his gamble could cost both their lives #PoliceProcedural #Mystery @CarmenConnects @GoddessFish

Hey folks! Today I’m happy to introduce you to Carmen Amato and her story King Peso!

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Carmen Amato is the author of romantic thrillers and the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series set in Acapulco which was recently optioned for film. Originally from New York, her experiences in Mexico and Central America inspire many of her books. For a copy of the Detective Emilia Cruz Starter Library, visit her website at carmenamato.net

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I asked Carmen Amato, “What is the best and most rewarding thing you find about being a writer?” and here is the response.

What a great question and thanks for having me here to answer it!

I write mysteries with a hint of romance and romantic thrillers with a dose of mystery. The best and most rewarding thing about being a writer is being able to create an experience for my readers. Especially with the Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series, I aim to take readers on a thrilling journey, full of twists and turns, with characters to cheer for.

I write about people who face hard things like discrimination, violence, and corruption. But Detective Emilia Cruz and the rest of the cast of the mystery series set in Acapulco will live to fight another day. Moreover, Emilia has someone to stand and fight beside her. Readers really love the connection between Emilia and hotel manager Kurt Rucker.

A fellow mystery author asked me what do I hope people will take away from my writing? How will your words make them feel?

My answer was: She threw herself back in the chair, clasped a hand to her heart, and finally let out her breath.

You are all invited to download a free copy of the Detective Emilia Cruz Starter Library. The Starter Library features “The Beast,” the story about how Emilia became the first female detective in Acapulco, which was first published in The Huffington Post. You’ll also get “The Angler,” the story based on a real life murder mystery, plus the first chapters of the first three Emilia Cruz novels. As a bonus, you’ll get my monthly newsletter, Mystery Ahead.

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KING PESO is the fourth book in the sensational Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series recently optioned for both television and film. Emilia is the first female police detective in Acapulco, where Mexican drug cartels battle for control and politicians are bought with blood money.

Three cops are murdered, execution style. Emilia worked with them all.

Her partner’s wife is killed in a home invasion. Was he the real target?

Is Emilia the next?

She hopes to be assigned to a task force to investigate the killings, but is instead directed to a new police unit championed by Acapulco’s ambitious mayor and overseen by a shady union strongman. But when Emilia stumbles upon a falsified report, she will conduct a private investigation, even as another murder victim carries a stark message for her.

Home is no refuge for Emilia; hotel manager Kurt Rucker has a shocking secret that could tear their relationship apart.

Unexpected help comes from a frightened attorney and a famous movie star, but each new clue to the murders unravels the one before. Meanwhile, Emilia’s ongoing hunt for a missing girl, a continuing series subplot, leads to the infamous El Pharaoh casino, a place she knows only too well.

What do a casino and a cop killer have in common? Emilia bets on her partner, but his gamble could cost both their lives.

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“Detective Cruz, I’m so glad I found you.” It was Claudia Sanchez again, but no longer Emilia’s new best friend. She thrust out a cell phone, the gesture full of shaky bravado. “I need your contact information.”

Emilia blinked at the woman.

“We need to schedule our first planning meeting,” Claudia continued. “I’d like to make it the same time every week. We’ll meet in my office in this building until we move to the Las Palomas headquarters.”

She paused and looked at Emilia expectantly.

Emilia didn’t move.

After a moment of confusion, Claudia went on doggedly. “We have a lot of decisions to make. Carlota has given me a file full of her ideas. We really need to focus on the uniforms. Carlota wants something with that signature Las Brisas pink.”

“Do you have any idea what it means to be a cop in this city?” Emilia asked abruptly.

“I . . . I majored in public administration and security in college,” Claudia stammered. “I’ve been working for the mayor for almost two years.”

Emilia was nearly speechless with sudden fury. “Have you ever listened to your partner describe how he came home to find his wife a bloody dead mess?” She launched herself off the wall as she spoke. “Paid a snitch on the street for information to keep your friends from being killed? Scraped bodies off a sidewalk after a gang fight?”

Claudia took a shaky step away from Emilia. “You’re not being very nice, Detective Cruz.”

Emilia’s anger fled as quickly as it came. Claudia’s face was puckered with the effort not to cry.

The situation was hopeless.

“I have to go,” Emilia said.

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Amazon

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Carmen Amato will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. CLICK HERE to enter to Win! Readers, follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates and places can be found here: Tour Schedule

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Carmen Amato, thank you for stopping by today!

Love & blessings to all! ❤
Jacey

Tagged: Author Spotlight, Carmen Amato, Goddess Fish Promotions, Interview, Mystery, police procedural, police procedural mystery