The Serpent's Bridge

The Serpent Series, Book 1

By: S.Z. Estavillo

Narrated by: Zara Eden

Compelling dialogue, rich, gritty prose, and characters you won’t forget — if you loved The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson, or Ink and Bone by Lisa Unger, you’ll love The Serpent’s Bridge.

Recovering alcoholic Detective Anaya Nazario remains haunted by her father's murder. Lucas Nazario was the highest-ranking Puerto Rican LAPD detective, and his case has gone unsolved for twenty-four years since his murder. When Mexican immigrants are targeted by a serial killer, Nazario senses a connection and fights to keep the leadless case open. The homicide investigation centers on Sanctuary Baptist, a church composed of immigrants led by Pastor Stan and his wife. Nazario's personal and professional worlds collide when she is compelled to collaborate with her former lover, Special Agent Blake Huxley. As their lives merge once more, the FBI and Detective Nazario stop at nothing to find a killer.

Is this the same monster who killed her father and left him for dead under a bridge? Can she put a stop to the murders before more families lose loved ones?

©2024 S.Z. Estavillo (P)2025 S.Z. Estavillo

Good detective story.

Was not a big fan of the narrator. good story. Little bit of spice but not too miluch. Suprise ending.

Gritty But Timely

Ripped out of the headlines, The Serpents Bridge tackles ICE and the deaths of those that "society" has deemed unwanted.
S,Z. Estavillo has created a beautifully flawed character but nothing that keeps her from being someone you want to read about and cheer on. The narration really brings Anaya to life as well as gives the other characters their unique voices. This is no cozy mystery and isn't for everybody. But if you like your thrillers dark and gritty, then this is for you!

Such a good story!

Did not see the ending coming! Great pacing, storytelling and character development. I rarely read detective books, but this one made me want to start reading more. I'm definitely going to get the other books in the series!

A Basic Police Drama

It was an okay story with a few unexpected twists ... especially toward the end ... which made it an entertaining at least. The MC was a bit too much (as only a washed up drunk with a busted knee and way too much drama can be). Unfortunately the narration, while generally decent, didn't help much (it is hard to id a specific reason though other than it just didn't seem natural to me). The primary issue I had with the over all story though was that it was way too focused on the drama and not enough on the mystery ... capitalizing on the current extremes within the current immigration debate in the US with a tad too much preaching ... and of course more relational drama than I thought I was getting. In addition to that, there was frequently a hyper focus of details that really didn't advance the plot much (I don't need to know everything on the dinner plate or the specific model and caliber of every gun unless it is relevant to the mystery here).

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#TheSerpentsBridge #TheSerpentSeries #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited

Loved This Gritty Thriller

The Serpent’s Bridge was incredibly well done. I was surprised by how hooked I was right from the start. The story unfolds through three POVs—the detective, the pastor’s wife, and the witness—and every single voice feels completely distinct. The narrator did an amazing job bringing them to life, but the writing itself is what truly stands out. Sharp, clean, and so well crafted.

The dialogue is rich and realistic, and the entire novel has this grounded crime-fiction realism—if that’s even a genre. But that’s exactly how SZ Estavillo writes: cinematic, raw, and believable. I loved the detective/police-procedural elements, the twists and turns, and all the rabbit holes. I genuinely didn’t know who the serial killer was until the very last chapter.

Thematically, the immigration storyline added so much depth, while the human flaws and vulnerabilities in each POV made them feel fully lived-in. I also appreciated the romance B-story—it enhanced the narrative without overwhelming it.

I purchased both the digital copy and the audiobook, and I’m glad I did. The audiobook added a whole new dimension with the performances, but the digital version was equally compelling. I highly recommend the Serpent Series by SZ Estavillo — it’s exceptionally well written. Five stars all around.