Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Everyone loves the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta de Albuquerque. The city's biggest moneymaker is more fun-filled and more profitable this year than ever. Until a body plummets from the sky. Four black feathers, Raven's calling cards, surround the body. Sonny recognizes the dead woman immediately. She is one of Raven's followers, and the state's prime witness against the cult member implicated in the murder of Sonny's cousin. The P.I. suspects that Raven is thirsting for revenge on all fronts. Indeed, death darkens the heavens again as a sniper's bullet fells another balloonist. Fearing bad publicity, the Fiesta makes Sonny an offer: a handsome reward if he can find the killer before the local police and the FBI. Tracking clues, Sonny soon discovers that a huge shipment of cocaine and heroin is to be unloaded in Albuquerque during the festival. Raven, he realizes, was sent in by the drug lords as a distraction. He is not through yet and must be stopped. But how? Raven possesses strengths no mortal can match; he can acquire the powers of his nagual, his animal spirit. Likewise, Sonny will need his own guardians, the coyotes, as well as a curandera, a healer, to guide him to Raven's lair. But no sooner is Sonny ready to face his enemy than calamity strikes. Someone near and dear to him falls into Raven's clutches, possibly lost forever. With the newfound force of the coyote spirit coursing through his veins, Sonny sets off, ready to risk his life for the fate of the city - and the survival of one he loves...
Rio Grande Fall: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This adult mystery-fantasy hybrid features multiple murders including a body falling from a balloon, sniper violence, drug cartel themes, and supernatural elements involving animal spirit possession and shamanic magic. Violence is plot-central with consequences.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include substance abuse, murder, kidnapping, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers will appreciate the blend of detective noir with New Mexican folklore and the high-stakes race to stop a supernatural villain during Albuquerque's famous balloon festival.