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Emilia Cruz Mysteries #8
Narco Noir: A Detective Emilia Cruz Novel
A bitter past drives Acapulco’s first female police detective into a Hollywood film starring lies and murder when she goes undercover to catch a killer. As the camera rolls, Detective Emilia Cruz will face her toughest case yet.After witnessing the execution-style murder of a taxi driver, Emilia replaces him behind the wheel. Undercover with a false identity, her target is a shadowy gang extorting protection money from the upscale taxi service.Oddly enough, no one in Acapulco has heard of the gang. Yet the threat of another murder has all the drivers, including Emilia, scared to death.But when Emilia’s worst enemy gets into her taxi, both her life and the murder case accelerate out of control.Next stop, a movie set where a second undercover role awaits.The script is a nightmare. The director’s cut is a double-cross. The leading man has looks that could kill.Can Emilia act her way out of murder?Could you?"A thrilling series" - National Public RadioPoison Cup award, Outstanding Series 2019 and 2020 -- CrimeMasters of AmericaAcapulco, once the glittering playground of Hollywood’s Rat Pack, now has the highest homicide rate in Mexico. Loaded with intrigue and action, the Detective Emilia Cruz police procedural mystery series takes on cartels, corruption and social inequality.Carmen Amato's 30-year career as a CIA intelligence officer with counterdrug experience serves up authentic and thrilling mystery crime fiction loaded with danger and deception. Fans of police procedural murder mystery series by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, and Peter May, as well as the Department Q novels and Don Winslow's cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico, also love Detective Emilia Cruz’s complex plots, fast action, pulse-pounding suspense, and exotic location.“Carmen Amato knows how to bring Acapulco to life . . . Emilia is definitely a character that is close to my heart.” – Mystery SequelsPRAISE FOR THE AWARD-WINNING DETECTIVE EMILIA CRUZ SERIESCLIFF DIVER "Consistently exciting." ― Kirkus ReviewsHAT DANCE “Emilia . . . is a force to be reckoned with.” ― MysterySequels.comDIABLO NIGHTS “Amato's unique setting, realistic characters, and intriguing plot set her apart.” ― OnlineBookClub.orgKING PESO "Danger and betrayal never more than a few pages away."― Kirkus Reviews
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2020
241 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Amato
36 books385 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
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 4, 2020
Hooked on these books!!
If you like police procedural or J. D. Robb's, Eve Dallas series than I'm sure you will enjoy these books. I have been searching for 20+ years for another author to capture my attention with characters that can compare to the "In Death" series. I had all but given up and then I found Carmen Amato's Amelia Cruz and I am hooked on these books!! I have read all 8 books in 5 days and am very much looking forward to more action, adventure, mystery and a little love that this series has. Any of these books are a great stand alone mystery but do yourself a favor, enjoy them all and join me in telling Carmen Amato, "WE WANT MORE"!
If you like police procedural or J. D. Robb's, Eve Dallas series than I'm sure you will enjoy these books. I have been searching for 20+ years for another author to capture my attention with characters that can compare to the "In Death" series. I had all but given up and then I found Carmen Amato's Amelia Cruz and I am hooked on these books!! I have read all 8 books in 5 days and am very much looking forward to more action, adventure, mystery and a little love that this series has. Any of these books are a great stand alone mystery but do yourself a favor, enjoy them all and join me in telling Carmen Amato, "WE WANT MORE"!
May 3, 2022
I have missed all the books in the series except what I consider the introduction to Emila Cruz, Made In Acapulco. I think it probably affected my review, because I was just getting the hang of being in Mexico, but now I do have some familiarity with the characters and how the city of Acapulco operates.
I sense a romance, but what kind of future does a detective from the barrios have with an American with plenty of money? Could they make it work?
Well, that’s a twist. I didn’t see it coming and I am curious where it will go.
She is a badass. I love a strong female character that can hold her own. Even in the machismo world of Mexico, she earns her place and the respect of (at least) some of her coworkers, informants…
Every move is filled with danger and betrayal. Corruption is rampant, so it’s hard to know who to trust. She has to keep things close to the vest.
Her partner, Silvio, is the only person she calls in her time of need.
There is so much about the book I liked, but I was frustrated by some of the characters actions. I don’t want to say much to spoil it for you, because I think it’s worth finding out for yourself.
I do recommend starting at the beginning and you will need to read to the end of the series to get the complete story.
I sense a romance, but what kind of future does a detective from the barrios have with an American with plenty of money? Could they make it work?
Well, that’s a twist. I didn’t see it coming and I am curious where it will go.
She is a badass. I love a strong female character that can hold her own. Even in the machismo world of Mexico, she earns her place and the respect of (at least) some of her coworkers, informants…
Every move is filled with danger and betrayal. Corruption is rampant, so it’s hard to know who to trust. She has to keep things close to the vest.
Her partner, Silvio, is the only person she calls in her time of need.
There is so much about the book I liked, but I was frustrated by some of the characters actions. I don’t want to say much to spoil it for you, because I think it’s worth finding out for yourself.
I do recommend starting at the beginning and you will need to read to the end of the series to get the complete story.
February 3, 2022
intriguing and exciting keeps your interest
Found the beginning few chapters hard to follow with all the Mexican names of people,streets and locations. Once I got use to this and I could concentrate on the story it became hard to put the book down. The author is a very good descriptive writer and one that keeps you in suspense through out the story. Would recommend this book to any suspense loving mystery’s reader.
Found the beginning few chapters hard to follow with all the Mexican names of people,streets and locations. Once I got use to this and I could concentrate on the story it became hard to put the book down. The author is a very good descriptive writer and one that keeps you in suspense through out the story. Would recommend this book to any suspense loving mystery’s reader.
March 11, 2022
Got to the 58% mark but could not finish. The main story was OK, but parts of it were too drawn out, as if the writer felt a need to fill a certain number of pages. There was also personal drama with the main character’s family that didn’t add anything interesting to the plot. Also, there were too many characters with similar personalities and it was hard to keep them straight. Not my cup of tea.
June 16, 2020
Amati Dows It Again
In this installment of this series Amati delivers again. This time Emilia goes undercover as a taxicab driver. The first female taxicab driver in Acapulco. She is trying to get information and locate the gang responsible for killing the driver she is replacing and who are shaking down the cabs’ owner for protection payments. Emilia uncovers more than expected. Tight pacing, solid characters, and grabbing storyline makes for a great read.
In this installment of this series Amati delivers again. This time Emilia goes undercover as a taxicab driver. The first female taxicab driver in Acapulco. She is trying to get information and locate the gang responsible for killing the driver she is replacing and who are shaking down the cabs’ owner for protection payments. Emilia uncovers more than expected. Tight pacing, solid characters, and grabbing storyline makes for a great read.
April 14, 2021
Another enthralling novel by Carmen Amato.
This was the 8th in the book series following Emilia Cruz .
I was stunned by the ending.
Who can the first female detective in Acapulco' s police department trust? Even her boss has deceived and betrayed her. And the federales who are suppose to be hunting murdering criminals in the drug cartels are running investigations that protect the monsters. One being her own brother!
Thrilling!
This was the 8th in the book series following Emilia Cruz .
I was stunned by the ending.
Who can the first female detective in Acapulco' s police department trust? Even her boss has deceived and betrayed her. And the federales who are suppose to be hunting murdering criminals in the drug cartels are running investigations that protect the monsters. One being her own brother!
Thrilling!
June 3, 2020
I spent an enjoyable afternoon and evening with Carmen Amato's latest hit. This time Emilia Cruz goes undercover as a taxi driver and fights everyone from sexist detectives to creepy narcos who exploit young women. Hang on for a speedy ride from someone who knows every street and back alley in Acapulco like the back of her hand. She takes us places no tourist would ever dare to visit.
August 20, 2020
Narco Noir
This book was the best of the series! It is still a bit discouraging to read about the Acapulco that lies behind the glitter that the tourists are shown, but having just reread all of the books in the series in order, this one is a very upbeat, wonderful conclusion. Loved it! Thank you, Carmen!
This book was the best of the series! It is still a bit discouraging to read about the Acapulco that lies behind the glitter that the tourists are shown, but having just reread all of the books in the series in order, this one is a very upbeat, wonderful conclusion. Loved it! Thank you, Carmen!
April 3, 2021
Awesome Series, don't pass if up
Every book in this series picks up where the last finished. I was so glad when Emily finally committed to marriage. The book's will hook you into all TBE activities that Emily went thru both in her personal life, and as the only female Detective in the PD. I wish this series was on Audible. Carmen is an awesome Police Thriller writer.
Every book in this series picks up where the last finished. I was so glad when Emily finally committed to marriage. The book's will hook you into all TBE activities that Emily went thru both in her personal life, and as the only female Detective in the PD. I wish this series was on Audible. Carmen is an awesome Police Thriller writer.
June 19, 2020
Another well-written story by Ms. Amato
Stories about crime in Mexico can get confusing as to who is is really a crook and who is a good guy, as you'll see in this book. Now that I've finished #8, I wish Ms. Amato would write faster!
Stories about crime in Mexico can get confusing as to who is is really a crook and who is a good guy, as you'll see in this book. Now that I've finished #8, I wish Ms. Amato would write faster!
January 1, 2021
Have read all eight books in the series and enjoyed every one. Well written and unable to be put down. The feisty Emilia has grown on every page and matured. Will miss not having any more pages to turn!
June 26, 2021
Who is shaking down the taxi cab drivers in Acapulco for protection. Emily goes undercover to be the first woman taxi driver. Finding more than just the killer Good series tightly written and well done.
July 24, 2021
Cruz your way to Mexico
I find Emilia Cruz novels a delightful summer read. Leave my worries home and take a trip to Acapulco. If your looking fora story with z few twists and turns without mind boggling subplots this it.
I find Emilia Cruz novels a delightful summer read. Leave my worries home and take a trip to Acapulco. If your looking fora story with z few twists and turns without mind boggling subplots this it.
January 8, 2022
Emelia is loaned out to financial division and is undercover as a taxi driver. One of her passengers looks like her personal enemy and fugitive. She is torn up between staying in character and arresting the fugitive. The exciting reading continues and there are numerous twists and turns. Thanks
May 17, 2022
Great writing. Only thing I would have left out is the four-letter words. Not needed to keep things moving.
More twists and turns of who is who and where they fit in.
Waiting for the next one to see where this goes next.
More twists and turns of who is who and where they fit in.
Waiting for the next one to see where this goes next.
July 17, 2023
Who killed the taxi driver and why??? Emilia is going under cover??? I learned A LOT of twists and turns today!!! They all tried to protect her though, didn't they??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
January 7, 2024
Gritty, Like a True Noir
Super layered plot with an amazingly blended twist. Emilia survives another bout of evil men doing evil things. A thin glimmer of hope & light gleams from immense darkness.
Super layered plot with an amazingly blended twist. Emilia survives another bout of evil men doing evil things. A thin glimmer of hope & light gleams from immense darkness.
April 3, 2025
Hopefully this wasn't the last of this series - it sounded at the end like there was definitely the opportunity for more to come.
These are great books - wonderful characters who evolve over time as the series progresses. Great plots, sense of place, action. I read all of these in order.
These are great books - wonderful characters who evolve over time as the series progresses. Great plots, sense of place, action. I read all of these in order.
June 10, 2020
NARCO NOIR
I've read all right of the Ebola Cruz books & enjoyed every one. Strong characters and good stories. They also teach me a bit about Mexico which I also enjoy.
I've read all right of the Ebola Cruz books & enjoyed every one. Strong characters and good stories. They also teach me a bit about Mexico which I also enjoy.
August 25, 2020
Highly recommended
Really enjoyed reading this book. The only thing that bothered me was that it Needed a little more proofreading, otherwise well written and enjoyable.
Really enjoyed reading this book. The only thing that bothered me was that it Needed a little more proofreading, otherwise well written and enjoyable.
January 31, 2022
Noir
Another person masquerading as an author that cannot use good writing skills, bit must stoop to f-bombing everything in attempting to make a point. Not for me.
Another person masquerading as an author that cannot use good writing skills, bit must stoop to f-bombing everything in attempting to make a point. Not for me.
February 2, 2022
good yarn
March 12, 2022
Another Good Book
The story of the crime has always had the same intrigue. With a few twists and turns. Worth the read
The story of the crime has always had the same intrigue. With a few twists and turns. Worth the read
April 10, 2022
Another good read
A lot of twist and turns, a very good read. Look forward to more Emila Cruz stories. Hope book nine will be out soon.
A lot of twist and turns, a very good read. Look forward to more Emila Cruz stories. Hope book nine will be out soon.
July 2, 2023
Great series
An interesting series with a strong female lead. The secondary characters are well written and many continue throughout the series.
An interesting series with a strong female lead. The secondary characters are well written and many continue throughout the series.
July 26, 2023
Read them all
Good story from book 1 to 8. I enjoyed the give and take between the main characters a sub plots that wound through all 8 books.
Good story from book 1 to 8. I enjoyed the give and take between the main characters a sub plots that wound through all 8 books.
April 27, 2024
Who is killing Pablo and why??? Domestic abuse??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
July 13, 2020
The beat goes on.
This episode is just as exciting as was the beginning of the Detective Cruz series. The hardest part is waiting for the next book. Emilia Cruze needs to be a TV series. Carmen Amata keep writing! You are my favorite!
This episode is just as exciting as was the beginning of the Detective Cruz series. The hardest part is waiting for the next book. Emilia Cruze needs to be a TV series. Carmen Amata keep writing! You are my favorite!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews