She's the first female detective
and the last honest cop in Acapulco
Detective Emilia Cruz Series
Experience the raw intensity of Mexico’s drug war through the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series.
This gripping international police procedural series follows Acapulco’s first female detective as she confronts cartels, corruption, and social inequality amid the hunt for Mexico's missing. Inspired by Carmen's own counterdrug expertise, the series delivers an authentic, insider look at the war on drugs.
If you crave strong female leads, gritty realism, and ripped-from-the-headlines suspense, brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Acapulco.
Explore the books then head over to the Acapulco Archive reader hub for the stories behind the stories.
"A thrilling series" - National Public Radio
2019 & 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series - CrimeMasters of America
2019 Silver Falchion Award, Best Short Story
Novels
Emilia investigates the death of a dirty cop in Detective Emilia Cruz Book 1.
Emilia hunts for a violent arsonist and a missing girl in Detective Emilia Cruz Book 2.
A rookie cop puts Emilia's life in danger in Detective Emilia Cruz Book 3.
Emilia gambles it all to save her partner in Detective Emilia Cruz Book 4.
Emiia goes undercover as a worshipper of Santa Muerte, Mexico's forbidden saint in Book #5.
Emilia confronts a mass disappearance: Inspired by Mexico's most notorious true crime.
Can Emilia deliver a dose of Mexican justice to a Russian killer in Book #7?
Emilia plays both a taxi driver and a movie star in the undercover role of a lifetime in Book #8.
Emilia investigates the bizarre murder of the mayor's sister in Book #9.
Emilia's hunt for a missing Customs inspector leads to a shocking international conspiracy.
Short Reads & Collections
This prequel collection of short stories captures Emilia's first years as a detective.
Emilia and her partner go undercover in this very unexpected Christmas murder mystery novella.
Emilia discovers a list that could be payments to dirty cops. Or is it something much more sinster?
The first 6 Emilia Cruz novels, plus exclusive bonus content. Kindle format only.
Spanish editions
This bilingual edition of a prequel short story won the 2019 Silver Falchion award for Best Short Story/Collection.
The Spanish edition of prequel short story collection, MADE IN ACAPULCO.
Spanish translation of CLIFF DIVER, the first novel in the Detective Emilia Cruz series.
#EmiliaCruz from the Blog
Mexico Transfers More Cartel Crime Bosses to US
In my previous career as a CIA intel officer, I focused on counterdrug efforts. Bringing Mexican cartel kingpins to justice was a big goal. So I gave a silent cheer when Mexico transferred 26 organized crime figures to the US this week. Federal Security Minister Omar...
Pigs help hunt for the missing in Mexico
“Pigs in human clothes are helping unearth the missing in Mexico.” The image of pigs dressed in Burberry plaid snuffling for truffles came to mind as I skimmed the headline. Over 130,000 people have gone missing in Mexico since 2006 with around 6,000 clandestine...
The impact of Martin Cruz Smith, author of the Arkady Renko series
Let’s talk about mentors for a moment Especially when you are taking on a new challenge, a mentor can show the way, guide you around obstacles, or simply be a sounding board. Being a mentor is a way of both giving back and helping others rise to their fullest...
Carlota/Claudia: Fictional Mayor vs Madam El Presidente
Carlota Montoya Perez, the fictional mayor of Acapulco in the Detective Emilia Cruz series, was “born” long before Claudia Sheinbaum became president of Mexico last year. (That’s her official presidential portrait.) Yet the two women, one fictional and one real, are...
BARRACUDA BAY Needs You
All books are born alone . . . without any reviews. Given that about 1% of readers actually take the time to write a review, those who do are truly rock stars. BARRACUDA BAY, the latest Detective Emilia Cruz novel, came out last week. The first reviews are in, too....
New Release! BARRACUDA BAY is the latest Detective Emilia Cruz mystery
The long-awaited continuation of the award-winning Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series is out now, taking you into the dizzying, dangerous world of money laundering and cross-border intrigue. BARRACUDA BAY is the 9th book with Emilia Cruz, the first female police...