Colombian Author Releases Two New Novels Exploring Family and Mystery

Colombian author Inger E. Johnson has released two new novels that draw on her life experiences and the rich cultural landscape of her homeland. Johnson, born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and now living in Arizona, has crafted two distinct narratives that explore the complexities of life between two countries.

The first novel, "Veiled Halos," is a multigenerational family saga that spans seventy years. It begins in 1923, when a fourth child is born into the Rendón family in Popayán, Colombia. The novel follows the lives of three brothers as they navigate faith, ambition, illness, and silence. One brother dedicates himself to music, another travels to the United States, and the third spends his life perfecting a surface so immaculate that it conceals his true self. The story culminates in a lawyer's office in Cali, where the mother's will is read, and the family's inheritance is finally acknowledged.

"Veiled Halos" is a profound exploration of what is inherited, including land, faith, grievance, memory, and the stories families tell to survive. Johnson's attention to detail is evident in her portrayal of the historical and cultural landscape of Colombia, making the setting a character in its own right. The novel is available now on Amazon in both print and ebook formats, with a Spanish edition titled "Halos Velados: Traición y Redención" also available.

The second novel, "The Muzo Emerald Murders," takes a lighter tone but delves into a darker mystery. Set in Colombia, the story revolves around the theft of ten flawless Muzo emeralds from a vault in Bogotá. A Dominican priest arrives in the Candelaria Desert to save a crumbling convent, and a small, experienced nun begins to suspect that the priest is not who he claims to be. Chief Inspector Ciro Rendón investigates the case, moving from the marble lobby of a new spa hotel in Boyacá to the mercury-lit streets of Bogotá's red light district.

This novel is a homage to Johnson's childhood, inspired by the mysteries her mother created on family vacations to keep the children engaged. The dedication of the book acknowledges the influence of these stories on Johnson's own writing. "The Muzo Emerald Murders" is currently available for preorder on Amazon and will release on November 4, 2023, with a print edition to follow.

Johnson's professional background in banking and her experience living and working in various countries have informed her writing. "Veiled Halos" is particularly clear-eyed about legal and financial matters, reflecting her expertise. The author's next novel, "The Road That Knows No End," is expected to be released in spring 2027.

Inger E. Johnson's work is a testament to her deep connection to Colombia and her ability to translate her experiences into compelling narratives. Her novels offer readers a glimpse into the complexities of life in a country that has shaped her, while also providing a fresh perspective from the United States.