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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews award-winning author Carmen Amato, who shares her Italian heritage and family history, particularly focusing on her roots in Calabria. They discuss the journey of Italian immigrants to the United States, the challenges they faced, and the vibrant Italian-American community in upstate New York. Carmen reflects on her upbringing, the influence of her family stories on her writing, and her experiences during World War II. She also shares insights from her career in the CIA and how it has shaped her fiction writing. The conversation touches on travel experiences in Italy, the importance of genealogy, and the secrets of family history, culminating in Carmen's future writing projects.

Carmen Amato is the award-winning author of 18 mysteries and thrillers. Starting with Cliff Diver, her Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series pits the first female police detective in Acapulco against cartels, corruption and social inequality amid the search for Mexico’s missing. Optioned for television, National Public Radio hailed it as “A thrilling series.”

Carmen’s Galliano Club historical fiction thrillers include Murder at the Galliano Club, which won the 2023 Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical. Her standalone political thriller The Hidden Light of Mexico City was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.

A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal. Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee.

 

Website: https://carmenamato.net/links

Newsletter: https://mysteryahead.substack.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorcarmenamato

Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorcarmenamato

 

• Carmen Amato's family hails from Calabria, Italy.
• Italian immigrants faced significant challenges upon arriving in the U.S.
• The Italian-American community in upstate New York is rich and vibrant.
• Carmen's upbringing was heavily influenced by her Italian heritage.
• Her writing is inspired by family stories and historical events.
• World War II had a profound impact on her mother's life.
• Carmen's career in the CIA provided unique insights for her writing.
• Traveling to Italy evokes a sense of home for Carmen.
• Genealogy research has uncovered family secrets and stories.
• Carmen's future projects include more historical fiction inspired by her family.

 

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