Death Blow

Veranda Cruz #3

by Isabella Maldonado

Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz’s relentless pursuit of the Villalobos crime family pits her against its most ruthless member yet.

Beautiful, shrewd, and lethal, Daria Villalobos is on a mission. Determined to be the first woman to take the reins of her father's notorious organization, she hatches a plot to eliminate Veranda, framing a rival to take the fall.

Veranda Cruz is on a mission of her own. Intent on destroying the powerful Villalobos criminal empire, Veranda battles her department and her personal demons as she takes on Daria.

To survive the most cunning adversary she’s ever faced, will she make a pact with a killer?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Detective

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2021

About the author

Wall 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.

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Brendan DuBois, I think Isabella Maldonado one of those very talented writers, about whom nobody has ever heard. One can only hope that the surprising popularity of the TV show, Breaking Bad, about neighboring city Albuquerque will bring readers to the Southwest. Maldonado own experiences are a resource as she herself was a Phoenix police captain with FBI training at Quantico.

This series about Latina Phoenix Detective Veranda Cruz, and her campaign against a Mexican cartel headed by the ruthless Hector Villalobos (a/k/a El Lobo) In this third book, Cruz is targeted by Hector's daughter Daria in her own power play to become Hector's successor. Daria wants to prove herself, and is an expert in munitions. However, El Matador who has always been Hector's enforcer is vying for the same glory. Veranda's real family continues to play an important role in her life, especially cousin Chuy, and her police family as well, especially her partner Sam. Taut thriller. 4.5 stars.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in series. Clearly a step down from first two books of series. Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz breaks every policy and procedure she can still battling the deadly Villalobos cartel. Daughter Daria is bringing the challenge this time around. I found it very tiring she's still doing almost everything over and over in all three books. Yes the plot did flow pretty well. The characters were lively and opened up pretty well. Took me five days and several reading sittings for a 320 some odd pages book. I was just bored with all things Villalobos. Veranda's character needs to move on to other adventures and open up some type of personal life. Three stars out of possible five stars. If you've read first two in this series, you've pretty much read this one.

[Adrian Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've only got myself to blame as I don't like to DNF, especially on a series, but I payed the price. It got to the point that I didn't care what was going on in this book but I struggled on. So many pages, even chapters, aren't worthy of your attention. The whole book is simply a reworked version of the previous one, and that one a reincarnation of the opener, and they weren't page burners.
The actions of the bad guys are utterly beyond anything logical. If we're to believe they're the most successful cartel in Mexico, then why not portray them as such. Instead, they come across as mindless villains from a street gang. Unfortunately, the investigators don't shine out much better, including the heroine with her dubious decisions. These investigators, from numerous law enforcement agencies, seem to serve one purpose: adversarial rivalry....It became a drag. All made worse by Veranda's incredibly annoying family and possible love interests.
Don't expect an intelligently woven plot with characters you can believe in.. In fact, expect an implausible story that appears to be constructed on a page-by-page basis with coincidence being heavily relied on to form the plot.
I can't recommend the book but have learned enough not to download a possible fourth volume. However, I highly recommend the Nina Guerrera series by this author.

[Анастасія ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

І знову всі намагаються вбити Веранду, і нікому це не вдається 😀 Щось я не до кінця зрозуміла де Дар'я поділась, наче в книжці написано що вона померла, а наче вона втекла🤷🏻‍♀️ Знову навколо жгг крутяться чоловіки, відчуття що більше жінок немає. Їх колишній вже хлопець мене вбив своєю вимогою, або вона припиняє розслідувати картель, бо її постійно намагалися вбити, а зараз будинок знесли, або ж вони розлучаться. НУ ЗВИЧАЙНО, це ж так працює, вона припиняє все, і картель такий «ну нас вже не ловлять, ну і ми тоді вбивати Круз не будемо» 😑 Просто ЩО БЛЯТЬ? Або претензія дружини напарника Круз, що якби вона не розслідувала злочини картелю, то нічого цього не було. Ну так, навіщо взагалі щось розслідувати, одним можна все, то і інші заходять теж так. Або оці претензії що Круз донька Ель Лобо (ім'я не пам'ятаю, але пам'ятаю як його називають всі, хоча наче Гектор?), ну звичайно Круз же винна що її мати згвалтував голова картелю і вона народилась, ну звичайно, тільки я щось не бачила щоб хтось про це казав з точки зору а-ля батька, який же згвалтував її мати. Ще момент який мене вбив, це коли Дар'я подзвонила Круз і сказала, що її чи вкрав? чи просто тримає заручницею Салазар, і щоб Круз приїхала її врятувати, бо вона біля вибухівки. Що робить Круз? Правильно! Йде її рятувати, начхати що очевидна пастка(звичайно, людина, яка намагалась вас постійно вбити і ненавидить до глибини душі, вона вам подзвонить і попросить допомоги, пф звичайно🙄) І я думала, що це трилогія, а нічого подібного😀 тут ще повинно бути продовження, я звичайно буду чекати на нього щоб закінчити серію і дізнатися кінець, але я сумніваюсь що буде щось краще.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz is determined to stop the deadly Villalabos cartel once and for all. With two sons dead, it is now daughter Daria who wants the honourable task of killing Veranda. Framing rival Salazar would be an added bonus.

But a booby trapped coyote body and another bombing that destroys Veranda's house both fail to kill the feisty detective. Daria is demoted by her father but the crazed woman ignores his orders to stop and sets up a final plan to kill both Veranda and Salazar in order to claim her place as heir to the Villalobos cartel. And Veranda defies a direct order from her boss in order to end this stand-off for good.

This was a gritty, thrilling read in the Veranda Cruz mystery series.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Veranda Cruz as protagonist but these romantic interests of her bore me. They need to go!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Veranda Cruz Mysteries. Although, I did not know this when I read it. However, the writer gives enough and key background information for the reader to feel as if this was a stand alone book.

Veranda Cruz is a Phoenix homicide detective who has vowed to take down the Villalobos Cartel and is now facing the only woman in the Villalobos family, Daria Villalobos. Daria is ruthless and fearless and wants to be the head of the cartel. All she needs to do is to eliminate Veranda.

This is a good pace mystery, action, thriller that engages you from the very first page. The writing is really good and the story flows effortlessly. All of the supporting characters are well thought out and interesting. And of course, it is also great to have a book with two very powerful female leads.

Overall, I give this book 5/5. I would definitely recumbent it to my friends and family.

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal conclusion to the Veranda Cruz series. It was definitely my favorite book of the trilogy. For starters, it was the best paced book of the series, staying fast paced, high stakes, and packed with emotions. I flew through it, loving every page. I also loved the resolution to Veranda’s character arc. She changed so much over the course of the books and came out stronger and more sure of herself despite the trauma she went through. Maldonado writes truly amazing characters, and while Veranda was my favorite the other characters were equally well done. I particularly loved Chuy. And the Villalobos family. They were an incredibly complex villain family and had their own unique development over the course of the series. Of course, there were little things I struggled with in this book. I have mixed feelings about the ending of the book. I also hated almost every male character in this series except for Sam. But overall I enjoyed this book and found it a fantastic conclusion to a series that I highly recommend.

[LeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

She will never learn

I have enjoyed this series, but have grown weary of Veranda's rogue behavior. There's dedicated and then there's stupid. In this book it was stupid. I don't know if there is a book 4 and right now I don't if I will read it if there is because when you create a character who is courageous and intelligent and then make her stupid it ruins the story you are telling.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

With each book things get more and more precarious for Veranda. She really can't let her vendetta against the Villalobos go, nor will they stop gunning for her. This book really pulled out some great secrets, another Villalobos sibling, which surprised me and not at the same time and we finally get to know who the Rook is, which totally surprised me!

While Veranda was going after the Villalobos she and her team took some big hits, some that hit very close to home. I also wasn't surprised at the length that Veranda went to, even if it might cost her, her job. I get why everyone is worried about her, but even if she would give up, they wouldn't.

I do like the move that Veranda made at the end, to take something horrible that was forced on her and turn it into something she can be proud of.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hoped this one would wrap up the series. I feel like the storyline is getting stretched a bit thin.

[James Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book based off the recommendation of the RealBookSpy. I will say I was not disappointed. Veranda Cruz wants to destroy the Villalobos Cartel and will not stop until she has taken the Cartel down. Because what the Cartel has done to her and her family, she is out for revenge. The worst part is the head of the Villalobos Cartel is her father. She will not let anything get it her way even if it cost her family, friends or co-workers.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very talented Ms. Maldonado has become quite the local celebrity with appearances on TV and at book fairs while winning awards for her writing. This is the third book in her Veranda Cruz series and it is the best yet. Pitting Veranda against the female wannabe head of her father's drug cartel, the author is able to give us two strong female characters. From the tight, action-filled opening chapter, the author keeps up an unrelenting pace that makes the pages almost turn by themselves. Book one set the scene and introduced us to Veranda, her family and her dark secrets. In book two the action was relentless and the ending left the reader anxiously waiting for the next book. The author delivered big time. She brings her vast experience as a law enforcement officer to every crime scene so that they all ring with truth. This terrific series is a natural for the big screen. Veranda is a complex, fully realized character who is headstrong and driven. This series is a great addition to the burgeoning Phoenix crime writing scene. Mark your calendars for the March 2019 release date.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Phoenix Homicide Detective Veranda Cruz series begins with a body found in a warehouse. The man has been tortured, shot and bears a tattoo on his chest…the sign of the Villalobos cartel. Veranda knows that this is the work of Daria Villalobos, daughter of El Lobo aka Hector Villalobos head of the cartel. Veranda is the illegitimate daughter of El Lobo and has spent the past two years trying to bring down the cartel. Daria wants to kill Veranda to find favor with her father as she has every intention of becoming the new head of the cartel. This is a gritty story and there is no forgiveness, only death, for those who fail at what is expected of them. It is a little more violent than the murder mysteries that I usually read, but for those who like a thriller that will keep you up all night, turning the pages, this book and series is for you. Veranda will fight the cartel and is not afraid to take on the members of her own department as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[David taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from start to finish, I have enjoyed reading all the books by this author, I have never read so many books in one year, in fact I would be lucky to read one and now here I am reading four in a short space of time which I never thought I would do. Full credit to isabella for such great writing and I really can't wait until the next book is released

[Robin St. Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Blow is a really great read for lovers of hard-hitting crime thrillers. I haven't read any previous Veranda Cruz novels, but I was able to jump right in and enjoy the story. The characters were all very engaging--even the villains, frightening as they are, were interesting to read about. Veranda is a likeable heroine who is definitely not perfect. Although she made some decisions I was yelling at her not to, there was always a well developed motivation for it. She's a great, tough, kick ass protagonist. I loved how many characters were Latinx, something I don't often see in the genre. In addition, the plot was well-paced and I never felt bored. Overall I really enjoyed reading, and I look forward to the next one!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veranda versus Daria. Yes, this is a showdown between two women, one a law enforcement officer and the other a cartel head. Veranda Cruz won't back down when she's trying to fight the drugs which are ruining lives in Phoenix, which is why Daria wants her gone. This is the only series I know where there are two women facing off against one another. Both of them are well written and believable. Maldonado has made good use of her own background to keep this from going over the top. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Bunny Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veranda Cruz is a character you can fall in love with. Maldonado pens an exciting, easy read that has a satisfying ending all the while drawing the reader into the Latina culture of the US southwest. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.

[T Olsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book for wasting time, as there is a story, but the plot is horrible. A drug cartel is basically a business, and as it's a criminal business they try NOT to draw attention to themselves. And how stupid would a police officer (or any sane person) be to behave like the main character here?

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading: February 28th 2025

"Sometimes, you can't walk away from a situation. The odds are stacked against you, so you do whatever it takes to survive."

REVIEW

WARNING: another unpopular opinion review!!

I have a weak spot for drug cartel related crime thrillers, so of course I was drawn to this series as soon as I first heard about it. I really enjoyed the first two books, and I've been looking forward to see how it will all end... Unfortunately, Death Blow didn't quite work as well for me as the previous books. Don't get me wrong: the pace is without doubt fast and there is plenty of action and danger to be found along the way. I just don't think it was credible anymore for the main character to be constantly almost killed or kidnapped without anyone actually doing something to protect her. I mean, in this book alone she escaped death multiple times, but those who work with her still let her leave a party alone? Sorry, but that is just too hard to believe. I was also really put off by the machismo jealousy vibe multiple male characters present when they are close to Veranda, and especially since they aren't even her boyfriend (with the exception of Cole, who I still hate). Her boss Diaz is so far over the line that it isn't visible anymore, and his behavior made me wish someone would just shoot him. Why Veranda never complained about him and set internal investigations on him is beyond me to be honest. As for the plot... To much repetition of what happened in the previous books, and as a result the story fell a bit flat for me. Like I said before, you can only escape death so many times before it just isn't believable anymore. I was disappointed by the ending as well, which basically left things wide open and wasn't satisfying at all. In fact, it felt more like a cliffhanger for a next book rather than a proper ending... All in all it wasn't exactly the sequel I hoped to find after enjoying the first two books.

[Manolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book, I wasn't sure if this would be the last one of the series, now I'm praying to see the announcement there will be a 4th one.

The story starts just 6 weeks after the incidents on the 2nd book (Phoenix Burning). So in case anyone asks, YES you have to read these books in order.

I like the way the story and characters progress. Veranda is a really cool woman detective, but I like that she's not a super woman. I mean, she's smart, strong, knows how to fight, etc.
But behind that, she can lose a fight, she can cheat or be cheated even with something that we knew could happen, but in that moment you understand that she didn't think of it because her mind was elsewhere. Again, very real-life, easy to believe.

I think that's probably what gets me more engage with this books, aside of having a good story, what happens is credible. Each of the main characters have their strengths, but they can be fooled when their situation changes.

In this book we see the continuation of the internal fights within the cartel, with Salazar gaining more weight in the board (because he's doing things better than the rest), so El Lobo's children are pissed off with that, but even though they don't trust each other enough to make a common front.
Veranda is blinded with everything cartel-related, so she'll jump directly even if everything and everyone around her tells her the opposite. At some points I'm surprised family, friends and team mates keep supporting her. I think that at the end, they all understand that aside of her personal battle, she's chasing them (her way) because nobody else is doing enough.

The story progress in the logical way (cartel always 1 step ahead, but police closing the gap). There are some surprises, but without any doubt, the biggest one is on the last page.
Still having some big questions about topics unresolved in this book. Will see what happens next! Enjoy your reading!

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death Blow is third in the Vera Cruz series. Crime isn't pretty, the drug cartel isn't a glorified TV show. The human trafficking, arms dealing, computer hacking, and illegal drug trade is an all too real ugly, dark reality. I appreciate this adult fictional series (all of which I've read) portrayal of the many law enforcement agencies working to shut down such activity. It's a grim, sometimes unpleasant, story of greed, power, corruption, murder and obsession.
Detective Veranda Cruz is part of the Homicide Unit in the Phoenix Police Department. Her partner is dependable and reliable Sam Stark.  She's still attempting to shut down the Villalobos family cartel, based in Mexico City with activity growing in Phoenix. Diabolical El Lobo and his evil alphabetical offspring are expanding their illegal  business, even hacking police computer databases and phones.
Being El Lobo's daughter and wearing his wolf’s head tatoo doesn't protect Veranda from the kill order he issues. He pits daughter, Daria, against his illegitimate son, Salazar to succeed him as head of the cartel.
Lieutenant Richard Diaz and Cole, her sort of boyfriend, continue to vie for her attention, while despising each other. Special Agent Nicholas Flag with the Department of Homeland Security was a new character in the case. Agent Javier Ortiz, with the ATF, was also a good new addition to the plot.
Veranda has to rely on Chuy, one of her many cousins, and his girlfriend, Tiffany, when there are bombs, fires and explosions. The action never ceases as the quest to take down the cartel escalates.
While I appreciate Veranda's strong female character and family loyalty, I'm ready for her to take on a new case and chapter in her life. It is a fictional character and some scenarios push reality. I am a bit weary of the Villalobos family, anxiously awaiting her next case.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably my least favorite book of the series so far. The first two books dealt with Veranda's fight against the cartel and so far she has succeeded in removing two of the three Villalobos children. This book focuses on Daria - the next heir up to bat...or is she?

We have gotten lots of information about the Villalobos family by this point. We now know about the personal relationship Veranda has with the cartel. We are also now aware of another possible "heir" that the Senior Lobo has decided to move up.

I had a problem with a few things in this book. Probably the biggest problem was with the character of Daria herself. To put it bluntly, I didn't like her. She's an antagonist so liking her isn't a requirement, in fact, I usually DON'T like them. What bothered me was that she was just an awful person (I guess everyone in that family is) but it seemed even worse because she was a woman. Wow. Writing that I realize that this is a pretty sexist thought, but I did think it so I'm not sure how I should feel about that. Adolfo was awful, but he had glimmers of decency (not many, but a couple) Daria, she had absolutely NOTHING that was decent. Even when the two siblings were being targeted by their father, at least Adolfo offered Daria an olive branch. Daria on the other hand, threw Adolfo under the bus every time she could. She had so much resentment built up that any decency she might have had was demolished.

Then there was the odd relationships that Vernada has with those around her. I'm not sure if there is supposed to be a set up for multiple love interests with the fireman and the lieutenant but it is clumsy. It doesn't really flow - then there is the agent from Mexico? Meanwhile, Veranda is not the most likeable character so it is a little hard to root for her. She has a tendency to push away anyone who cares for her.

Anyway, it feels like we have made it through three books yet not made any progress. I guess the word I am feeling right now is frustrated. Will I continue? At this point, I'm not sure.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth Isabella Maldonado book that I have read, and they have all been really good. This is the third volume in the Veranda Cruz series, and I would not be surprised if there is not two or three more. Veranda is a Phoenix investigator/detective, and she has declared war on the Villalobos Cartel from Mexico. She started this war because she believed that the cartel was responsible for the death of her father and brother; but it has turned into much more than that. This time the cartel is making every effort to end the war, by eliminating Veranda. The story is filled with action and suspense, and all kinds of twists, turns, and detours. The further into the book you get, the more you can't stop reading; because you want to know what is going to happen next. If you like the action, suspense, thriller books, I would recommend the books of Isabella Maldonado. I am anxiously awaiting next June, when the next one comes out.

[Book_Eater_Reviews✍ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn’t much I can say about Isabella Maldonado’s books that I haven’t said before. In my opinion she’s the best writer in this genre and I think her edge comes from her own experience living and breathing this life.

🔍 The attention to detail is meticulous and the plot so well thought out and constructed, I never see the twists and turns coming.

🚨Another thing I love is the female villain. Daria was utterly despicable. I had a sense of dread every time she appeared and her unpredictable behaviour made my skin crawl, especially with the hints at how she kept her guards in line.

💃🏻 Every character is so well fleshed out, but I especially love Chuy and Tiffany. They’re just amazing, and the scene with her parents was a highlight.

🐺 I really loved the last chapter.

Rating- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

❗️Cliffhanger ending
✅ Available on KU

[Globug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third novel in the series, detective Veranda Cruz continues her pursuit of the Villalobos crime family. Daria Villalobos is determined to become the next leader of her crime family and plots to eliminate Veranda to solidify her control of the cartel. In the meantime, hitman Salazar is contracted by Hector Villalobos, the head of the crime family, to murder Veranda. Whoever succeeds in killing Veranda will have the upper hand in becoming the cartel's next leader. Veranda is now in the race for her life from not one, but two, deadly assassins.
This series is fast-paced and engaging. I would recommend reading the first two stories in the series before reading Death Blow as it will make the plot line easier to follow. If you enjoy crime novels, I highly recommend this series.

[Arleen D · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first two books in the series, the third felt like a rehash with the same plot albeit with different characters. Detective Veranda Cruz doubles down on her personal vendetta against the Villalobos cartel and crosses lines that would have gotten her fired instantly in the real world. While the writing of the scenes are as intense and graphic as the first two books, the characters around Veranda seem to have had their development stunted --- they're cardboard cutouts in the background against which she plays off her obsession to bring down the cartel. While this had me rooting for her in the first book, by the third book I was, "girl, put your brains on!" I almost DNF because of the incredibly bad decisions made by this character.

[Trisha Phillips-Leith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I think Isabella Maldonado is a fantastic author! She is great at character development and plot lines. I always find myself invested her protagonists and their lives. I was introduced to her writing "The Cipher" back in 2022 and have been a fan ever since. I loved this series as well, but... I really feel like there was no closure. El Lobo is still alive, we found out who "The Rook" is and that he is working to help Salazar escape. It's quite obvious that Diaz is in love Veranda but it seems like there is some unknown history there. I think this story could be wrapped up quite nicely with a book 4 and I know Isabella Maldonado had stated she was working on #4, but that was a couple years ago. I am ready and waiting for that promised book!

[think for yourself · Rating 2 out of 5]

Я гадала, що це кінець трилогії, а виявляється ні. І за 3 роки з 2021 немає ніякої інформації про продовження, дивно так. Проте мені не хочеться більше продовжувати цю історію.

Для цієї серії більш ніж достатньо 3 книг. Прямо це був максимум для цього сюжету, бо тут вже почалися повтори.

І мене задовбали всі чоловіки, які як самці крутяться навколо героїні. Пробачте, проте це якось все брудно виглядає, неначе вони не можуть стримувати свої почуття біля самки, у якої менструація. Навіть брат героїні любить і хоче її як жінку, це вже просто 🤨 Я сподівалась на закінчення всього цього кровавого екшену, а воно не зупиняється ніяк, тому я самостійно зупиню це все.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Isabella Maldonado's books. Randomly found her when a friend of mine wrote a book and he was at a book fair at the Tempe Library, and so was Isabella Maldonado. Because she was a local author with a great personal backstory and the book took place in AZ, I bought her first book. That led me to owning all that have been released, aside from the new one, which is a collab. All her books have great character development, supporting characters have purpose, and the storylines are intriguing and cohesive. You can not go wrong with a book written by this author. Bonus: Strong, smart female leads. A lot of her characters are based in South Phoenix, where I grew up.