Ana Manwaring writes raw, unflinching crime thrillers that dwell at the crossroads of corruption, survival and vengeance. Her latest, Mortal Revenge, a medical/legal thriller based on a true story written with co-author Fernando León Torrens, plunges readers into a world where power and family secrets collide under the weight of violence, betrayal, and impunity.
Drawing on a deep-rooted fascination with political intrigue and the human psyche under pressure, her fiction includes the JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventures, the Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mysteries, and a memoir of her years living in Mexico, Saints and Skeletons. Ana builds morally complex anti-heroes whose fights for justice blur into quests for survival. Her work brings Latin American infused crime fiction to the forefront — combining intense action, layered character drama, and social realism.
Ana connects the emotional heart of her stories with her readers on social media, sharing behind the-scenes insights, cultural inspirations from her research trips including target practicing with an Uzi, camping out in ancient Mexican ruins, touring a District Attorney’s office then a mortuary, and tasting tequilas in Mexico City’s oldest cantina.
When she’s not weaving dark plots or crafting shocking twists, Ana teaches creative writing, produces North Bay Poetics, and is the V.P. of Sisters in Crime Northern California.
What reviewers are saying:
Mortal Revenge
Literary Titan
"Mortal Revenge felt less like a simple thriller and more like a meditation on responsibility. It sits comfortably in the crime thriller genre, but it also borrows from social realism and psychological drama. I would recommend this book to readers who like suspense grounded in character, especially those interested in morally complex stories set in real-world crises. If you enjoy thrillers that make you think about systems, family, and the cost of doing the right thing, this one is worth your time."
The Prairies Book Review
"A lean, razor-sharp medical thriller about systemic betrayal, human resilience, and the deadly price of exposing corruption."
Kickback A Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mystery Book 1 Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
The Prairies Book Review
"Thrilling, twisted, and unpredictable… immersing [readers] in Dafne’s perilous reality, where moral boundaries blur, and every friendly face may hide a threat. The story remains grounded in reality as deceptions accumulate, crafting a rare page-turner that delivers a satisfying climax. Readers will be up all night."
Saints and Skeletons A Memoir of Living in Mexico, Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for fiction, Short-listed for the 2025 CIBA Journey Book Award for Overcoming Adversity in non-fiction and memoir
J. C. Miller, Amazon bestselling author of Larkspur, Heliotrope, Vacation and Believing in Bigfoot
"In Manwaring’s immersive memoir, Saints and Skeletons, she deftly takes her reader on a pilgrimage to Mexico. Rendered with heart and vulnerability, we observe her inner life through the risky choices she regrets, the love she desires, the sublime beauty she discovers. Don’t miss this multisensory adventure of a lifetime."
Backlash, Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for fiction, Short-listed for the 2024 CIBA Clue Award for suspense/thriller, a Reader's Favorite 5-Star review
Alma Boucher for Reader's Favorite
"Ana Manwaring did a fantastic job of keeping me on the edge of my seat since the action happens at any point in Backlash Venom and Vendetta from 'Nam. This story was fast-paced and full of twists and turns, an engrossing tale in which I never knew what to expect next. The anxiety and dread that permeated the events were superbly described. I kept turning the pages because of the intricate plot, unexpected turns, and nail-biting suspense. Once I started reading this book, I was unable to put it down. This excellent work is even more gripping because of how well-crafted and relatable the characters are. It is well-written and engaging. With its captivating characters, complex storyline, and satisfying conclusion that brings everything together, this is a must-read for fans of thrillers."
Diane Donovan, senior review, Midwest Book Review
"“Ana Manwaring does an outstanding job of crafting a story... steeped in Mexican culture and mayhem, with the lingering effects of Vietnam relationships, the result is a vivid portrait of traitors and a dangerous man whose wrath and cleverness threaten everyone Quint has believed in and loved.”
Coyote, Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for fiction
"Ana Manwaring has a strong narrative voice in her novel which helps guide the reader through some high-octane scenes. I could clearly imagine it all and there were some fantastically cinematic scenes to read through. There is palpable tension throughout the story which always had me wondering what was going to happen next. Manwaring does an excellent job of keeping the reader on their toes as action strikes at any moment in the story."
US Review of Books
"This novel, with its backdrop of human trafficking, is a riveting read that puts one into the center of Mexican culture with its descriptive narrative of landmarks and cuisine."
Nothing Comes After Z, Recommended by the US Review of Books
"The beauty of Mexico and the charm of its citizens are offset by the rampant violence accompanying the scourge of organized crime. JadeAnne is a heroine with a healthy dose of skepticism who doesn't suffer betrayal or fools lightly. The paranoia that follows her every movement is palpable, and Manwaring conveys this with the flair of a seasoned writer."
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for fiction
"Author Ana Manwaring knows how to create a storyline that easily sets up hard-hitting action. I enjoyed how well emotion is weaved into this action novel. Nothing Comes After Z pits its compelling female protagonist against some seriously dangerous people in the midst of an exotic location where action seems to be around every corner. Suspense and crime fiction lovers will find this book a must read."
The Hydra Effect
Lisa Towles, Bestselling and Award-winning author of Hot House, Ninety-Five, The Unseen and Choke
“The Hydra Effect sizzles with action, tension, and peril. Great writing combined with regional flare and international intrigue make this sequel a delightful ride!”
M. M. Chouinard, USA Today bestseller of the Jo Fournier Mystery series
"A well-written, engaging story with a bad-ass protagonist I loved spending time with. Bring on more JadeAnne!"
Set UP
Heather Haven, multi-award-winning author of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries
“This is a blowout of a story. It starts on the backroads of Mexico in the middle of the night—just a woman, a dog, and Mexican Banditos—and escalates from there. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-filled thriller about the adventures of a young PI and her lethal but well-trained dog, this will be your cup of tea. Or should I say Margarita? Jack Reacher step aside. You have met your match in JadeAnne Stone."
Kirkus Review
"With a likable duo and a vivid, appealing setting, this adventure series is off to a promising start."
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