Pan Dulce & Poison - Esperanza Series, #1

When Marisol Reyes returns to her hometown of Esperanza, New Mexico, to help run her family's beloved Mexican bakery, she expects her biggest challenge to be mastering her grandmother's secret concha recipe. Instead, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when ruthless food distributor Victor Santana is found dead in the town plaza—with evidence pointing directly to Panadería Corazón.

Determined to clear her family's name and protect their three-generation legacy, Marisol must navigate the tight-knit community's web of secrets, from a priest's hidden past to a doctor's dangerous compromises. With the help of her fierce Abuela Rosa, loyal employee Jimmy, and Detective Carlos Flores—her former high school crush—Marisol discovers that Victor had been blackmailing half the town.

Set against the warm backdrop of small-town New Mexico, this debut cozy mystery blends authentic Mexican-American culture, mouth-watering descriptions of traditional pastries, and a puzzle that will keep readers guessing until the final page. Perfect for fans of Vivien Chien and Mia P. Manansala, "Pan Dulce & Poison" introduces a charming new amateur sleuth and a community worth fighting for.