Cruel Poetry

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Beach, Miami, the novel explores the tumultuous life of Renata and her relationships with various lovers. It delves into themes of love intertwined with violence, drugs, and the bizarre realities of the sex industry, where unexpected elements like a friendly python and a "torture box" exist. Renata's quest for love is marked by chaos and intrigue, culminating in a gripping narrative that earned recognition as a finalist for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in 2008.