A New Kind of Novel
Smokescreen: A Novel of Medical Intrigue is a medical thriller in the tradition of books by Robin Cook, F. Paul Wilson, Michael Palmer, Patrick Lynch, Michael Crichton and Tess Gerritsen. However, many of the works by these authors feature a protagonist who is predictably white (male or female), is an Ivy League graduate with an impeccable academic pedigree, and holds a position at a major hospital.
Some authors, such as Tony Hillerman, with his Navajo Indian protagonists, and Faye Kellerman with her Jewish protagonists, have successfully created novels featuring protagonists from different ethnic backgrounds. What makes these novelists unique is their ability to intertwine a strong story with characters from diverse cultures.
However, Latino protagonists in mysteries and thrillers are very rare. Two writers who are exceptional in this regard and are growing in popularity are Carolina Garcia-Aguilera and Rudolfo Anaya. In the small field of the Latino mystery/thriller (if such a category exists) there are no writers with the scientific or medical background to develop a story where the setting is a research or medical environment and where the science is sound and plausible. In any successful medical thriller, it is crucial that the science is sound. It may not always be 100 percent accurate, but it is at least plausible.
Against this background, Smokescreen: A Novel of Medical Intrigue stands out because it has a Hispanic protagonist who comes from humble beginnings and who becomes successful through hard work, perseverance and providence. The compelling story will appeal to all readers, but especially to the large, emerging market of Latino readers. Latinos are looking for thrillers or mysteries that portray Latinos as bright, articulate scientists, and not just Chicano, low-rider villains. Latino readers want to read about people who come from humble beginnings and become successful through hard work. The protagonist in Smokescreen: A Novel of Medical Intrigue fits that theme. We know the demand for such works is huge as evidenced by the attendance of nearly 50,000 people at the Latino Book and Family Festival this past August-organized by actor Edward James Olmos-demonstrating that this is an emerging but often overlooked market of readers.
In Smokescreen: A Novel of Medical Intrigue, the Latino protagonist is not traditional or clichéd. His conflicts are varied, and include personal conflict associated with cultural transition. The protagonist is an underdog (David) going against the tobacco industry (Goliath). The plot is based on today's headlines, that of the medical community versus the tobacco industry. The twist is timely, a conspiracy to incapacitate the president. The love interest and personal romantic conflicts are present. The hero is an expert. Characters fall in love. The antagonists murder good people. The plot is believable, timely, and all of the parts of the puzzle come together in the climax.
