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Emilia Cruz Mysteries #4
King Peso
Imagine if you were the first and only female police detective in Acapulco. Drug money is everywhere. Corruption is as common as the salt breeze off the ocean.
Three cops have been murdered. You worked with them all.
Your partner's wife is killed in a home invasion. Was he the real target?
Are you the next?
Detective Emilia Cruz is still reeling from the death of Franco Silvio's wife and a shakeup in the detectives squadroom when she's reassigned. Her new police unit is a political time bomb championed by Acapulco's ambitious mayor and overseen by a shady union strongman.
Despite the new job, Emilia is determined to crack the so-called El Trio murders before the cop killer strikes again. Unexpected help comes from a frightened attorney and a famous movie star, but each new clue unravels the one before.
Meanwhile, Emilia's ongoing hunt for a missing girl from her own neighborhood leads to the infamous El Pharaoh casino. Emilia and Silvio have been there before.
They weren't lucky. Certain people want to make sure they won't be this time, either.
Emilia doesn't have a winning hand, and her gamble to save her old partner results in a shocking Mexican standoff.
Hold or fold.
Which would you choose?
"Amato weaves an intricate assortment of themes into a vivid tapestry that depicts both the beauty and ugliness of Acapulco . . . The investigative pace holds steady, with danger and betrayal never more than a few pages away." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
Get the entire DETECTIVE EMILIA CRUZ SERIES
Cliff Diver
Hat Dance
Diablo Nights
King Peso
Pacific Reaper
43 Missing
Made in Acapulco
Three cops have been murdered. You worked with them all.
Your partner's wife is killed in a home invasion. Was he the real target?
Are you the next?
Detective Emilia Cruz is still reeling from the death of Franco Silvio's wife and a shakeup in the detectives squadroom when she's reassigned. Her new police unit is a political time bomb championed by Acapulco's ambitious mayor and overseen by a shady union strongman.
Despite the new job, Emilia is determined to crack the so-called El Trio murders before the cop killer strikes again. Unexpected help comes from a frightened attorney and a famous movie star, but each new clue unravels the one before.
Meanwhile, Emilia's ongoing hunt for a missing girl from her own neighborhood leads to the infamous El Pharaoh casino. Emilia and Silvio have been there before.
They weren't lucky. Certain people want to make sure they won't be this time, either.
Emilia doesn't have a winning hand, and her gamble to save her old partner results in a shocking Mexican standoff.
Hold or fold.
Which would you choose?
"Amato weaves an intricate assortment of themes into a vivid tapestry that depicts both the beauty and ugliness of Acapulco . . . The investigative pace holds steady, with danger and betrayal never more than a few pages away." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
Get the entire DETECTIVE EMILIA CRUZ SERIES
Cliff Diver
Hat Dance
Diablo Nights
King Peso
Pacific Reaper
43 Missing
Made in Acapulco
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2016
512 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Amato
35 books383 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 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2016
King Peso is a gripping mystery, owing in large part to the strength of the main character—courageous and fast-thinking Detective Emilia Cruz. The author presents readers with a well-rounded character in Emilia, balancing her personal life (family, friends, love interest) with job challenges (fighting corruption, solving murders, finding missing women).
Well-defined characters, excellent dialogue, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages—a sure recipe for success. Like the other novels in this mystery series, King Peso is a winner! Definitely one to add to your reading list.
Well-defined characters, excellent dialogue, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages—a sure recipe for success. Like the other novels in this mystery series, King Peso is a winner! Definitely one to add to your reading list.
May 20, 2017
The wife of Franco Silvio, the hard-nosed reluctant partner of Acapulco Detective Emilia Cruz Encinos, has been murdered, possibly another victim in what has been dubbed the El Trio case.
But the other victims were high-ranking law enforcement personnel and some in their own squad suspect domestic violence or something to do with Franco's side business as a bookie and it isn't long until he's in the calaboose. Emilia is just getting started trying to prove her partner's innocence when she's slammed with a new assignment.
Acapulco's glamorous mayor Carlotta Montoya Perez has chosen Emilia to head up Las Palomas (the Doves), a 'police' unit designed to boost the city's tourism image--and designed is the proper term. Much to her chagrin, Emilia's supervisor is more inclined to PR than policing. Making things worse, Emilia is questioning her relationship with Kurt Rucker, her gringo lover; battling sexism on the job and in the streets; fighting the ever-present corruption, and coping with her own insecurities.
It will take all of Emilia's skill to get around these roadblocks and investigate, proving Silvio's innocence and, with his help, bringing the bad guys to justice. This is the fourth in this excellent series. Emilia Cruz is an intriguing character who moves between the glitz of tourist Acapulco and the gritty streets where she grew up.
But the other victims were high-ranking law enforcement personnel and some in their own squad suspect domestic violence or something to do with Franco's side business as a bookie and it isn't long until he's in the calaboose. Emilia is just getting started trying to prove her partner's innocence when she's slammed with a new assignment.
Acapulco's glamorous mayor Carlotta Montoya Perez has chosen Emilia to head up Las Palomas (the Doves), a 'police' unit designed to boost the city's tourism image--and designed is the proper term. Much to her chagrin, Emilia's supervisor is more inclined to PR than policing. Making things worse, Emilia is questioning her relationship with Kurt Rucker, her gringo lover; battling sexism on the job and in the streets; fighting the ever-present corruption, and coping with her own insecurities.
It will take all of Emilia's skill to get around these roadblocks and investigate, proving Silvio's innocence and, with his help, bringing the bad guys to justice. This is the fourth in this excellent series. Emilia Cruz is an intriguing character who moves between the glitz of tourist Acapulco and the gritty streets where she grew up.
June 10, 2017
Three top police officers have been murdered, and Emilia and her fellow detectives are working on the case when her partner's wife is suddenly killed in a home invasion. It seems likely her partner Silvio was the real target, but inexplicably she is taken off the case, even accused by the lieutenant of having an affair with him and conspiring to murder. On top of it all, she is assigned to assist in the mayor's latest pet project, an all-female police unit that she is expected to train within a month to be ready for Acapulco's bid for the Olympics. Secretly continuing to investigate on the side while juggling new responsibilities, she also has to contend with a sneaking suspicion that her boyfriend is hiding something from her even as she delves deeper into the swamp of corruption she uncovers.
This is another strong addition to a series that I am really enjoying. Amato's Acapulco is a different world, with colorful characters and gritty, compelling plots. I like Emilia and the rough Silvio, and even the romantic element with the gringo Kurt has developed into a complex and interesting relationship. The new female characters in the "Las Palomas" task force are also intriguing side characters that I hope will continue to make appearances in future books.
This is another strong addition to a series that I am really enjoying. Amato's Acapulco is a different world, with colorful characters and gritty, compelling plots. I like Emilia and the rough Silvio, and even the romantic element with the gringo Kurt has developed into a complex and interesting relationship. The new female characters in the "Las Palomas" task force are also intriguing side characters that I hope will continue to make appearances in future books.
November 21, 2025
I really like this series. Not only does it show the difficulty of being a female cop in a male world full of many creeps but it also touches on the difficulty of a Mexican woman dating a white American and the disparity in their income level. And then of course a police officer dating someone who moves in wealthy circles and that whole can of worms. There is a lot to digest before we even get to murder! I like these people and will enjoy meeting up again.
December 22, 2019
King Peso is the third offering I’ve read in the Emilia Cruz series and it was not a charm.
First, the storyline has too many names to track, and the plot turns and twists in a convoluted way. I found it rather hard to follow.
Second, I’d usually appreciate an all-woman police squad subplot but here it’s mostly smoke and mirrors--and worse. Perhaps in “macho” cultures, women also fall victim to misogynistic attitudes by focusing excessively on “female power” imagery.
I haven’t been reading the novels in order so I’m iffy on Emilia’s worshipful attitude toward her boyfriend Kurt in this book. She appears to like him mainly due to his tallness and Nordic features. He tends to stand a head or two above a typical Mexican crowd and can command a certain amount of authority on that basis alone. Detective Emilia, a tiny Latina, seems to feel sadly unworthy of his “gifts.”
Carmen Amato still rates among my favorite writers because I enjoy the local flavor she presents in her works. Guess I’ll look forward to the next one and consider King Peso a fluke for me.
First, the storyline has too many names to track, and the plot turns and twists in a convoluted way. I found it rather hard to follow.
Second, I’d usually appreciate an all-woman police squad subplot but here it’s mostly smoke and mirrors--and worse. Perhaps in “macho” cultures, women also fall victim to misogynistic attitudes by focusing excessively on “female power” imagery.
I haven’t been reading the novels in order so I’m iffy on Emilia’s worshipful attitude toward her boyfriend Kurt in this book. She appears to like him mainly due to his tallness and Nordic features. He tends to stand a head or two above a typical Mexican crowd and can command a certain amount of authority on that basis alone. Detective Emilia, a tiny Latina, seems to feel sadly unworthy of his “gifts.”
Carmen Amato still rates among my favorite writers because I enjoy the local flavor she presents in her works. Guess I’ll look forward to the next one and consider King Peso a fluke for me.
January 27, 2018
I always enjoy Carmen Amato's novels, and the progression of all of the protagonist's relationships with those around her; including her dealings with Kurt, which is escalating.
Because i no longer live on the West Coast, I can't make easy trips to Mexico, or chat with Latinos I might be working with, so my speaking Spanish is in sore need of necessary practice. It's nice to learn a new Spanish word I didn't know before by checking Amato's glossary at the end. This time it was "rayos". Dios mio, I lived in Los Angeles for 60 years and never heard that word spoken.
I am two books behind in this series to being totally up to date, but I think I just might have to rectify that soon.
Because i no longer live on the West Coast, I can't make easy trips to Mexico, or chat with Latinos I might be working with, so my speaking Spanish is in sore need of necessary practice. It's nice to learn a new Spanish word I didn't know before by checking Amato's glossary at the end. This time it was "rayos". Dios mio, I lived in Los Angeles for 60 years and never heard that word spoken.
I am two books behind in this series to being totally up to date, but I think I just might have to rectify that soon.
February 24, 2018
Not as fleshed out as some mystery’s. Author has a pretty low view of Mexican law inforcements honesty. Not a lot of action
May 20, 2017
Book # 4, in the Emilia Cruz Mysteries
If you like reading Police Procedural novels with a hint of romance and a dose of mystery, you will be well served and especially quite entertained with Detective Emilia Cruz sagas all taking place in beautiful Acapulco. A city with two faces: one for tourist and one to be fought over by drug cartels, hookers and thieves.
In this 4th installment, Emilia’s fellow detectives want her gone and the drug cartel her hide but she can take the heat, she is a smart cookie. There’s a cop killer on the loose and having worked with all of the victims Emilia takes this very personally.
Told from the protagonist deep views in a tough language with a sprinkling of Spanish words and good Mexican food we follow Emilia recently reassigned to an all-female squad. But a Detective is always a detective while performing her new duties at heart she plots out every clue, every connection to find out who was involved in the killing of her colleagues. All through the story we have sharp edged exchanges between Emilia and her partner Silvio, that grudging respect seem to never end, so is her steamy but rocky relationship with Kurt Rucker.
Although, the story is definitely focused on interpersonal relationships more than forensics “King Peso”, is nevertheless a captivating and a gripping mystery, quite a page turner and very hard to put down. Emilia is a well-rounded, fast thinking and very enjoyable character. The good guys and the bad guys are vividly painted and each fulfills beautifully their act. The characterization is strong and interesting. The style is easy to follow: clear and concise narration. The plot is not taxing one that keeps a steady pace with some twists and of course ends by luring us to the next saga “Pacific Reaper”.
Not being a challenging read, I really enjoyed “King Peso”, it was a nice break.
If you like reading Police Procedural novels with a hint of romance and a dose of mystery, you will be well served and especially quite entertained with Detective Emilia Cruz sagas all taking place in beautiful Acapulco. A city with two faces: one for tourist and one to be fought over by drug cartels, hookers and thieves.
In this 4th installment, Emilia’s fellow detectives want her gone and the drug cartel her hide but she can take the heat, she is a smart cookie. There’s a cop killer on the loose and having worked with all of the victims Emilia takes this very personally.
Told from the protagonist deep views in a tough language with a sprinkling of Spanish words and good Mexican food we follow Emilia recently reassigned to an all-female squad. But a Detective is always a detective while performing her new duties at heart she plots out every clue, every connection to find out who was involved in the killing of her colleagues. All through the story we have sharp edged exchanges between Emilia and her partner Silvio, that grudging respect seem to never end, so is her steamy but rocky relationship with Kurt Rucker.
Although, the story is definitely focused on interpersonal relationships more than forensics “King Peso”, is nevertheless a captivating and a gripping mystery, quite a page turner and very hard to put down. Emilia is a well-rounded, fast thinking and very enjoyable character. The good guys and the bad guys are vividly painted and each fulfills beautifully their act. The characterization is strong and interesting. The style is easy to follow: clear and concise narration. The plot is not taxing one that keeps a steady pace with some twists and of course ends by luring us to the next saga “Pacific Reaper”.
Not being a challenging read, I really enjoyed “King Peso”, it was a nice break.
February 3, 2018
Mixed feelings.
I don't know if I am being fair or not with my headline but that is how the book left me feeling; interesting characters, interesting setting and interesting plot. The writing was good as well, but it just seemed that the whole just didn't quite add up to the parts. Having finished the book, I was left feeling similar to having just finished a "taster meal" at a good restaurant, all the bits are good but you are still waiting for the main course.
After having read Don Winslow's "Power Of The Dog" and " Cartel" I have always wondered how a honest police officer could function in Mexico and how every day policing could even begin to offer a modicum of protection to ordinary people. Having just read "King Peso" I am even more in awe of the bravery and decency needed by police officers such as Emilia Cruz.
I will certainly give the series a revisit and hope that next time the whole adds up to the quality of the parts.
I don't know if I am being fair or not with my headline but that is how the book left me feeling; interesting characters, interesting setting and interesting plot. The writing was good as well, but it just seemed that the whole just didn't quite add up to the parts. Having finished the book, I was left feeling similar to having just finished a "taster meal" at a good restaurant, all the bits are good but you are still waiting for the main course.
After having read Don Winslow's "Power Of The Dog" and " Cartel" I have always wondered how a honest police officer could function in Mexico and how every day policing could even begin to offer a modicum of protection to ordinary people. Having just read "King Peso" I am even more in awe of the bravery and decency needed by police officers such as Emilia Cruz.
I will certainly give the series a revisit and hope that next time the whole adds up to the quality of the parts.
October 6, 2020
This story hits particularly close to home-as I live in Mexico -
There truly is such a thing as Mexican justice-and politics-They are very different than
NOB-
Carmen nails it pretty accurately -Its not a pretty -very gutsy and visceral
As her protagonist follows the trail to solve the murders -you get a varied view
of life as it truly is -behind the facade of beach side resort towns-
Well written -story -Enjoy -
There truly is such a thing as Mexican justice-and politics-They are very different than
NOB-
Carmen nails it pretty accurately -Its not a pretty -very gutsy and visceral
As her protagonist follows the trail to solve the murders -you get a varied view
of life as it truly is -behind the facade of beach side resort towns-
Well written -story -Enjoy -
December 2, 2021
Very exciting read
Emilia and her on again off again partner are trying to investigate three cop murders while the police chief and mayor think she should head a woman's task force to look good and act like police without weapons. The twists keep happening throughout the story great reading
Emilia and her on again off again partner are trying to investigate three cop murders while the police chief and mayor think she should head a woman's task force to look good and act like police without weapons. The twists keep happening throughout the story great reading
August 22, 2022
Loved it. The 6 book series is best to be read from #1. Det. Emilia Cruz is the best. She puts up with so much overwhelming stuff you will feel sympathy. But she powers thru. Such an insight into the Acapulco cops. So sad the stae of justice and enforcement in Mexico. And her romance with the American hotel manager is a very interesting dynamic. Read my crime thrillers
August 25, 2025
Blasted through this book, pretty much couldn’t put it down. Lots of interaction between some of the main characters, which moved forward several story lines. Many examples of the very corrupt Acapulco law enforcement and political environments. Pretty horrible to learn about the bottle kids. It I’m ready to begin the next book in this engrossing series.
February 23, 2018
Detective Emilia Cruz is a smart, tough and brave woman that makes this series such a good one
I love the relationship she has with boyfriend "Hollywood" , as her partner Silvo calls him. I think if love a good book story, then this book is for you.
I love the relationship she has with boyfriend "Hollywood" , as her partner Silvo calls him. I think if love a good book story, then this book is for you.
April 14, 2018
Suspense and intrigue!
Love experiencing women detectives in their quest to find justice. Lots of possible perpetrators and macho men yet determination and good sleuthing prevailed!
Love experiencing women detectives in their quest to find justice. Lots of possible perpetrators and macho men yet determination and good sleuthing prevailed!
September 27, 2019
Detective Cruz!
Entertaining storyline about crooked cops, money laundering, and murder of politicians and cops. Is a cop killer on the lose? Detective Cruz must investigate with her partner, when all hell breaks out! Good reading!
Entertaining storyline about crooked cops, money laundering, and murder of politicians and cops. Is a cop killer on the lose? Detective Cruz must investigate with her partner, when all hell breaks out! Good reading!
December 28, 2020
I have become fixated by this series of books. Absolutely brilliant in my opinion!! I have started and finished one every day, just can't put them down! Love the characters and the stories and how everything finally gels together.
January 12, 2021
Enjoyed this book about the only female detective in Acapulco. The book showed the seedier side of the neighborhoods away from tourist destinations in contrast to the hotels, the mayor and her rose colored glasses.
February 16, 2023
Entertaining series
This series takes place in Acapulco. It brings the dangerous state of crime and violence prevalent in many cities in Mexico. I like the female detective character and the interaction with the male counterparts. Nice touch of her personal life and romance.
This series takes place in Acapulco. It brings the dangerous state of crime and violence prevalent in many cities in Mexico. I like the female detective character and the interaction with the male counterparts. Nice touch of her personal life and romance.
July 18, 2017
I loved this series.
December 23, 2017
Emilia Cruz is kickass.
January 20, 2018
Lots of drugs!
For those who like a good mystery plus , this book will satisfy. Those who do not tolerate drugs, and drug traffickers, better find a new avenue of mystery.
For those who like a good mystery plus , this book will satisfy. Those who do not tolerate drugs, and drug traffickers, better find a new avenue of mystery.
January 21, 2018
very good
January 23, 2018
Loved this book, like all of Carmen Amato's Emilia Cruz books. Always exciting, and great characters.
February 27, 2018
As always, a great story from Carmen Amato.
As Google wants a minimum of 20 words in a review, I have to bs. My review says what I want to say. Anything more is superfluous.
As Google wants a minimum of 20 words in a review, I have to bs. My review says what I want to say. Anything more is superfluous.
April 23, 2018
Solid plot and overall story, 4 stars with one removed for the sporadic instances of strong language.
August 8, 2018
I enjoyed this storyline.
September 24, 2018
Great story, well formed characters, accurate portrayal of Mexico. I want to go back and read the author's previous books. Recommended.
June 12, 2019
Very convoluted, but good
September 29, 2019
😊
Well written investigative thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Murder mystery surrounding cops until a cops wife is killed instead. Intriguing novel.
Well written investigative thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Murder mystery surrounding cops until a cops wife is killed instead. Intriguing novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews