A page-turning thriller... Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado (Review) #newbooks #bookx #thriller #suspense #fatalintrusion @isabellambooks @JefferyDeaver @AmazonPub @MBeatie

I'm sharing this unputdownable read with you today. Find my review below...

Fatal Intrusion

(Sanchez & Heron #1)

By Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado 

Suspense, Thriller, Police Procedural

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 444 Pages

September 1, 2024 by Thomas & Mercer

Summary

As a wave of murders grips Southern California, an unlikely pair must untangle the mysterious patterns of an elusive killer. A propulsive new series by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado.

Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.

With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernible motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.

Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister―and goes far deeper―than anyone could possibly anticipate.

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My Review

FATAL INTRUSION is a psychological thriller full of twists and turns as a Homeland Security investigator and a college professor try to stop a killer. Likable, fully fleshed characters and an engaging plot make for a fully un-put-downable read!

It's been a while since I've read a book like this. It was completely engaging from the first page as I tried to figure out what was going on along with these characters as they try to stop what was happening. The dialogue is fantastically written. I loved Carmen so much! She's whip smart, skilled, intense, but has some vulnerability too. A very complex character. She'd do anything for her sister, even if it means putting up with Jake. Jake is also his own unique character with his own quirks and motives. I also thought the whole intrusion aspect to be quite interesting. Their history isn't completely disclosed in this book, just parts of it. There's a hint of a possible romance possibly later in the series, but either way it goes works for this story. The villain comes across as a regular guy (and creepily could be) but is a highly trained killer who is targeting his victims. The plot itself keeps you guessing with some red herrings and other things that are just one piece of the puzzle as it builds to a climatic ending.

The only thing I didn't like was a few of the suggestive parts that were a bit too much and slightly disturbing. I didn't need those references in my head and would have happily done without them.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is definitely a page-turning thriller! Great characters, an engaging plot, a cause I can cheer for and a expertly written story. I'm eagerly anticipating this duo's next case!

Content: Murder and violence (not overly detailed, but still descriptive and fairly gruesome), some swearing (both s and f words), sexual references (mostly fade-to black or suggestive).
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Megan Beatie Communications, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Jeffery Deaver is the award-winning #1 international and New York Times bestselling author of the Lincoln Rhyme, Colter Shaw and Kathryn Dance series, among many others. Deaver’s work includes forty-seven novels, one hundred short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. A former journalist, folk singer, and attorney, he was born outside Chicago and has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University. He was recently named a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Elmore Leonard and Mickey Spillane. For more information, visit www.jefferydeaver.com.

Isabella Maldonado is the award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Nina Guerrera, Daniela Vega and Veranda Cruz series. Her books are published in twenty-four languages. Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.

Have you read any of these author's solo works? Are you a thriller or police procedural fan? What appeals to you about this book?