Miren Triggs is an investigative journalist working for one of the top news publications in New York. While some of her colleagues and former classmates would describe her as strange and introverted, she has the tenacity and resourcefulness that it takes to be great at her job. So when a three-year-old little girl goes missing during one of the most popular public events of the year, or when a missing teenager turns up dead and might be connected to a similar case in the past, nothing keeps Miren from finding out the truth and bringing the victims home. Two titles in the Miren Triggs series – The Snow Girl and The Soul Game – by Javier Castillo follow Miren through her cases. She is tenacious, honorable, and does whatever it takes to deliver justice – all while facing her own troubled past. 

The Snow Girl and The Soul Game have been available in many other languages for years. But now English-language readers will be able to dive into these titles for the first time. In The Snow Girl, readers meet Miren as a journalism student still pursuing her degree. Her Professor, Jim Shmoeher, sees something special in her and helps her on her career path. When three-year-old Kiera Templeton goes missing, Miren’s relentless pursuit for the truth begins. And she doesn’t give up on her or her parents for years. 

In The Soul Game, Miren’s story picks up right where the first book left off. Readers get more chapters from Jim Shmoeher’s and FBI Agent Ben Miller’s point of view, which turns out to be an excellent method to move the story along and keep readers on their toes. The body of missing teenager Allison Hernandez is found in a disturbing and ritualistic manner, having appeared to have died by crucifixion. Upon further investigation, all three of our investigators separately make the connection to a case in which another teenage girl from the same school, Gina Pebbles, went missing nine years prior. However, her body was never found and the last person to see her was her eight-year-old brother Ethan. With more twists and turns than The Snow Girl, The Soul Game will have readers guessing until the very end. 

Castillo is regarded as “the Spanish Stephen King” and for good reason. His works have been translated into over 20 languages and he has sold millions of copies before his titles became available in English. The Snow Girl is even the inspiration for the Netflix series of the same name, and The Soul Game will serve as the plot for the second season. That being said, I didn’t expect to get sucked in so easily to the first Miren Triggs story. Once I started reading, I spent every available moment I had to continue, eager for Miren to close the case and overcome her obstacles. She follows leads, navigates the bureaucracy of the world of journalism, all while attempting to heal from a horrific injustice she endured. 

Not only does Castillo develop intense and captivating storylines, his writing style is detailed enough while being respectful of the possibly triggering content. Additionally, all characters are well developed, relatable, and authentic. Even the perpetrators gained my sympathy. Readers will be conflicted and engaged while discovering Castillo’s work. I’m so glad that my fellow bookworms on this continent will be able to join in on the fun. 

Javier Castillo joins us for a Cantina Conversation to talk about his experiences as a published author. We learn about how he skyrocketed to the top of the book charts and his plans for the future. Keep an ear out for an upcoming episode of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast and get your hands on both titles in the Miren Triggs series. The Snow Girl is available now. The Soul Game is available July 11.