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Emilia Cruz Mysteries #7
Russian Mojito: A Detective Emilia Cruz Novel
Driven to the edge by her own secrets, can the first female police detective in Acapulco give Russia a dose of Mexican justice?Finalist, 2020 Silver Falchion AwardSurvivor of a deadly cartel ambush, Detective Emilia Cruz returns to Acapulco to recover from the trauma. Before she can catch her breath, her penniless stepfather is kidnapped. The stakes couldn't be higher as Emilia finds herself thrust back into the dangerous world of drug cartel violence.At the same time, a Russian guest is murdered by a cold-blooded killer in the luxury hotel managed by her boyfriend, Kurt Rucker.As the body count rises and the kidnappers tighten their grip on Emilia's family, she discovers a chilling connection between Russian murder victims and fuel thieves wreaking havoc on Mexico's underground gas pipelines.Soon she's on a midnight stakeout, waiting and watching for the thieves.But she’s really on a collision course with a cold-blooded killer and his powerful Russian boss.Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series, 2019 and 2020 -- CrimeMasters of America.If you love international police procedural mystery series by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Peter May, Louise Penny, and Jussi Adler-Olsen, you'll want to read the Detective Emilia Cruz series. With suspenseful twists, complex characters, and a taste of the exotic, it’s a must-read for fans of Don Winslow’s cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico.Author Carmen Amato is a former CIA intelligence officer who uses her own counterdrug and espionage experiences to craft intrigue-filled mystery crime fiction that keeps you guessing until the very end. Amato is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.“Carmen Amato has created a character that deserves to be recognized as an equal alongside well known favorites created by Hammett, Larson and Padura.” – Felix Contreras, host of AltLatino, National Public Radio
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
117 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Amato
36 books386 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 7, 2019
Emilia Cruz, the gritty but stylish police detective at the center of the author Carmen Amato’s mystery series, has a foot planted in both of the worlds that dominate the world-famous resort city she serves -- Acapulco.
She moves easily, but not without guilt, between the glitzy beachfront hotels that dominate Acapulco’s skyline and the hyper-violent crime and corruption that seethes beyond that luxurious tourist bubble.
As a lover, she lives in the bubble with her boyfriend, the manager of one of those gleaming hotels. As a cop, she tackles the worst that other world of crime and corruption serves up, battling ruthless narcos and crooked politicians and officials, including more than a few who also wear a badge and hate her for being honest and a woman.
Fans of Amato’s earlier work are familiar with this dynamic and the emotional strain and guilt Cruz feels and the author so deftly portrays. In her latest Cruz novel, Russian Mojito, Amato uses this to heighten the tension of the double mysteries presented within -- the kidnapping of the detective’s stepfather by a gang known as Los Colectores and the murder of a Russian travel writer in the hotel where she lives.
The kidnapping touches on another ongoing storyline of the Cruz novels -- her tortured relationship with her mother, a trauma-scarred woman who retreats into simple-minded focus on a rosy version of the past to avoid the reality of the present. The mother also wants to avoid a painful memory -- giving away her son, Cruz’s brother, to a wealthy woman when their father is killed in a car wreck. The brother becomes a criminal monster known as El Acólito, who becomes a taunting obsession Cruz can’t catch.
The primary action in Russian Mojito centers on the kidnapping and the murder case, stretching Cruz, whose nerves are already shattered from her last case, as thin as a guitar string that’s about to snap. The kidnappers’ ransom demand is unusually high and they don’t seem willing to negotiate. And the murder case leads Cruz and her hard-charging former partner and current boss, Franco Silvio, to the trail of gasoline thieves, known as huachicoleros, and the double-murder of a wealthy Russian hotelier and his wife who had made Acapulco their home.
As always, Amato spins a taut tale, keeping the reader off balance and guessing just as much as Cruz does. The pace is swift and the action is realistically and unflinchingly portrayed. Cruz is a tough but tortured cookie, driven by guilt and obsession. And that’s what makes her so damn interesting.
She moves easily, but not without guilt, between the glitzy beachfront hotels that dominate Acapulco’s skyline and the hyper-violent crime and corruption that seethes beyond that luxurious tourist bubble.
As a lover, she lives in the bubble with her boyfriend, the manager of one of those gleaming hotels. As a cop, she tackles the worst that other world of crime and corruption serves up, battling ruthless narcos and crooked politicians and officials, including more than a few who also wear a badge and hate her for being honest and a woman.
Fans of Amato’s earlier work are familiar with this dynamic and the emotional strain and guilt Cruz feels and the author so deftly portrays. In her latest Cruz novel, Russian Mojito, Amato uses this to heighten the tension of the double mysteries presented within -- the kidnapping of the detective’s stepfather by a gang known as Los Colectores and the murder of a Russian travel writer in the hotel where she lives.
The kidnapping touches on another ongoing storyline of the Cruz novels -- her tortured relationship with her mother, a trauma-scarred woman who retreats into simple-minded focus on a rosy version of the past to avoid the reality of the present. The mother also wants to avoid a painful memory -- giving away her son, Cruz’s brother, to a wealthy woman when their father is killed in a car wreck. The brother becomes a criminal monster known as El Acólito, who becomes a taunting obsession Cruz can’t catch.
The primary action in Russian Mojito centers on the kidnapping and the murder case, stretching Cruz, whose nerves are already shattered from her last case, as thin as a guitar string that’s about to snap. The kidnappers’ ransom demand is unusually high and they don’t seem willing to negotiate. And the murder case leads Cruz and her hard-charging former partner and current boss, Franco Silvio, to the trail of gasoline thieves, known as huachicoleros, and the double-murder of a wealthy Russian hotelier and his wife who had made Acapulco their home.
As always, Amato spins a taut tale, keeping the reader off balance and guessing just as much as Cruz does. The pace is swift and the action is realistically and unflinchingly portrayed. Cruz is a tough but tortured cookie, driven by guilt and obsession. And that’s what makes her so damn interesting.
June 23, 2019
Another five star Emilia Cruz book
Formidable. Carmen Amato never disappoints. Her Russian Mojito is loaded with drama and tense situations and yet takes time to provide insight into the culture and of Mexico. She is a masterful story teller.
Formidable. Carmen Amato never disappoints. Her Russian Mojito is loaded with drama and tense situations and yet takes time to provide insight into the culture and of Mexico. She is a masterful story teller.
January 24, 2020
Emilia survivor of an ambush, secrets and being assaulted are causing fear. She wants and needs her gun for protection. Chief tells her six weeks medical leave and to visit the therapist. Then her penniless stepfather has been kidnapped the ransom is unreal. He lost two sons, the money the coyote want is this it. They called in Hostage Negotiations. A Russian guest staying at Emilia and Kurt’s hotel is murdered . She is on a rollercoaster and no gun, with a killer. Fast pace action and will life begin again for Emilia and Kurt.
August 20, 2019
Another great novel in the Emilia Cruz series
There are a lot of twists and turns for Emilia, her associates, family and friends in this novel. A Narco chief kidnaps her Stepfather in order to pressure her into an unholy alliance with him. Will boyfriend Kurt and her former partner, Silvio rescue her in time?
There are a lot of twists and turns for Emilia, her associates, family and friends in this novel. A Narco chief kidnaps her Stepfather in order to pressure her into an unholy alliance with him. Will boyfriend Kurt and her former partner, Silvio rescue her in time?
December 30, 2021
Emelia is still on medical leave when as usual Acapulco blows up. The Russians are stealing gas from PemEx and selling it back under the table. Meanwhile Ernesto is kidnapped with a $2 million ransom and the hostage team captain does not like Emilia. Emilia also learns some disturbing facts about her family and Kurt is in England for a week. Action packed with plenty of twist and turns thanks
March 7, 2024
Strap in people! This is an incredible story of greed, bad people, and great food!
Thank you to former CIA officer, Carmen Amato for creating the Emilia Cruz series! This edition, Russian Mojito is nothing short of amazing! Written with incredible detail, Carmen’s ability to set the scene with so much authenticity is second to none! I can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you to former CIA officer, Carmen Amato for creating the Emilia Cruz series! This edition, Russian Mojito is nothing short of amazing! Written with incredible detail, Carmen’s ability to set the scene with so much authenticity is second to none! I can’t wait for the next one!
January 15, 2021
Fabulous series. I devoured all 8 and am waiting for #9. Emilia Cruz is a gritty detective, navigating the police force in Acapulco, as the only woman on the squad. She is a complex, but wholly believable character. Really good. And the series improves, rather than fizzling out.
April 8, 2021
Another great mystery by Carmen Amato!
Couldn't put it down .
Emilia Cruz Acapulco Police Department continues to fight crime as she maneuvers herself through a throng of her macho , chauvinistic peers.
Couldn't put it down .
Emilia Cruz Acapulco Police Department continues to fight crime as she maneuvers herself through a throng of her macho , chauvinistic peers.
June 21, 2019
Book 7 Is a Real Treat
A good story on so many levels and Emilia Cruz is a tough cookie on the outside and a softie on the inside. Book 7 is a real treat.
A good story on so many levels and Emilia Cruz is a tough cookie on the outside and a softie on the inside. Book 7 is a real treat.
June 29, 2019
Always Exciting
I'm a fan.
I'll always read her books.
I find them to accurate, and show the real world Mexico.
Enjoy the thrilling adventures of Emiia, and friends.
I'm a fan.
I'll always read her books.
I find them to accurate, and show the real world Mexico.
Enjoy the thrilling adventures of Emiia, and friends.
January 5, 2021
Another excellent book in the series. A great writing style. Would definitely recommend as I have done with the rest.
November 1, 2022
Always 5 stars for a great character in a great series. Det. Emilia Cruz is no superhero but she gets the job done
July 8, 2019
Another page-turner from a favourite author - Russian Mojito Book #7 of the Detective Emilia Cruz series delivers. I love the toughness and the vulnerability of Detective Cruz as she battles her way through corruption, kidnappings, family relationships and her culturally challenging love affair with Kurt Rucker. I highly recommend this series. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mystery series)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews