Diablo Nights

Emilia Cruz Mysteries #3

by Carmen Amato

Emilia Cruz is the first and only female police detective in Acapulco. The city evokes pristine beaches, luxe resorts, and fabulous shopping. Yet it is one of the most violent places on earth, as drug cartels battle over lucrative drug routes into the US.

In DIABLO NIGHTS, a religious relic purported to be from Mexican martyr Padre Pro and a cruise ship murder victim propel Emilia into a maze of cartel smuggling and revenge killings. Ora Ciega, a rare heroin strain from Colombia, is found on the cruise ship body, promising more drug war violence for Acapulco's already bloody streets. At the same time, the relic points toward a gruesome kidnapping case.

Nothing is clear as Emilia and her partner, senior detective Franco Silvio, find more victims: Yolanda Lata, the mother of a girl for whom Emilia has been searching; as well as a dead Customs official who had valuable information about the cruise ship murder. When stalkers shadow Emilia, it must be proof she's getting close to the Ora Ciega smugglers.

Or is she getting too close to a rookie detective she's assigned to train? Detective Flores is fresh out of college. He's thrilled to be playing cops and robbers with his attractive new mentor.

The destinies of Ora Ciega, the religious relic, the rookie detective, and the missing girl merge into a fateful trip into the hills above Mexico's Costa Chica coast south of Acapulco. In a lonely place where vigilante groups have replaced civil authority and the crash of surf competes with gunshots, Emilia will face the biggest challenge of her police detective career. But it's nothing compared to the shocking climax waiting for her back in Acapulco.

Wait--just who is Padre Pro? Well, you’ll have to read DIABLO NIGHTS to find out the connection between a 1920’s martyr and Acapulco’s first female police detective.

It’s an unexpected mystery. But then again, aren’t they all?

Carmen Amato's fans have been impatient for DIABLO NIGHTS, the third novel in the Emilia Cruz mystery series that goes inside Mexico's drug war with a fearless style and a woman who is hard to forget. It follows HAT DANCE, and CLIFF DIVER, the novel that Kirkus Reviews called "Consistently exciting . . . A clever Mexican detective tale that will leave readers eager for the series' next installment."

Readers agree that Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz joins John Rebus, Harry Hole, Arkady Renko, and Guido Brunetti as the international mystery genre's most memorable crime fighters.

MEET EMILIA CRUZ
Detective Emilia Cruz is a good liar, a fast thinker, a determined investigator, and a mean kickboxer. An Acapulco native forced to grow up too fast, she's been a cop for nearly 12 years and a detective for two; a strong woman in a squadroom that didn't want her and is still trying to break her. But Emilia isn't afraid to defend herself and get what she's rightfully earned. She's a Latina who knows that many women in Mexico don't get the chances she's had. The proof is in a log she tracks of women who have gone missing.

But she doesn't know how to handle gringo Kurt Rucker, the manager of a luxury hotel in Acapulco. A former U.S. Marine, he has the confidence and leadership qualities she admires. A triathlete, he's calm under pressure and knows what he wants. But does Emilia?

THE TWO FACES OF ACAPULCO
There's the Acapulco that tourists know: luxury hi-rises, candlelit nights on the beach, the sweep of the most beautiful bay in the world, the majesty of the clear blue Pacific. There's also the Acapulco that is a prize to be fought over by drug cartels--the city that is home to hookers and thieves, the streets where life is cheap and poverty is as pervasive as the wind off the ocean. Both of these versions of Acapulco claw at each other and force Emilia to survive between them.

Want to know more about Detective Emilia Cruz? Visit http://carmenamato.net to sign up for Carmen Amato's mailing list and get a free copy of "The Beast," the first Emilia Cruz story.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller

310 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Carmen 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

Reviews

[Carmen Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my own book so I'm a little biased. Instead of a review, here's why I wrote this book:

We lived in Mexico City, an American family embracing a new culture, exploring a vibrant city, and meeting people who were to impact our lives for years to come.

Our house was at the start of the school bus route going home. My children had a 10 minute ride. Her name was Marit and her children rode the same school bus as my children.

We met at the end of the school day when her chauffer-driven car parked in front of the house as I waited by the gate for the bus to drop off the kids. Marit got out, wearing a stylish dress, heels and ropes of gold chain, and introduced herself. They lived at the end of the bus line, she explained, and while she wanted her son and daughter to have the experience of riding on a school bus, it took too long. In future her children would get off at our house and be driven home by the chauffeur.

We spoke a number of times after that, me in my jeans on the stoop and she in her designer clothes from the window of the car. When she learned I was new to Mexico City she took it upon herself to give me a tour of the best shops and restaurants in our neighborhood. The children and I were invited to a midday meal with her husband and children. The event included a tour of their house-about 15 minutes away-and a stop in the kitchen to view the 5 uniformed staff and present my compliments to the cook in her white jacket.

Soon after, Marit came over for coffee before meeting the bus. Our housekeeper, a wonderful young woman whom we did not require to wear a uniform, met us in the living room. I introduced them as I would any two people, using full names. To my surprise Marit immediately addressed the housekeeper using a common nickname rather than the housekeeper's actual name. The grilling about work hours came next. It was an effective and not very subtle message: the housekeeper was getting above herself using her full name, not wearing a uniform, and leaving the kitchen instead of waiting to be assigned her work.

Marit also called me the next day and took me to task for not making the housekeeper work more hours-a day maid should show up to work at 7:00 am at least. By asking the housekeeper to come at 10:00 I was only encouraging her to become lazy. I should note here that my husband generally referred to the housekeeper as the "Mexican Tornado" for her amazing work ethic.

There were no more coffee or lunches after that but the final break came when Marit called to ask if, as an American, I could get her maid a visa. The family wanted to go to Disneyworld and take their maid to look after the children in the evenings. The visa process took alot of time, Marit said. If the maid had to stand in line at the US Embassy she'd miss work.

I replied that I had no ability to obtain a visa for her maid and I never heard from Marit again. The car no longer stopped in front of my house to pick up her children.

Mexico City was home to many other women like her. In an odd way they inspired me to write a book to explain what I saw. There's a caste system in Mexico that bottles up more people than just the Mexican Tornado. So escape it, people will mule drugs or risk an illegal crossing into the United States. Or both.

I hope you enjoy The Hidden Light of Mexico City. And I hope it makes you think a little, too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had my heart in my throat several times during this book. I can’t imagine being a police officer in Mexico with all the crime and corruption. Never knowing who you can trust must be horrible. And then to be a woman police officer adds another level of fear. Emilia’s fellow cops haven’t always made her life easy at all and have sometimes put her in horrible situations. But there are good people in her life too and that makes this book both believable and enjoyable. Emilia is starting to blossom as she finally allows Kurt inside and lets go of some of her past secrets. Emilia is smart, sometimes a bit reckless, and very human. This book has a lot of darkness but it’s balanced well and I really like this series.

[Boyko Ovcharov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Detective Story!

Nicely interwoven, original female perspective, sufficient twists. The very setting and plot are a bit overused though.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to get hooked on a mystery series when the characters grow on you the way this one does. From book one, author Carmen Amato has a winner in her main character Emilia Cruz, Acapulco’s first and only female police detective. Emilia’s world is filled with emotional threats and drug war violence, but she meets each challenge bravely because she can think on her feet and take appropriate action.

Alongside Emilia is her burly partner, senior detective Franco Silvio, who provides insight into the criminal cases that land on their desks and offers loyal support when things take a turn for the worse—and there are many such thrilling twists in this book!

Amato’s writing style is fluid, and she has a way of describing settings that you can easily visualize. Realistic details of places from the poorest neighborhoods to the most elegant coastal resorts will have you experiencing the countless smells, tastes, and textures of Acapulco. Every character has a definite trait that sets them apart as well, and I could easily understand why Emilia’s knees were shaking in the presence of wiry Perez from Organized Crime or why she felt sick to her stomach when a hunched man named Pepe showed her a secret place he’d discovered during a walk in secluded fields.

A developing romance with her rich boyfriend Kurt provides Emilia with a “safe” zone away from the madness of her job. Brief glimpses into her home life with her mother and future stepfather round things out. I imagine the next books in the series will develop these aspects of Emilia’s life, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

If you like mystery novels about feisty detectives and their personal wars against crime, this third installment in the Emilia Cruz series will have you wanting for more. It’s so easy to get hooked. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

[Dean C. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I’m jumping in late to this series, and reading this book out of order, the good news is, that appears to be fine. The author does a nice job orienting us to her lead character in the first chapters, and getting us to like her and care for her. She also drops just enough hints of prior cases to engender a desire to go back and catch the stories you missed without making you feel like you’re missing something necessary to the understanding and appreciation of this one.

Things I most like about the story include the “from both sides of the tracks” relationship between our female lead and her boyfriend, which ties in well with the rest of the book and our heroine’s need to flow freely and easily in both worlds to be effective at her investigative work. It’s no easy feat to move as readily among the seedy underworld as it is to blend with the ultra-rich, and it’s fun watching her do both. That our heroine has her own inner demons to deal with in addition to all the outside ones she faces in her world of crime makes for a combustible mix. And then, of course, there’s Acapulco, for fans of travel lit like myself, who don’t go out of their way to make the reading about the place first, but instead like it when the locale is simply a prominent character in an otherwise already engrossing story. If you’re a fan of crime dramas, I’m sure you’ll agree from very early on that this is one of the better examples.

[annapi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Emilia Cruz is called to investigate a body found in the massive refrigerator of a cruise ship, but when ties to drug smuggling are discovered the case is given to the Organized Crime department. She is also investigating a fake religious relic purported to be the finger of the Mexican saint Padre Pro, which was purchased by her boyfriend Kurt when they were shopping for a present for her mother's upcoming wedding. Kurt's skepticism of the relic led her to have it forensically examined, and to her disappointment it turned out to be the finger of a woman. Which led to an investigation into cold cases of missing women, and ongoing side investigation of Emilia's. On top of all that, she and her partner Silvio have to baby-sit a rich young man whose influence got him a position as a detective despite his lack of any training.

The many myriad threads in this story are eventually woven together and resolved quite satisfactorily, and along the way the reader is shown the grim world of the Mexican gangs and drug cartels, and the desperate lives of their many victims. This is a pretty gritty series, brutally honest but not overly gruesome in its descriptions. I'm enjoying the series, and the author's website says it's been optioned for TV!

[Loraine Tulleken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great dialogue and characterisation. good story line and powerful scene setting strokes. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I'm getting tired of salt of the earth heroines who live with rich guys.

[Diane Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising turns of events

Whether or not many readers have heard of these events happening in Guerrero or near Acapulco (and hopefully readers are checking with US State Department and CIA travel warnings (public websites @ .Gov, so be sure you find the real site, right? ) before any international traffic), readers will have heard of similar events in Central or South America. Thus novel gives some insights as to how everything is related, and many interrelated, in the stories of social strata. Included in this story is also the crossing of those boundaries by the main character, who is already, herself, breaking down stereotypes and old-world biases, showing that people can be useful in ways that can't be imagined by those who stop thinking outside the box. I'm most confused, however, by ask thre directions on going east Ann's west ands NW ands southeast etc, especially when it seems there direction to the sunset from the fancy hotel is toward the east, when it is normally to the west. Would be useful if a rudimentary map with major locations from the series were at least given some fictional location. What I'm finding on Google satellite ands terrain and street maps does not suggest one bay is part of the larger bay, and that if the fancy hotel is on the peninsula, looking east still looks back at Acapulco, not the sunset. Unless, they're on the ocean, ands not the little bay. Still, I'm able to just be vague for now on where everything is located. Eventually, though, Murphy's Law will have the author describe something in detail that just turns my internal picture on its ear. Let's hope that's not another surprise to come, and enjoy those from these plo. instead!

[Debbie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Diablo Nights, veteran Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz’s biggest problem is a fresh-from-college trainee. For unknown reasons, the line-jumping newbie has bypassed the police academy and years on patrol to slide into a job Emilia has had to work hard to earn and keep. And oh, he’s also a flipping idiot whose schoolboy crush on her could threaten both their lives.

This is my second venture into the series and I continue to appreciate author Carmen Amato’s subtle reminders that the characters are mostly speaking Spanish. She further notes when non-Mexican natives talk with an accent, or when more educated or wealthy people use a noticeably “proper” style.

The story includes many shocking moments. One is the reveal of a killing field out in the undeveloped wilds of Mexico. It’s tough to imagine living in an environment where such horror might easily happen, away from the relatively safe tourist resorts and beaches.

Later Emilia takes point-blank gunshots right into her Kevlar vest, surviving with painful but treatable injuries. The scare perhaps proves the value of bulletproof technology for those paid to fight brutal criminals.

Diablo Nights’ ending foreshadows still-healing Emilia’s next adventure and I’ll look forward to reading it.

[Lois Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diablo Nights

This book held my attention from the beginning to the end! You are never quite sure which direction her investigation will take next. I appreciate the heart she has for the victims she discovers. However, this story is not for those with a weak stomach. Sadly, I fear this book has more reality than many will be comfortable with. However, I plan to read more by Ms. Amato.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series some time ago and really enjoyed it. I got this book from Amazon and ran across it looking for something to read when I finished another book. This one did not disappoint me. The characters are interesting. There is some crude language, but only enough for authenticity in a novel set in a city police station. A major theme is the corruption and danger from the drug cartels.

[ReadaBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the series dives more into several relationships. It also vividly depicts some of the horrific crimes in the drug world. I almost couldn’t put it down to handle other daily tasks!
I suspect the author spent time in Mexico dealing with the drug scene, law enforcement, etc. As a result, she is skilled in setting the various scenes. Sadly, it is not a pretty picture. But it makes for very enjoyable and fast-paced reading.
On to the next book in this series.

[Trish Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved the storyline. Although these books can be read independently, they are far better read as a series when each of the characters evolve and grow and you get a real understanding of their personalities. Gives a good insight of the problems found within the location. An excellent read, couldn't put it down - already on the next one!!

[David Huelsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although raised in New Mexico, I was leary at first with the Spanish phrases I saw sprinkled in the text. But as I delved deeper into this book, I found I was really enjoying it and was admiring the skill of the author.

I read a lot of books - About a thousand in recent years. I don't review too many anymore unless they really impress me. Assume I was impressed!

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced action

Emilia and company are trying to solve murders in Acapulco along with a drug invasion. She also has to combat sexual harassment in the office while trying to train a rookie cop. Plans are proceeding for her mother's wedding and the adventure caused while trying to buy a wedding gift that was a counterfeit religious relic. Great reading thanks

[Sheila Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tough life of a detective

Emilia known as Em a straight cop with a lot of cases of the worst kind. Too much poverty,too much crime and way too many deaths, all in a days work for Em and her partner Silvo . A heavy read when you think of Mexico you tend to think of cartel and not wonder about the smaller thief the kids gangs that everyone is living on a knife edge

[Karen Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

Characters are well written, and I like that there is none of the constant retelling of information gleaned about them from previous books, just a gradual development of who they are based on the circumstances of the storyline.

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good mystery story

A great story of crime in a city where the police are as corrupt as the criminals they are pursuing. The author has written a story with many twists and turns that will be such to keep you guessing what will be coming next.

[Laurie Kazmierczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting on an 8 hour flight. Compelling right from the start as Det. Cruz is given several challenges unraveling the mysteries of a dead man found on a cruise ship, drug cartel influxes, a severed finger and handling a new recruit. A good series.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diablo nights

So much violence and mayhem and so little time. It seems that Mexican authorities are seventy percent criminals and testosterone runs rampant along with a minority of good guys. Lucky Em is a good tough yet soft edges woman.

[Patricia McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story about Mexico

I really enjoyed this story about the only female in a squad of Acapulco detectives. She has to deal with prejudices as well as machismo, and comes out on top.

[Connie Bredernitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbound

This is the third book of the series and I still have trouble putting them down. Can't wait to start the next. Carmen Amato has quite a talent. Her descriptions make me want to fly to Acapulco.

[Joyce A Munz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't finish this book. It's probably my lack of knowledge of Mexican culture-in which case I should have continued. The style of writing seemed good. Perhaps if I went to the first book in the series, I might understand the characters better.

[E.R. Yatscoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these stories and falling for Det. Cruz. She tough, compassionate, vulnerable, and fearless. You got to read this series from #1 as there is a recurring theme of missing/murdered women.

[Chris Jarvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that Emilia is at the mercy of a corrupt system and the machismo of Mexico -- but the ideal that she is hoping for a miracle to FIX it was a bit of a turn-off. Could not finish this book after that reveal.

[Marcia-Lee Finocchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drugs in Mexico

A story about drugs, hookers, a cruise Ship, crooked police officials and a couple of good cops in the setting of Mexico.

[Stephen Zylstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I've been reading all the books in the series so far and can't wait for the next one. Nice placing in the neighborhood.

[Lcottrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I really enjoyed this one. Lots of twists and turns which makes it very interesting. I really would recommend this book. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Sally Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty story of the life in Acapulco beyond tourists. Some parts were disturbing, but I found it a good read.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series.