WELCOME
Welcome to John Marino's
Historical Fiction Mystery Site
Who
Who is Laura Jensten?
Laura Jensten is the relentless investigative reporter at the core of John Marino's historical mystery series — a woman who uncovers the crimes polite society refuses to see. In the 1920s South, her work exposes the hidden power structures that prey on women, children, and the forgotten. Sharp‑minded, modern in her instincts, and driven by empathy, Laura becomes the reporter whose questions unsettle the men who run the world.
Across Silent Truths of a Beach Town, Savannah Shadows, and The Other Palmer, Laura evolves from a gifted young journalist into a seasoned investigator whose stories threaten the most powerful families in Georgia and Florida. Her cases are never safe: she reveals corruption in a coastal town, confronts Savannah's elite, and ultimately descends into the tunnels beneath St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where she uncovers a century‑old conspiracy of stolen identities and erased women.
The Other Palmer — the man who signed death orders and built a system designed to silence women — becomes the shadow Laura must finally expose. Through abandoned wards, forgotten ledgers, and the bones of the women he erased, she becomes the first person in a hundred years to uncover what truly happened beneath the hospital floors.
Defined by resolve, intelligence, and a refusal to look away, Laura Jensten is the voice for those history tried to bury — the reporter who writes the truth anyway.
The Other Palmer Coming in September 2026
"When truth threatens power, love can save you—or destroy you."
Savannah Shadows
(Book # 2 )
Savannah, 1923
Beneath the moss-draped charm, power festers—and silence is bought in blood. When a prominent Mill owner, his wife, and their driver are gunned down outside a River Street speakeasy, the city whispers scandal. Investigative reporters Laura Jensten and Jack Palmer hear something louder: a warning.
The trail leads to the Wellington family—owners of the city's most powerful cotton Mill and architects of an empire built on dust, heat, and fear.
As Laura and Jack close in, each lead draws them deeper into a web of corruption, violence, and buried crimes—and closer to men who kill to protect their secrets.
In a world where women are meant to be silent and the truth can get you killed, Laura and Jack must decide how much they're willing to risk for the story no one else will tell.
Silent Truths of a Beachtown
A Laura Jensten Mystery
(Book # 1 )
Fernandina Beach, Summer of 1922
Bold, defiant, and determined to be heard, journalist Laura Jensten lives in a world that barely acknowledges women like her. When she joins forces with a real-life historical figure to investigate a corrupt network hidden beneath her town's polished surface, she unearths dangerous secrets buried deep in old tunnels—and even deeper in politics.
As allies vanish and threats loom ever closer, Laura must face the truth alone. The right to vote was only the beginning. Now, the real fight is to be seen, respected and believed.
Immerse yourself in the Roaring Twenties, a meticulously researched era that serves as the backdrop for this novel. Here, danger, romance, and revolution intertwine, echoing the courage of a generation of women who dared to rewrite the rules and lead.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction with strong female leads, gripping mysteries, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mr. George - a real-life, fascinating character.
Brothers of the Road
"Brothers of the Road" delivers a vivid, historically accurate portrayal that intertwines rich character development with a compelling narrative. As the "Caminantes" (walkers) face the challenges of racial and cultural displacement, their unwavering resilience and bold defiance emerge against the backdrop of their era, revealing incredible strength and courage—especially after their fateful encounter with
Mr. George. Each character offers a unique perspective, enriching the story with diverse experiences and challenges. The story provides readers with an immersive, authentic
historical adventure.
What are they saying about Marino's books?
About the Author
John Marino
I dive into the extraordinary sweep of American life in the late 1800s and early 1900s—a period that tested people with hardship, demanded ingenuity, and revealed an unbreakable spirit. Everyday life required grit, resourcefulness, and courage, and people met those demands head‑on. They pushed forward, determined to build a better future for themselves and their families.
My stories grow from extensive research because I want to honor the era as it truly was. I spotlight real individuals whose contributions shaped the nation in ways history books often overlook. Many endured discrimination, grueling labor, and the dangers of unregulated industries. Still, they persevered—and in doing so, they helped forge modern America. Their achievements deserve our respect and remembrance.
Through vivid detail and character‑driven narratives, I bring readers into their world. I want you to feel the weight of their struggles, the thrill of their triumphs, and the quiet strength that carried them forward. As you journey through my books, I hope you’ll see how their experiences—though distant in time—still resonate today. Their stories offer not just a window into the past, but lessons in resilience and humanity that continue to matter in our own lives.