Another fast paced and twisty novel about FBI SA Dani Vega-and one that will be most appreciated by those who have read the earlier novels on which it rests. Dani and her colleagues are on a treasure hunt set up by a villain- a treasure hunt which is supposed to lead to information about the identities of even more villains. Maldonado makes good use of her law enforcement background (even though at times this is quite implausible.). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

We determine who we are by what we do.

Now that's got Isabella Maldonado crossing both sides of the street in A Killer's Code. She'll be nudging FBI Special Agent Daniela "Dani" Vega with her elbow, while at the same time, she'll be injecting a hardcore assassin who's turned the corner on his hitman ways. How does this all play out? Buckle up. Gonna be a rough rough ride.

I wondered how Maldonado was going to pull this one off with a downright split storyline in the making. Only Maldonado can.......she's a former FBI agent herself and a master at creating suspense and sharp-ended intrigue.

Gustavo Toro knows the ways of the dark. He's a pay-for-play assassin who never misses. But Toro decides that he's going to turn the tables. They want him dead. Dead men tell no lies. Best to get it all on video and name names and point out places. But he's not going to make it easy for Dani when she receives the video. The video is chuck full of cryptic clues, secrets, and puzzling codes. That's right up Dani's alley.

Toro eludes to a woman scientist who knows where all the body clues are buried. But this scientist is in great danger as well as her counterparts. In order to find her, Dani has to lock horns with the higher ups in the FBI. It will take her to multiple locations including the deserts of Arizona. Wait and see.

A Killer's Code is the third book in this series and yet it can be read as a standalone. Maldonado fills in the back stories nicely. Her main character of Dani is not like the usual ficticious female characters bouncing off of ceilings and the hood of a Humvee. Dani is brains first and brawn when necessary. She's an exceptional decoder which makes her valuable to the FBI orgaization. She's a former Ranger who has been trained to the nth degree. I applaud Maldonado's female creation here. And you will, too. Guaranteed.

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.

A Killer's Code is the third book in the Daniella Vega series by Isabella Maldonado. I definitely wouldn't read this without reading the previous books in the series. It follows Daniella Vega, an FBI Cryptanalyst, who has been asked by her superior to join a small team in search of "treasure". She was asked not only due to her abilities but due to her relationship to Gustavo Toro, a hitman. After watching his pre-filmed video, the race to finding the treasure was on.

It's clear that the author's personal experience working in law enforcement was helpful in building a realistic and believable storyline. I found the story very exciting and I felt that each scene was meant to move the story along. Although I can guess what was going to happen next, there were some twists that surprised me. I also just love the characters, they are complex. The only thing that I didn't really like, and a lot of it is because I was not expecting the story to go in that direction, is the surprise romance. I noticed it being hinted throughout the story, but it still felt out of place.

I definitely recommend this series. It's been a while since I've gotten back into crime, mystery, and thriller books, but what a series to pull me back into it. I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was one fast paced, suspenseful, engrossing read! I was engaged from the beginning and could not put it down. There is so much jam packed on these pages! I love this series and this was a wonderful installment!

I've really liked this series, but this one didn't completely live up to the others for me. First of all, the set-up felt contrived--a for-hire assassin has created a "treasure hunt" for the FBI in case he's killed. Maybe part of my issue here is that I have no memory of the assassin, who was apparently featured in the first book of the series? That might have helped. But there were other things that just felt wildly unrealistic that I won't get into because of spoilers -- these were not major plot points but still eye-roll-inducing.
*
I also found the writing to start to get a bit repetitive here, with the soooo many references to Vega's combat experience and training, it was a bit over the top.
*
I'll still continue with the series, but this just wasn't as good as the first two, in my opinion.

4.5 stars, actually.

Although I'm somewhat familiar with a different FBI agent from another of this author's series, Nina Guerrera, this is my first encounter with Daniela Vega. Dani seems to be a little harder around the edges, and she has unique talent as a codebreaker that, of course, comes in handy in this story (the third book in this series).

Hit man Gustavo Toro died as hard as he lived, biting the dust while working under cover with Dani. She didn't trust him, but she trusted him, if that makes much sense. Turns out he wanted to bare his soul after he died, so he prearranged some kind of message that promised to take down some high-powered people and reveal secrets he'd been keeping during his years of being a killer-for hire. Problem is, even after the video he left is found, it's not straightforward; it's done in code that leaves Dani and her team with a real challenge - especially after it becomes clear that some of the bad guys involved with Toro are desperate to find a woman who knows too much. Now, it becomes a race for Dani to interpret the "clues" and find her before they do.

The details of that race, of course, is the engine that drives this fast-paced story, and the whole thing sure grabbed my attention and held it from start to finish. For the record, not having read previous books in the series wasn't a problem for me, although as always, I advise starting any series at the beginning. In the end, also as always, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good one!

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Dani being called to a meeting as a result of a file that the FBI Direcyor received from a person known as Toro. Toro had died several months earlier and this file would wind up sending Dani and ger team on a treasure hunt. Toro, a killer, explained that he had buried evidence that would bring to justice those people that hired him to do the killings.

The file presented a clue which had the team going to Las Vegas, and while there they would discover another clue taking them someplace else. This went on a couple more times and it seemed that people outside of Dani's team were trying to prevent Toro's evidence being recorded.

The latest clue had them going to Arizona in search of an individual. Hopefully this time they would find this person alive since their earlier visits resulted in people dying.

To find out what treasure Toro had hidden, what transpired in Arizona and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.

FBI Treasure Hunt to Retrieve Incriminating Evidence

A man starts the confession properly, but things change when he says that he is there to confess to multiple murders that he has committed. He does not know the number. He is also responsible for the deaths indirectly of countless more. He explains to the man what he must do to receive absolution. The man says that he is seeking absolution for those he killed, but he will kill again. It is part of his job. The priest tells him he cannot be reconciled without genuine contrition. And he is not if he has no intention of changing his ways. The priest tells him that then he cannot absolve him. The man leaves, and a story of true devotion starts.

The novel consists of three main storyline threads. The first thread is narrated by a professional killer, Gustavo Toro. They all are narrated in flashbacks, as he is killed before the novel's present time. Toro was a character in the first novel in this series. The next thread is the search for Toro’s treasure, his documentation, who was behind every one of his kills, and a request to find and keep Tina Castillo alive. The last thread is narrated primarily by a boss and his henchman, who often uses Toro services. They are trying to find Toro’s treasure and Castillo first. The FBI team, SAC Steve Wu, SA Daniela Vega, and their tech support, Sanjeev Patel, face many problems in achieving their goals. Toro’s directions are in the form of a treasure hunt to ensure that only the FBI would be first. They need to solve a puzzle to find the hidden clue to the next clue. As for finding Castillo, her two coworkers are killed, and their boss lives just a little longer before he is killed. To make matters worse, the team's boss tries to hamper their progress and releases critical information that endangers the team’s success. Lastly, the FBI team is in mortal danger several times throughout the novel. The pace of this novel is fast. Unlike most action-thrillers, the start ends with adequate action to earn that moniker. My interest was solidly locked in early with the intellectual side of the novel, followed by the action side.

There is a hidden B-storyline thread; well, I did not see it until the novel’s end. This is the first novel in which Wu and Vega act as partners. Their interaction sheds more insight into both of their characters. There is much more background on Vega's time with the military. Vega’s mother is emerging from her long-term dementia. Her aunt has been raising Vega’s brother and sisters is changing as she no longer blames Vega for testifying against her mother for killing her father. Also, her brother is an adult and is interested in the FBI. She is not happy about that. Overall, I found this novel’s aspect very interesting, and it increased my reading enjoyment.

Some aspects of this novel that can cause some readers to stop reading are not at a serious level. There are no intimate scenes. Profanity is at a low level, although some euphemisms are used in place of the objectionable language. Most violence is described after the fact until a very violent scene erupts near the novel’s end. This is the third novel in this series. I have read the previous two. Even though Gustavo Toro's character played a significant role in the first novel, I did not see any references left unexplained. You should be able to read and enjoy reading this novel.

I have racked my mind trying to find something that degraded my reading enjoyment of this novel. I could not find any. There is much on the plus side of this novel. The small size of the investigative group makes the novel much easier to follow. The parallel tracking of the antagonists kept the edge on the suspense because it was a race, and they were playing fair. The pace of the novel was satisfactory for me. It appears this will be the last in this series, so there were some series loose ends. I was happy with the way the author tied these up.

This is the fifth novel by this author that I have read. I have purchased two previous novels that are on my sizeable to-be-read list. She is solidly in my Will-Read category. If this genre interests you, I do recommend reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and am looking forward to reading further novels from this author. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

This is the third book of Isabella Maldonado’s series featuring Daniela “Dani” Vega, an FBI agent with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, a former codebreaker (cryptologist) for the military and a person of unconventional thinking capable of solving clues that elude others. My only regret while reading this book was that I had not already read the first two books but that will now be remedied. My only regret after finishing the book was that this story was done.
The plot, although a continuity of the storyline in A Killer’s Game, the first book in the series, works fine as a standalone. Gustavo Toro, who Dani worked with undercover and who had died in her arms, had made a video only to be viewed upon his death. It was supposed to offer information on someone who had hired Toro as a hitman along with key details on a number of unsolved crimes. The first clue leads to the search for a missing scientist that Toro claimed is the key to discovering the whereabouts of what Toro called his “treasure.” The search takes Special Agent Vega, her boss Special Agent in Charge Steve Wu, Sanjeev Patel, a civilian tech analyst, and NYPD Homicide Detective First Grade Mark Flint, from New York to Las Vegas to Mexico uncovering clues that have implications far more reaching than they could have imagined. Along the way, it is Dani’s military and FBI training that allows for the survival of the team and those civilians they must protect from those sent to kill them. It is her innate ability to decipher evidence that enables her along with Wu, Patel, and Flint to uncover the truth and bring about justice that is long overdue.
A Killer’s Code is suspenseful, action-packed, fast moving and fact-filled with tough, smart, caring characters including a woman not to be messed with. Even the hitman is more than one dimensional; a complex individual with a moral code all his own. An intricate plot, surprising reveals, and the power of eliciting heartfelt emotions from the reader make for a great read. The story is well-drawn out from beginning to end and despite its neat and satisfying conclusion, leaves you wanting more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, Publisher, for an advanced copy of A Killer’s Code. This is my honest review of Isabella Maldonado’s book.

What a series finale! This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. For starters, it was action packed, just like I’ve come to expect from Isabella Maldonado. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the plot was also so clever and twisty. I loved the treasure hunt and the race against the enemy. I will say that I didn’t love feeling like we were one step behind the ‘bad guys’ in the first half, but I still enjoyed how the story progressed. I liked the mix of puzzles/code breaking and tried and true detective work. I also loved the team. Of course, I was thrilled to be back with Dani. She is so amazing! And we got to see her in her element. I was also thrilled to see Wu out of his office and into the field. He had been one of my favorite characters this whole series and he got to be so fantastic in this book. And the ending for him and Dani was everything and I was screaming with joy. Lastly, I liked the multiple perspectives, but did find myself wanting more from Toro. So overall, this book was amazing and I highly recommend it and the Dani Vega series!

BIPOC Police Procedural Thriller featuring an FBI codebreaker and her team as they follow a deceased hit man's cryptic clues on a deadly cross-country race to expose a devious mastermind.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in the Daniela Vega series, which is a BIPOC Police Procedural Thriller that features a New York FBI agent who's a former Army Ranger with cryptanalysis training as she, her SAC and a civilian analyst are tasked by the FBI Director to follow a deceased hit man's cryptic clues on a deadly cross-country race to expose a mysterious mastermind who has been operating with impunity for decades. As she and her team gather the evidence, it’s clear this powerful adversary will stop at nothing to keep their secrets—including eliminating those who threaten to reveal them. With plenty of twists and turns, Maldonado writes a gripping fast-paced investigative tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. Once again, Maldonado brings her extensive law enforcement background and experience to bear. Additionally, Maldonado's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Dani's smart, quick and tough and it's great catching up with her and her family and colleagues. I love seeing her opening herself up and I can't wait to see where her relationships will take her. Dani's the main POV but the book also includes the POV of the deceased hitman (Gustavo Toro – this character plays a significant role in the first book of the series, although no spoilers are giving to that books resolution) providing great insight and important plot elements. Maldonado tackles some very heavy topics, so take care and check 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.

Great plot in a book with mysteries and codes like an old style treasure hunt. The book is well written and the characters are great. A strong and smart female main character is never wrong. What I don't like is all the jumping around in time.

Not only did I love this novel, I went out and read everything else she’s published. These are fun easy reads in the vein of Michael Connelly. I’m not usually one for serial killer narratives but every single one of hers has kept me engaged. That said, this series was a bit different than the last but used some of the same elements. A good end to the series

In “A Killer’s Code” (Daniela Vega #3) by Isabella Maldonado we are re-introduced to FBI agent Dani Vega. Just when she thought she was done with for-hire assassin, Toro, he sends a video that has her team picking apart his words as they race around the country. But as the body count climbs their time is running out to save someone they do not even know is still alive.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book, and this is my honest voluntary review.

I'm a big fan of this author and this series. Dani Vega is as smart and tough as an FBI agent comes. I have torn through all three books in this series, and I can't wait for the next installment to see what new case she's on and where some interesting personal developments go.

This book used her amazing code-breaking skills and her experience as an Army Ranger. Plenty of action in this one and an impressive body count, but they were all very bad people. I can't summarize this any better than the book jacket, but I will say that you will not be disappointed.

This is the 3rd book in the series but I see no reason why this couldn't be read as a standalone. Even the personal stuff that carries through each book wouldn't be too confusing to a newcomer. However, as always, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. This book won't be released for another month yet: January 21, 2025. So that gives you plenty of time to get up to speed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado is a pulse-pounding thriller that thrusts readers into a world of danger, deceit, and relentless pursuit.

Maldonado delivers a masterclass in suspense, weaving a narrative as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally gripping.

The novel introduces us to Detective Nina Guerrera, a character who is tenacious and intelligent. Nina is called to investigate a series of gruesome murders that seem to be linked by a chillingly cryptic code. As she delves deeper into the mystery, the stakes become increasingly personal, pushing her to her limits professionally and personally. Maldonado's portrayal of Nina is exceptional, imbuing her with a complexity that makes her a formidable detective, and also a deeply relatable human being.

What sets A Killer's Code apart is Maldonado's ability to create a visceral sense of tension. Every scene is crafted with precision, each detail contributing to an overarching sense of urgency that propels the reader forward. The plot is tightly woven, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Maldonado’s expertise in law enforcement shines through, lending authenticity to the procedural aspects of the story without bogging down the narrative.

The code itself is a fascinating element, adding a layer of intellectual challenge that engages the reader's curiosity. Maldonado deftly balances the cerebral puzzle with high-octane action, ensuring that the novel is as much a mental exercise as it is a heart-pounding adventure.

In addition to its thrilling plot, A Killer's Code explores deeper themes of justice, redemption, and the impact of past traumas. Maldonado handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, enriching the story and giving it a profound emotional resonance.

Isabella Maldonado has crafted a thriller that is captivating and thought-provoking. A Killer's Code is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, offering a story as satisfying to the mind as it is to the heart. This novel is a testament to Maldonado’s skill as a storyteller, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next work.

This is the third book in the Daniela Vega series. I previously read the second book but never backtracked to read the first one. I had no trouble following the characters and the plot despite not reading the first book. The main character of the story is Daniela "Dani" Vega and she is a great strong, smart lead and you can't help but root for her. The plot is great and keeps you interested in the story the whole time. I really enjoy these books and can't wait to both go back and read book 1 and also read any additional books in this series.

Isabella Maldonado was one of my favorite new author discoveries of 2023, 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, and I’ve been waiting impatiently for this third book to be published. There is just something about the writing of this author that is highly addictive… A Killer's Code returns to its roots and once again has a bit more codebreaking in the plot, although the main focus is on a race against the clock with plenty of danger along the way. Another intense and exhilarating ride!

Technically, A Killer's Code can be read as a stand-alone, but I would personally suggest reading the books in order. 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... Like I said before, A Killer's Code returns to its cryptology roots and shows us a bit more of Dani's talents along the way. Her codebreaker background is fascinating, and it is what makes this series stand out to me. The plot itself reads mostly like your typical FBI/action thriller with a lot of danger and a true race against the clock.

While the case itself relates directly to the previous book and one of the characters in play, it does stand on its own as well as the team has to follow the clues to uncover what Toro has hidden. There is also room for personal development along the way, and it was without doubt an interesting change in dynamics. I'm not sure what to make of the romance angle, but thankfully there wasn't too much focus on it in the plot... There simply wasn't time with the characters being constantly on the move. There were plenty of twists along the way, and I especially liked the moments of codebreaking (although I do wish there would have been more). Dani has plenty of moments of being able to show all of her skills though!

A Killer's Code ended up being another worthy Daniela Vega sequel. It offered a suspenseful and action-packed story with a dose of personal development thrown in... I can highly recommend it if you like your thrillers on the tense and exhilarating side. Her books in general are well worth your time for that matter!

4 stars
Publication date January 21, 2025

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & and Mercer, for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Dani Vega is back in the thick of things as an FBI agent. A ghost from a past case leaves a video full of clues, leading to incriminating evidence against powerful, evil people. Dani is in a race against the clock to decipher the clues before more innocent lives are taken.

This is the third book in the Dani Vega series. It could be read as a standalone, but the entire series is excellent and gives you more insight into the characters when you start at the beginning. I would love to see a fourth book.

Another kick butt thriller from Isabella Maldonado, featuring Dani Vega and crew. Well written storyline will keep you wondering and great characters(both good/bad) to keep you entertained. Can be read as a standalone, but read the previous novel for a better understanding.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC and I recommend buying this book Jan. 21, 2025.