Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isabella Maldonado had me on the hook after the Nina Guerrera series. After reading A Killer’s Game I was anxious for more from this author. A Forgotten Kill was no exception from the fast paced read I’ve experienced from this author. When Dani Vega starts working on a series of murders she could not have easily predicted the path they would take her on. Alongside Flint, Dani discovers connections that were unseen in past investigations that lead right into her own personal past. I enjoy the strong female lead that is encompassed in these reads. Dani Vega will stop at nothing to catch are unforeseen killer in this read. Recommending to everyone!

“Warriors brought the battle to the enemy to keep others safe, and she was warrior. If that involved sacrificing herself, so be it.”

I loved Maldonado’s Nina Guerrera series and this one is no different. This book had a very different feel than book one- A Killer’s Game- but still had the same protagonist and suspense.

While this is second in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone. In the beginning it talks about Vega having to do polygraphs and such as follow-up from her previous mission because her actions required review, but they don’t go into any details.

There would be no spoilers other than that Vega survived the underground bunker maze of Hunger-Games-style fatal puzzles which isn’t really a surprise since she is the face of the series.


The premise of A Forgotten Kill is two-fold: a serial killer that has been operating in the New York boroughs undetected for years, and the violent death of Vega’s father in their home a decade ago.

We find out in the first book that Dani came home one day to find her mother over her father’s stabbed body. All the evidence pointed to her mother, who was mentally unstable, killing her father, who was physically unstable. Dani’s statement helped convict her mother who rather than going to trial was committed to a psyche ward.

But her mother has a moment of lucidity in present day and tells Vega that she didn’t do it. Now that Vega is older with more criminology experience, she decides to look into the case and see if there is any truth to what her mother is telling her.

In order to have access to the case files she agrees to help with a possible serial killer case. Her knowledge of cryptanalysis and puzzles helps her crack it open and takes her and her team on a fast-paced investigation to capture him before he kills again.



I liked the second half better than the first half of the book. At 50% it seemed like things were wrapping up and I was wondering how the last half was going to go to keep me engaged. But the action picked up and the snags in the process extend the chase wrapping up the book quite nicely!

I also like that Maldonado is able to write thrillers where the main character doesn’t have to have a side love story. That’s fine and all, but sometimes it’s nice just to focus on the action and not worry about the romantic side of things. It’s possible something could develop here, there is some groundwork laid that could support that direction, but her character feels full even without that because of her closeness to her family.

Maldonado’s expertise in the criminology field really shines through in her books. Sometimes I found myself questioning- Well why didn’t they just do this? Or wouldn’t this have worked better? and she ends up qualifying those decisions later and setting me straight! She covers her bases, does her research, and creates a realistic investigation and chase that is compelling and engaging!



After reading the first book, I had thought maybe Dani’s siblings would start to play a bigger role in the stories, but they were pretty absent from this book. As the series continues, I’m still hoping for a Vega Sibling Dream Team moment.

I did learn some new things in this book:

- Dogs not only can sniff out drugs, but now they can sniff out electronics! They can detect the chemical compounds used in electronics. So that’s pretty cool!

- I already knew about 3D printing, but I’m discovering more and more uses for it. For example, they needed a person’s fingerprints to open something and they had the fingerprint in the AFIS database so they 3D printed the fingerprint so they could use it. Pretty crazy! And also, a little bit uncomfortable knowing that anyone can have a 3D printer and can gain access to people’s fingerprints…

- You can extract DNA even from clothing years later that has been washed.

- Julian dates- this was the trick that Vega figured out in one of the puzzles and for some reason it took me awhile to understand. I didn’t realize this was still used anywhere. It’s a five digit date beginning with the last two digits of the year followed by the day of the year out of 365 (changes on leap years). The military uses this for ease in subtracting or adding dates together without access to a calendar or spreadsheet.

- I think I heard about the Vigenere square tool when I read the book The Rose Code, but it was used here again and I just think encryption like that is so cool. Here is a website that walks you through it if you want to create your own code!


Recommendation

Maldonado is basically an automatic read for me. She writes great thrillers without all the language and sexual content often found in other books. Her background in criminology is a vast resource for creating her characters and plots.

If you are looking for a book that has a (female) detective and FBI stuff, this is a great option! If you are looking for a book with a serial killer, this is a great option!

The only reason I would not recommend this book would be if the type of serial killer he is a trigger for you or would be too hard to read. Any discussion around the rape/murders is pretty much all third-party and clinical so it’s not too graphic or drawn out, but we do hear some of the killer’s thoughts regarding the women and what triggered him to begin doing what he’s doing.

Overall, this is a great series to start or to go back and read some of Maldonado’s other books!


[Content Advisory: 8 f-words and 19 s-words, the serial killer in this one is a voyeur and rapes his victims on camera before killing them and so there are different descriptions of this as the police are tracking down evidence.]

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

As she proved in book one of this series, FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega is a breed apart. So, of course when she is relooking at the tragic death of her father, she stumbles upon a serial killer who has gone years undetected in NYC. Her mind just is on a different level.

The author did a great job setting up this story. Not only giving the reader details on how the serial killer evaded the authorities for so long, but also how he hunted his victims. With the killer's POV, we also learn what made him start the killings to begin with. This is a story where the killer and agent are equally matched in intelligence, it's just a matter of who will get the upper hand in the end.

I loved how Vega is not treated any differently by the authorities she works with. They don't dismiss her because she is a woman, maybe because she never proves to be anything other than badass.

The one minor critique I will give was the never-ending "near misses" Vega and Co. have near the end. They were crisscrossing the city repeatedly as the killer outsmarted them. Yes, it was very entertaining, but a bit over the top, imo. Nevertheless, this book, like the first, is action packed and page turner. And I loved how one small piece of evidence was what changed everything, ultimately giving Vega some closure.

If you love fast paced police procedurals, check this one out!

BIPOC Police Procedural Mystery Thriller following an FBI agent and former code breaker as she tracks down a serial killer in exchange for reopening her father's murder case and uncovers truths that change everything.

5/5 stars: Maldonado's a favorite author and her newest book doesn't disappoint. This is the second entry in the Daniela Vega series, which is a Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that takes place in New York and features an FBI agent who's a former Ranger with cryptanalysis training. Once again, Maldonado brings her extensive law enforcement background and experience to bear in writing of this action-packed, non-stop twisty, turny tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the big reveal. The patterns, codes and riddles in this book are fascinating and I love seeing Dani and her team at work figure out the answers. And of course Maldonado's character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Dani's smart, quick and tough and it's great catching back up with her and her colleagues. And it was great seeing Dani and her family get resolution in her father's murder case. In addition to Dani's POV, this book includes chapters in the killer's POV, which provides an interesting addition to the story. But due to the sensitive topics tackled, you may want to check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Killer's Game.

I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

"A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer." (Karl Kraus)

And that writer is Isabella Maldonado. This was my first book by this talented author. I have been brought to my knees. A Forgotten Kill is a smart, smart read that possesses a rapid-fire storyline and characters with extremely sharp edges. Although it's the second book in this series, it reads perfectly as a standalone. (Already grabbed the first book, A Killer's Game, to read later.) I've struck gold.

Let's introduce you to Daniela "Dani" Vega, a special agent in the FBI. But those are not her only credentials. She's a former Army Ranger and a crackerjack cryptanalysis agent. Dani never rests on her laurels.

Her focus has always been on her younger brother and sister, Erica and Axel. A tragedy occurred ten years ago when their father was murdered. From all indications, it appeared that he died at the hands of their mother. It was Dani who entered the family's apartment and found Camila with a knife in her hands hovering over his body. Incoherent, Camila was taken to Bellevue where she's been ever since. Their Aunt Manuela helped to raise the three of them.

But things have changed. Upon a recent visit to Camila, Dani found her lucid and claiming that she did not kill her husband. Even her psychiatrist notices a change in her. But is it enough to reopen the case?

Switch gears and Isabella Maldonado has turned Dani's head in a different direction. There appears to be a serial killer leaving tracks in New York City for over ten years. Dani started making connections. This guy is focused on single women living alone. Seems generic, huh? This individual is brilliant and leaves nothing behind. His hunting ground is usually in East Harlem, Manhattan and his dates are meticulously planned. He begins to leave puzzles/codes for the police. And they're tricky and well thought out.......not just an alley level creep.

Dani will work with Detective Mark Flint of the NYPD. Maldonado has crafted these two with brains on fire and analytical skills to match. It's a pleasure to finally read a storyline pumpin' with action and smarts. No loose ends and questionable actions here. After all, Isabella Maldonado has been an FBI agent herself in real life. And Momma.........it shows. One of my favorite reads of 2024.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Isabella Maldonado for the opportunity.

Isabella Maldonado was one of my favorite new author discoveries last year, and I still can't believe it took me that long to finally pick up on of her books. I was hooked as soon as I read the first Daniela Vega book last year, and I've been waiting impatiently for this sequel to be published. There is just something about the writing of this author that is highly addictive... And while A Forgotten Kill did have a completely different feel than the first book, I still very much enjoyed my time with it. The perfect dose of serial killer thriller!

Technically, A Forgotten Kill can quite easily be read as a stand-alone, especially considering there wasn't much space for personal development in the first book. I would personally still suggest reading the books in order though, because it will give you a better idea of what main character Dani is capable of as well as the dynamics with the other key characters. While the first book was more action thriller and cryptology focused, A Forgotten Kill is what you can call a typical serial killer thriller with a FBI agent in the lead. What makes this sequel stand out is Dani, as she adds her own personal flavor and skills to the investigation. Dani makes for such a fascinating lead with her codebreaker background and tragic past, and I've been looking forward to learn more about her. We definitely get a dose of personal developments in this one!

The main case in A Forgotten Kill is a serial killer investigation, but there is also focus on the murder of Dani's father ten years ago. Doubts about her mother's guilt make her want to look into that case, but the detective only agrees to give her the files if she helps with another case... And Dani ends up uncovering an active serial killer that managed to go undetected for ten years. There is less cryptology this time around, but I liked how this element was incorporated into the plot and the role it played in general. It was also interesting to see how Dani and the rest investigated the crimes... And there are multiple twists and dangerous moments along the way.

I always enjoy a serial killer POV, so of course I could really appreciate this POV in A Forgotten Kill as well. It was fascinating to discover more about his past and his motivations, and I definitely didn't see his identity coming. Once that was revealed, there was still plenty of story left and I was wondering how the plot could still grab me after that... But I shouldn't have worried, because Isabella Maldonado had plenty more to offer afterwards to keep you on your toes. If you like your thrillers on the tense side, you will be in for a treat!

A Forgotten Kill ended up being a worthy Daniela Vega sequel. While completely different than the first book, it still offered a tense and action-packed story with a dose of personal development thrown in. If you enjoy a good serial killer thriller, I can highly recommend it! Her books in general are well worth your time for that matter.

I really enjoyed the first book featuring Dani Vega and her special set of skills. In this book, you get more insight into Dani, her family dynamics, and how she started on her pathway to military service and law enforcement. Two mysteries are going on, the newly reopened murder of Dani’s father and a current serial killer. Fast-paced and engaging. I look forward to the series continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Isabella Maldonado for the eARC.

FBI Agent Dani Vega is called to the mental hospital where her mother was placed after being found unfit to stand trial for the murder of her husband, Dani's father. But when Dani gets a call that her mother is beginning to have moments Dani plays her a visit to hear what she has to say unaware that what comes out of her mouth well change everything.

When Dani tracks down the detective who investigated her father's murder she strikes a dead to help him solve some cases in exchange for her father's file. What they didn't bargain for was to stumble across a serial killer who may or may not have made a mistake that ties himself and Dani together.

What will the killer do and risk to remain free, and what will Dani do to get justice for his victims?

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 of FBI Codebreaker Dani Vega's story. This was an excellent follow up to the first book from 2023. In a Forgotten Kill, Agent Vega's unique skills brings a prolific serial killer into her sights. Her cat and mouse game with the killer brings to light the truth behind her own troubled family history. Book 1 was excellent and quite possibly this one was even better. I wonder if there will be more books to come with this character as it has been one of the best new series that I have read. Kudos to the author. 5-stars!!!

First time reading a book by Isabella Maldonado and was surprised by how good the writing was. Thinking about buying the 1st book in the series. Great plot, character development, and the story keeps you guessing at the "who done it' aspect.
I would recommend this novel and thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this Daniela "Dani" Vega thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this prior to it coming out. I loved the first book in the series so I was excited to be able to read the sequel. I loved learning more about Dani’s family. It is alway easy to follow the story line. I feel like even though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

When I picked up this book I thought that I had already read the first book in the series. When I realized I didn't I was so engrossed in the plot that I was unable to stop reading it in order to read the first one. I loved the story and all of the characters in this book and it kept me guessing until the end. In hind site I wish that I had read the first book first only because parts of the first book are resolved in this one. It's not going to stop me from rushing out now to get the first book.

Amazing book! The second in this series, I was eager to continue Dani Vega's story. This one was not as fast moving as the first book but definitely kept me guessing till the end on who was the the bad guy, and I love how the author died the old and new cases together. Would definitely read another one in this series.

My first read from this author and I will be reading her entire backlist! I love when real life gets spun into true crime and mystery books, and A Forgotten Kill marks a very memorable fifth read of 2024. Isabella Maldonado took her real life experience in law enforcement and has written a gripping, thrilling and phenomenal read.
This book is technically the second in this series but I do believe they are interconnected standalones- book two was based around completely separate cases than book one.
A Forgotten Kill was a great read, and I look forward to see what Dani Vega faces next!

Thanks for the approval of the ARC copy. :)

I tried, I really tried to like this book but it is dragging me. I DNF'ed it on 40% and reread again just to make sure that my judgements are correct but still gave me the same result. Sorry :(

In "A Forgotten Kill, Daniela Vega, Band 2" by Isabella Maldonado you will be given insight as to what made the detective who she is. Finally we have an in. Great read.

A pretty impressive book by Maldonaldo! 4.5. The cryptanalysis of Vega as well as her training result in a very interesting protagonist, dueling an extremely dangerous serial killer antagonist. Thanks for the ARC, and cheers!

A Forgotten Kill is a fast-paced, dramatic book in the ongoing Daniela Vega series that is robust enough to read as a standalone. High drama, family tensions, a serial killer and lots of unresolved passions all yield an exciting read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Daniela "Dani" Vega left home and joined the Rangers after finding her mother sitting with a knife over her father's body. With Dani's damning evidence, her mother was incarcerated, but now, ten years later, Dani is having her doubts. Now an FBI agent, Dani seeks to have the case reopened and inadvertently attracts the attention of a serial killer.
What follows next is an exciting cat and mouse game that sees Dani solving riddles and codes to catch the killer. But will this lead to her father's killer???
Too exciting to put down. Another fabulous book from Isabella Maldonado.