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Nina Guerrera #3
The Falcon
Special Agent Nina Guerrera and her FBI team are called in to investigate a string of disappearances as a predator stalks the grounds of an elite university. They piece together clues revealing the dark mind of a killer compelled to fully conquer his victims before they die using a combination of behavioral psychology, Stockholm Syndrome, and Falconry techniques to control his captives. Nina must face her greatest failure―and her greatest fear―to stop a deadly hunter before he claims another prize
333 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
1478 people are currently reading
4493 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
September 20, 2024
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Falcon.
What does one do about a killer compelled to fully conquer his victims before they die using a combination of behavioral psychology, Stockholm Syndrome, and Falconry techniques to control his captives?? What can I say? This guy was downright creepy!!
I've really enjoyed this series and The Falcon was quite the nail-biting ride to read! It's a police procedural but also an FBI investigation. I love every member of the FBI team that Nina is a part of. From the first time that young spitfire, Bianca, showed up in the series, I have loved her! She is now 18 years old, quirky, and downright brilliant. She adds so much to the series! It's been really nice seeing Nina's character growth.
If you love books about falconry, Egyptian mythology, serial killers, puzzles, strong female protagonists, and don't mind a wee bit of gruesome detail, this one is for you! (Although this book is part of a series, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.)
What does one do about a killer compelled to fully conquer his victims before they die using a combination of behavioral psychology, Stockholm Syndrome, and Falconry techniques to control his captives?? What can I say? This guy was downright creepy!!
I've really enjoyed this series and The Falcon was quite the nail-biting ride to read! It's a police procedural but also an FBI investigation. I love every member of the FBI team that Nina is a part of. From the first time that young spitfire, Bianca, showed up in the series, I have loved her! She is now 18 years old, quirky, and downright brilliant. She adds so much to the series! It's been really nice seeing Nina's character growth.
If you love books about falconry, Egyptian mythology, serial killers, puzzles, strong female protagonists, and don't mind a wee bit of gruesome detail, this one is for you! (Although this book is part of a series, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.)
November 9, 2024
Much more than the hyped psychological thriller reads, this book surprised me. It's such a page turner!
Now I am planning to add every book by the author and read them all!
I didn't expect to become a great fan our female protagonist in the series. And now I am!
She's smart, comforting and so like the imperfect perfect adult who I would love to inow more about. She's the FBI agent Nina Guerrera.
Again, I didn't expect to love a detective story this much!
Plot: Six female undergraduates disappeared. Things become more chaotic with the media and the concerned families demanding action to solve the issue. We are dealing with a calculative, master mind of a serial killer here. Nina wants to do something before the killer strikes their next hunt.
It's such a fast paced read. The entire team working with the main character is very convincing. Never have I read such an action packed detective/FBI crime read this page turning in the past few months.
Get ready for a good twist!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the advance reading copy.
Now I am planning to add every book by the author and read them all!
I didn't expect to become a great fan our female protagonist in the series. And now I am!
She's smart, comforting and so like the imperfect perfect adult who I would love to inow more about. She's the FBI agent Nina Guerrera.
Again, I didn't expect to love a detective story this much!
Plot: Six female undergraduates disappeared. Things become more chaotic with the media and the concerned families demanding action to solve the issue. We are dealing with a calculative, master mind of a serial killer here. Nina wants to do something before the killer strikes their next hunt.
It's such a fast paced read. The entire team working with the main character is very convincing. Never have I read such an action packed detective/FBI crime read this page turning in the past few months.
Get ready for a good twist!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the advance reading copy.
March 22, 2024
Another 5 stars to my favorite character and favorite author….
Now while this novel seemed shorter than the previous 2…. Maybe it’s my imagination but I flew through it…. Only work stopped me from reading it in one sitting.
Absolutely loved Nina and the gang… but more than that the way Nina is developing as a character had me in tears by the end of the book with one scene almost making me throw my kindle across the room.
Seriously highly recommend this series and am looking forward to reading more of Nina.
Now am off to reread the series from the beginning.
Now while this novel seemed shorter than the previous 2…. Maybe it’s my imagination but I flew through it…. Only work stopped me from reading it in one sitting.
Absolutely loved Nina and the gang… but more than that the way Nina is developing as a character had me in tears by the end of the book with one scene almost making me throw my kindle across the room.
Seriously highly recommend this series and am looking forward to reading more of Nina.
Now am off to reread the series from the beginning.
July 11, 2022
FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera continues to evolve. As a member of a core specialized FBI team, she is really coming to her full potential. I love the other specialized team members as well and how they work together as a team. This book, as well as the entire series thus far, is really well done. I can't wait for the next book. It has quickly become a favorite of mine!
July 15, 2022
The Falcon
July 12, 2022
Book Review
The Falcon
Isabella Maldonado
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons and ended on the 324th episode on 2/19/20 after attracting a legion of fans. Rejoice fellow junkies! Another elite team of FBI agents have been formed by Isabella Maldonado.
This is the third Special Agent: Nina Guererra book in the series, which keeps getting better. Your fix is right here! The Falcon follows A Different Dawn and Guererra’s debut in The Cipher. This tantalizing thriller can be enjoyed as a standalone as Maldonado expertly supplies the necessary backstory. Expect Nina Guererra to explode into your living room, as Netflix has plans to adapt “The Cipher” with Jennifer Lopez cast as Nina.
Maldonado utilizes her more than two decades of law enforcement to bring reality to this twisty addition to the lore of the elite members of the B.A.U.. (Behavioral Analysis Unit). Five beautiful young undergrads at the elite AIF (Arizona Institute of Technology) in Phoenix, have vanished without a trace. No witnesses or video evidence of abduction, with campus cams mysteriously exhibiting glitches and deletions during relevant time intervals.
The FBI team has been called in after an extensive investigation by the AIT police has failed to reveal a substantial lead. The team is comprised of Special Agent Dr Jeffrey Wade, FBI’s most senior profiler (and effectively Nina’s mentor), Agent Kelly Breck, with an extensive background in both video forensics and cybercrime, Agent Jake Kent, ex-Navy SEAL trained in psychology, linguistics and behavioral profiling, and badass Agent Nina Guererra, who brings with her a background as a street cop and detective – all under the guidance of their boss, Supervisor , SSA, Gerard Buxton.
Nina has already gained notoriety in aiding in the resolution of a high-profile case in Phoenix. The local newspapers have given her the nomme de plume of “Warrior Girl.” Kelly is never without her laptop and her sassy attitude is softened by her southern accent. Nina’s back story is neatly revealed to compliment her ongoing motivation. Herself, an actual victim of the serial killer, known as “The Cipher” as a sixteen year-old teenager. The world watched as Nina was left with both psychological, emotional, and physical scars. This case has a visceral connection with Nina.
The investigation is further complicated when the reporters and TV cameras show up. The family is offering a fifty-thousand-dollar reward for information. Naturally for every actionable lead, the tip line will receive a hundred crank calls and dead ends .. and even false accusations designed to send the police after someone the caller despises. To make matters worse, the reporters film a stocky, balding man, wearing a purple Hawaiian shirt with his arm around the waist of one of the grieving co-eds’ mothers. He is none other than the self-proclaimed psychic detective, “Arthur Mage” – real name, Alvin Scrudd – and an often thorn in the side of Phoenix police. As always, praying on the fear and grief of victims’ family in exchange for notoriety and ultimately money.
Once the team arrives, a sixth co-ed is abducted, last seen on video kissing her boyfriend goodbye, followed by a brief video of her heading to her dorm before the cam recording goes wonky. While the team is engrossed with further investigation and establishing a profile a hiker stumbles upon a grisly scene in a remote, abandoned cave. Five bodies are found. Laid out on a slab of stone reminiscent of an ancient stone altar. Three were completely wrapped head to toe in strips of white cloth… the other two were nude, but covered in white granules that apparently was desiccating their bodies. This sick monster was making mummies of them. They no longer were tracking a kidnapper … but, rather hunting a serial killer.
Isabella Maldonado crafts a riveting and complex tale with concise and gritty prose that progressively ratchets up the suspense and tension resulting in a page-turner that can’t be put down. The narrative is told in a linear fashion with multiple points of view, including the unidentified monster, incrementally revealing his backstory and motivation, while progressively revealing his heinous actions. Along the bumpy ride, the reader is presented with multiple clues and possible suspects, as well as red herrings, defying the reader to solve the mystery.
Maldonado’s extensive law enforcement experience allows her to be both insightful and entertaining in exploring the many terms encountered in crime fiction.
Thanks to Isabella Maldonado for this wonderful ride. And to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Books for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully there will be many more enthralling cases with Agent Nina Guererra.
July 12, 2022
Book Review
The Falcon
Isabella Maldonado
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons and ended on the 324th episode on 2/19/20 after attracting a legion of fans. Rejoice fellow junkies! Another elite team of FBI agents have been formed by Isabella Maldonado.
This is the third Special Agent: Nina Guererra book in the series, which keeps getting better. Your fix is right here! The Falcon follows A Different Dawn and Guererra’s debut in The Cipher. This tantalizing thriller can be enjoyed as a standalone as Maldonado expertly supplies the necessary backstory. Expect Nina Guererra to explode into your living room, as Netflix has plans to adapt “The Cipher” with Jennifer Lopez cast as Nina.
Maldonado utilizes her more than two decades of law enforcement to bring reality to this twisty addition to the lore of the elite members of the B.A.U.. (Behavioral Analysis Unit). Five beautiful young undergrads at the elite AIF (Arizona Institute of Technology) in Phoenix, have vanished without a trace. No witnesses or video evidence of abduction, with campus cams mysteriously exhibiting glitches and deletions during relevant time intervals.
The FBI team has been called in after an extensive investigation by the AIT police has failed to reveal a substantial lead. The team is comprised of Special Agent Dr Jeffrey Wade, FBI’s most senior profiler (and effectively Nina’s mentor), Agent Kelly Breck, with an extensive background in both video forensics and cybercrime, Agent Jake Kent, ex-Navy SEAL trained in psychology, linguistics and behavioral profiling, and badass Agent Nina Guererra, who brings with her a background as a street cop and detective – all under the guidance of their boss, Supervisor , SSA, Gerard Buxton.
Nina has already gained notoriety in aiding in the resolution of a high-profile case in Phoenix. The local newspapers have given her the nomme de plume of “Warrior Girl.” Kelly is never without her laptop and her sassy attitude is softened by her southern accent. Nina’s back story is neatly revealed to compliment her ongoing motivation. Herself, an actual victim of the serial killer, known as “The Cipher” as a sixteen year-old teenager. The world watched as Nina was left with both psychological, emotional, and physical scars. This case has a visceral connection with Nina.
The investigation is further complicated when the reporters and TV cameras show up. The family is offering a fifty-thousand-dollar reward for information. Naturally for every actionable lead, the tip line will receive a hundred crank calls and dead ends .. and even false accusations designed to send the police after someone the caller despises. To make matters worse, the reporters film a stocky, balding man, wearing a purple Hawaiian shirt with his arm around the waist of one of the grieving co-eds’ mothers. He is none other than the self-proclaimed psychic detective, “Arthur Mage” – real name, Alvin Scrudd – and an often thorn in the side of Phoenix police. As always, praying on the fear and grief of victims’ family in exchange for notoriety and ultimately money.
Once the team arrives, a sixth co-ed is abducted, last seen on video kissing her boyfriend goodbye, followed by a brief video of her heading to her dorm before the cam recording goes wonky. While the team is engrossed with further investigation and establishing a profile a hiker stumbles upon a grisly scene in a remote, abandoned cave. Five bodies are found. Laid out on a slab of stone reminiscent of an ancient stone altar. Three were completely wrapped head to toe in strips of white cloth… the other two were nude, but covered in white granules that apparently was desiccating their bodies. This sick monster was making mummies of them. They no longer were tracking a kidnapper … but, rather hunting a serial killer.
Isabella Maldonado crafts a riveting and complex tale with concise and gritty prose that progressively ratchets up the suspense and tension resulting in a page-turner that can’t be put down. The narrative is told in a linear fashion with multiple points of view, including the unidentified monster, incrementally revealing his backstory and motivation, while progressively revealing his heinous actions. Along the bumpy ride, the reader is presented with multiple clues and possible suspects, as well as red herrings, defying the reader to solve the mystery.
Maldonado’s extensive law enforcement experience allows her to be both insightful and entertaining in exploring the many terms encountered in crime fiction.
Thanks to Isabella Maldonado for this wonderful ride. And to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Books for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully there will be many more enthralling cases with Agent Nina Guererra.
July 15, 2022
Book Review
The Falcon
Isabella Maldonado
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons and ended on the 324th episode on 2/19/20 after attracting a legion of fans. Rejoice fellow junkies! Another elite team of FBI agents have been formed by Isabella Maldonado.
This is the third Special Agent: Nina Guererra book in the series, which keeps getting better. Your fix is right here! The Falcon follows A Different Dawn and Guererra’s debut in The Cipher. This tantalizing thriller can be enjoyed as a standalone as Maldonado expertly supplies the necessary backstory. Expect Nina Guererra to explode into your living room, as Netflix has plans to adapt “The Cipher” with Jennifer Lopez cast as Nina.
Maldonado utilizes her more than two decades of law enforcement to bring reality to this twisty addition to the lore of the elite members of the B.A.U.. (Behavioral Analysis Unit). Five beautiful young undergrads at the elite AIF (Arizona Institute of Technology) in Phoenix, have vanished without a trace. No witnesses or video evidence of abduction, with campus cams mysteriously exhibiting glitches and deletions during relevant time intervals.
The FBI team has been called in after an extensive investigation by the AIT police has failed to reveal a substantial lead. The team is comprised of Special Agent Dr Jeffrey Wade, FBI’s most senior profiler (and effectively Nina’s mentor), Agent Kelly Breck, with an extensive background in both video forensics and cybercrime, Agent Jake Kent, ex-Navy SEAL trained in psychology, linguistics and behavioral profiling, and badass Agent Nina Guererra, who brings with her a background as a street cop and detective – all under the guidance of their boss, Supervisor , SSA, Gerard Buxton.
Nina has already gained notoriety in aiding in the resolution of a high-profile case in Phoenix. The local newspapers have given her the nomme de plume of “Warrior Girl.” Kelly is never without her laptop and her sassy attitude is softened by her southern accent. Nina’s back story is neatly revealed to compliment her ongoing motivation. Herself, an actual victim of the serial killer, known as “The Cipher” as a sixteen year-old teenager. The world watched as Nina was left with both psychological, emotional, and physical scars. This case has a visceral connection with Nina.
The investigation is further complicated when the reporters and TV cameras show up. The family is offering a fifty-thousand-dollar reward for information. Naturally for every actionable lead, the tip line will receive a hundred crank calls and dead ends .. and even false accusations designed to send the police after someone the caller despises. To make matters worse, the reporters film a stocky, balding man, wearing a purple Hawaiian shirt with his arm around the waist of one of the grieving co-eds’ mothers. He is none other than the self-proclaimed psychic detective, “Arthur Mage” – real name, Alvin Scrudd – and an often thorn in the side of Phoenix police. As always, praying on the fear and grief of victims’ family in exchange for notoriety and ultimately money.
Once the team arrives, a sixth co-ed is abducted, last seen on video kissing her boyfriend goodbye, followed by a brief video of her heading to her dorm before the cam recording goes wonky. While the team is engrossed with further investigation and establishing a profile a hiker stumbles upon a grisly scene in a remote, abandoned cave. Five bodies are found. Laid out on a slab of stone reminiscent of an ancient stone altar. Three were completely wrapped head to toe in strips of white cloth… the other two were nude, but covered in white granules that apparently was desiccating their bodies. This sick monster was making mummies of them. They no longer were tracking a kidnapper … but, rather hunting a serial killer.
Isabella Maldonado crafts a riveting and complex tale with concise and gritty prose that progressively ratchets up the suspense and tension resulting in a page-turner that can’t be put down. The narrative is told in a linear fashion with multiple points of view, including the unidentified monster, incrementally revealing his backstory and motivation, while progressively revealing his heinous actions. Along the bumpy ride, the reader is presented with multiple clues and possible suspects, as well as red herrings, defying the reader to solve the mystery.
Maldonado’s extensive law enforcement experience allows her to be both insightful and entertaining in exploring the many terms encountered in crime fiction.
Thanks to Isabella Maldonado for this wonderful ride. And to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Books for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully there will be many more enthralling cases with Agent Nina Guererra.
This Review was previously posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.com
The Falcon
Isabella Maldonado
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons and ended on the 324th episode on 2/19/20 after attracting a legion of fans. Rejoice fellow junkies! Another elite team of FBI agents have been formed by Isabella Maldonado.
This is the third Special Agent: Nina Guererra book in the series, which keeps getting better. Your fix is right here! The Falcon follows A Different Dawn and Guererra’s debut in The Cipher. This tantalizing thriller can be enjoyed as a standalone as Maldonado expertly supplies the necessary backstory. Expect Nina Guererra to explode into your living room, as Netflix has plans to adapt “The Cipher” with Jennifer Lopez cast as Nina.
Maldonado utilizes her more than two decades of law enforcement to bring reality to this twisty addition to the lore of the elite members of the B.A.U.. (Behavioral Analysis Unit). Five beautiful young undergrads at the elite AIF (Arizona Institute of Technology) in Phoenix, have vanished without a trace. No witnesses or video evidence of abduction, with campus cams mysteriously exhibiting glitches and deletions during relevant time intervals.
The FBI team has been called in after an extensive investigation by the AIT police has failed to reveal a substantial lead. The team is comprised of Special Agent Dr Jeffrey Wade, FBI’s most senior profiler (and effectively Nina’s mentor), Agent Kelly Breck, with an extensive background in both video forensics and cybercrime, Agent Jake Kent, ex-Navy SEAL trained in psychology, linguistics and behavioral profiling, and badass Agent Nina Guererra, who brings with her a background as a street cop and detective – all under the guidance of their boss, Supervisor , SSA, Gerard Buxton.
Nina has already gained notoriety in aiding in the resolution of a high-profile case in Phoenix. The local newspapers have given her the nomme de plume of “Warrior Girl.” Kelly is never without her laptop and her sassy attitude is softened by her southern accent. Nina’s back story is neatly revealed to compliment her ongoing motivation. Herself, an actual victim of the serial killer, known as “The Cipher” as a sixteen year-old teenager. The world watched as Nina was left with both psychological, emotional, and physical scars. This case has a visceral connection with Nina.
The investigation is further complicated when the reporters and TV cameras show up. The family is offering a fifty-thousand-dollar reward for information. Naturally for every actionable lead, the tip line will receive a hundred crank calls and dead ends .. and even false accusations designed to send the police after someone the caller despises. To make matters worse, the reporters film a stocky, balding man, wearing a purple Hawaiian shirt with his arm around the waist of one of the grieving co-eds’ mothers. He is none other than the self-proclaimed psychic detective, “Arthur Mage” – real name, Alvin Scrudd – and an often thorn in the side of Phoenix police. As always, praying on the fear and grief of victims’ family in exchange for notoriety and ultimately money.
Once the team arrives, a sixth co-ed is abducted, last seen on video kissing her boyfriend goodbye, followed by a brief video of her heading to her dorm before the cam recording goes wonky. While the team is engrossed with further investigation and establishing a profile a hiker stumbles upon a grisly scene in a remote, abandoned cave. Five bodies are found. Laid out on a slab of stone reminiscent of an ancient stone altar. Three were completely wrapped head to toe in strips of white cloth… the other two were nude, but covered in white granules that apparently was desiccating their bodies. This sick monster was making mummies of them. They no longer were tracking a kidnapper … but, rather hunting a serial killer.
Isabella Maldonado crafts a riveting and complex tale with concise and gritty prose that progressively ratchets up the suspense and tension resulting in a page-turner that can’t be put down. The narrative is told in a linear fashion with multiple points of view, including the unidentified monster, incrementally revealing his backstory and motivation, while progressively revealing his heinous actions. Along the bumpy ride, the reader is presented with multiple clues and possible suspects, as well as red herrings, defying the reader to solve the mystery.
Maldonado’s extensive law enforcement experience allows her to be both insightful and entertaining in exploring the many terms encountered in crime fiction.
Thanks to Isabella Maldonado for this wonderful ride. And to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Books for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully there will be many more enthralling cases with Agent Nina Guererra.
This Review was previously posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.com
March 13, 2023
This is the third installment of a relatively new series that I discovered recently. I like the MC, Nina Guerrera, that Isabella Maldonado has created. Nina is a strong, intelligent, savvy FBI agent who is a bit of a bad@$$ as well. I also like that Maldonado is former law enforcement as well as an FBI Quantico graduate, which gives credibility to her writing and stories.
The gangs all back, Nina, Wade, Kent, Breck, Bee and aunt Teresa. The team is on assignment in AZ to search for a serial killer and Bee, who is on a college tour of AZ Institute of Technology (AIT), is staying with Nina’s aunt Teresa. While the book summary is kind of vague about the storyline, the premise for the primary storylines center around an investigation of a serial killer at AIT. Nina’s team is brought in to assist the AIT police team as well as the Phoenix PD when the bodies of five of the missing are found in a Phoenix park. This is not a spoiler since it happened really early in the story.
During the first half of the story, Maldonado introduces most of the characters for the story, and Nina and the team develop a profile of the killer. The story flips back and forth between Nina and the killer. Nina’s story centers around the investigation of the abductions of the six victims, the deaths of the first five, the possible locations of where the sixth victim could be, and, of course, identifying the killer. The killers story centers around the abuse and torture of the sixth victim, and later a seventh victim.
In the second half, Nina and the team begin to zero in on who they think the killer is. The agendas of Nina and the team and the killer begin to merge around the 70% mark and the story becomes scary and intense for all the characters as well as the city of Phoenix. There were some scenes that got a little emotional for Nina that actually produced a bit of lump in my throat. I can get like that when I really like a character and get attached to it. Personally, I believe that’s a sign of a writer with some wonderful storytelling skills. The last 10% of the story wraps up the team’s case with a lead-in for the next installment.
Because I have to actually wait until the next Nina Guerrera book comes out, I’ve decided to check out Maldonado’s new series A Killer’s Game.
The gangs all back, Nina, Wade, Kent, Breck, Bee and aunt Teresa. The team is on assignment in AZ to search for a serial killer and Bee, who is on a college tour of AZ Institute of Technology (AIT), is staying with Nina’s aunt Teresa. While the book summary is kind of vague about the storyline, the premise for the primary storylines center around an investigation of a serial killer at AIT. Nina’s team is brought in to assist the AIT police team as well as the Phoenix PD when the bodies of five of the missing are found in a Phoenix park. This is not a spoiler since it happened really early in the story.
During the first half of the story, Maldonado introduces most of the characters for the story, and Nina and the team develop a profile of the killer. The story flips back and forth between Nina and the killer. Nina’s story centers around the investigation of the abductions of the six victims, the deaths of the first five, the possible locations of where the sixth victim could be, and, of course, identifying the killer. The killers story centers around the abuse and torture of the sixth victim, and later a seventh victim.
In the second half, Nina and the team begin to zero in on who they think the killer is. The agendas of Nina and the team and the killer begin to merge around the 70% mark and the story becomes scary and intense for all the characters as well as the city of Phoenix. There were some scenes that got a little emotional for Nina that actually produced a bit of lump in my throat. I can get like that when I really like a character and get attached to it. Personally, I believe that’s a sign of a writer with some wonderful storytelling skills. The last 10% of the story wraps up the team’s case with a lead-in for the next installment.
Because I have to actually wait until the next Nina Guerrera book comes out, I’ve decided to check out Maldonado’s new series A Killer’s Game.
July 15, 2022
I love this series so much! One of my favorites! Yet another great installment!
July 2, 2023
Гарне закінчення трьох книг. Відкрите серце - це те, чого я так хотіла для Ніни. Ця історія читалась мені складніше за попередні дві. Події в університеті з розробки новітніх технологій, тож трохи відповідної атмосфери. Місцями моторошно, але закінчення дуже тепле, тому сподобалось
February 20, 2022
Another 5 star read for me by Isabella Maldonado!
If you love thrilling, police procedurals centering around FBI investigations, behavioral analyst, serial killers, puzzles and strong female leads - you will love this series!
This is Book #3 in the Detective Nina Guerrera series and I just love it so much! I love when the whole crew is together and Nina had some amazing character development in this one. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here!
I COULD NOT put this down!! It was even better than I'd hoped it would be. This series is the best "police procedural" I have read! I love the attention to detail Maldonado gives the agents and cases. Reading this It's like watching an expertly done crime show.
Thank you Isabella Maldonado, athonas & Mercer and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication June 28th and I cannot recommend this series enough.
If you love thrilling, police procedurals centering around FBI investigations, behavioral analyst, serial killers, puzzles and strong female leads - you will love this series!
This is Book #3 in the Detective Nina Guerrera series and I just love it so much! I love when the whole crew is together and Nina had some amazing character development in this one. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here!
I COULD NOT put this down!! It was even better than I'd hoped it would be. This series is the best "police procedural" I have read! I love the attention to detail Maldonado gives the agents and cases. Reading this It's like watching an expertly done crime show.
Thank you Isabella Maldonado, athonas & Mercer and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication June 28th and I cannot recommend this series enough.
May 23, 2025
Дуже цікаво, і під кінець була навіть любовна лінія, хочеться ще продовження про Ніну Ґерреру💔
June 28, 2022
I have read none of the previous books in this series but now I will rectify that soon.
When several undergraduate students are missing without a trace, the pressure is building up more and more each day for the special agent Nina Guerrera and her close team.
I didn’t expect this kind of ride at all!
The story starts at full speed and never stops till the last page. So many turns and unpredictable twists that my head was spinning.
The most scary moments were probably the killer’s narrative for me. And to get his part and inner thoughts, it’s always a huge plus for me to enjoy fully a story.
I honestly did not know how this investigation will be solved and if they will catch the real villain.
I enjoyed seeing the friendship and teamwork as well. It helps depict Nina in a very real sense of strong and also emotional character. She has to battle her own demons while trying to find a balance and do better than other think of herself.
Overall, this is a wild ride, one that any pulse racing seekers will definitely enjoy.
🆓📖 Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
4.5 stars
When several undergraduate students are missing without a trace, the pressure is building up more and more each day for the special agent Nina Guerrera and her close team.
I didn’t expect this kind of ride at all!
The story starts at full speed and never stops till the last page. So many turns and unpredictable twists that my head was spinning.
The most scary moments were probably the killer’s narrative for me. And to get his part and inner thoughts, it’s always a huge plus for me to enjoy fully a story.
I honestly did not know how this investigation will be solved and if they will catch the real villain.
I enjoyed seeing the friendship and teamwork as well. It helps depict Nina in a very real sense of strong and also emotional character. She has to battle her own demons while trying to find a balance and do better than other think of herself.
Overall, this is a wild ride, one that any pulse racing seekers will definitely enjoy.
🆓📖 Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
4.5 stars
July 2, 2022
I loved the 1st book, liked the action of the 2nd but had a tough time with all the coincidences, and this one just didn't do it for me at all. I felt like it needed a lot of editing - my 8th grade English teacher was just yelling "SHOW DON'T TELL" in my head the whole time with all the extra explanations that didn't need to be in there (e.g., we don't need several sentences to tell us why she interrupted someone who was about to go off topic... just have her do it!). It read like an infomercial a lot of the time as well:
Nina: asks a question
Expert: "I'm so glad you asked, Nina! Here, I will recite the Wikipedia entry for this topic"
I had a tough time with the repetitive and drawn out psychoanalysis of main characters, too.
Nina: asks a question
Expert: "I'm so glad you asked, Nina! Here, I will recite the Wikipedia entry for this topic"
I had a tough time with the repetitive and drawn out psychoanalysis of main characters, too.
July 21, 2022
A cunning serial killer stalks the campus of Arizona Institute of Technology in Phoenix.
FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera and her team are working out of the Phoenix field office when they get the assignment to assist the AIT police after 5 female undergraduate students had vanished from the school campus. The women had started to disappear about 3 1/2 months earlier and the families insisted that the FBI be called in to help find the missing. It doesn't take long before the joint task force makes a chilling discovery in an abandoned mine -- and their findings show that a very unusual madman is at work.
This is the third in a series, but the first I have read. I was immediately captivated by the writing style and the main character, Nina, who is damaged (aren't they all?) by a horrific event that she endured as a teenager. I enjoyed the relationship of the FBI teammates and the details about their hunt for the unknown subject in the case. I won't say more about the perpetrator (spoilers), but the investigation has a lot of red herrings so it was hard to identify the unsub. I don't know if there will be more books featuring this team, but I definitely would like to read them and perhaps go back to the first. The only detractor was an overly long section of the thriller that describes captivity and behavior of one of the nabbed women. For some reason, reading about frantic escape efforts never quite appeals to me as much as the detective action. I really liked, however, finding out so much about the person responsible, their motives, profile, and techniques. All told, it was a very good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera and her team are working out of the Phoenix field office when they get the assignment to assist the AIT police after 5 female undergraduate students had vanished from the school campus. The women had started to disappear about 3 1/2 months earlier and the families insisted that the FBI be called in to help find the missing. It doesn't take long before the joint task force makes a chilling discovery in an abandoned mine -- and their findings show that a very unusual madman is at work.
This is the third in a series, but the first I have read. I was immediately captivated by the writing style and the main character, Nina, who is damaged (aren't they all?) by a horrific event that she endured as a teenager. I enjoyed the relationship of the FBI teammates and the details about their hunt for the unknown subject in the case. I won't say more about the perpetrator (spoilers), but the investigation has a lot of red herrings so it was hard to identify the unsub. I don't know if there will be more books featuring this team, but I definitely would like to read them and perhaps go back to the first. The only detractor was an overly long section of the thriller that describes captivity and behavior of one of the nabbed women. For some reason, reading about frantic escape efforts never quite appeals to me as much as the detective action. I really liked, however, finding out so much about the person responsible, their motives, profile, and techniques. All told, it was a very good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
June 7, 2022
(4.5) Looking over my shoulder at every sound, all the lights on. Then I laugh, thank goodness I am not this creepy psychos type. Yes, I know this is a book psychopath. Sometimes being old and fat comes in handy. I had no flipping clue who the serial killer was. Normally I guess 8 out of 10. Not here, this one threw me. Love, Love watching Nina grow within herself and her team. Family. I am so hoping there is another book. Bianca is a pistol, smart, courageous and her snark made me laugh.
I want to see what the changes will mean to the team and how determined Nina is to accept the pain and self deprecation she shared. Future possibilities are endless. I use to live in Scottsdale, and as this took place in Phoenix it was like going home. Isabella Maldonado shows her life experience with her police back ground and just knock this out of the park. Thank you Thomas and Mercer and thank you NetGalley for the arc. Thank you Isabella for sharing your writing passion!
I want to see what the changes will mean to the team and how determined Nina is to accept the pain and self deprecation she shared. Future possibilities are endless. I use to live in Scottsdale, and as this took place in Phoenix it was like going home. Isabella Maldonado shows her life experience with her police back ground and just knock this out of the park. Thank you Thomas and Mercer and thank you NetGalley for the arc. Thank you Isabella for sharing your writing passion!
April 26, 2023
Interesting premise
I like this author very much but this book kind of bored me. And I don't know why. The ending was fantastic but I had a hard time staying in the story. The bad guy is kidnapping pretty girls from a campus and trying to train them to be his girlfriend. but when He sees revulsion in their eyes he kills them and then tries to mummify them. Its crazy. and sick and twisted. I love Nina the heroine, and Bianca, a young girl she was saved from the streets but the story just dragged in the middle for me. But I am glad I read it and I look forward to more about Nina.
I like this author very much but this book kind of bored me. And I don't know why. The ending was fantastic but I had a hard time staying in the story. The bad guy is kidnapping pretty girls from a campus and trying to train them to be his girlfriend. but when He sees revulsion in their eyes he kills them and then tries to mummify them. Its crazy. and sick and twisted. I love Nina the heroine, and Bianca, a young girl she was saved from the streets but the story just dragged in the middle for me. But I am glad I read it and I look forward to more about Nina.
November 30, 2022
Another home run from Isabella Maldonado.
I love this series.
The books are engaging, compelling, and keep you guessing…even when you’ve thought you figured it out.
I love how I’m every single book the main characters continue to evolve. There’s no stagnancy here.
This book in particular was a really good story. It might be my favorite from the series, but I always say that. It wrapped up really nicely and makes me worried there won’t be a 4th book. It would be such a shame to end the series here!
I love this series.
The books are engaging, compelling, and keep you guessing…even when you’ve thought you figured it out.
I love how I’m every single book the main characters continue to evolve. There’s no stagnancy here.
This book in particular was a really good story. It might be my favorite from the series, but I always say that. It wrapped up really nicely and makes me worried there won’t be a 4th book. It would be such a shame to end the series here!
July 1, 2022
With this one Nina finds out she is vulnerable in a whole new way, a way she didn't think she was capable of, it was great to see. I think her life going forward is going to be so different in many ways, a very good thing.
The crime that Nina and her crew were there to help solve seemed so bad, young women disappearing from the college campus with no trace. They did a good job of slowly discovering things, even as they were led astray. Things got crazy towards the end, but they did manage to find the bad guy and rescue the last woman taken. I liked the after action talk between the team, they could see things more clear and see where they were pushed in different parts. It will probably cause them all to pause in the future and really think things through.
The crime that Nina and her crew were there to help solve seemed so bad, young women disappearing from the college campus with no trace. They did a good job of slowly discovering things, even as they were led astray. Things got crazy towards the end, but they did manage to find the bad guy and rescue the last woman taken. I liked the after action talk between the team, they could see things more clear and see where they were pushed in different parts. It will probably cause them all to pause in the future and really think things through.
June 28, 2022
The Falcon is the third book in the Nina Guerrera series, but the first I've read. I really liked the book and think it works well as a standalone novel. Nina is an FBI Special Agent assigned to a case in Phoenix, Arizona. Young women are disappearing from a college campus and the FBI has been called in to assist. I love the procedural elements of the book and the way Nina and her core team work together, each using their special skills and knowledge to contribute to the investigation.
Nina is a brave, smart main character who is trying to put past traumas in her life behind her. She doesn't give up even when facing danger or when the case turns personal. The Falcon is a well-written Procedural Thriller that is fast-paced and intense. I especially liked the procedural chapters. However, the chapters describing the predator's methods are disturbing and at times hard to read. However, overall I really liked the book and rated it 4.5 stars. I think fans of Lisa Regan or Jeffery Deaver would enjoy this book by Isabella Maldonado. I know I want to go back and read the book that comes right before this one in the series.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Thomas and Mercer. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Nina is a brave, smart main character who is trying to put past traumas in her life behind her. She doesn't give up even when facing danger or when the case turns personal. The Falcon is a well-written Procedural Thriller that is fast-paced and intense. I especially liked the procedural chapters. However, the chapters describing the predator's methods are disturbing and at times hard to read. However, overall I really liked the book and rated it 4.5 stars. I think fans of Lisa Regan or Jeffery Deaver would enjoy this book by Isabella Maldonado. I know I want to go back and read the book that comes right before this one in the series.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Thomas and Mercer. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 2, 2022
The Falcon by Isabella Maldonado
FBI Agent Nina Guerrera #3
Nina and team are in Phoenix looking for a serial kidnapper possibly murdering the young college students he takes. This time the case hits close to home when the last woman taken is very close to Nina.
What I liked:
* Nina: strong, smart, capable, has a difficult backstory, team player, cares deeply, feels she is incapable of loving as others do. She is small but mighty and someone I look forward to watching grow as the series progresses
* Bianca: a young woman important to Nina, difficult backstory, brilliant, hope she is in future books in the series
* Jake/Kent: ex-SEAL, member of Nina’s team, bright, lethal, cares for Nina more than he lets on – eager to see how he and Nina progress in the future
* Breck and Wade: members of the team that I want to know more about
* Perez: police detective in Phoenix and friend of Nina’s family – shows up periodically in the series
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, setting, and red herrings
* The tunnel aspect of the story – learned something new
* The tie-in to Egypt and Falconry
* All of it really except
What I didn’t like:
* The kidnapping murderer
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
FBI Agent Nina Guerrera #3
Nina and team are in Phoenix looking for a serial kidnapper possibly murdering the young college students he takes. This time the case hits close to home when the last woman taken is very close to Nina.
What I liked:
* Nina: strong, smart, capable, has a difficult backstory, team player, cares deeply, feels she is incapable of loving as others do. She is small but mighty and someone I look forward to watching grow as the series progresses
* Bianca: a young woman important to Nina, difficult backstory, brilliant, hope she is in future books in the series
* Jake/Kent: ex-SEAL, member of Nina’s team, bright, lethal, cares for Nina more than he lets on – eager to see how he and Nina progress in the future
* Breck and Wade: members of the team that I want to know more about
* Perez: police detective in Phoenix and friend of Nina’s family – shows up periodically in the series
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, setting, and red herrings
* The tunnel aspect of the story – learned something new
* The tie-in to Egypt and Falconry
* All of it really except
What I didn’t like:
* The kidnapping murderer
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 19, 2022
Special Agent Nina Guerrera is definitely one of my favourite fictional crime buster. She's oh-so-broken but yet oh-so-kick-ass!! And her loyal teammates are just the perfect foil to her solitary warrior outlook. As the mystery to her background was pretty much resolved in the last book, I was curious where the author was going to take Nina next and whether it will be comparably thrilling... no worries there, she's definitely got me engaged and I really can't wait to see Nina develop as a character in future.
I don't want to give too much away but The Falcon was an intriguing mix of Egyptology, psychology, falconry, technology, and so many other interesting bits which made the read really fascinating. There were some images which may be a lot paper in print but I had to skip reading because it was just too small on my basic kindle. Plus, one particular incident which didn't quite make sense to me but as I read an uncorrected proof, this might've been fixed for the final print. Otherwise, this series is becoming one of my favourites and I can't wait for book 4.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
I don't want to give too much away but The Falcon was an intriguing mix of Egyptology, psychology, falconry, technology, and so many other interesting bits which made the read really fascinating. There were some images which may be a lot paper in print but I had to skip reading because it was just too small on my basic kindle. Plus, one particular incident which didn't quite make sense to me but as I read an uncorrected proof, this might've been fixed for the final print. Otherwise, this series is becoming one of my favourites and I can't wait for book 4.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
July 1, 2022
I could not put this one down. I enjoyed getting to know Nina and her team more and appreciated the character development on her part. I loved the pace of this and really appreciate that it’s to the point but still thrilling. I hope the author writes more in this series because I’ve really grown to love the characters.
July 22, 2022
4.5 ⭐
This was one of my most awaited releases this year and safe to say it did not disappoint.
I adore Nina and her team through and through. All of them are such likable and intriguing characters that it just makes you want to know more about them. Action packed and filled with Egyptian history this thriller kept me guessing and entertained.
This was one of my most awaited releases this year and safe to say it did not disappoint.
I adore Nina and her team through and through. All of them are such likable and intriguing characters that it just makes you want to know more about them. Action packed and filled with Egyptian history this thriller kept me guessing and entertained.
April 11, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
Nina je so svojím týmom privolaná opäť k desivému prípadu. Z areálu prestížnej univerzity bez jedinej stopy miznú študentky. Ešte stále je malá nádej na záchranu poslednej unesenej, Melissy, ale ako pátrať po niekom, keď Nina nemá ani potuchy, ktorým smerom sa vydať? Spolu s miestnou políciou hrá boj o čas, každá minúta a aj najmenšia stopa môže byť rozbodujúca v boji proti šialenému psychopatovi.
Už tretie pokračovanie série s agentkou FBI je rovnako dobré, ak nie lepšie, ako predošlá časť. Celý prípad bol mrazivý a skutočne nechutný od samého začiatku a mne pri popisovaní pohnútok páchateľa behal mráz po chrbte. Rozhodne to nie je čítanie pre slabé žalúdky, lebo obete značne týral, najmä psychicky. Celý dej mal rýchly spád, pátranie bolo napínavé, plné zvratov a, aspoň pre mňa, s prekvapujúcich páchateľom. Lebo naozaj do poslednej chvíle som netušila, kto by to mohol byť. Pozdával sa mi aj Ninin duševný posun, naozaj malý krok po krôčiku stále viac dôveruje ľuďom okolo seba a začína veriť v lásku. Čo sa mi po jej zážitkoch z minulosti zdá takmer nemožné. Bola by som veľmi zvedavá, kam sa v osobnom živote posunie a dúfam, že sa dočkáme pokračovania série. A ak hľadáte napínavé krimi, od ktorého sa nebudete vedieť odtrhnúť, sériu s Ninou Guerrerovou by vám rozhodne nemala uniknúť.
Nina je so svojím týmom privolaná opäť k desivému prípadu. Z areálu prestížnej univerzity bez jedinej stopy miznú študentky. Ešte stále je malá nádej na záchranu poslednej unesenej, Melissy, ale ako pátrať po niekom, keď Nina nemá ani potuchy, ktorým smerom sa vydať? Spolu s miestnou políciou hrá boj o čas, každá minúta a aj najmenšia stopa môže byť rozbodujúca v boji proti šialenému psychopatovi.
Už tretie pokračovanie série s agentkou FBI je rovnako dobré, ak nie lepšie, ako predošlá časť. Celý prípad bol mrazivý a skutočne nechutný od samého začiatku a mne pri popisovaní pohnútok páchateľa behal mráz po chrbte. Rozhodne to nie je čítanie pre slabé žalúdky, lebo obete značne týral, najmä psychicky. Celý dej mal rýchly spád, pátranie bolo napínavé, plné zvratov a, aspoň pre mňa, s prekvapujúcich páchateľom. Lebo naozaj do poslednej chvíle som netušila, kto by to mohol byť. Pozdával sa mi aj Ninin duševný posun, naozaj malý krok po krôčiku stále viac dôveruje ľuďom okolo seba a začína veriť v lásku. Čo sa mi po jej zážitkoch z minulosti zdá takmer nemožné. Bola by som veľmi zvedavá, kam sa v osobnom živote posunie a dúfam, že sa dočkáme pokračovania série. A ak hľadáte napínavé krimi, od ktorého sa nebudete vedieť odtrhnúť, sériu s Ninou Guerrerovou by vám rozhodne nemala uniknúť.
June 5, 2022
FBI agent Nina Guerrera and her team are back, hunting down another serial killer. Like the other books in this series, the killer is highly intelligent and always seems one step ahead. Yet, Nina has proven time and time again, she won't give up without a fight.
This is the first book in the series where I correctly guessed the killer based on one small detail provided. But the author did a good job of trying to throw suspicion elsewhere, making me second guess myself. However, I never could have been able to tie the mysterious kidnappings to the title of this book. Very clever.
If you are a fan of this series like me, you've probably wondered if/when Nina would ever get a love interest. Given her past, I understand why relationships aren't for her. But some close calls in this book have her rethinking the future, given the reader just the slightest bit of hope. I'm eager to see where things lead.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
This is the first book in the series where I correctly guessed the killer based on one small detail provided. But the author did a good job of trying to throw suspicion elsewhere, making me second guess myself. However, I never could have been able to tie the mysterious kidnappings to the title of this book. Very clever.
If you are a fan of this series like me, you've probably wondered if/when Nina would ever get a love interest. Given her past, I understand why relationships aren't for her. But some close calls in this book have her rethinking the future, given the reader just the slightest bit of hope. I'm eager to see where things lead.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
October 27, 2023
#3
Thrilling, engaging story with twists and turns that kept me "kidnapped" until the very end. Highly recommend it to everyone who loves thrillers with dash of romance
Thrilling, engaging story with twists and turns that kept me "kidnapped" until the very end. Highly recommend it to everyone who loves thrillers with dash of romance
January 20, 2024
The Falcon is the third installment in the Nina Guerrera series by Isabella Maldonado, a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author.
This thrilling and suspenseful novel follows Special Agent Nina Guerrera and her FBI team as they investigate a series of disappearances and murders at an elite university.
Maldonado does a great job of creating a realistic and compelling story with complex and well-crafted characters. You will feel empathy for Nina, who is haunted by her past and struggles to overcome her fears, but also admiration for her courage and determination to stop the killer.
This book is a gripping read that explores the dark side of human nature and the power of mind control. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you and entertain you, this is one to check out...
This thrilling and suspenseful novel follows Special Agent Nina Guerrera and her FBI team as they investigate a series of disappearances and murders at an elite university.
Maldonado does a great job of creating a realistic and compelling story with complex and well-crafted characters. You will feel empathy for Nina, who is haunted by her past and struggles to overcome her fears, but also admiration for her courage and determination to stop the killer.
This book is a gripping read that explores the dark side of human nature and the power of mind control. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you and entertain you, this is one to check out...
January 29, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the copy of The Falcon. This is book three in a great series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. A benefit of reading the series from the beginning is seeing how the characters grow and learn. The writing was wonderful, as I knew it would be. It was a bonus to learn things while enjoying the story. I loved the intriguing story and was excited to see the profiling revealing so many interesting facts. I also loved how the facts were researched and how they mirrored the actions of the killer. These books just keep getting better and better! If you want a ‘smart thriller’ and appreciate great writing and characters you will love, this is the book for you!
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