Armchair Anthropology Whodunit Series
Where anthropology meets art
Where Ms. Marple Meets Margaret Mead
powered by #dyslexicthinking
In an era of fake news and science denial, a little anthropology goes a long way
Coming October 21!!!!!
https://books2read.com/u/38XM5w
“Ingenious, intriguing and atmospheric.”
— Olga Wojta, author of the Miss Blaine’s Perfect mystery series.
“Alex is at it again! This fun, riveting Armchair Anthropologist sequel is even better than the first! This time, the setting is Norway, with ample and sometimes hilarious gestures to Nordic Noir. Varzi’s writing is sharp, funny, and filled with brilliant observations about neurological diKerence, cultural patterns, and the timeless human passions that fuel artistic creativity. Varzi invites us into the lively and curious imagination of her main character, expanding our minds along with her every step and blunder.”
— Sherine F. Hamdy, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Irvine
“Roxanne Varzi’s latest Anthropology Whodunnit combines theoretical sophistication and ethnographic sensitivity with sublime storytelling skills. The outcome is the most erudite mystery novel since Eco’s “In the Name of the Rose.” Reading Varzi’s thrilling new mystery almost makes me wish for more murders in Oslo.”
— Thorgeir Kolshus, Head of Department, Department of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo, Norway
“I always look forward to seeing a new mystery novel from Dr Varzi. I love how her mind works!”
— Dr. Fernette Eide, neurologist and co-author of the Dyslexic Advantage
Alex slips off her headphones and savors the sensation of stillness in silence while the crowd dances on at Oslo’s hot new silent disco. She is conducting her dream field research on sound and attention when a handsome stranger beckons to her from across the dance floor. Hoping for a little warmth in Norway’s cold climate, she follows him — going from anthropology PhD student to murder suspect. With the Norwegian police and a killer closing in, Alex is stranded in a country where every puzzle piece is slightly out of place. While dyslexia makes reading Norwegian difficult, it also gifts her an uncanny ability to read people. Soon she is channeling Ms. Marple as much as Margaret Meade, as she re-places puzzle pieces and navigates the sharp edges of the frosty Fjord in an attempt to free herself and return home.
“A very unique story.” Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Alex is on the verge of dismissal from her anthropology doctoral program when her luck turns, and she lands a fellowship with a dioramist at the Museum of the Rockies. The only problem is, Alex hasn’t a clue about dioramas or dinosaurs, and, as she will soon find out, she’s not the only one faking it in this frozen landscape. From New York City to Yellowstone National Park, we follow Alex, a whip-smart student with dyslexia and ADHD, a Margaret Mead cum Ms. Marple, as she explores friendship, identity, globalization and a murder against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies in winter.
#dyslexicthinking, wolves, bears and Dinos!
High school to grad school — aspiring anthropologist, to armchair anthropologist this book is for you!
Available wherever books are lent, sold and streamed
https://bookshop.org/a/100347/9798988684404
Available now at your favorite digital store!
For Ear Readers: Audio available on Spotify, iTunes, Audible and more!!!!
https://www.audible.com/pd/Death-in-a-Nutshell-Audiobook/B0CQMKL5HV
Request it at your local library!!
Read all about it
An interview with Alex, my amateur slueth:
https://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-interview-with-alex-from-mystery.html
And this fun interview with anthropologist Sherine Hamdy in Camp Anthropology