Velvet Was The Night

Settle in for a slow-burn intrigue set in the 1970s.

Straight from the beginning, Maite is established as not being particularly special in any way. I would argue that by the end of the book, the reader can see that she IS in fact very skilled at getting into a lot of trouble and learning nothing from it. The plot is a slow-burn mystery, with an unpleasant ending that is delicious in its own way. The most satisfaction comes from the other main character, Elvis. Unlike Maite, he does not remain static. As they share the same air without ever interacting, Elvis realizes how much of himself he sees in Maite, and learns a little about who he really is. Or rather, learns that he has no idea who he really is.
I would recommend Velvet was the Night to fans of slow-burn mysteries. Readers might enjoy it who liked Harlem Shuffle by Colsen Whitehead, or I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak.