I was misled to believe that this was a standalone novel but it is book 3 in a series and I was hopelessly lost in the beginning of this one so I went back and listened to the first one. Unfortunately, that wasn’t any better: too many characters with very little development made everyone sound the same and I had trouble distinguishing between the various characters. It’s evident that tons of research went into crafting this series but all that aside, the story is almost impossible to follow and I couldn’t get into it.

I was really interested in the premise of this book. A mystery along with historical fiction sounds like so much fun! I just think this book can’t be read as a standalone. There were so many aspects that confused me (many people, places, events, etc) that were simply mentioned and moved on from, that I probably should have been able to keep track of, but definitely could not. I had no idea what was happening to who (also, likely made worse by reading in audiobook form rather than with my eyes, though I’m an avid audiobook listener and don’t usually struggle with this). Realistically, had I not been gifted an ARC with the commitment to read and review, I would have DNF’d this. Sorry!

Havana Girls by L.L. Kirchner is a compelling and emotionally layered novel that takes readers on a gripping journey of discovery, identity, and long-buried family secrets. Centered around Sam, a woman who stumbles upon a mysterious note her father finds, the story quickly evolves into a captivating search for truth—one that challenges everything she thought she knew.

As Sam digs deeper, what begins as a simple curiosity turns into a hunt for answers that leads her into the heart of complex generational secrets. Kirchner masterfully weaves intrigue with emotional insight, capturing the unraveling of a personal history that has been carefully hidden. The pacing is steady, with each revelation adding another layer to the mystery and to Sam’s emotional growth.

Rich in atmosphere and grounded in the power of family legacy, Havana Girls is both a suspenseful search for truth and a poignant exploration of how the past shapes the present. Kirchner’s storytelling is thoughtful, absorbing, and full of heart—making this novel a rewarding read from start to finish.

I was intrigued to read (listen) to this book for very simple reasons. I loved the cover. It’s beautiful, with a glamourous woman, and feels like storybook Havana. I also love a fun multi-timeline historical suspense/thriller. Simple-I think I'm easy to please.

I was impressed with the historical aspect of the book. The characters felt young and fun, trying to survive while politics were growing and becoming tense throughout Cuba. The mentioning of the stamps to purchase items and gas rationing coupons made me chuckle. Things were mentioned naturally and were not forced, it all fit in the era.

That being said I really struggled with this book. Havana Girls is book #3 of the "Queenpin Chronicles" series. I wish I had read (listen to) at least the first book, if not the second as well. I was very lost. Lots of characters were mentioned and many times I had no idea who they were or their role in the story. Since the book takes place in two different time periods, the struggle was real with twice as much confusion. I actually listened to about 15% of this book, then started over because I was so lost. I figured I wasn’t paying close enough attention and needed to focus more. Even after starting over, I was still lost.

It’s suggested this book is a standalone, however I 100% disagree. There were far too many characters, far too many storylines, far too much that obviously happened in the previous books to have any idea what’s going on. Should I get my hands on book 1 and 2, I’ll try book #3 again. If my opinion changes, I’m happy to change my review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!