The Cipher (Nina Guerrera Book 1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Amazon  
 
  
 
 
 Jdbaker 
 
6 September 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Wow!, Awesome book This was a great read from the first page to the last! Finished it in a day,couldn’t hardly put it down! Can’t wait to read the next one
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kat Johnson 
 
27 July 2026
 
 
 Verified 
The one that got away.. This was my first book by Isabel Maldonado, and I loved it! I also listened to the audidble, and the narrator was great! This story starts with a young girl, who is in the foster care system, but takes matters into her own hands, is granted emancipation, and is kidnapped. She escapes her kidnapper, and becomes a FBI agent. After working hard to get where she is, she is targeted in a park, and attacked. She fights her attacker, and is caught on video, that goes viral, and is praised for fighting back. The only problem is.. her kidnapper sees the video and inserts himself back in her life. Since shes the only one who got away. Great read!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ness 
 
28 June 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Good Story I must say that I really enjoyed this story. Nina's character was definitely appealing. A true fighter. A true baddie. A true survivor. I loved to see the growth from her youth to her adulthood.The story was good and captured my attention from the beginning. Unlike other books that I have read, I did not feel like there was a lot of information dump or page fillers.The Cipher and his story was very interesting as well. Getting his perspective and obsession was something that i enjoyed reading about. Maldonado taking us into the psychopaths mentality was a good move, in my opinion, and helped me see what drove him to do what he was doing.I really liked the BAU team and their dynamic. From SSA Bruxton to Wade, Kent, and Brex (Lord I hope i spelled their names right lol), I really liked that they all brought something different to the team, but in a way that meshed well. Wade was a little annoying at first, but then he grew on me as I realized he was just a big teddy bear wanting to protect Nina from a similar fate as his own sister. And, was it just me or did there seem to be an interest for Nina by Kent? Right???! LOL I guess only time will tell.The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars is because of the ending. I felt that there was so much built up anticipation for the inevitable meet between Nina and the Cipher that it just felt a little too quick for me. I think I would have liked to see Nina get into the Cipher's head a little more.Also, what happened with Bianca and Mrs. G after everything with the Cipher? I imagine they would have been hysterical knowing that Nina was captured and almost killed. I would have liked to get even just a few lines on what that looked like, considering how much Bianca looks up to Nina and Mrs. G treats Nina like family.Other than that, I truly enjoyed this book. As a Latina, I must say that reading about a strong and accomplished Latina was not only refreshing but also uplifting. I thank Maldonado for creating Nina's character and look forward to reading more about Nina.4 starsHIGHLY RECOMMEND
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Wm. Grange  
 
9 June 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Good read, except....... Good suspenseful read. The back & forth action between the victimized, FBI, mass physcho murder keeps the solving crime process at the for front. The only criticism is the excessive swearing, vulgar language. I know there are many readers who will say, that's the way people in the real world talk, so the words need to be included to reflect reality.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 paul a watt 
 
19 May 2026
 
 
 Verified 
good read good read
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Rachel C 
 
9 April 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Great suspense! This story was well paced and developed well. Characters were interesting and the story was easy to read and kept you wanting to keep reading. Great story! Looking forward to more from this author!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Amazon Customer 
 
4 November 2024
 
 
 Verified 
best book Fast, intensiv, encouraging. I never thought I will read from a female author such amazing stories! More of that! Love it
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Hariharan 
 
22 March 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Painfully Gripping And Engrossing From page 1 it was a very good description of the life in the US, the federal justice system,the FBI and the struggles of the people who are marginalized. Isabella tugs at the emotions of the readers and compels each one of us to try living through the eyes of the protagonist. Thrilling, chilling and a very fulfilling reading experience.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Roslyn 
 
19 January 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Loved it A new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. Fast moving, with believable characters, I was cheering for Nina all the way through. After reading the biography of the author, with her career in the FBI she brings a unique style to her story with details of FBI procedure that make the story realistic and interesting. Definitely a series that I want to read more of and the 5 star rating thoroughly deserved.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Janine 
 
10 July 2023
 
 
 Verified 
Fast paced and intriguing Isabella Maldonado writes about these strong 💪, fearless women who can overcome anything. So many twists and turns. It's full of surprises and intrigue. I couldn't put it down 😀😀
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Donb01 
 
22 November 2021
 
 
 Verified 
A multi-book story done right! Very well executed murder mystery. Recommended. This is a pretty much straightforward murder mystery book, with a well developed team of characters and an interesting plot. The first victim, and "one that got away" of someone who would eventually become a serial killer ends up being with the FBI years later, and by random chance is the victim of a random mugging attempt in a park that just happened to be recorded on video and went viral on social media. Of course, the killer, who had long since gave up on her sees the video and that triggers a game of cat and mouse where he tries to lure our agent into making a mistake and being re-captured. Our FBI agent, along with a close team, and the support of a huge law enforcement effort are tasked with solving the clues the killer lays out in the hopes of preventing further murders.The characters are well developed, and we get to know their histories and what makes them tick, as well as learning about the killer and what may have happened to them to mold them into what they became. There are a number of tense moments, and, as with any story that you are following closely, you are led to make some assumptions that may or may not be true. Overall I really enjoyed reading this story, and could picture the people and places in my mind, which is always the sign of a good story - plus all the situations are completely believable.I give bonus points because this is a multi-book story, and it was ended on a note where this story comes completely to an end, we know what happens to most everyone, and we are introduced to the next adventure that awaits our main character - there is no need to buy another book to close this story, and if you are really into these kinds of stories you can move on to the next adventure and continue from where you left off, and if not you don't miss anything. Nothing ticks me off more than a story that makes you buy the next book to find out how what has transpired ends, and this is not one of those!! I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is into these kind of police / murder mystery stories.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Harmony Kent 
 
15 March 2021
 
 
 Verified 
A gripping, fast-paced thriller This is the first book by this writer that I've read. I'll be sure to be checking out her other stuff. The Cipher gripped me at the first page and didn't let go until the very last page.With a resilient and determined female protagonist, there's no shortage of action or drama in this fast-paced read. The characters are well drawn and realistic, and I found that I connected with each and every one of them--even the serial killer.Here are a couple of lines that stood out for me:They followed him into a cluttered kitchen and stood by while he shoved a stack of papers and a withered houseplant aside to make room at the kitchen table. A dead spider skidded off the side, plopping into a doggy water bowl on the floor. ( I love the imagery in these lines.)'I don't think you're hearing me.' She had a strong urge to clean out his ears with the barrel of her Glock. (Tee he hee.)If you're a fan of police procedural's and FBI Behavioural Annalysis, then you'll love this book. I can't recommend it enough ... go and read this entertaining and gripping book! It gets a resounding 5 stars from me.***NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Carl E. Ahlm 
 
19 February 2021
 
 
 Verified 
Loved the characters ~ especially Nina, a fast read with some disturbing content. I really knew nothing about "The Cipher" or the author Isabella Maldonado. I selected it as one of my monthly Amazon First Reads choices, and I am glad I did. The main character Nina was interesting, and her character was well developed throughout the book. The plot was well crafted, although parts were a bit disturbing and gruesome.The story begins with a young woman Nina Guerrera running in the park and is attacked. Unfortunately for the attackers, this young woman is a young FBI agent who fights off her attackers; however, the attack is caught on a cell phone and posted on social media. Innocent enough, except that an evil presence from Nina’s past sees the post. Now determined to catch Nina again, the evil Odin commits murder after murder to bring Nina into the investigation.Personally, I am happy to see that this is book #1 of the Nina Guerrera series. The antagonist Odin truly personified evil while our heroine Nina’s will to survive was strong. Additionally, I loved the characterization of her neighbor Mrs. Gomez and her young foster daughter’s character of Bianca was delightfully developed. The plot was carefully woven together with several twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Noting that there are some disturbing scenes by the serial killer in the book, if you can deal with that, then make sure to put this book on your to read list.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Cid Herman 
 
2 October 2020
 
 
 Verified 
Fans of serial killer novels and police procedurals are going to love CIPHER!! Fans of the serial killer genre and police procedurals are gonna love CIPHER. I can practically guarantee it.The subject matter alone should make it clear: CIPHER is not for the squeamish. It involves the torture, murder and rape of children and teenage girls. For those of you still interested, you are in for a real treat!I don't think I am going out on a limb here, when I say Isabella Maldonado's thriller, CIPHER, is every bit as thrilling, exciting, and engaging as Thomas Harris' RED DRAGON TRILOGY, which included THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Maldonado may have borrowed from aspects of that earlier work, but she has made CIPHER all her own.The killer, both terrifying and complex, has nothing on his first victim, a terrified 16 year old Latina, who has run away from foster care. Nina is determined to not only escape him, but to make something of life, that transcends her unfortunate childhood.11 years later, she is an FBI agent, when a video of her goes viral, exposing her new identity to the obsessed serial killer, who will forever see her as "the one that got away". So begins a cat and mouse game, with the CIPHER using social media to misdirect, cause chaos and embarrass the FBI, as they quickly make catching him their number one priority. Nina's inclusion on the taskforce is both a risk and a benefit. She is both incredibly strong and terribly damaged, as a result of her earlier encounter with the Cipher. She can also be instrumental in drawing him out.The book moves along at a break neck pace, following the clues logically, and working well as a police procedural. From the opening scene to the dramatic conclusion, this book draws you in and never lets up. Even the minor characters are interesting, and pull the reader further into the story. We are left wanting to know even more about them, in particular, a neighbor of Nina's, a young girl in foster care, who a genius with a social media obsession. All the main characters are fascinating and, for the most part, realistic, keeping the story interesting and personable. Nina, is extremely empathetic and her fictional fans will, no doubt, be joined by real readers.Maldonodo' s experience in law enforcement, (including experience working with the FBI), and her Latina heritage really bring this story to life, elevating it well beyond most other books in the crowded field of "serial killer" novels. I can't wait for the next novel featuring Nina Guerrerra, the "Warrior Girl".
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The survivor of a vicious crime confronts her fears in a hunt for a serial killeru2026forensic analysis, violent action, and a tough heroine who stands up to the last man on earth she wants to see again.
-Kirkus Reviews

[In] this riveting series launch from Maldonado…the frequent plot twists will keep readers guessing to the end, and Maldonado draws on her 22 years in law enforcement to add realism. Determined to overcome her painful past, the admirable Nina has enough depth to sustain a long-running series.
-Publishers Weekly

The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado is a nail-biting race against time.
-POPSUGAR

Maldonado does a superb job of depicting a woman who’s made a strength out of trauma, and an even better job at showing how a monster could use the internet to prey on the vulnerable. Maldonado spent 22 years in law enforcement and her experience shines through in The Cipher.
-The Amazon Book Review

A heart-pounding novel from page one, The Cipher checks all the boxes for a top-notch thriller: sharp plotting, big stakes, and characters–good and bad and everywhere in between–that are so richly drawn you’ll swear you’ve met them. I read this in one sitting and I guarantee you will too. Oh, another promise: You’ll absolutely love the Warrior Girl!
-Jeffery Deaver

Wow! A riveting tale in the hands of a superb storyteller.
-J.A. Jance

Intense, harrowing, and instantly addictive, The Cipher took my breath away. Isabella Maldonado has created an unforgettable heroine in Nina Guerrera, a dedicated FBI agent and trauma survivor with unique insight into the mind of a predator. This riveting story is everything a thriller should be.
-Hilary Davidson