Death Comes To Santa Fe by Amanda Allan

Release: August 1, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Severn House
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
Find it at: GoodReads , Amazon US , Amazon UK,

Former New York darling turned amateur sleuth Madeline Vaughn-Alwin is once again thrown into a colourful yet deadly web of secrets, lies and soirees to die for!

It’s the week of Fiesta in Santa Fe and Maddie is looking forward to enjoying the celebrations. But as ‘Old Man Gloom’ Zozobra goes up in flames, so too do Maddie’s hopes for a carefree life. Human remains are found in the dying embers of Zozobra. And then Maddie and her dashing beau Dr David Cole find a body washed up in the arroyo at the edge of town.

Soon identified as Ricardo Montoya, a wealthy businessman and head of one of the most affluent families in Santa Fe , the plot starts to thicken. His beautiful wife Catalina and her complicated children seem less than heartbroken at his untimely demise. Many disgruntled locals crawl out of the woodwork. Maddie is surrounded by suspects.

With the celebrations of Fiesta continuing around them, Maddie and her ‘Detection Posse’ get busy. They infiltrate the best parties and hobnob with old and new faces. But can they bring the murderer to justice before they strike again?

About the Author:

Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen–a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject…)

She’s never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Santa Fe with two rescue dogs, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections.

When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network–even though she doesn’t cook.

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Death Comes To Santa Fe Review:

Throughout the narrative, the author adeptly entwines the dynamics of characters, their emotions, and vivid depictions of the setting, resulting in a narrative that’s not only immersive but also luxuriously textured. The reader is introduced to a diverse ensemble of characters, each possessing unique personalities and intricate relationships, which collectively contribute to a multifaceted and captivating portrayal of the festive ambiance.

Much like its predecessors, we find Maddie deeply engrossed in the Montoya case. What stands out about the author’s writing style is its ability to steadfastly anchor the storyline to the Montoya investigation while masterfully capturing the vibrant spirit of the Fiesta celebration in Santa Fe. The interplay between characters, fleeting glimpses into their personal lives, and the overarching enigma work in harmony to keep readers engrossed and captivated.

The blossoming relationship between Maddie and David, as witnessed since the first book, is another aspect I found particularly endearing. The author introduces a delightful touch of humor through Gunther, which I absolutely cherished.

If I were to offer a slight critique, it would be that I managed to foresee the identity of the culprit quite early in the narrative, leading to a somewhat unsurprising revelation. However, apart from this minor point, “Death Comes to Santa Fe” stands as a delightful addition to the series.