Selena's Secret


Published by Simon & Schuster
The definitive exposé of the Mexican American pop star and her tragic murder—now with a new foreword and afterword by the author.

Known as the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was one of the most beloved Mexican American singers in history—and her murder in 1995 shocked the world. There is no doubt that Yolanda Saldívar pulled the trigger. But does anyone know what really happened in Room 158 of the Days Inn, moments before the crime took place?

María Celeste Arrarás has many answers, and her unrivaled coverage of the murder, trial, and aftermath made her the undisputed expert on the Selena case. Arrarás shares firsthand information about the crime and the people involved—including details of her headline-making jailhouse interview with Yolanda, who repeatedly spoke of “Selena’s secret” —a powerful hidden piece of information that she refused to divulge in the courtroom but revealed to Arrarás at length. Many questions were raised, and not all were answered until this revealing interview shed light on the crime.

Why was there a suitcase filled with Selena’s clothes at the murder scene? What was the significance of the jeweled ring, adorned with the initial S that fell from Selena’s bloody fist? Who was the doctor from Monterrey who called himself Selena’s confidant and business adviser? Selena’s Secret fits together the pieces of this puzzle and depicts what really happened on that rainy day in March.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS