WELCOME
Welcome to
John Marino's
Historical Fiction Mystery Book Site
Coming In January
"When truth threatens power, love can save you—or destroy you."
Cotton Dust in the South
​(Book # 2 )
Savannah, 1922.
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Beneath the moss-draped charm, power festers—and silence is bought in blood. When a prominent Mill owner, his wife, and their driver are gunned down outside a River Street speakeasy, the city whispers scandal. Investigative reporters Laura Jensten and Jack Palmer hear something louder: a warning.
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The trail leads to the Wellington family—owners of the city's most powerful cotton Mill and architects of an empire built on dust, heat, and fear.
As Laura and Jack close in, each lead draws them deeper into a web of corruption, violence, and buried crimes—and closer to men who kill to protect their secrets.
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In a world where women are meant to be silent and the truth can get you killed, Laura and Jack must decide how much they're willing to risk for the story no one else will tell.
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Summer Deception ​
A Laura Jensten Historical Mystery
​(Book # 1 )
Fernandina Beach, Summer of 1922
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Bold, defiant, and determined to be heard, journalist Laura Jensten lives in a world that barely acknowledges women like her. When she joins forces with a real-life historical figure to investigate a corrupt network hidden beneath her town's polished surface, she unearths dangerous secrets buried deep in old tunnels—and even deeper in politics.
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As allies vanish and threats loom ever closer, Laura must face the truth alone. The right to vote was only the beginning. Now, the real fight is to be seen, respected and believed.
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Immerse yourself in the Roaring Twenties, a meticulously researched era that serves as the backdrop for this novel. Here, danger, romance, and revolution intertwine, echoing the courage of a generation of women who dared to rewrite the rules and lead.
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Perfect for fans of historical fiction with strong female leads, gripping mysteries, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mr. George - a real-life, fascinating character.
The Mavericks from Zacatecas
"The Mavericks from Zacatecas" delivers a vivid, historically accurate portrayal that intertwines rich character development with a compelling narrative. As the Mavericks face the challenges of racial and cultural displacement, their unwavering resilience and bold defiance emerge against the backdrop of their era, revealing incredible strength and courage—especially after their fateful encounter with Mr. George. Each character offers a unique perspective, enhancing the story with diverse experiences and challenges and providing readers with an immersive and authentic historical adventure.
What are they saying about Marino's books?
​About the Author
​ John Marino
As a new novelist, I'm drawn to the extraordinary sweep of American life in the late 1800s and early 1900s—a period defined by hardship, ingenuity, and an unbreakable spirit. It was a time when everyday life demanded grit, resourcefulness, and courage. Yet despite the difficulties, people pushed forward, determined to build a better future for themselves and their families.
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My stories are rooted in extensive research to honor the historical reality of the era. I focus on real individuals whose contributions shaped the nation in ways history books often overlook. Many faced discrimination, grueling labor, and the dangers of unregulated industries, yet they persevered—and in doing so, helped forge modern America. Their achievements, too often forgotten, deserve our respect and remembrance.
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Through vivid detail and character-driven narratives, I aim to bring readers into their world—to feel the weight of their struggles, the thrill of their triumphs, and the quiet strength that carried them forward. As you journey through my books, I hope you'll see how their experiences, though distant in time, still resonate today. Their stories offer not just a window into the past, but lessons in resilience and humanity that remain profoundly relevant to our own lives.