Tequila Sunset - Softcover

Sam Hawken

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846688531 ISBN 13: 9781846688539

Publisher: Serpent's Tail, 2012

Synopsis

El Paso and Ciudad Juárez sit across the Texas/Mexico border from each other. They share streets, share industry, share crime. One gang claims territory in both: Barrio Azteca. This single criminal organization is responsible for most of the homicides committed in Juarez, and Felipe Morales is one of them.  Recruited in prison, and now on the streets of El Paso, "Flip" has no choice but to step further into that world, but he has a secret that threatens his life. A witness to murder and intimidation, he tries playing both the cops and the outlaws in a bid to escape.

On the American side, El Paso detective Cristina Salas struggles to balance the needs of single motherhood with those of life in the city's anti-gang unit. When her path crosses with Flip, their relationship will spell the difference between a life behind bars for the young gang member, a grisly death or freedom.

Meanwhile, Mexican federal agent, Matáas Segura, must contend with the scourge of Los Aztecas while coordinating a long-term operation with the American authorities.

The Aztecas, north and south, stand in the way of three lives. They have no qualms about crossing the line, about killing, about moving their deadly product, and it all comes together in a confrontation where the stakes are truly a matter of life and death.

About this title

About the Author

Born in Texas, Sam Hawken now lives in Washington DC. His first book, The Dead Women of Juarez, also set on the US / Mexico border was shortlisted for the 2011 Crime Writers Association New Blood Dagger, a prize for the best debut crime novel of the year.

Review

Hawken trades in gritty realism * Irish Times * His debut novel is a hard-boiled plunge into damaged lives that grippingly evokes the dust, decay and pervading sense of death in Juarez, leaving you with a lingering sense of sweaty unease * Metro * A tense, gripping read and a plea for justice * Sunday Times * This brilliantly written, dramatic but vicious novel will keep you on tenterhooks all the way to the end ... Tequila Sunset is realistically composed, deftly put together and drenched with violence and aggression that would make any sane person run for their life ... Hopefully a book that will become a classic and will be read for years to come. Well worth losing sleep over -- Ayo Onatade * Shots * The novel is a thrilling ride, but it also makes you appreciate the seriousness behind it -- David Hebblethwaite * We Love This Book * Raw and gritty * Shortlist * Interesting, refreshing and engrossing -- Francesca Peak * Latino Life * A grim tale of foreboding ... explosive -- Alastair Mabbott * Herald * A fast moving and well plotted story ... Hawken continues to deliver -- Robin Leggett * Bookbag * Haunting ... recalls the best of James M Cain -- Christopher Fowler * FT * A fascinating, tense and engaging read that draws you into the lives of the characters with consummate ease until you reluctantly turn that final page * Crimesquad *

About this edition

• Publisher: Serpent's Tail
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1846688531
• ISBN 13: 9781846688539
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 359