About the Author

Raquel V. Reyes writes Latina protagonists. Her Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and Spanglish feature prominently in her work. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series, won a LEFTY for Best Humorous Mystery and was nominated for an Agatha award. The New York Times Book Review wrote, "it executes its mission-with panache." Raquel's short stories appear in various anthologies, including The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2022. Find her across social media platforms as @LatinaSleuths and on her website LatinaSleuths.com

Reviews

Winner, 2022 Lefty Award, Best Humorous Mystery Novel
Winner, 2022 International Latino Book Awards, Best Novel-Mystery English

Praise for Mango, Mambo, and Murder
“Raquel V. Reyes’s series debut, MANGO, MAMBO, AND MURDER, furthers my belief that the cozy mystery has become one of the most diverse, and most vibrant, in contemporary crime fiction.”
—The New York Times

"A vibrant, diverse, LGBTQ-inclusive cast and Raquel Reyes’s deft balance of sensitive topics and frothy intrigue make this a standout."
—BookRiot

"I love the mix of Latinx food...the women’s friendships...and all the Spanglish which was music to my ears."
—BookRiot

"Mystery fans will instantly be pulled into this one."
—Reader's Digest

"Mango, Mambo, and Murder has everything you look for in a cozy mystery but also feels like a breath of fresh air . . . Dig into this inviting, suspenseful feast for the senses."
—BookPage, starred review

“[A] refreshing debut and series launch . . . [with] well-defined characters and [a] vibrant social scene. Mouthwatering recipes round out the volume.”
—Publishers Weekly

“It is refreshing to see the diversity of this story.”
—New York Journal of Books

“The character-driven debut introduces a fresh protagonist.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“This action packed mystery dazzles . . . entrances, delights, and excites readers to keep turning pages. Kudos to the author.”
—Midwest Book Review

“[Reyes] leaves readers anxious for a return.” 
—Deadly Pleasures

“This is the perfect Fall read . . . I can’t recommend this one enough.”
—The Nerdy Girl Express

“What a fun book that had me completely immersed in all aspects in this light and fresh whodunit. This well-written drama comes alive with the visually descriptive narrative from the engaging bilingual dialogue to a lovable cast of characters, and to a setting befitting the title.”
—Dru's Book Musings

"Featuring an appealing, whip-smart sleuth, and rich with the Latin culture and cuisine of south Florida, Mango, Mambo, and Murder is a delicious page-turner of a mystery. Me encantó. I loved it."
—Ellen Byron, USA Today bestselling author of the Cajun Country Mysteries

“Mango, Mambo, and Murder is a spicy mystery rich with Caribbean food and an enchanting Cuban-American sleuth. A delightfully flavorful series debut from author Raquel V. Reyes.”
—Debra H. Goldstein, award winning author of the Sarah Blair mysteries

“Raquel V. Reyes' Mango, Mambo, and Murder is a flavorful blend of culture, crime, and Caribbean cuisine. Reyes' novel is a tasty addition to the culinary cozy canon.”
—Alexia Gordon, author of the Gethsemane Brown mysteries

“This mouthwatering Miami mystery will have you hungry for more adventures from the fierce working mom and food anthropologist sleuth.”
—Jennifer J. Chow, Lefty Award-Nominated Author of the Sassy Cat Mysteries

“Mango, Mambo, and Murder is a delicious glimpse into Caribbean culture and cuisine, with a satisfying mystery, but don’t  start reading if you’re hungry or in the middle of cooking. You may find that you’ve burned breakfast and are searching the Internet for Caribbean takeout. Don’t ask how I know this.”
—V. M. Burns, author of the Agatha Award-nominated Mystery Bookshop series

“With Mango, Mambo, and Murder, Raquel Reyes has set the gold standard for Miami mysteries. This book is simply delicious! I couldn't put this down. The author's writing is wonderfully conversational and a joy to read. I can't wait for more adventures with Miriam! What a fun, refreshing new book in the cozy mystery genre.”
—Tamara Lush, author of the Coffee Shop mysteries

“Filled with colorful characters, mouth-watering food and twists and turns, it’s a mystery to savor. Raquel V. Reyes mixes the flavors of the local Caribbean community along with the ingredients for some taste-tempting dishes, adding a sprinkling of prime suspects in this delightful mystery.”
—Linda Wiken, author of the Dinner Club mysteries

“Five Mangoes! I loved Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns, and the entire story was about family and food...I can’t wait for the next book in the Caribbean Kitchen mysteries."
—Traci Hall, author of the Scottish Shire mystery series

"Reyes's debut is as bright as the Miami sun and as satisfying as a big pot of sancocho, with a kick like a shot of Cuban coffee."
—Catriona McPherson, multi-award-winning author of the Last Ditch Motel series

“Grab yourself a cafecito and settle in to read MANGO, MAMBO, AND MURDER, Raquel V. Reyes's refreshing and delicious spin on the cozy mystery genre. She deftly weaves the importance of food, family, and culture in her delicious Caribbean-tinged debut, while also producing an engaging mystery and a protagonist with the coolest job ever. This series is now on my insta-buy list, and I can't wait to see what our beloved food anthropologist turned cooking show host cooks up next!”
—Mia P. Manansala, author of the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery Series

“A delicious culinary cozy that serves up both mouthwatering Caribbean food and a fun, family-centered mystery. I’m looking forward to food anthropologist Miriam Quiñones-Smith’s next adventure.”
—Gigi Pandian, award-winning author of the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries

“Raquel V. Reyes’s zesty debut Mango, Mambo, and Murder whet my appetite for more from the opening scene with her interesting cast of characters and oh, so satisfying ending.”
—Sherry Harris, author of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mysteries 

“Mango, Mambo, and Murder introduces a Cuban-American mom turned sleuth, a
humorous cast of characters, and an intriguing mystery that will keep you turning
the pages while craving Caribbean food. A great debut by Raquel V. Reyes!”
—Tina Kashian, author of the best-selling Kebab Kitchen mysteries