Pacific Reaper

A Detective Emilia Cruz Novel

De: Carmen Amato

Narrado por: Leanne Maksin

Acapulco’s first female police detective finds herself entangled in the deadly web of a voodoo-like cult. In the remote Coyuca Lagoon, where Hollywood's iconic Rambo was filmed, Emilia and her partner stumble upon a grisly crime scene—a man sacrificed on an altar to Santa Muerte, Mexico's forbidden saint of death. Drug cartels are often associated with the worship of Santa Muerte and it’s clear that the killer meant to send a savage message. But who was supposed to get it? The answer comes in the form of gory gang murders displayed on city billboards.

As Emilia investigates the string of homicides, everyone close to her has a near-death experience. Bad luck? Or has Emilia been cursed by the so-called Skeleton Saint? Determined to stop the killings, Emilia goes undercover as a worshiper on the eve of the Day of the Dead, immersing herself in the dark world of Santa Muerte and all that is unholy. But as secrets begin to unravel, so does her life.

After a 30 year career as a CIA intelligence officer, Carmen Amato writes mysteries and thrillers loaded with intrigue and action. Listeners who love murder mystery police procedural series by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Peter May, as well as the Department Q novels and Don Winslow's cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico, also love Detective Emilia Cruz’s complex plots, fast action, pulse-pounding suspense, and international location.

Two-time Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series — CrimeMasters of America

This gripping police procedural mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final tick.

Don't miss your chance to experience the heart-stopping suspense and unyielding determination of Detective Emilia Cruz in her most dangerous police investigation yet.

©2017, 2023 Carmen Amato (P)2025 Carmen Amato

Dark, intense, and impossible to pause.

Pacific Reaper: A Detective Emilia Cruz Novel pulled me in from the very first scene and did not let go. Set in Acapulco, the story follows Detective Emilia Cruz as she investigates ritualistic murders tied to the worship of Santa Muerte. What starts as a grisly crime scene in Coyuca Lagoon quickly spirals into cartel violence, public displays of brutality, and the chilling possibility that Emilia herself may be marked.

The atmosphere in this book is incredible. The setting feels raw and vivid, you can almost feel the heat, tension, and danger surrounding every step of the investigation. The cult elements and Santa Muerte symbolism add a haunting layer that makes the story feel darker and more unpredictable than a typical police procedural.

What really stood out to me is how personal the stakes become. As Emilia digs deeper, everyone around her seems to be in danger. You start questioning whether it’s coincidence, cartel strategy, or something more ominous. When she goes undercover during the Day of the Dead, the suspense ramps up even more. I genuinely couldn’t stop listening.

I experienced this story through the audiobook, and the narrator, Leanne Maksin, did a fabulous job. She brought so much emotion and intensity to Emilia’s character that I felt fully immersed. The pacing was spot on, and every tense moment felt amplified. I found myself looking for excuses to keep listening.

It’s definitely a standalone story, you won’t feel lost if this is your first time reading the series, but be warned: you’re going to want the next book immediately. It leaves you hanging in the best possible way. There are unanswered questions and threads that linger, but they’re handled so skillfully that it feels intentional rather than frustrating. It just makes you crave more of Emilia’s story.

If you enjoy gritty international crime fiction with complex characters and high-stakes investigations, this one is absolutely worth your time. Dark, gripping, and fast-paced, it kept me on edge until the very end, and beyond.

Exciting and entertaining.

This is Book 5 of 9 in this series, but my first time with this author. I wasn't lost, but I can see where there was past events, too. It certainly has an exciting plot, wonderful characters. Very well written. It left me wanting more. I want to hear more of Emilia Cruz!

Leanne Maksin presents this Acapulco murder mystery so well. Her Hispanic accent and proper pronunciation bring authenticity to this story. She brings feels and angst to the action. 5 stars for her as well.