The Americana Series Monthly Challenge (the Territory Edition) – August 2023: Puerto Rico
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For the month of August 2023, we travel a few miles west to Puerto Rico.
The Americana Series Monthly Challenge (the Territories) – August 2023: Puerto Rico
History
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Caribbean island and unincorporated territory of the United States with official Commonwealth status. It is located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and includes the eponymous main island and several smaller islands, such as Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. It has roughly 3.2 million residents, and its capital and most populous city is San Juan. Spanish and English are the official languages of the executive branch of government, though Spanish predominates.
Puerto Rico was settled by a succession of indigenos peoples beginning 2,000 to 4,000 years ago; these included the Ortoiroid, Saladoid, and Taíno. It was then colonized by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Puerto Rico was contested by other European powers, but remained a Spanish possession for the next four centuries. An influx of African slaves and settlers primarily from the Canary Islands and Andalusia vastly changed the cultural and demographic landscape of the island. Within the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico played a secondary but strategic role compared to wealthier colonies like Peru and New Spain. By the late 19th century, a distinct Puerto Rican identity began to emerge, centered around a fusion of indigenous, African, and European elements. In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was acquired by the United States.
Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland. However, when resident in the unincorporated territory of Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans are disenfranchised at the national level, do not vote for the president or vice president, and generally do not pay federal income tax. In common with four other territories, Puerto Rico sends a nonvoting representative to the U.S. Congress, called a Resident Commissioner, and participates in presidential primaries; as it is not a state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in Congress, which governs it under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950. Congress approved a local constitution in 1952, allowing U.S. citizens residing on the island to elect a governor. Puerto Rico's current and future political status has consistently been a matter of significant debate.
Beginning in the mid-20th century, the U.S. government, together with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, launched a series of economic projects to develop Puerto Rico into an industrial high-income economy. It is classified by the International Monetary Fund as a developed jurisdiction with an advanced, high-income economy; it ranks 40th on the Human Development Index. The major sectors of Puerto Rico's economy are manufacturing (primarily pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and electronics) followed by services (namely tourism and hospitality).
Geography
Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and various smaller islands, including Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo, and Caja de Muertos. Of these five, only Culebra and Vieques are inhabited year-round. Mona, which has played a key role in maritime history, is uninhabited most of the year except for employees of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. There are many other even smaller islets, like Monito, which is near to Mona, Isla de Cabras and La Isleta de San Juan, both located on the San Juan Bay. The latter is the only inhabited islet with communities like Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra, and connected to the main island by bridges.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has an area of 5,320 square miles (13,800 km2), of which 3,420 sq mi (8,900 km2) is land and 1,900 sq mi (4,900 km2) is water. Puerto Rico is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island. The maximum length of the main island from east to west is 110 mi (180 km), and the maximum width from north to south is 40 mi (64 km). Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. It is 80% of the size of Jamaica, just over 18% of the size of Hispaniola and 8% of the size of Cuba, the largest of the Greater Antilles.
The island is mostly mountainous with large coastal areas in the north and south. The main mountain range is called "La Cordillera Central" (The Central Range). The highest elevation in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta 4,390 feet (1,340 m), is located in this range.
Fun Facts
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in America’s natural forest system. It’s 29,000 acres, making it one of the smallest forests in the United States. Yet it is brimming with natural wonders and exotic wildlife. You can climb up mountains that are more than 3,000 feet tall, and you can watch parrots and frogs frolic.
Sun Bay Beach has another surprise for you. It contains Mosquito Bay, which is home to plankton that produce bioluminescent light at night. If you visit under the right conditions, you can see the water glowing blue after sundown. You can also visit Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay on the mainland and La Parguera on Lajas, one of the outlying islands. You can swim and go boating in the water.
The Birth of the New World is a depiction of Christopher Columbus at the helm of his ship. The statue is made of bronze and it is 360 feet tall, making it more than 200 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. You can visit the statue in Arecibo. You can’t approach the statue, but the government of Arecibo is planning to open a park around it soon.
The rum industry in Puerto Rico is valued at roughly $51 million. You can find microdistilleries in any major city, and many restaurants have a list of rums you can sample from. You can also take tours through distilleries, including Bacardi’s distillery in Cataño. The Bacardi rum factory (est. 1862) in San Juan, is the largest rum distillery in the world (producing more 100,000 liters of rum every 24 hours). The distillery contributes nearly 85% of Bacardi’s total rum production, and the remainder is produced from the distilleries in Mexico and India.
The third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy, is in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has been a colony since Christopher Columbus “discovered” the island during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. (Using quotes on discovered since the tribe of Taíno Indians already inhabited the island.) It is interesting to note that Columbus wasn’t enamored with the island. He spent a total of two days here, claimed it as a colony of Spain, and never returned. Then, during the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spain lost its claim to Puerto Rico, thus becoming a U.S. territory and keeping its colonial status. To this day, Puerto Rico is the world’s oldest colony, and San Juan is the oldest European city under the American flag.
The Catholic Church played an essential role in the history and development of Puerto Rico since the early 1500s. In 1519, Pope Leo X declared Puerto Rico the first ecclesiastical headquarters in the New World, thus turning Puerto Rico into the general headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition – one of the most infamous and barbaric events done by the Catholic Church.
Being the main port in Puerto Rico, San Juan served as the funnel from where all the riches were exported to Spain. While ships navigated from Puerto Rico to Spain heavy and full of wealth, they often returned to the island mostly empty – thus very unstable in high winds. But, that changed in the 1700s when Spain started using cobblestones as ballast on their ships coming from Europe. Such cobblestones were used to pave the streets of Old San Juan, beginning in 1784. You’ll notice, though, that these aren’t typical cobblestones; they are grey-ish blue. These cobblestones were made using iron slag, the waste from smelting iron. Most of the blue cobblestone streets have been replaced, but you can still see originals on Calle Del Cristo and a few others.
It Rains Frogs in El Yunque. This is technically a hyperbole, but it is based on scientific fact, and it involves Puerto Rico’s indigenous Coquí frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui). During those times of the year when there’s high humidity, the tiny Coquí frogs tend to climb to the forest canopy – sometimes as high as 100 feet (30 meters). Predators, like the tarantula, anticipate this behavior and lay in wait for the frogs or climb to their spot. Once the Coquí sees its predator, instead of returning to the ground on the same path, they launch themselves into the air – bypassing their predators on the way down. Since the Coquí is so tiny and almost weightless, they float to the floor unharmed. Now, if you’re sitting under a tree and a tiny frog “rains” on you, don’t be alarmed! The Coquí is cute and harmless. The coquí is at most an inch long, and at night it makes a unique, high-pitched song: “ko-kee, ko-kee.” (Hence the name) The frogs are a beloved unofficial symbol of Puerto Rico.
Notable Residents
Enrique "Ricky" Martín Morales (born December 24, 1971) is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known for his musical versatility, with his discography incorporating a wide variety of many elements, such as Latin pop|pop, dance, reggaeton, salsa, and other genres. Dubbed the "King of Latin Pop", the "King of Latin Music", and the "Latin Pop God", he is regarded as one of the most influential artists in the world. Born in San Juan, Martin began appearing in television commercials at age nine and began his musical career at twelve, as a member of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. He began his solo career in 1991 while in Sony Music Mexico, gaining recognition in Latin America with the release of his first two studio albums, Ricky Martin (1991) and Me Amaras (1993), both of which were focused on ballads. His first English album, Ricky Martin (1999) became his first US Billboard 200 number one. The lead single "Livin' la Vida Loca" topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Martin's success in the late 1990s is generally seen as the beginning of the "Latin explosion". He has been credited for propelling the Latin pop music genre to mainstream recognition, paving the way for a large number of Latin artists to achieve global success.
Famous People from Puerto Rico include: Benicio Del Toro (actor), Rita Moreno (actor), Raul Julia (actor), Jennifer Lopez (singer, actor), Roberto Clemente (baseball), Bad Bunny (singer) and Joaquin Phoenix (actor)
The territory has a number of local writers, but alas, no mystery writers that I could find. Most were essayists, poets or journalists. These include: Esmeralda Santiago, Eduardo Lalo, Rene Marques, Magali Garcia Ramis, and Julia de Burgos.
In honor of PUERTO RICO, read a Mystery/Suspense book (any sub-genre will do!) that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A Mystery/Suspense book with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title OR has an Alcoholic Beverage, a Sea Creature, a River on the cover or the cover is predominantly (+75%) blue;
• A Mystery/Suspense book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church; and
• A Mystery/Suspense book where the author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.
Happy Reading ❤
The Americana Series Monthly Challenge (the Territories) – August 2023: Puerto Rico
History
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Caribbean island and unincorporated territory of the United States with official Commonwealth status. It is located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and includes the eponymous main island and several smaller islands, such as Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. It has roughly 3.2 million residents, and its capital and most populous city is San Juan. Spanish and English are the official languages of the executive branch of government, though Spanish predominates.
Puerto Rico was settled by a succession of indigenos peoples beginning 2,000 to 4,000 years ago; these included the Ortoiroid, Saladoid, and Taíno. It was then colonized by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Puerto Rico was contested by other European powers, but remained a Spanish possession for the next four centuries. An influx of African slaves and settlers primarily from the Canary Islands and Andalusia vastly changed the cultural and demographic landscape of the island. Within the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico played a secondary but strategic role compared to wealthier colonies like Peru and New Spain. By the late 19th century, a distinct Puerto Rican identity began to emerge, centered around a fusion of indigenous, African, and European elements. In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was acquired by the United States.
Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland. However, when resident in the unincorporated territory of Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans are disenfranchised at the national level, do not vote for the president or vice president, and generally do not pay federal income tax. In common with four other territories, Puerto Rico sends a nonvoting representative to the U.S. Congress, called a Resident Commissioner, and participates in presidential primaries; as it is not a state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in Congress, which governs it under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950. Congress approved a local constitution in 1952, allowing U.S. citizens residing on the island to elect a governor. Puerto Rico's current and future political status has consistently been a matter of significant debate.
Beginning in the mid-20th century, the U.S. government, together with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, launched a series of economic projects to develop Puerto Rico into an industrial high-income economy. It is classified by the International Monetary Fund as a developed jurisdiction with an advanced, high-income economy; it ranks 40th on the Human Development Index. The major sectors of Puerto Rico's economy are manufacturing (primarily pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and electronics) followed by services (namely tourism and hospitality).
Geography
Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and various smaller islands, including Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo, and Caja de Muertos. Of these five, only Culebra and Vieques are inhabited year-round. Mona, which has played a key role in maritime history, is uninhabited most of the year except for employees of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. There are many other even smaller islets, like Monito, which is near to Mona, Isla de Cabras and La Isleta de San Juan, both located on the San Juan Bay. The latter is the only inhabited islet with communities like Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra, and connected to the main island by bridges.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has an area of 5,320 square miles (13,800 km2), of which 3,420 sq mi (8,900 km2) is land and 1,900 sq mi (4,900 km2) is water. Puerto Rico is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island. The maximum length of the main island from east to west is 110 mi (180 km), and the maximum width from north to south is 40 mi (64 km). Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. It is 80% of the size of Jamaica, just over 18% of the size of Hispaniola and 8% of the size of Cuba, the largest of the Greater Antilles.
The island is mostly mountainous with large coastal areas in the north and south. The main mountain range is called "La Cordillera Central" (The Central Range). The highest elevation in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta 4,390 feet (1,340 m), is located in this range.
Fun Facts
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in America’s natural forest system. It’s 29,000 acres, making it one of the smallest forests in the United States. Yet it is brimming with natural wonders and exotic wildlife. You can climb up mountains that are more than 3,000 feet tall, and you can watch parrots and frogs frolic.
Sun Bay Beach has another surprise for you. It contains Mosquito Bay, which is home to plankton that produce bioluminescent light at night. If you visit under the right conditions, you can see the water glowing blue after sundown. You can also visit Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay on the mainland and La Parguera on Lajas, one of the outlying islands. You can swim and go boating in the water.
The Birth of the New World is a depiction of Christopher Columbus at the helm of his ship. The statue is made of bronze and it is 360 feet tall, making it more than 200 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. You can visit the statue in Arecibo. You can’t approach the statue, but the government of Arecibo is planning to open a park around it soon.
The rum industry in Puerto Rico is valued at roughly $51 million. You can find microdistilleries in any major city, and many restaurants have a list of rums you can sample from. You can also take tours through distilleries, including Bacardi’s distillery in Cataño. The Bacardi rum factory (est. 1862) in San Juan, is the largest rum distillery in the world (producing more 100,000 liters of rum every 24 hours). The distillery contributes nearly 85% of Bacardi’s total rum production, and the remainder is produced from the distilleries in Mexico and India.
The third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy, is in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has been a colony since Christopher Columbus “discovered” the island during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. (Using quotes on discovered since the tribe of Taíno Indians already inhabited the island.) It is interesting to note that Columbus wasn’t enamored with the island. He spent a total of two days here, claimed it as a colony of Spain, and never returned. Then, during the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spain lost its claim to Puerto Rico, thus becoming a U.S. territory and keeping its colonial status. To this day, Puerto Rico is the world’s oldest colony, and San Juan is the oldest European city under the American flag.
The Catholic Church played an essential role in the history and development of Puerto Rico since the early 1500s. In 1519, Pope Leo X declared Puerto Rico the first ecclesiastical headquarters in the New World, thus turning Puerto Rico into the general headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition – one of the most infamous and barbaric events done by the Catholic Church.
Being the main port in Puerto Rico, San Juan served as the funnel from where all the riches were exported to Spain. While ships navigated from Puerto Rico to Spain heavy and full of wealth, they often returned to the island mostly empty – thus very unstable in high winds. But, that changed in the 1700s when Spain started using cobblestones as ballast on their ships coming from Europe. Such cobblestones were used to pave the streets of Old San Juan, beginning in 1784. You’ll notice, though, that these aren’t typical cobblestones; they are grey-ish blue. These cobblestones were made using iron slag, the waste from smelting iron. Most of the blue cobblestone streets have been replaced, but you can still see originals on Calle Del Cristo and a few others.
It Rains Frogs in El Yunque. This is technically a hyperbole, but it is based on scientific fact, and it involves Puerto Rico’s indigenous Coquí frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui). During those times of the year when there’s high humidity, the tiny Coquí frogs tend to climb to the forest canopy – sometimes as high as 100 feet (30 meters). Predators, like the tarantula, anticipate this behavior and lay in wait for the frogs or climb to their spot. Once the Coquí sees its predator, instead of returning to the ground on the same path, they launch themselves into the air – bypassing their predators on the way down. Since the Coquí is so tiny and almost weightless, they float to the floor unharmed. Now, if you’re sitting under a tree and a tiny frog “rains” on you, don’t be alarmed! The Coquí is cute and harmless. The coquí is at most an inch long, and at night it makes a unique, high-pitched song: “ko-kee, ko-kee.” (Hence the name) The frogs are a beloved unofficial symbol of Puerto Rico.
Notable Residents
Enrique "Ricky" Martín Morales (born December 24, 1971) is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known for his musical versatility, with his discography incorporating a wide variety of many elements, such as Latin pop|pop, dance, reggaeton, salsa, and other genres. Dubbed the "King of Latin Pop", the "King of Latin Music", and the "Latin Pop God", he is regarded as one of the most influential artists in the world. Born in San Juan, Martin began appearing in television commercials at age nine and began his musical career at twelve, as a member of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. He began his solo career in 1991 while in Sony Music Mexico, gaining recognition in Latin America with the release of his first two studio albums, Ricky Martin (1991) and Me Amaras (1993), both of which were focused on ballads. His first English album, Ricky Martin (1999) became his first US Billboard 200 number one. The lead single "Livin' la Vida Loca" topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Martin's success in the late 1990s is generally seen as the beginning of the "Latin explosion". He has been credited for propelling the Latin pop music genre to mainstream recognition, paving the way for a large number of Latin artists to achieve global success.
Famous People from Puerto Rico include: Benicio Del Toro (actor), Rita Moreno (actor), Raul Julia (actor), Jennifer Lopez (singer, actor), Roberto Clemente (baseball), Bad Bunny (singer) and Joaquin Phoenix (actor)
The territory has a number of local writers, but alas, no mystery writers that I could find. Most were essayists, poets or journalists. These include: Esmeralda Santiago, Eduardo Lalo, Rene Marques, Magali Garcia Ramis, and Julia de Burgos.
In honor of PUERTO RICO, read a Mystery/Suspense book (any sub-genre will do!) that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A Mystery/Suspense book with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title OR has an Alcoholic Beverage, a Sea Creature, a River on the cover or the cover is predominantly (+75%) blue;
• A Mystery/Suspense book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church; and
• A Mystery/Suspense book where the author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.
Happy Reading ❤
2bhabeck
Brenda's Americana - the Territories Edition - Challenge: Puerto Rico
1 of 3 Complete
In honor of PUERTO RICO, read a Mystery/Suspense book (any sub-genre will do!) that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A Mystery/Suspense book with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title OR has an Alcoholic Beverage, a Sea Creature, a River on the cover or the cover is predominantly (+75%) blue;
The One by John Marrs; cover is mostly (a shade of) blue; finished 8/3/2023; 4 stars
• A Mystery/Suspense book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church; and
• A Mystery/Suspense book where the author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.
A Murder on Wall Street by Owen Parr
1 of 3 Complete
In honor of PUERTO RICO, read a Mystery/Suspense book (any sub-genre will do!) that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A Mystery/Suspense book with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title OR has an Alcoholic Beverage, a Sea Creature, a River on the cover or the cover is predominantly (+75%) blue;
The One by John Marrs; cover is mostly (a shade of) blue; finished 8/3/2023; 4 stars
• A Mystery/Suspense book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church; and
• A Mystery/Suspense book where the author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.
A Murder on Wall Street by Owen Parr
3Carol420
Since I can't have Ricky Martin Morales, I'll just settle for a really cute frog...I think I like it better than Ricky anyway. Not as high maintenance:)
The Territories Edition - Challenge: Puerto Rico - August
🌹 - ★
2/3
1. A Mystery/Suspense book with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title OR has an Alcoholic Beverage, a Sea Creature, a River on the cover or the cover is predominantly (+75%) blue;
🌹Blue Labyrinth- Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child - 4.5★
2. A Mystery/Suspense book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church.
- ★
🌹3. A Mystery/Suspense book where the author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.
The One That Kills You - Rick Rothermel - 4★ (R &R)
4Carol420
#1 - Blue in the title
Blue Labyrinth - Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child - (California/New York)
Agent Pendergast Series Book #14
Genea: Mystery & Suspense
4.5★
It begins with murder. One of Pendergast's most implacable, most feared enemies is found on his doorstep, dead. Pendergast has no idea who is responsible for the killing, or why the body was brought to his home. The mystery has all the hallmarks of the perfect crime, save for an enigmatic clue: a piece of turquoise lodged in the stomach of the deceased. The gem leads Pendergast to an abandoned mine on the shore of California's Salton Sea, which in turn propels him on a journey of discovery deep into his own family's sinister past. But Pendergast learns there is more at work than a ghastly episode of family history: he is being stalked by a subtle killer bent on vengeance over an ancient transgression. And he soon becomes caught in a wickedly clever plot, which leaves him stricken in mind and body, and propels him toward a reckoning beyond anything he could ever have imagined.
A knock on the door starts this 14th adventure. When the door is opened, the body of Pendergast’s son is discovered. Of course, the obvious question is who could possibly have murdered Pendergast’s son? The culprit(s) are leaving a fairly obvious trail for Pendergast to follow. The reader will get to know a whole new and different side of Pendergast. We are allowed to see the real man and all his emotions laid bare. Characters are brought back from previous books and even from previous locations. On the surface it appears to be a secondary murder plot...but the reader soon realizes that the crimes are all tied together. One of the biggest differences is that in this book the interaction increases dramatically between De’Agosta, Margot and Constance as they attempt to save Pendergast. I have enjoyed all of the Pendergast novels, but perhaps this one is, or is very close to being, my favorite. I really can't comment much on the rest of the story as that would certainly give away things that the reader will enjoy learning themselves. I can say that, as we long-time readers all know... Pendergast can be, and is, egotistical, petulant and self-centered, but you can't help but love the man. In Blue Labyrinth we see him suffer and perhaps show the more "human" side that we may have missed.
Blue Labyrinth - Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child - (California/New York)
Agent Pendergast Series Book #14
Genea: Mystery & Suspense
4.5★
It begins with murder. One of Pendergast's most implacable, most feared enemies is found on his doorstep, dead. Pendergast has no idea who is responsible for the killing, or why the body was brought to his home. The mystery has all the hallmarks of the perfect crime, save for an enigmatic clue: a piece of turquoise lodged in the stomach of the deceased. The gem leads Pendergast to an abandoned mine on the shore of California's Salton Sea, which in turn propels him on a journey of discovery deep into his own family's sinister past. But Pendergast learns there is more at work than a ghastly episode of family history: he is being stalked by a subtle killer bent on vengeance over an ancient transgression. And he soon becomes caught in a wickedly clever plot, which leaves him stricken in mind and body, and propels him toward a reckoning beyond anything he could ever have imagined.
A knock on the door starts this 14th adventure. When the door is opened, the body of Pendergast’s son is discovered. Of course, the obvious question is who could possibly have murdered Pendergast’s son? The culprit(s) are leaving a fairly obvious trail for Pendergast to follow. The reader will get to know a whole new and different side of Pendergast. We are allowed to see the real man and all his emotions laid bare. Characters are brought back from previous books and even from previous locations. On the surface it appears to be a secondary murder plot...but the reader soon realizes that the crimes are all tied together. One of the biggest differences is that in this book the interaction increases dramatically between De’Agosta, Margot and Constance as they attempt to save Pendergast. I have enjoyed all of the Pendergast novels, but perhaps this one is, or is very close to being, my favorite. I really can't comment much on the rest of the story as that would certainly give away things that the reader will enjoy learning themselves. I can say that, as we long-time readers all know... Pendergast can be, and is, egotistical, petulant and self-centered, but you can't help but love the man. In Blue Labyrinth we see him suffer and perhaps show the more "human" side that we may have missed.
5gaylebutz
I’m going to read Reckless Creed by Alex Kava.
It has a river on the cover.
It has a river on the cover.
6Carol420
The One That Kills You - Rick Rothermel - (California)
A Private Eye - C Street Mystery Series Book #1
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
4.5★
It’s 2010, and auto racing legend Ronnie Connors and his wife were brutally murdered over thirteen years ago. The case has yet to be solved, and everyone involved remains unsettled. But when L.A. Private Investigator C Street gets the referral to examine the crime and looks beyond a long-presumed suspect, he uncovers a unique cast of suspects involved in a clever and perplexing web of crime and corruption. Dead bodies—spread over two decades and two states—further complicate and amplify his investigation. Borrowing from the best and giving no quarter to his opponents, will Street be unstoppable in his pursuit of the truth?
I'm not particularly a fan of racing but I am a fan of unsolved mysteries and with this one, Rick Rothermel has written a good one...that is not only interesting but also one that mystery fans can get their teeth into. I let my husband, the retired cop, read the book and even though the reading of anything isn't exactly his cuppa tea...he had pencil and paper and was actually taking notes on the unsolved murder. I haven't seen any suspicious looking folks running around in handcuffs, so I don't believe he solved it...but it certainly wasn't from lack of trying. The book was well written, and it was very easy to follow the case even if you are just an amateur sleuth. I liked the story enough that I might give some of this author's other writings a try...and I know my hubby is going to recommend this one to his cop pals. Congrats to this author...he got my husband to actually read an entire book!!!!
9Sergeirocks
The Detective’s Daughter - Lesley Thomson 4.5★s (Cover predominantly blue)
Sidney Chambers and The Dangers of Temptation - James Runcie 3.75★s (Sidney Chambers is an archdeacon)
Cold Comfort - Charles Todd 4★s (Author’s initials in PUERTO RICO)
Sidney Chambers and The Dangers of Temptation - James Runcie 3.75★s (Sidney Chambers is an archdeacon)
Cold Comfort - Charles Todd 4★s (Author’s initials in PUERTO RICO)
10Onilyn
Hi! I'm new here, and the month is almost over, but I love this challenge.
For a mystery/suspense novel with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title, I picked up Cave of Bones by Anne Hillerman
For - book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church - I ordered San Juan Noir by Mayra Santos-Febres and others. I'm hoping it comes in soon.
And hopefully, for -author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.- I've got Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking - by Raquel V. Reyes.
For a mystery/suspense novel with "Water," "Blue," "Sea/Ocean," "Cave," or "Drink" in the title, I picked up Cave of Bones by Anne Hillerman
For - book that takes place on an Island OR includes a character who is an entertainer OR Latin (or Hispanic) main character OR has a character who is involved in the church - I ordered San Juan Noir by Mayra Santos-Febres and others. I'm hoping it comes in soon.
And hopefully, for -author's FIRST AND LAST initial (no middle initials or names) can be found in PUERTO RICO.- I've got Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking - by Raquel V. Reyes.
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