In 2018, Brenda Alvarez has returned home to Texas to see her best friend Veronica get married. La Reina de Las Chicharras, The Queen of The Cicadas, is the basis of an urban legend associated with the farm Brenda calls home.
In the 1950’s, a farm worker is murdered in south Texas. The town ignores her death, but not Mictecacíhuatl, the Aztec goddess of death. Hearing the dying cries of Milagros, the goddess plans to be physically reborn, feeding on worship and vengeance.
Now Brenda, and Hector, the new owners of the farmhouse, find themselves attached to the legend, and discover it is their fate as well.
Why we’re excited about this book:
V. Castro is quickly becoming one of the strongest voices in horror fiction. The author of Sed de Sangre, Maria the Wanted and the Legacy of the Keepers, Goddess of Filth, and Hairspray and Switchblades, Castro also has short stories published in Lockdown: Stories of Crime, Terror, and Hope During a Pandemic, Rigor Morbid: Lest Ye Become, and Worst Laid Plans. With her latest, Castro plunges deep into urban legend territory with an Aztec goddess reborn for vengeance. Gabino Iglesias (Coyote Songs) says: “In the age of phony fiction, V. Castro is the voice of authenticity; una voz que lucha por la igualdad. Dark, atmospheric, sexy, and dangerous, her fiction brings readers her unfiltered Latinx essence and a unique pulpy flavor. Her work matters. Read it.” and Christopher Golden (Ararat, Red Hands) says: “V. Castro writes like her blood is in the ink. Queen of the Cicadas is the best urban legend story since Candyman, layered and dark and hideously beautiful. It will get way under your skin. If Castro’s not already on your radar, she should be.”
Forthcoming from Flame Tree Press 22 June 2021, The Queen of the Cicadas by V. Castro is available for pre-order now.
BOB PASTORELLA