'Shadows Of The Decks: A Tale Of The Turntables' by Martin Villarreal

In the harsh shadows of the 1980s Midwest, a young Mexican-American DJ is forced to choose between the music that frees him and the criminal empire that owns him.

Miguel Rodriguez never planned on inheriting the streets. But when his family’s world collapses, the youngest of three brothers is thrust into a dangerous life he never wanted—fronting as a DJ while secretly running his underground operations. Set against the rise of Chicago house music and the struggles of rural Indiana, Miguel fights to protect his family, navigate gang politics, evade law enforcement, and hold on to the one thing still pure in his life: the music.

As love, violence, and betrayal collide, a darker force begins to stir—an old curse tied to his family’s past, threatening everything Miguel hopes to build. To survive, he must decide whether to break free from the cycle or be consumed by it.

Shadows of the Decks blends gritty street drama, 1980s DJ culture, Mexican-American identity, and a supernatural undercurrent into a cinematic, heart-pounding story of loyalty, legacy, and transformation.

Perfect for fans of raw, emotional crime sagas with a musical heartbeat.

If you’re ready to step into Miguel’s world—where every beat could be his last—turn the page and drop the needle.

Paperback, 186 pages