Madison: In the Presence of God by A.V. Smith is a gripping thriller set against the backdrop of the violent and tumultuous period of La Violencia in Colombia. Smith expertly weaves a narrative that plunges readers into the heart of Colombia’s dark history through the eyes of the protagonist, Mattie, who finds herself entangled with a powerful family with deep roots in both legitimate and illicit enterprises. The novel blends historical fiction and crime thriller, vividly depicting a country gripped by political and social upheaval.

I was most impressed with A.V. Smith’s meticulous research, which provided an authentic and compelling story. The settings are rich and descriptive, from the lush landscapes of rural Colombia to the gritty streets of urban centers. Although I hadn’t read the first book in this series, this second book is easy to follow. For those who haven’t read the first book, like me, you’ll want to. The writing is calculated and vivid, with complex characters and morally ambiguous situations, making it an engaging read. The author is a literary master who knows how to grab readers and immerse them in the story. Readers looking for a narrative that combines the thrill of crime fiction with the depth of historical analysis will find Madison both educational and engrossing. Smith explores themes of loyalty, power, and survival, examining how far individuals and families will go to protect their own. Madison offers a deep dive into the psyche of individuals who navigate a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by necessity and survival. Fans of thrillers and narratives exploring historical events' impact on personal lives won’t want to miss this book.

When Madison visited her friend's family in Colombia, she had no idea she would be given a front-row seat in the family's business. But she had earned it the hard way. The Colombians ran a feared drug empire under their patriarch, Don Rojas. Thanks to Madison’s combat skills, she saved the family from a death plot by greedy competitors. But then, perhaps it is not only Colombia that is drowning in violence and crime. Back in her home city of Columbia, there is a wave of gun violence and crime that may involve big shots in the city’s political corridors. It does not help that her lover is working on a project to benefit the town and is unknowingly in bed with its criminals. Can the two survive the violence permeating their lives? Find out in A. V. Smith’s Madison: In the Presence of God.

Lovers of slow-burn drama with a touch of action, suspense, and romance will find that A. V. Smith’s Madison is an enthralling read. Paying great attention to detail, Smith uses a second perspective voice intermittent with dialogue to unfold the storyline. The conversations are purposeful and help bring out the cast’s conflicts. The vivid depictions breathed life into the scenes, plunging me into a world of gunfire, blood, money, violence, lust, love, family, betrayal, retribution, blackmail, power, politics, and so much more. Smith harnesses sentiment to the narration, allowing me to experience the cast's emotions. Coupled with juxtaposing the cast’s complex traits, all this made it easy to connect with them. Since this is the second book in the series, I highly recommend reading the first book to appreciate this story better.