Phoenix Burning

Veranda Cruz Mystery Series, Book 2

By: Isabella Maldonado

Narrated by: Raquel Beattie

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

Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz has vowed to bring the Villalobos crime family to justice, but when a wave of violence in the city escalates, she is forced to confront her darkest fear.

Adolfo Villalobos is a crime boss who's determined to stake his claim. To prove that he's ready to run his family's sprawling criminal empire, he devises a plan to silence his siblings and destroy Veranda, leaving a trail of destruction through downtown Phoenix that makes national headlines.

Veranda believes the task force she's been assigned to lead will end Adolfo's reign of terror, until his revenge takes a cruel - and highly personal - twist.

The cunning scheme devastates Veranda, who struggles with secrets from her past that may end her career. And her life.

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Isabella Maldonado (P)2021 Tantor

Intriguing Intersections

Slow-moving storyline made this book intriguing. Would have liked to have gotten deeper with the other supporting characters

Absolutely gripping!

I love these characters and story lines. I will definitely pre-order the next book. I have not been disappointed and highly recommend this series.

Strong Woman

Veranda can stand up to anyone who threatens her or her family. Not as many twists in this one, but lots of love and faith and loyalty. Bravo!

Fair.

Good plotting but she constantly feels she must explain. Repetitive. She has a love affair with the word “sardonic.” Some of the characters are too stock and not believable.