A Tall Dark Trouble

Vanessa Montalban

Vanessa Montalban’s YA debut is a dazzling Latine twist on Practical Magic that follows a family of Cuban American brujas entangled in love, magic, and murder.

ISBN

9781638930129

Language

English

Page count

432

Edition

Hardcover

Sale date

August 29, 2023

Dimensions

6 x 9

About the Book

In contemporary Miami, twins Delfi and Lela are haunted by a family curse that poisons any chance at romantic love. It’s no wonder their mother forbids them from getting involved with magic. When Lela and Delfi receive premonitions of a mysterious killer targeting brujas, however, the sisters must embrace their emerging powers to save innocent lives. Teaming up with their best friend Ethan and brooding detective-in-training Andres, Delfi and Lela set out to catch a murderer on a dangerous hunt that will force them to confront the dark secrets of their family’s past.

Meanwhile, in 1980s Cuba, Anita de Armas whispers to the spirits for mercy—not for herself, but for the victims of her mother’s cult. She’s desperate to rid herself of her power, which manifests as inky shadows and an ability to speak to the dead. As political tensions rise and Anita’s cult initiation draws near, she must make a decision that could change not only her fate, but the fate of the nation.

Lela, Delfi, and Anita’s stories intertwine in a thrilling fantasy that spans oceans and generations as each woman steps into her power, refusing to be subdued by any person or curse.

Reviews

“Captivating debut.”

- Publisher’s Weekly

“Richly rendered main characters and a knotty central mystery captivate . . . Utterly bewitching.”

- Kirkus Reviews

Montalban’s story deftly handles the complicated threads of family to weave a powerful exploration of sisterhood, magic, and the curses that follow us through generations. Practical Magic meets Miami, A Tall Dark Trouble is bound to become a Cuban American classic.

- Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos

A Tall Dark Trouble made me want to laugh, cry, and hold my own beloved sister tight! Told in alternating timelines set in Cuba and Miami, this story is rich with emotion, forbidden love, and heart-stopping twists. Through magic and mystery, Montalban paints a searing portrait of breaking generational curses and the importance of fighting against oppression. Delfi and Lela’s sisterhood feels so real—whether they’re bickering or fighting side by side—and gives readers a badass duo to root for. A Tall Dark Trouble is uniquely thrilling and sure to cast a spell on every reader.

- Sophie Isabelle, author of The Witchery

With a gripping plot, a unique and vibrant cast, and a richly imagined Miami setting full of magic, A Tall Dark Trouble will have readers glued to the pages from beginning to end. Family ties, generational curses, and complicated relationships are expertly woven into this heart-pounding tale, adding layers of depth and relatability. This story will leave readers breathless and wanting to seep into the pages.

- Francesca Flores, author of The Witch and the Vampire

Deftly weaving together multiple timelines and narratives, A Tall Dark Trouble is equal parts magical, romantic, and heart wrenching. Beautifully written, Montalban’s debut is sure to leave you enchanted.

- Isabel Sterling, author of These Witches Don’t Burn and The Coldest Touch

“Montalban creates a lyrical and atmospheric story with plenty of twists. Readers won’t be able to look away as the Sanchez women conquer love, magic, secrets, and curses—with the help of each other.”

- Robin Roe, award-winning author of A List of Cages and Dark Room Etiquette