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Veranda Cruz #2
Phoenix Burning
Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz has vowed to bring the Villalobos crime family to justice, but when a wave of violence in the city escalates, she is forced to confront her darkest fear.
Adolfo Villalobos is a crime boss who's determined to stake his claim. To prove that he's ready to run his family's sprawling criminal empire, he devises a plan to silence his siblings and destroy Veranda, leaving a trail of destruction through downtown Phoenix that makes national headlines.
Veranda believes the task force she's been assigned to lead will end Adolfo's reign of terror, until his revenge takes a cruel-and highly personal-twist.
The cunning scheme devastates Veranda, who struggles with secrets from her past that may end her career. And her life.
Adolfo Villalobos is a crime boss who's determined to stake his claim. To prove that he's ready to run his family's sprawling criminal empire, he devises a plan to silence his siblings and destroy Veranda, leaving a trail of destruction through downtown Phoenix that makes national headlines.
Veranda believes the task force she's been assigned to lead will end Adolfo's reign of terror, until his revenge takes a cruel-and highly personal-twist.
The cunning scheme devastates Veranda, who struggles with secrets from her past that may end her career. And her life.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
542 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Maldonado
19 books1,562 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 7, 2025
Це цікаво, але мені якось набридло те, що до жгг постійно хтось залицяється, хоч я і люблю романтичну лінію в детективах, але тут якось не дуже виглядає, наче вона зустрічається з пожежником, але якось цього тут не побачила, бо він був у від'їзді. Головний антагоніст, її біологічний батько, та його діти мене впродовж 2 книжок дуже дратують, ну тобто батя відправив дітей своїх вбити Веранду, а ті не змогли цього зробити і в результаті померли, але хто винен? Веранда! І тепер він хоче і її смерть, але відчуття що у неї 9 життів, бо щось ніхто її не може вбити, я звичайно одним місцем може читаю, але я вже забула через що її вирішили вбити? Через її зв'язки з отим Ель Лобо? І все? Я вже очікую, що в наступній книжці хтось ще померле з цієї родини, бо 2 книжка, і померло 2 брати, а наступна про сестру👀 А ще тут всі дізнались, що Веранда донька Ель Лобо, і всі вирішили що вона в цьому винна, і деякі члени родини теж, хоча вона ж не винна в цьому.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
The continuing story of Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz and her battle to bring the Villalobos cartel to justice. When she is named the lead for a new task force to combat growing gang violence, oldest son Adolpho decides to elevate his standing to succeed the patriarch by humiliating Veranda: first, by making her seem complicit in destroying the Villalobos competitor as they escape task force raids based on inside information, then by incriminating her, followed by her death. Meanwhile, her Mexican family and heritage remains an integral part of Maldonado's writing: her half-sister's coming out party, her reformed criminal cousin, and her mother's bravery to bring her family north to America. 4.5 stars, just like Blood's Echo.
I enjoyed author Maldonado's blog that likened the surprise popularity of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and its broad cultural appeal, including VapoRub, the Mexican equivalent of Windex!!
I enjoyed author Maldonado's blog that likened the surprise popularity of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and its broad cultural appeal, including VapoRub, the Mexican equivalent of Windex!!
March 31, 2022
Phoenix may be burning but the pages aren't.
This is a series I wished I'd never started. If you're looking for an intelligent police procedural, I can't say you've found it here. Most of the time not a great deal happens other than a lot of dialogue between law officers and much of their talk borders on adolescent. When something does happen it gets bungled leaving a constant feeling of an anti-climax. A task force is assembled from every law agency you can think of, in what I suspect is an attempt to add weight to the story, yet nobody seems to shine out and none seem to add anything useful. Instead the narrative continues with how great they all are and how serious their investigation is. I guess the logic is, if we're told often enough we might start to believe it; I couldn't.
Realism doesn't enter in to this lightweight plot and neither does plausibility. Sorry, can't recommend it.
This is a series I wished I'd never started. If you're looking for an intelligent police procedural, I can't say you've found it here. Most of the time not a great deal happens other than a lot of dialogue between law officers and much of their talk borders on adolescent. When something does happen it gets bungled leaving a constant feeling of an anti-climax. A task force is assembled from every law agency you can think of, in what I suspect is an attempt to add weight to the story, yet nobody seems to shine out and none seem to add anything useful. Instead the narrative continues with how great they all are and how serious their investigation is. I guess the logic is, if we're told often enough we might start to believe it; I couldn't.
Realism doesn't enter in to this lightweight plot and neither does plausibility. Sorry, can't recommend it.
March 8, 2018
GNab A southwestern police procedural with a bite, Phoenix Burning brings a unique and breathtaking view of what makes Arizona a special state of mind. Detective Veranda Cruz and her battles with the Villalobos Cartel keep you guessing and on your toes. Isabella Maldonado, a retired Fairfax County policewoman with over two decades on the job, brings us a very realistic look into the drug problems at the forefront of life in the desert southwest, and a few of the reasons living out here is worth of effort. This is an author I will follow.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Isabella Maldonado, and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 8, 2018
Midnight Ink
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Isabella Maldonado, and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 8, 2018
Midnight Ink
May 5, 2021
Great read.
I could not stop reading this fantastic crime novel. Gives a sense to the brutal war that we only get hints of in the news. There are real heroes who are fighting the impact of the cartels every day. Thank you them all. Yes, this is a novel — but novels are often closer to the truth than we know. Great read.
I could not stop reading this fantastic crime novel. Gives a sense to the brutal war that we only get hints of in the news. There are real heroes who are fighting the impact of the cartels every day. Thank you them all. Yes, this is a novel — but novels are often closer to the truth than we know. Great read.
August 6, 2018
This series continues to entertain me. Such a good read and I can't wait for the next one!
June 13, 2018
Det Veranda Cruz returns in author Isabella Maldonado's second series book, "Phoenix Burning". An intense police suspense thriller this second book following, ("Blood's Echo"), Veranda Cruz is still out to smash the Villalobos crime cartel. Also at stake are the DNA results about Veranda's biological father. The recently deceased Bartolo Villalobos had managed to obtain Veranda's DNA. Hector "El Lobo" Villalobos now knows Veranda's paternity and vows to make her pay for the death of Bartolo. Again partnered with veteran homicide detective Sam Stark, Veranda is still under Lt. Diaz's intense scrutiny. Oldest son Adolfo along with fixer/ hit man Salazar the Villalobos do at times get the best of Veranda. Veranda being an indefatigable adversary towards the cartel stops at nothing to overcome the odds against the Villalobos. At just over 320 pages this second book of series is a little lighter on supporting characters to play off Veranda. Beyond Veranda we get to see little of what makes the other characters tick. Veranda has no sparks with the fire inspector Cole Anderson in this book. Although I really liked the book it took me longer than I expected to finish it. Four stars out of a possible five stars for author Isabella Maldonado's, "Phoenix Burning". So far the first two books in this series have the making for a special series. Check it out.
September 25, 2024
Not quite hitting her stride yet, for me, though that may well be my having begun reading her work with her latest series which I loved. I truly hate the world of cartels, drugs, never ending violence against and trafficking of women and girls, and, of course, the inhuman way such men behave - and some women, thinking of the daughter of this series villain, who never had a chance to be otherwise given her parentage. It’s an involved story, but I’d like to see the series end without Veranda being captured once again. The police force, knowing she is a target, keeps sending her home without guards where she is continually captured. She wins the battles but, come on, wake up bureaucrats. Good read.
April 22, 2018
It is hard to match the depth and intensity that one gets from reading the first book in a series. This author, however, has managed this feat with ease. From the pulse-pounding opening scene through to the semi-cliffhanger ending, Maldonado delivers the goods. Both gritty and authentic, this book gives us all we ever wondered about how a big city police force operates. The detail is both fascinating and informative. She not only tells a compelling story but manages to bring the city of Phoenix to life. This series is a great addition to the burgeoning Phoenix literary crime scene that has arisen in the past few years. My only complaint is that we will now have to wait a year to find out what is going to befall the tough heroine of the novel, Veranda Cruz. A definite must-read.
June 9, 2018
3.5 Stars.
I really enjoyed this second book with Detective Veranda Cruz. There were some thoughts that seemed slightly melodramatic and repetitive but I suspect it’s bc I just read book 1. I suspect I would think differently if there was more space (other than a month) between reads of the books. I will probably need these reminders when I read book 3. I’m really interested to see how the relationships between Detective Cruz and the Villalobos cartel works out.
I really enjoyed this second book with Detective Veranda Cruz. There were some thoughts that seemed slightly melodramatic and repetitive but I suspect it’s bc I just read book 1. I suspect I would think differently if there was more space (other than a month) between reads of the books. I will probably need these reminders when I read book 3. I’m really interested to see how the relationships between Detective Cruz and the Villalobos cartel works out.
March 20, 2024
Honestly I wasn’t sure if I will continue with this series even though I am in love with Isabella’s other series….but this book changed my mind… the fast pace and the way the story unfolded gave me a whiplash….
The only thing that was spiking my blood pressure was that Cole…. God that man is a walking entitled red flag…. And yes I would rather she ends up with the annoying diaz than him…GOD I HATE HIM.
The only thing that was spiking my blood pressure was that Cole…. God that man is a walking entitled red flag…. And yes I would rather she ends up with the annoying diaz than him…GOD I HATE HIM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for a honest review. Fast pace police thriller, interesting characters and an interesting plot line. I would recommend this book to fans of police thrillers as it is a well written fast pace book.
January 14, 2018
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. This is a very well written novel full of intriguing characters! It has everything needed, non stop mystery, intrigue and non stop action! I could not put it down! It has a surprise ending and ypu will love it!
March 11, 2018
4.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2018
The battle between Veranda Cruz and the Villalobos cartel turns Phoenix into a war zone.
Homicide Detective Veranda Cruz will stop at nothing to take down the Villalobos cartel. But when a wave of violence in the city escalates, she fears that the secrets of her past will take her down instead.
Adolfo Villalobos is a crime boss who's determined to stake his claim. To prove that he's ready to run his family's sprawling criminal empire, he devises a plan to silence his siblings and destroy Veranda, leaving a trail of destruction through downtown Phoenix that makes national headlines. Veranda believes the task force she's been assigned to lead will end the cartel's reign of terror, until Adolfo's revenge takes a cruel--and highly personal--twist.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars-- PHOENIX BURNING is the second instalment in Isabella Maldonado’s contemporary, adult VERANDA CRUZ MYSTERY crime thriller series focusing on Phoenix homicide detective Veranda Cruz. PHOENIX BURNING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing premise throughout.
Told from several third person points of view including Veranda Cruz, PHOENIX BURNING follows Phoenix homicide detective Veranda Cruz as she and her fellow police detectives continue to struggle in the wake of a notorious Mexican Cartel headed by Hector Villalobos and his adult children (Adolfo, Bartolo, Carlos & Daria) whose illegal activities including arms dealing, drugs and human trafficking are wreaking havoc in the Phoenix area.
In the first instalment BLOOD’S ECHO Veranda’s fifteen year old sister Gabriela was kidnapped by the Villalobos family, and her mother’s restaurant burned to the ground in a violent act of retribution and revenge against our story line heroine. Fast forward six weeks, and Veranda is named to a special task force alongside the Phoenix Police Department Homicide Squad and Gang Unit, the FBI, DEA, US Marshal, Homeland Security and the Mexican Federal Police as they put a plan into motion to take down the Villalobos Cartel. What ensues is a series of set backs, and threats aimed at our story line heroine as Hector Villalobos tries establish his power and authority against everyone involved.
PHOENIX BURNING contains some scenes of violence that focus on the brutality of the Mexican cartels; their cruelty and destructiveness as it pertains to human life, and their single-minded ruthlessness of domination and control. The Phoenix Police are outsmarted; our heroine’s family and the people of Phoenix are blindsided; the Villalobos family structure and dynamic will continue to change.
Author Isabella Maldonado, a retired police captain, and graduate of the FBI National Academy, draws on her experiences and real life in her endeavor to create a fictionalized world of corruption, crime and violence in Phoenix, Arizona. PHOENIX BURNING is an intriguing thrill ride; a gripping and realistic tale of choices and tragic consequences; of retaliation and retribution; entitlement, family, dominion and power.
copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2018
The battle between Veranda Cruz and the Villalobos cartel turns Phoenix into a war zone.
Homicide Detective Veranda Cruz will stop at nothing to take down the Villalobos cartel. But when a wave of violence in the city escalates, she fears that the secrets of her past will take her down instead.
Adolfo Villalobos is a crime boss who's determined to stake his claim. To prove that he's ready to run his family's sprawling criminal empire, he devises a plan to silence his siblings and destroy Veranda, leaving a trail of destruction through downtown Phoenix that makes national headlines. Veranda believes the task force she's been assigned to lead will end the cartel's reign of terror, until Adolfo's revenge takes a cruel--and highly personal--twist.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars-- PHOENIX BURNING is the second instalment in Isabella Maldonado’s contemporary, adult VERANDA CRUZ MYSTERY crime thriller series focusing on Phoenix homicide detective Veranda Cruz. PHOENIX BURNING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing premise throughout.
Told from several third person points of view including Veranda Cruz, PHOENIX BURNING follows Phoenix homicide detective Veranda Cruz as she and her fellow police detectives continue to struggle in the wake of a notorious Mexican Cartel headed by Hector Villalobos and his adult children (Adolfo, Bartolo, Carlos & Daria) whose illegal activities including arms dealing, drugs and human trafficking are wreaking havoc in the Phoenix area.
In the first instalment BLOOD’S ECHO Veranda’s fifteen year old sister Gabriela was kidnapped by the Villalobos family, and her mother’s restaurant burned to the ground in a violent act of retribution and revenge against our story line heroine. Fast forward six weeks, and Veranda is named to a special task force alongside the Phoenix Police Department Homicide Squad and Gang Unit, the FBI, DEA, US Marshal, Homeland Security and the Mexican Federal Police as they put a plan into motion to take down the Villalobos Cartel. What ensues is a series of set backs, and threats aimed at our story line heroine as Hector Villalobos tries establish his power and authority against everyone involved.
PHOENIX BURNING contains some scenes of violence that focus on the brutality of the Mexican cartels; their cruelty and destructiveness as it pertains to human life, and their single-minded ruthlessness of domination and control. The Phoenix Police are outsmarted; our heroine’s family and the people of Phoenix are blindsided; the Villalobos family structure and dynamic will continue to change.
Author Isabella Maldonado, a retired police captain, and graduate of the FBI National Academy, draws on her experiences and real life in her endeavor to create a fictionalized world of corruption, crime and violence in Phoenix, Arizona. PHOENIX BURNING is an intriguing thrill ride; a gripping and realistic tale of choices and tragic consequences; of retaliation and retribution; entitlement, family, dominion and power.
copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 6, 2018
Phoenix detective Verenda Cruz continues her quest to take down the Villalobos cartel. But when a rival gang starts a war with the Villalobos that escalates into violence on the streets, a task force is set up to end the cartel's reign of terror. Adolfo Villalobos is the eldest son now tasked to prove that he is ready to run the Villalobos empire. While Verenda and her task force members plan multiple raids of the cartel's properties, he has an upper hand to stop them. And Adolfo's revenge on Verenda takes on a cruel and highly personal twist to humiliate and devastate the detective's personal and professional lives. This is a gritty, brutal tale of the lengths one family will go to for revenge.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
November 25, 2017
Isabella Maldonado’s latest novel, PHOENIX BURNING, is a scorcher. The former cop-turned-excellent-crime-writer dials up the heat—literally—as her hero, Detective Veranda Cruz, relentlessly pursues shutting down one of Mexico’s most ruthless cartels, all the while doing it her way, which means breaking the rules when backed into a hot corner.
Filled with one unsuspecting twist after another, Maldonado keeps the reader guessing at every page turn wondering which startling way the heat will be thrust toward her next as she attempts to bring back normalcy to the streets of her beloved Phoenix.
As she fights her enemies, both internal and international, her goal is to not only bring justice but to keep her family’s dream alive of rising from their own cartel-inflicted ashes as the try to survive from the searing sting of a devil-like villian’s feral-like claws. While doing so, she’ll be forced to make an unthinkable decision exposing more than just her exotic, and at times erotic, Latina skin, but revealing her very own—and very complex—flesh and blood.
This incendiary tale keeps you surprised to literally the last few shocking pages as to what to expect next in this marvelous thriller from one of the most unique cop stories you’ll ever read.
Filled with one unsuspecting twist after another, Maldonado keeps the reader guessing at every page turn wondering which startling way the heat will be thrust toward her next as she attempts to bring back normalcy to the streets of her beloved Phoenix.
As she fights her enemies, both internal and international, her goal is to not only bring justice but to keep her family’s dream alive of rising from their own cartel-inflicted ashes as the try to survive from the searing sting of a devil-like villian’s feral-like claws. While doing so, she’ll be forced to make an unthinkable decision exposing more than just her exotic, and at times erotic, Latina skin, but revealing her very own—and very complex—flesh and blood.
This incendiary tale keeps you surprised to literally the last few shocking pages as to what to expect next in this marvelous thriller from one of the most unique cop stories you’ll ever read.
February 4, 2024
Я дочитала другу частину.
Якщо її порівнювати з першою книгою і ще непрочитаною третьою, я впевнена вона найбільш слабка. Ця книга як якийсь приквел до чогось. Мені не вистачило самого детективу. Просто знову продовження розбірок головної героїні з наркобароном і його величезною кількістю дітей. Так, тепер всі діти полюють на Веранду, я думала зараз тут почнеться, але книжка закінчилась - хочете побачити продовження - читайте наступну частину 😅
Ще мені не сподобалось, що авторка вписує вже третього чоловічого персонажа, який фліртує з головною героїнею, а можна якось одного залишити? Поки що, я взагалі не впевнена, що Веранда вибере когось. Вона виглядає як абсолютно не зацікавлена до почуттів. Її більше збуджує поліція і справа помсти. Я іноді думала, що вона буде із детективом, який більше її за віком на 20 років, проте він жонатий і як батько їй.
Було так собі 50 на 50.
P.S. Ще тут всі чоловіки якісь збочені. Вони поводять себе як стадо самців-конкурентів, які побачили єдину живу самку, готову до спарювання, знаючи деякі сюжетні деталі (не скажу, бо спойлер) визиває періодично огиду.
Якщо її порівнювати з першою книгою і ще непрочитаною третьою, я впевнена вона найбільш слабка. Ця книга як якийсь приквел до чогось. Мені не вистачило самого детективу. Просто знову продовження розбірок головної героїні з наркобароном і його величезною кількістю дітей. Так, тепер всі діти полюють на Веранду, я думала зараз тут почнеться, але книжка закінчилась - хочете побачити продовження - читайте наступну частину 😅
Ще мені не сподобалось, що авторка вписує вже третього чоловічого персонажа, який фліртує з головною героїнею, а можна якось одного залишити? Поки що, я взагалі не впевнена, що Веранда вибере когось. Вона виглядає як абсолютно не зацікавлена до почуттів. Її більше збуджує поліція і справа помсти. Я іноді думала, що вона буде із детективом, який більше її за віком на 20 років, проте він жонатий і як батько їй.
Було так собі 50 на 50.
P.S. Ще тут всі чоловіки якісь збочені. Вони поводять себе як стадо самців-конкурентів, які побачили єдину живу самку, готову до спарювання, знаючи деякі сюжетні деталі (не скажу, бо спойлер) визиває періодично огиду.
March 1, 2018
Veranda Cruz is a tough cop who is working against the implacably awful Villalobos cartel in a Phoenix those of us who have been tourists in the area have not seen. This is a good procedural/thriller- fast paced and entertaining with good guys, bad guys, conspiracy etc. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I had not read the first book and suspect I missed some details but I did enjoy the strong female lead and the well written story.
March 9, 2022
Not nearly as good as the previous in the series. Spent far too much time explaining what had already happened and didn’t really move the story forward. But I love the characters.
March 24, 2023
I did not enjoy it as much as the first in this series. The first half of the book was painfully slow setup...it didn't really kick off until the 60% mark. Still enjoy this author though!
February 18, 2025
Finished reading: February 18th 2025
"People will always judge you without knowing all the facts."
REVIEW
February 6, 2022
The second in the Detective Vera Cruz series starts with a bang and this police procedural doesn't let up. The southwest location has many of the agencies and characters from Veranda's previous cartel case. It can be read as a standalone, but there's always a benefit to having background from previous in the series. This is adult fiction about a cartel, as such the material contains drugs, murder, trafficking and other unsavory activity.
This is a complicated collaboration between multiple agencies and egos. The characters from both local and federal agencies form a new task force to combat warring gangs and the Villalobos cartel in Phoenix. Homicide Detective Veranda is appointed to lead the task force due to her history with both the Villalobos family and her background in narcotics. The planning and execution is intricate.
Veranda's nemesis, Lieutenant Richard Diaz, is named the new Homicide Lieutenant. He continues to be a thorn in her side and she doesn't trust him.
She has to balance her family's safety, her own secrets and a new relationship with Cole. She is a strong female character in a position where failure will be catastrophic. At times it seems the only person who supports her strategy is her partner, Sam Stark. At what cost will she continue her vendetta against "El Lobo" the Wolf?
There is constant dissent within the task force. The Villalobos cartel is always a step ahead, raids yield nothing. They continue to evade every effort and all operations the task force carries out.
The author is knowledgeable and descriptive when portraying the tactical scenes. There are strong family and community bonds. The action is fast paced and mostly realistic. There are unexpected twists and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
This is a complicated collaboration between multiple agencies and egos. The characters from both local and federal agencies form a new task force to combat warring gangs and the Villalobos cartel in Phoenix. Homicide Detective Veranda is appointed to lead the task force due to her history with both the Villalobos family and her background in narcotics. The planning and execution is intricate.
Veranda's nemesis, Lieutenant Richard Diaz, is named the new Homicide Lieutenant. He continues to be a thorn in her side and she doesn't trust him.
She has to balance her family's safety, her own secrets and a new relationship with Cole. She is a strong female character in a position where failure will be catastrophic. At times it seems the only person who supports her strategy is her partner, Sam Stark. At what cost will she continue her vendetta against "El Lobo" the Wolf?
There is constant dissent within the task force. The Villalobos cartel is always a step ahead, raids yield nothing. They continue to evade every effort and all operations the task force carries out.
The author is knowledgeable and descriptive when portraying the tactical scenes. There are strong family and community bonds. The action is fast paced and mostly realistic. There are unexpected twists and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
July 28, 2021
Once again Veranda is going up against the Villalobos, but this time it is more personal due to what happened in the last book and what she learned at the start of this one. This time too, Veranda seems to have the backing of the police whole heartedly. They are gathering a big team, one who makes bold moves, wanting to get rid of the Villalobos once and for all. Sadly the Villalobos are one step ahead of them and what a step it is, really makes it hard for the team to make any headway at all. But that pales in comparison to what is done to Veranda...man that one deed really put it all on the line, no one was sure if they could trust her and the family dirty little secret came out in a bad way. I was very happy that later Veranda was able to exonerate herself, but that was nothing compared to the statement she made at the news conference. It was a bold choice to do, but it was the right choice also, even when it wasn't really her secret to spill. I loved how it all lead to how things ended, loved that Veranda saw how much her words were heard and someone else learned how much they were still loved.
January 25, 2019
Veranda Cruz has been put in charge of a police task force tasked with attacking and shutting down a Mexican drug cartel with a long reach. The Villalobos aren't new to Phoenix, but have been making their presence known a lot more. The action scenes were exciting and while there are a lot of police work details, it was interesting and germane to the story. The book actually made me a bit uneasy, for it is easy to think that the techniques and technology this family cartel employ are probably things that are based in truth and already being used by real bad guys. Phoenix Burning seems to take place pretty much right away after the events of the first book, so I did feel a bit of a disadvantage until I got a few chapters in. I really liked the parts that highlighted Veranda's personal life--her family is large and interesting on their own, and tangentially of some import to the story. This definitely falls under a crime category of novel and was a bit grittier that what I normally read, but those parts were mercifully quick and necessary to propel the story along.
January 16, 2024
I was so excited to dive back into the world of Veranda Cruz and her pursuit of justice against the Villalobos family, and this book did not disappoint. It opened right up with fantastic action, picking up where the first book left off. It did slow down a bit in the middle, but the end flew by without me even noticing. Veranda was amazing, and I loved her character development that continued in this book as she battled with both external factors and her own inner turmoil. Over the course of just two book she has become an even stronger character, and I am looking forward to seeing how her arc continues and concludes in the third book. However, as much as I loved Veranda I did still struggled with portions of this book. In terms of plot, I saw several of the twists coming, and I did not like that I spent most of the book knowing more than the main character. However, I did like the new additions to the cast, especially the ‘wild card’ that was able to change the course of the book. In all, I enjoyed this book and am excited to finish this series.
June 28, 2023
I really do enjoy Isabella Maldonado's writing style. I get very involved in her stories. I will say, the character's name, Veranda, bothers me. But I'm from the South. Veranda conjures images of stately mansions where horrible things happened. I did appreciate the explanation of the character's name, however, every time I hear her name, I immediately translate it into fancy porch. So, in my head, this fabulous, strong, beautiful character is a fancy porch. So, if I were asked to describe her, something that I can normally do in great detail, I will describe a porch. Otherwise, I really do love the characters in this book. I'm not sure how I feel about Diaz, but I accidentally read this book before the first one, so I may like him better once I get into the first book. I truly thought I had already read the first book, but I think I was thinking of the Nina Guerra series. Oops. Either way, I enjoyed this book and I'm starting the first one today.
July 11, 2023
The story itself isn't bad. There's some interesting things that happen in here. Certainly. I think the most annoying thing though is her mom tells her of a traumatic experience and says that she needs to know that this took place, but then she treats the results like it's this horrible thing and everybody would judge her. It's possible that I am not from that background and so maybe in a Latino family that judgment might be there. It just didn't feel natural. Especially in this day and age when things happen all the time. Or there's adoptions. We all know that we might be more inclined to likes or dislikes or have DNA-based health and the image items. But as far as what makes us who we are cannot be traced back to the sperm but rather the upbringing.
And of course eventually everybody finds out and then it makes her look really bad and really wasn't relevant. Also dump the fireman if he's that arrogant and controlling
And of course eventually everybody finds out and then it makes her look really bad and really wasn't relevant. Also dump the fireman if he's that arrogant and controlling
June 25, 2024
In the second installment of this series, Veranda Cruz continues her quest to bring down the Villalobos crime family. When violence erupts on the streets of Phoenix, Veranda is assigned as lead investigator to eradicate the city of rivaling drug cartels. This assignment brings her directly into the crosshairs of the Villalobos family.
After the death of his brother, Adolfo Villalobos is tasked with running drug operations. Thus begins a battle for the streets of Phoenix as well as the life of Veranda Cruz.
Once again, Isabella Maldonado has delivered an action-packed thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. If you like crime stories, you will definitely enjoy this novel. While it's not necessary to read the series in order, I think it is easier to understand each of the characters and their relationships with one another.
After the death of his brother, Adolfo Villalobos is tasked with running drug operations. Thus begins a battle for the streets of Phoenix as well as the life of Veranda Cruz.
Once again, Isabella Maldonado has delivered an action-packed thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. If you like crime stories, you will definitely enjoy this novel. While it's not necessary to read the series in order, I think it is easier to understand each of the characters and their relationships with one another.
October 13, 2021
This book is nonstop action from page one and I loved every second of it. The plot is so clever and is full of twists and turns that kept be on my toes the whole way through. The pacing is fantastic and my love for Veranda Cruz and her family only grows.
🌮 This series has so many fantastic characters, from Sam and Marcie in the homicide team to Mia and Sofia fighting back until the bitter end in every way they knew how.
🧨 The tension ramps up and and up as the story unfolds, I couldn’t put it down.
🌵 This series has everything you could want in a thriller, especially if you love a female protagonist like I do. I couldn’t recommend this author enough.
Rating- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌮 This series has so many fantastic characters, from Sam and Marcie in the homicide team to Mia and Sofia fighting back until the bitter end in every way they knew how.
🧨 The tension ramps up and and up as the story unfolds, I couldn’t put it down.
🌵 This series has everything you could want in a thriller, especially if you love a female protagonist like I do. I couldn’t recommend this author enough.
Rating- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
May 22, 2022
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was the second book in the series and we got to see Veranda deciding that she was NOT going to give up going after the cartel. This book focuses primarily on the supposed "Heir" of the Villalobos Cartel - Adolfo. He is the oldest son, but has been passed over in the past because he didn't have what it took to run the business. He was deemed too "hands off" - that he wasn't cruel enough to do the things that would be necessary were he to be given the top job.
Adolfo is definitely intelligent. He thinks things through and the plan he has for Veranda is complex and compelling. Without going into spoilers, I was shocked...and that is saying something.
This book continues the series and there is a lot of action. The tension does build and there is enough drama. What I did feel though was that while there was a whole lot going on - it wasn't inclusive. Things didn't mesh completely. Instead of experiencing a full story, it felt like bits and pieces were given and experienced. Maybe a better word would be - stilted? It just didn't flow the way that it should have.
Regardless, I'm two books in and I'd like to find out what is going to happen so I guess it is on to book 3.
This was the second book in the series and we got to see Veranda deciding that she was NOT going to give up going after the cartel. This book focuses primarily on the supposed "Heir" of the Villalobos Cartel - Adolfo. He is the oldest son, but has been passed over in the past because he didn't have what it took to run the business. He was deemed too "hands off" - that he wasn't cruel enough to do the things that would be necessary were he to be given the top job.
Adolfo is definitely intelligent. He thinks things through and the plan he has for Veranda is complex and compelling. Without going into spoilers, I was shocked...and that is saying something.
This book continues the series and there is a lot of action. The tension does build and there is enough drama. What I did feel though was that while there was a whole lot going on - it wasn't inclusive. Things didn't mesh completely. Instead of experiencing a full story, it felt like bits and pieces were given and experienced. Maybe a better word would be - stilted? It just didn't flow the way that it should have.
Regardless, I'm two books in and I'd like to find out what is going to happen so I guess it is on to book 3.
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