Hey there, fellow armchair detectives and adventure seekers! Get ready to unravel a thrilling mystery in “Ausentes” by Edelweis Ritt. We’re about to embark on a journey to São José dos Ausentes, Brazil, where a curious discovery leads to an investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your magnifying glass and join us for a chat that’s as exciting as a cozy mystery under the South Brazilian sun!
Read the review of the book HERE.
MIli: The discovery of a skull in a creek seems to trigger a series of events in the protagonist Ana’s life.
Can you elaborate on how this event impacts her and sets the stage for the investigation into a murder, and what it reveals about her cyclothymic mind?
Edelweis: Ana was born into a humble family but in a safe environment, she went to university and had never
had contact with death. She was fascinated by the idea of a crime. São Jose dos Ausentes is a very
safe city and so a crime was totally unexpected.
Mili: The character of Rodrigo, a geologist who disappeared after evaluating rare earth mines, adds an
intriguing layer to the story. How does his disappearance tie into the central mystery, and what can
you tell us about the significance of rare earth mines in the plot?
Edelweis: Brazil has several rare earth mines and this material is very valuable. Rodrigo had a unique skill,
because few people specialize in these mines, which exist in only a few countries, the main ones
being China and Brazil. We know that crime and money often go hand in hand, so his disappearance
during the holidays raised the question of whether there was any connection between his work and
his disappearance.
Mili: The book is described as a mystery set in South Brazil. Could you share more about the cultural elements and settings that make this story unique and provide readers with a glimpse into
contemporary South Brazilian life?
Edelweis: I used the term cozy in the sense that there is no blood or suspense, but more focus on the
psychology of the characters. This concept of cozy is fluid, but the regional part of Brazil is well
emphasized. Some people in Brazil thought I described too much, but I wanted to bring some of the
regional culture of the state of Rio Grande do Sul to other people, especially outside Brazil. Brazilian
culture is not well known outside of Brazil.
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Mili: It is mentioned that Ana investigates the murder with the assistance of her cousin, the town police
chief. What can you tell us about their dynamic and how their collaboration shapes the narrative?
Are there any challenges or conflicts they face during the investigation?
Edelweis: A book written in the first person that does not have access to the police facts makes it difficult to
investigate. The fact that Ana has a cousin in the police helps her learn the facts of the case. It’s very
common in small towns in Brazil for people to be related, so it’s believable. The biggest conflict here is about what a police officer in the family can or should tell a relative.
Mili: Was there a specific author who served as your inspiration to pursue a career in writing?
Edelweis: Agatha Christie for sure. I read all her books as a teenager. But I admire Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn
as well as local writers like Julio Cortazar or Gabriel Garcia Marques.
Mili: Could you recommend a book that you find endlessly re-readable?
Edelweis: I’ve often read constructed thrillers like Gone Girl and Sharp Objects. I often analyze plots to learn
how to create suspense.
Mili: What are your top three favorite books?
Edelweis: Kafka’s Castle, Gabriel Garcia Marques’ One Hundred Years of Solitude and Umberto Eco’s The Name
of the Rose.
Well, folks, we’ve reached the final chapter of our adventure through “Ausentes.” But don’t put away your detective hats just yet! This book is a treasure trove of suspense and cultural insights that you won’t want to miss. So, grab your copy, sip on some mate tea, and dive into the rich world of São José dos Ausentes.
Happy sleuthing and happy reading!
Buy the Book Here
I love a good mystery novel and this sounds very interesting! Another great one to add to my list.
Nice, I love thrillers like this. I will have to be sure to add this book to my reading list.
I like the sound of a cozy mystery. I will have to read this book.
These sound so interesting; I must add it to my future read list. I do love a great mystery from time to time
This is a great interview. This book sounds like a good one. I love a good mystery book. They are one of my favorites.
This really does sound like my kind of book. I do enjoy a good murder mystery when I can get my hands on one. I’m sure I won’t be able to put this down.
These seem like they would be really thrilling mystery stories to read through, consider me intrigued!
We often go hiking around creeks, and it would be super creepy to find a skull on one of those treks. Sounds like a great mystery book!
I LOVE books like this!! Thank you for sharing this one with me (great gift idea for my book loving friend, too) and for the insights from the author!
You made me curious about this book. I love books that are about the psychology of the characters!
I’d love to read this! I’ve never seen a mystery set against the backdrop of criminal mine activity. I didn’t even know that was a thing!
That was a very interesting interview with the author of the book! Thanks so much for taking the time to do it!
I love reading interviews sometimes because they give an insight into the mind of the author who wrote the book.
Oh my goodness. I like thrillers book like this one. This book will be added to my reading list for sure. Can’t wait to start reading.
This sounds like a great mystery novel. I like that it’s set outside the US and European areas a – I think that makes it more interesting.
Thrilling and mysterious! I love books and publications like this. Let me search for it here.
This sounds like an interesting read. I have really enjoyed books from Brazilian authors lately.
Your interview has raised my curiosity to know more about this suspense book. I may grab it.
I always enjoy reading a good mystery book. I will have to check the book out. And it’s good to know the author.
Sounds like an interesting read and I do love a good mystery! Will have to add this to my kindle wish list!
What a beautiful looking book. I’ve actually never read any of the authors that she recommends, but I have been meaning to read Gone Girl for ages. Sounds like Edelweis has written an interesting book x
Great interview! “Ausentes” sounds like my kind of book. I love the intrigue and backdrop of São José dos Ausentes, Brazil. I second her recommendation of “Gone Girl” as well!
oh wow, I love the premise of the book, seems very exciting! I will grab it as soon as I finish my current read, can’t wait.
This sounds like an exciting adventure waiting to be explored! Mystery enthusiasts, like me, can’t resist the allure of a thrilling investigation, especially in a captivating setting like São José dos Ausentes, Brazil. I’m definitely heading over to read your review of “Ausentes” by Edelweis Ritt to dive into this intriguing story.
Oh Wonderful, I love thrillers like this. I will have to be sure to add this book to my reading list for future reading.
What a great interview and certainly sounds like a very interesting read to check out next! I’ve been looking for more suggestions to add to my reading list. Thank you!
I love mystery crime books too, and I read Gone Girl too. Plus I have many friends who love reading and I`ll tell them about this book too. Thank you for your recommendation.
I am usually not a fan of crime stories! But after reading this interview, I am curious to know more about Ana and the ending of this story. I’ll have to check out this Ausentes book!
This looks like a really great and outstanding book tht I need to check
I love thriller and mystery genres books. Loved this interview and I will surely find this book. I want to know more about the story and the characters.
Very interesting dynamic…author with a German name, a mysterious area in Brazil, and thrills. I love Kafka and Marquez too but not One hundred years of solitude…I think I still have two chapters to finish from so many years ago…lol!
Nice observation Marie.
This is a very interesting look into the book from the author! Thank you for sharing this interview.
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This sounds like the kind of book that I enjoy reading. I’ll have to download it on my phone and read it in my spare time.