When Canaries Die
- Vanessa Bettencourt
- Feb 28
- 9 min read
Hotshot Miami attorney Pierce Evangelista is thrust into a world on the brink of collapse as a relentless virus sweeps the globe. Amidst the chaos, he takes on a high-stakes legal battle against the U.S. government, challenging immigration policies that have left thousands of asylum-seekers trapped in dire conditions.
As the virus spreads unchecked and the demand for blood transfusions soars, criminal organizations seize the opportunity—turning human blood into a lucrative black-market commodity. In the lawless border towns of Tijuana, Juarez, and Matamoros, desperation fuels corruption, and survival comes at a steep price.
With powerful forces standing in his way, Pierce must navigate a treacherous landscape of law, politics, and crime to reopen the borders and save innocent lives. But in a world where survival and exploitation go hand in hand, how far will he go to seek justice?
A gripping legal thriller infused with science fiction and suspense, this high-stakes battle for humanity will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Book three in the Pierce Evangelista Thrillers series but can be read as a standalone.
Author bio:
Luis Figueredo was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He completed his undergraduate degree in History from Brandeis University in Massachusetts and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He is a partner in the Miami office of an international law firm. His first novel, Dime, was published in 2020.
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Praise:
"The fast-paced plot, rich character development, and ethical dilemmas make this book engaging. If you're looking for a thriller that intertwines law, science fiction, and social commentary. When Canaries Die is a novel you won't want to miss."
– Carol Thompson - Readers' Favorite
"When Canaries Die manages to achieve the difficult balance between a realistic portrayal of the justice system and those who work in it and the kind of rip-roaring action-packed extralegal shenanigans featured in the works of John Grisham."
– Erin Britton - Independent Book Review
"When Canaries Die is a brilliantly crafted thriller that delivers both suspense and substance. Figueredo's writing is sharp, his themes are relevant and his characters are memorable. This novel is a must read for anyone looking for a fast-paces legal drama that tackles real-world issues." – Literary Titan
Excerpt
Luis Figueredo
Eerie Predictions
"The right to seek asylum has offered hope and safety to countless individuals fleeing violence and persecution from the birth of the United States. While my book is a work of fiction, it is deeply rooted in the desire to shed light on the unimaginable realities faced by those at the US southern border.
The fictional Executive Orders in the story are eerily similar to the alarming and rash orders issued in our current climate, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. These real-life decisions have led to the militarization of immigration enforcement, a move that claims to protect states but often harms vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.
This story is not meant to be taken lightly. It reflects my sincere concern for humanity and the painful connections between the fictional narrative and the harsh realities of border issues.
Thousands of young lives are in jeopardy as families seek refuge after fleeing from Central America's "Northern Triangle"—the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These countries are overrun by organized crime, violence, human trafficking, and persecution, and the region has the world's highest homicide rate.
We should never forget that all U.S. citizens descended from immigrants who fled persecution or were brought to America in chains.
When Canaries Die draws disturbing parallels and harmful impacts between the real and fictional border situations and explores the devastating fallout when systems and societal norms break down, I hope the book will make my readers think about the border crisis and look at the US immigration policies through a more transparent and sympathetic lens."
On writing:
How did you do research for your book?
One rule of thumb I follow is to write about what I know. Since we all just lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, writing about a pandemic and how it impacted our lives seemed like a good launch point.
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
No characters were hard to write. However, some are more enjoyable to write than others. Pierce Evangelista is the easiest to write because he is the protagonist in all three of my novels. Maggie Malone is a new character. She overcame her surroundings and now fights to protect people's constitutional rights, which have historically been denied protection. I enjoyed writing Maggie's character.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
I get inspiration from current events and personal experiences. For example, the wrongful incarceration of an acquaintance on a Caribbean Island inspired me to write DIME. I wrote When Canaries Die right after the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are many books out there about the pandemic. What makes yours different?
The book looks at the pandemic from multiple lenses. It touches on the possibility that COVID-19 wasn't the last or most deadly pandemic we will face. It is a unique story filled with unpredictable twists to keep readers engaged.
What advice would you give budding writers?
My advice would be to keep writing. Read authors that write the same genre and pay attention to how they develop their characters and set up their stories.
Your book is primarily set in Miami, New Orleans and Hutchinson Island. Have you ever been there?
Yes, I live in Miami and Hutchinson Island, and I visit New Orleans often.
If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?
I would be Pierce Evangelista. We share similar backgrounds. We both grew up in the Bronx and attended Harvard Law School. I write Pierce's dialogue from my perspective as if I were having the conversation.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
Yes, I’m an attorney.
How long have you been writing?
I published my first novel DIME in 2020.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Thankfully, I do not get writer's block often. However, I step away for a day or two when the creative process stalls.
What is your next project?
Well, I recently helped open the Apache Lonestar Casino in Oklahoma. During that process, I learned about casino operations. I am writing a story about a black hat hacker who reverse engineers the software in particular slot machines and starts robbing casinos.
What genre do you write and why?
I write legal thrillers because they provide a great platform to explore social issues as they can use the courtroom setting and legal conflicts to highlight societal problems like racial injustice, class inequality, corporate corruption, and more, often by weaving these issues into the central plot of the story and the characters' motivations.
What is the last great book you’ve read?
I finally got around to reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
My favorite compliment is when someone tells me that they were so invested in the story that they couldn’t stop reading it.
How are you similar to or different from your lead character?
We're similar in that Pierce Evangelista and I grew up in New York City and got our law degrees from Harvard. Pierce and I approach and solve problems in a manner.
If your book were made into a movie, who would star in the leading roles?
Pierce Evangelista – Henry Cavill
Maggie Malone – Natalie Emmanuel
Moises Black – Harrison Ford -
Dode Alexander - Gracie Dove
Ben Bowman – Brendan Gleeson -
Evan Dunn – Michael Kelly -
Doctor Sophia Wild- Lucy Fry
If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
Below is a long list. However, if When Canaries Die is made into a movie or a limited series, I hope some of the songs listed below are included in the soundtrack.
Pitbull - “I Believe That We Will Win”
The Rolling Stones - “Living In A Ghost Town”
Sara Bareilles & John Legend -”A Safe Place To Land”
Celia Cruz – “Rie y Llora”
Michael Bublé / Barenaked Ladies / Sofia Reyes - “Gotta Be Patient”
Luke Combs - “Six Feet Apart”
Bon Jovi - “Do What You Can”
twenty one pilots - “Level of Concern”
Erika Ender- “Back to the Basics”
Tye Tribbett - “We Gon’ Be Alright”
OneRepublic – “Better Days”
Bad Bunny – “Estamos Bien”
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?
The biggest reward I can ever receive is for someone who reads my book to reach out and tell me that my story helped them look at life through a different lens, gain a broader perspective, and see the other side of a refugee’s journey when they leave their homes in search of safety.
What was the road to publishing like?
The road to publishing is like visiting a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream parlor. You have popular flavors like chocolate and vanilla, and the flavors most people order. However, there are many unique flavors, and people enjoy them. Otherwise, Baskin Robbins wouldn’t have more than 31 flavors, so stay true to your voice and keep writing.
Which authors inspired you to write?
John Grisham
Michael Connelly
Daniel Silva
How long does it take you to write a book?
About 12 months. When I finish the first draft, I go back to the beginning and rewrite the story. One editor once told me that a prolific and well-known writer rewrote his manuscript three times before turning it in.
How important are book reviews?
I don't think too much weight should be given to any single review, good or bad. However, reviews are essential. It's a platform for readers to provide potential readers with a critical assessment of a book's content, style, and quality, helping them make informed decisions about whether to purchase or read it. Reviews provide "social proof" and influence potential readers' buying decisions; positive reviews can increase a book's visibility and credibility while offering valuable feedback.
On rituals:
Where do you write?
I write in my home office with my Newfoundland, Sully snoring beside me.
Do you write every day?
Yes, when I’m immersed in the story, I like to write every day for a couple of hours.
What is your writing schedule?
I like to start writing around six in the morning and then step away for a couple of hours. Then I’ll write for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
Sometimes, I will put on music to set a particular mood before writing.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
Yes, sometimes I write a scene on paper and type after. There’s something magical about a No. 2 pencil.
Fun stuff:
Favorite dessert?
Ice Cream
If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?
The Bible
An instructional book for building a boat with limited resources.
The Alchemist
What’s the most difficult thing you endured during the pandemic?
Not being able to say goodbye to loved ones that died after contracting the COVID-19 virus.
Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I drink root beer before every Jets football game for good luck and they lose most of the time, but I stick with it.
If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
I’m not sure how to answer that question. I simply want my readers to enjoy my stories and find the characters relatable. If my stories help them think about and care about social issues. Then that’s how I’d like to be remembered.
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I was a city attorney during the pandemic and viewed as essential personnel, so my work routine didn’t change much since essential personnel were responsible for maintaining city services and helping businesses and citizens impacted by the Shelter at Home order. That kept me very busy, so I was insulated to some degree from some of the challenges like loneliness and cabin fever that some people had to face.
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I just finished binge watching From.
What is your theme song?
Owl City – “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.”
What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Spending time with my children. Going to dinner, sporting events or a comedy club. It really doesn’t matter what we do.
What is a favorite holiday memory?
Personally, I enjoy Thanksgiving. Everyone pitches in, and we sit around the table eating, sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. My favorite memory was watching my sister-in-law’s reaction one Thanksgiving when she left her prized Ham within my Leonberger Swayze’s reach. I’m sure that was Swayze’s favorite holiday memory as well.
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
Eminem – “Abracadabra (Houdini)”.
What is something that made you laugh recently?
I watched Sebastian Maniscalco. I think he is the funniest human being on the planet.
What is your go-to breakfast item?
The pancakes at Bachour in Coral Gables.
What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
A sweatshirt from law school.
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