Ana Manwaring is the author of the award winning JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventures set against the backdrop of organized crime: Set Up, The Hydra Effect, Nothing Comes after Z, Coyote, and Backlash. Her latest series featuring Dafne Olabarrieta looks at government corruption. Ana has branded cattle in Hollister, lived on houseboats, consulted brujos, visited every California mission, worked for a PI, swum with dolphins, and out-run gun totin’ maniacs on lonely Mexican highways—the inspiration for her Mexican thrillers. Read Ana's true story of living in Mexico: Saints and Skeletons.
When Ana isn't writing about Mexico, she writes poetry, produces the North Bay Poetics, a monthly poetry event, and teaches creative writing in wine country, California.
What reviewers are saying:
Kickback A Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mystery Book 1
The Prairies Book Review
"Thrilling, twisted, and unpredictable… immersing [readers] in Dafne’s perilous reality, where moral boundaries blur, and every friendly face may hide a threat. The story remains grounded in reality as deceptions accumulate, crafting a rare page-turner that delivers a satisfying climax. Readers will be up all night."
Saints and Skeletons A Memoir of Living in Mexico, Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for fiction, Short-listed for the 2025 CIBA Journey Book Award for Overcoming Adversity in non-fiction and memoir
J. C. Miller, Amazon bestselling author of Larkspur, Heliotrope, Vacation and Believing in Bigfoot
"In Manwaring’s immersive memoir, Saints and Skeletons, she deftly takes her reader on a pilgrimage to Mexico. Rendered with heart and vulnerability, we observe her inner life through the risky choices she regrets, the love she desires, the sublime beauty she discovers. Don’t miss this multisensory adventure of a lifetime."
Backlash, Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for fiction, Short-listed for the 2024 CIBA Clue Award for suspense/thriller
Diane Donovan, senior review, Midwest Book Review
"“Ana Manwaring does an outstanding job of crafting a story... steeped in Mexican culture and mayhem, with the lingering effects of Vietnam relationships, the result is a vivid portrait of traitors and a dangerous man whose wrath and cleverness threaten everyone Quint has believed in and loved.”
Coyote, Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for fiction
"Ana Manwaring has a strong narrative voice in her novel which helps guide the reader through some high-octane scenes. I could clearly imagine it all and there were some fantastically cinematic scenes to read through. There is palpable tension throughout the story which always had me wondering what was going to happen next. Manwaring does an excellent job of keeping the reader on their toes as action strikes at any moment in the story."
US Review of Books
"This novel, with its backdrop of human trafficking, is a riveting read that puts one into the center of Mexican culture with its descriptive narrative of landmarks and cuisine."
Nothing Comes After Z, Recommended by the US Review of Books
"The beauty of Mexico and the charm of its citizens are offset by the rampant violence accompanying the scourge of organized crime. JadeAnne is a heroine with a healthy dose of skepticism who doesn't suffer betrayal or fools lightly. The paranoia that follows her every movement is palpable, and Manwaring conveys this with the flair of a seasoned writer."
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for fiction
"Author Ana Manwaring knows how to create a storyline that easily sets up hard-hitting action. I enjoyed how well emotion is weaved into this action novel. Nothing Comes After Z pits its compelling female protagonist against some seriously dangerous people in the midst of an exotic location where action seems to be around every corner. Suspense and crime fiction lovers will find this book a must read."
The Hydra Effect
Lisa Towles, Bestselling and Award-winning author of Hot House, Ninety-Five, The Unseen and Choke
“The Hydra Effect sizzles with action, tension, and peril. Great writing combined with regional flare and international intrigue make this sequel a delightful ride!”
M. M. Chouinard, USA Today bestseller of the Jo Fournier Mystery series
"A well-written, engaging story with a bad-ass protagonist I loved spending time with. Bring on more JadeAnne!"
Set UP
Heather Haven, multi-award-winning author of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries
“This is a blowout of a story. It starts on the backroads of Mexico in the middle of the night—just a woman, a dog, and Mexican Banditos—and escalates from there. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-filled thriller about the adventures of a young PI and her lethal but well-trained dog, this will be your cup of tea. Or should I say Margarita? Jack Reacher step aside. You have met your match in JadeAnne Stone."
Kirkus Review
"With a likable duo and a vivid, appealing setting, this adventure series is off to a promising start."
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