Oaxaca Chocolate

by Charles Kerns

When a suspicious gas leak blows up his favorite doughnut shop, a retired American expat bumbles into a mystery in Mexico. He follows money flowing down from the States, cocoa beans going north, and finds some tasty foodie hangouts to help him start his days on the prowl.OAXACA CHOCOLATE is a cross-border mystery, a travel guide, an expat’s struggle with multinational takeovers in a corrupt state, a scammer’s lament, and a taste of the comida and mezcal in Mexico’s most beautiful colonial city located high in its scenic, southern mountains. the perfect book for a Mexico visit to meet its gracious people and to explore warm-sun living with a helping of crime on the side. Kirkus Reviews chose OAXACA CHOCOLATE to be featured as one of Kirkus' Indie Books of the Month."The city of Oaxaca, lively, dark and under threat, plays a starring role in this satisfying mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews"Kerns' second Santo Gordo mystery is even tastier than the first. It's a cup that runs over with Oaxaca's unique local color--I don't know anyone who captures the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Oaxaca more vividly or insightfully than Kerns. Santo Gordo, gourmand, local hero and reluctant detective, is a shrewd observer of this exotic locale and its cast of characters." Robert Adler, co-author of the best-selling Oaxaca guidebook, Viva Oaxaca. Don't forget the other Santo Gordo mysteries--Santo a Killing in Oaxaca and Restaurante Oaxaca.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2013

Reviews

[Virginia Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment in the Santo Gordo mysteries takes us through the holidays of Posada, Noche Buena, Ano Nuevo, and Dia de Reyes. In that short period of time, Robert Evans reconciles with his daughter Randy, stumbles into a mystery when his favorite pastry shop blows up, and gets involved in foiling a scam perpetrated by a corrupt ex-pat. It ends when he is nearly killed and must leave town for awhile to let things cool down.

[Don Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!!

Vacationed for ice,ars in Mexico. My wife and I loved the food and the people. This book is not only a great mystery but also a great place description. Please written more of Santo Gordo. They will be read and re-read.

[Mark Sidarous · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid follow up to the first book. Roberto's POV gets a bit grating, however. would love a follow up or spinoff book from the POV of a Oaxacan.