"Blood in the Cut" by Alejandro Nodarse presents an engaging mix of personal drama and tense suspense set against the gritty backdrop of Miami's streets and swamps. The protagonist, Iggy Guerra, is a compelling character, and his struggles to reclaim his family's honor and save their butcher shop make for a captivating story. Nodarse skillfully weaves the themes of loyalty, redemption, and the weight of familial obligations throughout the narrative, creating a rich atmosphere that is both visceral and atmospheric.

However, the plot's pacing feels uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on while others rush through critical developments. The antagonists, though colorful, can come across as stereotypical, which detracts from the authenticity of the setting. Additionally, the secondary characters sometimes lack depth, making it difficult to invest in their stories.

Overall, "Blood in the Cut" is a solid read with a unique setting and some powerful moments. While it doesn't always hit the mark, it's an interesting exploration of family, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love. A three-star rating reflects its intriguing premise and engaging lead character, despite some shortcomings in execution.7 s Zoe137

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

Cover & Title
The colors of the cover fit so well with the Miami setting of Blood in the Cut, and the image works perfectly for this story! I’m unsure how I feel about the lettering taking over the whole page: I think it risks feeling a bit generic and obscuring the art under it, but clearly it worked on me since I was initially drawn in by the cover & title as I was scrolling through NetGalley.


Audiobook Format
I loved the music at the beginning of the audiobook. It’s a sound design detail that I always notice and appreciate, and it definitely sets the tone for the reader going in.

Danny Pino, the narrator, did an amazing job!!! His performance capitalizes on the immersive language, believable dialogue, and realistic characters to elevate this layered story. The way he switches voices and accents is incredible!!! They felt so real and fitting to the characters we meet along the way.

He seamlessly incorporates the Spanish phrases throughout. I loved this aspect of the writing; it’s so true to how multilingual people think and speak to each other—it adds both dimension and believability. I think it translated extremely well to the audiobook.

I absolutely recommend choosing this format for this story!!


What I Loved! Writing, Themes, Setting, Premise

I read this book in a DAY lmao I kept telling myself “one more chapter!” and then it was 1am & I had finished the entire thing
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