Pacific Reaper

Acapulco's award-winning first female police detective finds herself trapped in the deadly web of a voodoo-like cult.

"A thrilling series." -- National Public Radio

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 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 of fear and intimidation.

But who was supposed to find this chilling message?

The answer comes when a rival gang retaliates, leaving a trail of macabre crimes displayed on city billboards.

As Emilia investigates the murders, everyone close to her has a near-death experience.

Bad luck? Or has Emilia been cursed by the so-called Skeleton Saint?

Determined to see the murder investigation through to the end, Emilia goes undercover as a worshipper on the eve of the Day of the Dead, immersing herself in the dark world of Santa Muerte and all that is unholy.

As secrets begin to unravel, so does her life.

After a 30 year career as a CIA intelligence officer, Carmen Amato writes mysteries and thrillers loaded with intrigue and action. Readers who love police procedural series by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Peter May, as well as  the Department Q novels and Don Winslow's cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico, also love Detective Emilia Cruz's complex plots, fast action, pulse-pounding suspense, and exotic location.

2019 and 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series -- CrimeMasters of America

"Carmen Amato has created a compelling, complex, well-rounded and durable character . . . PACIFIC REAPER is a great read and a great reason to pick up the other books in Amato's Emilia Cruz series." -- Jim Nesbitt, author of the Ed Earl Burch detective series.

With unflinching authenticity drawn from the author's own counterdrug experiences in Mexico and Central America, this is a female police detective mystery series like no other.  

Don't miss your chance to experience the heart-stopping suspense and unyielding determination of Detective Emilia Cruz in her latest and most perilous adventure yet.