“Author Horane Smith has created a thrilling mystery in this lush Caribbean landscape. The Queen That Wears The Crown is like an intoxicating combination of escapism and reality.”
– Independent Book Review

In a Town Where Secrets Run Deep and Danger Lurks in Every Shadow, One Woman’s Fight for Justice Will Uncover a Truth Darker Than She Ever Imagined

In the heart of the Caribbean, where the sun-drenched beauty of Jamaica masks a darker undercurrent, the tranquil town of Parrot Valley is rocked by the mysterious disappearance of three young girls. When a brutal double murder soon follows, the community is plunged into a whirlwind of fear and suspicion. 

Is this the work of one of the recent deportees from Brooklyn, New York, or is there something more sinister at play?

Carmen Young, known as the “Queen of Parrot Valley” and a determined social activist, takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. As she battles her own demons and fights for the rights of her people, Carmen finds herself entangled in a complex web of deceit, danger, and desperation. Her upcoming marriage to Julian Downer, a man studying in Brooklyn, is under threat as sinister forces close in, and secrets long buried begin to surface.

Detective Benjamin Rhodes is called in to investigate, but with more questions than answers, the case spirals out of control. Meanwhile, the town drunk, Curtis “Bigsy” Cameron, claims to have seen two men fleeing the scene of the murders, but his cries for attention are drowned out by the chaos and distrust swirling through the town.

As Carmen’s world unravels, Julian becomes the target of a deadly conspiracy, framed for the murder of Carmen’s best friend and pursued by an unseen enemy. Brook Cunningham, Carmen’s close friend turned betrayer, will stop at nothing to win her heart — even if it means manipulating the truth.

With time running out and the fate of the missing girls hanging in the balance, Carmen must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the real killer and save her town from further tragedy. 

But can she unravel the twisted motives and lies before it’s too late, or will Parrot Valley be forever scarred by the darkness that has invaded it?

“The Queen That Wears The Crown” serves up an intoxicating cocktail of suspense, romance, and social commentary that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Gillian Flynn, and Walter Mosley, this page-turner offers:

• A fierce, complex heroine you can’t help but root for
• A lush, vivid setting that brings the Caribbean to life
• Twists and turns that will leave you breathless
• A satisfying blend of mystery, thriller, and social drama

About The Author

Horane Smith is an award-winning author with a distinguished career spanning over twenty years in television, radio, and newspaper.
A lifelong writer, Horane has turned his focus to creative writing, producing a diverse array of novels that delve into the rich and often turbulent history of the Caribbean and beyond. His work explores themes ranging from slavery and piracy to the Underground Railroad and reggae music, capturing the essence of these stories with a profound depth and sensitivity.