Picture a storyteller who swapped lecture halls for the lively streets of New Orleans, crafting mysteries that bubble with humor and Italian-American charm—meet Traci Andrighetti! A USA Today bestselling author, Traci is the mastermind behind the Franki Amato Mysteries, a cozy mystery series that blends romance, suspense, and a hefty dose of Sicilian sass against the vibrant backdrop of The Big Easy.
With her sharp wit and knack for colorful characters, Traci has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, inviting readers to join private investigator Franki Amato on wild adventures filled with voodoo priestesses, meddling nonnas, and the occasional haunted steamboat. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore Traci’s journey from linguistics scholar to mystery maestro.
The Making of Traci Andrighetti
Born with a love for language, Traci Andrighetti’s early career was far from the gumshoe life. She earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics and served as an award-winning literary translator and Lecturer of Italian at the University of Texas at Austin. But the academic life couldn’t contain her creative spark. Inspired by her Italian heritage and a fascination with New Orleans’ eclectic culture, Traci ditched the classroom for a “life of crime”—writing, that is. Her transition to fiction was fueled by a desire to tell stories that were as fun as they were suspenseful, drawing on her linguistic expertise to craft dialogue that pops off the page.
Traci Andrighetti’s Unforgettable Stories
Traci’s Franki Amato Mysteries series is the heart of her literary legacy, kicking off with Limoncello Yellow in 2014. This debut follows Francesca “Franki” Amato, a rookie cop turned PI, as she navigates her first murder case in New Orleans, dodging voodoo curses and her matchmaking Sicilian nonna. The book’s zany humor and vivid setting earned it finalist spots for the Daphne du Maurier and Mystery & Mayhem Awards.
Subsequent novels like Prosecco Pink and Amaretto Amber dive deeper into Franki’s chaotic world, tackling haunted plantations and strip club homicides with equal parts wit and grit. Valpolicella Violet, set in Venice, showcases Traci’s knack for blending travel and mystery, as Franki unravels a chef’s murder amid gondola rides and ghostly clues. Each book, named after a colorful Italian liqueur, serves up a cocktail of comedy, romance, and intrigue, with New Orleans’ vibrant culture—think Mardi Gras, jazz, and Creole cuisine—as a co-star.
Traci’s style is a love letter to cozy mysteries, infused with Italian-American flair. Her characters, from ex-stripper landlady Glenda to Franki’s overbearing nonna, leap off the page, earning praise for their authenticity and hilarity. Readers adore the series’ laugh-out-loud moments and twisty plots, often comparing it to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels but with a distinct Big Easy flavor.
Why Traci Andrighetti Matters
Traci Andrighetti has redefined cozy mysteries by grounding them in cultural richness and irreverent humor. Her Franki Amato series celebrates Italian-American identity while showcasing New Orleans as a character in its own right, from its haunted steamboats to its vampire speakeasies. By weaving history, travel, and comedy into her narratives, Traci offers readers an escape that’s both thrilling and heartwarming.
Beyond her novels, Traci’s impact shines through her engagement with fans via newsletters and cozy mystery book clubs, where she shares free mini-mysteries and Mardi Gras-inspired wigs. Her work as a co-author of the Killer Foursome mysteries and her retreats for aspiring writers in Italy further cement her as a vibrant voice in the genre, inspiring both readers and writers to embrace their inner sleuth.
- Key Works: Limoncello Yellow, Prosecco Pink, Valpolicella Violet, Tuaca Tan
- Awards: Finalist for Daphne du Maurier and Silver Falchion Awards
- Fun Fact: Traci owns three rescue dogs named Gigetta, Vincenzo, and Ciccio
About Traci Andrighetti
Snag Limoncello Yellow and dive into Traci Andrighetti’s hilarious, heart-pounding world of cozy mysteries! Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans’ magic or just love a good laugh, Traci’s stories are your perfect escape.