Bindle Punk Jefe

Desideria Mesa is the author of the historical fantasy debut, Bindle Punk Bruja. Her craft often focuses on celebrating the successes and exposing the struggles of Latinx culture through Mexican folktales in historical settings. Aside from churning out novels, she enjoys writing songs, poetry, and short stories.

“Mesa’s debut mixes a bit of Mexican folktale, a chunk of magical realism, and tons of period detail into a page-turning urban fantasy that takes the glitter of Boardwalk Empire and combines it with a story of found family, mob violence, and romance.” — Library Journal (starred review, on Bindle Punk Bruja)“Bindle Punk Bruja is a book you will dive into, gorgeously addictive and impossible to put down. It will transport you through time to a 1920s world soaked in gin, glittering in gold and edged in danger. Luna is a hero with an indomitable will, navigating blood-soaked city streets with dark humor and cutting intelligence. Sharp, smart and utterly enchanting, Mesa’s debut is a triumph that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.” — Greta Kelly, author of The Frozen Crown“Desideria Mesa puts the reader in a Kansas City Prohibition scene filled with gangsters, bigotry, and magic to give a thrilling read to historical fantasy fans. Her writing is strong and confident in a story that simply bursts with action fueled by a likable young woman bent on shattering the stereotypes of her time period. No stranger to a fine turn of phrase, Mesa balances raw action with lyrical prose and knows just when to pull her punches. Fans of emotionally strong characters and historical fantasy will find a lot to love in Bindle Punk Bruja. I know I did. Overall, the story goes down like good bootleg hooch: smooth and easy with a real strong kick.” — T. Frohock, author of the Los Nefilim series“Mesa puts the reader in a Kansas City Prohibition scene filled with gangsters, bigotry, and magic to give a thrilling read to historical fantasy fans. Her writing is strong and confident in a story that simply bursts with action fueled by a likable young woman bent on shattering the stereotypes of her time...Mesa balances raw action with lyrical prose and knows just when to pull her punches. Fans of emotionally strong characters and historical fantasy will find a lot to love in Bindle Punk Bruja...The story goes down like good bootleg hooch: smooth and easy with a real strong kick.” — T. Frohock, author of the Los Nefilim series“The friends and family surrounding Luna are a joy to meet...good flapper fun.” — Kirkus Reviews“Bindle Punk Bruja is the ‘bee’s knees’ and the ‘cat’s meow.’” — Seattle Book Review“Mesa's got a knack for rounded characters and relationships, with great dialogue that keeps the plot moving. This is an excellent way to wrap up Rose's story, but fans probably wouldn't be sad if Mesa decided to continue it. Perfect for fans of Alix Harrow's Once and Future Witches; new readers should start with book one for best effect.” — Booklist (starred review)