To fluency and beyond!
A Spanish Language Learning Murder Mystery Novel + App
Immerse yourself in Spanish through a gripping story, a powerful audiobook, and interactive learning tools designed to make you feel fluent from page one.
Attention: Spanish Language Learners
Buy on Amazon
Joe Zane
“Death by Churros is hands down the best Spanish-language reader… Unlike the typical short graded readers, this book fully immerses you in Spanish with rich vocabulary, authentic idioms, and a story that keeps you hooked...” [Read more]
Don’t Wait a Year to Use Your Spanish
Most language programs expect you to grind for months—sometimes a full year of dedicated study—before you can use the language in a real way.
Death by Churros flips that script.
Our novel is written so that you can start reading in Spanish from page one, even if you’re a beginner. The story gradually introduces new words and structures in context, so you’re never staring at a wall of incomprehensible text.
And if you’re a complete beginner?
You’re still covered. Every copy includes a 15-minute introductory audio course that walks you through the basics and gets you ready to read Chapter 1 with confidence.
Why spend a year waiting to feel fluent when you can start using Spanish today—inside a story you actually want to finish?
How it works
Fluency starts on page one
Death by Churros immerses you in authentic Spanish from the very first page.
Each chapter introduces new vocabulary and grammar gradually, reinforcing what you already know so you’re always improving without feeling overwhelmed.
You’ll never hit the “stuck plateau” most learners face—and because the story keeps you hooked, you’ll actually want to keep reading.
The Story
Immerse Yourself in Spanish
It all begins on a quiet Friday afternoon when Mr. Escobar, the head of a local mafia, stops by his favorite bakery for a sweet indulgence.
An hour later — he’s dead. Poisoned.
The police arrest Mr. García, the bakery owner, for the crime.
Now, with the cartel out for revenge and the law closing in, Jesse — Mr. García’s teenage son — must uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Who framed his father? Why?
And can Jesse expose the real killer before the cartel strikes again?
Audiobooks
Hear the Story Come to Life
Every chapter includes a QR code linking to the free audiobook—so you can listen as you read, improving your pronunciation and listening comprehension.
Want the full cinematic experience?
Upgrade to the premium professionally narrated version—available on Audible and in our companion app.
Why You’ll Love It
- Clear, emotionally engaging narration
- Native Spanish pronunciation
- Perfect for shadowing or learning on the go
- Seamlessly pairs with the app’s quizzes, translations, and songs
Smart Flashcards
Master every Sentence
(Available in the Premium Upgrade)
Every chapter in Death by Churros automatically becomes a set of interactive flashcards—one for every sentence.
Each premium flashcard gives you:
- A simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of the sentence in basic English
- A play button to hear the sentence in clear, native-style audio
- Audio speed control, so you can slow down pronunciation and hear every syllable
- A built-in “Ask ChatGPT” button that opens ChatGPT with a pre-filled prompt for deeper explanations
Great for shadowing
These flashcards aren’t just for studying—they’re perfect for shadowing, too. Go line by line, replay as many times as you want, and train your brain (and tongue!) to sound more natural.
Learning Spanish has never been this intuitive, interactive, or fun.
QUIZZES
Test Your Comprehension — Entirely in Spanish
Every chapter includes a QR code linking to an immersive quiz.
Unlike other apps that constantly translate to English, ours keeps you thinking in Spanish from start to finish.
Three types of interactive questions:
- True or False – Listen and decide
- Character Conversations – Match who said what
- Illustration Questions – Match the correct description to the image
Your comprehension, vocabulary, and listening all grow together.
SONGS
Learn Spanish Through Music
Each chapter includes a free vocabulary-based song.
Scan the QR code to listen, sing along, and download it to your playlist.
Genres include:
🎵 Reggaeton • Pop Punk • Blues Rock • Urban Latino • Chicano Rap
Spanish learning has never sounded this fun.
TRANSLATIONS
Stuck? Scan for Instant Help
Every chapter includes a QR code for instant translations.
Read the story in Spanish first—then access the English translation only when needed.
Stay immersed while keeping a safety net within reach.
FOR TEACHERS
Is It Classroom-Safe?
✅ No bad words
✅ No nudity
✅ Crime happens off-screen
The murder happens to a mafia boss—no sympathy required.