What do you think?
Rate this book
Veranda Cruz #1
Blood's Echo
Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz is dead set on taking down the Villalobos crime family, but the ruthlessness of her quarry demands a ruthless edge of her own.
No one in the department suspects the real motivation behind the obsession that pits her against Bartolo Villalobos, heir apparent to a powerful criminal empire...until an operation goes horribly wrong.
Targeted by an increasingly unstable foe, Veranda must protect her family and navigate adversaries within the force while she sets a trap for Bartolo. As the action heats up, Veranda and her new Homicide team—along with an arson investigator who kindles a flame of his own—are all drawn into a deadly gambit.
Taking down Bartolo is the ultimate goal, but is Veranda ready to trade her life for justice?
Winner of the Mariposa Award for Best First Novel
No one in the department suspects the real motivation behind the obsession that pits her against Bartolo Villalobos, heir apparent to a powerful criminal empire...until an operation goes horribly wrong.
Targeted by an increasingly unstable foe, Veranda must protect her family and navigate adversaries within the force while she sets a trap for Bartolo. As the action heats up, Veranda and her new Homicide team—along with an arson investigator who kindles a flame of his own—are all drawn into a deadly gambit.
Taking down Bartolo is the ultimate goal, but is Veranda ready to trade her life for justice?
Winner of the Mariposa Award for Best First Novel
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
877 people are currently reading
3164 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Maldonado
26 books1,551 followersWall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing, which includes the Special Agent Nina Guerrera series, the Special Agent Dani Vega series, the Detective Veranda Cruz series, and the Sanchez and Heron series (co-authored with Jeffery Deaver). Her books are published in 24 languages. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 1, 2017
4.5 stars. Detective Veranda Cruz leads a drug enforcement team in the Phoenix PD. Her mission in life is to put a stop to the Villalobos cartel for personal and professional reasons. She is part of a large Mexican family of immigrants, led by her mother, who brought the family north when her husband, also a police officer, was murdered by El Lobo, head of the cartel. Maldonado does a nice job with the family dynamic, and their success in building a successful restaurant and family compound while retaining their culture. Veranda's job is put in jeopardy when an interdiction goes badly, and her CI is tortured and dumped at the secret police HQ. Bartolo, the unstable son of El Lobo, becomes obsessed with her and the two head towards a dramatic showdown. Violent, but this book deserves more recognition.
March 5, 2025
Чому в кожному детективі є огидні чоловіки, та і в будь-якій книжці 😑 Тут антагоніст ще те створіння, виявляється він батько жгг, неочікувано. А найгидкіше те, що він не вважає, що неправильно поступив коли згвалтував її матір, сам зробив так, щоб вона вбила свого брата по батькові, хоча звинувачує її в цьому і планує за це її вбити😀 логіка залізна прям🙄 І ще тут якісь ревнощі були незрозумілі, сподіваються що буде щось адекватне далі.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
Drug cartels fascinate me. Maybe it's because I live in a border state. I lapped up Don Winslow's Power of the Dog and it's sequel The Cartel and I eagerly await the 3rd book in that series. In the meantime, this is one of the books that crossed my radar.
Maldonado is a debut author, a former police officer and although she's not a Phoenix native, she lives here now. Blood Echo was published by Midnight Ink so it's not the glossy production you get with one of the big publishing houses but that doesn't detract from her talent. Her strengths are pacing, suspense building and dialogue. Her weaknesses, ah unfortunately there are many.
Her plot has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese. Her main character is a Phoenix police detective who has been investigating a cartel, a drug interception goes wrong and she is reassigned to homicide. Hole #1 Hole #2 . Hole #3 Hole #4
Not only are there plot holes but the love scenes are amateurish. The sense of place is excellent for the most part....Maldonado obviously knows the Valley of the Sun...except for one reference to the intersection of 31st and 54th Avenues....which never intersect. If you're not from Phoenix, this would not bother you.
Despite my criticism, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next in the series. If you decide to pick it up based on my review, please drop me a note and let me know what you thought of it.
Maldonado is a debut author, a former police officer and although she's not a Phoenix native, she lives here now. Blood Echo was published by Midnight Ink so it's not the glossy production you get with one of the big publishing houses but that doesn't detract from her talent. Her strengths are pacing, suspense building and dialogue. Her weaknesses, ah unfortunately there are many.
Her plot has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese. Her main character is a Phoenix police detective who has been investigating a cartel, a drug interception goes wrong and she is reassigned to homicide. Hole #1 Hole #2 . Hole #3 Hole #4
Not only are there plot holes but the love scenes are amateurish. The sense of place is excellent for the most part....Maldonado obviously knows the Valley of the Sun...except for one reference to the intersection of 31st and 54th Avenues....which never intersect. If you're not from Phoenix, this would not bother you.
Despite my criticism, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next in the series. If you decide to pick it up based on my review, please drop me a note and let me know what you thought of it.
June 5, 2018
"Blood's Echo", is author Isabella Maldonado's sizzling debut in her Veranda Cruz suspense series. Cruz is a detective in the Phoenix PD with her primary job being to attack the ruthless Villalobos cartel who have a stranglehold on organized crime in Arizona. Cruz has made a serious dent in the cartel's operations with several successful stings under her belt. Heading a task force to interrupt the Villalobos drug operations in Phoenix, Cruz has made some very heavy duty enemies. After a drug bust goes bad Veranda is benched by the department while the Professional Standards Bureau reviews the operation to access blame. Meanwhile Veranda's mother Lorena who runs the best Mexican restaurant in Phoenix sees her family's business burned to the ground by an arsonist. Veranda meets Cole Anderson who works for the Phoenix fire department as an investigator. Sparks definitely fly when Cole and Veranda team up at her mother's burned down restaurant. When Veranda is cleared by the PSB she's assigned to the homicide squad on a provisional basis. Now teamed up the the legendary detective Sam Stark along with the top homicide squad they set their sites on Hector "El Lobo" Villalobos. El Lobo (The Wolf), sends out son Bartolo to take down Veranda. In a plot that races at top speeds rarely lets up for a quick breath of air. Author Isabella Maldonado's many years of police work shine through on this heart palpitating yarn. Protagonist Veranda Cruz comes across as very credible and exciting. The wonderful supporting characters help develop this suspense thriller to maximum enjoyment. Having met author Isabella Maldonado at this year's Tucson Festival Of Books I was pretty sure this was going o be a top notch read. At just over 300 pages I read this one in three sitting over a couple of days. Five stars out of a possible five stars for, "Blood's Echo", from author Isabella Maldonado. I already started her second book and it's as explosive as the first. Veranda Cruz is a character to be reckoned with. If you have heard or seen either of the Veranda Cruz novels they are an absolute must read. Check them out !
October 19, 2017
Good debut book by Isabella Maldonado.
Veranda Cruz works in law enforcement in Phoenix, Arizona. She is obsessed with fighting the drug cartels, especially the Villalobos cartel. Living in a country where the cartels are day to day news, it's very vivid and well described.
I like the strong character that Veranda is, I also love her family who stands together always, and that there's a love interest in the book.
My only "but" is that the Spanish expressions sometimes sound wrong to me, but I have to take into consideration that I'm a native Mexican speaker and that the Spanish in the book is different from mine, as it's Tex-Mex and the idioms and expressions are not the same.
Looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
3.5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Veranda Cruz works in law enforcement in Phoenix, Arizona. She is obsessed with fighting the drug cartels, especially the Villalobos cartel. Living in a country where the cartels are day to day news, it's very vivid and well described.
I like the strong character that Veranda is, I also love her family who stands together always, and that there's a love interest in the book.
My only "but" is that the Spanish expressions sometimes sound wrong to me, but I have to take into consideration that I'm a native Mexican speaker and that the Spanish in the book is different from mine, as it's Tex-Mex and the idioms and expressions are not the same.
Looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
3.5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
Violent, but totally with it. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
March 13, 2017
Fantastic debut novel. Author Maldonado accesses her former law enforcement professional status and takes the reader to a world few can convey in words. The female heroine, Veranda Cruz, is one I look forward to learning more about in upcoming books. This is a wild ride, featuring real-world situations you won't want to miss. Can't wait for book 2 of the series!
August 7, 2023
Detective Veranda Cruz is passionate about her job. She will do anything to take down the bad guys. So when she starts to get a little obsessed with the Villalobos case, her coworkers don't suspect anything. For them, she is just as determined as them to catch that family and put an end to their evil.
Only Veranda knows her connection to the Villalobos family and she plans to stay that way. But, when the investigation goes further and the Villalobos find out that they're onto them, this case becomes life-threatening for the Homicide team. She knows that they will not back down, instead, they will go after everything that's important to her — her family.
Is she willing to take them down, even if that means that her family might get hurt? Will she put their lives on the line in order to get justice?
This book is the most detailed thriller I've ever read! The thriller and action parts are well written and described. I am so happy that I finally got to read a book where all the action is presented with so many details. I felt like I was a part of their team chasing the bad guys. I love the fact that Isabella was working as a detective before she started to write. She was the first Latina to achieve such high position, and as a woman I really love how she brought Veranda to life. A strong and independent woman that would do anything for her family. I'm glad that she took us on this journey.
The crime was very brutally described, just how I like it. We have a POV from the Villalobos family, which played a huge part for the sparkle of this book. There are two plot twists that I did not expect, and they leave you wondering how this story will continue.
My only issue with this book is that the first half was slow. The action started in the second half. That is the only reason that I gave it 4/5 stars. But the fact that this is her debut novel and the first in the series, makes it understandable. Her talent is really showing in this book, and you have to read it to understand me. The writing style is AMAZING! At some point you'll not even realize that you're reading.
This book is not just about the criminals and the detectives. It has so many layers that you peel as you turn the pages. Isabella not only wrote an amazing and page-turning thriller, but she is also sharing many important lessons.
Every single award won for this book is well deserved. Now, excuse me while I add every single book from Isabella to my wish list. 🤣
Only Veranda knows her connection to the Villalobos family and she plans to stay that way. But, when the investigation goes further and the Villalobos find out that they're onto them, this case becomes life-threatening for the Homicide team. She knows that they will not back down, instead, they will go after everything that's important to her — her family.
Is she willing to take them down, even if that means that her family might get hurt? Will she put their lives on the line in order to get justice?
This book is the most detailed thriller I've ever read! The thriller and action parts are well written and described. I am so happy that I finally got to read a book where all the action is presented with so many details. I felt like I was a part of their team chasing the bad guys. I love the fact that Isabella was working as a detective before she started to write. She was the first Latina to achieve such high position, and as a woman I really love how she brought Veranda to life. A strong and independent woman that would do anything for her family. I'm glad that she took us on this journey.
The crime was very brutally described, just how I like it. We have a POV from the Villalobos family, which played a huge part for the sparkle of this book. There are two plot twists that I did not expect, and they leave you wondering how this story will continue.
My only issue with this book is that the first half was slow. The action started in the second half. That is the only reason that I gave it 4/5 stars. But the fact that this is her debut novel and the first in the series, makes it understandable. Her talent is really showing in this book, and you have to read it to understand me. The writing style is AMAZING! At some point you'll not even realize that you're reading.
This book is not just about the criminals and the detectives. It has so many layers that you peel as you turn the pages. Isabella not only wrote an amazing and page-turning thriller, but she is also sharing many important lessons.
Every single award won for this book is well deserved. Now, excuse me while I add every single book from Isabella to my wish list. 🤣
August 11, 2023
Book #1 in the Veranda Cruz series. Veranda is the head of the Phoenix PD Narc department, and it is her goal to destroy the Villalobos Cartel family. When a take down goes wrong the units department identity is compromised and is disbanded and Vera is transferred to the homicide division, because of her vast knowledge of the Villalobos Cartel. A lot of fast moving action throughout the entire book. Excellent first book for this series.
July 26, 2021
This one was interesting, a lot going on in the book. I really liked Veranda's family, they seemed like a great bunch of people and I got hungry with all the talk about the food at the restaurant. I hated how they were pulled into things here, but honestly they were already hip deep in it without many knowing. The secrets that came out seemed like they could break a family, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case here. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward for them all and how they all reacted, even with Veranda keeping one last secret.
I know with everything that happened in the book, Veranda won't stop fighting to see this cartel go down. I feel like it will be even more important for her now due to what happened and what she learned in the last few pages. It's a good thing she has co-workers that have her back and a sneaky fireman.
I know with everything that happened in the book, Veranda won't stop fighting to see this cartel go down. I feel like it will be even more important for her now due to what happened and what she learned in the last few pages. It's a good thing she has co-workers that have her back and a sneaky fireman.
March 31, 2022
Although, I believe this is the author's debut novel, my first exposure to her works was with her second series, the Nina Guerrera books. That series left me in no doubt to read everything put on paper by Maldonado. Unfortunately, this, the Veranda Cruz series was somewhat disappointing, possibly because the bar was set so high.
Blood's Echo is written to the same format as the second series I mentioned, to the point that the heroine investigator seems to have been copied and pasted directly from it. So similar are they, it's hard to distinguish them in the opening chapters. Although there is a sound plot of sorts, I couldn't describe it as clever or engrossing. Often I found myself wishing the pages away, generally feeling it was unimportant filler. Many readers seemed to enjoy the presence of Cruz's family, However, I found it did very little to add anything intelligent to the story, other than seriously impede the tempo. There was far too many family characters, many of whom had very little meat on the bones and collectively were simply boring.
A very generous 3 stars but without a recommendation.
Amendment: I've now read the whole series and found each book disappointing. The plots are illogical, the bad guys implausible and the good guys ineffectual.
Blood's Echo is written to the same format as the second series I mentioned, to the point that the heroine investigator seems to have been copied and pasted directly from it. So similar are they, it's hard to distinguish them in the opening chapters. Although there is a sound plot of sorts, I couldn't describe it as clever or engrossing. Often I found myself wishing the pages away, generally feeling it was unimportant filler. Many readers seemed to enjoy the presence of Cruz's family, However, I found it did very little to add anything intelligent to the story, other than seriously impede the tempo. There was far too many family characters, many of whom had very little meat on the bones and collectively were simply boring.
A very generous 3 stars but without a recommendation.
Amendment: I've now read the whole series and found each book disappointing. The plots are illogical, the bad guys implausible and the good guys ineffectual.
April 22, 2017
A terrific debut by an ex-cop who really knows what she is writing about. Lively characters that bring Phoenix to life. The writing is crisp and the pace is fast. Don't miss this terrific crime story that could have been ripped from the headlines of today's paper.
July 20, 2021
This book is right in my wheel house, and it hits all the right buttons. I like reading stories about the police (who are really good) against criminals (that are really bad); and the good guys never give up, no matter how hopeless the situation looks. This is the first books I have read by Isabella Maldonado (and I have discovered that she has written more), and her first in the Veranda Cruz series. I have already loaded the next one in my Kindle, and looking forward to it and others by Isabella Maldonado.
August 5, 2021
This was a fun, gripping read from a debut author. The audio version was masterfully narrated by Raquel Beattie who is quickly becoming a favorite narrator. She excels at character voices and had me on the edge of my seat.
Favorite quote:
“Truth no matter how painful is better than ignorance.”
Favorite quote:
“Truth no matter how painful is better than ignorance.”
May 13, 2018
3.5 Stars.
This is a solid police procedural by a first time author. Detective Veranda Cruz is smart, dedicated and determined to take down a powerful drug cartel. I love the depictions with her family and would love to eat at that family restaurant. I’m really looking forward to book 2 and I think this author will only get better with time.
This is a solid police procedural by a first time author. Detective Veranda Cruz is smart, dedicated and determined to take down a powerful drug cartel. I love the depictions with her family and would love to eat at that family restaurant. I’m really looking forward to book 2 and I think this author will only get better with time.
December 8, 2016
I really liked this novel. Is Detective Veranda Cruz's story. Is about her work as a police officer in Phoenix. She is out to put a stop to the Villalobos cartel. She wants to bring them down for job reasons and personal reasons. Her family owns a restaurant in the city and are very close. Being immigrants from Mexico, work has been their first name. The drug lord targets Veranda as she gets too close to hes operation. He is a character one loves to hate. The book is full of action on every page. The characters are engaging and humorous at times. Am eager for the next book to see if Veranda is able to continue her obsession eith the drug cartel when she has discovered a shocking truth about herself. Thanks to Ms. Maldonado and Goodreads. This book will be released in March.
January 28, 2024
Так я дочитала цей трилер-детектив.
Було цікаво? - так.
Було це захоплююче ? - більш-менш.
Чому? Книга розповідає про наркокартелі, наркотики, наркобізнес тощо. І я так розумію, що вся трилогія буде направлена на війну головної героїні з цим білим злом.
Це не зовсім моє, я більше люблю серійних вбивць, проте і таку тематику варто почитати, особливо тому що Ізабелла пише ну дуже гарно. Авторка працювала у ФБР, тому вона не тільки гарно описує з власного досвіду як ведеться розслідування, як створюється команда, вона гарно відчуває психологію злочину. Я обожнюю таке !
Було цікаво? - так.
Було це захоплююче ? - більш-менш.
Чому? Книга розповідає про наркокартелі, наркотики, наркобізнес тощо. І я так розумію, що вся трилогія буде направлена на війну головної героїні з цим білим злом.
Це не зовсім моє, я більше люблю серійних вбивць, проте і таку тематику варто почитати, особливо тому що Ізабелла пише ну дуже гарно. Авторка працювала у ФБР, тому вона не тільки гарно описує з власного досвіду як ведеться розслідування, як створюється команда, вона гарно відчуває психологію злочину. Я обожнюю таке !
November 26, 2019
A Phoenix policewoman goes after a drug lord with a vengeance. Quick read.
April 18, 2022
Loved it! I have a new author to follow. Mind you this her 1st book, but her 2nd I read. I loved Cipher and decided to try this one.
Bien echó. Una latina a otra. Yo trabajé para DOJ también.
Bien echó. Una latina a otra. Yo trabajé para DOJ también.
October 18, 2024
Ak sa Vám ešte neprejedli akčné hrdinky z policajných radov, ktoré prenasleduje traumatická minulosť, a radi si prečítate dobrú krimi knižku, tak prosím, zoznámte sa s Verandou Cruz.
Ozvěna krve je štartom do série s mladou policajtkou s týmto nezvyčajným menom. Príbeh Vás zavedie do amerického Phoenixu, do tamojších horúčav, hispánskej komunity a sveta organizovaného zločinu. Veranda, členka protidrogovej jednotky, bojuje proti obrovskej sieti drogových dílerov, v ktorej čele stojí muž, čo sa neštíti vraždiť.
Príbeh má spád, je dynamický a rovnako ako všetky iné knihy od autorky Isabelly Maldonado, dáva čitateľovi možnosť nahliadnuť do toho, ako pracuje polícia a záchranné zložky. Príbeh je plný napätia, drsných scén, dotýka sa náročných tém a autorka svoje postavy nešetrí. V protiklade ku všetkým smutným a krutým situáciám, s ktorými Veranda vďaka svojej práci prichádza do styku, však stojí jej milujúca rodina a jej teplá náruč, do ktorej sa môže schúliť.
Román je pútavo napísaný, príbeh prináša niekoľko dramatických zvratov, a aj keď asi pomernr skoro odhalíte, prečo sa knižka volá Ozvena krvi, stojí za prečítanie. Odporúčam krimi milovníčkam a fanúšikom autorky. Určite Vás táto je nová séria nesklame. Ja osobne som už nesmierne zvedavá na pokračovanie.
Ozvěna krve je štartom do série s mladou policajtkou s týmto nezvyčajným menom. Príbeh Vás zavedie do amerického Phoenixu, do tamojších horúčav, hispánskej komunity a sveta organizovaného zločinu. Veranda, členka protidrogovej jednotky, bojuje proti obrovskej sieti drogových dílerov, v ktorej čele stojí muž, čo sa neštíti vraždiť.
Príbeh má spád, je dynamický a rovnako ako všetky iné knihy od autorky Isabelly Maldonado, dáva čitateľovi možnosť nahliadnuť do toho, ako pracuje polícia a záchranné zložky. Príbeh je plný napätia, drsných scén, dotýka sa náročných tém a autorka svoje postavy nešetrí. V protiklade ku všetkým smutným a krutým situáciám, s ktorými Veranda vďaka svojej práci prichádza do styku, však stojí jej milujúca rodina a jej teplá náruč, do ktorej sa môže schúliť.
Román je pútavo napísaný, príbeh prináša niekoľko dramatických zvratov, a aj keď asi pomernr skoro odhalíte, prečo sa knižka volá Ozvena krvi, stojí za prečítanie. Odporúčam krimi milovníčkam a fanúšikom autorky. Určite Vás táto je nová séria nesklame. Ja osobne som už nesmierne zvedavá na pokračovanie.
August 25, 2017
Isabella Maldonado brings her law enforcement background to the forefront in her debut novel, Blood’s Echo. Detective Veranda Cruz isn’t a typical cop battling a drug cartel. From her distinctive name to her haunted past, she is different from any adversary the drug cartel, the Villalobos, have yet encountered. And they know it, which is why her life is in such danger.
This story is as much about family as it is about crime, both Veranda’s as well as El Lobo’s, the head of the cartel. For Veranda, it’s about keeping her family safe from harm, and becomes even more so when she learns her mother’s secret. El Lobo, on the other hand, has to deal with his four children who manage, or sometimes mismanage, their parts of the drug trade.
Mix these problems and tensions together with a little romance, police politics, and the sizzling southwest setting of Phoenix, Arizona, and you have one thriller that is hard to put down.
This story is as much about family as it is about crime, both Veranda’s as well as El Lobo’s, the head of the cartel. For Veranda, it’s about keeping her family safe from harm, and becomes even more so when she learns her mother’s secret. El Lobo, on the other hand, has to deal with his four children who manage, or sometimes mismanage, their parts of the drug trade.
Mix these problems and tensions together with a little romance, police politics, and the sizzling southwest setting of Phoenix, Arizona, and you have one thriller that is hard to put down.
February 17, 2024
When Veranda Cruz's confidential informant within a ruthless cartel is executed, she is identified and becomes a target of El Lobo. A mole within her Department and a family secret threaten her case as she races to bring down the ringleader before he can kill her.
Maldonado writes well and the case is intriguing. The interpersonal relationships tend to overcomplicate an already intricate case, but this is still well worth reading.
Maldonado writes well and the case is intriguing. The interpersonal relationships tend to overcomplicate an already intricate case, but this is still well worth reading.
April 1, 2023
Having been love with Nina ever since i met her.... i found it a bit difficult to connect with veranda but she won me over.... nina is still my favorite though... still veranda's story is quite good and interesting.
the story is fast paced and doesn't let you rest... as usual Isabella doesn't disappoint ^^
on to the next one.
the story is fast paced and doesn't let you rest... as usual Isabella doesn't disappoint ^^
on to the next one.
December 6, 2018
I enjoyed the book, it felt a bit like a law and order episode but overall a good quick read. I would give it a 3.5. The writing format was what was challenging for me. But the story was good.
October 5, 2025
I enjoyed the author’s style, but I just don’t care for the topic. Off the discover something more thrillerier and detectivie
February 10, 2024
I have no idea how this book has such a high overall rating (currently 4.31). It's possible that I would have less negative feelings about it if I hadn't listened to the audiobook, but that narrator turned a B-list book into a D-list experience. She makes William Shatner sound mellifluous. If I'd been reading the book, maybe I'd have given it 3 stars?
August 23, 2024
Nová série autorky x nový detektiv – Veranda Cruz. Jak už její jméno napovídá, půjde o zajímavou hlavní hrdinku. Celá série se asi bude odehrávat ve Phoenixu, nemyslím si, že už jsem něco z této oblasti četla. „ Tuto oblast mám spojenou s mým oblíbeným Stmíváním – Kdy se Bella Swanová stěhuje od mámy z Phoenixu v Arizoně, aby bydlela u svého otce ve Forksu. „ Tak mě to hned zaujalo a při čtení jsem si město dokázala vybavit.
Minulá série s Ninou mě bavila hodně, takže jsem si nenechala ujít ani tuto a dobře jsem udělala. Nebudu šetřit hvězdičkami, užila jsem si tento první díl, hltala jsem každou stránku, žádné hluché místa jsem neobjevila. Naopak chci víc…
Drogový kartel, mafiáni …jooo to je moje. Silná hlavní hrdinka, která si jde za svým, moc se těším, co nám Veranda předvede v dalších dílech. Na Goodreads už jsem koukala a vyskočily na mě další dva díly. Tak snad budou brzo přeloženy i u nás.
Pro milovníky detektivek jak stvořená, určitě s touto sérií nešlápnete vedle. Doporučuji.
Minulá série s Ninou mě bavila hodně, takže jsem si nenechala ujít ani tuto a dobře jsem udělala. Nebudu šetřit hvězdičkami, užila jsem si tento první díl, hltala jsem každou stránku, žádné hluché místa jsem neobjevila. Naopak chci víc…
Drogový kartel, mafiáni …jooo to je moje. Silná hlavní hrdinka, která si jde za svým, moc se těším, co nám Veranda předvede v dalších dílech. Na Goodreads už jsem koukala a vyskočily na mě další dva díly. Tak snad budou brzo přeloženy i u nás.
Pro milovníky detektivek jak stvořená, určitě s touto sérií nešlápnete vedle. Doporučuji.
January 16, 2017
Detective Veranda Cruz is determined to stop the Villalobos cartel. For personal reasons
her obsession with them will not quit and as she gets closer they target both her and her family.
The plot is strong and the story flows at a very good pace, creating suspense all along the way.
The characters were well-rounded and realistic, and the story beautifully written.
I Liked Veranda Cruz, she is so supporting of her family, so strong in her convictions,
and does her job with integrity and courage.
I will definitely watch for a sequel and recommend Blood's Echo to others.
her obsession with them will not quit and as she gets closer they target both her and her family.
The plot is strong and the story flows at a very good pace, creating suspense all along the way.
The characters were well-rounded and realistic, and the story beautifully written.
I Liked Veranda Cruz, she is so supporting of her family, so strong in her convictions,
and does her job with integrity and courage.
I will definitely watch for a sequel and recommend Blood's Echo to others.
May 2, 2021
Excellent read
Since reading The Cipher I cannot get enough of Isabella Maldonado’s writing. If you like crime fiction, this is a winner! Right up there with the best.
Since reading The Cipher I cannot get enough of Isabella Maldonado’s writing. If you like crime fiction, this is a winner! Right up there with the best.
January 20, 2024
I found Maldonaldo off a list that recommended one of her other books, but this was the only one my library had so I decided to give it a try. Upon reflection, I wish I'd looked a little harder for The Cipher, which was the one that was recommended. This book was Maldonado's debut and it was very rough around the edges.
Most of the writing was fine, but there were more than a few instances where it was clear she'd used a thesaurus to find a different word and a few more that just felt awkward and took me out of the story. At one point she was writing a fairly graphic sexual assault and used the phrase "his erection pressed against her bottom."
The villains of the book, basically the entire cartel family, were very cartoonishly written. They are all Evil with a capital E. They're not fleshed out characters with real lives and motivations, they just enjoy raping, murdering, and caressing their guns. It made the book feel almost silly.
This book also did the thing I hate where the author constantly rubs your nose in all the things you don't know. Like yes, it's a thriller. There should be plenty I don't know. But it doesn't need to be brought up every chapter- Veranda would never tell anyone why she was targeting the cartel, Veranda's true reason for her obsession remained a secret, Veranda needed to keep them from finding out the truth. It was annoying. Especially because Maldonado telegraphed every plot twist a mile away so I already knew all the whys.
The romance was really flat, the side characters weren't fully fleshed out, and I didn't realize Maldonado was a cop before starting this story and it is incredibly pro cop. We basically open the book with the main character being annoyed she needs to be interviewed after killing a man, after which she feels no sadness about literally ending a man's life. Right or wrong, if a person doesn't feel even a little conflicted about killing another, it's going to be very hard for me to empathize with a character who has such little regard for life.
This book unfortunately didn't work for me at all. The Cipher gets recommended a lot and it was published several years later, so I'm guessing Maldonado has improved a lot with more experience under her belt. A bit unfortunate I started with this one, but I'm not sure she'll be an author I give a second chance.
Most of the writing was fine, but there were more than a few instances where it was clear she'd used a thesaurus to find a different word and a few more that just felt awkward and took me out of the story. At one point she was writing a fairly graphic sexual assault and used the phrase "his erection pressed against her bottom."
The villains of the book, basically the entire cartel family, were very cartoonishly written. They are all Evil with a capital E. They're not fleshed out characters with real lives and motivations, they just enjoy raping, murdering, and caressing their guns. It made the book feel almost silly.
This book also did the thing I hate where the author constantly rubs your nose in all the things you don't know. Like yes, it's a thriller. There should be plenty I don't know. But it doesn't need to be brought up every chapter- Veranda would never tell anyone why she was targeting the cartel, Veranda's true reason for her obsession remained a secret, Veranda needed to keep them from finding out the truth. It was annoying. Especially because Maldonado telegraphed every plot twist a mile away so I already knew all the whys.
The romance was really flat, the side characters weren't fully fleshed out, and I didn't realize Maldonado was a cop before starting this story and it is incredibly pro cop. We basically open the book with the main character being annoyed she needs to be interviewed after killing a man, after which she feels no sadness about literally ending a man's life. Right or wrong, if a person doesn't feel even a little conflicted about killing another, it's going to be very hard for me to empathize with a character who has such little regard for life.
This book unfortunately didn't work for me at all. The Cipher gets recommended a lot and it was published several years later, so I'm guessing Maldonado has improved a lot with more experience under her belt. A bit unfortunate I started with this one, but I'm not sure she'll be an author I give a second chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews