Mystery author
&
ex-CIA intel officer
Award-winning crime fiction loaded with danger and deception.
Personal experiences occasionally thicken the plot.
MY CUSTOM READING JOURNAL FOR MYSTERY LOVERS
My quest for the perfect reading journal became MYSTERY AHEAD, the around-the-world keepsake reading journal for mystery lovers.
This 250-page oversized paperback journal guides you around the world, with descriptions of 7 regions from Africa to the Americas. Then find mini-reviews of favorite mystery series set in each region, space for your TBR bucket list, 84 blank book review pages with easy prompts, and the opportunity to reflect on what you have learned along the way.
The format is clean and crisp, with easy-on-the-eyes print. Find favorite book quotes from each region as you chart your way through the pages.
A thoughtful gift for book club friends, grandparents, teachers and other armchair travelers.
Find it on Amazon and all other online bookstores.
NEW! 2nd EDITIONS
The 2nd edition of the Detective Emilia Cruz series is out now from publisher Laurel & Croton!
While the new paperbacks retain the eye-catching covers by artist Matt Chase, the exterior back covers and interior content is redesigned with larger text and a more consistent look for all (so far) 8 complete novels.
The spines are numbered so you can get all the books in order, too.
Book distributor Ingram liked the new look so much that CLIFF DIVER was featured on their BookShop.org store!
The new editions are available on Amazon and all other online bookstores.
Have you met Detective Emilia Cruz?
The first female police detective in Acapulco takes on cartels, corruption and Mexican machismo.
Poison Cup award for Outstanding Series, 2019 & 2020, CrimeMasters of America; Silver Falchion Award for Story/Collection, 2019, Killer Nashville
Join me at the Galliano Club
Lido, NY. 1926. At the height of Prohibition, trouble is always on tap at the Galliano Club.
Based on tales told by my late grandfather, a former Deputy Sheriff of Oneida County, NY.
Grab a Standalone Thriller
Your ticket to layers of deception, high-wire action, and relationships with heat.
- EXTRAS -
FREE STARTER LIBRARY
2 novellas and Who's Who guide to the Detective Emilia Cruz series.
FAQs
CIA career, writing process, and more.
Odds and Ends
"Lost" scenes, locator maps, dreamcasts, photos, etc.
About me
After 30 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, I write crime fiction loaded with danger and deception.
My family tree includes a deputy sheriff, a mayor, a Mensa genius, and a murderer who escaped a manhunt--never to be seen again.
I've survived one train derailment, three earthquakes, 19 international moves, and have mastered the most efficient way to kill a scorpion.
I also love to hear from fellow readers. Drop me a line at carmen@carmenamato.net and join the Mystery Ahead newsletter. I'll share 3 insider secrets from CIA days when you do.
