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John Santana #1
White Tombs
Hunted by a vengeful assassin. Haunted by his past. Santana's vow to a dead man's wife could cost him his life.
When a prominent leader of St. Paul's close-knit Hispanic community is murdered, Detective John Santana promises the widow he will bring down the killer. Despite the snow and bitter cold, the case heats up quickly-suspects are killed before they can be questioned; his alcoholic partner's trigger finger draws the attention of Internal Affairs; a sexually explicit photo of a murder victim surfaces in an unlikely place; a snow plow becomes a deadly weapon. With the police brass threatening to pull him off the case, Santana has one last chance to stop a killer and save a young woman's life.
“A superb police procedural starring a fascinating lead detective” ––Midwest Book Review
When a prominent leader of St. Paul's close-knit Hispanic community is murdered, Detective John Santana promises the widow he will bring down the killer. Despite the snow and bitter cold, the case heats up quickly-suspects are killed before they can be questioned; his alcoholic partner's trigger finger draws the attention of Internal Affairs; a sexually explicit photo of a murder victim surfaces in an unlikely place; a snow plow becomes a deadly weapon. With the police brass threatening to pull him off the case, Santana has one last chance to stop a killer and save a young woman's life.
“A superb police procedural starring a fascinating lead detective” ––Midwest Book Review
354 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
43 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Valen
19 books54 followersChristopher Valen is the award-winning author of nine works of fiction featuring Colombian-born, St. Paul Homicide Detective John Santana: White Tombs, The Black Minute, Bad Weeds Never Die, Bone Shadows, Death’s Way, The Darkness Hunter, Speak For The Dead, The Price Of Life, and No Way To Die. He's also written the historical noir murder mystery, City Of Stones, set in 1950 Minneapolis, with fellow author Dan Cohen, and the literary novel All The Fields.
Booklist calls Santana “. . . an appealing series lead, strong and intelligent . . .” Midwest Book Review declares that “Santana is a wonderful addition to the sub-genre,” and Library Journal says that Valen’s “ . . . highly moral Santana character is golden.”
Christopher is a graduate of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy and has many contacts and resources in the law enforcement community. He lives in Arizona and Minnesota with his Colombian-born wife, Martha. To learn more visit his website at www.christophervalen.com
Booklist calls Santana “. . . an appealing series lead, strong and intelligent . . .” Midwest Book Review declares that “Santana is a wonderful addition to the sub-genre,” and Library Journal says that Valen’s “ . . . highly moral Santana character is golden.”
Christopher is a graduate of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy and has many contacts and resources in the law enforcement community. He lives in Arizona and Minnesota with his Colombian-born wife, Martha. To learn more visit his website at www.christophervalen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 19, 2017
This book introduces yet another Minnesota homicide detective, this one named John Santana. (There must be something in the water up there in the Land of 10,000 lakes, what with all the fictional crime that happens in the state and what with all the detectives who are running around attempting to solve all those crimes. One suspects that if you eliminated the crime novels set in Minnesota, the genre would suddenly be reduced by about ten percent. But I digress...)
Santana is a native of Colombia and left that country under tragic circumstances, which would color the rest of his life. Like any other moody homicide detective, he is a natural loner and has issues with his bosses. And, of course, his love life is complicated and/or non existent because he's so aloof and hard to get along with.
A furor results when two prominent Hispanic citizens of St. Paul are murdered on the same afternoon in the middle of a brutal winter. Santana and his partner are investigating the first homicide and on their way to question the man who will soon become the second. As they are about to walk into the second man's apartment, his body comes flying off a balcony above and nearly lands on them.
Santana and his partner chase a potential suspect and the partner, who has been drinking, shoots the fleeing man who happens to be carrying the gun that was used in the first killing. The brass are anxious to tie a bow around this one and declare it solved, but Santana has doubts and continues the investigation at great peril to his career and maybe to his life.
This is a pretty entertaining tale, even if it does seem like it hits a lot of the usual cliches. The most interesting thing about it is the insight that the book provides into the St. Paul Hispanic community. I would suggest that the plot is a bit more convoluted than it really needs to be, but I enjoyed meeting John Santana and I'll look forward to his next outing.
Santana is a native of Colombia and left that country under tragic circumstances, which would color the rest of his life. Like any other moody homicide detective, he is a natural loner and has issues with his bosses. And, of course, his love life is complicated and/or non existent because he's so aloof and hard to get along with.
A furor results when two prominent Hispanic citizens of St. Paul are murdered on the same afternoon in the middle of a brutal winter. Santana and his partner are investigating the first homicide and on their way to question the man who will soon become the second. As they are about to walk into the second man's apartment, his body comes flying off a balcony above and nearly lands on them.
Santana and his partner chase a potential suspect and the partner, who has been drinking, shoots the fleeing man who happens to be carrying the gun that was used in the first killing. The brass are anxious to tie a bow around this one and declare it solved, but Santana has doubts and continues the investigation at great peril to his career and maybe to his life.
This is a pretty entertaining tale, even if it does seem like it hits a lot of the usual cliches. The most interesting thing about it is the insight that the book provides into the St. Paul Hispanic community. I would suggest that the plot is a bit more convoluted than it really needs to be, but I enjoyed meeting John Santana and I'll look forward to his next outing.
August 24, 2008
Polly recommendation. 1st book by a new MN mystery author. Polly says is REALLY good.
Great, complicated mystery. Lots of angles--hispanic racial, economical, political problems in addition to two murders. I got a little tired of the male point of view. It's often difficult for a male author to NOT think of sexual connotations and wonder if someone is attracted to the males all the time. Maybe that is realistic for macho hispanic cop, however. I like more SENSITIVE (or at least more discreet) males myself!
Great, complicated mystery. Lots of angles--hispanic racial, economical, political problems in addition to two murders. I got a little tired of the male point of view. It's often difficult for a male author to NOT think of sexual connotations and wonder if someone is attracted to the males all the time. Maybe that is realistic for macho hispanic cop, however. I like more SENSITIVE (or at least more discreet) males myself!
August 5, 2010
Valen's debut thriller is a winner. I was immediately drawn into the mind and world of his protagonist, Columbian born St. Paul Detective John Santana. The story grows in intensity to the dramatic end. His characters have human flaws which make them come alive on the pages. Santana's past is a story in itself. Great read.
August 26, 2011
I really enjoyed this novel and really liked how many twists it took (especially near the end). Santana is a really good detective even when everyone is against him and he follows each clue that is presented. This book moves along at a good pace and definitely plan to read more Valen novels as they come.
November 10, 2009
Meet Detective John Santana of the St. Paul Police Department. He is not a man you will soon forget. Santana is a native of Columbia. He left under a cloud and to this day fears that assassins will eventually find him even as far away as Minnesota. Life was not easy on Santana when he arrived in the United States but he survived to become a respected detective in St. Paul.
Julio Perez is found shot to death in his home. Perez is the owner of El Dia, a monthly Hispanic newspaper in Stipule. His rolodex was open to the name of Rafael Mendoza, an immigration attorney. After leaving the Perez residence, Santana and his partner pay a visit to Mendoza but they are too late. The two arrive at the loft just as Rafael Mendoza falls to his death from his balcony. Santana rushes to Mendoza’s loft and gives chase to a man running away. Santana’s partner shots the man thinking he has pulled a gun. The man who is shot and killed turns out to be an employee of El Dia.
When Mendoza’s loft is searched, files are discovered that point to a racket involving phony visa applications. A sexually explicit photo of two unidentified men is also found hidden in the loft.
Santana begins to try to fit the puzzle together and figure out if the three deaths are connected. Before Santana gets too deep into the investigation he is pulled from the case by his superior and James Kehoe is put in charge of the murder investigations.
Santana has little respect for Kehoe and his investigative abilities and at the risk of his job, he continues trying to put the pieces together on his own. He even travels to Mexico at his own expense and without the knowledge of the department.
As the connections between the victims are established, the picture becomes clearer and clearer. This reader was very surprised when the whole story was finally revealed. The outcome of this investigation touched many lives. The book is a great read and Santana is destined to become one of my favorite detectives.
Julio Perez is found shot to death in his home. Perez is the owner of El Dia, a monthly Hispanic newspaper in Stipule. His rolodex was open to the name of Rafael Mendoza, an immigration attorney. After leaving the Perez residence, Santana and his partner pay a visit to Mendoza but they are too late. The two arrive at the loft just as Rafael Mendoza falls to his death from his balcony. Santana rushes to Mendoza’s loft and gives chase to a man running away. Santana’s partner shots the man thinking he has pulled a gun. The man who is shot and killed turns out to be an employee of El Dia.
When Mendoza’s loft is searched, files are discovered that point to a racket involving phony visa applications. A sexually explicit photo of two unidentified men is also found hidden in the loft.
Santana begins to try to fit the puzzle together and figure out if the three deaths are connected. Before Santana gets too deep into the investigation he is pulled from the case by his superior and James Kehoe is put in charge of the murder investigations.
Santana has little respect for Kehoe and his investigative abilities and at the risk of his job, he continues trying to put the pieces together on his own. He even travels to Mexico at his own expense and without the knowledge of the department.
As the connections between the victims are established, the picture becomes clearer and clearer. This reader was very surprised when the whole story was finally revealed. The outcome of this investigation touched many lives. The book is a great read and Santana is destined to become one of my favorite detectives.
April 3, 2009
This mystery debut by Twin Cities'author Christopehr Valen surprised many with its top drawer quality--it delivers! Addressing a wide range of socially relevant issues, this murder mystery gained four and 5 star reviews from seasoned critics in the field.
Columbian-born detective John Santana investigates the murder of Julio Perez, owner of the largest Hispanic newspaper in St. Paul, El Dia. Before Santana and his partner,Rick Anderson, can question the suspect, Mendoza, about the murder, falls to his death.
The shooting of an employee of El Dia, sexually-explicit photos of one of the murder victims, an illegal alien visa scam, problems inside the police department that don't bode well for Santana, and a killer with Santana as his target create a suspenseful and multi-layered read that keeps us guessing until the end. Thank goodness there is a series in the works. "The Black Minute" will be released in summer 2009. Will John Santana return? "White Tombs" holds that answer.
Columbian-born detective John Santana investigates the murder of Julio Perez, owner of the largest Hispanic newspaper in St. Paul, El Dia. Before Santana and his partner,Rick Anderson, can question the suspect, Mendoza, about the murder, falls to his death.
The shooting of an employee of El Dia, sexually-explicit photos of one of the murder victims, an illegal alien visa scam, problems inside the police department that don't bode well for Santana, and a killer with Santana as his target create a suspenseful and multi-layered read that keeps us guessing until the end. Thank goodness there is a series in the works. "The Black Minute" will be released in summer 2009. Will John Santana return? "White Tombs" holds that answer.
June 25, 2013
Enjoyable and perfectly pulpy, Valen has recaptured an old world of writing and brought it back to one of the best cities in the country. Think Hiasson of the North, but with the Everglades frozen.
Often it's frustrating to read something as one sided as this (it's easy to read who the bad guys are from the good guys; only the females are usually described in much physical detail), but Valen does this well. This isn't Shakespeare, but he didn't set off to write a book of that nature.
Rather, he's created a world where women are glorious sirens and good cops always their man.
This book earned an extra star for all the Twins player's names it used. Having the partner cop named Rick Anderson... brilliant!
Often it's frustrating to read something as one sided as this (it's easy to read who the bad guys are from the good guys; only the females are usually described in much physical detail), but Valen does this well. This isn't Shakespeare, but he didn't set off to write a book of that nature.
Rather, he's created a world where women are glorious sirens and good cops always their man.
This book earned an extra star for all the Twins player's names it used. Having the partner cop named Rick Anderson... brilliant!
October 23, 2013
Very enjoyable read that I read rapidly. The plot is good, a few deaths, a possible innocent accused of murder etc. It is worth taking careful note of the names at the beginning, as I got through the book I couldn't remember who was who (my fault not the writers, but then there are a few to keep track of). Would recommend for anyone who likes a decent murder thriller type of book. The best bit was the sub plot about the detectives past. That would make an intriguing book on its own. I suspect that it might be used as a background in subsequent novels, that side of the book warranted more emphasis & development.
April 13, 2009
Great first mystery novel by Christopher Valen. Mystery takes place in St. Paul, Minnesota. Interesting characters and background of Hispanic community in St. Paul. Central character is Detective John Santana, who grew up in Columbia. Can't wait for the next installment
July 24, 2013
Patron Review:
Enjoyed the fast pace of this book. Also, the setting was familiar so I could relate a lot of the area. Will definitely read more of this series. Would like to meet him in person!
Enjoyed the fast pace of this book. Also, the setting was familiar so I could relate a lot of the area. Will definitely read more of this series. Would like to meet him in person!
October 25, 2015
Really liked this book, and will be reading the rest of the John Santana's series! Looking forward to meeting Christopher Valen at our book club meeting.
July 6, 2020
Although this is the first of Christopher Valen's books I have read, there was enough detail in the writing to make you believe you knew the character John Santana.
People, supposedly unlinked are dying. The link is there though with the good old catholic church and paedophilia. John does get the culprits and a dog and a renewed love interest.
I would not be averse to reading more books about Santana or others by the author.
People, supposedly unlinked are dying. The link is there though with the good old catholic church and paedophilia. John does get the culprits and a dog and a renewed love interest.
I would not be averse to reading more books about Santana or others by the author.
October 2, 2014
Recently, I reviewed the fifth book in Christopher Valen’s John Santana saga, Death’s Way. White Tombs is the first title in the series. (I now have all of the five books, and as I read them I will post reviews as well).
When Julio Perez in found murdered, Minnesota detective John Santana has a few leads to investigate. Perez made a phone call to an attorney before his death. It seems like a good place to start. Santana and his partner, Rick Anderson, start their hunt. Santana has promised Perez’s wife that he will find whoever is responsible for the death of her husband.
The investigation goes sideways fast. The people Santana and Anderson need to question about Perez’s death are dead. One murdered, the other a possible suicide. It looks like the person who committed suicide was the killer. All evidence points in that direction. The mayor’s investigator, James Kehoe wants the case wrapped up and closed quickly.
Unwilling to be bullied into wrapping up and closing the case quickly, Santana continues his detecting. Anderson is useless to him, and so Santana is forced to work the leads on his own. The roads lead him across the Mexican border. It is impossible for Santana not to re-visit his own past inside his mind. The events from his childhood are what made him into the man he is today. His trip may also have uncovered truths about the case, possible motives, and more questions about who might be behind the series of killings and suspected suicides in the states. With more than meets the eye, Santana must sort through immigrants illegally entering the country, uncovered incriminating photographs, plots of possible blackmail, and . . . too many plausible motives for revenge.
Santana’s violent past, his search for the truth behind who killed Perez, and his promise to Perez’s wife to bring the murderer to justice could cost Santana more than his job on the force. . .it could cost him his life!
Like I indicated above, this is now the second book I have read by Christopher Valen. Even though I read the books out of order, fifth and first in the series, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t confused, or lost. It was great reading White Tombs, seeing Santana’s Mexican history, and the reason behind why he became an officer instead of a doctor. As expected, Valen’s writing is crisp and smooth. He peppers his narrative with plenty of history. I feel like I’ve received an education without having realized it. I shiver when scenes role out in Minnesota, and feel a need to look over my shoulder when Santana is in Mexico. There is a gritty, yet poetic way to Valen’s writing. Valen’s writing and complex storylines are parellel to that of John Sanford, and surpass anything I’ve ever read by James Patterson. I do not dish out compliments like that lightly. If you enjoy heartfelt thrillers with a puzzle that needs to be pieced together, I highly recommend books by Christopher Valen. Do yourself a favor, start with White Tombs and work your way forward!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Blood River and The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
When Julio Perez in found murdered, Minnesota detective John Santana has a few leads to investigate. Perez made a phone call to an attorney before his death. It seems like a good place to start. Santana and his partner, Rick Anderson, start their hunt. Santana has promised Perez’s wife that he will find whoever is responsible for the death of her husband.
The investigation goes sideways fast. The people Santana and Anderson need to question about Perez’s death are dead. One murdered, the other a possible suicide. It looks like the person who committed suicide was the killer. All evidence points in that direction. The mayor’s investigator, James Kehoe wants the case wrapped up and closed quickly.
Unwilling to be bullied into wrapping up and closing the case quickly, Santana continues his detecting. Anderson is useless to him, and so Santana is forced to work the leads on his own. The roads lead him across the Mexican border. It is impossible for Santana not to re-visit his own past inside his mind. The events from his childhood are what made him into the man he is today. His trip may also have uncovered truths about the case, possible motives, and more questions about who might be behind the series of killings and suspected suicides in the states. With more than meets the eye, Santana must sort through immigrants illegally entering the country, uncovered incriminating photographs, plots of possible blackmail, and . . . too many plausible motives for revenge.
Santana’s violent past, his search for the truth behind who killed Perez, and his promise to Perez’s wife to bring the murderer to justice could cost Santana more than his job on the force. . .it could cost him his life!
Like I indicated above, this is now the second book I have read by Christopher Valen. Even though I read the books out of order, fifth and first in the series, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t confused, or lost. It was great reading White Tombs, seeing Santana’s Mexican history, and the reason behind why he became an officer instead of a doctor. As expected, Valen’s writing is crisp and smooth. He peppers his narrative with plenty of history. I feel like I’ve received an education without having realized it. I shiver when scenes role out in Minnesota, and feel a need to look over my shoulder when Santana is in Mexico. There is a gritty, yet poetic way to Valen’s writing. Valen’s writing and complex storylines are parellel to that of John Sanford, and surpass anything I’ve ever read by James Patterson. I do not dish out compliments like that lightly. If you enjoy heartfelt thrillers with a puzzle that needs to be pieced together, I highly recommend books by Christopher Valen. Do yourself a favor, start with White Tombs and work your way forward!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Blood River and The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
August 27, 2014
First book in a series by a Minnesota author. I picked it up because I was at the bookstore and he was doing a book signing. He was very engaging and friendly. The book is very well written and the main character is very compelling. I love that it is written about St. Paul and I'm familiar with many of the spots he talks about. Reminds me a little of John Sandford (which is totally good). I'll be picking up the rest of the series. If you ever see Mr. Valen at a book signing, stop and talk to him, he's very nice!
March 31, 2015
received free copy from Amazon.
I am so glad I read this,really good start to series.Well written and the characters were very well written and I feel in future books they can only get better and I will definitely read more in series.
I am so glad I read this,really good start to series.Well written and the characters were very well written and I feel in future books they can only get better and I will definitely read more in series.
August 9, 2016
Filled with intrigue, White Tombs definitely hooks and reels you in. John Santana is determined, appealing, and zealous and harbors a secret of his own which adds depth to his character as well as to the convolutions of this mystery.
March 11, 2013
Good read. Waiting for his next book.
March 15, 2014
Not a fan of mystery novels. But I enjoyed this police procedural which was rich in the hispanic experience in our society,
December 28, 2014
Compelling read
Good new author keeps you involved and has some interesting twists and turns. I will be glad to read more of his stories.
Good new author keeps you involved and has some interesting twists and turns. I will be glad to read more of his stories.
March 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this bood. The story is set where I grew up as a child.
September 30, 2016
Enjoyed this book . Super writing style , great mystery ....love the good cop , bad cop .
October 12, 2025
How in the world can there be a Minnesota Mystery author that I don't know? Unbelievable! I don't remember how I first became aware of this author, but it took longer to start reading his book because the library systems I have access to do not have this book in audiobook form. I had to wait til the hard copy became available. I only found out today, when looking at Chistopher Valen's website, that I could have gotten a copy of the e-book free! Anyway, of course I love the setting. I look up every restaurant he mentions by name! I know different places he mentions and since I'm working at learning Spanish, I enjoy the spanish phrases and also look those up. (My spanish lessons have yet to include rude words!). His main character, John Santana is smart and believable and I definitely will continue reading through this series. I did not predict the end on this one by a long shot! This book was written a while ago, but at the end Valen encourages book clubs to invite them to their gatherings, though they will need a "speaker phone." Bet we could do it on Zoom these days if he's still up for it! (I have to admit, one of the best book club meetings I had was when we got Jon Hassler to meet with us via speakerphone back in the late 70's to discuss Staggerford!)
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December 20, 2022When a prominent leader of St. Paul's close knit Hispanic community is murdered, Detective John Saltana promises the widow he will bring down the killer. Despite the snow and bitter cold, the case heats up quickly-suspects are killed before they can be questioned; his alcoholic partner's trigger finger draws the attention of the Internal Affairs; a sexually explicit photo of a murder victim surfaces in an unlikely place; a snow plow becomes a deadly weapon; and police brass threaten to pull Santana off the case. Hunted by an assassin out for revenge and haunted by his violent Colombian past and the younger sister he left behind, Santana's simple vow to a dead man's wife becomes an oath that could cost him his life.
November 9, 2020
Really enjoyed this book and especially the central character, John Santana. A complicated plot but the author cleared up all the loose ends and I look forward to reading more 'John Santana' books.
December 11, 2025
I'm always interested in any book that features Minnesota -- especially the Metropolitan area.
This was my introduction to this series and it was a little grittier than I usually read -- but I will
try the next in the series.
This was my introduction to this series and it was a little grittier than I usually read -- but I will
try the next in the series.
September 7, 2017
September Book Club selection. I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good mystery that kept me guessing as to who the killer was.
February 21, 2018
3.5. Plot and backstory very good, writing not great. A little clunky, way too much irrelevant detail (brand names, etc.), and even some editing errors.
May 12, 2024
Fantastic
Currently reading
January 25, 2025Donna told me about this Minnesota author.
October 20, 2011
First of a series featuring St. Paul detective John Santana which throws him headlong into the murders of some prominent Hispanic members of the community.
I finished the book, but found the writing rather pedestrian--at times it sort of read like a grocery list of descriptions and emotions without much embellishment to make the story more interesting. There were too many characters introduced too quickly such that I never got a sense of who any of them were as people. Also, the subplot of Santana's constant rebelling against orders from his obviously stupid superiors is a much-overused device in police-based series that I grow very weary of.
I also found way too many grammatical errors and things such as misplaced commas and apostrophes to make this a comfortable read; it was quite distracting. But the thing that really kept me from getting into the story was that the author couldn't make me care one way or another about the main character, the victims, or the resolution to the mystery. Needless to say, I don't plan to continue the series.
I finished the book, but found the writing rather pedestrian--at times it sort of read like a grocery list of descriptions and emotions without much embellishment to make the story more interesting. There were too many characters introduced too quickly such that I never got a sense of who any of them were as people. Also, the subplot of Santana's constant rebelling against orders from his obviously stupid superiors is a much-overused device in police-based series that I grow very weary of.
I also found way too many grammatical errors and things such as misplaced commas and apostrophes to make this a comfortable read; it was quite distracting. But the thing that really kept me from getting into the story was that the author couldn't make me care one way or another about the main character, the victims, or the resolution to the mystery. Needless to say, I don't plan to continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews