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| Carmen Amato |
By Daniel Olivas
In addition to a political thriller The Hidden Light of Mexico City,
Carmen Amato is the
author of the Emilia Cruz mystery series set in Acapulco, including Cliff Diver, Hat Dance, Diablo Nights, and the collection of short stories Made in Acapulco. Originally from New
York, Amato has also lived in Mexico and Central America which brings an
authenticity to her fiction. Her creation, Emilia Cruz, is the first and only female police detective based in Acapulco. Amato kindly made time to answer a few questions
about Diablo Nights.
DANIEL OLIVAS: Emilia Cruz is a wonderfully complex character.
What went into your creation of her and how has she developed in the series?
CARMEN AMATO: First of all, thanks so much for inviting me to
chat. I’ve been up to my ears in the fourth Emilia Cruz mystery, King Peso, and am happy to take a break!
Emilia came about after a scary night in a church in
Mexico City. We were an American family in Mexico City, embracing a new
culture, exploring a vibrant city, and meeting people who were to impact our
lives for years to come. Expatriate life was good.
But a drug-addled gun-waving man lurched his way up
the aisle during midnight mass on Christmas Eve. He accosted our parish priest,
Father Richard, who dug into a pocket beneath his robes and handed the man a
few pesos. Several men from the congregation managed to get the man out of the
church without further incident but we were all shaken.
The experience popped my lovely expatriate bubble. We
read the worsening news over the next year: shootouts in major cities, multiple
drug seizures, rising numbers of dead and missing, the murders of mayors,
governors and journalists.
Now back in the United States, as a writer, I wanted
to raise awareness of what's going on in Mexico. My weapons are plot elements
straight out of the headlines, an authentic dive into one of the most beautiful
settings on earth, and a little salsa fresca from my own years living in Mexico
and Central America.
To carry the narrative, I had to create a strong,
multi-dimensional character able to shoulder the burden of a cop in Mexico.
Emilia has to walk a fine line between drug cartels and institutionalized
corruption. Being female adds to the mix but also reflects reality in Mexico,
as does her strong Catholicism. Her family’s poverty contrasts with her
relationship with a rich gringo and is a nod to the extremes of wealth in
Mexico, but she’s also a mean kickboxer and a good liar.
Have I mentioned that she’s also a mean kickboxer,
hunts for missing women, and is a good liar?
DO: In Diablo
Nights, Emilia Cruz battles everything from the drug cartels to incompetent or
(worse yet) corrupt members of law enforcement to sexism to trying to find
balance in her personal life. Could you talk about these challenges that Cruz
confronts and what the reaction has been from your readers?
CA: The Emilia Cruz mystery series is based on
reality. Emilia’s challenges are pulled right from the headlines in Mexico.
There’s no need for me to make up bizarre serial killers when cartel violence
and corrupt politicians provide more than enough inspiration. For example,
Emilia’s perpetual hunt for women who have gone missing—referred to as Las
Perdidas or the Lost Ones—was inspired by the hundreds of women missing from
the Juarez area.
The majority of readers find Emilia because the books
are catalogued as International Mystery and Crime, alongside books by Jo Nesbo
and Ian Rankin. Those who love police procedurals tell me it’s a fresh take on
the genre. Those who love female sleuths have embraced Emilia as a woman
battling the odds. The scene in Cliff
Diver when she takes down a would-be rapist is the most talked-about bit out
of all the books.
Other readers find the books because they are
interested in Mexico. Those readers invariably mention the authenticity of the
food and setting. Many say how much they have learned about Mexico from the
books.
I think another appeal of the Emilia Cruz series is that
so much of the intrigue and mystery elements come from relationships. These
mysteries aren’t powered by forensics or ballistics, but by the twisted connections
between characters. The characters themselves are often twisted, too, by
violence or greed.
DO: The Emilia Cruz novels would make a great movie or
TV series. Any plans for the big or
small screen and, regardless, who would you like to see play Cruz?
CA: You must have a sixth sense! By the time this
interview goes live, the contract for the film rights to the Emilia Cruz series
will have been inked. The screenwriter has really taken the time to get to know
the characters and has been to Mexico several times. While a feature film is
under consideration, a cable or Netflix series would be a terrific vehicle for
Emilia, given material from both the novels and short stories. Tense, but with
gorgeous views of Acapulco.
Think House of
Cards meets Hawaii 5-0.
As for who would play Emilia on the silver screen,
it’s a toss-up. Eva Mendes would bring physical and sensual power as well as a
touch of humor to the character. But America Ferrera, best known for the Ugly Betty television show, is a superb
actress and could really explore Emilia’s vulnerable side.
The only cast member I’m sure of is Salma Hayek as
Acapulco mayor Carlota Montoya Perez. I wrote the character with the actress in
mind and really hope she’s free next year about this time . . .
Maybe your readers have a few suggestions for the
other characters, especially Emilia’s perpetually surly partner, Franco Silvio.
I’d love to hear them!
***
IN OTHER LITERARY NEWS…
La Bloga’s own René
Colato Laínez shares the following, and you can help:
I have been nominated by
Talleres de Poesia and Lunas Press to Premios Actitud El Salvador awarded by La
Prensa de Los Angeles. I am in the category “Personalidad con Actitud.” I need
your vote. Please click the link. They will ask for your email address. Then
they will send a code to your email address that you will need to finalize the
vote. The last day to vote in April 15th. Thank you! ¡Muchas gracias!
He sido nominado a
premios Actitud El Salvador otorgado por La Prensa de Los Angeles. Estoy en la
categoría de Personalidad con Actitud. Necesito su voto para poder ganar.
Visite el enlace para votar. Les pedirán su correo electrónico. Luego le
enviaran un código a su correo electrónico que se debe agregar para poder
finalizar la votación. La votaciones cierran el 15 de abril ¡Muchas gracias!
Thanks for introducing us for this novel set in Mexico City. Hoping to read it soon.
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