Death Of A Telenovela Star

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Former Havana detective Marlene Martinez, now happily running a bakery in Miami, has booked a week-long Caribbean cruise with her niece, Sarita, as the girl's quinceanera present. Sarita is beyond thrilled to discover that a Cuban telenovela star, Carloalberto, is also aboard for the trip. Teresa Dovalpage's deliciously twisted novella, set on a Caribbean cruise, showcases the dark-sometimes deadly-side of celebrity. Former Havana detective Marlene Martinez, now happily running a bakery in Miami, has booked a week-long cruise to Mexico and the Caribbean with her niece, Sarita, as the girl'squinceanerapresent. Sarita is beyond thrilled to discover that a Cuban telenovela star, Carloalberto, is also aboard for the trip. But even while trying to keep her niece away from the unsettlingly handsome actor, Marlene gets the feeling Carloalberto is in some kind of trouble-he is constantly on edge, and shady characters seem to find their way to him. When murder occurs aboard theNorth Star, Marlene will rely on instincts she hoped never to use again.

Reviews

Praise for Death of a Telenovela Star

A compact, quick-paced novella with some fortune telling, a murder, and small revelations about Marlene along the way . . . A light-hearted, cleverly put together mystery, enjoyable and gently revelatorytreat yourself to a copy, and share it with a "bestie" so you can smile about it together.
Kingdom Books

If you crave a few hours of mystery, intrigue, and romance aboard a crowded cruise liner, then I highly recommend that you make reservations to read Teresa Dovalpage's highly captivating novella . . . When Marlene hunts for Carloalberto's killer, I am reminded of several Agatha Christie mysteries, especially those involving Hercule Poirot . . . the perfect vacation read.
Gumshoe Review

In this spare, bite-sized narrative, Marlene Martnez, an ex-cop in Havana, now owner of her own Bakera Cubana in Miami, spoils her young niece Sarita with a quinceaera cruise from Miami to Cozumel . . . The novel is a marvel of thrilling economy, peppered with Spanish dichos, and the relationship between aunt and niece zings with verisimilitude."
Taos News

Well-drawn, amusing characters lift this witty novella from Dovalpage starring former Havana, Cuba, police detective Marlene Martnez . . . just enough red herrings to keep readers on their toes. Fans of lighter mysteries will have fun.
Publishers Weekly

Praise for Teresa Dovalpage

Dovalpage wields her considerable authorial skill in this intricately plotted tale of jealousy, revenge, and the dark side of love.
Isabella Maldonado, awardwinning author of the Veranda Cruz mysteries

A fast-paced, richly layered tour de force. The twists, turns, andsanterarituals that abound in this complex noir will please crime readers and armchair travelers alike. Bravo, Teresa Dovalpage! Encore!
Lucha Corpi, author of the Gloria Damasco mysteries

Amusing, observant . . . [A] devastating depiction of prejudice in 1980s Cuba.
The Miami Herald

"Dovalpage's first crime novel is a well-cooked stew of culture and cuisine . . . [A] stunningly unexpected conclusion."
The Taos News

A rich and perceptive portrayal of daily life in Cuba.
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"[A] dazzling culinary mystery . . . Those expecting a traditional food cozy will be happily surprised."
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Author Bio

Teresa Dovalpage was born in Havana, Cuba. She earned her BA in English literature and an MA in Spanish literature at the University of Havana, and her PhD in Latin American literature at the University of New Mexico. She is the author of twelve other works of fiction and three plays, and is the winner of the Rinc n de la Victoria Award and a finalist for the Herralde Award. She lives in New Mexico.