Fried Plantains and Fatal Secrets

by Samuel DenHartog

Summer in Florida should mean iced tea, quiet days, and a break from the unexpected. But Margot Bellamy is about to find herself in the middle of a mystery steeped in family secrets and café con leche. When a celebrated Cuban restaurant owner in historic Ybor City dies suddenly during a private dinner, whispers of foul play swirl beneath the clatter of plates and the scent of fried plantains. A trusted lawyer reaches out to Margot for help, hoping she can uncover the truth before the family fractures beyond repair or the estate becomes a battlefield.

Inside the weathered walls of Casa Del Castillo, five adult siblings mourn, maneuver, and keep secrets close. Each one has a reason to protect the legacy or claim it for themselves. As Margot begins quietly questioning the staff and family members, she uncovers rivalries, bitterness, and a perfectly timed espresso that may have delivered more than caffeine. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes that charm and tradition can sometimes hide the sharpest edges.

From moonlit courtyards and art galleries in St. Petersburg to the quiet corners of her own intuition, Margot follows a trail of small inconsistencies that slowly begin to connect. The truth will not come easily, and when it does, it will force the Del Castillo family to face what they never wanted to see. For Margot, it is one more reminder that in every mystery, the real danger often lies in what goes unnoticed.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Samuel DenHartog is a versatile and imaginative author whose works span a wide array of genres, including mythology, fables, fairy tales, fantasy, romance, mystery, science fiction, and children's books. His stories captivate readers of all ages, blending wonder with rich, timeless narratives.

What sets Samuel apart is his ability to breathe new life into ancient tales while preserving their core essence. Whether it's mythology, folklore, or fairy tales from various cultures, by carefully balancing tradition with modern touches, he creates stories that resonate with contemporary audiences, making historical and mythical narratives feel fresh, relevant, and engaging.

Off the page, Samuel is a lifelong learner, constantly expanding his creative horizons and engaging with innovative ideas. His journey is a continual pursuit of knowledge and creativity, bridging the worlds of tradition and imagination.

Reviews

[Arelys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery

I like the cozy cove mysteries. They paint a great picture of places with realism since several places exist in real life. My only complaint is in a particular section a conversation between Margot and Preston was confusing because it sounded like he was a sibling of the family of the deceased instead of the family attorney. Otherwise it’s a fun read.

[NinetyDegreesPastPeriapsis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Denhartog's 61st book of 2025. Written and designed with AI.

[Mary]

I won Book 3 in a Goodreads eBook giveaway. I read about 18%, but there were enough gaps of information that I decided to purchase Book 1. I read about 23% before I decided to not finish. The writing is somewhat sloppy and disconnected. It had one character visiting the library one day. The next day they referred to ‘all of his visits’. I have other books on my shelf that I would rather read.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I liked the people in this book. They were very interesting. Margot with the help of her nephew Noah do an excellent job of solving the murder.

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

His mysteries come along and are solved quietly, without furosity.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lil cozy Mystery. Really enjoyed it.