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
New Book Release: DRAGON CARTEL offers torn-from-the-headlines scenario
The wait is over! The ebook edition of DRAGON CARTEL is out and available on all platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and lending platforms, too. The paperback edition releases 30 June. The audiobook will hit Audible later this year. DRAGON CARTEL is…
DRAGON CARTEL, the next Detective Emilia Cruz mystery, coming 16 June
Get ready for the next Detective Emilia Cruz mystery set in Acapulco! DRAGON CARTEL releases 16 June 2026 in ebook format on all platforms. Look for the paperback edition on 30 June in all your favorite online bookstores. No date yet for the audiobook, but Leeann…
New Reader Hub! Crime fiction lovers, this is for you
If you’ve ever finished one of my books and wished you could see a map of the place? Find out more about the characters or even taste the cocktails served at the Pasodoble Bar . . . Well, now you can. Presenting the new Reader Hub here on carmenamato.net! What’s…
The next name they stitch could be yours or mine
When I was growing up, embroidery was a common craft. Everyone knew the basics: chain stitch, blanket stitch, satin stitch. My mother made cocktail napkins decorated with tiny daisies and embroidered geometric designs on clothing and hand towels. When preppy fashion…
A Crime Fiction Lesson from Jennifer Aniston
The low tire pressure light came on. I pulled off the highway, found a gas station and put air in the tire. But air continued to bleed out all the way home. So I watched tv Twelve hours later, I stared dully at a chirpy morning show in my local Firestone shop’s…
If you went missing, would you want the government or your mother to look for you?
If you go missing in Mexico, your family becomes the search party. If the government looks, chances are high someone will fumble the search. Out of incompetence? Or something more sinister? Eleven years ago this month, 43 students disappeared. From the Ayotzinapa…