My (Criminal) Culinary Adventure with Nancy Drew

After 84 years on bookshelves around the world, Nancy Drew has inspired generations of girls to think for themselves, face their fears and boldly go where they might not have gone before. But did you know that Nancy also inspired … Continue reading

The (Highly Symbolic) Handbag that Got Away

Those who know me are well aware of my passion for Italian leather handbags. The mere sight of a sleek, supple Gucci, Versace or Fendi gets my heart pounding in a fine leather–induced frenzy. Most of the time, I’m content … Continue reading

Nerogianduia: Nutella’s Darker, Sexier Side

Today is the release day for the debut novel in my Franki Amato Mystery series, Limoncello Yellow. On this special occasion, I’ve decided to tell you about an awesome new Italian food item I’ve discovered: Nerogianduia, which means “black gianduia.” Now, I … Continue reading

How Italian Mystery Novels Inspired Limoncello Yellow

For the past two and a half years, I’ve been writing about books I’ve read in Italian on my blog italicissima, which also appears on i-Italy.org. And in that time, two things became really clear to me: first, my favorite … Continue reading