In the sultry shadows of Havana, a long-lost queen haunts the living. When American journalist Maren Cole arrives in Cuba, she’s searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Isadora Cruz—a former beauty queen who rose to become a revolutionary icon before vanishing in 1997. But as Maren digs deeper, what she uncovers is more than a cold case—it’s a buried uprising, a hidden manifesto, and the echo of a woman who refused to be erased. From smoke-filled jazz bars to crumbling mansions, Maren follows a trail of coded diaries, whispered betrayals, and dangerous alliances. Alongside Ana, a woman with secrets of her own, Maren must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose a truth that could reignite a revolution. Crowned in Smoke: Secrets of the Cuban Queen is a gripping mystery-suspense novel blending political intrigue, historical secrets, and powerful female voices. It’s a story of legacy, defiance, and the courage to rise from the ashes. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and political thrillers with a heart.