The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton

September 26, 2025

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton

Margo is a rare collectibles dealer in London, accustomed to sourcing items for wealthy clients. When a new client hires her to locate a rare book, she assumes it will be just another job. But when a friend who is a rare book dealer is murdered, Margo discovers that there are others searching to the book, and they will stop at nothing to find it first.

One of my selections for Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month. Triple timeline with three female main characters: present day London, and Havana in 1900 and 1966. A rare book ties all three storylines together. I kept reading to find out what was so special about the book that someone would kill for it. Some mystery, some intrigue, some romance. Will appeal to readers who enjoy books about books.

Havana in the 1960s - they are still driving those kinds of cars today

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

April 9, 2024

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

After the sudden death of her parents, Carmen Acosta travels from Cuba to Miami to stay with her sister and brother-in-law, Carolina and Asher Wyatt. They own a grand house on Biscayne Bay, originally built right after World War I for Anna and Robert Barnes, a wealthy New York couple. The house is beautiful but creepy, like the peacocks that roam the property and scream at odd times. Her sister is oddly absent when Carmen arrives, and Carmen quickly senses that all is not right with her sister's marriage. She also comes to realize that whatever is troubling Carolina has something to do with the history of the house.

Atmospheric, reminiscent of classic gothic tales like Rebecca or Wuthering Heights, with all the traditional gothic elements: a big isolated house, creepy grounds, characters who pop up out of no where, an innocent young heroine, an aloof older man. I loved a good gothic when I was in high school - Victoria Holt was a fave! Will also appeal to fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia in addition to readers of gothic fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Biscayne Bay