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A review by lyloveslit
The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
The Cipher is the first book in the FBI Agent Nina Guerrera series, and it delivers a gripping, fast-paced thriller from start to finish. Maldonado introduces us to Nina Guerrera, who became an FBI agent after surviving a harrowing kidnapping at 16. Her resilience and determination to protect the vulnerable drive her career. When a viral video exposes her combat skills, it also reignites the dangerous obsession of the man who nearly killed her—the one she escaped. For him, Nina is “the one who got away,” and now, while she hunts him, he’s hunting her.
As Nina uncovers more, she realizes he’s been preying on others for years and is now the Bureau’s top target. The story is packed with suspense, action, and tension as Nina and her team track down the serial killer known as The Cipher. The pacing kept me hooked, and I loved the dynamic between Nina and her partners. Maldonado crafts a compelling narrative with enough twists to keep you guessing. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m eager to dive into the rest of the series!
This was a solid 4.5-star read for me—highly recommend if you enjoy intense thrillers with strong female leads and a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.
The Cipher is the first book in the FBI Agent Nina Guerrera series, and it delivers a gripping, fast-paced thriller from start to finish. Maldonado introduces us to Nina Guerrera, who became an FBI agent after surviving a harrowing kidnapping at 16. Her resilience and determination to protect the vulnerable drive her career. When a viral video exposes her combat skills, it also reignites the dangerous obsession of the man who nearly killed her—the one she escaped. For him, Nina is “the one who got away,” and now, while she hunts him, he’s hunting her.
As Nina uncovers more, she realizes he’s been preying on others for years and is now the Bureau’s top target. The story is packed with suspense, action, and tension as Nina and her team track down the serial killer known as The Cipher. The pacing kept me hooked, and I loved the dynamic between Nina and her partners. Maldonado crafts a compelling narrative with enough twists to keep you guessing. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m eager to dive into the rest of the series!
This was a solid 4.5-star read for me—highly recommend if you enjoy intense thrillers with strong female leads and a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.