Valpolicella Violet: A Private Investigator Comedy Mystery

Franki Amato Mysteries #7

by Traci Andrighetti

Franki Amato's Venice vacation makes New Orleans seem like Disneyland...

Franki Amato is in Venice to celebrate her best friend’s Christmas Eve nuptials. She’s looking forward to a relaxing break from the PI grind and a romantic gondola ride with her Casanova. But when a chef goes belly up after making violet risotto for the reception, her holiday plans start sinking like La Serenissima. Dead set on finding the killer and saving her BFF’s wedding, Franki navigates the city’s streets and canals that are darker and more twisted than catacomb tunnels, and all while ghosts of past and present are quite literally haunting her. She has to figure out what grave robberies and an eighteenth-century nun have to do with the murder and decipher a string of clues as murky as the Venetian lagoon—a candlelit coffin, a jeweled cross necklace, and a bottle of Valpolicella. Will Franki get her gondola ride? Or will she too become a phantom of Venice?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2022

About the author

Traci 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

Reviews

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to check for typos. I found one word as skull instead scull. I am sure more typos, but the story was so wonderful I just caught in the wild and engrossing story. The characters are different, diverse, and entertaining. The story is in Venice, and both the present and past have details of the actions. The characters are complete story in each one. The entertaining is overwhelming. The cartoon becoming realistic. The time will fill you with fun.

[Judy Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit, I have a love/hate relationship with Traci Andrighetti’s Franki Amato series. I LOVE it when I get to read a new book in the series, and I HATE it when the book ends. It’s the sign of a great story when the author leaves you wanting more, and Valpolicella Violet, like a great dish in a restaurant you can only visit on vacation, or like the other books in the series, leaves you wanting more adventures from Franki and Private Chicks. In this latest installment, Franki has traveled to Venice for the wedding of her best friend & boss Veronica. As the bridal party, they arrived a few days early to take care of wedding matters & do a little sight-seeing. Her fiancé, Bradley, was supposed to be there early with her, but he strangely decided to stop in Boston on the way to surprise his mother, & ends up snowed in, though he promises to be there in time for the wedding. (Note to Bradley— you always stop on the way home, especially when traveling in December!!). And Veronica & her fiancé’s idea of a romantic wedding chapel, as well as their thoughts on pre-wedding sight-seeing, register higher on Franki’s “creepy meter” than on her romance meter. Instead of gondola rides with Bradley, Franki finds herself surrounded by tales of death, torture, theft, and ghosts in all the most flooded, decrepit, crumbling spots in Venice, including the most murderous church. Add to that tales of Nuns Gone Wild and stolen gemstones that save cities, and Franki is quickly back to investigating a modern murder and theft, instead of spending pre-wedding girl time with Veronica. A cast of characters shows up to “help” Franki that only complicate matters further, and Franki fears the next murder may be her own. Valpolicella Violet is an exciting adventure that, in true Traci Andrighetti style, combines a fictional cozy mystery with history, travel, and adventure. The look at Andrighetti’s take on life as the adult daughter in an Italian-American family is always hilarious, and the extra characters brought in for this adventure made me laugh out loud several times (A screamer in a Sherpa not understanding why that’s not sexy? Too funny). I do remain less than happy with Frankie’s fiancé, Bradley. He doesn’t seem worthy of Franki to me. But, at the end, I saw a flash of hope for him. But, then he reverted to what I think of as his clueless self ( I’m a no-spoilers kind of person, so you have to read it:) ). But I’m willing to give him another chance. But, in my opinion, Bradley needs to step up his game, and maybe his next move will give him that chance. In any case, this is a must-read. A great addition to the Franki Amato series.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author does so much research that while you are reading the adventure, you get the feeling you are visiting the sites along with Franki and her crazy friends, who are just a hoot. Only Franki (and this author) can come up with so much trouble all packed in one holiday but then what do you expect if you go on holiday with your mother, noona (grandma), your boyfriend and an ex stripper. Chaos and humour is sure to follow and most certainly does. As well as great characters (new and old) the story is also a good mystery. There is a lot of familiar names from history involved and added to the suspect list. This is book 7 in what is a great series and although it does make for a standalone mystery, I think you are missing out on the amazing adventure if you don't start at the beginning and work your way through. I can't wait for the next book.
Franki's best friend is getting married and with everybody traveling to Venice to join in the last thing Franki wants is to be doing is running around the canals investigating a case. But that is exactly what happens when the celebrity chief hired to cater the wedding drops dead. Rather than cancel the wedding Franki sets out to find out what and more importantly who poisoned the chief. Being stalked by a ghost, a Casanova waiter, her boyfriends ex girlfriend, a mother who has plans to marry her off, a spooky church, a scary priest and a best friend having a melt down can Franki survive her holiday and catch a killer or will the city of tomes claim another victim?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Heather Boesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know some people might find this series a little corny but I honestly LOVE them. Easy to envision every detail, fun and witty plot lines amongst the death and despair the characters face. This is one of the best from the series so far!

[Lovell Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. Well developed characters and believable situations. Needed a bit more humour though. But i loved it!

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, Franki is in Venice for her friend's wedding. As usual she finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery, and missing her boyfriend who has got stranded.
There are the usual cast of characters especially her family, who are desperate to get her married off as soon as possible.
I love the way that the author manages to blend the comedy with the mystery and makes fun of her Italian heritage, but in a very loving way. She even manages to make fun of her surname when Franki comes across a library which shares her name.
Although it is very funny, there is still some really well written excitement as well which spices up the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but have voluntarily written this honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book to help look for typos and I did a terrible job because I got so caught up in reading it I did not find any typos .
I love all the Franki books , but this is one of my favorites. I love all the history and how Traci weaves in a laugh out loud story with scenes from Venice and the history.
I love that she brought all the characters into this book including Midge and Madge . It also includes the introduction of some new characters that fit right into the bunch .
It’s a fast paced and will have you guessing what was going to happen.
Franki’s mom and Nonna always make me cringe and feel so sorry for Franki.
Bradley’s x wife even puts in an appearance.
I felt like I was right there in Venice walking or running along side Franki in this book.
You should definitely read this book if you like mystery, and laughs combined with Franki and her adventures.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Valpolicella Violet has as many twists and turns as the city of Venice. Franki in Venice is a dangerous, but fun, combination. Venice stars as one of the main characters. I felt like I was there with Franki. She's in Venice for her best friend's wedding. But things take a dark turn when someone essential to the wedding festivities is murdered. Intrepid Franki has to find the culprit. She chases leads all over the city of Venice, filled with ghosts past and present. Much of the history of this world-class city is peppered throughout the story like crumbled Pevarini, the ancient cookie of Venice. A quick read because you won't be able to put it down. Warning--this story will make you hungry for all the great Venetian desserts Franki consumes. A terrific entry in a terrific series.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Filled with interesting, complex and quirky characters that I have grown to love in this series! You will not believe how many twists and turns and unpredictable circumstances occur! This book made me laugh out loud and also kept me on the edge of my seat! Very entertaining story and is a real page turner and a must must read!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book on this series but this one really was phenomenal. Not only was it a murder mystery but an incredibly thorough history lesson. It was jam packed with information about Venice.
I was supposed to combing through it for typos as I received an Advanced review copy, but I got so engrossed by the story and history I kept for too look for any and had to read it twice. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which in no way influenced this review.

[Pete]

So, Franki is in Venice for her friend's wedding. As usual she finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery, and missing her boyfriend who has got stranded.
There are the usual cast of characters especially her family, who are desperate to get her married off as soon as possible.
I love the way that the author manages to blend the comedy with the mystery and makes fun of her Italian heritage, but in a very loving way. She even manages to make fun of her surname when Franki comes across a library which shares her name.
Although it is very funny, there is still some really well written excitement as well which spices up the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but have voluntarily written this honest review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time for Veronica and Dirk's wedding in Venice, and from Franki's arrival in Italy, things go wrong. Everything seems to center around a supposed ancestor and a necklace from Casanova that is buried in her ancestor's tomb. Hang onto your hat and prepare for a wild ride as Franki stumbles on an unbelievable jewel theft.

Wonderful characters, fabulous descriptions throughout the book, plenty of laughs, and well translated Italian blend together for Franki's greatest adventure ever.

I felt like I was actually there watching everything happen, and my heartbeat matched hers in a few places. Despite the actual time-frame, (the story is set at Christmastime), it was more like a Halloween nightmare as Franki escaped her captors, went below the church, at the cemetery, and of course being around the Venetian masks and costumes. Fascinating! A wonderful way to learn some interesting history! I loved it!

[Antonette Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how Traci Andrighetti keeps doing this, but this book knocks it out of the park again!!!! Valpolicella Violet takes place in Venice, for Franki’s best friend’s wedding, throw in a couple of murders, a couple of sleuthing P.I.s, a shouting librarian, and of course an Italian Mamma and Nonna (aka circling sharks), oh, and let’s not forget about Casanova (plus many more characters too numerous to name them all)….and you get a very fun filled cozy mystery story of Valpolicella Violet. But please, you really need to read the series first. This book has a lot of the characters from previous stories that either appear or are mentioned in this book. If you haven’t read the series first, please do yourself a favor and read them, it will make this book so much more enjoyable. Best book yet!!

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with a Franki novel. All her fabulous friends join her as they weave their way through Venice. Ms. Andrighetti includes an abundance of Veneitan history that adds depth and understand of a culture unknown to most readers. Constant action, rollicking scenes, and delightful characters are brought together for another beautifully presented story.
Very Highly Recommended.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW! I could not put this one down! I love this series. I always learn so much Italian history and general info! This book takes place in Venice, so it introduces all kinds of Venetian historical background info. Plus, you get an awesome mystery with a lot of “edge of your seat” situations. I have been lucky enough to have visited Venice a couple of times and it was wonderful to be able to go back and revisit it through Franki’s experiences! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**

What a hoot!! The audiobook Valpolicella Violet: A Private Investigator Comedy Mystery by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek, is Book 7 in the Franki Amato Mysteries, but can be listened to (or read) as a standalone. I've listened to all the books in the series up to this point, and even though each one is absolutely hilarious, this one had me laughing nonstop from start to finish! Clearly, that doesn't just happen. It comes from great writing and outstanding narration. From the quick-witted dialogue and quirky characters to the descriptive setting and scenes, Andrighetti's writing is easy to visualize and oh so clever. Add Mrozek to the mix, and you literally have everything you could ask for in an audiobook of this genre. I said it before, and I'll say it again, Andrighetti and Mrozek are an amazing team who will win you over from page one!! For this reason, I highly recommend the audiobook over just the Kindle or print versions of this book. 

If you've read any of my other reviews, you know that Madeline Mrozek is my favorite narrator of all time. The way she plays each of the characters is more than impressive. Like all her books, this one literally sounds like there are multiple narrators involved, but there aren't! She actually includes an awesome blooper reel at the end of the book, which is sooo funny, and I'm convinced it's there to show listeners like me that she, alone, is the one bringing these characters to life. I wouldn't doubt that she is a huge inspiration to aspiring narrators across the globe. I mean, I'm a teacher, and her work even inspires me! Not only is she super engaging and absolutely hilarious, but her recording is top-notch and the editing is flawless. I loved everything about her performance, and I'm confident you will feel the same!

Valpolicella Violet: A Private Investigator Comedy Mystery (Franki Amato Mysteries, Book 7) by Traci Andrighetti, narrated by Madeline Mrozek, is deserving of 5 stars across the board. I recommend this audiobook to fans of mystery and humor, as well as those who enjoy fun-loving characters with big personalities in unexpected and unpredictable situations. If you are someone who doesn't like to listen to books in a series out of order, I would say start at the beginning with Book 1, even though it isn't at all necessary, since Book 7 is a complete standalone mystery from start to finish. You will, however, get to know the main characters on a deeper level, if you choose to do so. Whatever you decide, Andrighetti and Mrozek are sure to bring you lots of smiles, unforgettable one-liners, and endless laughter! Happy listening! 

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED it!. The setting was fantastic, makes me want to hop on a plane & experience Venice. Characters are great. Well written, at times laugh out loud funny! I look forward to each book as it comes out, they are some of my favorites. This one does not disappoint. I can't wait to see what Franki's next adventure is.

[Elena Alvarez Dosil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published at: https://lomeraniel.com/book-review-va...

Franki’s friend Veronica is getting married in Venice, as had already been announced in the previous book. Franki and her family and friends travel to Italy for the occasion, but things can never be normal around Franki, and she will be involved again in a murder investigation.

In this book, we get a break from New Orleans, and Traci Andrighetti transports us to the streets of Venice. I especially liked the descriptions of the several places and mentions to legends and the past of the city. It’s clear Andrighetti knows the place well. I’ve been once to Venice, more than twenty years ago, but the mention of Saint Mark’s square of the Bridge of Sighs, and pieces of historical knowledge, made me travel again to the past and the humid Venice streets.

The mystery was intriguing, but I think what I liked the most were the historical information and atmosphere. Franki was entertaining, as usual, with some light humor and her family members’ quirks. This made the book light and funny but I also had to listen carefully to all the pieces of information that were revealed along the way. Andrighetti’s mysteries are never straightforward, and her stories could be convoluted sometimes. I would also like to mention that this book is part of a series, and there are many characters and details from previous books, so I’d strongly recommend starting from the beginning to get acquainted with Franki’s world.

Madeline Mrozek delivered a delightful narration, expressive characters’ interpretations, and multiple voices and styles. I really like Franki’s stories but my favorite part will always be Mrozek’s narration. She can make a good story shine. I especially enjoy how well she transmits the humor the author poured into the writing. It’s just impossible not to have a good time and laugh with Madeline! The bloopers and the end of the book were fantastic!

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.

[Nordiana Baruzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the series.

This time, Franki and the gang are in Venice to celebrate Veronica's Christmas wedding. Between her interfering family, Glenda's manscapades, Bradley's ex's presence, a loud librarian, Franki is verging on hysteria. The murder of the wedding cook isn't helping. Nor is the theft of a jewel from a tomb that may or may not be linked to the murder. Oh, and Franki is seeing ghosts.

It's another fantastically hilarious romp for Franki and Co.

The only negative point? I listened to the Audible version, and the reader clearly doesn't know Italian. She mispronounces most Italian words. It was annoying in other books, but here it's really jarring, as most names ARE Italian...

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franki is in Venice to see her best friend, Veronica get married. Once in Venice things do not go well for Franki! It starts when she discovers the church the wedding is to take place in is called The Murder Church! It goes down hill from there. When the caterer is murdered Franki is on the case! After taking one too many swims in the Grand Canal she’s finally on the right track I loved that the Mavens made an appearance! I absolutely adore Nona and Glenda. They add so much comic relief to any scene. Franki makes a new friend in Shona! I absolutely love this series and this book is no exception! Definitely a must read!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT Commissario Brunetti's Venice!
All the friends and relatives from New Orleans are in Venitia, Italia for the wedding of Franki Amato's best friend/co-owner of the PI agency they run. What a mixed-up piece of work! There's a murder, a jewelry heist, the geriatric NOLA stripper having a book signing, Franki's mother and old school grandmother arriving early while Franki's own fiance arrives late, a fraudulent ghost of Tosca (among others) and a lot of side-splitting laughs. I LOVE this bunch of characters and the voices they are given by Madeline Mrozek who is absolutely perfect for this crowd!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franki is in Italy for Veronica's wedding, but what should be a joyous occasion turns into something sinister - as often happens in Franki's world. A murder in her presence, a jewel theft, many shady characters, and just as many tales of Venetian history, this story was a crazy ride.
I actually found myself getting confused as much as wrapped up in the story, purely due to all the characters and names of all the streets and venues. I had a little trouble keeping track!
I enjoyed the overall story and the new character I hope we see again in future books (she provided some laughs) and I think the next book will be an interesting one.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series! This one was set in Italy!! I almost felt like I was in the tombs and riding the gondolas with everyone! Some new characters and familiar ones are featured in this book. There is a fun sense of humor running through the book that I really enjoy in the series.

I listened to this book on audible and love the narrator! She’s got everybody down perfect! She has been narrating the whole series and I hope she can continue on!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible and definitely recommend it. Never a dull moment with Frankie. She is attending her Best Friends's wedding in Venice, Italy . There she meets some hilarious and interesting characters and of course solving a murder . This book is very well written with lots of history about Venice. Love this series.

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Frankie and her oddball group of misfits. The mysteries are always fun too. I especially liked this one as I got to read about a lot of the places I had visited myself in Venice and it made me want to go back. I did miss the New Orleans setting though.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franki is in Venice for Veronica's wedding when the chef falls dead in the canal. As she begins to investigate she receives death threats. To add to the suspense Franki sees Bradley's ex in Venice even before Bradley arrives. Good reading again

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Fantastic Setting in Venice with all your favorite quirky characters. Interesting historical characters and background information including some paranormal stories. A lot of twists and turns and surprise people showing up. Really keeps you enthralled.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love this series but I just couldn't bond with this one, and ended up just deleting it after about a third of the way through. I don't speak Italian and ended up having to continuously look up words, and it would have been much easier to follow without most of the history in Italian but just the gist, or at least explained more in English terms. I won't give up on the series though over one book I didn't like, I've enjoyed the others so much!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author does so much research that while you are reading the adventure, you get the feeling you are visiting the sites along with Franki and her crazy friends, who are just a hoot. Only Franki (and this author) can come up with so much trouble all packed in one holiday but then what do you expect if you go on holiday with your mother, noona (grandma), your boyfriend and an ex stripper. Chaos and humour is sure to follow and most certainly does. As well as great characters (new and old) the story is also a good mystery. There is a lot of familiar names from history involved and added to the suspect list. This is book 7 in what is a great series and although it does make for a standalone mystery, I think you are missing out on the amazing adventure if you don't start at the beginning and work your way through. I can't wait for the next book.
Franki's best friend is getting married and with everybody traveling to Venice to join in the last thing Franki wants is to be doing is running around the canals investigating a case. But that is exactly what happens when the celebrity chief hired to cater the wedding drops dead. Rather than cancel the wedding Franki sets out to find out what and more importantly who poisoned the chief. Being stalked by a ghost, a Casanova waiter, her boyfriends ex girlfriend, a mother who has plans to marry her off, a spooky church, a scary priest and a best friend having a melt down can Franki survive her holiday and catch a killer or will the city of tomes claim another victim?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franki's in Venice early for Veronica's wedding hoping to get some sightseeing done and relax before the wedding, only Bradley is stuck in Boston because of a snowstorm and somehow Venice just isn't as romantic without him. All sort of strange things start happening related to Casanova and someone who Franki may be related to. Things keep getting stranger and then someone dies and Franki is threatened. To make matters worse Bradley's ex-wife shows us. Tons of twists and turns between Mom, Nonna, the matchmaker, and a whole cast of characters haunting Venice. More surprises than you can shake a stick at and poor Franki spends a lot of time getting dunked in the canals in Venice. In the end the killer is revealed and a wedding date is set. Great read.