The Manchineel

By: Jessica Carrasquillo

Narrated by: Bianca Santos, Jason Manuel Olazabal, Punch Audio

Just as nature evolves to protect itself against predators, a woman grows into a deadly force. Elyse Santiago seeks a fresh start far from the traumas of her past in Miami and ventures to Los Angeles. There, she cultivates a social media persona and shares lessons on life and nature from her garden. Yet, behind her smile she’s haunted by the voice of her childhood abuser—a ghost from her past she thought she’d silenced forever. Surviving on her own in Los Angeles proves challenging for Elyse. She’s broke and unemployed when her path crosses with Ben, a handsome Hollywood attorney at a top talent agency.

As they collaborate professionally, an undeniable attraction blossoms. But, Ben is trapped in an abusive marriage with Ana, the daughter of his powerful boss. Escaping Ana’s grasp threatens to destroy Ben’s life, endangering his career, lifestyle, and reputation. For Elyse, no moral boundary or personal risk can deter her from claiming Ben entirely as her own. As they grow closer, the very foundation of their lives begins to shift, entwining them in a web of passion, betrayal, and murder.

©2023 Songbird Books LLC (P)2024 Songbird Books LLC

An amazing first dark and twisted book

I can’t believe this is Jessica’s debut novel
If you like Lily White, you will like this story.
The audio narrated in duet by Bianca Santos and Jason Manuel Olazabal is amazing. It enlightens the depth of the protagonists, Elyse and Ben, as they navigate their respective hells.

Elyse is a gifted botanist haunted by her past, and Ben is stuck in an abusive marriage, weighed down by family expectations. Both are flawed, deeply human characters whose decisions will make you question your own sense of right and wrong.

This story is a dark, twisty exploration of trauma, toxic relationships, and morally complex characters.
If you love psychological thrillers with complex, messy characters, this one will keep you hooked until the last page.

TW
Rape of a child
Murders
Domestic violence
Toxic relationship
Cheating

Dark Romantic Thriller With A Dash of Spice

I love the way the story unfolds with how there is something troubling both characters but we don’t really find out until the middle. I adore Morally Grey characters and that’s why Elise made such an intriguing character. The spice was the cherry on top and I definitely liked the fact the emotion felt EARNED. In a lot of romantic stories, the author simply throws two hot people together and then go “voila! Romance!” But here the characters have a deep connection that can be understood. ❤️❤️❤️

The violence was a slow build up that kept you eager to keep listening for hours.

Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Loved this one so much

This is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from start to finish, it’s just so good. This book is a mix of suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters that kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing is both evocative and immersive, painting vivid pictures of the setting and the intricate emotions of her characters. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing and completely enthralled throughout the journey. Every page is filled with tension and excitement, making it impossible to put down this extraordinary book.

In addition to the brilliant writing, the audiobook narration elevates the experience to a whole new level. The narrators’ performances are outstanding, bringing each character to life with distinct and compelling voices. Their delivery adds an incredible depth to the already rich narrative, making the story even more engaging and immersive.

The Manchineel is a must-read (or listen) for fans of suspenseful and beautifully written fiction. The author has truly outdone herself with this phenomenal novel, and I can't recommend it highly enough.