A story of drama, suspense, and mystery. This book is an exciting and mysterious read from the beginning to the end. With excellent characters and a storyline different from other books, this book was even better and worth reading.

I really enjoyed A Killer's Code. It was an adrenaline packed thriller, full of suspense, drama, secrets, and betrayal.

Isabella writes beautifully, and I was drawn in immediately. I read the book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down.

I also loved the previous novels in this series: A Killer's Game and A Forgotten Kill. Daniela Vega is a fantastic main character. She's interesting, charismatic, fierce, and loyal.

I'll be impatiently awaiting the next installment in this addictive series.
I highly recommend it.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

When I requested this book I had no idea that this was part of a series, but it is more than okay to read this as a standalone, as the author provides lots of background information.

If Isabella always writes this way I can't wait to read more of her!
Very engaging, fast paced and unique characters. The story itself might seem a bit too unreal, but with the way technology goes forward who knows, maybe it will one day happen and the tech stuff they tried to create might actually exist.

Anyone who likes to be kept on the edge will want to pick up the third installment in the bestselling Daniela Vega series, A Killer’s Code, by Isabella Maldonado. Daniela Vega is a military trained FBI agent who is put on a special team to recover valuable evidence left by a serial killer, Gustavo Toro, who wanted to get revenge against his employer and his killer. Toro wanted to make sure that the evidence was given only to the FBI, but his employer infiltrated a Las Vegas hotel digitally to get the information. Toro’s instructions send Dani’s team all across the country as they seem to be one step ahead of Dani and her team.

Daniela Vega is a likeable, albeit complicated protagonist. She has a past full of incidents that have made her become very private. Maldonado does an excellent job of developing her character, and readers will want her to come out on top. In this novel, the supporting characters range from good to evil, and on both sides of the law. They are interesting and also well-developed.

Maldonado has a distinctive writing style that is easy to follow and is straightforward. The novel has building suspense starting at the beginning and goes through to the end. There are many scenarios that are dangerous for the good guys, and there is a fair amount of violence and a small amount of profanity which is used to characterize certain people in the novel. Most readers who haven’t already read the first two installments will want to pick them up because this one is well-written and keeps us on the edge.

All told, Isabella Maldonado does an excellent job, and most who have read one of her novels will want to pick up the others. She is one modern author to watch, and this book is highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

A KILLER’S CODE – Book Three Daniela Vega Series – by Isabella Maldonado

‘During a recent undercover sting gone bad, hit man Gustavo Toro died in the arms of FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega. But Toro had secrets he refused to take to the grave.’

‘In the event of his death, Toro left behind a video that promises to expose a mysterious mastermind who has been operating with impunity for decades. But there’s a catch. Dani’s team must follow Toro’s cryptic clues ….’

That’s Was Good! Fast-paced Suspense Thriller with a Bad*** Main Character, FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega—More Please!

I look forward to diving into Book One, A KILLER’S GAME, and Book Two, A FORGOTTEN KILL.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of A KILLER’S CODE at the request of an honest review.

I enjoy the Dani Vega series, and the third installment did not disappoint. I was excited to see international hitman Gustavo Toro’s story continue a bit. I really enjoyed the grayness of his character in the second book.

Dani is a master at finding/deciphering patterns and codes. She and her team need to decrypt the meaning of a video left behind by Toro to find out the mastermind behind a criminal enterprise. There is plenty of action, twists, and a tiny bit of romance to keep you engaged and trying to find out what will happen next. Fast-paced and interesting, with a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Isabella Maldonado for the eARC.

A Killer's Code was a fast-paced thriller, and at its heart, had a trope that I absolutely love, riddles and codes. It may be a throwback to my childhood, but I love it when a killer/killers send police/Jason Bourne/whoever on a hunt through clues they left behind or set up to perplex those doing the hunt. This one had a nice mix of clues and situations that kept me turning the pages.

The continuing character development of Dani and Steve was quite enjoyable and I'm glad the author focused more on developing the MC's instead of focusing so much on the plot. Dani is as badass as ever, but she definitely showed signs of vulnerability, something I really enjoyed as it showed a softer side to her character, especially when it came to her younger brother and the storyline that is beginning to develop with regards to him. I also enjoyed the way the author is developing the relationship between Steve and Dani. I am curious to see what it will take to break down the walls both of them have built up through their experiences in the military.

The plot itself moved rather quickly, and you just have a minute to catch your breath before something else happens. Because I read the previous entries in the series, I am familiar with the pacing of these novels, but it does make it difficult to put them down. Dani and her team are following clues that pretty much lead them around the country, but at the same time, are trying to beat someone else who is also searching for the same thing. There were some twists and turns that caught me off guard or came out of nowhere and it's one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much. Plus, they are believable twists and turns, not just thrown in because an author thinks they don't have enough red herrings.

A Killer's Code was fast-paced and there was a solid mix between character and plot development, something that was a bit lacking in previous installments. The various story lines wove together quite nicely, and I liked the fact that everything comes together in the end, even if the end isn't quite what you would expect. If I had any complains, it was about the clues. Even though I found them clever and interesting, there was still a part of me that was skeptical at how easily the team discovered them and deciphered them. However, the team dynamics and banter is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to these books, and I had a hard time putting this book down. Looking forward to the next one.

Isabella Maldonado is a must-read author for me. Soon as I see, there is a release, I'm there! I enjoyed her characters (protagonists are usually female POC) and the thrilling adventures she always takes her readers on.

In this third instalment of the series, Dani Vega and her team are on a 'treasure hunt' of sort. The treasure being a haul of evidence to lock up some very bad guys. Of course, the bad guys are in it too and determined to stop Vega and her team by any means. There was suspense, a hint of romance, and of course, an exciting showdown. Highly recommended author but you do have to read each series in order.

Why do I feel that this is the last in the series?! I won't say exactly how the book ended (be calm, no one died, at least no one important) but I just felt that it was really all so bittersweet. Maybe that's just me but if you've read this and have thoughts, DM me please!

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

I've long enjoyed Isabella Maldonado's books, and this didn't disappoint. it was a fun, quick, and suspenseful read, and I look forward to more!

Fast paced, page turn, with deep interiority into the mind of the protagonist, and the writing showcased the author's experience and knowledge. Felt very cinematic.

*𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤. 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.*

Listen. A Killer’s Code grabbed me from page one and did not let go. FBI Special Agent Dani Vega is a total powerhouse—sharp, relentless, and thrown into a deadly game she never signed up for. A hitman’s final secrets? Cryptic riddles? A cross-country chase where every turn could be a trap? YES, PLEASE.

The pacing? Flawless. Every chapter leaves you desperate to turn the page, and the tension just keeps building. And let’s talk about the mystery—so many twists I did not see coming. The mastermind behind it all? Chilling. Every clue feels like a ticking clock, and Dani’s team has zero room for mistakes.

If you love high-stakes FBI thrillers with nonstop action, cryptic puzzles, and a badass lead, A Killer’s Code is the book for you. Get ready for a wild, breathless, keep-the-lights-on kind of read. 🔥

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I've read another book of the author's, and really love the way she continues to keep the plot moving at the perfect pace in this book and the other that I read. I appreciated the multiple points of view and timeline jumps, because it kept the book interesting!

I read lots of series and this one stays on my must-read list. Another action packed, twisted plot with many surprises I didn’t guess. I’m a big fan of the author and have read many of her excellent novels. I’m envious of FBI Agent Daniela Vega with her extraordinary ability to unravel puzzles, codes and riddles. She’s deeply loyal to her family and career. A new threat presents a complicated hunt for clues to solve before disaster strikes. Dani is working with an agent more focused on ladder climbing than the mission at hand. There’s turmoil, sabotage, blackmail, outlandish scenarios, even a hint of romance. I raced through the pages and thoroughly enjoyed it! Look forward to reading the next. Thanks so much to Thomas & Mercer (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “A Killer’s Code” Daniela Vega #3, by Isabella Maldonado. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

“A Killer’s Code” by Isabella Maldonado is the third installment in the action packed Daniel Vega series. In this book a killer reaches out from his grave to our heroine and her FBI colleagues, offering them cryptic clues to a treasure trove of information and evidence that he has collected over his career. The evidence so conclusive against a powerful & ruthless man at the top, he will stop at nothing to prevent the team from getting their hands on the information which will unmask his identity.
This book is an attention grabber so make sure you clear your calendar before you start to read it. We learn a lot about Dani’s family in this book which adds a lot to the story and makes it feel even more relatable. Although this is book number three, it absolutely can be read as a standalone! I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I’m sure you will too, after reading this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

FBI Agent Daniela Vega is back, and she’s ready to crack the code on a new case! This time, she’s on the trail of a mysterious criminal mastermind, guided only by the cryptic clues left behind by the now-deceased assassin-turned-informant, Gustavo Toro.

The fast-paced, cross-country hunt for justice makes A Killer’s Code an engrossing page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I absolutely love this series for its unique cases, interesting characters, and adrenaline-pumping storytelling. With lives hanging in the balance, Dani and team must race against time to outsmart their nameless, ruthless adversary.

I appreciated the further insights into Dani’s character. Through flashbacks to her military service and glimpses into her family history from the previous book, we get a fuller picture of who she is. It’s easy to see why she’s so driven and meticulous in her work. Her past has shaped her into the formidable bada$$ agent we admire.

In conclusion, A Killer’s Code is not just a thrilling mystery; it’s a journey into the heart of a complex character. If you’re looking for a gripping read that combines action, depth, and intrigue, this book is a must-add to your reading list!

I have enjoyed both the Nina Guerrera and Daniela Vega series by Isabella Maldonado and A Killer’s Code did not disappoint. Maldonado is technical in her descriptions which can sometimes be annoying but does not detract entirely from the fast paced, action-packed prose. Vega is a brilliant heroine and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

I’ve always enjoyed works like Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code” and Nicolas Cage’s “National Treasure” movies. The heroes in those works travel around the world (or the United States) to uncover and decipher secret messages left behind centuries earlier. In Isabella Maldonado’s new thriller, “A Killer’s Code,” her protagonist, FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega, and her team go from a Las Vegas casino to a Caribbean cruise ship to the Arizona desert in search of a “treasure” left behind by a dying hit man. Unlike Cage and Brown’s hero, Robert Langdon, Vega doesn’t have to go back centuries searching for answers. Everything she needs to know was put in place mere months earlier. However, she must also outmaneuver and outfight some highly trained mercenaries intent on cleaning up loose ends. The result is a fast-paced, highly entertaining thriller.

Daniela Vega is the protagonist of two other novels in the current series before “A Killer’s Code.” However, the author provides all the backstory readers will need regarding characters from the earlier books. One such character is Gustavo Toro, a notorious contract killer who teamed up with Vega on an earlier undercover assignment. After his death, Toro delivered a posthumous message to FBI Headquarters. He kept meticulous records of assignments, employers, and payoffs, and this information could bring down many powerful criminals. In the message, Toro said he will provide this data trove to the FBI… if they can decipher the clues to find its location.

Toro wants Vega and her team to locate a scientist who’s been missing for five years. As Vega investigates the disappearance, she learns the missing scientist was working on a research project with enormous national security implications (aka, the McGuffin). Soon, the other people involved in the project begin dying suspiciously, thanks to some ruthless black ops personnel employed by a shadowy mastermind. (Toro used to be one of those ops before his change of heart before his death.)

I was interested in Vega’s quest and the series of clues Toro left. However, my curiosity was piqued enormously when one clue led her to the supposed vicinity of the Lost Dutchman Mine. For those unfamiliar with the Lost Dutchman Mine, the legend is part of Americana lore that could have easily been part of a “National Treasure” movie. Far be it from me to reveal how the Mine figures into the plot of “A Killer’s Code,” but the author provides some fascinating backstory about the Mine that will probably inspire some readers to do further research.

Daniela Vega is an intriguing and highly likable protagonist in “A Killer’s Code.” She’s a former Army Ranger with training in intelligence work as well. (The author was a law enforcement official for nearly 20 years before turning to writing. Many of Vega’s observations come courtesy of the author’s experiences.) Vega is an expert at body language and interrogation tells. For example, in one chapter, a witness says he “categorically denies” a particular accusation. In Vega’s eyes, that’s practically an admission of guilt. Later, she makes an observation I’d never heard in my decades of reading similar thrillers. As her team awaits the arrival of the bad guys via helicopter, Vega notes that the best place to shoot trained operatives wearing combat gear is in the thigh. That’s the only part of the body not protected by body armor, and a high-powered bullet in the thigh will incapacitate the victim or kill them if it hits the femoral artery.

The author’s attention to tactical details makes the final showdown between the outnumbered FBI agents and the mercenaries so entertaining. This sequence takes up several powerful, page-turning chapters in the book. The author doesn’t dwell on the weaponry involved. Instead, she has Vega lay out how the mercenaries will probably storm her location. She then outlines how she intends to thwart those plans. These observations and the description of the ensuing firefight are as enjoyable as what you’ll find in most military thrillers.

“A Killer’s Code” contains several flashback chapters that detail Toro’s actions months or years before the present-day events. Some of these chapters may seem cryptic to readers at first. However, the author eventually ties them all together to explain Toro’s actions and his change of heart. The result is one of the more fully characterized villains in current thrillers. Similarly, much of Vega’s personality comes through in the many chapters told from her perspective. We get several intriguing references to her family (which would probably make more sense to someone who had read the earlier books in the series). Overall, the author does a good job of portraying a highly skilled and likable protagonist.

Some other characters in “A Killer’s Code” are more annoying. In particular, the FBI Assistant Director, who is Vega’s supervisor, plays the highly stereotyped role of clueless superior. This character is common in police or intelligence procedurals. It’s a gratingly annoying person who is consistently and inevitably wrong in their opinions, conclusions, and actions and ignores what the protagonist says. Here, the AD refuses to give Vega the support she needs (including denying her the use of private jets for supposed budgetary reasons) and goes behind her back to criticize her competence in front of the Director. This novel is entertaining and suspenseful enough courtesy of the villains taking actual shots at Vega; it didn’t need a 100% Wrong Club charter member to add to her problems.

“A Killer’s Code” also paints a highly rosy picture of everyone else working for the FBI (except the AD mentioned above). For example, Vega is attracted to her immediate superior. Still, their every interaction reads as if it were taken from the pages of an HR manual on the proper behavior to avoid sexual harassment. The descriptions of the Bureau and its personnel reminded me of the 1960s FBI TV series for which J. Edgar Hoover approved the scripts. Eventually, the beyond-exemplary behavior of all the FBI personnel became somewhat annoying. This book is an occasion where a bit less fulsome praise would have made for a more entertaining read.

Daniela Vega is a great protagonist, and “A Killer’s Code” is an excellent thriller. The author has halted her other crime novel series after three books apiece, but I hope she will find room for an additional Vega novel or two. (Admittedly, it will be hard to top the level of high intrigue in this book in a more down-to-earth sequel.) For those looking for a fast-paced action thriller, “A Killer’s Code” fits the bill.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

This book was a thrill ride of mystery and intrigue. This is the first book that I’ve read by Isabella Maldonado, and the third book in the Daniela Vega series. I was able to catch up with the characters and background information very quickly, so this can be read out of order. This was a very entertaining read.

A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado is a fantastic, riveting scavenger hunt.

Will Daniela Vega and the team find Gustavo Toro's treasure before the bad guys take them out?
Wu, Vega, and Patel are the FBI's A team. They are tasked with finding evidence from a famous hitman implicating high government officials. Although this group has some complicated relationships, they work well together and support each other throughout the case. We see how their personal backgrounds influence their decisions to help find the clues and protect each other when the enemy comes in, guns blazing.

It's impressive how Ms. Maldonado spins this tale with such believable characters and multiple settings. I loved the subtle changes in the crew and their adversaries as the scavenger hunt played out. Gustavo Toro shows his humanity with his final video.

Daniela Vega is my favorite character. I love her strength, passion, and ability to think independently. She is highly complex yet down-to-earth. We see a real vulnerability when it comes to her mother and younger siblings.

The Hunt
Gustavo Toro sends them on a hunt for evidence of all his hits that lead back to someone connected to the government. He has them travel around the United States as they track the clues. However, the bad guys are also tracking the FBI crew and staying ahead of the crew for the most part.

Five Stars
My rating for A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado is five stars. I was so into the story that I couldn't sleep until I reached the end. If you want an excellent read, check out A Killer's Code. I loved it.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Killer’s Code by Isabella Maldonado.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

I have yet to read anything written by Isabella Maldonado that did not engage me completely. The third installment of the Daniela Vega series, "A Killer's Code", is no exception. A murdered contract Killer has left clues for Dani's team to find and protect the only asset who can bring a violent criminal operation. The suspense, the action, the small character reveals, add up and are non-stop. Highly recommend this book.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer, as well as NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.