Whenever the lust for drugs, money, and power lays claim to a city, brutality is never far behind. Phoenix detective Veranda Cruz is dead set on taking down the Villalobos Cartel, but the ruthlessness of her quarry demands a ruthless edge of her own.

Detective Veranda Cruz leads an elite task force on the Phoenix Police Drug Enforcement Bureau. Bartolo Villalobos is the heir apparent to the most powerful cartel in the world. No one in the department suspects the secret motive behind Verandașs obsession with the cartel . . . until an operation goes horribly wrong.

Targeted by an increasingly unstable drug lord, Veranda must protect her family and stay clear of adversaries within the force while she sets a trap for Bartolo. As the desert action heats up, Veranda and her new Homicide teamȔalong with an arson investigator who kindles a flame for herȔare all drawn into a deadly gambit. Taking down Bartolo is the ultimate goal, but is Veranda ready to trade life for justice?

Praise:

ȜMaldonado ratchets up the tension with each page, leaving you breathless as you race to the end.ȝȔRobin Burcell, bestselling author of The Kill Order

ȜIsabella Maldonado is off to a great start, giving us a tense thriller with a strong sense of place and an insiderșs look at some of the most dangerous work in law enforcement. This first Veranda Cruz novel will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next adventure.ȝȔJan Burke, New York Times bestselling author

ȜThe Phoenix sun isnșt the only thing burning in this thrilling debut and I look forward to more.ȝȔShannon Baker, bestselling author of the Kate Fox mystery series

Maldonado has crafted a top-notch thriller that will have police procedural junkies and thrill-seekers turning page after page, late into the night.ȔMaegan Beaumont, award-winning author of Carved in Darkness

About the Author

Isabella Maldonado retired from law enforcement as a Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During her long career, she was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award and a Lifesaving Award, and she was selected to attend executive management training at the FBI’s National Academy. Isabella is the immediate past president of the Phoenix chapter of Sisters In Crime. She lives in Mesa, Arizona. You can visit her at www.IsabellaMaldonado.com.