Kickback by Ana Manwaring Shortlisted for the CIBA Clue Award!

No good deed goes unpunished;

but in Mexico, do the bad?

Ana Manwaring’s gripping thriller Kickback has officially advanced to the ShortList for the 2025 CIBA Clue Award—an honor reserved for standout works in the Mystery and Thriller genres. The Clue Book Awards, a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs), spotlight emerging talent and exceptional storytelling in suspense fiction. And Kickback delivers.

Set against the vivid backdrop of Mexico, Kickback plunges readers into a world where justice is murky, alliances shift like desert winds, and every choice carries a cost. With taut pacing and emotional depth, Manwaring crafts a tale that’s as morally complex as it is heart-pounding.

Watch the trailer: Kickback Trailer

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ana’s JadeAnne Stone thrillers or new to her work, Kickback is a must-read for anyone who craves suspense with soul. This ShortList nod is more than recognition—it’s a signal that Ana Manwaring’s voice is one to watch in the world of mystery fiction.