Death Blow

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.

Praise for Death Blow“If you’re in the mood for a nonstop exposé of every fear you’ve ever had about cartel crime, Veranda Cruz is the woman to follow.” ―Kirkus Reviews“Finally! A kick-ass female protagonist and an author who knows firsthand the world she writes about. The combination makes for an explosive read that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go.” ―Alex Kava, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Lost Creed“Red alert to all readers of police procedurals with a strong thriller bent: Isabella Maldonado’s Death Blow delivers nonstop action with substance, grit, and surprises.” ―Lisa Preston, author of The Clincher“Gritty, raw, and realistic, Isabella Maldonado’s Death Blow is the real deal.” ―Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of the Detective Byron mystery series“A gritty, gut-wrenching, page-turning thriller featuring a woman cop bent on bringing down a twisted cartel leader for reasons of her own. Death Blow grabs you from the first jaw-dropping scene to the last, and Maldonado’s stellar writing weaves it all together.” ―Jamie Freveletti, internationally bestselling author of Blood RunPraise for the Veranda Cruz series“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“A highly entertaining police procedural…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