murder and ends up taking over the dead actresses role. All the better to do some sleuthing. Will Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx catch the killer before more actors get the hook? It all makes for a wonderful satisfying mystery full of twists, turns, red herrings and lots of family interaction and humor.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The local theater troupe is putting on Arsenic and Old Lace and the lead is being played by a 1950's actress, Missy Michaels. Before the curtain rises for the first rehearsal poor Missy is found dead. Suicide? or murder? Alberta says murder and ends up taking over the dead actresses role. All the better to do some sleuthing. Will Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx catch the killer before more actors get the hook? It all makes for a wonderful satisfying mystery full of twists, turns, red herrings and lots of family interaction and humor.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2021
I liked the mystery being focused around a play and, what a surprise, there are parts for most of the usual series characters (even though the play only has about 7-8 characters if I remember it well enough) including Nola and her boyfriend. So, not only is the setting and what occurs interesting, it's reasonable for everyone to show up. There were some nice twists.
Again, the Italian added nothing for me, besides the series characters basically taking over the play, including the acting roles with no experience, there was other unbelievable bits (like illegally finding evidence and the police chief accepting it). There was also a lot of personal stuff, including yet more about Alberta and her daughter's issues especially in the beginning. Towards the middle to end the mystery action really ramped up.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Again, the Italian added nothing for me, besides the series characters basically taking over the play, including the acting roles with no experience, there was other unbelievable bits (like illegally finding evidence and the police chief accepting it). There was also a lot of personal stuff, including yet more about Alberta and her daughter's issues especially in the beginning. Towards the middle to end the mystery action really ramped up.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2021
This series is highly enjoyable and a lot of fun to read but the parts spoken in Italian always make me cringe as I keep on reading the most bizzarre turn of phrases and some very huge grammar error (Ok this is my pet peeves).
Going back to reviewing the book it's as funny and engrossing as the previous.
Alberta/Helen and Joy are a great trio of senior sleuth, well thought and likable. There's plenty of humor and a story full of twists and turns.
It's a sort of love letter to theatre and the plot is well thought and kept me guessing.
I laughed a lot and love the humor.
I can't wait to read the next installment hoping that the Italian parts will be better.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Going back to reviewing the book it's as funny and engrossing as the previous.
Alberta/Helen and Joy are a great trio of senior sleuth, well thought and likable. There's plenty of humor and a story full of twists and turns.
It's a sort of love letter to theatre and the plot is well thought and kept me guessing.
I laughed a lot and love the humor.
I can't wait to read the next installment hoping that the Italian parts will be better.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 20, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book. This new entry in the series was excellent. Once again, Alberta and "her crew" investigate a murder where nothing and nobody are quite what they seem to be. The mystery is nicely weaved, and as we learn more, it seems like many people had both motive and opportunity to commit the murder. Alberta is a wonderful main character, I like her more with each new book in the series. The recurring characters add to the charm of the series, as they are over-the-top, quirky and so relatable. Also, the ending sets the table for the next book and I just can't wait to read it.
August 14, 2021
This is book 4 in the Ferrara Family Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone but you would miss some of the details of all the reoccurring characters. Set in North Jersey it has your heavy Italian generational family traditions. Alberta is thrilled that screen legend Missy Michaels is going to be the star of their local theater production, Arsenic and Old Lace. When she is murdered, Jinx has Alberta join the cast to help reveal the murderer. Some good family recipes included and a very enjoyable read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 27, 2021
Solid meh. I liked the characters, how they were more real than the ideal version of a character (sometimes people are rude, don't have time to do favors, or are just cantankerous), but even in the same book Griffo re-used phrases and descriptions. Entertaining for a fluff read when you're between series, but I don't feel compelled to read others in the series. I also had difficulty connecting to the characters, it could be more of a 3 star read if the characters felt like people I knew.
May 29, 2021
J.D. Griffo's Murder at St. Winifred's Academy is another fun cozy in the Ferrara Family Mystery series! Aunt Helen is thrilled to be playing opposite former child star Missy Michaels in the Tranquility Players production of Arsenic & Old Lace, but when Missy is found dead in her dressing room holding a bottle of arsenic, Alberta, Jinx, Joyce, and the rest of the gang must rush to discover who killed her on the eve of her return to the limelight - after all, the show must go on! A+++
March 6, 2021
Hubby asked if I was enjoying the book, my answer was not really but it was a fast read.
It wasn't bad but it wasn't enjoyable either. I cannot put my finger on why but I didn't find myself immersed either. The constant injection of Italian was jarring.
It wasn't bad but it wasn't enjoyable either. I cannot put my finger on why but I didn't find myself immersed either. The constant injection of Italian was jarring.
May 24, 2021
Love this series! This book is an excellent addition and is the 5th in it. The characters are fun and the Italian is delightful! A fun read that is entertaining. Thanks #netgalley and #Keningston for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2021
As always, this latest mystery is a ‘right-on’ portrayal of New Jersey, New York Italian American culture. It causes laugh out loud moments and I especially love Helen. Some of the mysteries have been a bit far fetched but always enjoyable. This one continues the pattern.
July 3, 2021
7/3/2021 3.5 stars rounded up. Plot holes, but the amateur theatrics setting was so entertaining I barely even noticed. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
August 25, 2021
Of the cozy mystery mix bag from the library, this was one of the better ones. I liked the elderly Italian family dynamic and the grandma-granddaughter relationship. Felt a little like an Murder She Wrote but with an Italian spin (plus recipes at the back). Overall enjoyable.
December 23, 2021
Another Murder?
Love the interaction between the whole Ferrari family, especially the super sleigh sisters! They are delightful and can't wait for their next case. I would recommend this book to anyone liking murder mysteries, without the gore.
Love the interaction between the whole Ferrari family, especially the super sleigh sisters! They are delightful and can't wait for their next case. I would recommend this book to anyone liking murder mysteries, without the gore.
October 17, 2023
A good cosy mystery but I found the Italian quotes annoying. I don't understand Italian and they added nothing to the story.
Anyone who does speak Italian would not have to have the quotes explained every time.
I felt they interfered with the flow of the story.
Anyone who does speak Italian would not have to have the quotes explained every time.
I felt they interfered with the flow of the story.
April 13, 2021
If you like a quick read that you’ll love, grab this cozy mystery! Twists and turns keep your guessing. The pace keeps you going.
May 31, 2021
Love the Ferrara family mysteries. It’s rare for a cozy to have genuine plot twists and a lot of humor too. Looking forward to the next in the series..loved the ending.
March 3, 2024
Good story in his series. Was a little crazy with details for a lot of pages but good story. Great characters.
May 24, 2021
The thread of Italian phrases and cultural references was very appealing to me since it recalled memories of my own upbringing. But others might find this annoying or a distraction from the story. The ending was particularly good with the possibility of several guilty people. The unraveling of the motive was excellent.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderAtSt.Winifred’sAcademy for advanced digital copy.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderAtSt.Winifred’sAcademy for advanced digital copy.
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