Care to make a deal? Folklore warns of unseen spirits stalking midnight, offering horrifying bargains to desperate souls.
On a moonless night, even the law falters; enter Rosa Delgado, a woman of the law, who drowns her regrets in a bottle. Ruled by logic: spirits do not bargain, curses do not exist. Whatever lurks at the crossroads, Rosa knows it’s more than superstition. Human hands wield the knife, cloaking their crimes in legend, and Rosa cannot afford to chase myths—not with a killer at large.
As the body count rises and evidence warps reason, Rosa's conviction wavers. She uncovers whispers of bargains, the kind of promise that can't be undone. Just how real is the darkness? Will she catch her killer and cling to reason, or will unraveling the truth mean striking a deal herself—a bargain where every wish granted steals something from the soul in return?
Deals have been struck...and a debt must be paid.
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Editorial Review - ***** 5 STARSReviewed by S. Mathur for Readers' FavoriteTenebroso is the Midnight Rider, a fearsome supernatural being with a thirst for justice. In this new collaboration between C.S. Kading and Tony Fuentes, Alguacila Rosa Delgado is an officer of the law who tracks the monster to avenge his killing of her partner. Also on his trail are the Inquisitor Yolanda Torres and her dubious acolyte. It’s not that difficult a trail to follow, since Tenebroso attacks evildoers on moonless nights and leaves the bodies of victims with his signature mark. Their search is entwined with the story of Javi, who is also on a quest for vengeance. As they discover the extent of the corruption of the victims and their ties to the powerful, they face the question: who is the real monster?
Tenebroso is Book 4 of The Realm of Gothika series, but can be read as a stand-alone. It is set in the Imperium, a complex and believable imaginary world that has echoes of medieval and early modern Spain, the Old West, and criminal cartels. C.S. Kading and Tony Fuentes are masters of their craft, and each word is chosen and placed with precision. The exquisite writing and plot are the perfect setting for this grim story. The action moves fast, at the same time building up a layer of moral questions about monsters in human form. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy paranormal and gothic mysteries, horror, and world-building stories. Even those who don’t normally choose these genres will love the quality of the writing, storytelling, and moral depth.
