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Del Rio
Del Rio, California, a once-thriving Central Valley farm town, is now filled with run-down Dollar Stores, llanterias, carnicerias, and shabby mini-marts that sell one-way bus tickets straight to Tijuana on the Flecha Amarilla line. It’s a place you drive through with windows up and doors locked, especially at night—a place the locals call Cartel Country. While it’s no longer the California of postcards, for local District Attorney Callie McCall, her dying hometown is the perfect place to launch a political career and try to make a difference.
But when the dismembered body of a migrant teen is found in one of Del Rio’s surrounding citrus groves, Callie faces a career make-or-break case that takes her on a dangerous journey down the violent west coast of Mexico, to a tropical paradise hiding a terrible secret, and finally back home again, where her determination to find the killer pits her against the wealthiest, most politically connected, most ruthless farming family in California: her own.
But when the dismembered body of a migrant teen is found in one of Del Rio’s surrounding citrus groves, Callie faces a career make-or-break case that takes her on a dangerous journey down the violent west coast of Mexico, to a tropical paradise hiding a terrible secret, and finally back home again, where her determination to find the killer pits her against the wealthiest, most politically connected, most ruthless farming family in California: her own.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2021
12 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 10, 2021
Del Rio is a run down farm town in California, filled with poverty, but that doesn't stop DA Callie McCall from trying to make a difference, fighting crimes of both the rich and the poor. She's hoping to make it big some day, and has her eyes on a senator seat.
The book takes place in both California and Mexico, and is written so well, I felt transported to the underbelly of the crime world. It seemed to capture the essence of the places and culture of the people.
The book started off slowly for me and I had a hard time finding my reading groove. In addition there was a tangential story which felt completely out of place. Until it didn't. As I approached the halfway point, things started to come together and the words started to fly off the page. There was some serious nefarious stuff going down and nobody was to be trusted. The lengths people go to for money is disgusting. The ending was extremely action packed, at moments so intense I had to take a break 😱🤣
The book takes place in both California and Mexico, and is written so well, I felt transported to the underbelly of the crime world. It seemed to capture the essence of the places and culture of the people.
The book started off slowly for me and I had a hard time finding my reading groove. In addition there was a tangential story which felt completely out of place. Until it didn't. As I approached the halfway point, things started to come together and the words started to fly off the page. There was some serious nefarious stuff going down and nobody was to be trusted. The lengths people go to for money is disgusting. The ending was extremely action packed, at moments so intense I had to take a break 😱🤣
March 16, 2021
This was an interesting, twisted thriller that had lots of surprises along the way to keep me super interested! I really enjoyed the California location. I felt like the author really brought the area and the people to life. There were a lot of characters to keep up with, and I probably could have done with a few less, but there were a few that I really connected with! Overall, I thought this was a fast-paced thriller that is perfect for readers that enjoy legal thrillers!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 10, 2021
I met Jane Rosenthal during a Women’s Fiction Writers (WFWA) retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We were both living in California at the time, enjoyed each other’s company, our love of writing, and discussed the inevitable struggle of getting published.
And today, I’m pleased to present to you, Jane’s second published work, DEL RIO, a Novel. I hope you will enjoy reading about Jane’s process and how personal experience contributed to her vision for this story.
Jane’s Voice: My novel Del Rio is set in a fictional town in the Central Valley of California, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Central Valley is a place made up of small towns, near where I lived, towns so accessible that they were where I went to get my hair styled, grocery shop or go to the bank. This particular town, Del Rio, doesn’t really exist, except in my imagination.
One of the best compliments I ever received for my manuscript occurred when I was pitching the book at a conference. An editor, looking over his glasses at me, pronounced: “Wow, so do you live in Del Rio?”
The place seemed that real to him. And in a way, it is. Writing is a journey, and this book took me on one.
JANE’S REALIZATION THAT MUCH OF DEL RIO WAS NORTH OF THE BORDER …
Jane says: One Saturday a few years back, something happened that changed the whole trajectory of the book. I’d gone into town to do errands. But when I got to Wells Fargo Bank, the line was out the door. That had never happened before. But I’d never been there on a Saturday, mid-month, payday for the farm workers. It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only native English speaker in the entire line.
A lightbulb exploded in my head. I didn’t need to go south, at least in the book, to be in Mexico. I WAS on the west coast of Mexico. Right then, right there. After I made my deposit, I headed to my office, to sit down and write the first sentence that would become Del Rio.
That sentence came easily: Fletcher wanted me to meet him at the Starlight Lounge, an old roadhouse set on the banks of the San Joaquin River, a few miles south of town.
This was the voice of Callie, my protagonist. And even though Del Rio starts and ends in California, Callie travels to the west coast of Mexico, to a fishing village called San Benito, a place that is Night of the Iguana on steroids. Her mission: to search for a killer.
Then Jane reminds us: You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens once Callie gets there!
FICTION THAT SHOUTS FOR ACTION
Jane’s book is a fascinating read. She tells us: I’d intended when I first started on this Mexico Trilogy to set the second book solely on the west coast of Mexico. I’d been to Mexico’s Pacific coast many times and loved its “Night of the Iguana” feel. I wanted to give the reader that atmosphere, but a totally different feel and cast of characters from the Mexico City setting I had recreated in Palace of the Blue Butterfly. (get it on Amazon)
But then she saw that the seeds of her story were literally planted in the United States.
CENTRAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA WORKERS--WHAT THEY NEED AND DON'T HAVE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION....
Farmworkers are not protected under the National Labor Relations Laws (NLRA).
Farmworkers are exempt from many protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). Exempt from most minimum wage and hour guarantees.
They are not entitled to overtime pay or mandatory breaks for rest or meals
There are few labor protections for farmworker children.
Most farmworkers are excluded from federal minimum wage laws and other labor protections, including the right to overtime pay for workers that work more than 40 hrs./wk.
FWs are not protected from retaliation by federal law when engaged in labor organizing.
They are not entitled to receive attorney fees under the Migrant and Seasonal Ag. Worker Protection Act.
Many FWs on small farms don’t even have access to toilets and hand-washing facilities and drinking water.
There is a Lack of Transparency in the Food system.
The Fair Labor Standards Act is supposed to protect all workers with respect to the federal minimum wage and overtime pay, even undocumented workers. However, workers have little or no way to enforce their rights.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Read Del Rio for a great story, as well as a look into the dangerous games being played, the innocent lives being risked. Because it is happening, right before our eyes.
And if moved by Rosenthall’s experience, the words in her book, the information I have provided here, please go to https://farmworkerfamily.org/information and donate. For more information that conflicts with above, go to: http://www.lacooperativa.org/farm-wor...
P.S. California produces over 350 commodities; including 1/3 of the nation's vegetables and nearly 2/3 of the nation's fruits and nuts. California produces 90% of the strawberries grown in the U.S. Between 1/3 and 1/2 of all farmworkers in America reside in California, or roughly 500,000 - 800,000 farmworkers. Approximately 75% of California's farmworkers are undocumented; 83% in Santa Cruz County. Approximately 1/3 are women, and they range in age from their teens to their 60s. In addition, there are 400,000 children working in U.S. fields;
And today, I’m pleased to present to you, Jane’s second published work, DEL RIO, a Novel. I hope you will enjoy reading about Jane’s process and how personal experience contributed to her vision for this story.
Jane’s Voice: My novel Del Rio is set in a fictional town in the Central Valley of California, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Central Valley is a place made up of small towns, near where I lived, towns so accessible that they were where I went to get my hair styled, grocery shop or go to the bank. This particular town, Del Rio, doesn’t really exist, except in my imagination.
One of the best compliments I ever received for my manuscript occurred when I was pitching the book at a conference. An editor, looking over his glasses at me, pronounced: “Wow, so do you live in Del Rio?”
The place seemed that real to him. And in a way, it is. Writing is a journey, and this book took me on one.
JANE’S REALIZATION THAT MUCH OF DEL RIO WAS NORTH OF THE BORDER …
Jane says: One Saturday a few years back, something happened that changed the whole trajectory of the book. I’d gone into town to do errands. But when I got to Wells Fargo Bank, the line was out the door. That had never happened before. But I’d never been there on a Saturday, mid-month, payday for the farm workers. It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only native English speaker in the entire line.
A lightbulb exploded in my head. I didn’t need to go south, at least in the book, to be in Mexico. I WAS on the west coast of Mexico. Right then, right there. After I made my deposit, I headed to my office, to sit down and write the first sentence that would become Del Rio.
That sentence came easily: Fletcher wanted me to meet him at the Starlight Lounge, an old roadhouse set on the banks of the San Joaquin River, a few miles south of town.
This was the voice of Callie, my protagonist. And even though Del Rio starts and ends in California, Callie travels to the west coast of Mexico, to a fishing village called San Benito, a place that is Night of the Iguana on steroids. Her mission: to search for a killer.
Then Jane reminds us: You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens once Callie gets there!
FICTION THAT SHOUTS FOR ACTION
Jane’s book is a fascinating read. She tells us: I’d intended when I first started on this Mexico Trilogy to set the second book solely on the west coast of Mexico. I’d been to Mexico’s Pacific coast many times and loved its “Night of the Iguana” feel. I wanted to give the reader that atmosphere, but a totally different feel and cast of characters from the Mexico City setting I had recreated in Palace of the Blue Butterfly. (get it on Amazon)
But then she saw that the seeds of her story were literally planted in the United States.
CENTRAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA WORKERS--WHAT THEY NEED AND DON'T HAVE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION....
Farmworkers are not protected under the National Labor Relations Laws (NLRA).
Farmworkers are exempt from many protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). Exempt from most minimum wage and hour guarantees.
They are not entitled to overtime pay or mandatory breaks for rest or meals
There are few labor protections for farmworker children.
Most farmworkers are excluded from federal minimum wage laws and other labor protections, including the right to overtime pay for workers that work more than 40 hrs./wk.
FWs are not protected from retaliation by federal law when engaged in labor organizing.
They are not entitled to receive attorney fees under the Migrant and Seasonal Ag. Worker Protection Act.
Many FWs on small farms don’t even have access to toilets and hand-washing facilities and drinking water.
There is a Lack of Transparency in the Food system.
The Fair Labor Standards Act is supposed to protect all workers with respect to the federal minimum wage and overtime pay, even undocumented workers. However, workers have little or no way to enforce their rights.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Read Del Rio for a great story, as well as a look into the dangerous games being played, the innocent lives being risked. Because it is happening, right before our eyes.
And if moved by Rosenthall’s experience, the words in her book, the information I have provided here, please go to https://farmworkerfamily.org/information and donate. For more information that conflicts with above, go to: http://www.lacooperativa.org/farm-wor...
P.S. California produces over 350 commodities; including 1/3 of the nation's vegetables and nearly 2/3 of the nation's fruits and nuts. California produces 90% of the strawberries grown in the U.S. Between 1/3 and 1/2 of all farmworkers in America reside in California, or roughly 500,000 - 800,000 farmworkers. Approximately 75% of California's farmworkers are undocumented; 83% in Santa Cruz County. Approximately 1/3 are women, and they range in age from their teens to their 60s. In addition, there are 400,000 children working in U.S. fields;
March 12, 2021
Del Rio by Jane Rosenthal is about a middle-age District Attorney named Callie. Callie has a sister named Mia, and a brother named Mike. This family is very dysfunctional, and the spouses of Mia and Mike are both into something they should not be.
After a child's arm is found by migrant workers, Callie finds herself embroiled in uncovering a family secret and a murder investigation. She has to decide what to do, or if she should do anything. When she finds out that things are happening on both sides of the border she decides she must find out what is going on, even if that means destroying everything she has worked for.
This novel was not bad to start with, although there were some things I was uncomfortable with (as someone who was raised in California), but I will address these things later. The story starts off interesting with Callie dealing with her horrible ex-husband, Sam, and her equally horrible brother-in-law, Jim Fletcher. The readers find out that Jim Fletcher is involved in something unsavory, involving children, but it takes a bit to find out what that unsavory thing is, and in the end there are several things. Callie travels to Mexico and back to her inherited orchard in California, hoping to find the answers to the death of the child, and trying to figure out what her brother-in-law, husband, sister, and brother might be into.
About halfway through the book it becomes a little bit disjointed as another character, Nathan, is added. It seemed very unnecessary for him to be inserted into the novel, and a lot of his chapters seemed like non-sequiturs. Then in the end I was not sure why he was there. I would have liked more into his character, and why he was important, but to me it seemed like he was in the novel to move some parts of the story along, when he wasn't really needed, or possibly when the author didn't know what exactly to do.
I was a little disappointed in the ending of the novel as well. A few of the bad characters really did "get what they had coming to them," but since at least two of the characters who did not deserve the endings they got (Mia and Mike), which meant it was not satisfactory. Callie was a bit of a disappointment to me as well. She seemed so strong in the beginning, but she continually discusses how much her political future means, and that makes her feel as if she cares, but does not really care, about the migrant workers or the death of the child whose arm was found.
One thing that really bothered me was the town, and how the Hispanics were described. Most seem like stereotypes, as someone from California, and that bothered me. Also the description of the town as a place filled with run-down Dollar stores, a place where you drive through with the windows up and the doors locked. I feel that this is a stereotype when in reality places with orchards, vineyards, and farms, with migrants working are usually peaceful, with high end stores and tourist destinations near them. This may be my own issue.
I'd say this is an interesting read, and you should give it a chance.
After a child's arm is found by migrant workers, Callie finds herself embroiled in uncovering a family secret and a murder investigation. She has to decide what to do, or if she should do anything. When she finds out that things are happening on both sides of the border she decides she must find out what is going on, even if that means destroying everything she has worked for.
This novel was not bad to start with, although there were some things I was uncomfortable with (as someone who was raised in California), but I will address these things later. The story starts off interesting with Callie dealing with her horrible ex-husband, Sam, and her equally horrible brother-in-law, Jim Fletcher. The readers find out that Jim Fletcher is involved in something unsavory, involving children, but it takes a bit to find out what that unsavory thing is, and in the end there are several things. Callie travels to Mexico and back to her inherited orchard in California, hoping to find the answers to the death of the child, and trying to figure out what her brother-in-law, husband, sister, and brother might be into.
About halfway through the book it becomes a little bit disjointed as another character, Nathan, is added. It seemed very unnecessary for him to be inserted into the novel, and a lot of his chapters seemed like non-sequiturs. Then in the end I was not sure why he was there. I would have liked more into his character, and why he was important, but to me it seemed like he was in the novel to move some parts of the story along, when he wasn't really needed, or possibly when the author didn't know what exactly to do.
I was a little disappointed in the ending of the novel as well. A few of the bad characters really did "get what they had coming to them," but since at least two of the characters who did not deserve the endings they got (Mia and Mike), which meant it was not satisfactory. Callie was a bit of a disappointment to me as well. She seemed so strong in the beginning, but she continually discusses how much her political future means, and that makes her feel as if she cares, but does not really care, about the migrant workers or the death of the child whose arm was found.
One thing that really bothered me was the town, and how the Hispanics were described. Most seem like stereotypes, as someone from California, and that bothered me. Also the description of the town as a place filled with run-down Dollar stores, a place where you drive through with the windows up and the doors locked. I feel that this is a stereotype when in reality places with orchards, vineyards, and farms, with migrants working are usually peaceful, with high end stores and tourist destinations near them. This may be my own issue.
I'd say this is an interesting read, and you should give it a chance.
July 2, 2021
I have to admit that I walked away from this one a little conflicted. The beginning was a little slow, and I didn't love the writing style, but then I felt like the story gained momentum, and I was really into it. And then I got to the last quarter of the book, and I kept wondering how the heck the author was going to pull everything off--it just seemed like there was WAY too much going on to be so close to the end and I started to suspect that this was one of those starter books whose main purpose is to get you hooked on a series. But that didn't happen either, and everything wrapped itself up and I left the book just thinking, hmmmmm.
Also, there was a lot happening in this book--one of which was the author's commentary on the treatment of farm workers and undocumented workers, which I applaud. However the main character who is supposed to be speaking on the behalf of this group, didn't feel very authentic to me. I understand what the author was trying to do, I'm just not sure it really worked.
I walked away from this book feeling like I just walked out of the movie theater after an action movie that was made solely because a big star owed the studio another film. The action was fun and it was entertaining and all, but it probably isn't something you'd see again or recommend to your friends.
Also, there was a lot happening in this book--one of which was the author's commentary on the treatment of farm workers and undocumented workers, which I applaud. However the main character who is supposed to be speaking on the behalf of this group, didn't feel very authentic to me. I understand what the author was trying to do, I'm just not sure it really worked.
I walked away from this book feeling like I just walked out of the movie theater after an action movie that was made solely because a big star owed the studio another film. The action was fun and it was entertaining and all, but it probably isn't something you'd see again or recommend to your friends.
June 26, 2021
This was an interesting legal thriller that most fans of the genre will love. I really liked it at the beginning, but the ending fell a little flat for me. Otherwise, I thought it was a pretty good book that I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers.
The beginning of this book was really good in my opinion. Callie was an interesting character, and the plot itself was interesting. Eventually, once Nathan is introduced, I started to get a bit confused. His introduction led to a bunch of new characters being added, which was hard to keep up with. This was really my only problem with the book other than the ending.
The ending felt anti-climactic. Callie didn't really seem like the same character, and it bothered me that the characters who deserved to be hit by karma... got off easy, I guess.
I do think this is worth a read, and I really liked Rosenthal's writing style. I'm interested to see what other books the author will release in the future!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning of this book was really good in my opinion. Callie was an interesting character, and the plot itself was interesting. Eventually, once Nathan is introduced, I started to get a bit confused. His introduction led to a bunch of new characters being added, which was hard to keep up with. This was really my only problem with the book other than the ending.
The ending felt anti-climactic. Callie didn't really seem like the same character, and it bothered me that the characters who deserved to be hit by karma... got off easy, I guess.
I do think this is worth a read, and I really liked Rosenthal's writing style. I'm interested to see what other books the author will release in the future!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
If you are looking for a hot, dry book for summer (so you can really embrace that summer heat), this is a pick for you! I’m about a third of the way through the book so far, and here’s what’s going on. It’s set in dusty Del Rio where many of the community are poor farm workers. Callie is District Attorney in her hometown – you go girl! – and her well-connected brother-in-law, Fletcher, comes to town telling her that her do-good brother hasn’t been heard from. Callie takes it upon herself to investigate, winding up discovering more and more about the politically connected and investigating dismembered remains. I haven’t figured out if Callie will put all the pieces together yet, but I wanted to go ahead and share with you since this is a new release you may want to get your hands on! Thank you so much to BookSparks and Jane Rosenthal for my copy as part of the Summer PopUp Tour!
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September 23, 2021
If Chinatown is on your top 10 movies list and you lived for each HBO episode of True Detectives, Del Rio is a novel you will love. Jane Rosenthal has written a noir crime novel anchored in a California Central Valley Farm town that travels down to the lush but violent west coast of Mexico and up to the glamour of the wealthy and powerful in San Fransisco. All of her locations seem totally believable and her story is extensively researched without seeming "teachy." District Attorney Callie Mcall is a heroine you want to root for and the bad guys are so terrifying you genuinely hope for their demise. The plot is twisty enough to keep you interested but not so complicated that you will have trouble following it. Make sure you have time to finish the last few chapters in one sitting. You won't want to get up until you've turned the last page.
July 12, 2021
though relatively slow going & perhaps a bit disjointed at the beginning, it smooth sailed down the middle with a rather agreeable balance of personal + political, & did not disappoint in the end with just enough action, intrigue, & atmosphere to wrap everything up.
May 5, 2022
Once you pick this book up, you'll follow Callie through all the thrills . . . and goosebumps, and lies, oh my! Jane Rosenthal writes believable characters and paints memorable places that your mind will see as vividly as in any movie theatre.
October 4, 2023
Really enjoyed the story and the characters.
September 11, 2021
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
District Attorney Callie McCall has quite the past before this book even begins, but with the discovery of a body part of a young teen found in citrus groves, this story quickly moves to Mexico and an investigation begins as Callie gets to the bottom of things.
For me the most interesting part was how involved Callie's family and friends were on the wrong side of the law in this book. This felt unique to this book as rarely does the family of the person investigating end up fully entrenched into the misdeeds.
District Attorney Callie McCall has quite the past before this book even begins, but with the discovery of a body part of a young teen found in citrus groves, this story quickly moves to Mexico and an investigation begins as Callie gets to the bottom of things.
For me the most interesting part was how involved Callie's family and friends were on the wrong side of the law in this book. This felt unique to this book as rarely does the family of the person investigating end up fully entrenched into the misdeeds.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews