Cristina Matta is an award-winning mystery author, lifelong storyteller, and survivor of the 2007 earthquake in Peru—experiences that deeply inform both the range and emotional depth of her work. Writing across the mystery spectrum, Matta moves effortlessly from sharp, satirical detective fiction to suspenseful, psychologically layered crime novels.
Her Crack the Case series reinvents the classic whodunit by placing readers directly inside the investigative process. Known for its outrageous plots and interactive structure, the series offers multiple endings for readers to choose from, challenging the traditional, linear mystery format. Adding another layer of immersion is Ned’s Notes, a companion blog written in the voice of the series’ lead detective. The blog delivers real-life forensic insights, behind-the-scenes commentary on the cases, and a generous dose of wit and snark—often from the detective himself.
Matta’s work balances humor with authenticity, using satire not to trivialize crime but to illuminate it. Whether she is unpacking investigative procedures or skewering genre conventions, her stories invite readers to engage intellectually while enjoying the ride.
She is currently working on a forthcoming mystery novel inspired by her own experience surviving an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in Peru. The novel is the first installment in a psychological suspense trilogy that explores trauma, systemic corruption, and the unsettling impact of returning to a place forever altered by catastrophe. Drawing from lived experience, Matta examines how external disasters echo internally, reshaping identity, memory, and moral boundaries.
At The RV Book Fair 2025, Cristina Matta brings a body of work that offers something for every mystery reader—whether they come for clever humor, intricate plotting, or an insider’s look at crime scene procedure. Her stories encourage readers to dive in, explore boldly, and remember that the best mysteries challenge the mind while still leaving room for a smile.
You can check the site crackthecasebooks.com