Cain’s Children

Erma Bombeck once said, “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” In author Estefan San Martin’s book Cain’s Children: A Tale of Sex, Greed, Crime and the Human Condition, a truly one of a kind dark comedy with themes of steamy romances and suspense take hold over absurd and outrageous characters that readers can’t help but be invested in.

The book explores the lives of a unique family. After the death of his older brother, Dante Martino sets out on a shocking adventure to reunite with his family in order to give his brother’s eulogy. Along the way he experiences some odd flashbacks to times with his brother, crazy troubles with girls and phone etiquette, and finally the absurdity of his childhood and family life. However the problems intensify as relatives begin dying all around him, making him a suspect, and is dealing with passionate love triangles, criminals seeking to destroy his family and more in the first of this dark comedy series.

This is a lengthy read, delving deep into the backstories and history of these characters as well as their larger than life personalities and motivations. At nearly 700 pages, the book takes a deliberate approach to its storytelling, marking a slow burn style writing technique that draws the reader in more and more with each page. The author does a marvelous job of blending the dark comedy themes with suspense and romance along the way.

This is definitely an adult book for adult readers, as it features strong language and “steamy” situations. However while some may think this another entry in the genre made famous of late by books such as Fifty Shades of Gray, there is no mistaking this book for that, as it features a large array of other elements. As a fan of suspense and dark comedy, I was immediately drawn into the narrative and found myself intrigued by Dante’s family and the protagonist’s life in general.

A book not for the faint of heart, author Estefan San Martin’s book Cain’s Children is a heart-pounding, humorous and engaging read that readers need to see for themselves. A book meant for adult readers, this novel is a sexual, drug fueled and outrageous comedy that masks an intriguing mystery and characters you have to read to believe. Readers who enjoy a good murder mystery style family gathering setting with hilarious characters and scenarios and steamy romances will not want to miss out on this rare read.

- Pacific Book Review

Dante Martino’s wild escapades begin when his brother is found dead and after Dante returns home both for the funeral and to deliver the eulogy. Soon a cast of characters emerges to wreak havoc and sex in equal measure. Relatives, lovers, and criminals swarm Dante, generating a story of intrigue and suspense. At the center is Dante, a charming and adventurous lawyer facing one obstacle after another in pursuit of saving his life and a fortune. With the help of his sister, Rhonda, and her partner Carol, Dante may be able to solve the mysteries of his family’s sudden demise. As the threats close in, the danger escalates for Dante and all those close to him.

With over 600 pages to tell Dante’s story, many facets are explored through multiple plotlines and subplots that weave frenetically to a satisfying conclusion. With humor, thrills, and lots of sex, San Martin delivers a wild and steamy ride through Dante’s romantic and financial entanglements. Each chapter, new character, and unexpected situation keeps the pace rollicking—and the naughtiness ramped up—so that there is never a dull moment, only shocking surprises and detailed descriptions. At times, these descriptions weigh heavy and gratuitous through this expansive novel. Dante’s search for true love attempts to bring into balance his erotic forays and fixation on the female anatomy.

San Martin gives strong voices and points of view to his characters, which add depth to the dialogue and enrich the humorous elements as well as the dramatic plot turns. The author deftly moves from Dante’s romantic love triangle to family dysfunction to a shadowy criminal threat. He pivots with ease from erotica to family drama to suspenseful thriller while maintaining a comedic heart beating through it all.

- The US Review of Books