#Isabella Maldonado

[bangbangwhoa]

books I’ve read in 2023 📖 no. 112

The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado

“I've given up on hope," she said quietly, then lifted her chin. "From now on, I fight."

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado

Daniela Vega #2

Seeing patterns and connections is what Daniela has been trained to do. Having her mother speak for the first time in nearly a decade and say something that makes her question who really killed her father…well…that had her wanting to see the old case files and in order to do so, her special skillset is bartered in exchange for the information. Little did she know that there might be overlap in her father’s and the other murder cases.

What I liked: * Dani: Ex-Army Ranger with lethal skills, intelligent, team player, loves her brother and sister, works for the FBI, strategic thinker, is growing on me

* Finding out more about her backstory including who killed her father

* Learning more about the process of breaking codes

* Hearing a bit about the backstory of the serial killer – didn’t make me like or sympathize or understand the killings but it was interesting

* Not really feeling like I *know* Dani or what makes her tick but hoping to find out more about her – does she have friends, what does she do in her spare time, does she have hobbies or date or???

* The police procedural aspects of the story and how the police and FBI worked together

* That I wasn’t SURE who the serial killer was until Dani figured it out

* Not knowing what is going on with her supervisor and how that will play out in the future

* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Trying to wrap my mind around the killer’s motivation

* The way Dani’s aunt treated her

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

An FBI agent tracks a brilliant serial killer in New York―right back to her own cold-blooded past in a riveting thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Cipher . 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―are 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.

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

Review: A Killer's Game by Isabella Maldonado

Series: Daniela Vega #1Author: Isabella MaldonadoPublisher: Thomas & MercerReleased: June 1, 2023Received: ARC Find it on Goodreads | More Thriller Reviews Book Summary: Daniela “Dani” Vega is an ex-Army Ranger and current FBI Agent. She’s also a talented codebreaker…and she just so happened to be in the right place at the right time to witness a murder. This sets off a chain of events that…

[brucedinsman]

Book Review: Death Blow by Isabella Maldonado

Death Blow (Veranda Cruz #3) Kindle Death Blow by Isabella MaldonadoMy rating: 5 of 5 stars3 dead, 1 in JailThe cartel table is almost empty. The body count is rising but it’s the bad guys that keep falling. Veranda is up to her usual antics pushing the envelope on relationships and police policies. I like the action and heart of the character as she develops.View all my reviews Amazon Phoenix…

[erikiara80]

EXCUSE ME? They just annouced the cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow!

Oscar Lloyd is James Hopper Jr. Isabella Pappas is Joyce Maldonado, Chris Buckley is Bob Newby

Louis McCartney is Henry Creel and Patrick Vaill is Dr Brenner (I have so many thoughts about this)

Ella Karuna Williams is Patty Newby. So she's really Bob's sister! Yes. Look at them. I'm sure she and Henry will have a very interesting dynamic. Can't wait to see them.

And here Henry's parents: Michael Jibson is Victor Creel, and Lauren Ward is Virginia. I wonder if we're also going to see Alice... and Lonnie, and Scott Clarke

I am ready!

EDIT: Yes, we're gonna see Karen, Lonnie, well, a lot of people, lol. Thank you Jo for the screenshot

@chirpsythismorning

[henrysglock]

Henry being the hand of God/Jesus in the sense of the Shadow being a Holy-Spirit/God type figure vs Will and Billy being the mouthpieces when they're flayed is so intriguing to me...but specifically because the Pope is the mouthpiece of God via Jesus in the Catholic church.

Pope, which is derived from the Latin word papa, and that from the Greek word pappas.

This becomes even more interesting (if a touch on the cornplating side) when we consider that Joyce Maldonado (see: Maldonado Miracle) breaks the 4th wall and addresses the audience at one point to tell us she's "the director"/we as the audience are put in the role of the critics evaluating DOTM. Joyce Maldonado...who is played by Isabella Pappas.

So that means we have:

Brenner/Papa as the head of HNL while imitating his "Papa"/trying continue his father's work.

The Shadow imitating Brenner/Papa as the head of Dimension X

Pappas playing Joyce, the head/director of the drama club

Two characters both named William being mouthpieces for the Shadow via Henry...just the same as the Pope/Papa is for the Catholic church via Jesus.

Hey characters named William...what's up with you and the direct Shadow/Brenner connections?

[netflix]

The stage is set for a trip back in time. Step into Hawkins 1959 with the cast of #StrangerThingsonStage. Oscar Lloyd is Jim Hopper Jr. Isabella Pappas is Joyce Maldonado Chris Buckley is Bob Newby Louis McCartney is Henry Creel Patrick Vaill is Dr. Brenner Ella Karuna Williams is Patty Newby Michael Jibson is Victor Creel Lauren Ward is Virginia Creel 📸: Charlie Gray

[jscalzi]

The Big Idea: Isabella Maldonado

In her Big Idea for her new novel A Killer’s Game, author Isabella Maldonado touches on popular party events, adrenaline, and your long-lost ancestor, Grog. How do they all fit together? Like a puzzle. ISABELLA MALDONADO: The big idea behind A Killer’s Game was the explosion in popularity of escape rooms, which provide the dopamine hit of a puzzle combined with the adrenaline rush of a ticking…

[elarchivodeariel]

COLOMBIA LO HIZO OTRA VEZ

Si bien el cliché de una pareja de desconocidos que se encuentran por un accidente automovilístico lo vimos demasiadas veces, el libro de #HASTAQUELAPLATANOSSEPARE es excelente.

El autor del original es el genial Fernando Gaitán, el creador del megaéxito mundial Yo soy Betty, la fea. La historia, que se resuelve en sólo 85 capítulos, te deja con ganas de más. De mucho más. Y eso es un éxito total, porque en ningún momento te aburre y querés que continúe. Que no termine más.

HASTA QUE LA PLATA NOS SEPARE tiene un elenco perfecto en el que cada personaje está representado de manera impecable. Todos los actores, incluso los de sólo pocos momentos, son memorables. Otra razón para lamentar que la historia se acabe.

Carmen Villalobos (Alejandra) y Sebastián Martínez (Rafaél) son los protagonistas. Pero no puedo no nombrar a Gregorio Pernía (Luciano Valenzuela), Juliette Pardau (Vicky, "la pajarita"), Stephanía Duque (Milena), José Daniel Cristancho (Jaime), Fabián Ríos ("el Dandy"), Alejandro Tommasi (Benjamín), Laura Flores (Clemencia), Julián Arango (Marino), Lorna Cepeda (Rosaura), Alina Lozano (Leonor), Michelle Rouillard (Isabella), Juliana Galvis (Karen), Marcela Benjumea ("la Generala"), Alejandra Ávila (Claudia), Julio Sánchez Cóccaro (Simón), Matías Maldonado (Ramiro), Alejandro Gutiérrez (Bernal), Tuto Patiño (Papeto), Felipe Botero (Vicente), Rodrigo Jerez (Giovanni), Julián Caicedo (Franklyn), Fernando Arévalo (Don Gastón) y Rashed Estefenn (Lorenzo).

Aclaro: es una comedia romántica pero esconde una muerte. No todo es "plata" y risas en esta trama. Hay corrupción y realidad. Personajes reales, por tanto increíblemente ridículos. Y, como dato final, el desenlace para el malo más divertido que ví en una novela es sumamente sorprendente. Imprevisible. Pero esas cosas... ¡suceden!

La primera versión del 2006 no la conocí. La remake de 2022 está en NETFLIX, la terminé hoy y me encantó.

Creo que la volveré a ver. Reírse no es fácil, y con esta serie no paré.

Flavia Vecellio Reane.

Enero 16, 2023.

@FlaVecellio

[drugastraian]

Pachet Agent FBI Nina Guerrera de Isabella Maldonado » BookZone

https://bookzone.ro/carte/pachet-agent-fbi-nina-guerrera-bkz

[ktienh]

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado -a review

Fatal Intrusion (Sanchez & Heron #1) by Jeffery Deaver &  Isabella Maldonado As a wave of murders grips Southern California, an unlikely pair must untangle the mysterious patterns of an elusive killer. A propulsive new series by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado. Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who…

[pagebypagereviews]

# 20 Recommended Reads for 2024 As we approach 2024, the literary world is buzzing with anticipation for the year's most promising releases. From groundbreaking novels to insightful non-fiction, the upcoming year promises a treasure trove of literary gems. Whether you're a voracious reader always on the lookout for your next great read or someone looking to reignite your love for reading, this list of 20 recommended reads for 2024 has something for everyone. ## Fiction Favorites ### 1. "The Echoes of Time" by Eliza Maxwell A mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and magical realism, "The Echoes of Time" takes readers on a journey through centuries, exploring the interconnectedness of lives and the enduring impact of past actions on the present. ### 2. "Luminous Shadows" by Rajani LaRocca Set in a beautifully crafted fantasy world, "Luminous Shadows" follows the story of a young mage battling darkness within and without, weaving a tale of courage, love, and the power of light. ### 3. "The Last Symphony" by Aiden Thomas A gripping narrative that combines elements of mystery and fantasy, "The Last Symphony" tells the story of a musician's quest to uncover the truth behind a centuries-old curse threatening her family. ### 4. "Beyond the Horizon" by Mina Khan This science fiction epic takes readers on an interstellar adventure, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the quest for a place to call home in the vastness of the universe. ### 5. "The Weaver's Legacy" by K.A. Tucker A compelling tale of family secrets and mystical heritage, "The Weaver's Legacy" combines suspense and folklore, inviting readers into a world where the past weaves tightly with the present. ## Non-Fiction Nuggets ### 6. "The Art of Resilience" by Chris Zook An inspiring exploration of resilience, drawing on stories from individuals who have overcome immense challenges, offering readers practical advice on building resilience in their own lives. ### 7. "Digital Minds: The Future of Thinking in the Age of AI" by Fiona McMillan This thought-provoking book delves into the implications of artificial intelligence on human thought, creativity, and decision-making, presenting a balanced view of the future of AI and human intelligence. ### 8. "The Green Imperative" by Paulo Bacigalupi A timely and urgent call to action, "The Green Imperative" explores the environmental challenges facing our planet and outlines practical steps individuals and societies can take to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability. ### 9. "Echoes of Equality" by Imani Perry Through a series of powerful essays, "Echoes of Equality" examines the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in society, weaving together personal narratives with historical analysis to highlight the importance of continued activism. ### 10. "The Future of Connection" by Sherry Turkle An insightful look into how technology is reshaping our relationships, "The Future of Connection" offers a critical examination of digital communication's impact on human connection and intimacy. ## Thrilling Mysteries & Adventures ### 11. "Shadows in the Mist" by Heather Graham A chilling mystery set against the backdrop of a foggy coastal town, "Shadows in the Mist" combines suspense, romance, and paranormal elements to create a riveting tale of love and betrayal. ### 12. "The Cipher" by Isabella Maldonado An edge-of-your-seat thriller, "The Cipher" follows an FBI agent's race against time to decode a series of cryptic messages left by a cunning serial killer. ### 13. "The Expedition" by Chris Kuzneski An action-packed adventure, "The Expedition" takes readers on a thrilling journey to uncover an ancient secret hidden deep within the Amazon jungle. ### 14. "The Vanishing Point" by Elizabeth Brundage A gripping psychological thriller, "The Vanishing Point" explores the complexities of memory, identity, and obsession, as a woman's search for the truth about her past leads her down a dark and dangerous path.

## Young Adult Must-Reads ### 15. "Starlight" by Akemi Dawn Bowman A heartwarming coming-of-age story, "Starlight" follows a young artist's journey to find her voice and place in the world amidst the challenges of family dynamics and first love. ### 16. "The Realm Beyond" by Marie Lu An epic fantasy adventure, "The Realm Beyond" invites readers into a richly imagined world where magic reigns, and a young hero must embark on a perilous quest to save her kingdom from darkness. ### 17. "Echoes of the Heart" by Dhonielle Clayton A poignant exploration of love, loss, and healing, "Echoes of the Heart" tells the story of a teenager grappling with grief and the power of music to bridge the gap between the past and present. ### 18. "The Fire Keeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley A powerful narrative that blends mystery, romance, and Indigenous culture, "The Fire Keeper's Daughter" is a compelling tale of a young woman's journey to uncover the truth about her community and her own identity. ## Inspirational Reads ### 19. "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama In this deeply personal and reflective work, Michelle Obama shares insights and strategies for dealing with change, challenge, and uncertainty, offering readers a source of comfort and inspiration. ### 20. "Brave New World" by Brené Brown An exploration of courage, vulnerability, and belonging in a rapidly changing world, "Brave New World" provides readers with the tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. ## Conclusion The year 2024 promises an exciting and diverse array of books that cater to a wide range of interests and tastes. From the depths of space to the intricacies of human emotion, these 20 recommended reads offer a journey through worlds both real and imagined. Whether you're seeking to escape into a fantastical narrative, understand the complexities of our world, or find inspiration in the stories of others, there's something on this list for every reader. As we look forward to the year ahead, let's embrace the power of reading to enlighten, entertain, and inspire us.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

A Killer’s Game by Isabella Maldonado

Daniella Vega #1

Puzzles, codes, and games are right up Daniella “Dani” Vega’s alley ~ Her skillset is just what is required for this first book in a new series!

What I liked:

* Dani: intelligent, lethal, team player, leadership qualities, loves her brother and sister, retired Army Ranger, works for the FBI, strategic thinker, hero-qualities, looking forward to knowing more about her as the series progresses

* Her backstory and how it determined the profession she chose to follow

* The thought processes Dani used to successfully solve what needed to be done to move forward

* That the story, and Dani, grew on me – I have to admit it took awhile to get into the book and considered not finishing but am glad I read to the end as it all came together well

* Being able to easily visualize what was happening

* The fantasy gameplayer and TV-movie feel of the story – though it meant suspending belief more than a few times

* That at least one of the bad guys wasn’t totally evil

* Meeting the characters that will probably play parts in future books of the series – depending on what Nina’s next assignment is.

* Getting in on the ground level of a new series

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about how twisted and evil some people can be

Did I enjoy this book? Eventually

Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

An FBI agent with a background in cryptography. A brilliant game maker bent on revenge. A deadly battle of wits and wills. An ingenious thriller from the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Cipher. FBI agent and former military codebreaker Daniela “Dani” Vega witnesses a murder on a Manhattan sidewalk. The victim is chief of staff for a powerful New York senator. The assassin turned informant is Gustavo Toro. His code: hit the target and don’t ask questions. When Dani suspects a complex conspiracy, the only way to take down the mastermind is from the inside, forcing her to partner with Toro. Together they must infiltrate the inner circle at a remote facility. Except it’s a trap. For all of them. Locked in a subterranean labyrinth and held captive by an unseen host, Dani, Toro, and others must fight for their lives. Now Dani must stay undercover, unravel a bizarre conspiracy, and survive lethal puzzles. But will Toro be friend or foe? Because in this killer’s game, everything is real: the paranoia, the desperation, and the body count. And only one person can make it out alive.

[sarahlynndawson]

The Servant of Two Masters

COMING SOON 🎙 we had a lot of fun recording this comedy audio play based on commedia dell’arte - The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. Love, passion and mistaken identity ensue in this classic, comedic theatre piece.

I play Beatrice Rasponi, a fiesty, independent, cross-dressing heroine looking for her lover Florindo in Venice. 

Expertly directed by Emmanuel Todorov @emmanueltodorov, we have a fantastic cast of some of my favs - Lucie Dowling @lucie.dowling Norma Maldonado-Buha @the_norma_maldonado Billy Hayes @ibillyhayes Till Wolter @tillpower Michael Russell @mrussell4500 and more!! 

Produced by Emmanuel Todorov, Michael Russell, Alan Von Kalckreuth and yours truly. 

Flyer design thank you Joshua Marshall & Isabella Vilasuso 🙏🎭

[brucedinsman]

Book Review: Phoenix Burning by Isabella Maldonado

Phoenix Burning (Veranda Cruz #2) Kindle Phoenix Burning  by Isabella MaldonadoMy rating:5 of 5 starsACTION!  The second book follows Detective Veranda Cruz. She has now killed two leaders in the Villalobos Cartel. They keep trying to derail her, kill her, damage her, but she keeps coming. Is she Hector Villalobos’ daughter? You’ll have to read it to find out.\ View all my reviews Amazon Phoenix…

[wetleavesandfeathers]

Books I Read in 2023

Nonfiction:

"Why Fish Don't Exist" by Lulu Miller

"Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble" by Daniel Lyons

"Lab Rats: How Silicon Valley Made Work Miserable for the Rest of Us" by Daniel Lyons

"Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington" by James Kirchick

"Token Black Girl" by Danielle Prescod

"The Geography of Nowhere" by James Howard Kunstler

"Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II" by Liza Mundy

"The Devian's War: The Homosexual vs. The United States of America" by Eric Cervini

"The Family Next Door: The Heartbreaking Imprisonment of the Thirteen Turpin Siblings and their Extraordinary Rescue" by John Glatt

"Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

"Cults: Inside the World's Most Notorious Groups and Understanding the People Who Joined Them" by Max Cutler

"Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs" by Jamie Loftus

"The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything" by Ruth Goodman

"How to Behave Badly in Elizabethan England" by Ruth Goodman

"What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat" by Aubrey Gordon

"'You Just Need to Lose Weight' and 19 Other Myths About Fat People" by Aubrey Gordon

"Hollywood's Children: An Inside Account of the Child Star Era" by Diana Serra Cary

"Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult" by Bruce Handy

"The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation" by Cory Doctorow

Fiction

"What Moves the Dead" by T Kingfisher

"Illuminations" by T Kingfisher

"Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne

"Coffee, Milk and Spider Silk" by Coyote JM Edwards

"Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree

"Unbury the Bones" by Coyote JM Edwards

"Chase: The Boy Who Hid" by Z Jeffries

"Encore in Death" by J. D. Robb

"Escape from Incel Island" by Margaret Killjoy

"The Bookshop and the Barbarian" by Morgan Stang

"A House With Good Bones" by T Kingfisher

"Sorcery & Scones" by S. R. Meadows

"Humans Wanted" edited by Vivian Caethe

"Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle

"Boneless" by Coyote JM Edwards

"Red White and Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston

"Toad Words" by T Kingfisher

"Camp Damascus" by Chuck Tingle

"The Halcyon Fairy Book" by T Kingfisher

"Jackalope Wives and Other Stories" by T Kingfisher

"A Killer's Game" by Isabella Maldonado

"Payback in Death" by J. D. Robb