There’s something fitting about releasing Every Broken Thing in the shadow of April Fools' Day—a day built on misdirection, deception, and the uneasy realization that what you believed a moment ago might not be true. In Santana’s world, the stakes are far higher than a harmless prank: lies carry consequences, trust is a currency easily spent, and the line between victim and culprit
can vanish in an instant. Just like April 1st, my latest mystery asks a simple, dangerous question—what if the truth you’re holding onto is the very thing leading you astray?
The Power of Place in Mystery Fiction
In Every Broken Thing, Santana’s journey back to Colombia plunges him into a world where the landscape holds as many secrets as the people he
encounters. The misty mountains and labyrinthine streets are more than scenery—they’re obstacles, clues, and sometimes, silent adversaries. My goal is always to invite you, the reader, to experience these places as Santana does: with all the senses engaged and every shadow holding a story.
Behind the Scenes: Building Suspense Through Setting
Crafting atmosphere is about more than describing a place—it’s about evoking emotion. When I sit down to write, I ask myself:
What does this place smell like after the rain? How does the light slant through a window at dusk? What sounds filter in from the street at midnight? These sensory details help transform setting into suspense, making the world of the novel feel as real—and as dangerous—as possible.
Atmosphere also shapes the stakes. In every book, I strive to create a setting that feels authentic and alive, a place where every corner might conceal a clue—or
a danger.
Reader Reviews
Reader reviews are one of the most powerful ways you can support an author, and they make a real difference in a book’s success. Reviews help other readers decide whether to give a story a chance, and they signal to retailers that a book is worth recommending more widely. Even a short review can boost visibility, increase discoverability, and
help a book reach new audiences who might otherwise never find it. For me, your reviews don’t just support a single title—they help build momentum for the entire series and keep these stories alive and growing.
I’m giving away twenty-five complimentary copies of my latest John Santana mystery, Every Broken Thing, (this is not an April Fools' joke:) and I’d love to share one with you. If you’d like a free ebook or PDF copy, just reply
to this email and let me know your preference. I will respond to the first twenty-five requests.
If you do end up reading it, and feel inclined to leave a review on Amazon, I’d truly appreciate one—but there’s absolutely no obligation. If you choose to review it, a simple note like ‘I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my honest review’ is always appreciated for transparency on Amazon. If you've already purchased
a copy, consider reviewing Every Broken Thing or any of the books in the series. Either way, thank you for being part of this community and for reading John Santana.
If you're uncertain as to how to place a book review on Amazon, friends and fellow authors Rob Jung and Michael MacBride at Bell Cow Productions have put together a short video explaining the quick and easy process. Just click HERE to learn how.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through shadowed streets and windswept mountains. Your curiosity and passion for atmospheric mysteries inspire every page I write. I hope the worlds of Santana continue to provide both escape and
intrigue—wherever you’re reading from. And I hope your April Fools' Day is full of laughs—and just enough mischief to keep you guessing.
