City of Smoke and Sea
A Novel
by Malia Marquez
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Pub Date Apr 01 2025 | Archive Date Apr 18 2025
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Description
Queenie Rivers was raised by her grandparents in coastal Los Angeles. As she approaches thirty, her erratic lifestyle is forced back on course by a car accident and her grandmother’s intervention.
But her recovery is interrupted by a break-in and Gran’s death. Gran’s last act was to set Queenie up with a job at an upscale seaside bistro with a shady reputation—the owner of which, it turns out, was once a close friend. As Queenie digs into Gran’s past for answers about the break-in, the murder, and the unnerving circumstances surrounding the restaurant and her new boss, she discovers that her grandmother, a Romani Holocaust survivor, kept many secrets, some of them otherworldly—secrets that become hers to unravel when she becomes a suspect in Gran’s murder case.
Advance Praise
“A delightful and inventive novel of hidden roots, unseen worlds, magical alliances, and personal reinvention, bringing the many layers of Los Angeles to life.”
—Andromeda Romano-Lax, author of The Deepest Lake and Annie and the Wolves
“A beautifully written, heartfelt novel that explores what it means to lose and find oneself through grief. As a woman struggles to solve the murder of her beloved grandmother, the shocking truth she discovers about her family’s history upends her world and leaves her questioning the very fabric of her existence. Both wondrous with mythology and rich with insight, Márquez weaves together a fabulist tapestry of belonging and family that’s absolute magic on the page.”
—Carolyne Topdjian, author of The Hitman’s Daughter
“City of Smoke and Sea is part mystery, part magical, and completely captivating. Malia Márquez weaves an enchanting modern-day fable set in twenty-first-century Los Angeles. Strange, layered, and wonderful.”
—Karen Winn, author of Our Little World
“Lost in the captivating world of City of Smoke and Sea, I found myself enthralled by a compelling mystery that weaves seamlessly through the lives of an unforgettable cast of characters. The complexities of life and the eternal quest for belonging come alive in Malia’s masterful hands, creating a narrative that resonates with a mesmerizing touch of magical realism. From the opening page to the final chapter, the book beckoned me to immerse myself in a world where mystery and history dance in perfect harmony. It’s an enchanting and thought-provoking journey, where the answers to life’s questions emerge from the most unexpected corners.”
—Oksana Marafioti, author of American Gypsy
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780963952837 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 168 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kristyn C, Reviewer
3.5 rounded up
At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish this book, but once I reached the 20% mark, I was completely hooked. Queenie’s grandmother, Anke Rivers, is a beautifully complex character. And the way Queenie uncovers the story of Anke’s life, although mystical and fantastical somehow mirrors how many of us come to understand our grandparents. The person they are in the present often feels worlds apart from the person we find out that they once were. People are layered, living multiple lives, holding secrets that we—especially as grandchildren—may never fully comprehend. Malia Márquez does a brilliant job of portraying Queenie’s journey as she unravels Anke’s past while also grappling with her own struggles. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, legacy, and the hidden histories that shape us.
This was my first encounter with Malia Márquez, and I’m eager to dive into “This Fierce Blood” very soon.
Ash L, Reviewer
Such a fun read, with so many unexpected twists and turns!
I did feel as though there were a lot of continuity errors that confused the story, especially towards the end, however overall I really enjoyed reading this. The way secrets were revealed slowly throughout kept me guessing right until the end.
3.5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
Reviewer 1540961
This was such a good book! I love the twist of the story how our main character is now a murder suspect. This story had a lot of twists and turns, it had really good pacing of its timeline, and it was just entertaining overall.
Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
Kaia M, Reviewer
Queenie sets out to uncover the truth about her grandmother Anke’s life—and death—only to stumble upon shocking revelations about her family’s past.
I love how Márquez crafts Queenie’s journey. As she pieces together Anke’s past, she also wrestles with her own personal struggles. The story beautifully explores themes of legacy, self-discovery, and the untold stories that define us. It left me reflecting on how people are complex—living layered lives, carrying secrets we may never fully uncover.
Although the suspense isn’t particularly intense for a murder mystery, the steady pace and intricate storytelling kept me engaged, making this an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Carla O, Reviewer
This book did not end up where I thought we were going. The twists and turns as Queenie continues to uncover her grandmother's secrets were juicy (and heartbreaking).
Admittedly I may not have picked this up off of the description alone but the length and eerie (?) cover vibes make it a good beach read with a dense subject matter.
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