Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
A Miracle in Paradise
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Carolina Garcia-Aguilera
Class/Genre: Mystery Private Investigator Ethnic
Series: Lupe Solano # 4
Avon, Oct 1999, $23.00, 288 pp.
Although Lupe Solano and her family reside in Southern Florida, their hearts belong to their native country of Cuba. When Castro took control, the Solanos fled to the states. They all feel strongly that once Castro leaves office they will return home. However, they do not feel sorry for themselves as they live life to the fullest in Little Havana. Lupe enjoys her success as a private detective while her sister Lourdes is a nun.
Lourdes Mother Superior surprises Lupe by requesting a meeting. The sister asks Lupe to investigate a relatively new order of nuns, The Immaculate of the Sacred Virgin. This Yugoslavian group claims that on or about the 10 of October a miracle will occur. Two miracles previously have blessed this order in the past century. Thus, their claim that the statue of the Virgin at Ermita de la Caridad will shed tears is taken as a real possibility. The Mother Superior wants Lupe to determine if a miracle occurs or the whole idea is an elaborate hoax that has been set up to recruit new converts. A bit reluctant to become involved in affairs of the Church Lupe begins her inquires. However, three related murders leave Lupe heading down a dangerous path as she tries to uncover the truth.
The latest Lupe Solano novel is different from the previous books in this warm series. Lupe seems more introspective than usual as she questions her beliefs in Cuban reunification and religion. The mystery centers on the activities of the local Catholic communities. Carolina Garcia-Aguillera paints a picture of piety battling with political infighting and unchristian behavior. This classy ethnic series provides readers with one of the more exciting and entertaining entrances into the Southern Florida Hispanic community.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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