logo

84 pages 2 hours read

Desert Blood: The Juárez Murders

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Alicia Gaspar de Alba

Desert Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

356

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Desert Blood by Alicia Gaspar de Alba is set in 1998 during Juárez's wave of brutal murders targeting young factory workers. Women’s Studies professor Ivon Villa returns to her hometown of El Paso to adopt a baby but becomes entangled in solving the murders after the baby's mother is killed and Ivon's sister disappears, leading her to uncover a vast, cross-border conspiracy. The book involves graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

640 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alicia Gaspar de Alba's Desert Blood is lauded for its gripping narrative and cultural insight into the femicides of Juárez. Critics praise its powerful depiction of social issues and well-developed characters. However, some note its complex subplots and intense themes may be overwhelming for certain readers. Overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Desert Blood?

Readers captivated by sociopolitical landscapes and gender issues in works like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson will find Desert Blood compelling. This novel delves into the raw and gripping reality of femicides along the US-Mexico border, meshing mystery with poignant cultural insights.

4.0

640 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Ivon Villa

A 31-year-old Mexican-American professor from El Paso living in Los Angeles. She is an outspoken and bold out lesbian navigating her career and personal challenges.

Ivon's 16-year-old sister, nicknamed "Lucha," who is academically accomplished and eager to join Ivon in California. She seeks independence and faces significant challenges throughout the story.

Ivon's oldest cousin, a social worker helping with at-risk youth. She balances her sharpness and street smarts with a dedication to family and work.

A priest in Juárez running the organization Contra el Silencio, which searches for missing girls. He is committed to advocacy and often works with Ximena on community issues.

Ivon's older ex-girlfriend who remains in the closet out of fear of her brother. She is complex, with past ties to Ivon and current ties to Ivon's cousin.

A White man Ivon encounters who makes insensitive comments and is later involved with events related to the Juárez situation. His presence suggests deeper issues of corruption.

A new police detective assigned to Irene's case with family ties that grant him privileges. He is eager and developing his investigative skills.

Ivon and Irene's mother, a widow critical of Ivon's lifestyle. She struggles with acceptance of Ivon's choices and carries past grievances.

A reporter and cohost of "Mujeres Sin Fronteras". She assists Ivon at critical moments and is known for her focus on women's issues through her professional platform.

Book Details
Pages

356

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.