"A Forgotten Kill," the second installment in the Dani Vega series by Isabella Maldonado, is a gripping thriller that surpasses its predecessor, "A Killer's Game." The narrative showcases the author's storytelling prowess, delivering an intriguing and deeply personal story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

FBI Special Agent Daniela "Dani" Vega, haunted by doubts about her mother's conviction for murdering her father, is drawn into a chilling investigation when a seasoned NYPD homicide detective reopens her family's cold case. The condition for his assistance: Dani must help him track down a serial killer who has been terrorizing New York City for the past decade. Maldonado skillfully weaves together past and present, creating a narrative that is not only suspenseful but also emotionally resonant.

The exploration of Dani's traumatic past, including the alleged murder of her father by her mother, adds layers to her character, making her more relatable and intriguing. The personal stakes for Dani are high as she grapples with the possibility that she may have gotten her mother's case wrong. This introspective journey enhances the overall depth and emotional resonance of the story.

The author's ability to construct a compelling and intricately plotted mystery shines through as Dani tackles both the cold case and the hunt for the serial killer. The suspense builds steadily, with unexpected twists and revelations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Maldonado's skillful storytelling keeps the pacing tight, making it a page-turner that is difficult to put down.

"A Forgotten Kill" not only delivers a captivating mystery but also delves into the complexities of Dani's character, making her journey both personal and dangerous. Isabella Maldonado proves once again that she is a standout author in the thriller genre, offering a fantastic blend of drama, suspense, and emotional depth. Fans of crime thrillers and those new to the Dani Vega series will find this book to be a compelling and satisfying read.

In summary, "A Forgotten Kill" is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts, showcasing Isabella Maldonado's mastery in crafting suspenseful and emotionally charged narratives.

I really enjoyed this book, "A Forgotten Kill" by Isabella Maldonado. This is the third book I've read by this author, and I gave all of them 5 stars. Maldonado writes very engaging and exciting thrillers.

The character of Dani Vega is quite fascinating. She is very gutsy and often under-estimated. She is a great character that is easy to root for.

I also recommend Isabella Maldonado's other books "The Cipher" and "A Killer's Game". I look forward to reading more of her books.

Another excellent addition to the Dani Vega series! I got Hooke son Isabella Maldonado’s books while reading the Nina Guerrero series, and the Dani series has been excellent as well! Super interesting cases, and brilliant characters; Maldonado does a great job of “getting in the killers head.” I wish I didn’t have to wait so long for it to be published to recommend it!

A Forgotten Kill is the second book in the Dani Vega series. This one not only lives up to its predecessor, A Killer's Game, but surpasses it in many ways. The authors storytelling and writing skills are on full display here with an intriguing, deeply personal narrative that not only entertains but keeps you turning pages.
I love serial killer stories and this one offers up something unique in its use of weaving past and present together. Dani wants to investigate the cold case of her father’s alleged death at the hands of her mother, but first she must put her skills to the rest solving a current care involving a serial killer. As the story unfolds the author showcases her ability to construct a compelling and intricately plotted mystery.

The story is deeply personal for Dani and takes readers into the past and explores her childhood, shedding light on the traumatic death of her father, allegedly at the hands of her mother when Dani was a teenager and how this impacted her. These experiences have shaped Dani and give her a compelling backstory that you want to find out more about and adds layers to her character. The exploration of Dani's childhood trauma not only adds depth to her character but also enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

The suspense builds and delivers unexpected twists and reveals keeping the reader surprised and reading more. Isabella Maldonado is a standout author of this genre and someone who I will be reading a lot more of. A fantastic blend of drama, suspense and thriller.

Overall very gripping and enjoyable. I didn't find it predictable at all, as I sometimes find with this genre. The only reason it dropped a couple of stars for me is because I didn't feel totally connected to the characters - this is, however, part of a series which I haven't yet read. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this even more if I had read the first book!

When I discovered Ms. Maldonado I knew she was an author I would keep reading and she hasn’t disappointed me yet. This series has one of the most interesting and unique female protagonist of all the many series I read. I like Daniela’s spunk and unequivocal pursuit of justice. Dani is very protective of her siblings since their mother was committed to a psyche ward for murdering her husband. After many years her mother’s mental status has changed which dredges up heartache and questions for Dani. Dani can’t leave the past where it is, she’s compelled to get answers. She may not like where those truths lead her. Detective Chapman at Bronx Homicide has the file she needs. He’s in the weeds with a string of unsolved cases going back many years. Dani offers her assistance not knowing what a convoluted case she’s about to tackle. Dani has a mental acuity that processes data logically, she can identify patterns, solve puzzling situations, unravel difficult riddles, is unparalleled with breaking codes and cryptic ciphers. She was trained in the military as a codebreaker, simply stated she’s quite an asset in investigating serial crimes. So there are two plots winding through the story, both with unexpected outcomes and nonstop action. I thought all the characters were compelling, even Dani’s crotchety aunt. Can’t wait to see where her next case leads.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “A Forgotten Kill” Daniela Vega series #2, by Isabella Maldonado, Published by Thomas & Mercer, on Sale March, 2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

This book took off with a start and was fast paced throughout. I enjoyed the escapism of this action-packed story featuring bad ass former ranger Dani Vega as she starts out trying to catch a murderer and ends up in an ultimate real life escape room.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I cannot explain how refreshing it is to read crime fiction that addresses proper forensic procedure! Having a background in forensics, one of my biggest pet peeves is reading something forensics related that shows the writer clearly didn’t even do the most basic research. Isabella Maldonado knocked it out of the park with her spot on forensics and the story itself. She clearly still uses her past career experience to give her novels a realistic edge that is often very hard to find. If I were a coach for thrillers and mysteries, I would have every single one of my clients read her books! Not only does she have her procedure down pat, but her stories have an incredible story and character arc while keeping them a thrilling ride! I’m a big fan and will continue to red anything she puts her name on!

Huge thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

After the wild ride book one took me on I was so excited to read the next book in the Dani Vega series. This book is fast paced and has you hooked from the start. It’s packed with incredible detail and explanation of police procedures and cryptography that only enhances the reader’s experience. I found myself not only incredibly drawn to Dani Vega but also side characters like, Axel, Gloria, and Cassie. I would love to see them again in further books with their own story lines.

Isabella Maldonado is truly unmatched when it comes to police procedurals. The research and attention to detail she provides in her story telling makes her high-stake plots plausible. I am ready to see more of Dani Vega.

Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Isabella Maldonado for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed A Forgotten Kill. It was full of action, suspense and mystery.
Dani is a great main character and I hope to read more about her soon. I love the tension with her and Flint and hope it will come to something in future books in the series.

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book (A Killer's Game) and read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down.

I look forward to reading the next installment.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ebook. A Forgotten Kill is an action packed thriller with a strong female lead. Great characters, major family issues and a scary serial killer make this a non stop thriller.

"A Forgotten Kill" by Isabella Maldonado is an absolute gem of a thriller that deserves a resounding five-star rating. This suspenseful novel expertly captivates readers with its clever plot, well-developed characters, and electrifying twists and turns.

Maldonado's writing prowess shines throughout the story, drawing us into the dark and intriguing world of FBI Special Agent Daniela "Dani" Vega. Her complex journey, driven by the desire to uncover the truth about her father's death and reconcile her own doubts, grabs hold of readers' attention from the very first page.

The author masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and tension, keeping us on edge as Dani teams up with a seasoned NYPD homicide detective to reopen her parents' murder case. Through the pursuit of a cunning serial killer terrorizing New York City, Dani's past and present weave together in a captivating dance of danger and deception.

The character development in "A Forgotten Kill" is exceptional, making us feel deeply connected to Dani and the supporting cast. Dani's internal struggles, doubts, and moral dilemmas are portrayed flawlessly, adding complexity and depth to her relentless pursuit of justice.

The intricate plot is skillfully executed, filled with clever twists and surprises that will leave readers breathless. Maldonado's ability to keep us guessing while revealing just enough to keep the story engaging is truly commendable.

Along with the thrilling suspense, the novel explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of one's past actions. As Dani unravels the truth about her family and faces the ruthless killer, the emotional stakes soar, making for a captivating and deeply satisfying read.

In "A Forgotten Kill," Isabella Maldonado has delivered an exceptional five-star thriller that will leave readers craving more. With its gripping narrative, well-crafted characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final page, this novel is an absolutely stellar addition to the genre. Prepare to be enthralled and captivated by Maldonado's expert storytelling and enjoy a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue.

This book started strong and ended strong. At one point I thought the book was done as everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow. I was so wrong. The cat/mouse chase was impressive as I could not guess the killer and everything was related. This book kept me on my toes and guessing at every turn. Dani, the main character was well developed and I loved how the author brought in her background to make every process so well flushed out. Isabella did a great job at explaining police/investigative lingo for readers to understand better. I loved learning more about the forensics side as-well.

𖣘ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ: Dani Vega is a badass
ꕤᴍᴏᴏᴅ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ: Don't mess with me!
•♫•ꜱᴏɴɢ: Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for granting me access to this title.

I read Isabella Maldonado's previous book, A Killer's game once again thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley at the beginning of this year. When I saw A Forgotten Kill show up under the "Read Now" titles, I leapt at the chance to find our what FBI Detective Vega would solve next.

After reading A Killer's Game, I went on to read all of Maldonado's Nina Guerrera books and plan to also read her series about Veranda Cruz. I'm loyal, what can I say? If I like an author, I read all their stuff!

Detective Vega is special though. There is something so alluring about her ability to decipher patterns. Reading her working through clues and spotting patterns is a joy for me, because I love doing brain games and puzzles. Vega is also rough around the edges, constantly doing her own thing, and almost always disobeying direct orders because "there was no time to let anyone know".

Dani Vega's relationship with her mom is complicated. It was Dani's eye witness statement that led to her mother's arrest for the murder of Dani's father. However, years later and Dani's mom has started to talk again and she's adamant about her innocence. Determined to do right by her family, Dani decides to investigate. As she connects with the detective who inherited the case, Dani sets into motion a domino effect of events that alter not just Dani's life, but that of countless women.

In order to access the files about her father's murder, Dani offers to look over the detectives cold cases and soon she discovers there may be a serial killer on the loose.

The characters, the plot, and Dani's continued quest to find the truth are the ingredients that made this another successful book by Isabella Maldonado. Although the books can be read out of order, I don't recommend it. Dani's an ever evolving character and experiencing her through books 1 and 2, really made a difference for me.

I was issued this book by NetGalley for my unbiased review.

I must admit I am a fan of Isabella Maldonado. Every one of her titles has been very good. This book--A Forgotten Kill--is no exception.

While all of her books are stand alone great, it does add a bit (in my opinion) if you read them in sequence. Just kind of puts the cherry on top of the sundae!

In this book it fleshes out Dani Vega a bit and also answers questions from her past. As in all of Maldonado's books the interest is held and hard to put down.

Looking forward to reading more from Isabella Maldonado and her heroes.

I really enjoy Isabella Maldonado's writing. I read her last trilogy and loved it and this one is just as good! The second of three following character Dani Vega as an FBI agent kept me enthralled until the very end. There is a lot of action and twists and a serial killer on the loose! Maldonado is an auto read for me now and I have found myself recommending her books to others! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.

Let me just say, I did not know this was a sequel when I started, but this book starts off with a bang and its stays thrilling the whole time. I read this in less than a day because I was so intrigued by the story, the characters, and the mystery. I don't feel like I missed anything from not reading book one, but I definitely want to go back and read that one now.

This book was fast paced from the jump, and the story itself takes place in less than a week. There are some flashbacks to previous crimes, but this manhunt is wrapped up in four to five days. I liked our main heroine and I enjoyed how competent and clever she was without being reckless and a "rogue agent". She took calculated risks to get what she needed and was always aware of the consequences, but it's her cryptography that really captured my attention. I like seeing her know this is her area of expertise and then using it as part of the case, and I could read a whole book about how that works and her past life as a ranger in the army using those skills.

There is no direct romance in this book, but I liked her relationships and partnerships with her siblings, coworkers, and superiors, It didn't feel like any interpersonal relationships were missing or that a romance was needed,

FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega was seventeen when her mother murdered her father. Ten years after Dani’s own damning eyewitness testimony sealed her mother’s fate, she’s starting to have doubts. What if she got it all wrong?
A veteran NYPD homicide detective agrees to reopen the closed case on one condition—Dani must help him find a serial killer who’s been operating throughout New York City for the past decade. If anyone can decipher his patterns, and his riddles, it’s a trained codebreaker like Dani. The killer knows this too. And his next riddle—and victim—is meant just for her.
For Dani, stopping a killer—and learning what really happened to her father—becomes more personal and more dangerous with each new twist. As secrets of the past are unearthed, the truth could forever change Dani’s life…and the lives of everyone she loves.

Same as the first book in the series a really fast paced thriller. I don't want to say anything about the plot because of spoilers but it was really engaging and interesting, especially because it was a personal case for our main character.
My only »complaint« is - as usual with this author - is that the writing gets a bit repetitive. We get told the same things again and again as if we didn't just read about it. Maybe that's a good thing if you're reading a few pages her and there but I find Isabella Maldonado's books very binge-able and therefore it bothers me a bit when I get the same infos on repeat. But otherwise I really enjoy the authors writing and I'm already highly anticipating the next book in the series!

You can always count on Isabella Maldonado for a thrilling adventure with a strong female lead. Dani Vega is just that - she's a fascinating character to read about. And you have to love the nod to the female Rangers, who are just incredible.

The second installment in Dani's story is just as action-packed as the first, and it includes a bit more of her very complex family history. The first half of the book was great - an exciting buildup with great action and some fun twists and turns. But toward the end of the book, I struggled just a bit with how things unfolded and the ultimate conclusion of the plot. Without posting any spoilers, I'll just say things were a little predictable and a little over-dramatic for my taste. The "full circle" moment was a bit of a head scratcher - a "how exactly did we get here?" kind of moment that didn't quite click for me.

All that said, I still love Maldonado's writing and her strong female characters. And I devoured this one in the same amount of time I've read all her other books. I just would have liked to see her develop and connect the back story with the present-day story in a more sophisticated way.

A Forgotten Kill is the second book in the Daniela Vega series by Isabella Maldonado.
It’s a beautifully crafted story, with enough twists and turns that keeps your attention, is engaging and easy to read.
You’ll find more about Daniela’s background and his father’s murder. After years believing Dani’s mother did kill her father, can she, her siblings and aunt get some peace and closure?