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Franki Amato Mysteries #6
Marsala Maroon
A Private Investigator Comedy Mystery
Jazz Fest is in full swing in The Big Easy, but PI Franki Amato is singing the blues. The owner of an historic Italian grocery and deli is murdered in a manner eerily reminiscent of the Axeman of New Orleans, a notorious serial killer who hasn’t struck in over a century, and someone Franki knows has been arrested for the crime. Adding to her distress, Franki, her mom, and her meddling Sicilian nonna finally meet her fiancé’s family, but the tone of their encounter is decidedly downbeat. And just as her personal life strikes a sour note, the killer jazzes up his techniques. The pressure is on Franki to decipher an odd assortment of clues—an old gramophone record, a stolen trumpet, and a bottle of marsala wine. If she doesn’t, she could be the next one to get the axe.
Marsala Maroon is book 6 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!
Jazz Fest is in full swing in The Big Easy, but PI Franki Amato is singing the blues. The owner of an historic Italian grocery and deli is murdered in a manner eerily reminiscent of the Axeman of New Orleans, a notorious serial killer who hasn’t struck in over a century, and someone Franki knows has been arrested for the crime. Adding to her distress, Franki, her mom, and her meddling Sicilian nonna finally meet her fiancé’s family, but the tone of their encounter is decidedly downbeat. And just as her personal life strikes a sour note, the killer jazzes up his techniques. The pressure is on Franki to decipher an odd assortment of clues—an old gramophone record, a stolen trumpet, and a bottle of marsala wine. If she doesn’t, she could be the next one to get the axe.
Marsala Maroon is book 6 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!
330 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2022
88 people are currently reading
1599 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 40 reviews
March 4, 2022
Franki sure has an interesting life. I have been reading this series since it started. The only series equally as laugh out loud funny is the Merry Wrath series by Leslie Langtry. Looks like I have one novella and one novel to get current. I loved this book.
November 14, 2020
This series is light-hearted and so fun to read. Frankie is a magnet for all the crazy things that could possibly happen when trying to investigate a murder in the Big Easy. She ends up with the most unlikeliest of partners when trying to solve her cases. She doesn't seem to like many people but then they kind of grow on her with their persistence to help her solve the mysteries. Her mother and grandmother are well meaning but incapable of letting Frankie live her life on her terms. They are over the top meddling Italians. The Italian family ties is a huge part of the book and adds a bit of different culture to the story. It also makes for great comedic relief with all of their hijinks. Her crazy over-the-top ex-stripper landlady just cracks me up with her endeavors. She is definitely a favorite character. I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 27, 2021
Loved this one. Best part is that Franki seems to be better at setting boundaries with her family, even if they don't listen.
Still don't like that she is regularly the butt of all of the jokes; I don't enjoy my heroin constantly being clowned or getting the short end from scene to scene. That's too Stephanie Plum for my liking.
Additionally, there doesn't seem to be a ton of chemistry between Franki and Bradly. If you know me you know that romance tends to be a sore point for me because protection/control/men substituting their instincts and judgment for the woman's . There is none of this here, which I appreciate. Still, this relationship has a Twilight'esque feel to it that I don't quite like.
One thing I did like was how creepy this one was. There are a ton of terrifying moments in this installment that would work very well in a horror novel. I love a little fear with my mysteries, so the chilling bits were an extra special surprise.
Overall, though, this was a much needed break from work and general social craziness. Four stars!
Still don't like that she is regularly the butt of all of the jokes; I don't enjoy my heroin constantly being clowned or getting the short end from scene to scene. That's too Stephanie Plum for my liking.
Additionally, there doesn't seem to be a ton of chemistry between Franki and Bradly. If you know me you know that romance tends to be a sore point for me because protection/control/men substituting their instincts and judgment for the woman's . There is none of this here, which I appreciate. Still, this relationship has a Twilight'esque feel to it that I don't quite like.
One thing I did like was how creepy this one was. There are a ton of terrifying moments in this installment that would work very well in a horror novel. I love a little fear with my mysteries, so the chilling bits were an extra special surprise.
Overall, though, this was a much needed break from work and general social craziness. Four stars!
Want to read
November 11, 2020MARSALA MAROON comes out on November 17, and I’m hosting a Goodreads Event to celebrate the release from November 19 through 22. I’ll give away print and e-copies of the book as well as New Orleans-themed gifts. And every giveaway includes Mardi Gras beads and an Aunt Sally’s creamy praline. Why? In The Big Easy they call it lagniappe (a little something extra), and I’m all about that tradition! So please RSVP, and friend me on Goodreads while you're at it!
November 7, 2020
Wow! I love this series! The main characters are so funny (but, since I have an Italian husband, I can verify that everything they say and do is definitely realistic 😆) The descriptions of New Orleans, its people and its customs are just fascinating. The storylines are interesting, funny, intense and sometimes wacky. It was hard to put this one down. It was so good and had a surprise ending! I would recommend this book and series to anyone who likes a good mystery, great settings, crazy characters and a little romance! Start with book #1 “Limoncello Yellow” to get to know Frankie and her crazy family and friends.
November 8, 2020
I love Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amati series. In Marsala Maroon, Franki is back home in New Orleans, and she & her fiancé Bradley are “trying” to enjoy being engaged. Of course, Franki’s mother & Nonna have basically moved in to her one-bedroom apartment since the engagement announcement, trying to plan the wedding. They don’t miss any chance to sneak in wedding planning, & can’t understand the couple’s desire to do their own planning. When Bradley announces his mother & grandmother are coming from Boston to meet Franki & discuss the wedding, Franki’s mother & Nonna take it like a declaration of wedding war. They extend their stay to make sure no one interferes with planning “their wedding.”
Meanwhile, PI Franki received two strangely-related pieces of information. First, her Italian-American deli-owner father calls her from Houston to say their has been a death in the Italian grocer community in New Orleans. His biggest competitor when he worked in New Orleans, Angelo LaRocca, was killed. With his wife & mother with Franki in New Orleans, Franki’s father can’t leave the deli for the funeral. He needs them to represent the family at the funeral. Franki’s dad would also like her to quietly look into the murder for him— not investigate, but keep her eyes & ears open & make sure the police do their job. Then, second, she finds out her musician friend Wendell ( fans of the series met him in a previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that book to understand this one) has been arrested for the same crime. The reasons have to do with a famous trumpet that was stolen and that the murdered man had in his possession. How he got it & why Wendell went to see it are all part of the mystery that is Marsala Maroon.
Like Franki, the reader gets swept up in the world of New Orleans jazz, festivals, grudges between families, and questioning traditions— which ones are valuable and should continue, & which ones may not be of value anymore. While Marsala Maroon is a cozy mystery with comedy &
Light romance, like all of Traci Andrighetti’s books, it’s well-researched and brings up real-life questions. But the questions are so well-woven into the story, the reader is so engrossed in reading, you don’t realize that they are there.
Marsala Maroon takes you on a fun, exciting ride. It has twists & turns, & the characters are both extreme & lovable. Franki’s ex-stripper landlady is re-inventing herself as a ( mostly naked) social media influencer, but you know she really cares. Her best friend & boss Veronica truly wants Franki to succeed but to be happy. Her mother & Nonna, as usual, are hysterical. One of my top criteria for any novel in a series is “can it stand on its own?” And the answer is yes, definitely. But you will WANT to read every book in the series if you haven’t yet. Plus, right now, we need Franki & her exciting stories. Read Marsala Maroon.
Note: somehow there was a Goodreads glitch when I added this book to my “want to read” & Goodreads thought that meant I’d give it one star. I never gave it one star. If you saw that, it was an IT error.
Meanwhile, PI Franki received two strangely-related pieces of information. First, her Italian-American deli-owner father calls her from Houston to say their has been a death in the Italian grocer community in New Orleans. His biggest competitor when he worked in New Orleans, Angelo LaRocca, was killed. With his wife & mother with Franki in New Orleans, Franki’s father can’t leave the deli for the funeral. He needs them to represent the family at the funeral. Franki’s dad would also like her to quietly look into the murder for him— not investigate, but keep her eyes & ears open & make sure the police do their job. Then, second, she finds out her musician friend Wendell ( fans of the series met him in a previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that book to understand this one) has been arrested for the same crime. The reasons have to do with a famous trumpet that was stolen and that the murdered man had in his possession. How he got it & why Wendell went to see it are all part of the mystery that is Marsala Maroon.
Like Franki, the reader gets swept up in the world of New Orleans jazz, festivals, grudges between families, and questioning traditions— which ones are valuable and should continue, & which ones may not be of value anymore. While Marsala Maroon is a cozy mystery with comedy &
Light romance, like all of Traci Andrighetti’s books, it’s well-researched and brings up real-life questions. But the questions are so well-woven into the story, the reader is so engrossed in reading, you don’t realize that they are there.
Marsala Maroon takes you on a fun, exciting ride. It has twists & turns, & the characters are both extreme & lovable. Franki’s ex-stripper landlady is re-inventing herself as a ( mostly naked) social media influencer, but you know she really cares. Her best friend & boss Veronica truly wants Franki to succeed but to be happy. Her mother & Nonna, as usual, are hysterical. One of my top criteria for any novel in a series is “can it stand on its own?” And the answer is yes, definitely. But you will WANT to read every book in the series if you haven’t yet. Plus, right now, we need Franki & her exciting stories. Read Marsala Maroon.
Note: somehow there was a Goodreads glitch when I added this book to my “want to read” & Goodreads thought that meant I’d give it one star. I never gave it one star. If you saw that, it was an IT error.
November 5, 2020
I loved this book the author packs so much humour into each adventure that it is bound to brighten anyone's day. I enjoyed the bright and colourful setting of New Orleans because it seems that anything can happen there and usually does, well in Franki's world anyway, where the upper class Boston side meets Sicilian/Italian grandma's and New Orleans strippers the calamity is sure to follow. The mystery was interesting but it is the characters that keep me coming back to this series. Especially the family antics, I am glad they aren't my family but they do make for some fun reading. I will be keeping an eye out for the audio book version and the next book in this fantastic series.
She has only just got engaged but with her mother and grandmother moving in to plan the wedding Franki didn't think her life could get anymore complicated. That is until she gets a phone call from her father asking her to look into the death of an old family friend, from the grocery business. It seems he has managed to get himself killer in the same way as some murders that took place years ago. Is the killer back after all this time? The police don't think so and arrest a Friend of Franki', Wendell, when it is discovered he was the last person to see him alive and had an argument with the victim. Is Wendell right in thinking that with a killer with an axe on the lose, prison is the safest place to be? Frankie doesn't think so and teams up with a new trainee P.I to investigate Mardi Gras traditions and the strange world of voodoo curses, witch craft and tomahawk carrying Indians. But the scariest thing she has to face is a meal with her mother and the in laws to discuss the wedding. Facing down axe killing murders is so much easier.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
She has only just got engaged but with her mother and grandmother moving in to plan the wedding Franki didn't think her life could get anymore complicated. That is until she gets a phone call from her father asking her to look into the death of an old family friend, from the grocery business. It seems he has managed to get himself killer in the same way as some murders that took place years ago. Is the killer back after all this time? The police don't think so and arrest a Friend of Franki', Wendell, when it is discovered he was the last person to see him alive and had an argument with the victim. Is Wendell right in thinking that with a killer with an axe on the lose, prison is the safest place to be? Frankie doesn't think so and teams up with a new trainee P.I to investigate Mardi Gras traditions and the strange world of voodoo curses, witch craft and tomahawk carrying Indians. But the scariest thing she has to face is a meal with her mother and the in laws to discuss the wedding. Facing down axe killing murders is so much easier.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 12, 2020
This is a book festooned with gems. It is the kind you need to read every so often to rekindle your joy of reading. It is filled with unique and interesting characters. It captures the nature of an Italian mother in all her glory. The writing is light and breezy, adding to the joy of reading it. I couldn't put it down because I was enjoying every page. Because I have spent some time in New Orleans, I was able to relate to the places and people in the book. I got a freebie copy from the author, but I would surely go back and buy it because it is so enjoyable. Witches and other unnatural elements take part, along with a retired pole dancer and more strange Italian grocers than anyone could handle. I recommend this book for a great time.
November 8, 2020
Wow!!! Talk about having a full plate! Poor Franki has to get a friend out of jail who was wrongly accused of murder, has the Ax-man after her, has to deal with a witch, A Big Chief, Voodoo, and let’s not forget training a new P.I. AND meeting her future In-laws...all while having her Mamma and Nonna in tow!!! This story is a must read with so many twists, turns, and switches (not witches...at least not in the review). The thing that I LOVE about this book (and series) is the cast of characters, including the city of New Orleans as a backdrop!! Where else can you go to jazz fest, get chased by an Ax-man, and get locked in a mausoleum all within a week!! Traci also did the whole getting-off-the-highway-and-taking-the-rest-of-the-funeral-procession-with-her justice!!! It happened to me and pretty much happened like Traci wrote.
I say this all the time, do yourself a favor and read the series in order. If you want a laugh out loud, get your mind away from the “stuff” that is happening in the world right now, and get away and escape....read this series!!!! You will not be sorry!!!
I say this all the time, do yourself a favor and read the series in order. If you want a laugh out loud, get your mind away from the “stuff” that is happening in the world right now, and get away and escape....read this series!!!! You will not be sorry!!!
November 7, 2020
Franki Amato can pack more into a day than some people do all week! Unfortunately, it's not always what she wants to be doing. Lunching to meet Bradley's family with her mom and grandma (Nona)? She could have skipped that one! Finding axes left behind to threaten her (and keep her sleepless)? Hard no! Finding bodies, tromping through graveyards, well...you get the idea. Probably one of the worst is having mother and Nona staying (seemingly forever) in her small apartment and forcing her to rent a bed in her landlord's "closet" apartment.
Somehow between everything else, she exonerates a friend in jail for murder, finds the perfect wedding favor, and manages to send her family members home. Oh did I mention a ticked off witch looking for revenge. Yeah, that's what Franki has to look forward to...
Funny and informative, somehow the PI business and wedding planning mix perfectly to give readers a fast paced New Orleans experience like non other! It's terrific! Don't miss this one.
Somehow between everything else, she exonerates a friend in jail for murder, finds the perfect wedding favor, and manages to send her family members home. Oh did I mention a ticked off witch looking for revenge. Yeah, that's what Franki has to look forward to...
Funny and informative, somehow the PI business and wedding planning mix perfectly to give readers a fast paced New Orleans experience like non other! It's terrific! Don't miss this one.
November 18, 2020
Loved this series so much
Oh my goodness I have to start by saying I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book but loved it so much I to purchase a copy. The characters just crack me up every time. So if you love a mystery and good laugh series is for you.
Oh my goodness I have to start by saying I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book but loved it so much I to purchase a copy. The characters just crack me up every time. So if you love a mystery and good laugh series is for you.
November 13, 2020
A fun and exciting mystery starring Franki Amato. Handling an engagement, in-laws, her mother and grandmother and trying to solve a murder give Franki plenty to do. Number 6 is just as wonderful as the previous five.
November 27, 2020
There are never enough stars for books in this series. This one will have you laughing out loud & will keep you guessing. Love the New Orleans setting and Franki’s wacky family & friends. I can’t wait to read more!!
November 8, 2020
First, let me start by saying somehow there was a “glitch” in Goodreads. Apparently when I noted several months ago that this book was on my “want to read” list, Goodreads thought that meant I’d give it a one-star rating. I did not do that. If you saw that, it was a technical error. I have now read the book and am posting my actual review.
I love Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amati series. In Marsala Maroon, Franki is back home in New Orleans, and she & her fiancé Bradley are “trying” to enjoy being engaged. Of course, Franki’s mother & Nonna have basically moved in to her one-bedroom apartment since the engagement announcement, trying to plan the wedding. They don’t miss any chance to sneak in wedding planning, & can’t understand the couple’s desire to do their own planning. When Bradley announces his mother & grandmother are coming from Boston to meet Franki & discuss the wedding, Franki’s mother & Nonna take it like a declaration of wedding war. They extend their stay to make sure no one interferes with planning “their wedding.”
Meanwhile, PI Franki received two strangely-related pieces of information. First, her Italian-American deli-owner father calls her from Houston to say their has been a death in the Italian grocer community in New Orleans. His biggest competitor when he worked in New Orleans, Angelo LaRocca, was killed. With his wife & mother with Franki in New Orleans, Franki’s father can’t leave the deli for the funeral. He needs them to represent the family at the funeral. Franki’s dad would also like her to quietly look into the murder for him— not investigate, but keep her eyes & ears open & make sure the police do their job. Then, second, she finds out her musician friend Wendell ( fans of the series met him in a previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that book to understand this one) has been arrested for the same crime. The reasons have to do with a famous trumpet that was stolen and that the murdered man had in his possession. How he got it & why Wendell went to see it are all part of the mystery that is Marsala Maroon.
Like Franki, the reader gets swept up in the world of New Orleans jazz, festivals, grudges between families, and questioning traditions— which ones are valuable and should continue, & which ones may not be of value anymore. While Marsala Maroon is a cozy mystery with comedy &
Light romance, like all of Traci Andrighetti’s books, it’s well-researched and brings up real-life questions. But the questions are so well-woven into the story, the reader is so engrossed in reading, you don’t realize that they are there.
Marsala Maroon takes you on a fun, exciting ride. It has twists & turns, & the characters are both extreme & lovable. Franki’s ex-stripper landlady is re-inventing herself as a ( mostly naked) social media influencer, but you know she really cares. Her best friend & boss Veronica truly wants Franki to succeed but to be happy. Her mother & Nonna, as usual, are hysterical. One of my top criteria for any novel in a series is “can it stand on its own?” And the answer is yes, definitely. But you will WANT to read every book in the series if you haven’t yet. Plus, right now, we need Franki & her exciting stories. Read Marsala Maroon.
I love Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amati series. In Marsala Maroon, Franki is back home in New Orleans, and she & her fiancé Bradley are “trying” to enjoy being engaged. Of course, Franki’s mother & Nonna have basically moved in to her one-bedroom apartment since the engagement announcement, trying to plan the wedding. They don’t miss any chance to sneak in wedding planning, & can’t understand the couple’s desire to do their own planning. When Bradley announces his mother & grandmother are coming from Boston to meet Franki & discuss the wedding, Franki’s mother & Nonna take it like a declaration of wedding war. They extend their stay to make sure no one interferes with planning “their wedding.”
Meanwhile, PI Franki received two strangely-related pieces of information. First, her Italian-American deli-owner father calls her from Houston to say their has been a death in the Italian grocer community in New Orleans. His biggest competitor when he worked in New Orleans, Angelo LaRocca, was killed. With his wife & mother with Franki in New Orleans, Franki’s father can’t leave the deli for the funeral. He needs them to represent the family at the funeral. Franki’s dad would also like her to quietly look into the murder for him— not investigate, but keep her eyes & ears open & make sure the police do their job. Then, second, she finds out her musician friend Wendell ( fans of the series met him in a previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that book to understand this one) has been arrested for the same crime. The reasons have to do with a famous trumpet that was stolen and that the murdered man had in his possession. How he got it & why Wendell went to see it are all part of the mystery that is Marsala Maroon.
Like Franki, the reader gets swept up in the world of New Orleans jazz, festivals, grudges between families, and questioning traditions— which ones are valuable and should continue, & which ones may not be of value anymore. While Marsala Maroon is a cozy mystery with comedy &
Light romance, like all of Traci Andrighetti’s books, it’s well-researched and brings up real-life questions. But the questions are so well-woven into the story, the reader is so engrossed in reading, you don’t realize that they are there.
Marsala Maroon takes you on a fun, exciting ride. It has twists & turns, & the characters are both extreme & lovable. Franki’s ex-stripper landlady is re-inventing herself as a ( mostly naked) social media influencer, but you know she really cares. Her best friend & boss Veronica truly wants Franki to succeed but to be happy. Her mother & Nonna, as usual, are hysterical. One of my top criteria for any novel in a series is “can it stand on its own?” And the answer is yes, definitely. But you will WANT to read every book in the series if you haven’t yet. Plus, right now, we need Franki & her exciting stories. Read Marsala Maroon.
July 16, 2021
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**
Marsala Maroon by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is Book 6 in the series Franki Amato Mysteries. It can be listened to as a standalone, however, these books are so well-written and narrated, you will want to start with Book 1!! They are all fantastic! Andrighetti is a true master of writing quick-witted, realistic dialogue; it's so impressive! I literally laughed from beginning to end...what more could I ask for? Mystery, suspense, humor, and an unpredictable storyline that keeps pushing forward...this book (and series) has it all!!
As awesome as this series is, what really makes this audiobook shine brighter than others of this genre is the outstanding performance by narrator Madeline Mrozek! Wow! Best narrator ever! Each time I listen to one of her audiobooks, I am shocked that she is the only one narrating. Saying "she does a phenomenal job" doesn't do her justice; it's so much more...it's truly something audiobook fans must hear and experience on their own to know what I'm talking about. She breaths life into the characters, giving each of them their own distinct personality and special charm. My favorite part of listening to Marsala Maroon, hands down, is the hilarious banter between Franki, her mother, and her nonna. Soooo funny! I could listen to the three of them all day long...well, if Mrozek is playing them, of course!! Bravo! Job well done!
Marsala Maroon: Franki Amato Mysteries, Book 6 by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is well-deserving of 5/5 stars across the board! The writing is fantastic, the narration is out of the park, and storyline is entertaining and engaging. I recommend this book and series to listeners who enjoy mysteries with light suspense and unpredictable "whodunits" with family drama that keeps you laughing the whole way through. This audiobook has it all, and I'm confident you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I did!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)
P.S. One more thing!!! Make sure to stick around for Mrozek's blooper reel at the end!! You'll love it!! 😂
Marsala Maroon by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is Book 6 in the series Franki Amato Mysteries. It can be listened to as a standalone, however, these books are so well-written and narrated, you will want to start with Book 1!! They are all fantastic! Andrighetti is a true master of writing quick-witted, realistic dialogue; it's so impressive! I literally laughed from beginning to end...what more could I ask for? Mystery, suspense, humor, and an unpredictable storyline that keeps pushing forward...this book (and series) has it all!!
As awesome as this series is, what really makes this audiobook shine brighter than others of this genre is the outstanding performance by narrator Madeline Mrozek! Wow! Best narrator ever! Each time I listen to one of her audiobooks, I am shocked that she is the only one narrating. Saying "she does a phenomenal job" doesn't do her justice; it's so much more...it's truly something audiobook fans must hear and experience on their own to know what I'm talking about. She breaths life into the characters, giving each of them their own distinct personality and special charm. My favorite part of listening to Marsala Maroon, hands down, is the hilarious banter between Franki, her mother, and her nonna. Soooo funny! I could listen to the three of them all day long...well, if Mrozek is playing them, of course!! Bravo! Job well done!
Marsala Maroon: Franki Amato Mysteries, Book 6 by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is well-deserving of 5/5 stars across the board! The writing is fantastic, the narration is out of the park, and storyline is entertaining and engaging. I recommend this book and series to listeners who enjoy mysteries with light suspense and unpredictable "whodunits" with family drama that keeps you laughing the whole way through. This audiobook has it all, and I'm confident you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I did!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)
P.S. One more thing!!! Make sure to stick around for Mrozek's blooper reel at the end!! You'll love it!! 😂
August 14, 2021
Review originally published at: https://lomeraniel.com/book-review-ma...
This is the sixth instalment in the Franki Amato’s series. This time, Franki is investigating the murder of the owner of an Italian grocery in New Orleans. The fact that Franki’s family is somehow connected to the deceased, and that the murder felt similar to the ones perpetrated by an old famous serial killer in the region, adds to Franki’s worries. This was a fun and exciting listen, a book where we meet again characters that we learned to love from previous books. Nana’s attitude towards Franki’s and Bradley leaves its mark on Franki, who starts to second guess things and to worry about things external to the case. Family reunions are always hilarious in this series, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Franki, but also guilty for laughing at some of the situations.
There’s no book set in New Orleans that is complete without some voodoo and cemetery walks. I simply loved the boat journey through the swamp and the people they found there. I think these details made this book unique and added depth to an already good story.
The murder investigation was also so interesting and convoluted that I was so intrigued that I couldn’t stop listening. Andrighetti surprised me again with her creativity and her skills to keep track of so many details.
This audiobook is narrated by the wonderful Madeline Mrozek. She did an excellent job at translating the characters’ personalities into voices, accents, styles, and different quirks. Each character had a unique touch, and the interpretations were so well done that I was able to feel the characters’ emotions. Mrozek is one of my favourite female narrators, who is not only able to interpret female characters but also voice male characters very convincingly. I had a lot of fun listening to this book, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding narration. I love the fact that Madeline includes bloopers at the end of audiobooks, I really enjoyed laughing with her!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the sixth instalment in the Franki Amato’s series. This time, Franki is investigating the murder of the owner of an Italian grocery in New Orleans. The fact that Franki’s family is somehow connected to the deceased, and that the murder felt similar to the ones perpetrated by an old famous serial killer in the region, adds to Franki’s worries. This was a fun and exciting listen, a book where we meet again characters that we learned to love from previous books. Nana’s attitude towards Franki’s and Bradley leaves its mark on Franki, who starts to second guess things and to worry about things external to the case. Family reunions are always hilarious in this series, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Franki, but also guilty for laughing at some of the situations.
There’s no book set in New Orleans that is complete without some voodoo and cemetery walks. I simply loved the boat journey through the swamp and the people they found there. I think these details made this book unique and added depth to an already good story.
The murder investigation was also so interesting and convoluted that I was so intrigued that I couldn’t stop listening. Andrighetti surprised me again with her creativity and her skills to keep track of so many details.
This audiobook is narrated by the wonderful Madeline Mrozek. She did an excellent job at translating the characters’ personalities into voices, accents, styles, and different quirks. Each character had a unique touch, and the interpretations were so well done that I was able to feel the characters’ emotions. Mrozek is one of my favourite female narrators, who is not only able to interpret female characters but also voice male characters very convincingly. I had a lot of fun listening to this book, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding narration. I love the fact that Madeline includes bloopers at the end of audiobooks, I really enjoyed laughing with her!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 19, 2020
I admit I am a dedicated fan of Traci Andrighetti's series - they are a tonic. Filled with characters I KNOW, filled with characters I WISH I knew, filled with AMAZING characters to delight, entertain and intrigue readers. This author brings to life the mystique of New Orleans with jazz, food, the famous cemeteries, history of the Italian food markets, the Mardi Gras, the Black Hatchet tribe, Louis Prima's trumpets, jazz funerals, cauchemars (nightmare witches), enigmatic voodoo queens, dancing skeletons at midnight, a stripper landlady's truly astonishing outfits, family warfare over a bride's bomboniere (favours for guests), a murderer copycatting a series of axe murders ... an intimidating Russian waxing widow who bandies an axe and, just because, a slutty VW Bug.
The fluency of writing belies the extensive research into the Cajuns, the Mardi Gras Indians, the escaped slaves who hid in the bayous, vendetta, all blended into a rich tale of murder, culture, history, for our delectation. The slickness of the words on the page lead one's eyes on to the next laugh, the next shock, the next original character.
'Fession: I am oh-so grateful to have received an advanced review copy in return for an honest review. I honestly enjoy this series. I love the time out each book affords me - somehow Traci Andrighetti produces a volume when times are not 100% - and the laugh aloud sense of humour, the off-the-wall range of those peopling these reads and how the titles connect with the stories. Slick, classy and fun.
The fluency of writing belies the extensive research into the Cajuns, the Mardi Gras Indians, the escaped slaves who hid in the bayous, vendetta, all blended into a rich tale of murder, culture, history, for our delectation. The slickness of the words on the page lead one's eyes on to the next laugh, the next shock, the next original character.
'Fession: I am oh-so grateful to have received an advanced review copy in return for an honest review. I honestly enjoy this series. I love the time out each book affords me - somehow Traci Andrighetti produces a volume when times are not 100% - and the laugh aloud sense of humour, the off-the-wall range of those peopling these reads and how the titles connect with the stories. Slick, classy and fun.
November 8, 2020
4.5 stars
Franki investigates the brutal murder of a deli and grocery store owner, an investigation with many strange clues and even weirder suspects. Franki does her best to figure out how all the pieces fit, while trying to not get caught by the killer herself.
The characters in this series are such fun, and I find Franki's nonna hilarious, but only because I don't have to deal with her. All the meddling from Franki's family over her upcoming wedding, especially the bomboniere ideas, would be enough to drive anyone crazy! It's things like this - the crazy antics and laugh out loud moments - that make each book such fun to read.
Franki investigates the brutal murder of a deli and grocery store owner, an investigation with many strange clues and even weirder suspects. Franki does her best to figure out how all the pieces fit, while trying to not get caught by the killer herself.
The characters in this series are such fun, and I find Franki's nonna hilarious, but only because I don't have to deal with her. All the meddling from Franki's family over her upcoming wedding, especially the bomboniere ideas, would be enough to drive anyone crazy! It's things like this - the crazy antics and laugh out loud moments - that make each book such fun to read.
November 18, 2020
What a fun read with zany characters, laugh-out-loud humor and a twisty must-solve mystery taking place in The Big Easy while Jazz Fest is going on. I absolutely love Franki Amato and enjoy "tagging along" during her adventures in and around New Orleans. The secondary characters added so much to my reading pleasure and once I started reading, I just couldn't put the book down until I read the last word. Don't miss "Marsala Maroon", a private investigator comedy mystery, book six in the Franki Amato Mysteries by gifted author Traci Andrighetti. Laissez les bon temps rouler. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 26, 2020
I love this Franki Amato series. It is always so much fun to read about her adventures in solving murders in New Orleans. This latest book is a must read. Franki is a busy gal trying to keep her mom and nonna out of her wedding plans, all while looking into the murder of her father’s friend. It is a lot of fun and chaos that is typical of Franki’s life. And the secondary characters are a hoot! This book kept me laughing and guessing all the way until the end. I highly recommend this book and all the others in the series!
December 23, 2021
Axeman
Franki's mom cuts a car off that has eyelashes on it, that car and the ones behind her end up following her to Franki's place. Her mom and Nonna there to talk about where to hold the wedding and the she learns Bradley's family is coming to NOLA for same reason. Wendell is arrested for murder and Franki must investigate who the real killer is. Glenda is writing her memoirs and has hired a photographer to take pictures of her for the book. Franki finds out there's a stolen trumpet involved that was owner by a famous trumpter. Rumors that the Axeman maybe back spread .
Franki's mom cuts a car off that has eyelashes on it, that car and the ones behind her end up following her to Franki's place. Her mom and Nonna there to talk about where to hold the wedding and the she learns Bradley's family is coming to NOLA for same reason. Wendell is arrested for murder and Franki must investigate who the real killer is. Glenda is writing her memoirs and has hired a photographer to take pictures of her for the book. Franki finds out there's a stolen trumpet involved that was owner by a famous trumpter. Rumors that the Axeman maybe back spread .
August 11, 2022
I listened to this book on audible and the narrator is so wonderful! I’ve listened to the whole series with the same narrator almost from the beginning. Most of the books anyway! She does such a great job with all the voices and stays in character for each book.
This was a very fun story! I really enjoyed it! A lot of funny parts. At the end of the book they did bloopers that the narrator did while reading the book. And of course they’re at the funny parts and she can’t stop laughing! That was too funny. I am very hooked on this series. Can’t wait for the wedding!
This was a very fun story! I really enjoyed it! A lot of funny parts. At the end of the book they did bloopers that the narrator did while reading the book. And of course they’re at the funny parts and she can’t stop laughing! That was too funny. I am very hooked on this series. Can’t wait for the wedding!
August 15, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook and it was excellent! I love the narrator and have listened to her read the author’s other books in this series too! She does all the voices so well. And they did a little blooper outtake at the end with her laughing so hard she couldn’t finish reading!
As always a very fun plot, and things are moving along in everybody’s lives which is also fun! Weddings are on the horizon! And of course there’s always a mystery! This is one of my very favorite cozy mystery book series! I am never disappointed!!
As always a very fun plot, and things are moving along in everybody’s lives which is also fun! Weddings are on the horizon! And of course there’s always a mystery! This is one of my very favorite cozy mystery book series! I am never disappointed!!
August 11, 2021
Frankie investigates the murder of a prominent Italian grocery store owner while negotiating wedding plans with the "help" of her Italian mother and grandmother and her grooms posh, Boston high society future mother and grandmother-in-law and it's a toss-up (with a bad penny) which will be more dangerous in this laugh out loud, mile a minute mystery by Traci Andrighetti.
If you're looking for some light entertainment that will keep you guessing - and laughing, this one's perfect.
If you're looking for some light entertainment that will keep you guessing - and laughing, this one's perfect.
August 24, 2021
All the family and friends madness is what has me laughing out loud! It's nice to have read most of the earlier books in series, but it isn't vital because so many hints and recollections keep the reader up to date. There really is a mystery plot, but also a family craziness and French Quarter craziness that kept me laughing and far away from the news media!
I love the way Madeline Mrozek brings the whole atmosphere as well as the characters' personalities into the work! Fantastic read!
I love the way Madeline Mrozek brings the whole atmosphere as well as the characters' personalities into the work! Fantastic read!
September 17, 2022
This was fun and I was glad to see that some of the characters who seem to always work against Frankie actually stop doing that. I mean the future mother-in-law and future grandmother in law, in this case. It just always seems like there are characters who really unfairly work against Frankie and you don’t get to see enough of the friendship between Frankie and Veronica. I love Glenda. But a lot of the other characters are just negative and draining and kind of ruin the fun.
May 7, 2025
Great Read
Another great addition to the series. The French Quarter also has an Italian background that I was unaware of. Another interesting thread to Franki Amati’s life story. Fun, interesting, quirky, lovable character. This is another book you can’t put down. Anxious to start the next in the series.
Another great addition to the series. The French Quarter also has an Italian background that I was unaware of. Another interesting thread to Franki Amati’s life story. Fun, interesting, quirky, lovable character. This is another book you can’t put down. Anxious to start the next in the series.
September 8, 2025
Oh my, oh my, oh my...
Another laugh-aloud roller coaster by Ms. Andrighetti. I can't have enough of Franki and her family. And now Bradley's family is in it too. And his upper-class Boston grandmother turns out to be... Italian. Another Nonna, poor Franki.
And as usual, she's somehow directly involved and HAS to solve the murder or pay the consequences.
Love, love, love this series
Another laugh-aloud roller coaster by Ms. Andrighetti. I can't have enough of Franki and her family. And now Bradley's family is in it too. And his upper-class Boston grandmother turns out to be... Italian. Another Nonna, poor Franki.
And as usual, she's somehow directly involved and HAS to solve the murder or pay the consequences.
Love, love, love this series
November 16, 2020
Traci Andrighetti's Franki Amato Mysteries are so fun! I've read them all and loved them all. Marsala Maroon is an awesome mystery. I loved it!! Preorder now - you will not be disappointed! Loved it!
February 15, 2021
Love that Franki
I like reading about new cultures, traditions, and most especially NOLA, someplace I’ve always wanted to visit but most especially Franki because she is not perfect...she’s funny, sweet, snarky just like our real life besties.
I like reading about new cultures, traditions, and most especially NOLA, someplace I’ve always wanted to visit but most especially Franki because she is not perfect...she’s funny, sweet, snarky just like our real life besties.
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