The Cipher

I am a sucker for a good, fast-paced crime thriller, and this one completely fits the bill. Maldonado has created a strong female protagonist who casts off her troubled past and renames herself Nina Guerrera, which means “warrior girl.” The name fits her fighting spirit. In this book, she must confront the man who abducted her and almost killed her as a teenager. She and her FBI team must solve the Cipher's puzzles to end his killing spree.

The plot of this book is gripping from page one. Nina and the Cipher are compelling adversaries whose lives are intertwined due to the Cipher's obsession with her. She got away from him once, and now he has lured her into the investigation of his current victims. Ultimately, he wants to finish what he started with her. She is also determined to finish things by catching him. The puzzles and clues make the chase for the Cipher more difficult, but they add an interesting layer to the plot. Readers are able to try to solve the puzzles along with the characters, pulling them into the action of the story.

The characters are memorable and mostly likable. Obviously, the Cipher is despicable and completely unlikable, but the team hunting him includes characters that each have qualities that the reader can embrace. Nina is strong and uses her traumatic past to fuel her fight for justice. Wade at first seems rigid and unfeeling, but he proves to be a supportive colleague for Nina. The other members of the team are also supportive and genuinely care for each other. Overall, it's a strong cast of characters.

This book reads quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are no dull moments. I highly recommend this one to fans of crime thrillers.