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Emilia Cruz Mysteries #2
Hat Dance
Emilia Cruz, Acapulco's first and only female police detective, will risk a dance with the devil to catch an arsonist and find a missing girl. But the music comes with a price no honest cop can afford to pay.
By coincidence at the same restaurant as Acapulco's popular mayor, Emilia's date with hotel manager Kurt Rucker is cut short by an explosive fire that kills half of the mayor's security detail. Emilia is assigned to investigate what quickly is dubbed an assassination attempt on the politician.
Frightened by the fire and the raw emotion it has sparked not only inside herself but across the city, Emilia isn't helped by a boss who is more concerned with his own demons than hers, and a new partner who comes with a bad attitude. Moreover, Kurt Rucker could leave Acapulco for a lucrative new job in Belize.
When the involvement of the Mexican Army seems likely and would-be vigilantes post threatening videos on YouTube, Acapulco erupts with a wave of violent demonstrations. But even as pressure mounts for a fast arrest, Emilia remains bound by a promise to look for a girl who has disappeared from her own neighborhood. It doesn't take long before Emilia uncovers some nasty family secrets and turns to the city's most notorious hooker for answers, only to end up on the wrong side of a dirty Vice cop.
As fires, death threats, and the fallout from hasty decisions circle around her, Emilia will doubt both her skills as a detective and ability to survive amid the sharks. She'll start making deals for access and information, but the one she makes with the devil could be her last.
HAT DANCE is the second book in the Emilia Cruz mystery series. It follows CLIFF DIVER, the novel that Kirkus Reviews called "Consistently exciting . . . A clever Mexican detective tale that will leave readers eager for the series' next installment." The Emilia Cruz mystery series is as raw and action-filled as the headlines coming out of Mexico today, but just like the country, Emilia is both resilient and warm-hearted.
With hot nights on the beach and suspense straight out of the news, the series goes inside Mexico's drug war with a fearless style and a woman who will be hard to forget.
By coincidence at the same restaurant as Acapulco's popular mayor, Emilia's date with hotel manager Kurt Rucker is cut short by an explosive fire that kills half of the mayor's security detail. Emilia is assigned to investigate what quickly is dubbed an assassination attempt on the politician.
Frightened by the fire and the raw emotion it has sparked not only inside herself but across the city, Emilia isn't helped by a boss who is more concerned with his own demons than hers, and a new partner who comes with a bad attitude. Moreover, Kurt Rucker could leave Acapulco for a lucrative new job in Belize.
When the involvement of the Mexican Army seems likely and would-be vigilantes post threatening videos on YouTube, Acapulco erupts with a wave of violent demonstrations. But even as pressure mounts for a fast arrest, Emilia remains bound by a promise to look for a girl who has disappeared from her own neighborhood. It doesn't take long before Emilia uncovers some nasty family secrets and turns to the city's most notorious hooker for answers, only to end up on the wrong side of a dirty Vice cop.
As fires, death threats, and the fallout from hasty decisions circle around her, Emilia will doubt both her skills as a detective and ability to survive amid the sharks. She'll start making deals for access and information, but the one she makes with the devil could be her last.
HAT DANCE is the second book in the Emilia Cruz mystery series. It follows CLIFF DIVER, the novel that Kirkus Reviews called "Consistently exciting . . . A clever Mexican detective tale that will leave readers eager for the series' next installment." The Emilia Cruz mystery series is as raw and action-filled as the headlines coming out of Mexico today, but just like the country, Emilia is both resilient and warm-hearted.
With hot nights on the beach and suspense straight out of the news, the series goes inside Mexico's drug war with a fearless style and a woman who will be hard to forget.
338 pages, ebook
Published August 19, 2013
About the author
Carmen Amato
53 books356 followersFollowing a 30 year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Carmen Amato writes mystery and suspense, including the Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco. Emilia is the first female police detective in Acapulco, confronting Mexico’s cartels, corruption and social inequalities. The series recently won the Poison Cup award for Outstanding Series from Crime Masters of America and was optioned for television.
Originally from upstate New York, Carmen’s experiences in Mexico and Central America launched her fiction career. Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
Find out more at https://carmenamato.net
Originally from upstate New York, Carmen’s experiences in Mexico and Central America launched her fiction career. Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
Find out more at https://carmenamato.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 19, 2013
From the serenity of the luxurious Pasodoble Bar with its view of a bronze sunset to the flamboyant lucha libre on the wrestling stage of the Coliseo, author Carmen Amato keeps us captivated in scene after scene in Acapulco-based Hat Dance. Her authentic depictions of settings enrich your reading pleasure and make you feel as if you’re actually there.
In the lead role of Hat Dance is Emilia Cruz, a female detective who has no qualms about following dangerous leads that drop her right in the middle of the action. Dealing with volatile situations involving corrupt police to drug cartels to hookers demands brains as well as brawn, and Emilia doesn’t let us down. We are privy to her innermost thoughts from start to finish, which heightens the suspense when she’s forced to face her demons in more ways than one. Emilia is smart and tough on the job, yet caring and vulnerable in other aspects of her life—qualities that contribute to a well-rounded character that you can’t help but admire. The rest of the cast is painted with equally vivid strokes of realism, and I could easily picture Emilia’s interactions with them.
Hat Dance is an intricate mystery with well-paced twists and turns that will keep you guessing as the story progresses. The high caliber of writing alone is worth the read. A thrilling addition to the series!
In the lead role of Hat Dance is Emilia Cruz, a female detective who has no qualms about following dangerous leads that drop her right in the middle of the action. Dealing with volatile situations involving corrupt police to drug cartels to hookers demands brains as well as brawn, and Emilia doesn’t let us down. We are privy to her innermost thoughts from start to finish, which heightens the suspense when she’s forced to face her demons in more ways than one. Emilia is smart and tough on the job, yet caring and vulnerable in other aspects of her life—qualities that contribute to a well-rounded character that you can’t help but admire. The rest of the cast is painted with equally vivid strokes of realism, and I could easily picture Emilia’s interactions with them.
Hat Dance is an intricate mystery with well-paced twists and turns that will keep you guessing as the story progresses. The high caliber of writing alone is worth the read. A thrilling addition to the series!
June 29, 2022
I like Emilia. She is tough but also vulnerable. She comes from poverty but she didn’t turn to crime or give up. She has some trouble trusting (for a good reason) and she doesn’t ask for help when she probably should. I can’t imagine being a female cop who is trying to be honest when surrounded by many macho males who are on the take. She is in a rough position. I kept thinking that deep down her partner actually respects her but it never seemed like they made it to that place where they could trust each other. And her love interest gives a nice dimension to the story. He is a gringo, he lives among the wealthy, and yet despite their differences he really likes her for who she is. She has trouble believing him but I was happy about where it seems to be going. It was tough seeing Emilia so unwilling to open up and truly be in this relationship when it seems so obvious he likes her and respects her. He obviously wants to give her some peace and steadiness but she feels she doesn’t belong. It will be interesting to see how this relationship evolves and whether they can make it work.
August 10, 2017
Hat Dance is the second novel in the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series, set in Acapulco, Mexico. One evening Emilia is out for dinner with Kurt Rucker, her hotel manager boyfriend, when they witness an an arson attack, which is initially believed to be an assassination attempt on Acapulco’s popular female mayor. The attack triggers political repercussions, and the mayor wants Emilia and her partner, Franco Silvio, to target her main political enemy, the Army. At the same time Emilia is looking for a missing girl, as part of a personal case involving missing women in Acapulco. While the cases are not related, soon Emilia has her hands full with both.
Emilia is the first and currently only female detective on the force, and her struggles to be accepted by her colleagues seems to be just as difficult as they were in the first novel. She doesn’t get intimidated by anyone when it comes to solving the case, even when her superiors ask her to look the other way.
Hat Dance is an intricate mystery with fast paced twists and turns filled with excellent characters, plenty of action, and more than a few good plot lines. Amato excels at bringing Acapulco to life, describing the corruption reaching the highest levels of the political ladder, yet giving the reader glimpses of the wonderful people living there. I didn't love the first book of the series, Cliff Diver, but really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more of this excellent series.
Emilia is the first and currently only female detective on the force, and her struggles to be accepted by her colleagues seems to be just as difficult as they were in the first novel. She doesn’t get intimidated by anyone when it comes to solving the case, even when her superiors ask her to look the other way.
Hat Dance is an intricate mystery with fast paced twists and turns filled with excellent characters, plenty of action, and more than a few good plot lines. Amato excels at bringing Acapulco to life, describing the corruption reaching the highest levels of the political ladder, yet giving the reader glimpses of the wonderful people living there. I didn't love the first book of the series, Cliff Diver, but really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more of this excellent series.
April 16, 2014
This is a really good crime thriller. It captured my interest within a few pages and then I couldn't put it down! The main character is Emilia Cruz - a female police detective and we meet a wide range of other characters from bent cops to hookers, politicians and soldiers, all of whom are very well described.
The plot is good and we have a combination of a bombing campaign and a search for a missing girl, which keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The story is set in Mexico and the author brought the local culture vividly to life, which for me was the outstanding attraction of the book. Without being heavy handed in her writing, the author illustrates many of the challenges of being an honest and committed female police detective in Mexico. The author also highlights the problems the country faces with bribary, corruption, drugs and the role of the army.
I really enjoyed the main characters and look forward to reading the other books in the series. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime story with the added bonus of it revealing an insight to life in Mexico.
The plot is good and we have a combination of a bombing campaign and a search for a missing girl, which keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The story is set in Mexico and the author brought the local culture vividly to life, which for me was the outstanding attraction of the book. Without being heavy handed in her writing, the author illustrates many of the challenges of being an honest and committed female police detective in Mexico. The author also highlights the problems the country faces with bribary, corruption, drugs and the role of the army.
I really enjoyed the main characters and look forward to reading the other books in the series. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime story with the added bonus of it revealing an insight to life in Mexico.
December 4, 2013
In this exciting second installment in the Emilia Cruz mystery series, Emilia and her grudging partner Silvio investigate half a dozen suspects and possible motives for a series of arsons at high-end establishments in Acapulco. From bombs to Botox, this novel has it all. Crimes: arson, extortion, prostitution, narcotics, money laundering. People: politicians, detectives, vice cops, army generals, entrepreneurs, professional wrestlers, madams. Themes: gender and class discrimination, political corruption, narcotics cartel domination, and moral decline.
Too much? Not in the hands of Ms. Amato, who has a talent for weaving a wide array of characters, themes and story threads into a thoroughly engaging and believable adventure from start to finish. Emilia Cruz is the true heart of this novel. She is a mix of guts and vulnerability, physical strength and insecurity, intelligence and naivety. With keen insight, she will, one moment, develop a major lead, and the next, make a shortsighted blunder. All of these qualities help the reader identify with her and cheer her on as she confronts dangerous underworld figures. The minor characters are also memorable, each one vividly painted with a distinguishing character flaw, personality trait, or manner of appearance.
Ms. Amato also realistically builds the tension between the human desire to be open and trusting against the practical need to remain vigilant and wary in a corrupt world. The reader’s intelligence is honored by giving just enough information to avoid frustration while holding back enough to let the imagination work. This mystery will keep you guessing throughout the twists and turns of plot. Highly recommended.
Too much? Not in the hands of Ms. Amato, who has a talent for weaving a wide array of characters, themes and story threads into a thoroughly engaging and believable adventure from start to finish. Emilia Cruz is the true heart of this novel. She is a mix of guts and vulnerability, physical strength and insecurity, intelligence and naivety. With keen insight, she will, one moment, develop a major lead, and the next, make a shortsighted blunder. All of these qualities help the reader identify with her and cheer her on as she confronts dangerous underworld figures. The minor characters are also memorable, each one vividly painted with a distinguishing character flaw, personality trait, or manner of appearance.
Ms. Amato also realistically builds the tension between the human desire to be open and trusting against the practical need to remain vigilant and wary in a corrupt world. The reader’s intelligence is honored by giving just enough information to avoid frustration while holding back enough to let the imagination work. This mystery will keep you guessing throughout the twists and turns of plot. Highly recommended.
June 24, 2020
It's not easy being Emilia Cruz, the only female on the Acapulco police force. Most of her colleagues seem to be either on the take from local businesses or the cartels, or running side hustles, and they are all sexist. Her mother, who seems to have some form of dementia, has taken up with someone else's husband, and they both live with Emilia. Her newest case involves fire bombing of some local restaurants, and she is also trying to help an elderly woman in the local barrio whose granddaughter has disappeared. Recommended to readers who enjoy a well-written mystery/thriller with a strong female protagonist.
September 5, 2013
It was great to see a continuation of the romance between Emilia Cruz and her gringo hotel manager -- their differing backgrounds and social statures keep things unpredictable without losing sight of the excellent mystery in the plot. The amount of violence might have turned me off if I wasn't already a fan of the characters and of the author's writing style, so I'm glad I had already read "Cliff Diver", and "The Beast" so I would understand how much violence is not the story, but part of the culture Emilia Cruz lives in. Excellent book!
September 14, 2013
Ms. Amato uses vivid descriptions and lively, personable characters in a story that is not only well put together but also entertaining. I was transported to Acapulco and as Emilia got deeper into her investigation and the situations became more dangerous I found myself on the edge of my seat, literally. Great read.
April 15, 2020
Detective Emilia Cruz, as the first and only female detective on the Acapulco police force, has an inherently stressful job. Not only does she have to constantly prove her worth to her male colleagues and superiors, but she's also not sure who she can trust. Corruption and cartel influence are seeping in at all levels. She's still mourning the death of her partner Rico, who was killed on duty in Book 1, and her new partner, Silvio, has made it clear he doesn't want to work with her. Her new boss has a drinking problem and is basically incompetent. First, he yanks her off the money-laundering case she was working with Rico, gives it to some crooked cops who make evidence disappear, and assigns her to a high-profile arson investigation involving the city's popular mayor. Just when she's making headway, he orders her in a different direction. On the side, she investigates a missing person case for her priest that the department doesn't want to handle.
Her personal life isn't stress-free either. Her boyfriend Kurt, a Norteamericano whom she has not yet introduced to her family, is considering a job offer in Belize, which would most likely bring their budding relationship to an end. Her mother Sophia, who suffers from mild dementia, is cohabiting with a married man who reminds Sophia of Emilia's deceased father. Emilia has been the adult in her relationship with her mother since her father's death when she was a child.
The author does a great job of immersing the reader in the colorful Acapulco setting and has created a sympathetic and complex protagonist. The descriptions of the inner workings of the police force bureaucracy, the government, the army, and the cartel feel very real.
Hat Dance is a very enjoyable page-turner!
Her personal life isn't stress-free either. Her boyfriend Kurt, a Norteamericano whom she has not yet introduced to her family, is considering a job offer in Belize, which would most likely bring their budding relationship to an end. Her mother Sophia, who suffers from mild dementia, is cohabiting with a married man who reminds Sophia of Emilia's deceased father. Emilia has been the adult in her relationship with her mother since her father's death when she was a child.
The author does a great job of immersing the reader in the colorful Acapulco setting and has created a sympathetic and complex protagonist. The descriptions of the inner workings of the police force bureaucracy, the government, the army, and the cartel feel very real.
Hat Dance is a very enjoyable page-turner!
September 6, 2013
Carmen Amato’s second installment in the Emilia Cruz series is as exciting and entertaining as the first.
"Hat Dance" continues the story of Acapulco’s first female detective. It opens with a scene that combines a romantic relationship with a wall of intrigue, suspense and possible disappointment. The protagonist is drawn into a life changing choice situation within the first few pages – love or work.
High end restaurants in Acapulco are being targeted by arson. The question is whether it is drug cartels, the army, or is it politically motivated assassination attempts? The answer remains unanswered until the thrilling climax. Detective Cruz and her partner, Silvio, contend with gang members, politicians, corrupt police and powerful army personnel in their quest for truth and justice.
Amato ends each chapter in a fashion that demands you turn the page and go on to the next. In "Hat Dance", the first major event starts in the last paragraph of Chapter 1 and then explodes at the beginning of Chapter 2. The story rolls on from there. Her exceptional descriptions of the locale and characters put the reader in the middle of the action.
Ms. Amato does a masterful job of filling the information that is needed from the previous volume so the reader is not left wondering. However, I strongly recommend reading the first in the series, "Cliff Diver" before devouring this one. Then, not only will you have read two exceptional books, but you will have then invested further in the characters.
By doing so I am sure you will, like I am, be looking forward to Emilia’s next adventure.
I seldom offer a five-star rating, but will make an exception in this case.
"Hat Dance" continues the story of Acapulco’s first female detective. It opens with a scene that combines a romantic relationship with a wall of intrigue, suspense and possible disappointment. The protagonist is drawn into a life changing choice situation within the first few pages – love or work.
High end restaurants in Acapulco are being targeted by arson. The question is whether it is drug cartels, the army, or is it politically motivated assassination attempts? The answer remains unanswered until the thrilling climax. Detective Cruz and her partner, Silvio, contend with gang members, politicians, corrupt police and powerful army personnel in their quest for truth and justice.
Amato ends each chapter in a fashion that demands you turn the page and go on to the next. In "Hat Dance", the first major event starts in the last paragraph of Chapter 1 and then explodes at the beginning of Chapter 2. The story rolls on from there. Her exceptional descriptions of the locale and characters put the reader in the middle of the action.
Ms. Amato does a masterful job of filling the information that is needed from the previous volume so the reader is not left wondering. However, I strongly recommend reading the first in the series, "Cliff Diver" before devouring this one. Then, not only will you have read two exceptional books, but you will have then invested further in the characters.
By doing so I am sure you will, like I am, be looking forward to Emilia’s next adventure.
I seldom offer a five-star rating, but will make an exception in this case.
August 11, 2016
Now I understand why Hollywood bought the film rights to this mystery novel series. Hat Dance, second in the Detective Emilia Cruz series, is impeccably written. It’ll melt away the stereotypical image you have in your mind of Acapulco as a playground for the rich and famous by taking you underneath the city’s epidermis.
Through the eyes of a young police detective named Emilia Cruz, the glamor commingles with reality as she juggles plenty of things in her daily life, which also involves being responsible for others while learning to live in the grey areas as a matter of survival. While the badge Cruz puts on demands that she stands morally upright, she is smart and practical enough to realize her place in the larger spectrum of society whether walking down vice street or dealing with corrupt colleagues. In some instances, I found myself walking in their shoes trying to understand their situation, feeling sorry for the characters despite their wrong doings, while at times I am full of hate for others.
There is not an ounce of exaggeration in this novel in a sense that Cruz is not portrayed as an invincible cop with all the answers. The intricacies of her character are shown with inner complexes, vulnerabilities and fears. At times, she fails to achieve total confidence and even doubts her own judgement. But she is tough enough to bounce back despite it all…. with a little bit of faith helping her along the way.
Hat Dance offers an original and authentic story with a colorful premise. For sure I intend to read the entire series.
Through the eyes of a young police detective named Emilia Cruz, the glamor commingles with reality as she juggles plenty of things in her daily life, which also involves being responsible for others while learning to live in the grey areas as a matter of survival. While the badge Cruz puts on demands that she stands morally upright, she is smart and practical enough to realize her place in the larger spectrum of society whether walking down vice street or dealing with corrupt colleagues. In some instances, I found myself walking in their shoes trying to understand their situation, feeling sorry for the characters despite their wrong doings, while at times I am full of hate for others.
There is not an ounce of exaggeration in this novel in a sense that Cruz is not portrayed as an invincible cop with all the answers. The intricacies of her character are shown with inner complexes, vulnerabilities and fears. At times, she fails to achieve total confidence and even doubts her own judgement. But she is tough enough to bounce back despite it all…. with a little bit of faith helping her along the way.
Hat Dance offers an original and authentic story with a colorful premise. For sure I intend to read the entire series.
January 19, 2021
Very entertaining crime thriller from Carmen Amato. Set in Acapulco, Mexico, Emilia Cruz has to navigate sexism, corruption in her own police department, a sour new partner, a missing girl, and a whole set of firebombings of high-end restaurants.
Emilia's tough, but what I like is that she isn't some superwoman who saves the day because everything she witnesses is water off a duck's back. Nah, the sexism, her mum's wandering mind, the city's violence all has an effect on her. They press down on her own confidence, cause such internal conflict that you see how hard she has to work against herself as much as the craziness around her to get results. She earns what she achieves.
There's plenty to chew over, here. How police can stay on the right side of the law when their pay hardly matches the dangers they face. How corruption makes so many end up just shrugging their shoulders, losing faith in the system and as a result, their fight. How Emilia could so easily give it all up and live the high life with her rich, successful boyfriend. I love that internal conflict more than any other. She's from a poor background. She's rooted in her community. To go and live in plush surroundings with an outsider is a pull which she resists because it's so alien. And how can she, because what has she got to give in return? She's poor, and though street savvy, totally naive in his circles.
The danger in the romantic side story is that her blue-eyed norteamericano boyfriend becomes her saviour. But he's more her haven. Her victories are all hers.
Good stuff.
Emilia's tough, but what I like is that she isn't some superwoman who saves the day because everything she witnesses is water off a duck's back. Nah, the sexism, her mum's wandering mind, the city's violence all has an effect on her. They press down on her own confidence, cause such internal conflict that you see how hard she has to work against herself as much as the craziness around her to get results. She earns what she achieves.
There's plenty to chew over, here. How police can stay on the right side of the law when their pay hardly matches the dangers they face. How corruption makes so many end up just shrugging their shoulders, losing faith in the system and as a result, their fight. How Emilia could so easily give it all up and live the high life with her rich, successful boyfriend. I love that internal conflict more than any other. She's from a poor background. She's rooted in her community. To go and live in plush surroundings with an outsider is a pull which she resists because it's so alien. And how can she, because what has she got to give in return? She's poor, and though street savvy, totally naive in his circles.
The danger in the romantic side story is that her blue-eyed norteamericano boyfriend becomes her saviour. But he's more her haven. Her victories are all hers.
Good stuff.
October 1, 2013
Hat Dance (An Emilia Cruz Novel) by Carmen Amato
Emilia Cruz is the only police detective in Acapulco, Mexico. Emilia is on a date with Kurt Rucker, a hotel manager when an explosion occurs in the restaurant. It looks suspicious and she is now investigating a possible arson. On top of that she is looking for a missing girl.
Emilia faces a lot of obstacles along the way, vigilantes, the Mexican Army and a dirty cop. The suspect list starts to grow and people are in danger including Emilia, but nothing will stop this tough determined woman to do her job, catch the bad guy and find the missing girl.
A thrilling murder mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Set in Mexico also makes for an exciting read. Emilia Cruz is a very likable character and i plan on reading the other books in the series.
Emilia Cruz is the only police detective in Acapulco, Mexico. Emilia is on a date with Kurt Rucker, a hotel manager when an explosion occurs in the restaurant. It looks suspicious and she is now investigating a possible arson. On top of that she is looking for a missing girl.
Emilia faces a lot of obstacles along the way, vigilantes, the Mexican Army and a dirty cop. The suspect list starts to grow and people are in danger including Emilia, but nothing will stop this tough determined woman to do her job, catch the bad guy and find the missing girl.
A thrilling murder mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Set in Mexico also makes for an exciting read. Emilia Cruz is a very likable character and i plan on reading the other books in the series.
November 9, 2017
Emilia gets Singed
Acapulco detective, Emilia Cruz, faces sexism on the job while investigating arson deaths and searching for a missing girl. The fires are started by grenades from the military - but is the military involved? The missing girl was seen in the area frequented by prostitutes - was she working the stroll? Realistic portrayal of an honest cop surrounded by dishonesty.
Acapulco detective, Emilia Cruz, faces sexism on the job while investigating arson deaths and searching for a missing girl. The fires are started by grenades from the military - but is the military involved? The missing girl was seen in the area frequented by prostitutes - was she working the stroll? Realistic portrayal of an honest cop surrounded by dishonesty.
May 11, 2020
For me, it is not the who-dun-it part of the Emelia Cruz stories, but getting see through the detective’s eyes and emotions the complexity of life in Carmen Amato’s Acapulco.
Emelia Cruz is not a superhero female character. But I find myself consciously rooting for her as she navigates the complexity of a society that is on the one hand, so alien to my Canadian experience, and on the other hand an engrossing construct that is as much a central part of the story as is Emelia.
There is a timeline progression from one novel to the next, but Carmen Amato is not only a superb storyteller, but an honest one, in that each novel is stand-alone.
For my part, every time I turn to Amato for a solid and satisfying read, I always have the next one on hand, for the satisfaction of knowing I can rejoin Detective Cruz as she develops as a law enforcement officer (a work environment where she is the only woman), and as she is shaped and challenged as one of the best characters I continue to appreciate.
Emelia Cruz is not a superhero female character. But I find myself consciously rooting for her as she navigates the complexity of a society that is on the one hand, so alien to my Canadian experience, and on the other hand an engrossing construct that is as much a central part of the story as is Emelia.
There is a timeline progression from one novel to the next, but Carmen Amato is not only a superb storyteller, but an honest one, in that each novel is stand-alone.
For my part, every time I turn to Amato for a solid and satisfying read, I always have the next one on hand, for the satisfaction of knowing I can rejoin Detective Cruz as she develops as a law enforcement officer (a work environment where she is the only woman), and as she is shaped and challenged as one of the best characters I continue to appreciate.
July 29, 2021
Emilia Cruz as a cop . Her boyfriend Kurt was a Gringo. So she didnt want many to know they were a couple. So they spent their time together in private. She blames herself for her former work partners death, so Silvio was her new partner now. They didnt get along to good together. Night Clubs, restaurants, kept being set on fire. They found that someone was setting bombs. They were connected somehow to the military, But some of the owners were sent a note that they needed to pay money for protection of their businesses. Cruz was a cop that did her own thing her way and get information she didnt always share with the others cops. She happened to be in or near some of the places when they were set on fire. I got to say some parts of this story is like whoa she couldnt have done all that without feeling like she was run over a Mac truck. But she went on her way. The ending part with her and Cruz at the wrestling arena was like she must be superwoman to do all that. Once again she breaks the case wide open.
December 21, 2022
Hat Dance is the second in the Emilia Cruz Mystery Series, and as with #1 Cliff Diver, we see Alcapulco at its best - and worst. This is an exciting series, but each novel is stand-alone. Ms. Amato's 30 years with the CIA are evident in the attention to detail she brings to her stories. And Hat Dance is a winner. Detective Emilia Cruz and her posse bring down the notorious El Pharaoh Casino, but it's too soon for that pat on the back. The casino has much more far-reaching political pull than Emilia has. And she is stuck, once again, with Detective Franco Silvio as her partner - a situation neither of them is happy with. But crime is rampant in Acapulco and its environs, so they just get on with it. And a fine tale, it is.
Reviewed on December 21, 2022, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and BookBub.
Reviewed on December 21, 2022, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and BookBub.
September 16, 2022
Hat dance
I don't get the reference to hat dance, but it's another well constructed mystery by Carmen Amato with delightful sections of home life thrown in.
This mystery follows good sniffing out of clues while faced with incredulous competition from the political spinnings and machinations of those who want to create a different fiction.
It was fun watching it come together.
Moving onto the next book, and what's coming up next for Emilia is going to be treacherous. How Emilia makes the transition awaiting her now I'm curious to see. How do you balance between two worlds when one of them is home and church and culture and the other is the dream but looks like a cop on the take?
I don't get the reference to hat dance, but it's another well constructed mystery by Carmen Amato with delightful sections of home life thrown in.
This mystery follows good sniffing out of clues while faced with incredulous competition from the political spinnings and machinations of those who want to create a different fiction.
It was fun watching it come together.
Moving onto the next book, and what's coming up next for Emilia is going to be treacherous. How Emilia makes the transition awaiting her now I'm curious to see. How do you balance between two worlds when one of them is home and church and culture and the other is the dream but looks like a cop on the take?
January 10, 2020
Acapulco
An interesting female detective story which takes place in Acapulco, Mexico. Emilia, the detective, investigates a series of bombings at area restaurants. Initially it looks like it was a hit on the popular mayor, who uses this first bombing and subsequent second bombing to increase her fan base and use it against the local military. Later, after much investigation, it is determined that they are actually shakedowns for money. The story revolves around finding the perpetrators. A second story line involves a missing young girl. There are not really any unusual twists and turns. That’s why I rated it 3 stars.
An interesting female detective story which takes place in Acapulco, Mexico. Emilia, the detective, investigates a series of bombings at area restaurants. Initially it looks like it was a hit on the popular mayor, who uses this first bombing and subsequent second bombing to increase her fan base and use it against the local military. Later, after much investigation, it is determined that they are actually shakedowns for money. The story revolves around finding the perpetrators. A second story line involves a missing young girl. There are not really any unusual twists and turns. That’s why I rated it 3 stars.
March 23, 2018
Enjoyable read of the progress Detective Emelia Cruz makes among a male inhabited job environment. She has to deal with emotional home issues as well as romantic questions, but her real strengths lie in her diligent sleuthing abilities. The somewhat corrupted Mexican police department must also be circumvented as Emelia navigates her arena with realism and courage. This plot addresses local bombings/political fallout and a missing girl. I recommend the series.
June 8, 2022
Brave
The characters are just wonderful! Emilia Cruz is a fighter! She has to be thanks to her barrio, life, and being a woman in a "man's " world. She has heart, she's smart, and she has skill. The supporting characters that are recurring are well done as well. Acapulco is a city with many layers. When in police work you tend to see the worst parts, but the author has found a great way to show the contrast.
The characters are just wonderful! Emilia Cruz is a fighter! She has to be thanks to her barrio, life, and being a woman in a "man's " world. She has heart, she's smart, and she has skill. The supporting characters that are recurring are well done as well. Acapulco is a city with many layers. When in police work you tend to see the worst parts, but the author has found a great way to show the contrast.
October 30, 2021
Another thriller
As Emilia continues to navigate the corruption and politics of Acapulco she is dealing with Kurt going to interview for a job in Belize and her mother. She also is investigating a missing teenage girl and with her temporary new partner Silvio they are investigating fire bombings of upscale restaurants. Fast paced good reading
As Emilia continues to navigate the corruption and politics of Acapulco she is dealing with Kurt going to interview for a job in Belize and her mother. She also is investigating a missing teenage girl and with her temporary new partner Silvio they are investigating fire bombings of upscale restaurants. Fast paced good reading
June 5, 2023
I discovered Carmen Amato's Emelia Cruz Mysteries recently and can't turn them off (audio versions)! Amelia is spunky and smart, but no super here. She stands up for what she believes and doesn't take guff from the men in the department, and she has doubts and weaknesses. One is her mother. Another is her social life. I can't wait to have time to read #3. I'll read everything Carmen writes.
January 28, 2020
4 star
I like the MC here. She is constantly struggling with her fears yet she is a hero for others and fighting to do right in difficult circumstances. She isn't perfect--just a woman struggling to survive.
I like the MC here. She is constantly struggling with her fears yet she is a hero for others and fighting to do right in difficult circumstances. She isn't perfect--just a woman struggling to survive.
June 17, 2020
Emilia and Silvio are unlike any other detective group that I have read about. They had teamed up after both of them had lost their partners. The crime that they were investigating and the way it was presented was etched well. Engaging read.
July 11, 2020
Good read
Lady detective, starts looking for an arsonist. They, the arsonist's, set night clubs and other highly occupied buildings afire. Also, she has a romantic relationship and is looking for a missing girl. Only suggestion, put the Spanish word list at the front.
Lady detective, starts looking for an arsonist. They, the arsonist's, set night clubs and other highly occupied buildings afire. Also, she has a romantic relationship and is looking for a missing girl. Only suggestion, put the Spanish word list at the front.
June 28, 2022
I'm a big fan of Mex. detective Cruz. She's tough yet vulnerable and I find myself cheering for her. Author Amato sets a good pace and always with a subplot. Love the eats. Hope she reads my Mex. thriller TEETH OF THE COCODRILLO
July 7, 2022
It was a decent enough story. I didn't enjoy as much as the first book though. There were too many "tell" instead of "show" moments in the book that I felt were the wrong scenes to talk about after instead of experiencing them first hand.
June 8, 2020
Another great story by Carmen Amato
I can't say enough about Ms. Amato's books. They are interesting, exciting, satisfying. I plan on reading every book she writes.
I can't say enough about Ms. Amato's books. They are interesting, exciting, satisfying. I plan on reading every book she writes.
July 1, 2020
The second book in an outstanding series. Keep reading. Don't stop!!
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