City of Smoke and Sea

Malia Márquez was born in New Mexico and grew up in New England. She holds a BFA in 3D Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art & Design and an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles. Her work in translation has appeared in Poetry Magazine and her short fiction and essays have been included in various journals and anthologies. Her first novel, This Fierce Blood, was published by Acre Books in 2021. Her second novel, City of Smoke and Sea, is forthcoming from Red Hen Press. She writes and teaches in Los Angeles.

"In Márquez’s skilled hands, a murder mystery filled with intriguing characters and wondrous twists becomes a richly compelling narrative about a woman’s encounter with—and acceptance of—the gifts of her own imagination as she seeks truths about her past, herself, and her place in 'the ebb and flow of existence.' A unique multilayered story that will enchant readers with its unique blend of magic, mystery, and fabulist fantasy." —Kirkus Reviews "Lost in the captivating world of City of Smoke and Sea, I found myself enthralled by a compelling mystery that weaves seamlessly through the lives of an unforgettable cast of characters. The complexities of life and the eternal quest for belonging come alive in Malia's masterful hands, creating a narrative that resonates with a mesmerizing touch of magical realism. From the opening page to the final chapter, the book beckoned me to immerse myself in a world where mystery and history dance in perfect harmony. It's an enchanting and thought-provoking journey, where the answers to life's questions emerge from the most unexpected corners." —Oksana Marafioti, author of American Gypsy"A beautifully written, heartfelt novel that explores what it means to lose and find oneself through grief. As a woman struggles to solve the murder of her beloved grandmother, the shocking truth she discovers about her family’s history upends her world and leaves her questioning the very fabric of her existence. Both wondrous with mythology and rich with insight, Márquez weaves together a fabulist tapestry of belonging and family that’s absolute magic on the page." —Carolyne Topdjian, author of The Hitman’s Daughter"A delightful and inventive novel of hidden roots, unseen worlds, magical alliances, and personal reinvention, bringing the many layers of Los Angeles to life."—Andromeda Romano-Lax, author of The Deepest Lake and Annie and the Wolves"City of Smoke and Sea is part mystery, part magical, and completely captivating. Malia Márquez weaves an enchanting modern-day fable set in 21st century Los Angeles. Strange, layered, and wonderful." —Karen Winn, author of Our Little World