When Tamara reluctantly returns to Peru after a devastating earthquake, she hopes to leave the nightmares behind. But the tremors of the past are nothing compared to the chaos that awaits her. A murder in the heart of Manchay (a fictional town) thrusts her into a web of secrets, lies and danger. Her best friend, K'antu, is accused of the crime, and the evidence is damning. But Tamara knows her friend is innocent or does she? As Tamara digs deeper, she uncovers a world of corruption, betrayal, and hidden truths. From the dusty streets of Manchay to the shadowy hills of Patabamba, she must navigate volatile alliances, confront her own fears, and face the unthinkable. With time running out and the ground beneath her feet as unstable as the people around her, Tamara must decide who to trust and how far she's willing to go to uncover the truth. In this gripping mystery, Cristina Matta weaves a tale of survival, friendship, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice. Perfect for fans of suspenseful thrillers and stories of resilience, "Tremor in the Hills" will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Will Tamara find the answers she seeks, or will the hills claim their secrets forever?

Hi, I'm Cristina Matta, an award-winning mystery author, lifelong storyteller, and survivor of the 2007 earthquake in Peru.

I write across the mystery spectrum. My work ranges from sharp, satirical detective fiction to suspenseful, emotionally layered crime novels. My Crack the Case series turns the classic whodunit on its head. Outrageous plots, multiple endings to choose from, and a blog written by the lead detective himself. serves up real-life forensic facts, behind-the-scenes case commentary from the lead detective, and snark. Lots of snark.

Coming soon: a mystery novel inspired by my own experience surviving an 8.1 magnitude earthquake in Peru. It's the first in a psychological suspense trilogy about trauma, corruption, and what happens when you return to a place forever changed.