Step into the sun-soaked, mystery-filled world of Auntie Poldi, where a sassy sixty-year-old Bavarian widow trades retirement dreams for amateur sleuthing in Sicily! Mario Giordano’s Auntie Poldi series is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, humor, and Sicilian charm, following the irrepressible Isolde Oberreiter as she unravels crimes with wit, wine, and a penchant for handsome policemen.
With its vibrant setting, quirky characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, this series captures the joy of reinvention and the thrill of chasing mysteries at any age. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or simply crave an escape to Italy’s shores, Auntie Poldi’s adventures are a treat you won’t want to miss.
How Auntie Poldi Began
Born in Munich to Italian immigrant parents, Mario Giordano drew inspiration for the Auntie Poldi series from his real-life Bavarian aunt, a charismatic and dramatic woman who moved to Sicily with a plan to drink herself to death by the sea. Instead of a somber tale, Giordano crafted a vibrant mystery series, launching with Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions in 2016. His goal was to blend humor, crime, and Sicilian culture, narrated through the lens of Poldi’s nephew, creating a storytelling style reminiscent of The Princess Bride.
Giordano’s background as a screenwriter and novelist shines through, infusing the series with cinematic flair and a playful tone. The series’ success in Germany and its English translations have made Auntie Poldi a beloved figure in the cozy mystery genre.
The Heart of Auntie Poldi
The series kicks off with Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions (2016), where Poldi retires to Torre Archirafi, only to dive into a murder investigation when her handyman is found dead. In Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna (2018), she uncovers a body in a vineyard, tangling with the mafia and her on-again, off-again beau, Chief Inspector Vito Montana. Auntie Poldi and the Handsome Antonio (2020) sees her ex-husband’s arrival spark a chaotic quest involving a missing brother and mob frenzy. Finally, Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna (2021) takes a supernatural turn as Poldi investigates a nun’s death and a missing relic, even landing in Vatican jail.
Themes of reinvention, resilience, and embracing life’s chaos define the series. Poldi’s bold personality—think Agatha Raisin with a Bavarian twist—clashes hilariously with Sicily’s quirks, from mafia intrigue to mouthwatering cuisine. The vivid Sicilian setting, with its scorching sun and velvety nights, becomes a character itself, enriched by Giordano’s affectionate, sensory descriptions. The series’ humor, often low-key but sharp, balances suspense with heart, making each book a page-turner.
Why Auntie Poldi Resonates
Auntie Poldi’s appeal lies in her defiance of stereotypes. At sixty, she’s unapologetically herself—lusty, witty, and fearless—proving age is no barrier to adventure. Fans adore her for blending cozy mystery tropes with fresh twists, like supernatural elements or mafia showdowns, keeping the genre vibrant. The series has earned praise for its cultural authenticity and humor, with reviews hailing it as a “masterly treat” and a worthy successor to Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano stories.
Its impact extends to inspiring readers to embrace their own reinventions, whether through travel, new hobbies, or simply living boldly. Auntie Poldi’s Sicilian escapades offer a joyful escape, reminding us that life’s mysteries are worth solving, no matter the stage.
- Publication Years: 2016–2021
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: IndieNext Pick, B&N Discover Selection for Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
Grab Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions and dive into a world of Sicilian sun, suspense, and unstoppable spirit. Your next cozy mystery obsession awaits!