Pacific Reaper - Detective Emilia Cruz, #5

Acapulco's first female police detective finds herself caught in the deadly web of a voodoo-like cartel cult.

"A thrilling series." -- National Public Radio 

In Mexico's remote Coyuca Lagoon, where Hollywood blockbuster Rambo was filmed, a man is sacrificed on an altar to Santa Muerte, the forbidden saint of death.

Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz knows that Santa Muerte is worshipped by drug cartel killers. The so-called Skeleton Saint's image is used to intimidate rivals.

But who was supposed to find this chilling message?

The answer comes when a rival gang retaliates, leaving a trail of grisly crimes displayed on city billboards. 

As Emilia investigates the murders, everyone close to her has a near-death experience. Bad luck? Or has Emilia been cursed? 

Determined to see the murder investigation through to the end, Emilia goes undercover as a Santa Muerte follower making a pilgrimage on the eve of the Day of the Dead. 

As the cult of Santa Muerte draws her in, secrets unravel. Will Emilia's entire life be sacrificed to the Skeleton Saint? 

Back-to-back winner, Outstanding Series Award -- CrimeMasters of America 

This isn't just fiction. It's the reality of a nation in turmoil. Author Carmen Amato, who earned the National Intelligence Award for her counterdrug efforts, infuses the Detective Emilia Cruz series with authenticity and suspense from her own experiences during her long CIA career. 

Detective Emilia Cruz takes you into the chaos and beliefs of Mexico's narco underworld. The plots are ripped from not only today's headlines, but a deep understanding of what lies beneath, where every moment is a race against a dark reality and exposes a system where the innocent are vulnerable and justice is a luxury. 

Perfect for lovers of Shetland and Department Q thrillers as well as Don Winslow's Mexican cartel and border thrillers.