Barracuda Bay. Detective Emilia Cruz, #9

Political corruption turns Acapulco's first female police detective into a fugitive on the run in Washington DC."A thrilling series" -- National Public RadioIn a derelict building for sale, Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz stumbles on the body of a woman brutally shot to death. Incredibly, the victim was the sister of Acapulco's ambitious mayor, who is running for re-election against an opponent with deep pockets.
Emilia's investigation is immediately under pressure for a fast result. The victim's ex-boyfriend has a suspiciously weak alibi but is the crime scene the key to finding the murderer? The building was once used for a secret Mexican government operation targeting a ruthless drug lord. Meanwhile, there's a conspiracy within the police department to force Emilia out. Before Emilia can save her job or arrest her prime suspect, she's sent on an errand of mercy to Washington, DC.
It's a set-up. Emilia becomes a fugitive, hunted by killers masquerading as cops. Alone, desperate and on the run, Emilia turns for help to a man she once vowed to murder. Her brother. From cartel violence in Acapulco to the intrigue-filled streets of Washington, DC, the stakes couldn't be higher in this electrifying, page-turning thriller. 2019 and 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series - CrimeMasters of America"Emilia is a character who is close to my heart" - MysterySequelsWith unflinching authenticity from the author's own espionage and counterdrug experience in Mexico and Central America, this is a female police detective mystery series like no other.
The Detective Emilia Cruz series is for fans of international mystery and crime by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Donna Leon and Liza Marklund, plus the Department Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Fans of Don Winslow's cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico love the plots torn from the headlines of the Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco.