What do you think?
Rate this book
Fried Plantains and Fatal Secrets
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.
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.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2025
13 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Samuel DenHartog
280 books111 followersSamuel 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 15, 2025
Denhartog's 61st book of 2025. Written and designed with AI.
September 3, 2025
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.
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.
September 6, 2025
His mysteries come along and are solved quietly, without furosity.
September 17, 2025
A good lil cozy Mystery. Really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews