Santa Muerte Paperback – December 22, 2012

YA Latinx horror with compelling characters, a unique storyline, and lots of dread built in. I loved the concept of Santa Muerte and how it was threaded into a modern day thriller of danger and spirituality. In Ari, Pelayo has crafted a sympathetic, tough and believeable teenaged girl who's had to grow up well before her time. She's in danger from the gangs her father targets in his work as a detective working against gangs in Mexico, but isn't cowed by the violence she's faced with. The supernatural elements were subtle and enhancing. Easy to see why this was a winner in the International Latino Book Awards. If YA had been like this when I was a teenager, I would have actually read it.

The plot is haunting and brutal at times but I read that book very quickly, I wish this author wrote more books like it.

Thus is a story that will suck you in and keep you up all night turning the pages, regardless of your age or familiarity with Chicago or Mexican/Latin American history. It is easy to connect with the main character, Ariana, as she begins to uncover the reasons behind her father's sudden appearance, and the other mysterious and frightening characters and events that begin to disrupt her life with greater and greater frequency. I can't say much more without spoiling the fun, so read it, and you'll see what I mean!

Well-written and packed with info on important issues. You don't even realize you're in current events class. Full of imagery, moves at a great pace

I’ve read it twice now, Great story, it give you that Erie feeling after watching a scary YouTube video. I love it. I plan on looking into author to see what else she has out there.

Great book. Got one for my daughter in law as well.

The cover art is from one of my favourite artists - totally snagged my attention. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

Well written book can't wait to read the rest of Cynthia's books! Santa Muerte is the first I've read and I've gone ahead and purchased the rest!