The Serpant Woman - a thought-provoking crime novel

S.Z. Estavillo delivers another gripping, page-turning thriller in The Serpent Woman, the second book in the Serpent Series. Having been blown away by the first book, The Serpent’s Bridge, I eagerly dove into this sequel—and it did not disappoint. Once again, Estavillo combines a tight, complex plot with deeply developed characters and an intense emotional core that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

About the Book: The Serpent Woman

At the heart of the story is LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario and FBI Supervising Special Agent Blake Huxley, who must team up to track down a dangerous and enigmatic serial killer known as The Serpent Woman. As the body count rises, Nazario and Huxley are forced to confront not only the complexity of the case, but also their own complicated relationship. The killer herself is a fascinating and multi-dimensional character—at once a victim and a vigilante—making it easy for readers to sympathize with her, even as they recognize the horror of her actions. Estavillo’s ability to make us care about such a morally ambiguous character is a testament to her skill as a writer.

The mystery is tantalizingly intricate. The Serpent Woman leaves behind disturbing evidence at each crime scene—folders containing classified documents, criminal records, and other revealing materials—that add layers of intrigue to the investigation. As Nazario’s sharp instincts and keen eye begin to unravel the puzzle, the story keeps readers guessing. The cast of suspects is well-crafted, each with their own believable motivations and alibis, creating a web of uncertainty that keeps the pages turning in anticipation.

The stakes are high, not just for the characters, but for the reader as well. The story raises fascinating questions about justice, morality, and revenge, forcing the characters—and us—to wrestle with who truly deserves justice: the killer or her victims? This is a case that is anything but straightforward, and the resolution, while surprising, feels earned and satisfying.

BookHookup Review: The Serpent Woman

One of the standout elements of The Serpent Woman is Estavillo’s characterization. From Nazario’s no-nonsense approach to her investigations to the endearing bond between Von Schlange and her loyal canine sidekick Zeus, the characters feel alive and real. The relationship between Von and Zeus adds a unique emotional layer to the story, blending action and tenderness in a way that enhances the overall reading experience. The dynamics between the characters are multifaceted, and their personal struggles add depth to the already intricate crime story.

The book does come with a warning for sensitive readers, as it contains graphic content including violence, abuse, and sexual themes that are central to the case at hand. However, Estavillo handles these difficult subjects with care and respect, ensuring that they serve the narrative rather than shock for shock’s sake.

In conclusion, The Serpent Woman is a thrilling, thought-provoking crime novel that expertly blends suspense with character-driven storytelling. The intricate plot, complex characters, and moral dilemmas make it an exceptional read. If you’re a fan of crime fiction with strong, multi-dimensional leads and a relentless pace, this is a book you won’t want to miss. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the Serpent Series. Highly recommended!

5/5 Stars

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free advance review copy of this book from BookTasters and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

About the Author

S.Z. Estavillo is a biracial feminist thriller author known for her compelling stories that delve into ethnic and social commentary with strong female leads. Her professional background in literary agencies and TV studios has sharpened her editorial acumen and market trend insights, contributing to her success in securing book deals and greenlighting screenplays that became Lifetime movies. She has also collaborated with industry experts like Brian Klems at the Writing Day Workshop and completed UCLA’s Editorial Acquisitions course, further honing her manuscript development skills.

With a master’s degree in television, radio, and film, S.Z. brings a cinematic touch to her writing, complemented by her extensive hands-on experience in digital marketing, social media, and PR. Her robust social media presence, boasting over 85,000 followers, underscores her ability to effectively promote her work. Her dedication to the literary community is evident in her recent role teaching ‘Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Author Brand’ at the L.A. Writer’s Conference and the North Texas Romance Writers (NTRW).

S.Z. is the recipient of the David Twohy Scholarship for Screenwriting, the Carl Foreman Filmmaking Award, and Best Short Film at the Latina Film Festival. Her publishing achievements include three highly successful blogs with over 3 million reader views and numerous articles as a news producer, where she interviewed notable figures such as Martin Luther King III, Holocaust survivor Esther Bauer, and Reality TV star Matt Roloff of Little People, Big World.

Her debut novel, The Serpent’s Bridge, is the first in the Serpent Series, followed by The Serpent Woman and Twilight of the Serpent. S.Z. Estavillo continues to leverage her editorial expertise and marketing prowess to carve a distinct path in the literary world.