When a brutal turf war hits Phoenix, Detective Veranda Cruz is forced to confront a deadly adversary who holds a secret that could destroy her in an explosive thriller by the bestselling author of The Cipher.

Detective Veranda Cruz is still reeling from her last battle with the Villalobos crime family when one of their enforcers carries out a brazen attack in the heart of Phoenix. The terrified public demands action, and Veranda is named lead detective of a new task force. Their mission: stop the violence before it engulfs the city.

Adolfo Villalobos is next in line to rule the criminal dynasty. Cunning, ambitious, and tech-savvy, he devises a brilliant strategy to sabotage the task force and humiliate Veranda before killing her. He begins by manipulating a police operation to eliminate his competition, then leaks devastating information that costs Veranda her gun and badge.

Framed as a traitor and left to her own devices, Veranda has only one chance at redemption: stay out of Adolfo's crosshairs long enough to stop him before he also takes away her family, her freedom-and her life.

Revised edition: This edition of Phoenix Burning includes editorial revisions.

About the Author
Isabella Maldonado is an award-winning international and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose books are published in twenty-five languages. Her work includes the Nina Guerrera series, the Daniela Vega series, the Veranda Cruz series, and the Sanchez & Heron series with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver. Isabella 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 the Fairfax County Police Department near the nation's capital, 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. After retiring, Isabella moved to Phoenix, where she began her second career as a novelist, using her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.

Reviews

Praise for Phoenix Burning

One of Book Riot's Best 25 Suspense Books

"Maldonado's a writer to watch, and she showcases her own extensive law enforcement background in this tightly plotted police procedural." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Maldonado, a former law enforcement officer, brings her experience and expertise to this gripping police procedural. With its gritty heroine, this action-packed mystery will attract readers who enjoy crime novels about the war on drugs." -Library Journal

"Phoenix may be burning, but Maldonado's star is rising. Gritty and gripping." -J.A. Jance, New York Times bestselling author

"Maldonado's writing always bristles with urgency and authority." -MysteryScene Magazine

"Delivers a brilliant and complicated heroine, accentuated by a take-no-prisoners plot...It's spicy, smart, and entertaining." -Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

Praise for Blood's Echo

Winner of the Mariposa Award for Best First Novel

"A highly entertaining police procedural...Hang on tight for the ride of a lifetime across Southern Arizona as Maldonado rises to her written challenge to entertain, enthrall, and engage readers in this high-octane thriller." -Suspense Magazine

"[A] tense thriller with a strong sense of place and an insider's look at some of the most dangerous work in law enforcement." -Jan Burke, New York Times bestselling author

"The Phoenix sun isn't the only thing burning in this thrilling debut, and I look forward to more." Shannon Baker, bestselling author of the Kate Fox mystery series

"An ex-narc leads a war against a powerful crime family. The payoff is satisfying." Kirkus Reviews

Book Information
ISBN 9781662536632
Author Isabella Maldonado
Format Paperback
Page Count 301
Imprint Thomas & Mercer
Publisher Amazon Publishing
Weight(grams) 318g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 19mm