A Powerful Debut in Thriller Fiction

Evergreen Awards is excited to announce Mortal Vengeance by Alejandro Torres De la Rocha as the Best New Thriller in the United States of 2025. This debut novel captivates readers with its sharp storytelling, psychological depth, and cultural richness, solidifying Torres De la Rocha as a distinctive voice in contemporary thriller fiction. With its unique blend of Caribbean folklore, social commentary, and intense character development, Mortal Vengeance sets a new standard for thrillers in the modern literary landscape.

A Thriller with Depth and Impact

Unlike many thrillers that chase the whodunit formula, Mortal Vengeance asks a far more unsettling question: why do we let it happen? The story begins innocently with a childhood promise, "One for all and all for one", but what starts as a rebellious act escalates into a nightmare of guilt, secrecy, and deaths that can’t be undone. Torres De la Rocha doesn’t just craft a story of revenge; he weaves a narrative that explores the cost of silence, complicity, and institutionalized fear.

Drawing from his personal experiences in a Jesuit school, Torres De la Rocha examines the toxic effects of silence and the role it plays in allowing harm to thrive. “Those who turn away aren’t neutral, they’re part of the system that allows harm to thrive,” Torres De la Rocha explains. Through this lens, the novel becomes more than just a gripping tale, it becomes a powerful commentary on societal structures that protect those who perpetuate harm.

El Grim Cojuelo: A Villain Rooted in Folklore

One of the standout elements in Mortal Vengeance is the creation of El Grim Cojuelo, a villain unlike any other. Drawing on Dominican folklore, Torres De la Rocha reimagines the Diablo Cojuelo and the Grim Reaper into a figure who embodies guilt and consequence rather than supernatural terror. With his gutted mouth and curling ram horns, El Grim Cojuelo serves as a physical manifestation of the guilt that refuses to stay buried. His presence in the novel is not just a plot device, it’s a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and fear.

“El Grim Cojuelo isn’t vengeance itself ,  he’s what happens when guilt refuses to stay buried,” says Torres De la Rocha. The character is more than just a killer; he represents the weight of collective guilt, a powerful reminder of how societal systems allow harm to persist under the guise of tradition and faith.

Character Complexity and Emotional Depth

At the heart of Mortal Vengeance is its richly complex cast of characters. Each person in the novel is deeply flawed, yet human, making it impossible for readers to draw easy conclusions about who to root for. Alex, the manipulative and magnetic anti-hero, stands out as one of the most compelling figures in modern thriller fiction. His sarcasm and bravado mask a deeper pain, and as he navigates love, obsession, and guilt, readers are left questioning whether he’s on the path to redemption or self-destruction.

Melissa, Alex’s counterpart, begins as the moral compass of the group but is pulled into a whirlwind of violence and betrayal. As she evolves from a victim to someone demanding truth, Melissa becomes the emotional anchor of the novel. Meanwhile, Marcos, the group’s loyal protector, faces his own moral dilemmas as he is torn between his principles and the survival of his friends.

These characters are not one-dimensional. They are products of their environment, each wrestling with their own guilt, fears, and desires. Torres De la Rocha masterfully captures their internal struggles, making every decision they make feel authentic and emotionally charged.

Cultural Richness and Social Commentary

Mortal Vengeance pulses with the cultural specificity of the Dominican Republic, making the story feel grounded in its setting while addressing universal themes of power, fear, and morality. The novel explores how class structures, Catholic guilt, and the desire for reputation influence the actions of the characters. The story’s authenticity is enhanced by the natural code-switching between English and Caribbean Spanish, which brings the dialogue to life in a way that feels raw and real.

“The dialogue blends Caribbean Spanish and English into a lived-in rhythm packed with humor and emotion,” says Torres De la Rocha. This authenticity is crucial to the story, as it reflects not only the cultural context of the novel but also the emotional stakes of the characters. The blending of languages is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a narrative tool that reveals deeper layers of class, emotion, and power dynamics among the characters.

Why Mortal Vengeance is a Standout Thriller

Mortal Vengeance stands out in the thriller genre for its refusal to conform to expectations. It isn’t just about who is committing the murders; it’s about the systemic guilt that leads to their occurrence. Torres De la Rocha doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. He confronts the reader with moral questions about complicity, guilt, and the consequences of silence, questions that linger long after the final page is turned.

What makes Mortal Vengeance truly remarkable is its balance of beauty and brutality. The novel is not only a page-turner but also a sharp social commentary. It is a Dominican gothic thriller that explores the darker undercurrents of society while simultaneously offering an unforgettable emotional journey. The humor, the sharp dialogue, and the unexpected moments of tenderness are what make this book stand out from the pack.

Conclusion: A Gripping Debut

Alejandro Torres De la Rocha’s Mortal Vengeance is a masterful debut that sets a new standard for psychological thrillers. With its rich cultural context, complex characters, and compelling exploration of guilt and silence, Mortal Vengeance deserves its place as the Best New Thriller in the United States of 2025. Torres De la Rocha’s writing is a force to be reckoned with, and this novel marks the beginning of a promising career in thriller fiction.

To learn more about Alejandro Torres De la Rocha and explore Mortal Vengeance, visit his website at aletorr.es and follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn.