Hello John Santana Fans,

As we approach the end of 2025, I’m thrilled to offer you an exclusive glimpse into the next chapter of the John Santana series, slated for release in early 2026. Many of you have reached out with questions and theories about what’s next for Santana, and I can promise that the upcoming mystery/thriller will push him into uncharted territory.

Inside the Next Santana Case

When homicide detective John Santana returns to Colombia, a vacation turns into a nightmare.

His childhood friend, César Robledo, is found drowned in a thermal pool—and Santana is the prime suspect. As more bodies fall and the evidence twists, Santana uncovers a deadly conspiracy linking paramilitary death squads, corrupt officials, and international arms smuggling.

With the CIA watching, enemies closing in, and no one to trust, Santana must solve his friend’s murder before he becomes the next victim.

A tense, atmospheric thriller, Every Broken Thing plunges readers high into the mist-shrouded mountains of Colombia, where power, betrayal, and survival collide.

Black Friday Special

Starting November 28, for a limited time, you can get the Bone Shadows ebook—the fourth novel in the John Santana series—for just $1.99. With 385 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon, readers have made their verdict clear. As Library Journal puts it: Bone Shadows "is guaranteed to hold readers’ attention until the last page.” And, “Valen’s highly moral character is golden."

Here's a look at the back cover synopsis: 

The bodies of young men have been turning up in the Mississippi River for years, their deaths attributed to excessive drinking. But when an Iraq war vet suffering from PTSD is found in the river, St. Paul Homicide Detective John Santana must decide if the young man’s death was accidental or the result of something far more sinister.

Caught between a reporter trying to resurrect his flagging career, an FBI agent with a troubled past, and a beautiful private investigator on the trail of a serial killer, Santana is pulled into a whirlpool of greed, seduction, and death. Determined to find the truth no matter what the cost, he must first face his own dark memories and a killer intent on stopping him.

Click HERE for a link to the Amazon ebook addition of Bone Shadows.

Highlights: What’s Coming in 2026

Stay tuned for the official cover reveal for Every Broken Thing, which I’ll be sharing first with newsletter subscribers. 

Upcoming Events and Community

• Watch for winter and spring appearances on the events calendar, including signings and discussions.
• Connect with fellow readers and share your theories about Santana’s next move—your feedback often shapes the twists I explore in future books.

Thank you for your passion, your curiosity, and your unwavering support for stories that blend suspense, character, and the search for truth. As always, stay curious and keep sleuthing! 🕵️‍♂️📚

Christopher