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The Mamacita Murders
Laura, a 17-year-old prostitute, and the key witness in a sex abuse trial, is missing. When she's found in a motel room, brutally attacked and left for dead, the list of suspects isn't pretty -- and sex crimes prosecutor Gaby Ruiz is determined to find out who tried to kill her witness.
Gaby has dedicated her life to protecting and finding justice for at-risk women. Maybe it's because she can't shake her guilt over not being able to protect her own mother from a violent death at the hands of Gaby's stepfather.
Now it's Gaby who's in danger. Can she find the truth in time to save her own life?
Gaby has dedicated her life to protecting and finding justice for at-risk women. Maybe it's because she can't shake her guilt over not being able to protect her own mother from a violent death at the hands of Gaby's stepfather.
Now it's Gaby who's in danger. Can she find the truth in time to save her own life?
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2012
64 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Debra Mares
6 books5 followersA California prosecutor, recipient of prosecutor of the year and community hero awards, and founder of a women's organization dedicated to mentoring & empowering at-risk youth through the arts.
A lover of travel, salsa dancing, and writing & reading legal thrillers.
A lover of travel, salsa dancing, and writing & reading legal thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 26, 2015
I didn't like this book at all. I had a really hard time finishing it. It just seemed so boring to me, I ended up probably more skimming than reading. I found that the author seemed to explain like every single thing she brought up. I found it really annoying. The only example I can think of is when she was explaining what a bikini wax was. I get there was a lot of law/lawyer type stuff going on, but still. The readers aren't complete morons if they choose this book.
A few questions:
At the beginning when Gaby is prosecuting against Javier, she says that she's an ASSISTANT prosecutor. So why would she have been doing this by herself?
What was with all the flirting? I mean it seemed like Gaby was flirting with every guy she came into contact with. I was not a fan of her. She was just too much.
Why did Javier actually end up in court for supposedly sexually assaulting Laura? I mean it had been like a year since, no proof, or anything in fact. How did the prosecution office have enough of anything to even get a trial? I didn't understand that part.
What was with Gaby's angels? There's the times when she seems to know stuff, all by herself. Then there are the many times where she's asking Angela what her angels think. Strange.
How was Ford the lead detective handling Laura's case, yet he doesn't really seem to do anything. What's Mack's title again?
Why did the Mamacita Club need a wardrobe stylist. I guess I wasn't 100% understanding what the club did, the specifics I guess. I know they help the girls that didn't have much going for them....
I so loved the part (being sarcastic here) where Gaby is worried after the time when she's at her club and the loud car comes by shooting. So she's at home, naked, in bed. She hears someone outside and grabs her gun on the night stand. Then for whatever reason she gets up and grabs another gun that's in her safe...not grabbing the shotgun that's by her door. Then jumps back into bed and wonders if she should get dressed...but decides against it because she's too nervous. That had to have been the stupidest part in the book.
I didn't like how Gaby was always trying to guilt other people into doing stuff for her. Again really annoying. Like when she was trying to get the fingerprint lady to hurry up and the dna person. God forbid there aren't much more important cases then hers.
Did I mention that Gaby was a bit much? Like at the hospital when Bess is asking the doctor about the DNR for Laura. Bess doesn't want her daughter to suffer anymore but here comes Gaby telling them save her. I understand she wants to help the world but seriously?
Lastly, the title The Mamacita Murders...I don't get it. I mean yeah Gaby has a club for the girls but considering Laura (one of the main characters) isn't even apart of the club. PLUS, who was murdered exactly? I did admit I skimmed a lot, so maybe I passed it by?
A few questions:
At the beginning when Gaby is prosecuting against Javier, she says that she's an ASSISTANT prosecutor. So why would she have been doing this by herself?
What was with all the flirting? I mean it seemed like Gaby was flirting with every guy she came into contact with. I was not a fan of her. She was just too much.
Why did Javier actually end up in court for supposedly sexually assaulting Laura? I mean it had been like a year since, no proof, or anything in fact. How did the prosecution office have enough of anything to even get a trial? I didn't understand that part.
What was with Gaby's angels? There's the times when she seems to know stuff, all by herself. Then there are the many times where she's asking Angela what her angels think. Strange.
How was Ford the lead detective handling Laura's case, yet he doesn't really seem to do anything. What's Mack's title again?
Why did the Mamacita Club need a wardrobe stylist. I guess I wasn't 100% understanding what the club did, the specifics I guess. I know they help the girls that didn't have much going for them....
I so loved the part (being sarcastic here) where Gaby is worried after the time when she's at her club and the loud car comes by shooting. So she's at home, naked, in bed. She hears someone outside and grabs her gun on the night stand. Then for whatever reason she gets up and grabs another gun that's in her safe...not grabbing the shotgun that's by her door. Then jumps back into bed and wonders if she should get dressed...but decides against it because she's too nervous. That had to have been the stupidest part in the book.
I didn't like how Gaby was always trying to guilt other people into doing stuff for her. Again really annoying. Like when she was trying to get the fingerprint lady to hurry up and the dna person. God forbid there aren't much more important cases then hers.
Did I mention that Gaby was a bit much? Like at the hospital when Bess is asking the doctor about the DNR for Laura. Bess doesn't want her daughter to suffer anymore but here comes Gaby telling them save her. I understand she wants to help the world but seriously?
Lastly, the title The Mamacita Murders...I don't get it. I mean yeah Gaby has a club for the girls but considering Laura (one of the main characters) isn't even apart of the club. PLUS, who was murdered exactly? I did admit I skimmed a lot, so maybe I passed it by?
October 17, 2014
The Mamacita Murders is meant to be a crime novel, with a dash of romance and some spiritual essence all rolled in.
It doesn't actually come across that well, the lead of the book just seems to be more of an investigator than part of a lawyer's office, she also is too deep with her client, although commendable to try and help her, but to use that information and get people to work faster for her? Surely most people who hear that would find out what office she worked in and inform her boss of what she was doing because it doesn't seem that professional.
The 'Angels' part, I could live with if it made any real sense, but it didn't. It didn't seem to go well with the flow of the book, in fact it just felt like the author wanted to make her book seem a bit more new age and different. It wasn't something that I felt was too real.
The Mamacita club, they have a woman that they call the wardrobe assistant; now I know it says she works on set for shows and the like, but surely for something like a club to help women get out of violence and abuse, you wouldn't have someone like that until your club was a lot bigger and you wanted more advertising?
The general plot to the book was good, it made an interesting read overall, yet at the same time I just found these stumbling blocks that just didn't fit the flow of the book.
It doesn't actually come across that well, the lead of the book just seems to be more of an investigator than part of a lawyer's office, she also is too deep with her client, although commendable to try and help her, but to use that information and get people to work faster for her? Surely most people who hear that would find out what office she worked in and inform her boss of what she was doing because it doesn't seem that professional.
The 'Angels' part, I could live with if it made any real sense, but it didn't. It didn't seem to go well with the flow of the book, in fact it just felt like the author wanted to make her book seem a bit more new age and different. It wasn't something that I felt was too real.
The Mamacita club, they have a woman that they call the wardrobe assistant; now I know it says she works on set for shows and the like, but surely for something like a club to help women get out of violence and abuse, you wouldn't have someone like that until your club was a lot bigger and you wanted more advertising?
The general plot to the book was good, it made an interesting read overall, yet at the same time I just found these stumbling blocks that just didn't fit the flow of the book.
May 29, 2017
This book wasn't quite what I expected it to be. I was thinking it would just be a straight mystery/law story.
Mamacita Murders is about love. It's about domestic abuse, and being able to finally break away from that terrible cycle. It's about teaching and empowering women. It portrays the legal system in a realistic manner. It talks about learning to let go of things you can't change, and learning to forgive yourself for mistakes you've made.
...but it's also about talking to angels, and how oceans and dolphins are magical.
The most important lesson I took away from this book was that if you try to mess with a gang's circle of prostitutes, people will get shanked.
Seriously, though. I enjoyed this book. Even though I knew who was behind everything halfway through the book, it was still an interesting read. I was glad that it wasn't all "CSI" in its portrayal of the legal system. But then, it didn't have to be.
The angel/vision thing was a bit out of place in the otherwise normal context of the story, but I didn't mind them being there. At least the characters make a point of how "the angels told me" doesn't exactly stand up in court.
Mamacita Murders is about love. It's about domestic abuse, and being able to finally break away from that terrible cycle. It's about teaching and empowering women. It portrays the legal system in a realistic manner. It talks about learning to let go of things you can't change, and learning to forgive yourself for mistakes you've made.
...but it's also about talking to angels, and how oceans and dolphins are magical.
The most important lesson I took away from this book was that if you try to mess with a gang's circle of prostitutes, people will get shanked.
Seriously, though. I enjoyed this book. Even though I knew who was behind everything halfway through the book, it was still an interesting read. I was glad that it wasn't all "CSI" in its portrayal of the legal system. But then, it didn't have to be.
The angel/vision thing was a bit out of place in the otherwise normal context of the story, but I didn't mind them being there. At least the characters make a point of how "the angels told me" doesn't exactly stand up in court.
September 6, 2012
Amazon revue:
When Laura, a 17-year-old prostitute, is sexually assaulted and left for dead, sex crimes prosecutor Gaby Ruiz is on the case. Laura's not only a victim of attempted murder, she's also the key witness in one of Gaby's trials. Did an assailant connected with Gaby's trial ransack Laura's room and assault her -- did Laura's boyfriend try to kill her because she wanted to leave the Lincoln Gang's prostitution ring -- or did law enforcement try to kill Laura to protect one of their own? The investigation twists from the backwoods in Tuckford County to the back rooms of law enforcement buildings all the way to the Walled City. Gaby also runs The Mamacita Club, a haven for at-risk women from her vintage Airstream motor home. Women affected by drugs, gang and domestic violence, sex crimes, and broken homes -- they're all in The Mamacita Club. In fact, Gaby has spent all of her professional life seeking justice for others. But it is not until Laura goes missing, that Gaby is able to start searching for justice for herself and begin to fix her own guilt-ridden past for not protecting her mom from an abusive relationship -- this time to save her own life and seek closure over her own mother's death.
January 27, 2016
This is a legal thriller and a social statement at the same time. The main character is Gaby Ruiz, a prosecuting attorney with a childhood history of living with an abusive step-father who murdered her mother. She now works with at risk young women, trying to give them the chance to rise above their situations. She calls her group the Mamacita Club. The story of her struggle to find the person who tried to murder one of her girls is also the story of her own struggle to come to finally accept her own past.
I found the book interesting, but not totally engrossing. Although there are various potential perps presented, it seems rather obvious from the beginning who the guilty person actually is.
I also had a problem with the "angels" who help her see clues and help her. I have a problem with anything that feels like paranormal. I suppose I could have handled "gut feelings," but in this case I thought it gave the book less credibility.
This was a decent read, very quick, some interesting characters, and a good story line.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.
I found the book interesting, but not totally engrossing. Although there are various potential perps presented, it seems rather obvious from the beginning who the guilty person actually is.
I also had a problem with the "angels" who help her see clues and help her. I have a problem with anything that feels like paranormal. I suppose I could have handled "gut feelings," but in this case I thought it gave the book less credibility.
This was a decent read, very quick, some interesting characters, and a good story line.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.
March 26, 2013
Mamacita Murders is a book trying to find its genre. Parts read like a police procedural (my favorite parts, actually), others like an urban fantasy (the whole angels thing. And maybe ghosts?), still others like a cheap romance. I kept expecting all the parts to come together into a coherent whole, but it didn't happen. I had a hard time getting interested in the characters. Gaby Ruiz, the narrator, alternates between overbearingly manipulative and emotional wreck. The mix is extremely annoying. Her treatment of her co-workers annoyed me the most--it truly does pay to be nice to people you depend on for information. Also, I had problems at times following the plot amongst all the sidelines. I'm sure Debra Mares has a lot to say, but it didn't come across in this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book in order to review it.
September 11, 2012
Well seem to be getting into this book,I am enjoying it but the story seems to be dragging it self out,
What I like about it even though the story is a legal thriller,it`s not hyped legal talk, just smoothly in the background of the story. I like the Idea that Debra Mares has wrote about her characters fears and insecurities about her self,Even though she is a 30yr independent and confident woman.
My interpretation of this story that the writer is saying,is that we must accept ourselves for who we are, mistakes and the past,we must learn to let go,then we can accept the love people give us and we love the people in our lives in the giving moment.
What I like about it even though the story is a legal thriller,it`s not hyped legal talk, just smoothly in the background of the story. I like the Idea that Debra Mares has wrote about her characters fears and insecurities about her self,Even though she is a 30yr independent and confident woman.
My interpretation of this story that the writer is saying,is that we must accept ourselves for who we are, mistakes and the past,we must learn to let go,then we can accept the love people give us and we love the people in our lives in the giving moment.
October 8, 2012
There are good gender-neutral mystery stories out there, but this isn't one of them, gender-neutral, I mean. Ms. Mares is a good writer, but this is a "chick" book, if there ever was one. Not like a romance novel, mind you, but a female reader (and possibly some male readers) will get more out of the back story and characters than I am. I'll finish it and report back to see if my opinion changes.
Debra Mares is an excellent writer. I choose this book primarily because it was a freebie on BookBub. The primary plot line was excellent with varied scenarios, but again, the subplot and message was something, while I empathize with it, I didn't wish to read half a book to learn or explore.
Debra Mares is an excellent writer. I choose this book primarily because it was a freebie on BookBub. The primary plot line was excellent with varied scenarios, but again, the subplot and message was something, while I empathize with it, I didn't wish to read half a book to learn or explore.
January 16, 2013
Not my cup of tea, the plot is thin and the main character is too self obsessed to be believable as the saviour of disadvantaged girls. It's trying too hard to be a crime thriller, legal thriller and romance, and does none of the elements particularly well.
As a reader I am getting fed up with writers trying to make their characters 'quirky', instead of making them interesting. This book is a prime example.
Also, I found the endless references to her weapon of choice got very tiresome to me. It's a Lady Smith!!! I got it the first 15 times you mentioned it....
As a reader I am getting fed up with writers trying to make their characters 'quirky', instead of making them interesting. This book is a prime example.
Also, I found the endless references to her weapon of choice got very tiresome to me. It's a Lady Smith!!! I got it the first 15 times you mentioned it....
February 10, 2013
This story has so much potential to be really good but there is too much back ground to the story that made it uninteresting for me at times; I even found myself skipping whole chapters. Too much time is spent talking about the main characters childhood, which although does have some relevance to the story, it could be made much shorter. Overall it's an okay read and I got itfor my kindle so it was free.
February 20, 2013
The title is a little confusing as it makes you think there's a serial killer on the loose, when in actual fact there isn't really any murder at all. Just attempted murder. This was an okay read, not brilliant. The basic plot line was good. I think the characters could have been developed more. The dialogue was a bit stilted and not realistic enough for me. As a free book it was worth a Sunday afternoon.
March 18, 2013
I really struggled with this book. I found the continual explanations of police procedures irritating and by the time I got to the 'I talk to angels' parts, I had completely zoned out.
I understand the author is a DA in her day job but there was far too much 'job talk' for me. Having worked in the criminal justice system for 20+ years may well be the reason why the 'job talk' put me off. Just not for me I'm afraid.
I understand the author is a DA in her day job but there was far too much 'job talk' for me. Having worked in the criminal justice system for 20+ years may well be the reason why the 'job talk' put me off. Just not for me I'm afraid.
June 12, 2013
It took me a bit to get into this book, I finished it quickly but felt disconnected. I didn't feel for the justice in the plot, I felt indifferent to it and felt as though the victim in this story was merely a name. That is what disappointed me. I like to feel satisfied at the end not just like blah. I don't recommend it however I am not discouraging anyone from reading it. It could be better than I felt during my reading of it.
August 7, 2013
Not sure what category to put this in. There is a good "who done it" leagal mystery, there are also people talking to angels etc. For me the two didn't mesh together well enough. I liked the main character Gabi and all of her baggage. Wasn't a fan of Dylan he just seems so limp as a character. Storyline (bar the angels) was good and kept me turning pages, to see what had happened. Good book but just didn't hit the spot for me.
June 7, 2013
I hardly ever give a book less than 3 stars but this one was just hard to get into. I kept putting it down and only coming back to the story when I was reading in bed. I cannot put my finger on what made it so hard for me to read. Maybe the story wasn't fluid enough, or the main character was unforgettable. Either way I do not think I will be reading it again
August 21, 2012
This book was very realistic, situations that happen today world. Can not wait if she writes another book. It was a book that can teach who how to judge and be judge by the people and by the community you live it. It is true that they say, "Don't judge the book by it's cover".
October 5, 2012
An odd little book; written by an attorney who is the daughter of a migrant worker. I liked the main character Gaby Ruiz. Story was at times disjointed with angels and magical powers mixed into a gritty novel about young prostitutes. Still, I read straight through it.
October 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It really brought forth the plight of the youth who end up in gangs and prostituting themselves because they have no other options. The who done it, the court room action and the satisfying ending all well done.
September 12, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. I felt like it was a love story and a mystery combined. I do like how the main character is a take in charge woman but still has her insecurities in life which made the character more realistic.
October 13, 2014
I had to stop reading this book before I lost my mind. It's very rare for me to not try and finish a book that I'm not into. I just felt the story line was all over the place that it caused me to not connect with the characters. Was looking for a good murder mystery at a low price, so disappointed!
December 6, 2013
Read about half this book and eventually got bored. I didn't like the lead character who seemed a bit one dimensional and kept going off to consult her angels to solve crimes. Just didn't hold my attention. The only book this year I have started and not finished.
February 18, 2014
I enjoyed this book the whole nail biting who is doing what and how safe can u keep the girls. Trying to show another way of life so they don't live that way anymore it's about making choice and women who r there to help as they understand and take alot to help u.
August 4, 2012
Well written first novel. The angel connection needs more explanation.
August 25, 2012
Really liked the different characters and how the main character was dealing with her own problems. She was always trying help young girls.
April 27, 2013
Overall a good book but had it's slow points looking forward to seeing what else the author can pull out of her hat for the main character.
June 11, 2013
a bit slow, took me ages to get into it and it rambled on a bit.
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February 11, 2013The book is very refreshing to read, but the end is too rushed. There are many loose ends.
May 18, 2013
okay , worth the read but i enjoyed it .
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews