Isabella Maldonado brings FBI Agent Dani Vega back for another novel in spectacular fashion. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one was even better. I love the fast pace of the book and we got some amazing twists and turns in this one as each time it took a direction, Maldonado switched up into another excellent direction. I'm already excited at the prospect of a third book and will keep reading as long as she wants to write them.

Special Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

Isabella Maldonado has become one of my favorite writers of crime- thriller- action packed everything. In this second installment of the Daniela Vega series, Maldonado has tasked her code breaking heroine with a personal as well as public battle. It is a killer of a story, literally and figuratively. Vega assesses the situations, makes her choices, and is prepared to live or die with the consequences .

Whip smart, physically able, tactically aware I can’t help thinking that there is an awful lot of Ms. Maldonado in her heroine. While there is a lot of action, there is a equal amount of cerebral gymnastics and a plot that keeps coming at you from so many angles. As in the author’s other series, this story is tightly crafted, never flinching and almost impossible to set aside until the last page is turned. Few writers do this genre better than Isabella Maldonado.

So many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy.

Another fantastic police procedural featuring FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega. This time she is helping to bring down a serial rapist and killer with many kills under his belt. Along the way she will get clues as to who killed her father. I'm all for this this plot but I have a hard time believing that the NYPD homicide detective on her father's case would be so easily willing to share the file with her, or that Dani would find a pattern after all these years that would open up a special task force in search of a serial killer. Like the first book in this series, the action in this book is nonstop. Dani is definitely a bad ass, in both physical and mental strength, and I truly appreciate the way her mind works to solve problems and puzzles of all kinds. I like her working relationships and I think it is awesome (not to mention realistic) that we are on book two without a romantic involvement for Dani. I find this refreshing. She is dedicated to her job and at seeing through the tasks she has been assigned. I hope there will be a book three as I will definitely read it!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review
A Forgotten Kill
Isabella Maldonado
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


“Criminal Minds,” a show that captivated audiences for 15 seasons, concluded with its 324th episode on February 19, 2020, leaving a dedicated fanbase craving more. Isabella Maldonado steps in to satisfy this hunger with her thrilling narrative. Delving deep into the psyche of a cunning and twisted serial killer, she presents a story that’s bound to enthrall.



This narrative is the second installment in the Special Agent Daniela Vega series, which continues to exceed expectations. Maldonado’s novel, while part of a series, stands strong on its own, offering readers a comprehensive backstory. With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Maldonado infuses this gripping tale with authenticity, exploring the dark interplay between Daniela and a malevolent predator known as “Connor.” The story skillfully reveals Connor’s backstory and motivations alongside his gruesome acts.

Daniela Vega’s journey begins with a traumatic discovery at seventeen when she finds her mother in a shocking scene, leading to her mother’s commitment to a psychiatric facility. Daniela’s subsequent path into the military and then the FBI is marked by her exceptional skills and determination. After a decade, with her mother showing signs of lucidity, Daniela is drawn back into the unresolved mystery of her father’s death.

Now on administrative leave, Daniela seizes the opportunity to investigate her father’s case with the help of NYPD Detective Mark Flint and Detective Chapmen. Despite Chapmen’s reluctance to reopen the case, Daniela’s expertise in pattern recognition propels her into the heart of a serial killer investigation, uncovering a trail of victims linked by disturbing patterns and a lack of forensic evidence.

Isabella Maldonado crafts a complex, riveting narrative with precise, gritty prose that builds suspense and tension to an unputdownable climax. The story takes readers on a tumultuous journey, filled with clues, suspects, and misleading trails, challenging them to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.

Maldonado’s insightful and engaging storytelling, enriched by her extensive experience in law enforcement, makes for an enthralling addition to the crime fiction genre. This novel not only offers a thrilling experience but also leaves readers eagerly anticipating more adventures with FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega. Special thanks to Isabella Maldonado, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

Eh. It was ok but didn't pack much of a punch as the last book in the series. It's not terrible but it wasn't gripping my attention the same, especially from the uneven pacing. Developments and unfolding events became more on the repetitive side as the story went.


Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy for an honest review.

Special agent Dani Vega is beginning to wonder whether she might have been wrong about her mother—long institutionalized for having killed Dani’s father after teenage Dani came home to find her near her father’s body holding a knife. Now her mother has broken her long silence to declare her innocence. Dani essentially barters her exceptional and highly trained codebreaking and pattern-recognition skills for a look at her mother’s case files. A seasoned NYPD detective agrees to let her see the records if she first helps him with several unsolved murders. Dani quickly sees a pattern indicative of a serial killer—and of many more victims than the detective’s case files would indicate. The rest is a thrilling investigation on multiple fronts involving Dani’s professional expertise and complex family relationships. This second book in the Dani Vega series can be read as a standalone. There are intellectual puzzles and plenty of action, with Dani beating up bad guys and also cracking codes because—as the author emphasizes a little too much—of her Ranger training. The conclusion is satisfying, promising definite changes for Dani’s family.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital advance review copy.

Crime fiction written by someone with an extensive background in law enforcement is different level of amazing. OMG, I LOVE THIS!

At first, I had a hard time adjusting to the writing style because it was relatively new to me. But when I got to the core of it, I could not put it down.

The characters, the story from beginning to end, it's perfect. You know that the author knows what she's writing about.

Super excited for the next in the series!

I love Vega, so I was thrilled to get a copy of this book. I immediately dove in and loved every second of it. It was fun to reunite with Vega and the other characters from the previous book. This case was interesting, complex, and full of twists and turns. This was an excellent addition to the series and I look forward to reading more!

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, so when I saw netgalley had the next one I had to request it.
I really enjoyed this second installment. In this one we go back and learn more about Dani’s childhood and Maldonado does an amazing job with Dani’s character development. We also get the killer’s perspective, Connor, throughout the story.
Overall, this was another amazing read. You get tons of action, unexpected twists and turns, realistic story build up, and overall another amazing thriller.
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the next one.

LOVE Dani Vega's character. This one dives deeper into her past than Book 1 did. Also, I'm a hoe for a serial killer story and this one did not disappoint!

Not necessary to read book 1 first as all the pertinent details are explained here. But she's one of my favorite characters so I'd still recommend reading book 1: A Killer's Game to read more of Dani.

Dani Vega is a badass in so many ways. She is a character I want to read about and want to root for. When she discovers a pattern in murders across all boroughs of NYC over a decade it takes her down a path to uncover the Unsub who has killed 30 people (and counting)!

I thought this was super fast paced right from the beginning. This never slowed down or let up on the tension. Lots of thrilling moments when the FBI & police think they are close to catching the killer.

Would recommend if you love:
-Badass FBI FMC
-fast paced and high tension
-serial murders over a decade

The second book in the series is good. I love following how Daniela Vega works, the things that go thru her mind as she is working to put the pieces together. She is a strong but vulnerable character who doesn’t give up. This story takes you on a thrilling ride, starting off slowly and then increasing the speed until it depicts a whirlwind of experiences. The depictions of police procedure all additional depth to the story. I believe this second book in the series is even stronger than the first. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

At seventeen, it was Dani's testimony that convicted her mother of killing her father. As time passes though, she begins to question her version of events.

Now a codebreaker with the FBI, Dani decides to explore whether she got it wrong. To do this, she needs the help of a veteran NYPD officer who will only help in return for assistance in his own case: tracking down a serial killer who likes to sign off his work through a series of puzzles. This will require cracking these riddles, a task for which Dani is uniquely suited.

Dani is on a quest for the truth. But what she doesn't expect is just how dramatic and close to home the truth she is about to uncover actually is...

This is a great read, intelligent and well-plotted. Dani Vega is a character who's still just starting out, but what a great start!

The FBI and NYPD team up to track a serial killer stalking women for weeks before going in for the kill. Will they be able to find the murderer before he strikes again?

Isabella Maldonado does it again with Daniela Vega! This was a great follow-up to the first in the series. FBI Special Agent Dani Vega is quickly becoming my new favorite character.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

FBI Special Agent Daniela "Dani" Vega carries the weight of a chilling past—a mother who murdered her father, and Dani's damning eyewitness testimony that sealed her mother's fate. But what if she got it all wrong? As doubts creep in, Dani faces a chance at redemption when an NYPD detective reopens the cold case. The catch? Dani must help him track down a serial killer who has haunted New York City for a decade. The killer's riddles and patterns lead Dani into a dangerous game—one that hits too close to home. As secrets unravel, Dani's quest for justice becomes personal, and the truth threatens to shatter her world.

Isabella Maldonado's "A Forgotten Kill" is a riveting thriller that grips you from the opening pages. The author's background in law enforcement lends authenticity to the narrative, infusing it with gritty realism. But it's Daniela Vega who steals the show—a kick-ass heroine with a razor-sharp mind, a military past, and the determination to unravel the truth. Gotta love her!😘

Maldonado masterfully weaves suspense, psychological intrigue, and emotional depth. The pacing is relentless, propelling readers through twists and turns as Dani deciphers the killer's cryptic messages. The New York City backdrop crackles with tension, mirroring Dani's internal struggle.

Dani's internal dialogue - questioning her past, her mother's guilt, and her own role - is palpable. Her vulnerability makes her relatable, while her resilience makes her unforgettable.

The killer's riddles are a highlight. Maldonado crafts the ciphers with precision, challenging readers to solve alongside Dani. The tension escalates with each clue.

The exploration of family bonds, betrayal, and forgiveness adds layers to the story. Dani's relationships—with her mother, her colleagues, and her own conscience—are richly textured.

Just when you think you've cracked the case, Maldonado throws a curveball. The climax is a rollercoaster ride of revelations and heart-pounding action.

"A Forgotten Kill" is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. Isabella Maldonado delivers a gripping tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the shadows that haunt us. Daniela Vega is the heroine we've been waiting for—a flawed, fierce force of nature. Brace yourself for sleepless nights; this one will keep you turning pages until dawn.

Note: "A Forgotten Kill" is the second book in the Daniela Vega series, but it stands strong on its own. Dive in, and let the chase begin.

5/5 stars

I was completely enthralled with this story and every little detail that unfolded. I really enjoyed the first book with Dani Vega and was looking forward to reading the next installment. Honestly, this one was even better than the first, and I'm really hoping there will be more with this character.

I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of crime fiction or watch a lot of crime shows.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

I had the same problem with this one that I had with the first in this series. Dani is portrayed as some kind of cross between a super computer and wonder woman. Meaning she can solve pretty much anything (a complex world phrase clue using cryptograms no problem, or a numerical password that the answer needs to be given within a minute , she's got it). But not only that, when it comes to getting physical? She can best anyone whether it be three hired thugs, or a serial killer who has operates for years without being caught.

And honestly, is no one talking about how there was a serial killer operating in New York for YEARS using the same M.O. but despite all of the other "high tech" equipment they seem to possess, these different boroughs were incapable of uploading information into the database that would have clued them all in to murders happening under their noses? And yet it takes Dani all of one night to see a random pattern and connect them all?

But of course, she has these skills because of her time in the Army as a Ranger. A fact that was repeated so often throughout the course of the novel that it lost all meaning. Dani is just unlikable. From the first to the last. She's too perfect, even when she makes mistakes. And that becomes a problem for the reader (at least for this reader). Three men attacked her, and yet she bested all of them with no real repercussions? Could she not have a sprained ankle/wrist or a black-eye that inhibited her in some way?

To give credit where it is due, the reveal of who was behind it was a bit of a surprise, and I was excited to see where that went considering how much of the book was left when it happened. But then he too, despite having no training whatsoever became a master of everything.

At this point, my experience with this author indicates their stories are mostly written as trilogies. And I don't know if I'm going to finish out this one or not. I feel like one of the main storylines was satisfactorily closed, so I'm not sure where the author could even take this character in the future.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

A Forgotten Kill is the second book in the Daniela Vega series. This was a wonderful follow-up to the first book of the series.

Daniela was seventeen when her father was murdered and her mother was institutionalized rather than going to prison for the murder of her father. She followed in her father's footsteps being a ranger. She was also a code breaker. But her strong suit is to see patterns that other people do not.

Dani is assisting two NYPD cops but she on leave while the FBI investigates her actions during a previous investigation. Dani quickly sees that there is a serial killer who has been murdering people for decades following the Julian calendar. Dani will find herself a target of the serial killer and be on his target list.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is fast moving and very intense. It was great to learn more about Dani's past including her contentious relationship with her aunt. I highly recommend this series.

Ten years ago, seventeen year old Dani came home to find her father dead and her mother standing over his body with the bloody knife used to kill him. Her mother has barely spoken a word since and was sentenced to a mental institution rather than jail. The story begins as Dani is summoned to visit her mother, who is starting to have brief moments of lucidity, and during one of these she tells Dani that she didn't kill her husband. Not knowing if her mother speaks the truth or is delusional, Dani meets the detective who was in charge of the case and asks to see the files. He's less than eager to look back at a case he thought was closed, but offers to give Dani the files if she'll put her cryptanalysis skills to work for him first, to see if she can detect a pattern between several murders that he suspects are linked. When Dani discovers a connection not just between these cases, but tens more going back a decade, the pressure is on to find and stop the serial killer before he strikes again. If you like smart, tough, women protagonists, you'll love FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega, and if you like fast-paced crime thrillers with an authentic vibe, you'll love A Forgotten Kill.

Honestly this was a fun read in between lots of romances. I think it was a great continuation to the series. I liked how the plot played out, the mystery had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't wait to see how it played out.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was concerned going into this book. A young female FBI agent getting unprofessionally close to her own parent's murder often derails into a mess that requires other, usually male, older colleagues turning up just in time for a rescue. Thankfully, this is not one of those overdone and rather annoying stories. Dani, the young FBI agent, is a highly trained Army Ranger, and fully deserves the responsibilities she has. Is she tempted to act unprofessionally? Of course. But while the situation she finds herself in during this book is not made more dangerous for her lack of discipline or dumb moves.. It took me a while to really get into this book, but once I was hooked, I really enjoyed it.