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The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado
Since its publication, The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado had been on my wishlist since I enjoy reading crime fiction with strong female leads. The book was moved up the reading list when I learned that Jennifer Lopez had agreed to star in and produce the television adaptation of this book.
Nina Guerrera has had one of the worst upbringings among fictional series’ main characters because to Maldonado. Her description of her previous physical and psychological pain is unvarnished, detailed, and probably upsetting to some readers. This personal background lays the groundwork for her “survivor-underdog” plot, which is then built around the inherent racial bias in US law enforcement. And a few amusing one-liners that will look fantastic on screen.
The Cipher is also one of the most abhorrent fictional characters I have ever encountered. Maybe the depiction of people who pushed the boundaries of realism encouraged my desire to suspend disbelief in a few situations. Or, the likeable but modestly characterised small ensemble cast, Nina’s coworkers in the investigation. Wade, who was the centre of attention, opened a leather-bound notebook. On the table, everyone else had some form of electronic device open.
The race against time structure of The Cipher (the novel, not the unsub) should have made for an exciting page-turner. As one would anticipate from a writer of commercial bestsellers, Maldonado’s prose is clear and very approachable.
Her occasionally transactional style, however, never quite achieved the level of reading intensity I had anticipated. Despite its unrealized potential, The Cipher was still a good beginning to a series and established a crime-fighting team I might return to for a light read in the future.
About The Book
At the age of 16, FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera managed to escape a serial killer’s trap. A video of the incident that happened after she was jumped in a park in Virginia becomes popular. She has not only won legions of new fans over with her combat prowess.
She was kidnapped eleven years ago by a man who is now watching. He stages a gruesome murder to draw her into the inquiry because he is determined to get back his stolen gift, but his tricks are just getting started. And he’s using the internet to invite the public to play along.
The Cipher, a mysterious cyber-ghost known for his coded riddles, may have become a perverted social media sensation, but to Nina, he is a monster who preys on the weak. Nina pursues the predator across the nation in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Wade, the top mind hunter for the FBI and a man who struggles with his own demons. While the world watches, Nina strives to put an end to a murderous killer, piece by piece and victim by victim.
The Review
The Cipher
9 Score
This book will make you excited it's number one of a series. From the start it is gripping with a maim character you can't help but cheer for. Her background story, her battle to overcome what life has thrown at her and her ability to meet challenges with grit and grace makes her a character you can't help but admire. Her coworker wade also has suffered a fall from grace and between the two there is a great need for redemption and to prove to the world and themselves that they belong.
PROS
- Exceptional Police Procedural.
- Action-Packed.
- Great Storytelling.
- Great Crime Mystery.
CONS
- Unreasonable & Incredible Coincidences.
- Too Predictable.
- Graphically Violent Discription.
- Poorly Written.
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