A KILLER'S CODE

4.5 stars out of 5

Although I'm somewhat familiar with a different FBI agent from another of this author's series, Nina Guerrera, this is my first encounter with Daniela Vega. Dani seems to be a little harder around the edges, and she has unique talent as a codebreaker that, of course, comes in handy in this story (the third book in this series).

Hit man Gustavo Toro died as hard as he lived, biting the dust while working under cover with Dani. She didn't trust him, but she trusted him, if that makes much sense. Turns out he wanted to bare his soul after he died, so he prearranged some kind of message that promised to take down some high-powered people and reveal secrets he'd been keeping during his years of being a killer-for hire. Problem is, even after the video he left is found, it's not straightforward; it's done in code that leaves Dani and her team with a real challenge - especially after it becomes clear that some of the bad guys involved with Toro are desperate to find a woman who knows too much. Now, it becomes a race for Dani to interpret the "clues" and find her before they do.

The details of that race, of course, is the engine that drives this fast-paced story, and the whole thing sure grabbed my attention and held it from start to finish. For the record, not having read previous books in the series wasn't a problem for me, although as always, I advise starting any series at the beginning. In the end, also as always, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good one!

A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado (Thomas & Mercer, January 2025); 344 pp.

FATAL INTRUSION

4 stars out of 5

Having read and enjoyed books by both these authors - make that a bundle by Mr. Deaver, long a favorite of mine - you can only imagine my delight at getting my eyes on this one. That it's the first in a series only added to my excitement. Well, now that I've finished, I admit to being a little less excited - but looking forward to the next one nonetheless.

Most of the hitches in the gitalong, I think, come from simply trying to establish the backgrounds and personalities of the main characters - Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and college professor and computer security expert extraordinaire Jacoby (Jake) Heron. They have a history of sorts, one that Sanchez, at least, isn't eager to reignite; for now, they're sort of in a hold-hands-to-keep-from-fighting relationship. But while they end up forging some semblance of cohesiveness, they never seemed to really "connect" with each other - nor, for that matter, with me; neither is someone with whom I'm eager to go share a beer (though I probably wouldn't turn down an offer from Jake if he asked).

While she's at work, Carmen receives a text that her mostly estranged sister, Selina, is the victim of an almost fatal knife attack. Because of the relationship, Carmen's boss, Eric Williamson, won't assign her to the case, so she asks for leave so she can investigate on her own. Although Selina can't identify her attacker, she did catch a glimpse of a unique tattoo; other clues, including another murder, lead to the suspicion that a dangerous serial killer is on the prowl. Because her department cronies are off-limits (and that Jake owes her a favor), Carmen reluctantly turns to him for help; they form a somewhat uneasy alliance with the common goal of catching a deadly but elusive killer.

In the mix are chapters from the killer's perspective, plenty of twists and a little too much in-depth descriptions of such things as roulette - actually, kind of interesting to me, though, so I won't complain much. The ending wrapped things up as well as brought fodder for the next installment, so I'm now looking forward to seeing how - or if - these two different personalities get it together when their new adventure begins (bring it on - I'm more than ready). Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get in on the action by way of a pre-release copy.

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado (Thomas & Mercer, September 2024); 434 pp.

THE CIPHER

 5 stars out of 5

This book, the first in a series, was an Amazon First Reads choice that looked intriguing. And you know what? It is. Not only did I enjoy it thoroughly, but I'm now looking forward to the next one.

To be sure, it's on the grisly side; FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera was the victim of almost unspeakable acts done by a serial killer/rapist back when she was 16. She turned out to be the one who got away - but not without a ton of physical and emotional scars. As this book begins, she's jogging on a Virginia trail during off hours and is attacked. She overpowers her attacker, but as tends to happen in these days of instant "news," the whole thing was captured on video and uploaded to the Internet.

And therein lies a problem: Her attacker of many years ago was watching - and now he knows where she is. Worse, he's decided to play some games before he finally recaptures Nina; he'll kidnap others who resemble her, torture and kill them and leave mysterious clues for her to follow in hopes of preventing an attack on yet another victim. Because the clues often contain numbers and symbols, he's dubbed the "Cipher."

But now, Nina has the full power of the FBI behind her - including Dr. Jeffrey Wade, the Behavioral Analysis Unit guy who nearly got her booted out because he thought her judgment couldn't be trusted. He, too, has emotional scars from the nasty ending of another case for which he blames himself, but they've got no choice but to work together. A couple of other capable members join their team - one a cybersecurity expert - so the race is on to identify the guy before he strikes again (or worse, manages to recapture Nina herself). 

I can't reveal more without spoiling things for other readers, but I can say The rest is packed with action as well as psychological analyses for which the BAU is well known. What happens isn't always pleasant, but it sure is exciting. Well done!

The Ciphor by Isabella Maldonado (Thomas & Mercer, November 2020); 332 pp.