What do you think?
Rate this book
Emilia Cruz Mysteries #5
Pacific Reaper
Imagine if you were the first and only female police detective in Acapulco. Cartels and corruption are everywhere. Life gets cheaper every day.
You discover murder victims sacrificed to Santa Muerte, Mexico’s forbidden saint of death.
Other bodies swing from billboards.
Will you investigate? Or be cursed?
In the remote Coyuca Lagoon reserve, Detective Emilia Cruz Emilia and her partner Franco Silvio find an elaborate altar to Santa Muerte next to the body of a known gang member. Prayers to the so-called Skeleton Saint send a warning to the death saint’s enemies.
Gang warfare quickly sweeps across Acapulco. Mutilated bodies, public messages, and more altars panic the city.
The police investigation is soon a maze of unholy clues. At the same time, everyone close to Emilia has a brush with death. Bad luck? Or is the Skeleton Saint’s curse coming true?
From a beachfront hostel to a voodoo market, the more Emilia discovers, the worse things get. When she goes undercover as a Santa Muerte worshipper on the eve of the Day of the Dead, her life will be stripped of everything she holds dear.
Her family.
Her lover.
Her job.
Her soul.
You discover murder victims sacrificed to Santa Muerte, Mexico’s forbidden saint of death.
Other bodies swing from billboards.
Will you investigate? Or be cursed?
In the remote Coyuca Lagoon reserve, Detective Emilia Cruz Emilia and her partner Franco Silvio find an elaborate altar to Santa Muerte next to the body of a known gang member. Prayers to the so-called Skeleton Saint send a warning to the death saint’s enemies.
Gang warfare quickly sweeps across Acapulco. Mutilated bodies, public messages, and more altars panic the city.
The police investigation is soon a maze of unholy clues. At the same time, everyone close to Emilia has a brush with death. Bad luck? Or is the Skeleton Saint’s curse coming true?
From a beachfront hostel to a voodoo market, the more Emilia discovers, the worse things get. When she goes undercover as a Santa Muerte worshipper on the eve of the Day of the Dead, her life will be stripped of everything she holds dear.
Her family.
Her lover.
Her job.
Her soul.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2017
108 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Amato
36 books384 followersCarmen Amato is the author of the Detective Emilia Cryz mystery series pitting the first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico's cartels, corruption, and social inequality. Starting with Cliff Diver, the series is a 2-time winner of the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and was hailed by National Public Radio as “A thrilling series.”
Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.
A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
A judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, her essays have appeared in Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. She writes the popular Mystery Ahead newsletter on Substack with her top secrets, exclusive excerpts and book reviews: https://mysteryahead.substack.com.
Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee. https://carmenamato.net/links
Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.
A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
A judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, her essays have appeared in Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. She writes the popular Mystery Ahead newsletter on Substack with her top secrets, exclusive excerpts and book reviews: https://mysteryahead.substack.com.
Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee. https://carmenamato.net/links
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 18, 2017
It's been a while since my first encounter with Emilia Cruz, the smart female detective trying to keep her community safe in Acapulco. She's a likeable, kick-ass character who has to deal with working in a man's world on a daily basis.
I loved the fact that she had personal issues in this book and the end re a family member was a total shock to this reader at least.
The action is fast and furious and the twists and turns, some personal to Emilia are hard to take at times. Love the author's style of writing, it grabs the reader by the throat from the very first page.
I really don't want to give any of the plot away and spoil it for others who have this on their to be read list.
Can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series.
I loved the fact that she had personal issues in this book and the end re a family member was a total shock to this reader at least.
The action is fast and furious and the twists and turns, some personal to Emilia are hard to take at times. Love the author's style of writing, it grabs the reader by the throat from the very first page.
I really don't want to give any of the plot away and spoil it for others who have this on their to be read list.
Can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series.
March 29, 2017
Pacific Reaper (Detective Emilia Cruz Book 5) by Carmen Amato
Emilia and her partner Franco investigate the murder of a known gang member. Oddly his body is found at an Alter to Santa Muerte. Soon another is murdered and it appears to be gang related. Emilia is determined to untangle the web and solve the crime, despite the fact that lives are in danger. Add to it the looming "Curse" of the Skeleton Saint and bad luck which appears all around her.
An original plot with a lot of action, twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Emilia is very likable, the only female Detective on the Police force is a challenge. She takes her job serious and does it well. Add the Acapulco setting an we have the perfect read. I strongly recommend Pacific Reaper to those who love a great crime/murder/detective story.
Emilia and her partner Franco investigate the murder of a known gang member. Oddly his body is found at an Alter to Santa Muerte. Soon another is murdered and it appears to be gang related. Emilia is determined to untangle the web and solve the crime, despite the fact that lives are in danger. Add to it the looming "Curse" of the Skeleton Saint and bad luck which appears all around her.
An original plot with a lot of action, twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Emilia is very likable, the only female Detective on the Police force is a challenge. She takes her job serious and does it well. Add the Acapulco setting an we have the perfect read. I strongly recommend Pacific Reaper to those who love a great crime/murder/detective story.
November 15, 2017
HORRIBLE CRIMES AND A FAMILY SECRET
Acapulco detective Emilia Cruz has one stylish foot poised in the opulent comfort of one of her city’s luxury hotels, a beach-front high-rise run by her boyfriend Kurt. The other is mired in the hyper-violent world of a cop trying to solve murders in a Mexico ruled and riven by rival drug cartels and corrupt politicians and fellow officers.
Cruz is the only female detective in a squad room of uber-macho males, some of them corrupt, some of them openly contemptuous of her and blatant with crude commentary and sexual come-ons. She’s tough and gives as good as she gets, but doesn’t get caught up in a game of trying to out-macho the machos.
Instead, author Carmen Amato has created a compelling, complex, well-rounded and durable character for the fifth book in the series, PACIFIC REAPER. As in Grim Reaper. As in a damn good whodunit that has Cruz and her tough-guy partner, Franco Silvio, on the trail of a murderous drug gang known as El Machete warring with a Santa Muerte cult that has some nasty criminal sidelines.
Santa Muerte, or Saint Death, is a syncretic folk religion that borrows from Catholicism and Aztec religious beliefs. The Death Goddess is strongly tied to the Day of the Dead tradition and its reverence for departed family members and ancestors. It is also the fastest-growing folk religion in Mexico, popular with the poor, outlaws and outcasts.
The action starts with the discovery of a beheaded El Machete member in a bloody tent pitched near a run-down beach hostel, the body surrounded by Santa Muerte images, muertos figurines and talismans. With its overt cult overtones, the grisly murder spooks Cruz and even shakes Silvio’s hard-guy façade. This gruesome scene is matched by bodies found hanging upside down from billboards along the city’s major thoroughfares, seemingly a tit-for-tat exchange between El Machete and the Santa Muerte crew.
Cruz and Silvio catch the killer not long after finding the beheaded body. He’s the son of a prominent and corrupt Mexico City politician, missing for months from an exclusive boarding school. He dies in his jail cell from a pre-existing medical condition, casting suspicion on Cruz and Silvio and leaving them with the unanswered question of how a prep-school rich kid wound up being a Santa Muerte cult killer.
The Santa Muerte angle is fascinating stuff, providing well-researched passages that give an added dimension to gangland killings. Amato, who clearly knows Mexico and its rich and multi-faceted history and culture, handles the material with discipline and an eye to keeping the story on-track.
The author also strikes a nice balance in showing other aspects of Cruz’s life -- her relationship with Kurt and the luxurious life they share and the difficulties dealing her mother, a traumatized soul shattered by the long-ago death of her husband and Cruz’s father. These may seem like side stories, but Amato deftly ties them back to the murder case and the end-game revelation of a dark family secret that leaves Cruz battered and questioning her own identity.
PACIFIC REAPER is a great read -- and a great reason to pick up the other books in Amato’s Emilia Cruz series.
Acapulco detective Emilia Cruz has one stylish foot poised in the opulent comfort of one of her city’s luxury hotels, a beach-front high-rise run by her boyfriend Kurt. The other is mired in the hyper-violent world of a cop trying to solve murders in a Mexico ruled and riven by rival drug cartels and corrupt politicians and fellow officers.
Cruz is the only female detective in a squad room of uber-macho males, some of them corrupt, some of them openly contemptuous of her and blatant with crude commentary and sexual come-ons. She’s tough and gives as good as she gets, but doesn’t get caught up in a game of trying to out-macho the machos.
Instead, author Carmen Amato has created a compelling, complex, well-rounded and durable character for the fifth book in the series, PACIFIC REAPER. As in Grim Reaper. As in a damn good whodunit that has Cruz and her tough-guy partner, Franco Silvio, on the trail of a murderous drug gang known as El Machete warring with a Santa Muerte cult that has some nasty criminal sidelines.
Santa Muerte, or Saint Death, is a syncretic folk religion that borrows from Catholicism and Aztec religious beliefs. The Death Goddess is strongly tied to the Day of the Dead tradition and its reverence for departed family members and ancestors. It is also the fastest-growing folk religion in Mexico, popular with the poor, outlaws and outcasts.
The action starts with the discovery of a beheaded El Machete member in a bloody tent pitched near a run-down beach hostel, the body surrounded by Santa Muerte images, muertos figurines and talismans. With its overt cult overtones, the grisly murder spooks Cruz and even shakes Silvio’s hard-guy façade. This gruesome scene is matched by bodies found hanging upside down from billboards along the city’s major thoroughfares, seemingly a tit-for-tat exchange between El Machete and the Santa Muerte crew.
Cruz and Silvio catch the killer not long after finding the beheaded body. He’s the son of a prominent and corrupt Mexico City politician, missing for months from an exclusive boarding school. He dies in his jail cell from a pre-existing medical condition, casting suspicion on Cruz and Silvio and leaving them with the unanswered question of how a prep-school rich kid wound up being a Santa Muerte cult killer.
The Santa Muerte angle is fascinating stuff, providing well-researched passages that give an added dimension to gangland killings. Amato, who clearly knows Mexico and its rich and multi-faceted history and culture, handles the material with discipline and an eye to keeping the story on-track.
The author also strikes a nice balance in showing other aspects of Cruz’s life -- her relationship with Kurt and the luxurious life they share and the difficulties dealing her mother, a traumatized soul shattered by the long-ago death of her husband and Cruz’s father. These may seem like side stories, but Amato deftly ties them back to the murder case and the end-game revelation of a dark family secret that leaves Cruz battered and questioning her own identity.
PACIFIC REAPER is a great read -- and a great reason to pick up the other books in Amato’s Emilia Cruz series.
August 14, 2017
Book# 5, in the Emilia Cruz Mysteries
In “Pacific Reaper”, Emilia confronts a death worshiping cult and takes us once again inside Mexico’s drug war. The setting is Acapulco, a breathtaking and deadly city where Mexican cartels battles for control and more politicians that you can imagine are in the drug lord’s pockets.
Murder victims are sacrificed to Santo Muerte. Looking into gruesome and ritualistic murders Emilia takes us to another level of suspense. This character-driven mystery is hard to put down. The author has raised the stakes for her protagonist by forcing her to face vicious members of the cartel while appeasing her superiors and politician and making peace with her colleagues (Emilia’s continual battle). As the investigation progresses and more clues fall into place, more blood is shed and more is revealed. The novel pulls no punches.
This crackling multi-faceted story is well-written, is most captivating, one that keeps a steady pace and holds the attention from the get-go. We also have new revelations about the main character, her family and the people she associates with, adding a nice personal touch. I can well imagine this scenario happening in the real world this is both scary and fascinating at the same time…..You have done it again Ms. Amato providing your readers with hours of entertainment.
The author is an ace storyteller and one of my favourite authors. I wish to thank you Ms. Amato for the gift of your book for my enjoyment. These are my thoughts I have not be asked to give a positive review.
In “Pacific Reaper”, Emilia confronts a death worshiping cult and takes us once again inside Mexico’s drug war. The setting is Acapulco, a breathtaking and deadly city where Mexican cartels battles for control and more politicians that you can imagine are in the drug lord’s pockets.
Murder victims are sacrificed to Santo Muerte. Looking into gruesome and ritualistic murders Emilia takes us to another level of suspense. This character-driven mystery is hard to put down. The author has raised the stakes for her protagonist by forcing her to face vicious members of the cartel while appeasing her superiors and politician and making peace with her colleagues (Emilia’s continual battle). As the investigation progresses and more clues fall into place, more blood is shed and more is revealed. The novel pulls no punches.
This crackling multi-faceted story is well-written, is most captivating, one that keeps a steady pace and holds the attention from the get-go. We also have new revelations about the main character, her family and the people she associates with, adding a nice personal touch. I can well imagine this scenario happening in the real world this is both scary and fascinating at the same time…..You have done it again Ms. Amato providing your readers with hours of entertainment.
The author is an ace storyteller and one of my favourite authors. I wish to thank you Ms. Amato for the gift of your book for my enjoyment. These are my thoughts I have not be asked to give a positive review.
October 1, 2017
I read novels for entertainment and author Amato did not disappoint me. A story of personal courage and dedication, fused with mystery, murders and suspense. Amato, through Emilia Cruz, her main character, has an uncanny ability to draw you into the underworld of ritualistic murders and crimes. Her characters come to life in this page turner, putting the reader on the scene. Her locations are superbly described and vivid. You are there and your part of the suspense. My plan was to take my time and enjoy the novel, however, Carmen Amato was having none of that —she made me read through this fast-moving novel. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2017
Awesome! Another outstanding story in the Detective Emilia Cruz series from Carmen Amato. Her astute descriptions of life in Mexico are amazing, the plot is engaging, and her characters believable. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. Cheers Lynda Lock
January 3, 2018
Carmen Amato’s “Pacific Reaper” is full of elegant word choices. Smart dialogue. Disturbing plot twists. And a great lead character.
Emilia Cruz is the lone female detective in the Acapulco Police Department.
It’s not easy.
Cruz is very real, very human, very tough. She’s on the trail of some frightening killers. The problem is -- how many. And why. It’s beginning to appear that her city is becoming a battleground between opposing forces of evil.
Finding the truth, she fears, could kill her and everyone she loves.
The suspense builds quickly. And throughout, there is a great flow and rhythm to the story.
...Rural and remote, the perimeter of the Lagoon was dotted with small villages and hotels that mostly catered to ecotourists. The main draws were boating trips to see waterfowl and wildlife, as well as inlets and mud banks where a few Hollywood jungle escapades had been filmed. Every once in awhile the police were called to investigate a rape or robbery. Generally by the time they got there both victim and perpetrator were long gone.
But this time, it was murder.
Perched on the eastern end of the Lagoon, El Loro Rojo was a combination hostel and restaurant cobbled together from a collection of concrete shacks that managed to look squalid and cheerful at the same time, as if defeated in battle but hadn’t noticed....
There are fully developed relationships, between compelling characters.
....Sleep wouldn’t come. Emilia flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. The sliding glass doors were open and shadows from the softly billowing curtains danced across the ceiling. Moonlight gilded that side of the room, leaving the bed shrouded in darkness. The penthouse was quiet, save for the distant churn of the ocean and Kurt’s even breathing.
The visit kept replaying in her mind. Sophia pressing the knife point against her hand. Sophia rushing out because she couldn’t remember the name of some long-ago playmate. Anger at Tía Lourdes over nothing.
Emilia had seen both criminals and snitches deliberately misunderstand questions or try to redirect a conversation. But her mother was neither dishonest nor disingenuous. No, this was just how her mother was now and would forever be....
And there is a wonderful sense of place.
....El Loro Rojo receded and they were alone on the eastern shore of Coyuca Lagoon. Scrub pines and palms grew on the steep rises that surrounded the inland waterway, providing shade and firewood for campers. Litter dotted the sand like abstract white droppings. The skinny beach looked hastily deserted, save for seagulls screeching in competition for candy wrappers. Any early morning birdwatchers had been scared off by the sight of a marked police car parked by the hostel.
As the group trudged through the sand, they passed a burned-out campfire, rolled up sleeping bags, and two paddleboards stuck upright in the sand...
Cruz will prevail. But the price is agonizingly high. Fortunately, there are more Emilia Cruz novels out there, so we can keep reading. Just to make sure she’s OK.
Emilia Cruz is the lone female detective in the Acapulco Police Department.
It’s not easy.
Cruz is very real, very human, very tough. She’s on the trail of some frightening killers. The problem is -- how many. And why. It’s beginning to appear that her city is becoming a battleground between opposing forces of evil.
Finding the truth, she fears, could kill her and everyone she loves.
The suspense builds quickly. And throughout, there is a great flow and rhythm to the story.
...Rural and remote, the perimeter of the Lagoon was dotted with small villages and hotels that mostly catered to ecotourists. The main draws were boating trips to see waterfowl and wildlife, as well as inlets and mud banks where a few Hollywood jungle escapades had been filmed. Every once in awhile the police were called to investigate a rape or robbery. Generally by the time they got there both victim and perpetrator were long gone.
But this time, it was murder.
Perched on the eastern end of the Lagoon, El Loro Rojo was a combination hostel and restaurant cobbled together from a collection of concrete shacks that managed to look squalid and cheerful at the same time, as if defeated in battle but hadn’t noticed....
There are fully developed relationships, between compelling characters.
....Sleep wouldn’t come. Emilia flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. The sliding glass doors were open and shadows from the softly billowing curtains danced across the ceiling. Moonlight gilded that side of the room, leaving the bed shrouded in darkness. The penthouse was quiet, save for the distant churn of the ocean and Kurt’s even breathing.
The visit kept replaying in her mind. Sophia pressing the knife point against her hand. Sophia rushing out because she couldn’t remember the name of some long-ago playmate. Anger at Tía Lourdes over nothing.
Emilia had seen both criminals and snitches deliberately misunderstand questions or try to redirect a conversation. But her mother was neither dishonest nor disingenuous. No, this was just how her mother was now and would forever be....
And there is a wonderful sense of place.
....El Loro Rojo receded and they were alone on the eastern shore of Coyuca Lagoon. Scrub pines and palms grew on the steep rises that surrounded the inland waterway, providing shade and firewood for campers. Litter dotted the sand like abstract white droppings. The skinny beach looked hastily deserted, save for seagulls screeching in competition for candy wrappers. Any early morning birdwatchers had been scared off by the sight of a marked police car parked by the hostel.
As the group trudged through the sand, they passed a burned-out campfire, rolled up sleeping bags, and two paddleboards stuck upright in the sand...
Cruz will prevail. But the price is agonizingly high. Fortunately, there are more Emilia Cruz novels out there, so we can keep reading. Just to make sure she’s OK.
June 21, 2017
Emilia and Silvio are called to a gruesome murder scene, involving a decapitated body next to an altar of Santa Muerte, a "saint" of death, the worship of which is forbidden by the Catholic church. The next murder is a body hanging from a billboard, marked by a gang as a clear warning for those who interfere with their operations. As the warring gangs escalate the violence, Emilia and Silvio struggle to make progress in their investigations despite stonewalling by rich friends of the mayor. But neither could have expected where their tenacious detective work would lead them.
This is the darkest installment so far of this gritty series, and one of the best. The characters have really grown on me, although Silvio sometimes reverts to bad habits, which often feels out of character. There is also no lack of frustration for the blatant corruption in the system described in Emilia's everyday life as a cop, as well as the constant misogyny she faces, but this only adds to the realism. Emilia's personal problems are also complex and contribute to her fascinating character, which has so far kept growing and changing. I'm really enjoying this series.
This is the darkest installment so far of this gritty series, and one of the best. The characters have really grown on me, although Silvio sometimes reverts to bad habits, which often feels out of character. There is also no lack of frustration for the blatant corruption in the system described in Emilia's everyday life as a cop, as well as the constant misogyny she faces, but this only adds to the realism. Emilia's personal problems are also complex and contribute to her fascinating character, which has so far kept growing and changing. I'm really enjoying this series.
September 11, 2017
Reviewed by: Celia
Rating: 3 stars
Review: For Detective Emilia Cruz, sometimes the danger can be too much.
I enjoyed the Latina flair against the backdrop of a luscious beach resort masquerading as a Mexican battleground for crime and drug lords. The story line sounded interesting and the mystery could certainly send a thrill to crime-loving aficionados, however, I wasn't that enticed. Let's put aside that I'm not a big crime buff. I just thought the plot was too complex. I was almost lost at times.
Although well-written, the story felt besieged by a variety of characters, even though they carried great dialogue. It felt crowded and overwhelming.
I applaud that there is another book dedicated to a strong Latina character, but I just felt lukewarm about the story.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: For Detective Emilia Cruz, sometimes the danger can be too much.
I enjoyed the Latina flair against the backdrop of a luscious beach resort masquerading as a Mexican battleground for crime and drug lords. The story line sounded interesting and the mystery could certainly send a thrill to crime-loving aficionados, however, I wasn't that enticed. Let's put aside that I'm not a big crime buff. I just thought the plot was too complex. I was almost lost at times.
Although well-written, the story felt besieged by a variety of characters, even though they carried great dialogue. It felt crowded and overwhelming.
I applaud that there is another book dedicated to a strong Latina character, but I just felt lukewarm about the story.
January 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this paperback book. This story takes place in Mexico and has to do with a criminal investigation. We have the drug cartels trying to outdo each other and perform the most gruesome show of deaths using Santa Muerte offerings and a priest. This all makes for a spine-tingling race to find the answers and stop these killings. One of my favorite quotes is from Detective Emilia, she says, "Madre de Dios you are such a pendejo, Franco." I really enjoyed this story, thank you to the author CAMEN AMATO.
August 12, 2020
This is the first book of the series that I read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It worked as a stand-alone book, although it is obvious there are plot threads and character interactions that extend beyond this story. I live on the US side of the Mexican border and while I have not been to Acapulco, the issues addressed in this book from police corruption to trafficking of all sorts are common in news media from our sister community South of the border. The story grabbed my attention right away, and I was not able to stop until I had finished it!
November 7, 2025
This is Book 5 of 9 in this series, but my first time with this author. I wasn't lost, but I can see where there was past events, too. It certainly has an exciting plot, wonderful characters. Very well written. It left me wanting more. I want to hear more of Emilia Cruz!
Leanne Maksin presents this Acapulco murder mystery so well. Her Hispanic accent and proper pronunciation bring authenticity to this story. She brings feels and angst to the action. 5 stars for her as well.
Leanne Maksin presents this Acapulco murder mystery so well. Her Hispanic accent and proper pronunciation bring authenticity to this story. She brings feels and angst to the action. 5 stars for her as well.
May 13, 2021
One of the best mystery series out there
Garme
Carmen Amato has created one of the most interesting and appealing protagonists in a mystery novel that I have read in a long time. Emilio Cruz has great depth of character. That combined with the always interesting location of Acapulco make for very entertaining reading. I look forward to the next installment.
Garme
Carmen Amato has created one of the most interesting and appealing protagonists in a mystery novel that I have read in a long time. Emilio Cruz has great depth of character. That combined with the always interesting location of Acapulco make for very entertaining reading. I look forward to the next installment.
December 10, 2021
Great reading
Emilia is investigating a ritual murder that turns into a turf war between a cult and a gang. The traces of leads come in slowly and take time to unravel. After being abducted while undercover she was raped and the DNA revealed a previously unknown family member. Action packed great reading
Emilia is investigating a ritual murder that turns into a turf war between a cult and a gang. The traces of leads come in slowly and take time to unravel. After being abducted while undercover she was raped and the DNA revealed a previously unknown family member. Action packed great reading
May 8, 2017
Powerful and gripping
This novel pulls no punches. It incorporates official corruption and entrenched bias with exciting action, nail biting suspense and mysterious folk characters. A story of professional ability, and personal courage, set in a world of hard truths.
This novel pulls no punches. It incorporates official corruption and entrenched bias with exciting action, nail biting suspense and mysterious folk characters. A story of professional ability, and personal courage, set in a world of hard truths.
January 30, 2023
I'm a huge fan of C. Amato and I think I love her Det. Cruz. She's tough, disrespected by her peers, courageous, a dogged detective, vulnerable and has her own ghosts. Read my crime thriller set in Mexico
August 26, 2025
Wowee, a lot happens in this book 5 of the series! Yes, the usual police corruption and murder and drugs and the stark differences between the haves and have-nots, all so well described by Ms. Amato. Far more sadness than happy times.
This series would make a fascinating tv series.
This series would make a fascinating tv series.
May 14, 2018
Once again Amato gives us a story that has a few unforeseen twists. I really enjoy this series and the main character, Emilia. This novel brings an unexpected twist in her personal life.
November 3, 2018
Wonderful
Her books are so good, one is able to overlook the relatively minor editing errors. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Her books are so good, one is able to overlook the relatively minor editing errors. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
August 13, 2020
Well written!!!
Truly had a hard time putting the book down. Kept you on your toes with suspense. I would recommend this highly.
Truly had a hard time putting the book down. Kept you on your toes with suspense. I would recommend this highly.
December 29, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyable book in the series with plenty of twists and turns, together with highs and lows as always. Just cannot get enough of Emilia Cruz. Excellent reading matter. Already started book 6!!
January 23, 2021
Review
I found the book slow particularly in the beginning and middle. The last part was better. I have read several books in this series and most have been better.
I found the book slow particularly in the beginning and middle. The last part was better. I have read several books in this series and most have been better.
January 29, 2021
This book was dark and disturbing, but I still found it a good read. Ready to read the next book in the series.
May 2, 2025
great action and suspense
Wonderful novel of policing in Acapulco in the maelstrom that is Mexico. Compelling characters and story, with plenty of action and suspense.
Wonderful novel of policing in Acapulco in the maelstrom that is Mexico. Compelling characters and story, with plenty of action and suspense.
March 29, 2020
Cussing was a drawback for me, seemed like too much, and drew away from the plot. A drug related murder that keep escalating with more murders. Were they a sacrifice to Santa Muerte a Saint if the dead. Being she is a Detective it was up to her to uncover what is happening, of which the worse it gets, Finally she goes undercover as a worshipper, will that be a key or will it bring a death target on her. The plot was heavy with a lot of murders, and didn’t care for all the cussing.
December 21, 2020
Another great instalment in the Emilia Cruz series, in fact probably the best yet and what an ending! Cruz is a police detective in Acapulco dealing with ordinary crime, organized crime (the cartels), politicians, tourism, family problems, sexism, racism and heavy traffic. She's a power house. However, it's crucial to read this series in order to get the full impact. Good reads!
March 30, 2017
Emilia Cruz is nothing if not smart, fast-thinking and good looking to boot. Despite all this, there is an underlying sense of worthlessness, but she couldn't be more wrong.
I have read all the books in the series; this one is by far the most fast-paced, with a plot full of twists and turns. I can hardly refer to anything in the story for fear of giving away the plot, but prepare to be shocked at the reveals and surprises. Carmen Amato's scintillating writing style brings everything alive. From the scenes where the action takes place to the personalities and feelings of the persons in the story, this book will push you to keep reading.
I have read all the books in the series; this one is by far the most fast-paced, with a plot full of twists and turns. I can hardly refer to anything in the story for fear of giving away the plot, but prepare to be shocked at the reveals and surprises. Carmen Amato's scintillating writing style brings everything alive. From the scenes where the action takes place to the personalities and feelings of the persons in the story, this book will push you to keep reading.
April 24, 2017
In the spectacular fifth installment of her Detective Emilia Cruz series, Carmen Amato has once again raised the stakes for her gutsy heroine. Emilia is forced not only to face a vicious gang war, the kidnapping on her turf of the son of an influential political leader, and a series of hair-raising cult murders, but also her mother’s precipitous slide toward a break with reality. Emilia’s world teeters on the edge of destruction.
Telling the steadily deepening story of Emilia’s investigation into a gruesome, ritualistic murder, Amato raises the level of suspense at each turn. For every clue that falls into place, the price is paid in danger and blood. Enemies maneuver all around the first female detective in Acapulco, both in the dark world of criminals and murderers, and within the force sworn to serve and protect. Those daring to openly act as Emilia’s allies soon find themselves threatened or worse.
As the story reaches its peak, Emilia must risk everything to expose a singularly brutal evil, one that works as much against the minds of its victims as it does their physical safety. In the end, for Emilia, there is victory and loss in nearly equal measure.
Amato’s Detective Emilia Cruz series can be seen as a continuous, tightly-woven tale, from her origin story, “The Beast”, wherein Emilia gets her break into being a detective, through “Cliff Diver”, “Hat Dance”, “Diablo Nights”, and “King Peso”, the relationships evolve and Emilia grows in confidence. Most significantly, she slowly earns the grudging professional and personal respect of the male detectives around her.
Telling the steadily deepening story of Emilia’s investigation into a gruesome, ritualistic murder, Amato raises the level of suspense at each turn. For every clue that falls into place, the price is paid in danger and blood. Enemies maneuver all around the first female detective in Acapulco, both in the dark world of criminals and murderers, and within the force sworn to serve and protect. Those daring to openly act as Emilia’s allies soon find themselves threatened or worse.
As the story reaches its peak, Emilia must risk everything to expose a singularly brutal evil, one that works as much against the minds of its victims as it does their physical safety. In the end, for Emilia, there is victory and loss in nearly equal measure.
Amato’s Detective Emilia Cruz series can be seen as a continuous, tightly-woven tale, from her origin story, “The Beast”, wherein Emilia gets her break into being a detective, through “Cliff Diver”, “Hat Dance”, “Diablo Nights”, and “King Peso”, the relationships evolve and Emilia grows in confidence. Most significantly, she slowly earns the grudging professional and personal respect of the male detectives around her.
Read
May 4, 2017Love this series!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews