Citi of Books proudly brought the books of our remarkable authors to the heart of the 39th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), turning our space into a lively corner where stories, ideas, and creativity met.
Being part of FIL from November 29 to December 7, in Expo Guadalajara, Av. Mariano Otero 1599, Col. Verde Valle, Guadalajara, Jalisco, meant more than simply displaying books—it meant becoming part of a larger cultural heartbeat. Our gallery served as a bridge between authors and curious readers, offering a close-up look at stories that deserve the spotlight. From powerful biographies to practical guides, and from imaginative fiction to soul-stirring reflections, our curated collection drew in visitors who left with new favorites in hand. And with the vibrant spirit of FIL all around us, every conversation, recommendation, and smile felt like a reminder of why we love sharing books with the world.
With FIL’s electric atmosphere—filled with authors, readers, and cultures from around the globe—our gallery became a warm stop for visitors eager to discover fresh voices and inspiring works. Among the standout titles we showcased was “The Clinton Mafia” by Vonda Crocker.
Vonda Crocker graduated from the University of Arkansas and has taught all levels of school. She moved with her Army officer husband 26 times in thirty-four years. She has earned three black belts in karate, a ski instructor, crafter, an Army trained facilitator, and an avid gardener.
At first glance, the quaint Southern town of Clinton, nestled beneath the gaze of Vulture Mountain, appears to be little more than a sleepy stopover with charming boutiques, a bustling courthouse square, and an ever-vigilant community of lifelong residents.
But in “The Clinton Mafia,” author Vonda Crocker invites readers to take a closer look—and what unfolds is a surprising, often hilarious, and ultimately thrilling tale of crime, sisterhood, and small-town resilience. The story kicks off with the seemingly ordinary routines of Clinton’s residents: fudge-making, flower-shop tending, courthouse coffee breaks, and wine nights among a tight-knit group of friends.
But things take a sinister turn when a man dies in a car crash, triggering a hidden drug cache to reveal itself and setting off a chain of events that suggests something far viler is happening beneath Clinton’s picturesque surface. Savanna Sue Morgan and her band of fiercely intelligent, humorous, and devoted friends—Tiffany, Valita, Roz, Tammy, Belle, Buffy, and more—who begin to notice that something isn’t right.
From suspicious sales of large quantities of fudge to overheard conversations in a Mobile, Alabama restroom, the ladies connect the dots between their sleepy town and a multi-state drug operation. What follows is a combination of sleuthing, undercover teamwork, support for vulnerable community members, and a thrilling unraveling of a cocaine distribution ring—all while managing boutiques, writing food columns, and sharing wine-fueled updates on their families.
Vonda Crocker’s “The Clinton Mafia” is a smart, sassy, and surprisingly powerful novel that celebrates friendship, sharp instincts, and the courage to stand up when something doesn’t feel right. This novel isn’t your average cozy mystery. It blends suspense, humor, real-world issues, and rich character development into a page-turning story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
