What’s Christina’s Portrait about?

It’s 2021, and Benicia Veracruz makes videos to cope with the death of her mother while the pandemic is in full force. Benicia and her friend Maya Abedisi are caught on campus after hours, trying to make a video about a ghost rumored to haunt their campus. As “punishment,” their principal orders them to make a video about Christina Andrews, the slain teenager who’s the source of those ghost stories. Soon, another video arts student, Agustín Zendejas, dealing with his own painful loss, joins in the adventure.

Their first clue is a portrait of Christina by an unknown artist.

It’s 1977, and Noreen Davis, Christina’s best friend, struggles to come to terms with who she is while she navigates her deepening friendship with Christina. When Christina is murdered, her world falls apart, and the wounds ripple through the years.

As Benicia, Maya, and Agustín delve into the facts behind Christina’s murder, they discover the truth behind the haunting portrait of Christina and secrets that have been hidden for decades. Will the teenagers and Christina’s friends face the ghosts of past pain and find healing?

Who’s it for?

If you want to read older YA dramas and mysteries that tell what it was actually like being a teenager in the 1970s. Christina’s Portrait also covers issues like the struggle to be yourself in a hostile environment and the persistent effects of trauma and grief.

What are people saying about it?

Look for early ARC reviews coming soon!

Where do I get it?

Christina’s Portrait will be available on November 25, 2026 in ebook and paperback at your favorite online and brick-and-mortar bookstore. Links will be available soon.

How do I learn more?

Visit the Christina’s Portrait page on my site for videos, additional reviews, and links to more information.