Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil

by Danette Vigilante

Tia Lugo has a deadly secret.

Tia Lugo considers herself an ordinary thirteen-year-old girl. She just wants to enjoy the end of summer, which means hanging out with her best friend and neighbor, Julius, and ignoring her Puerto Rican grandmother’s embarrassing reliance on creepy candles, weird-smelling herb bundles, and eerie statues—all available for sale at the nearby botánica. But when Tia witnesses a murder late one night from her bedroom window, everything changes in an instant.

Now, Tia is terrified to tell anyone what she’s seen. What if the killer comes after her too? He knows where she lives. Even worse, Tia believes he’s sending her secret messages, reminding her to stay quiet. Desperate to keep herself and her family safe, Tia turns to the last place she ever thought she’d go: her grandmother's favorite shopping spot, the botánica.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Ebooks

209 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2021

About the author

Danette Vigilante grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and continues to call New York City home. She is the author of The Sand Beneath the Waves and Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil, the latter of which has earned several accolades, including a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medal, a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards for multicultural fiction (JUV/YA), and an Honorable Mention at the International Latino Book Awards. Her other works include The Trouble with Half a Moon, a Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee, and Saving Baby Doe, named to the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing list. Her illustrated chapter book for early readers, Pack of Hearts, continues her focus on stories rooted in empathy, courage, and community. A longtime advocate for literacy, Danette engages young readers through school visits and community outreach.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Middle Grade Mystery/Suspense. This book is all about a girl seeing something she should not have see, and she is afraid to tell her parents and the police. This book is well written and the characters are so well developed. I felt the storyline was really good, and I feel that this is how some young kids would act. There is some small twists in this book, but I guess the twists before they where revealed. I do not think kids would not have guess the twist. I feel this is a good middle grade book for any kid that loves mystery or suspense in there books. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Jolly Fish Press) or author (Danette Vigilante) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer : I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was interesting Middle Grade mystery that revolved around Tia witnessing a murder that changed her life and filled with paranoia.

The story was about friendship, family, honesty, trust, fear, belief, hope, not letting fear control you, courage, and love.

Writing was lucid, fast paced and atmospheric with apprehension and fear character felt.

Tia was interesting character. She had asthma and author represented kid with asthma really well. her development was really late in the book. And yet I liked how she realised keeping things in and letting fear rule herself and her life wasn’t going to keep her or her family safe.

Tia and her family were Latinx who believed in botanica and all spiritual things. It was important aspect of the story.

I liked the message in the book about burden of carrying secret, not letting fear rule you, and strength one need to have courage and face the problem are there within everyone without need of spiritual things.

Why 3.4 or 4 stars -

I was little disappointed with main character. It was frustrating after certain points in the story. I felt there was too much focus or Tia’s paranoia making the story a little melodramatic.

Overall, Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil was unique and enjoyable middle grade mystery with well written cultural aspect.

You will enjoy this if you like,
Latinx culture
middle grade murder mystery
good message for young readers
Atmospheric plotline

Full Review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! This was absolutely fantastic!! I was so creeped out! Loved it! The suspense is next level with this book. What always makes things scarier for me, are real life horrors-things that can actually, happen & do. Like senseless killings. This is definitely a darker Upper MG, obviously-Tia witnesses a murder, & the murderer sees her, & all the terror that follows that. She is so scared for those she loves, she keeps this secret held inside thinking to protect them with her silence, & it’s slowly breaking her. Her soul can’t bear the weight of it. She feels terror, guilt, worry, anxiety-everything no kid should have to go through.

She makes a great point how we take our safety for granted. For most people, that’s so true. But life can change in the blink of an eye, & sometimes in a horrible way. You can’t give evil people like that power over you though. They are taking your life in a sense by doing that. You have to take the power back, & find the magic inside of you. It made me sad to see the botanical, & those that shopped there shamed. Even if you don’t believe in it, if it gives a person hope & doesn’t hurt anybody-who cares? I call those little evils-don’t do that to people, or make people feel like that about what they believe, or anything really.

I read this basically in 2 sittings-such a fast paced thriller mystery. & when I say the suspense & danger reached its peak, & I couldn’t put it down-I MEAN IT REACHED ITS PEAK! Lol I was about to FALL OFF the edge of my seat! I was so engrossed it was crazy. I was late cooking dinner!😆But there was no way I could stop reading with everything that was happening! So atmospheric too! From the Brooklyn living-the families, the shops, the kids, everything-I felt like I was there. & THE FOOD! I took so many pics of things I WILL be looking up how to make! Stomach was growling at me. Such great life lessons in here as well, & Tia also has asthma & I thought that was great it was included & done so well.


I’m so impressed by this author, & I will be on the lookout for anything she releases in the future. HIGHLY recommend. Perfect read for spooky season, or anytime! BEAUTIFUL cover by Nick Harris too! This comes out tomorrow! August 17th! I will also put some links below, including 1 for current promo on the publishers website!💜


Purchase Links
Jolly Fish Press: http://jollyfishpress.com/product/tia...
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​Current promos on our websites:
· ​30% off fall release preorders using code FALL21
· ​Free shipping when you spend over $30

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/books/tia-lugo-s...
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Early Praise for Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil
"The ever-escalating suspense will keep the pages turning throughout this thrilling upper-middle-grade mystery."—Booklist

“A multigenerational thriller that will warm your heart, even as it has you looking over your shoulder.”—Ernesto Cisneros, Author of Efrén Divided and Falling Short

"A bite-your-nails mystery, with a side of humor, that'll have you zipping through the pages!”—Tami Charles, New York Times bestselling author

"You don’t have to come from a world with botanicas to want to light a candle to protect you from the creepy twists and turns of this book. Campfire scary with a city feel."—Torrey Maldonado, author of Tight, What Lane, and Secret Saturdays

"Pulses will race as Tia grapples with fear and terrible danger, digging deep to find courage in friendship, tradition, and her own fierce love for her family and neighbors."—Jennifer Torres, author of Stef Soto, Taco Queen

"An exciting read and a page-turner with attention paid to Tia's emotional life, her neighborhood, and her family, more than you usually get in a 'thriller' type book."—Kurtis Scaletta, author of Rooting for Rafael Rosales

"We can't help but feel drawn to Tia and wish for her safety and success in this engaging urban murder-mystery. Danette Vigilante keeps readers on the edge of their seats right up to the end!"—Hilda Eunice Burgos, Ana María Does Not Live in a Castle

"A poignant and nail-biting mystery that left me guessing until the very end! Danette Vigilante has crafted a loving community of diverse, well-rounded characters, making the danger lurking for Tia all the more nerve-wracking and the resolution that much more of a relief. A highly recommended roller-coaster ride!"—David Bowles, author of They Call Me Güero

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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“Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil” is a surprisingly suspenseful middle-grade novel that kept me glued to the story.

Firstly, I would like to applaud the author and team for executing this book so well. It’s not every day where you read a suspense thriller targeted at a younger audience. This book is probably the first middle-grade suspense crime thriller I have read, and the author did an excellent job with the tale.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the eerie atmosphere set up in the story. The author adds a lot of suspenseful moments as Tia tries to do the right thing. There were parts of the story that gave me the creeps as well, like when Sal comes over or when Tia gets the text messages from the killer. Moreover, the ending had a nice twist with the reveal and turned out to be someone I did not expect. The climax made the story enjoyable and fun to read.

The author also wrote the characters well, and I liked Tia in the lead. I appreciate how realistic the author made her with her difficulty with asthma. Moreover, I loved Tia’s friendship with Julius. Julius is adorable, and I enjoyed how the author made him prominent in the tale. I also liked Gram and enjoyed the scenes where she makes Tia see Celia.

Although the book targets middle graders, I thought this book was one that a reader of any age would enjoy. Overall, “Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil” is an exciting read, and I am curious to check out some of the author’s previous novels.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil! It’s a very intense middle grade novel as Tia witnessed a murder outside of her window. However, it’s balanced with family, magic, and romance as Tia decides what to do. I love Tia’s relationship with her grandmother and how much they care for each other. Her grandmother’s eccentric nature also reminded me of my own grandmother. I’m glad I was able to read it!

[Leelynn (Sometimes Leelynn Reads) ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours, Netgalley, and Jolly Fish Press for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

I think it’s fitting that Vigilante starts with this specific Albert Einstein quote even before the chapter officially starts:

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
We are in a world that is afraid to speak up because we are afraid of the repercussions. Or we are afraid to speak up because things can be turned against us even when we are trying to stand up for what’s right. It could be something so simple as making sure a fellow classmate isn’t bullying another student – not saying bullying is simple or small – or standing up against a corrupt government. Or even just telling law enforcement officials the truth of a crime you witnessed, which is similar to what is happening with Tia Lugo right now.

It’s not every day when a thirteen year old is a witness to a murder in their neighborhood. It’s also not a normal circumstance where the same thirteen year old person is in fear of their life because the murderer may be terrorizing them in order to hide the truth of what happened. Unfortunately, this is what Tia Lugo is dealing with, and somehow she will need to find a way to rely on the one resource that she didn’t think she would need to turn to: the help of her grandmother and the botánica that she isn’t too fond of being around.

This definitely flowed like a murder mystery novel, and from the moment that Tia witnessed the murder, I was already concerned about her safety. So was she, and I felt super bad for her having to deal with that! I really enjoyed her friendship with Julius from what we were able to witness, and I loved seeing the familial dynamics that we saw during this time. I think Gram was my favorite character, as grandmas usually are most times!

This was a great mystery, and I actually would have never thought to do a middle grade mystery like this! Super intense from the very beginning and I was in for a wild ride the entire time.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to JollyFish Press and Netgalley for the Earc to read and review.

Tia sees a horrific incident right outside her window late one night and is threatened by the killer not to tell anyone. She becomes fear ridden, paranoid, scared, suspicious and guilty for not telling. The incident changes who she is forever.

I loved Tia she was such an amazing and important character we don’t get many characters like this in MG books but we should. She is first a Latin girl and secondly she has Asthma. Her asthma though doesn’t divine her, it doesn’t change the way she is treated by anyone, it’s simply a part of who she is. I loved that, we need more representation of illnesses being part of natural life in stories.

The story is such an interesting thriller, from when you first are with Tia witnessing what she sees, to the threats looming over young Tia and you become suspicious with her, all until the plot twisting very end it grips you wanting to solve who it is with the story.

I loved the use of the botanical store and how much her Gran believed in it all, in its healing and safety it’s brings. As in life though there were mean children bullying Tia, branding her a witch because of her grandma’s use of the botanical products and also mentions kids bullying her best friend for his speech impediment.

This was a really great suspense thriller book, with great characters leading you through the story, and fun but scary horror to unravel, an amazing best friend who knows Tia better than anyone, and so many suspects to keep your guesses going. If you are looking for a really cleverly thought out horror, suspense, thriller middle grade book then I recommend you give this a read.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Jolly Fish Press for the gifted book!

I just wanted to yell at Tia the whole time to tell her parents and the authorities what had happened. The book opens with Tia witnessing a murder outside her bedroom window in the middle of the night and then the book proceeds forward with her being paranoid that the murderer will come back to get her. It is filled with themes of friendship, family, trust, justice, and faith. I overall enjoyed it but Tia keeping such a huge thing from her family seemed a bit unrealistic and therefore it bothered me.

Content Warning: Murder, Blackmail, Violence

[Tia Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The author shares culture, emotion, action, suspense. She shows protagonists who don't always agree on cultural issues but yet respect one another, and it's really fun to be able to relate to a character. Even a middle schooler.

[Shannon Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique approach to middle grade suspense, Danette Vigilante’s Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil is warm and authentic yet frightening and unexpected. As Tia wonders how to stay safe in the three days that follow a murder of which she is the only witness, she must face big questions about honesty, trust, family, and more.

Danette Vigilante paints a clear, believable picture of Tia’s city home and her family life. Until now, Tia’s life has been gentle, surrounded by people who love her and no arguments bigger than her dad’s disbelief in her grandmother’s botanica finds. This warmth makes the murder outside Tia’s bedroom window all the more powerful as a plot point. Suddenly, nothing is as it seems, and Tia’s everyday routines take on new meanings. Seemingly innocuous events are now laced with threat, and Tia turns to the botanica for alternative remedies she would never have relied upon before.

Tia’s character is a valuable one in the middle grade market. Firstly, she lives with asthma, and while her condition is relevant to her story, it doesn’t define the whole narrative; we need this rep! Secondly, Tia undergoes a lot of personal growth throughout the course of Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil. She learns who she is and who she wants to be, and she discovers the politics of truth, honesty, fear, and family. Tia’s character arc is an important part of this book, which is refreshing in the suspense genre, which often favours plot-driven narratives.

Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil isn’t violent or gory because it doesn’t need to be. It relies on Danette’s clever writing style to portray the looming threat of an unknown killer and the internal debate of a murder’s young witness. Keep an eye out for a plot twist at the story’s end!

If you’re looking for a clever MG suspense novel, consider adding Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil to your TBR!

Thank you to the wonderful team at Jollyfish Press for providing me with this eARC!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was really curious about it when I read the description, and it did not let me down. Thirteen year old Tia Lugo is looking forward to a laid back summer, spending a week at camp and the rest with her best friend, but the night before she is supposed to leave, she witnesses a murder outside her window, and is terrified of retribution against those she loves from the murderer, so she doesn't say anything about it.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how well we see Tia's growing apprehension and fear manifest in the book. As an adult, I wanted to shake her and tell her just to tell someone, but putting myself in her shoes, thinking back to when I was her age, I could really feel her terror, and I was definitely worried about what was going to happen! Part of the fear came from not knowing who the murderer is, and so Tia saw them in everyone/everything. I thought that this was so well done, for me to be able to feel her fear as I read.

I also really enjoyed the relationships in the book. We mostly see Tia with her family (her parents and her grandmother who lives a few blocks away) and her best friend, Julius, and it was really nice to see all the different interactions. Tia has a family who loves her and cares about her so much, and keeping the secret from them was so stressful, but she was more worried about what might happen to them if she did tell, and we see this in all her interactions with them, and I loved that. I also loved seeing how close she and Julius are, and how even when he was mad at her because he knew she was keeping secrets, he was still there for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys middle grade books!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Jolly Fish Press for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Libriamo3116 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia is a regular teenage girl trying to enjoy the final days of summer with her best friend Julius. One night, from inside her bedroom, she peers out into the darkness. Rather than zombies or werewolves, Tia sees a monster more unnerving than any other. What she sees is a person murdering somebody else in cold blood. Tia worries that though her eyes have filled her heart with terror, it is her lips that could dig her grave. She tells nobody what she saw that night, not even her grandmother, and messages from the killer warning her to stay quiet reinforce her dread. Tia wants to protect her family, but to do so means she'll have to learn from her grandmother's example and visit the botanica to find a way to quell her fear, and rid her life of the killer, before it's too late.

What do you do when you didn't even do anything, but your life has changed anyway? What if you can't tell anybody about it, because somebody might die if you do? Tia Lugo has to grapple with these questions, even though she's only thirteen. Her story is part self-discovery, and also part real discovery, as she seeks to move beyond her fear of loss by obtaining protection, and also move beyond the unknown by trying to pin down who the mysterious killer is. At first, the botanica seems like it might contain the answer to her problems, but life often isn't that simple, and Tia is stronger than she knows.

This is a really great middle grade read that focuses on personal relationships and inner strength to overcome difficult situations, and there are some sad and scary moments that create opportunity for reflection and discussion. Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil is the story of a girl who sees something truly awful, and can't tell anybody about it, but eventually finds the strength to confront the terrible night etched in her memory. Recommended for readers who enjoy unnerving stories that teach life lessons and emphasize the importance of doing the right thing even when it's scary.

Thank you Jolly Fish Press for sending me a free copy of this book to read and review.⁣

[Labannya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 30 for #goodreads #challenge

Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil by @DanetteVigilante

The best way I could start my review is that, "Life can change in an instant" we all know that and trust me when I write this for this book and she has a deadly secret.

This is story about Tia, teenager how her all happy routined life change in an instant when one night she encountered something she shouldn't have.

Tia felt guilty when she thought she could've done something heroic that night but something inside her echoed that staying silent would've save her, the family she loved and Julius, her only friend (she likes him) but soon she'd learned that it was much more dangerous to stay silent than it was to tell.

"Being under pressure can sometimes make people do things they wouldn't normally do."
Couldn't agree more to this. A phrase, from the book itself.

This book also portrayed that botanical staffs aren't always bad or weird which most of people make a fuss. There are people, who believes in such thing and respect it. People need something or someone to lean on when nothing seems right.

Although, it's a middle grade suspense thriller but I can assure you that adults will enjoy this book as much as the kid or teenagers cause this book can teach you life lessons for real.

I learned that it's not always what it seems to be. Just like this there are plenty for that you really need to read this book for yourself.

The story has many twists and turns that you will enjoy through out the read. If you're a fast reader you can finish this book in one sitting. And trust me, YOU'LL NOT REGRET READING THIS BOOK!

Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Thank you @NetGalley and @JollyFishPress for the #arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance this book is about a young girl who saw too much (a murder to be precise). At the core of this middle grade book though is a lot of heart. It’s about the bonds we share with family and friends. Throw in a bit of magic, suspense, a surprise twist at the end and you have a great story.

Immediately I was drawn in by the sweet friendship Tia Lugo shares with her gran who is also her best friend. I have always been close to my gran so could really relate. Their relationship felt authentic, warm and relatable. It had me reminiscing and a lot of nostalgia came up for me.

There are a lot of feel good moments and little nuggets of wisdom - “maybe sometimes people needed to feel connected to something bigger and stronger than themselves.. but the truth is you can’t buy magic or strength. Those things are inside all of us.” Tia goes through a lot of self development throughout the novel and learns about herself along the way. She is wonderful role model for pre teens because she is brave and wise but not perfect.

There’s a hint of romance in here but it’s completely age appropriate and quite sweet. Tia’s friendships were also lovely too.

Overall a really sweet feel good book which I would have no hesitation recommending to pre-teens.

Thank you so much Netgalley and the publisher Jolly Fish Press for giving me an eARC in exchange for review.

[Debb Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia witnesses a murder as she looked out of her window during the throes of an asthma attack. (Not a spoiler, this happens in the first chapter.) She keeps silent over fears that the murderer would return for her if she did not. Throughout the novel, Tia--usually accompanied by her best friend, Julius--begins to feel the murderer is following her, leaving her messages, sending her texts, and finally leaving a small figurine to frighten her into keeping silence. Throughout the novel, Tia is supported by her mom and dad, her grandmother, and several other neighborhood adults and "friends" from school.

There were parts of the book that I wanted author, Danette Vigilante, to explore more deeply. There were characters and bits of the plot introduced that seemed tangential, but tuck those parts of the novel away. They pop back up, and it doesn't detract from the main storyline.

I was really surprised by this little novel. As a middle school teacher, I tend to read for older middle grades and young adults, and I think this book would be suited for mature 4th graders through 6th graders. It could even be the right book for a 7th grader that is reluctant to read. It would appeal to any middle grades student that likes thrillers, murder-mysteries. or books with a strong family and friend support system. I really liked the Botanica aspects and loved that Tia's family background was Puerto Rican.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia Lugo is thirteen years old. Her parents have agreed to let her go to summer camp for a week. She had a difficult time getting approval as her mom worries about her asthma. Sometimes Tia has to go to the emergency room at the hospital if her asthma gets out of control. Tia is up the night before going to summer camp in her room as she is having trouble with her asthma. She goes to pick up her inhaler but fumbles and rolls across the room. After using her inhaler she looks out the window to look at the stars. Stars aren’t the only thing she sees. What does she see? Why does she decide not to tell anyone? Tia tells her parents that she doesn’t want to go to camp. The parents say okay but want to know why. She is saved by the police knocking on the door.

It’s a mystery, summer recess from school, friendship and more in this excellent novel. I was fascinated with how she kept from telling her secret as it seem to invade her mind all the time she was awake. She even dreamed about her secret. The ending was a good surprise for me as I didn’t know what was going to happen. It’s a
page-turning adventure story.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Eileen Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil by Danette Vigilante
Jolly Fish Press Horror/Middle Grade/Multicultural Interest
Pub Date Aug 17, 2021

#TiaLugoSpeaksNoEvil #NetGalley
Tia Lugo has a deadly secret.

As a reviewer for Gram’s Book Club, I look for books to recommend to my grandchildren and yours. I enjoyed meeting Tia, a feisty girl who lives in the city and witnesses a tragic event from her window. The author created a believable family, and I loved the doting grandmother who is a bit eccentric. This story provides a cast of characters that provide positive role models with strong family values. Tia’s best friend is Julius, with a loyal friendship with sweet romantic tension. Tia makes some decision’s early on in the story that give us a sense of her budding independence and maturity that in real life should be shared with a trusted adult. Yet her decision to not share what she has seen takes the reader on an adventure with drama, tension and a thriller ending. Recommended for middle grade readers with a parent/grandparent conversation afterwards of Tia’s reluctance to tell anyone of her fears, even her best friend Julius.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Jolly Fish Press for giving me an digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few cozy mysteries before but this is the first middle-grade mystery I've ever read. The beginning of Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil starts with a thirteen year old girl (Tia) getting ready to go to survival camp. When an asthma attack wakes her in the middle of the night, she witnesses a murder take place right in her own neighborhood. When the murderer looks up and warns her to be quiet, Tia knows her life will never be the same.

The book continues on with Tia seeing warnings wherever she goes. Warnings to keep quiet and not tell anyone what she saw. I felt really bad for her, as she was essentially a child, still. A child left with such a big secret. I kept hoping that eventually, Tia would tell Julius (her best friend) what happened and that he would convince her to tell the police.

As for the mystery part of this book, it all progressed very well. There were even little side mysteries to be solved.

If you're looking for a good cozy mystery, as well as a diverse middle-grade book, look no further than Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil!

[Katelyn Spedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an eARC of this novel from NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press in exchange for an honest review*

If there’s one thing I didn’t expect from a Middle Grade book it was to be completely thrown for a loop when it comes to who the bad guy is. I mean it’s a book for young readers I should be able to pick out who it is right? Yeah wrong. I was totally taken by surprise with that ending and I read the entire book in less than three hours because I couldn’t put it down. The book is a MG Suspense and it’s so good but written in the perfect way that it’s not graphic or violent it’s just scary knowing that there’s a faceless killer that Tia is terrified of because they know she saw them outside that night,. The entire book takes place over three days but it could have been a whole summer with how well it was written and how invested you become in the characters. It was an all around great book that totally has a twist you don’t see coming.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a young teen who witnesses a murder and says nothing, fearing the murderer will retaliate. More importantly, it's a story about a close-knit family and good friendships. And a dog.

There are also crappy people in the book, because crappy people are always clomping around annoying us whether in books or real life. Because Tia's grandmother visits a botanical store and believes in supernatural protection, the snotty kids in the neighborhood call Tia and her gran "witches." Was it magic or Tia's own wits guiding her through the outcome of witnessing a murder? Or a little of both?

This is a good story for middle grade and young YA. No bad language, some beginning attraction between boys and girls but no sex. The acceptance of people who are different than you, whether a different culture, a speech impediment, or having a grandma who thinks herbs and beads and candles will protect you. It's all done in a gentle way and nobody is over-the-top cruel.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ebook ARC in return for an honest review.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the E-arc. This is such an absolute gem! A middle grade suspense/thriller/mystery book with loads of life lessons. I like the author’s writing style and story direction. The plot is simple yet grounded and very engaging. I managed to finish it quickly as it was intense thinking that young readers will be diving into this story. First love, importance of family, and having the courage to speak up are the gems that a young reader will get out of this book.

Liked:
Plot
Writing style
Fast pacing

Disliked:
Villain was predictable
I wanted more of Gram
Witnessing murder at a young age

Setting: 3⭐️
Character Building: 4⭐️
Writing Style: 4⭐️
Message: 5⭐️
Overall: 4⭐️

Overall, it was a very enjoyable and time worthy story that is highly recommended especially to young readers. It is full of lessons and it is very inspiring when it comes to courage and bravery.

~JaNnA~

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Netgalley book for review ~. I really enjoyed this one! (Although if I had been Tia I so would have gone to camp to get as far away as possible.). It’s suspenseful and even a bit scary. The magic bits definitely feel more background/does this stuff actually work in this verse— which is not at all the vibe I was expecting. Take that with a grain of salt... I enjoy going into books mostly blind, so I thought I’d be reading something completely different. I’m still happy with the book, but I was just startled!

Anyway, I loved Tia’s family and her friend and I thought her character was portrayed really well. In a similar situation I’d be freaking out for sure.

I do wish the setting had been fleshed out a bit more, but other than that this book is just about perfect. It might be too scary for a sensitive reader but probably anyone would love it.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia Lugo is a 13 year old girl enjoying her summer vacation in New York City. On the evening before she is to leave for summer camp, she witnesses a brutal crime from her bedroom window. Unfortunately, the criminal sees that Tia witnesses the crime and he looks at her and holds a finger up to his lips. Tia is too frightened to call the police or tell anyone what she witnessed. Will Tia tell what happened or will the criminal make sure she stays silent?
This was a quick read that I feel will be enjoyed by the target audience. It was fun and should be good for reluctant readers. The book is also full of tidbits about Puerto Rican culture and gives information about botanicas, which are spiritual stores. I liked how these were sprinkled throughout the book. Overall, this book was a compelling mystery book that middle grade readers will enjoy!

[Felicia *bookscatsandwine* · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨ Is it possible to call a Middle Grade novel a thriller? Because for a 13 year old, I'm pretty sure that's exactly how I would describe this book! 🤍 After Tia sees something she shouldn't from her bedroom window, she is faced with an impossible choice. 💜 I love the way the author included so much culture and traditional beliefs into her novel. Although I am Italian, I recognized many of the customs, especially those of the very superstitious abuela. 💙 Tia is an excellent protagonist, and although a piece of her innocence is lost from the very beginning, it's great to see her grow and mature with her own values and beliefs. 💚 Thanks @fluxbooks and @jollyfishpress and @netgalley for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marilu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle-grade suspense book gave me the creeps that most adult books don't give me.
The book follows Tia, who has witnessed a horrific incident outside her window, and is threatened. The book follows her going through various stages of paranoia, guilt, and fear. It is really gut-wrenching to read as it is so real (especially since she has asthma). Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil isn’t violent or gory - it relies on Danette’s masterful writing style to portray the looming threat of an unknown killer and the internal debate of a murder’s young witness.
Absolutely fantastic!
Thank you so much, Net Galley and Jolly Fish Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Horror Sickness · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

A 13 year old girl that wakes up in the middle of the night only to be the witness of a murder. Now she can not tell her parents or the police what she saw because the killer is still free and he could come for her.

This was such a fun and really suspenseful middle grade mystery thriller. Perfect for people that enjoy a nice cozy thriller mystery.

One of the strongest assets of the book is the characters because they felt realistic and I also loved the hispanic representation in the book and how we get to see Tia not only with her friends but also we explore her family relationships.

A story about family, friendship and trust with a great mystery and some twists and turns that as an adult you might see coming but this will still be a perfect cozy read for this fall.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MG suspense thriller. I think kids would love this book. It is fast paced, fun, and the characters are relatable and wonderfully written. The close best friend relationship between Tia and Julian that was slowly changing into something more was sweet, and well done. The mystery and Tia’s constant worry and glances over her shoulder kept you in suspense while you tried to figure out who the killer was. No gore. The violence was mild and kept to a minimum and wasn’t graphic. There were a couple things revealed towards the end that I though came across as a little odd, but I enjoyed the story, couldn’t put it down, and I think kids would like it too.

[Laura Mauro · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I got this book for review*

I thought this was fun quick pace read. I think this is also a great bridge book between middle grade and YA. I also did like the mystery element that was fun and engaging. I struggled a little bit to feel connected to the character. I really loved the the culture and background elements. I also found this to be quick read. It thought this mystery was had to figure it out and would be def read more by this author in the future.

[katelyn ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia Lugo is one of the more suspenseful middle grade books that grab your attention from the first line. It was fairly easy to predict who was behind it all, but it would’ve been a novel that kept my younger self on my toes trying to piece the puzzle together so I can’t complain.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so scared for Tia! I wanted to reach through the pages and protect her! You might be sleeping with the light on after this one!!