WELCOME
Welcome to John Marino's
Historical Fiction Mystery Book Site
Who
Who is Laura Jensten?
Fearless like Nellie Bly. Relentless like Ida Tarbell.
Laura Jensten brings the spirit of America's greatest investigative women into the dangerous, politically charged world of the 1920s South. In this world, truth is her weapon, and she plans to use it.
Journalist Laura Jensten doesn't just report stories; she digs deep. Savannah's elite try to hide their sins behind money, influence, and violence, but Laura never gives in to power. Her investigations take her into abandoned mills, corrupt hospitals, back-room deals, and the darkest corners of Georgia's institutions. These are places where women's voices are silenced, and secrets are buried deep.
Each case makes Laura face the harsh realities of her time: systemic racism, misogyny, class conflict, and the corruption that protects the powerful. But Laura will not be intimidated. With determination, sharp instincts, and a steady moral compass, she uncovers conspiracies that go far beyond a single headline.
As Laura's reputation grows, the danger increases. Her allies become targets, her enemies multiply, and every truth she reveals comes at a price.
Bold women. Dark secrets. High‑stakes investigations.
Perfect for readers who enjoy the novels of Charles Todd, Anna Lee Huber, Rhys Bowen, and Kate Morton, where layered mysteries, rich historical settings, and unforgettable characters collide.
Available October 22
The Other Palmer
Savannah, Georgia • 1924
Book #3
When the wife of one of Georgia's most powerful mill owners disappears, former journalist Laura Jensten and reporter Jack Palmer expect a
routine investigation. Instead, their search leads to Central State Hospital, a sprawling asylum haunted by rumors, missing records, and secrets buried for decades. Hidden among forgotten files is the name of a man who officially never existed: The Other Palmer.
As Laura and Jack uncover evidence of stolen identities, vanished patients, and a long-concealed tragedy, they realize powerful people will do anything to keep the past buried. What began as a search for a missing woman soon becomes a race to expose a conspiracy reaching from the hospital's darkest corridors to the highest levels of Georgia society. With danger closing in, Laura and Jack must decide how much they are
willingto risk for the truth. Because some secrets were meant to stay buried. And some names were never supposed to be remembered.
Historical Note
Inspired by the real history of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, The Other Palmer blends historical fact and fiction into a suspenseful mystery of hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and the haunting atmosphere of the American South in the 1920s.
"When truth threatens power, love can save you—or destroy you."
Savannah Shadows
(Book # 2 )
Savannah, 1923
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.
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.
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.
Silent Truths of a Beachtown
A Laura Jensten Mystery
(Book # 1 )
Fernandina Beach, Summer of 1922
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.
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.
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.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction with strong female leads, gripping mysteries, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mr. George - a real-life, fascinating character.
Brothers of the Road
"Brothers of the Road" delivers a vivid, historically accurate portrayal that intertwines rich character development with a compelling narrative. As the "Caminantes" (walkers) 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, enriching the story with diverse experiences and challenges. The story provides readers with an immersive, authentic
historical adventure.
What are they saying about Marino's books?
About the Author
John Marino
I dive into the extraordinary sweep of American life in the late 1800s and early 1900s—a period that tested people with hardship, demanded ingenuity, and revealed an unbreakable spirit. Everyday life required grit, resourcefulness, and courage, and people met those demands head‑on. They pushed forward, determined to build a better future for themselves and their families.
My stories grow from extensive research because I want to honor the era as it truly was. I spotlight real individuals whose contributions shaped the nation in ways history books often overlook. Many endured discrimination, grueling labor, and the dangers of unregulated industries. Still, they persevered—and in doing so, they helped forge modern America. Their achievements deserve our respect and remembrance.
Through vivid detail and character‑driven narratives, I bring readers into their world. I want you 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 continue to matter in our own lives.