Biography

Calabria and Rome NY Roots

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.

Video

Podcast

The Rich Tapestry of Calabrian Culture

Uncover the enchanting secrets of Italy, Calabria, a region brimming with vibrant culture and heritage! From breathtaking coastlines to charming countryside, Calabria is a goldmine of genuine Italian adventures. Dive deep into the local life, relishing the exquisite tastes of traditional Italian wine and cuisine, while exploring the region’s captivating history and architecture. Join us on an unforgettable journey to reveal the hidden Calabria, the Italy you never knew was waiting for you! visitreggiocalabria.com Podcast

June 22, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Ancient Traditions: The Renaissance of Calabria’s Silk Industry

What happens when you mix age-old traditions with the passion of modern entrepreneurs? Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Miriam Pugliese, co-owner of Nido di Seta, who left the bustle of Milan to breathe new life into Calabria’s ancient silk industry. Miriam, along with her partners Domenico and Giovanna, transformed a forgotten silk museum and mulberry orchard in San Floro into a thriving hub of traditional silk production, blending historical techniques with

July 4, 2024 No Comments

Podcast

Catona Calabria

Embarking on a nostalgic journey to the heart of Italian-American life, we sit down with Margaret Fontana, more affectionately known as the Italian American Girl. Her story unfolds like a rich tapestry woven with threads of cultural heritage and familial pride, offering an intimate glance at the Italian-American dream. Margaret’s tales of Reggio Calabria, the land of her ancestors, and the enduring tradition of family homes passed down through generations, serve as a poignant backdrop

March 11, 2024 No Comments

Podcast

Calabria “The Other Italy”

Bob interviews Karen Haid who lived and taught in Italy and wrote a fascinating book about her travels through Calabria. Karen gives insight into the food, customs, things to do and much much more. ONCE THE HUB OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, Calabria now dangles, largely ignored, at the bottom of the Italian boot, struggling for survival, acceptance and a place in modern Italy and the world. Little-known even to Italians outside the nefarious activities of

June 15, 2023 No Comments

Adventure

The Journey Home — Day 9 — Montebello/Fossato Calabria

Click here to join out Facebook group The drive from Scilla to Montebello is about an hour and on the way we stopped to view the mountain “ghost town” Pentedattilo, which is derived from the Greek language and means five fingers. You can read the interesting story of two barons here. Our day in Montebello and Fossato turned out to be one of the more special days. Mostly due to my cousin Cinzia Piromallo (

June 9, 2023 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Cropani Calabria and Utica NY

In this episode I talk to Dan Zongrone again with his mom Lucrezia who grew up in Utica NY. Lucrezia tells about growing up Italian in pre-war Utica and about the war years, her family and first trip to Italy. Visit Dan’s Facebook Page Cropani nel Cuore Taking advance orders for my book to be released Oct 21. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

October 15, 2022 No Comments