Havana Girls

Queenpin Chronicles #3

by L.L. Kirchner

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱

Miami, 1979. Sally Fontana, a university research assistant whose life has been turned upside down from her recent divorce, uncovers a trail of clues left by her mother, the late investigative reporter Imogene Fuchs. What begins as a personal quest soon plunges Sally into a dangerous world where the glamour of 1940s Havana collides with the gritty reality of 1970s Miami.

L.L. Kirchner's gripping third installment of The Queenpin Chronicles, Havana Girls , weaves a tapestry of intrigue spanning four

A daughter's search for truth about her mother's mysterious pastOld friends reunited by circumstances they never could have imaginedThe far-reaching consequences of choices made in the heat of revolutionAs Sally delves deeper, she finds herself entangled

Thelma Miles Wright, a woman with a shadowy present and a tumultuous historyKathleen Young, the puppet master who holds the key to long-buried secrets A politician on a crusade against viceThe organized crime network that brings them all together on a path of justice and redemptionUnlikely romanceHavana Girls delivers a potent blend

Meticulously researched historical detail from Cuba to FloridaStrong women navigating personal demons and societal upheavalA twisting plot that connects Cold War intrigue to the modern War on DrugsPerfect for fans of Beatriz Williams's dual-timeline narratives, Kate Quinn's fierce heroines, and Kate Atkinson’s immersive worlds, Havana Girls explores how the echoes of the past reverberate through generations. As Sally unravels a mystery decades in the making, she must confront powerful enemies and her own fears to bring long-buried truths to light.

Will the sins of the past destroy carefully built lives, or pave the way for unexpected redemption?

Buy Havana Girls and dive into its sun-soaked, danger-filled world today.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2025

About the author

L.L. Kirchner is an award-winning screenwriter and Pushcart-nominated author whose life and work as an expat in Asia became the basis of two memoirs that combine humor with “her discerning eye” (Foreword Reviews)—or, as an NPR interviewer said, her memoir is “like Eat, Pray, Love, but funny.” She lives in Florida with her favorite husband. Drawing on her eclectic background as a religion editor, dating columnist, and bridal editor, Kirchner’s work explores feminist narratives. Read more at her blog, IllBehavedWomen.com or LLKirchner.com. She lives in Florida with her favorite husband.

In 2024, Kirchner will launch her highly anticipated trilogy, the Queenpin Chronicles, with her debut novel, FLORIDA GIRLS. Set in 1940s Florida, this multi-POV suspense story follows an unconventional heroine navigating the criminal underworld and fighting for independence in a male-dominated society. Through vivid prose and richly drawn characters, Kirchner illuminates the patriarchal and self-imposed boundaries women face while celebrating the strength of those who dare to break free.

Get her latest writing as well as craft and publishing tips at https://illbehavedwomen.com.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Havana Girls is the third book in the Queenpin Chronicles series. I didn't realize this until I was halfway through, so I paused to read the first two books before continuing. I'm glad I did because they seamlessly connect.
The story is told from multiple points of view, features dual timelines, and has a multi-generational aspect. It presents an intriguing narrative filled with ever-present danger.
The author skilfully weaves this captivating historical thriller. The characters are well-developed, flawed yet sassy, strong, and driven by a sense of justice.
Imogene Fuchs, a relentless reporter, along with her friends, embarked on a mission to root out corruption. Now, her daughter discovers clues about their carefully laid plans and realizes that true grit and grime lurk in the shadows. It’s the Havana girls who can outsmart and outthink the seedy men in organized crime who believe they are untouchable.
Vengeance is sweet, but would you make a deal with the devil? Will they succeed in their elaborate plan to dismantle a criminal empire? To find out, you'll need to dig in and discover the truth.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Havana Girls, L.L. Kirchner delivers a taut, evocative historical thriller that spans decades and continents, deftly weaving the stories of two courageous women caught in the crossfire of corruption, crime, and conspiracy. With echoes of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and the intricate dual-timeline structure of Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden, Kirchner’s novel is a standout in the genre—equal parts suspenseful and emotionally resonant.

Set against the glittering backdrop of 1950s Havana and the gritty edges of 1970s Miami, Havana Girls introduces readers to Thelma Miles, a fiercely independent nightclub owner entangled in the dangerous secrets left behind by a friend whose fatal “accident” masks something far more sinister. Nearly three decades later, Sam Fontana, reeling from personal loss and searching for meaning after her father’s death, uncovers a cryptic message from her late mother—none other than the same investigative reporter whose life ended in tragedy all those years ago.

Kirchner’s mastery lies in her ability to build tension slowly and skillfully across both timelines. Thelma’s Havana is sultry and dangerous, a city teetering on revolution, where whispers carry weight and shadows hide killers. In contrast, Sam’s Miami is brittle and raw, a city of post-Watergate disillusionment, where political power is just as dangerous as mob money. And yet, the stakes in both eras feel equally urgent.

What sets Havana Girls apart is its focus on women who are not only survivors, but fighters—complex, determined, and morally layered. Thelma and Sam are not mere victims of circumstance; they are agents of change navigating a world rigged against them. Their stories mirror each other in haunting, powerful ways, and as the timelines draw closer, the momentum builds toward a shattering, satisfying climax.

Kirchner’s prose is vivid and immersive, rich with period detail without ever feeling weighed down by it. The suspense is intelligent and character-driven, grounded not just in action but in the emotional weight of grief, betrayal, and legacy. The inclusion of real historical elements—pre-revolution Cuba, organized crime, Cold War paranoia—adds depth and resonance without ever overwhelming the human story at the novel’s core.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

‘When the refuses to stay buried …’

‘Some revolutions start with a whisper…’

Havana Girls is the third book in the Queenpin Chronicles by L.L. Kirchner. The story is woven with plenty of action, heart, and historical intrigue. Set against the lush and dangerous backdrop of 1940s/1950s mob-dominated Havana, it explores the secrets we’re born into and the ones we willingly shoulder, all while spotlighting the bonds of sisterhood and family.
Ms. Kirchner has crafted a strong group of women who reject the roles of victims and instead take fate into their own hands. They’re resourceful, bold, and very interesting individuals- becoming the emotional center of this character driven story.
The author’s depiction of pre-revolutionary Havana is rich and immersive, bringing to life the city’s seductive glamour alongside its simmering danger. Beneath the glitter of casino lights and cabaret allure lies a boiling undercurrent of corruption and chaos—a historical setting brought vividly to life.
As with the first two books, there is a LOT going on- and a LOT of characters, and details to keep track of, and even though this comes across as being able to be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous books first before diving into this one – as knowing what has happened previously, and the other important details, will help alleviate confusion which will put you in a better position to understand and appreciate what unfolds here.
The series consists of:
-Florida Girls (Book #1)
-Vegas Girls (Book #2)
-Havana Girls (Book #3)
So, if you love historical thrillers and stories centered on resilient, intertwined women, woven with action and emotion- then this just might be the book for you.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, L.L. Kirchner!

[Matt Beil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Havana Girls is a gripping and satisfying read that successfully blends action, history, and heartfelt drama. It is a story about the secrets we inherit and the ones we choose, and about the extraordinary lengths women will go to protect one another. Despite a plot that occasionally verges on the convoluted, the novel is carried by its dynamic, powerful female characters and its breakneck pace.

For fans of historical thrillers and stories of strong female friendships, Havana Girls is a highly recommended and entertaining ride.

The greatest strength of Havana Girls lies in its characters. Kirchner has created a fascinating group of women who refuse to be victims.

The plot is a page-turner, packed with twists, betrayals, shootouts, and narrow escapes. The pacing is relentless, making it difficult to put the book down.

The historical setting is also richly atmospheric, capturing the glamour and underlying menace of mob-run Havana and the simmering political tensions that would eventually erupt into revolution.

Only critique: The web of characters and relationships is incredibly dense. With mobsters, their mistresses, their children, government agents, and the core group of women, keeping track of who’s who and how they’re connected can be a challenge.

Because this is the third book in a series, new readers may occasionally feel they are missing some context, especially regarding the pre-established bonds and histories of the "Florida Girls." While the novel functions as a standalone mystery, its emotional impact is likely heightened by familiarity with the previous installments.

[Ashlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued to read (listen) to this book for very simple reasons. I loved the cover. It’s beautiful, with a glamourous woman, and feels like storybook Havana. I also love a fun multi-timeline historical suspense/thriller. Simple-I think I'm easy to please.

I was impressed with the historical aspect of the book. The characters felt young and fun, trying to survive while politics were growing and becoming tense throughout Cuba. The mentioning of the stamps to purchase items and gas rationing coupons made me chuckle. Things were mentioned naturally and were not forced, it all fit in the era.

That being said I really struggled with this book. Havana Girls is book #3 of the "Queenpin Chronicles" series. I wish I had read (listen to) at least the first book, if not the second as well. I was very lost. Lots of characters were mentioned and many times I had no idea who they were or their role in the story. Since the book takes place in two different time periods, the struggle was real with twice as much confusion. I actually listened to about 15% of this book, then started over because I was so lost. I figured I wasn’t paying close enough attention and needed to focus more. Even after starting over, I was still lost.

It’s suggested this book is a standalone, however I 100% disagree. There were far too many characters, far too many storylines, far too much that obviously happened in the previous books to have any idea what’s going on. Should I get my hands on book 1 and 2, I’ll try book #3 again. If my opinion changes, I’m happy to change my review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!

[Karleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to the premise of Havana Girls by L.L. Kirchner - a dual timeline historical suspense about tangled family drama and buried secrets. While it is the third in series, it’s billed as readable as a standalone, so I felt confident in choosing it, even though I hadn’t read the first two books.

Unfortunately, I found it much too complicated a jumping in point. From the start, I felt like I had been dropped into the middle of an complex story, with a complex web of characters and a apparently dense backstory that seems to assume familiarity. While the narration does make an attempt to catch the reader up, I really struggled to keep track of the many characters and background at play. I was unfortunately unable to finish this book, or even really get started with my lack of prior knowledge. I just don’t think this is billable as a standalone novel.

That said, it’s obvious to me the author has created a rich world with strong continuity throughout the series. The storytelling felt well-developed and layered, and I’m sure readers of the previous books will find a lot to appreciate here. I personally plan to eventually start with the first book, as I imagine that’s the best way to experience Havana Girls and its predecessors.

Thank you to HiddenGemsBooks and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer]

This is the conclusion to a gripping historical saga which has had me hooked since book one. In this dual-timeline story Thelma Miles and Sam Fontana join forces to expose the same powerful forces. In Havana during the 1950’s Thelma runs the most exclusive nightclub in pre-Revolution Cuba. Thelma finds herself in danger following the suspicious death of her reporter friend, just before a high-stakes expose was to be published.

Whilst in 1978 in Miami, Sam discovers a sealed envelope in her late mother, Imogene’s belongings. Imogene was a reporter who died in a mysterious car accident. By following her mother’s clues Sam uncovers a web of conspiracies involving Havana nightclubs and the seedy Miami underworld. Having met, Thelma and Sam are determined to bring down and expose the truth which Imogene was killed to protect. However, they are both risking everything, even their lives.

I was once again transported back in time and felt fully immersed in both the settings and time periods. The thrilling storyline and plot twist kept me happily turning the pages. Whilst the level of suspense built with each chapter. As usual Thelma is a likeable and relatable main character, and her friendship with Sam added to the overall story.

I’ve enjoyed all three books in this engaging and immersive series.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I just love this cover !

I took a break after reading the first books in the series before starting this one just so I could catch my breath because you need to keep up there’s a lot going on but you need to read them in order so you get the full story 😉

Thelma is doing very well for herself running g an exclusive nightclub in Cuba and I must say I admire her strength doing what she did in the time she did it ! She and her reporter friend Imogene were working on a project and then when she dies under rather suspicious circumstances Thelma knows she needs to watch her back ..

Sam is Imogene’s daughter and she finds an envelope left by her mom and I side there’s clues that wil lead her down a dark rabbit hole of crime , secrets , conspiracies and so much more that’ll people will go to lengths to keep hidden but it also leads her path to cross with that of Thelma’s and together they’ve got to outrun , outsmart and outwit the very men that killed Imogene 🙈

Again it’s not lost on me how strong women can be , don’t tell us we can’t do something because we will just try harder to show you we can do it ! The women that came before us really didn’t have it easy and a lot of the freedom we have today is because of the strength of those that came before us 😉they empowered us .

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Queen pin chronicles series. I jumped right in with this one but I will be heading back to read the others as I have a feeling they follow on from each other. That being said it didn't deter my enjoyment of this book.
This is a unique story in the fact it is told in duel timelines the present and the past .However as you can imagine things aren't that smooth sailing when there are secrets, lies and deceit as well as the dangerous world of organised crime to navigate.
When Sally Fontana finds clues left by her mother she decides to follow them and see where they lead. However what starts as a little quest turns into something more sinister as it leads Sally down a dangerous path. With the women's timelines cross can they even trust each other? When there are secrets, lies and betrayal both inside and outside of the family does Sally stand any chance of solving this case before it's too late.
I love the authors attention to detail which really brings the time period and story to life for me. I felt like I was transported back in time and to a place I had never been before but they authors writing was so vivid I felt like I was there is person not reading it off a page.

This author was new to me but I look forward to reading more from this author and going back and rereading the books before this one.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 4.5 stars. It is really well written, the books are continuous in the series. It is very beneficial to read them in order. This is the third book in the series but after reading the first two, I feel like the plot drags a little from book to book. That is the only reason I am giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5. I love a good book where the women in the story can and will do anything to prove that they are capable against any opponent, especially men. I love the multiple points of view. I feel that having that really added to the depth of the story. I love when book show true friendship and that is being done in this whole series. These women have some gumption and really like to uncover the truth no matter what they find while doing so. This book gave a lot of history to the time frame and I really liked being able to learn more about things while reading what these characters are going to get up to. Some of the scenes in the book do feel a little drawn out but that could be because I am not a typical historical suspense reader. I can't stress enough how amazing this series/book is written. If you like historical suspense, this series is for you and I feel like it wouldn't drag at all.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story about two women whose world’s come together for a common cause which is to stop a murderer. Sam and Thelma’s story is full of secrets, organized crime, betrayal and cover-ups. When their safety is at risk, how far will they go to stop the men from murdering again. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two women. I enjoyed the time setting of the environment which made the story easy to read. I also enjoyed how connectable and relatable the characters are. They are supportive of each other which was great to see. They are great characters that made the story easy to read and hard to put down. There is great growth of the plot throughout the story which makes the story fast paced. This is a great story that is engaging and a great story to read. I highly recommend this book.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of The Queenpin Chronicles series is set in a dual timeline between Havana and Florida and deals with the lives of our girls in Havana before the Cuban revolution and after it, and the quest of Sam, in the present Florida, the daughter of Imogene, to learn more about her mother.
I strongly recommend to read the previous two books in order to fully understand what is happening on this one.
For me this book is the more complexed and dark of all of the book in the series, dealing with very strong human emotions and events in history. And of all of the books, this one is the one that I liked the most.
It brings full circle the lives of all of the women depicted in the series, with all of their strengths but also all of their flaws.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot, and I hope there's a new book in the series, but if that is not the case, I'll read anything that Ms. Kirchner would write next.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title would suggest, the reader will get a healthy dose of Mafia related storytelling in this, the third book in the Queenpin Chronicles. The story vacillates between Cuba in the 1950’s and Miami circa early 70’s. All connected by a string of strong women who are both saints and sinners alike. The central theme involves solving the mystery behind the death of young Samantha’s mother, an investigative reporter. This installment heavily relies on the previous novels in character development. If you are like me, and sometimes have difficulty differentiating characters, you would be best served in reading the previous books. It took a while, and some note-taking for me to separate the various threads. The first 2/3 lags a big, however the action picks up in the final third of the book. If you enjoy mystery, spies, mafia, the glamour of pre-Castro Havan, and strong female characters, then this is your read. Oh, and the cover is gorgeous!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havana Girls A gripping tale of family secrets and Cold War intrigue across Cuba and Florida (The Queenpin Chronicles) by L. L. Kirchner. I love this series so much. This is the 3rd book in the Queenpin Chronicles and it was just amazing as the first 2. This one is set during 1950s Cuba and 1970s Miami. In this book Thelma and Sam join forces to expose some major discrepancies. Thelma runs the most successful club in Havana pre revolution. When Thelma's reporter friend ends up dead in a weird set of circumstances, Thelma finds herself in the Hot seat as a suspect. At the same time in the 70's Miami, Sam finds a sealed envelope in her late mother's things that pertains to a reporter who died in a mysterious car wreck. With Sam and Thelma working together they are determined to find out what is going on. I do recommend reading these books in order to better understand the story line and characters. It's one of my favorite series I've read!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Havana Girls : A gripping historical saga of Cold War secrets, stolen lives, and the family legacy that won’t stay buried (The Queenpin Chronicles Book 3) By L.L. Kirchner

Havana Girls is the third book in The Queenpin Chronicles . This is a Historical Women’s Fiction that pulled me in from the beginning and kept me turning the pages till the end. This is packed with action, drama, secrets, betrayal and so much more. This is a fairly new author to me but I like their style of writing and attention to detail along with connectable, relatable and complex characters make for a wonderful story. Thelma and Sam are worlds apart but come together to try and stop a murderer. Can they stop the men before it’s to late? You will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going to happen next I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thelma Miles has moved on to become a savvy business woman. She is living in Havana, Cuba in 1950 raising her niece and running a nightclub. She learns that her friend, Imogene Fuchs, has died in a car accident when her car went over a cliff on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. She was on the verge of a huge exposé and Thelma is the only person who knows all the secrets Imogene took with her.
In 1978 Miami, Imgoene's daughter has recently gone through a divorce and lost her father. She comes to be in possession of a mysterious envelope her mother had left behind. She wants to find out and understand her mother's past which in turn leads her to Thelma. As the past and present collide these two women must figure out if they can trust each other. They are both in significant danger from the same people that took out poor Imogene and theh will do anything to keep those secrets buried.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book not realising I was moving from the first in the series to the third; I thought I had picked up book 2 instead. It was great to get back into the characters in this book, but I do think it would have been better to have read the previous book first. However, I still found myself reconnecting with the characters and wanting to know where their adventure would take them to next.
I thought this story was more well written than the first. It was obvious that the author had found their groove with the series and I loved seeing where they were going to take the book. I enjoyed the dual perspective and timelines. It added an extra layer to the story that I was expecting. I was never quite sure how things would play out either, which made it more exciting. This was a great addition to the series.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Havanna Girls by L. L. Kirchner is the third installment of the Queenpin Chronicles. This book will grab you from the start. I love the two timelines and points of view, but I do suggest reading the first two installments prior to reading this one. I read it as a stand alone and it still read really well, but I feel like I was missing something previously addressed in the first two books. This is a story of family secrets and drama set in the backdrop of a 1950s Cuban night club and 1978 Miami. The characters are all very well written. These ladies are strong and prove that they can not only survive but outsmart their male counterparts. This story follows Sam as she searches for answers to questions surrounding her mother’s death. I loved this story and thought the ending was wonderfully satisfying.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I had picked up by this author, so I didn’t have any of the background of the first two in the series. I think it did okay as a standalone but definitely want to circle back to pick up the previous ones now! This is a fast-paced, twist-filled historical thriller that grips you from the start. It’s really neat to read something that is set across two timelines, the 1950s and 1978. The author does such a perfect job of crafting two strong, complex women who feel both independent and deeply flawed. As the stakes rise, you find yourself rooting for them, even as they question who they can trust. With organized crime, family betrayal, and shadowy conspiracies, this novel keeps you hooked, turning pages long after you should’ve put it down. I bet you will definitely find yourself drawn into this heart-pounding historical mystery.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in The Queenpin Chronicles and I highly suggest you read the first 2 before jumping into this one. I didn't and I fear that lead to some plot holes that would have been filled in had I read the first two books prior to this one. So please, read Books 1 & 2 before grabbing this one!
That being said...you definitely want to make time for this saga! It grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go...I couldn't tell you how many nights I was reading until the wee hours of the morning, schedules be damned! I love the dual timeline and dual POVs. I absolutely adored all of the characters, settings, and the plot lines throughout this book and I can't wait to go back and read the first two!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. I skipped over book 2 (VegasVegas Girls so I felt a little lost in some areas but I still found this story enjoyable.

This one does have a dual timeline, which I do struggle with in keeping up with the details. Sally is on a quest to find out what her mother was researching back in the 1940's. The mystery has her encountering people that she never expected and learning more about her mother's devotion to her career.

Again, well researched by the author and an enjoyable story.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

L. L. Kirchner's third book in the Queenpin Chronicles is Havana Girls. While the books can be read as a standalone, I skipped the second book and felt like I did miss some things. This book, while dual-timeline and multi-perspective, seemed to flow much better than the first book. Thelma and Sam are two ladies, born several decades apart, into two very different worlds, yet intricately connected. Havana Girls is full of mobsters, strong women, glamor, and plenty of twists and turns. The world-building is more detailed and complex, transporting the reader to colorful Cuba and sunny Florida. This book started off a little slow, but picked up about halfway through. Overall, I enjoyed this installment of the Queenpin Chronicles and look forward to reading more by L. L. Kirchner.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really interested in the premise of this book. A mystery along with historical fiction sounds like so much fun! I just think this book can’t be read as a standalone. There were so many aspects that confused me (many people, places, events, etc) that were simply mentioned and moved on from, that I probably should have been able to keep track of, but definitely could not. I had no idea what was happening to who (also, likely made worse by reading in audiobook form rather than with my eyes, though I’m an avid audiobook listener and don’t usually struggle with this). Realistically, had I not been gifted an ARC with the commitment to read and review, I would have DNF’d this. Sorry!

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm unfortunately ready to admit defeat on this one. I've been pushing through and I'm 55% in now, but the book just doesn't work as a standalone, which apparently it isn't, this is supposed to be the 3 book in a historical fiction series. When I requested my audio copy from Netgalley, this wasn't obvious and so it made for some very confused reading.

However, I don't think this is the intrinsic fault of the book, which I think could be an excellent addition to the series, but it just wasn't for me.

However, if you like dual timelines and dual POVs where Havana features prominently, definitely give this one a go.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

[Amanda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, I recommend reading them all, IN ORDER. This quote about this series; ‘Perfect for readers who love their heroines formidable and flawed.’, drew me in, and I am glad it did. This book time travels a bit and is a little confusing keeping the new players straight in the beginning (this is where you will benefit from reading the other two first). After a few chapters, I was hooked and wanting to see where all the story lines would take me. This book had a lot of heart, and takes you on a journey of heartache and redemption, while keeping the guessing as how it all ties together. I definitely recommend reading the whole series.

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Havana Girls: Book 3 of The Queenpin Chronicles" by L. L. Kirchner is a continuation of a saga steeped in family secrets and Cold War intrigue. The narrative seamlessly weaves through the vibrant landscapes of Cuba and the sun-soaked coasts of Florida, bringing rich historical context and dynamic characters to life. Kirchner's storytelling is both compelling and immersive, with sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions that transport readers straight into the heart of the action. The complex relationships and intense plot twists will keep readers eagerly turning pages. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and thrilling, character-driven stories.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was misled to believe that this was a standalone novel but it is book 3 in a series and I was hopelessly lost in the beginning of this one so I went back and listened to the first one. Unfortunately, that wasn’t any better: too many characters with very little development made everyone sound the same and I had trouble distinguishing between the various characters. It’s evident that tons of research went into crafting this series but all that aside, the story is almost impossible to follow and I couldn’t get into it.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Jade Brunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is always hit or miss for me, but this one was a huge hit! This was my favorite book in the Queenpin Series and I couldn't read it fast enough. This is *NOT* a stand alone. In order to really understand the story you need to know what came before. I love how this book happened over 2 different time periods. I thought that it was a great way to continue the series, rather than just following along with one main character. The plot was great. I would recommend this series to others!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a good suspense thriller with strong heroines in it then you will love this book. I strongly suggest reading the first two books so you are more aware of everything going on but you can read it by itself. This author knows how to put just enough detail but not too much that it overwhelms you. Be prepared to go on a journey with these strong women as they navigates a man’s world, corruption, and criminals. Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down until you are done.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong women and mafia combined with historical fiction storytelling is what you get with the third Queenpin Chronicles book. The reader gets points-of-view from Cuba and Miami 20 years apart as mysteries and their answers come to light. Havana Girls can be read as a standalone. However, to fully appreciate the rich character and world building L.L. Kirschner does so well, I would recommend reading the entire series. This book has a it all- mystery, strong women, spies, and so much more!