I understand why this series has been so popular internationally, it’s wholly bingeable and entertaining. I loved being back with the dynamic duo - Antonia and Jon. These characters are super likable and complex. The story keeps me on my toes with the suspense, mystery, and action scenes. The way Juan Gómez-Jurado writes cool female characters is really appealing to me in this series, short fast paced chapters really make the book unputdownable. I’m just dying to know what happens next after the cliffhanger!

Scott Brick does the audiobook performance and his storytelling voice is incredible. I love the kind of whimsy he puts into the narration, the characters’ personalities shine through, and the pacing never really lulls or drops off. I enjoy his speaking voice from other audiobooks and I’m looking forward to listening to him more in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for the listening and review copies.

Exciting and fast paced, this suspenseful crime thriller is the second in a series featuring the enigmatic, brilliant Antonia Scott and her squire, Inspector Jon Gutierrez.

The duo works behind the scenes in Spain as part of the secret Red Queen project. They are assigned to the most difficult cases and try to stay within the boundaries of the law. After a harrowing pervious job, they are again sent into a delicate situation involving the mafioso. Yuri Veronin, a man known for his money laundering expertise, is found brutally murdered in Costa del Sol and his pregnant wife, Lola Moreno, is on the run after an attempt is also made on her life. The Russian cohort is hot on her trail and even call in the notorious contract killer, the Black Wolf. Antonia and Jon are meant to find Lola first. It seems that there is a lot of double crossing and profit skimming going on and no one is to be trusted.

I really rated the first two books in this series and can't wait for the third installment. I like the short chapters and the writing style. I both listened to the audiobook and read along with the e-book so I could fully appreciate the nuances and also helped with the fact that I am not fluent in Spanish. I love the characters of Antonia and Jon and they make quite an unusual pair. Appreciate so much that there is no romance and enjoy each of their personalities and quirks. The story line is great and there are some surprises along the way. Definitely some dark humor as well.

The audio was a superb production and I absolutely love the narrator, Scott Brick. He has the most wonderful voice and gave life and individuality to all of the characters he voiced in this novel.

I am recommending this series to everyone who likes a good crime thriller and am thankful for receiving the ARC audiobook and e-book from the publishers. Looking forward to the next, White King.

Also -- there is an adaptation of the first book in this series, Red Queen, on Prime right now and I sure hope to see this one there as well.

Black Wolf is the second book in the Red Queen series, translated from Spanish. I read both books back to back and it was a thrill ride and a half! I do love a good action adventure and these 2 books will have you holding your breath in anticipation.

In Black Wolf we are reunited with Antonia and Jon who are sent to the Costa Del Sol to find the missing and pregnant wife of a murdered Spanish mafia member. They are not the only ones looking for her so the stakes are high and the conditions are dangerous.

This book has it all, there are gunfights, scary dogs, car chases and a very high body count. This book is dark and very graphic. It is messy and violent and I loved it.

The relationship between Antonia and Jon is a highlight of this book. They are still getting to know each other, but feel more comfortable together.

The narrator, Scott Brick was just fantastic. He really brought the story to life and made it very exciting to listen to.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy. Released on March 12th.

A taut novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The narrator was perfect at adding tension, suspense, and humor when called for. The story was unique and interesting and kept me enthralled. I loved Antonia and learning about her gift, and the locations were lush and intriguing.

Black Wolf is the second book in the Red Queen series by @juangomezjurad. Antonia and Jon are back this time trying to find the missing pregnant wife of a murdered Spanish mafia member. There is an assassin, aka the Black Wolf, who is also looking for this mafia wife. Who will find her first?!

I love the character of Antonia Scott and was so glad to read another book with her in it. I really enjoyed switching between the book and audiobook with this read since I did not want to put this crime thriller down. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I recommend this series and reading it in order.

Thank you @macmillan.audio and @minotaur_books for allowing me to read and listen to this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website)