"Last Seen in Havana" by Teresa Dovalpage is a tantalizing mystery that unfolds against the vibrant and enigmatic backdrop of Havana, Cuba. The novel introduces readers to a captivating blend of intrigue, culture, and complex characters, making it a compelling addition to the mystery genre.

The story follows the character of Detective Marlene Martínez as she navigates the rich tapestry of Havana, solving a puzzling case involving a missing American woman. Dovalpage skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, culture, and history, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in its atmospheric setting. Dovalpage brings Havana to life with vivid descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the city's streets, culture, and people. The backdrop of Cuba adds a unique and exotic flavor to the mystery, making it a standout in the genre.

Detective Marlene Martínez is a well-crafted protagonist with a depth of character that adds layers to the story. As she unravels the mystery, readers are drawn into her world, experiencing the complexities of both the investigation and her personal life. The author's ability to create relatable and authentic characters enhances the overall appeal of the novel.

The mystery itself is intricately plotted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Dovalpage skillfully integrates elements of Cuban history and culture into the investigation, providing a rich and immersive experience for the reader.

Additionally, "Last Seen in Havana" explores themes beyond the mystery genre, including the nuances of relationships, cultural identity, and the impact of political and historical events on individuals. These thematic layers add depth and substance to the narrative, elevating the novel beyond a typical mystery.

Teresa Dovalpage's writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the essence of Havana while maintaining a brisk pace that propels the story forward. The novel is a delightful blend of mystery and cultural exploration, making it a standout choice for readers who appreciate a compelling mystery set in a richly detailed and exotic locale.

In conclusion, "Last Seen in Havana" is a well-crafted and immersive mystery that successfully blends cultural elements with a gripping storyline. Teresa Dovalpage's ability to transport readers to the streets of Havana, coupled with a compelling protagonist and a meticulously plotted mystery, makes this novel a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and those who enjoy a touch of cultural exploration in their literary journeys.

Thanks to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for an advance copy of my honest review

I truly loved reading this book. At first I wasn't sure if I would like it but kept reading and I was happy I did. The book switches between the past and present between the chapters. I like that the book really had two main characters, the mom and the daughter. Once I got into the book I couldn't put it down because I wanted to keep reading to figure out what happened. I kept routing for Mercedes to figure out what happened to her mom as she was young when her mom was last seen. I enjoyed the detail the author used to describe the scenery around the characters. I also loved reading about what the mother and daughter saw in the same places during different time frames.

Blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources

http://ramblingmads.uk/2024/02/06/blog-tour-last-seen-in-havana-teresa-dovalpace/

I love how this book was written with a dual timeline and follows Mercedes, in the 'present' who decides to start searching and investigating into her mother's whereabouts after she disappeared when she was young, which comes about when she flied to Cuba to see her paternal grandmother who is suffering with sickness. The book also tells Sarah's story, set in 1986, who fell for a handsome Cuban man, Joaquin, and decided to move to Havana. The story entwines the two sides and is beautifully written and really immerses the reader into Cuban life.

I loved the world building and although told from two POVs it flowed really well and the pages really flowed with emotion as the story unfolds. I also loved picking up on different Spanish words thst were scattered throughout the book which also added to the Cuban vibe.

A really enjoyable read!

A perfect slice of dual timeline mystery. I'm just about old enough to remember some of the things happening in Cuba and around the world at this time, so I found it fascinating to read across the two timelines of now and during the late 1980's. I had so many different ideas about what have might have happened and where this mystery was heading. A truly enjoyable read with some wonderful descriptions of Cuba

This is such a stunning book to read, the authors writing flows effortlessly, I loved the dual timelines and found myself being drawn to Tania’s section more.

The setting of the book intrigued me aswell, especially finding out about the history (I.e only being able to buy certain items at certain times) and I want to read more regarding Havanas past.

The mystery around Tanya and her disappearance was just as interesting and I really felt for Mercedes.

This is a must read for historical fiction fans and I’m looking forward to reading the previous books by the author.

A gorgeous book – inside and out. Every time I opened this book, I was immediately transported to a world I’ve never visited but that felt incredibly real thanks to the author’s evocative storytelling. I experienced Cuba through the eyes of a young American woman in the 1980s, and then again through the eyes of her Cuban American daughter in the present day. Different times, different backgrounds, same desire to belong.

Mercedes is looking for answers about her mother, who disappeared when she was a child. Did she leave her behind because she didn’t love her? Was she made to leave – or worse – because she was American and became caught up in a political situation that was bigger than her? Aided by family, friends and a good dose of bad weather, she might just discover the truth.

Mercedes goes to Cuba to care for her Grandmother.
Her mother disappeared when she was a little girl.
Maybe she can find some answers while in Cuba.
This story is told in dual timelines. Lots of secrets and surprises come out in the book.

I am a fan of anything related to the Spanish-speaking world, and speak Spanish fluently. I loved all the Spanish words peppered here and there, as well as the explanations of why some words were used. (for example, the ending -ita Joaquín uses when referring to Sarah as Sarita. As much as she didn't like it too much as it means "little," it's really meant as a. term of affection and endearment). That to me is romantic.

Mercedes has just married and flies to Cuba to care for her grandmother. There's a mystery surrounding her mother: is she alive or dead?

1986: Sarah is an American college student who falls in love with Joaquín when she travels to Cuba. I loved her excitement at being somewhere new, and this really came across well. It was contagious. I wanted to discover more and more about Cuba.

I adored this dual timeline novel. The attention to detail and atmosphere creation are outstanding. I felt Mercedes' emotions and feelings just as vividly as I felt Sarah's. Joaquín was accommodating, welcoming and romantic.

It was a pleasure to be witness to Cuban life, loss and mystery.

Last Seen in Havana is a lot of things: it's mysterious, realistic, full of intrigue and romace. It's a love letter to Cuba and new experiences, as well as to love itself.

Thanks to Teresa Dovalpage, Soho Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

This book is a captivating story of mystery, romance, and history. It tells the tales of two women and their love for Cuba, each with a different story from another time. The author skillfully weaves these stories, revealing a family's hidden secrets. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is thrilling. The book provides vivid descriptions of Cuba, making the reader feel like they are a part of the story.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed Last Seen in Havana by Teresa Dovalpage. I've heard how beautiful Havana is while there is so much suffering for the people who live in Cuba. This story is one of love, family, and secrets. Mercedes was raised by her grandmother in Cuba but moved to Miami with her husband. After his death, she returns to visit her grandmother, check on her health, and see about making sure her home is safe to live in. During her visit, Mercedes is to determined to find out what happened to her mother, who disappeared when Mercedes was a toddler. The story is told through two timelines, one of her mother, an American expat who visits Cuba, falls in love with Mercedes father and stays. The other of Mercedes herself as she tries to find out what her grandmother and some of the neighbors really know about what happened to her mother. Did she leave, as Mercedes has always thought? Was she a spy? Did something nefarious happen? I didn't expect the story to end the way it did thought the story came full circle in the end.

I really liked this book. I hadn't read any of Dovalpage's previous mysteries but I thought this one was one I could enjoy without needing too much of earlier context. The characters were really interesting and I enjoyed the focus on Cuba and learning more about Cuba and the short geographic distance but huge cultural distance between the two countries. It was a little slow but I think it used that pace pretty well.