Pacific Reaper
by Carmen Amato
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Description
Awards & Endorsements
Author(s)
Carmen Amato
Related Titles
| Publisher | Author Carmen Amato |
| Publication | Oct 09, 2025 |
| Format | Paperback/Softback |
| ISBN | B0FVG8BPN3 |
| Pages | 385 |
| Age | 18 - 99 |
| Price | $17.99 |
Pacific Reaper
Acapulco's first female police detective finds herself entangled in the deadly web of a voodoo-like cult.
In the remote Coyuca Lagoon, where Hollywood's iconic Rambo was filmed, Emilia and her partner stumble upon a grisly crime scene—a man sacrificed on an altar to Santa Muerte, Mexico's forbidden saint of death. Drug cartels are often associated with the worship of Santa Muerte and it's clear that the killer meant to send a savage message. But who was supposed to get it?
As Emilia investigates, everyone close to her has a near-death experience. Bad luck? Or has Emilia been cursed by the so-called Skeleton Saint?
Don't miss your chance to experience the heart-stopping suspense and unyielding determination of Detective Emilia Cruz in her most dangerous police investigation yet.
PACIFIC REAPER is the 5th book in the Detective Emilia Cruz series featuring the first female police detective in Acapulco as she confronts cartels, corruption and social inequality amid the hunt for Mexico's missing. The setting, characters, and connection to current events in Mexico make this a highly appealing series for international readers.
Author Carmen Amato learned a few things about danger, deception and resilience during a 30-year career with the CIA focusing on counterdrug and technical collection. Now those lessons play out on the page, especially in the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series set in Acapulco. Starting with CLIFF DIVER, the series is a back-to-back winner of the Poison Cup Award for Outstanding Series from CrimeMasters of America.
Reviews, Awards & Endorsements
Felix Contreras, host, ALTLatino, National Public Radio
"Carmen Amato has created a character that deserves to be recognized as an equal alongside well known favorites by created by by Hammett, Larson and Padura. I can’t wait to spend more time with Detective Cruz."
Author
Carmen Amato
CIA veteran Carmen Amato is the author of the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series pitting the first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico's cartels, corruption, and social inequality amid the hunt for Mexico's missing. Starting with Cliff Diver, the series is a back-to-back winner of the Poison Cup Award for Outstanding Series from CrimeMasters of America. Optioned for television, National Public Radio hailed it as “A thrilling series.”
Carmen is also the author of the Galliano Club historical fiction thrillers inspired by her grandfather who was a deputy sheriff in New York during Prohibition. Murder at the Galliano Club won the 2023 Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical. Revenge at the Galliano Club, was a finalist for the same award in 2024.
Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.
A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
A judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, her essays have appeared in Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications.
Originally from upstate New York, Carmen's experiences in Mexico and Central America ignited her writing career. After years of globetrotting, she currently resides in Tennessee.