Maldonado is a real-life graduate of Quantico that has turned from crime fighter to crime writer after retiring.

The plot hook for the first book of the series, The Cipher, is intriguing and decidedly sets the tone for the series. The heroine element is evident as the protagonist, Nina Guerrara – the warrior girl in Spanish – is personally invested in each case. Tension builds steadily as horrific crimes peel away to reveal dark undertones. 

Drawing from her solid background in law enforcement, Maldonado delves into FBI criminal profiling and has a knack for painting the story in a light that focuses more on motive than gruesome details. Because each novel revolves around the pursuit of a serial killer whose unconnected crimes span decades, it was interesting to read how forensic technologies have evolved, i.e. how it has become increasingly difficult for sociopaths to get away with their crimes.

Although the series is fast-paced and offers sizable plot twists, it’s not without flaws. Both books' showdown ends abruptly, where the antagonist is taken down swiftly with no loose ends. The lack of climax is perhaps because chapters written from the antagonist’s point of view are already sprinkled throughout the novel, reducing the need to explain backstories towards the end.

All in all, Nina Guerrera is not a hair-raising series, but it still makes for a pleasant read that could be finished in one sitting. Admirably, the series does not rely on profanities to advance its plotline. Still, there’s rarely any prose to chew on and at times feels like a homicide television series put into writing. In fact, The Cipher is set to become a Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Lopez. The third instalment of the series, The Falcon, will be released on 28 June 2022.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Feeling inspired?

Check out more books below!