Blessed Are the Meek

Gabriella Giovanni Mystery #2

by Kristi Belcamino

A rash of high-profile murders all point to reporter Gabriella Giovanni's boyfriend, Detective Sean Donovan, when investigators uncover a single link in the deaths: Annalisa Cruz. A decade ago, Cruz seduced Donovan away from a life as a monk, and though their relationship soured long ago … her passion for him has not.

As the investigation continues, it becomes increasingly clear that any man who gets involved with Cruz soon ends up dead, including a dot-com millionaire, the mayor of San Francisco, and a police officer. Donovan, the only man to have dated Cruz and survived, is arrested for the murders and dubbed a jealous ex, leaving Gabriella scrambling to find the real killer without ending up as the next body headed for the morgue.

Gabriella's search ultimately unearths a dark secret that Donovan had intended to take to the grave. Faced with the knowledge of this terrible truth, Gabriella must tie the past and present together to clear Donovan's name.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

336 pages, Unknown Binding

First published July 8, 2014

About the author

Kristi Belcamino is a USA TODAY bestselling author, an Agatha, Anthony, Barry & Macavity, award finalist, a newspaper cops reporter, and an Italian mama who makes a tasty biscotti.


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FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:


Related to Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:
Gia (prequel novella)
Lone Raven (novella)
Taste of Vengeance

Queen of Spades Thrillers


Related: Eva (prequel novella)

Vigilante Crime Series:


Stand Alones:


Nonfiction


Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series:

Blessed are the Dead
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are Those Who Weep
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Merciful

Related:
The Saint (prequel novella)
Misc:
City of Angels
Tomb of the Queen
Crush Your Query

Reviews

[Michael Kelberer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent follow up on Blessed are the Dead. I'm really starting to fall in love with Gabriella although sometimes her impetuous nature (and rash decision making) makes me a little crazy. In the ongoing plot line, she continues to deal with her grief at the lost of her sister, but is starting to come to terms with it in ways that will let her move forward with her life. But the current crisis is one that starts small and mystifying and becomes large and downright scary, enveloping her boyfriend Donovan in ways that drive her through a series of risky and riskier actions to try and save him. The end, when it comes, is emotionally satisfying and leaves me anxious to read the next one.

[Beth Brekke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first 1/3 of this book to be a real page-turner, but then Gabriella started back on the path of Stephanie Plum doing stupid things she ought to know not to do. I read the first book in this series earlier and this is a good follow-up although I felt her romantic relationship may have moved a bit too quickly--especially if she is going to continue to constantly call him by his last name. It was sometimes repetitive and over-dramatic but, overall, a good story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessed are the Meek by Kristi Belcaminio is a 2014 Witness Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent installment in this series featuring newspaper reporter Gabriella Giovanni and her detective boyfriend Sean Donovan.
Sean and Gabriella have been together for nearly a year and the relationship is solid enough except for Gabriella's fears of starting a family. But, when a dot.com billionaire is murdered his girlfriend is the first person on the police radar. When Gabriella starts poking around she is stunned to learn that the stricking and cold as ice, Annalisa, was once involved romantically with Sean. This sends Gabriella straight into avoidance mode, even more than usual.
In the background of this high profile murder case, Gabriella is still searching for answers in regards to her sister's death. Once again there appears to be a real lead, but will Gabriella finally get closure or is this yet another dead end?

Gabriella is so human with her insecurities, her fears, and her “die before you cry” mantra. She is pitted against Sean's former lover, Annalisa, who is intent on luring Sean away from her ,plus for kicks and giggles, both she and Sean are under investigation.
The San Francisco locale is the perfect setting for this moody crime drama that packs a lot of emotional punches along with the shoot outs, murders, and plot twist, yet it still manages to pull all the elements together to give our characters more strength to deal with the past, the present, and what looks like a promising future despite the issues Gabriella and Sean will still have to work through.
The characters here have made strides in dealing with their problems with the ever present lesson that one can't run from life, can't continue to keep secrets, and to make relationships work they must face their fears and take changes. While the crime drama and all the twist are in the forefront of the story, the complications and implications of the crimes reek havoc on Gabriella on all levels. I felt like I was going through every emotion right along with her.
A few times the author tended to overuse gestures or phrases, but other than that this was a solid mystery, well plotted , and I simply loved the ending. This one is 4 stars.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kristi Belcamino once again shows readers the heart and soul of her protagonist Gabriella Giovanni in this action-packed story.

The story flows smoothly, but is adrenaline-driven from beginning to end. The twists and turns keeps readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what’s to come next. The author blends bits of humor and romance at the right intervals to give readers a chance to catch their breath.

The characters are realistic, likable and well-developed. Their interaction draws the reader in to be a part of the action and intrigue.

Belcamino has captured the determination, dedication and drive that makes a great journalist in Gabriella, as well as what makes a great law enforcement officer in Donovan. These are characters readers can relate to as they deal with their jobs, family issues and emotional concerns.

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK is a fascinating mystery that will hold you captive from the first page. This exhilarating story is one not to be missed.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

[Katie Sholty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriella Giovanni becomes more than a reporter in this second outing. She gets her Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars on. What's different about Blessed are the Meek, is Gabriella herself. Belcamino delves into Gabriella's insecurities and inability to fully open up in her relationships, which leads to some amazingly heated confrontations with the boyfriend. Those charged moments are not to be missed.

Random Notes:
Lopez is BACK!!!! He is brilliant, hilarious. Man, I love him.
Father Liam is not to trifled with. I'm 94% he can knock you out in 2 seconds flat.
The Giovanni brothers are hilariously in their over protectiveness.
May the twat is back... I keep waiting for someone in the newsroom to put something in her coffee.

Kristi Belcamino's series is journalism reporting at its finest. I appreciate what she brings to the genre with her background in journalism, and incorporates the break neck pace of the job, the battle between print and television, and the moral code of the job.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed are the Meek is another outstanding thriller from Kristi Belcamino.

I really love her main characters Gabriella and Sean are both fantastic flawed characters who read as very real because they don't hide their flaws I like that because as a reader it makes the book come alive more.

The storyline in book 2 was just as thrilling as book 1 I really had trouble figuring out who really was the bad guy/gal I was kept guessing until the end and loved it.

I am really excited to read more from Gabriella and Sean.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristi Belcamino’s recent release looks into the world of newspaper reporting and police investigations. We see how good reporting and a passionate reporter strives for the truth and how police look for justice. Our protagonists are from both those worlds.

“Blessed are the Meek’s” protagonists are Gabriella Giovanni and Sean Donavan. Giovanni is a passionate reporter wanting to know who, what, and why a crime was committed. She brings her passion to her job everyday as well as a troubled past and her great commitment to her family. Sean Donovan, Giovanni’s boyfriend, is a homicide detective for the Rosarti Police Department focusing on finding justice, investigating the antagonist’s motives and how the criminal committed the crime. Donovan also deals with secrets in his past. This suspense story shows how news reporting and law enforcement sometimes work together and sometimes against each other. The exciting fast pace of this riveting story also helps the reader understand how family, trust and friendship affect both our protagonists.

Turning the first page of Kristi Belcamino’s “Blessed are the MeeK” we step into Bay Herald’s newsroom. Gabriella Giovanni writes the crime beat for the Bay Herald. Giovanni depends on friends on the paper’s staff for information, research of citizens, and her sources to help her verify the stories she writes. Fans see reporters buzzing like bees in a beehive around the newsroom actively developing their stories. Most of these staff members tolerate each other but can’t be considered Giovani’s friends or supporters. “Blessed are the Meek” is a story that readers will keep reading to learn what happens next.

Belcamino continues weaving this compelling story following Detective Sean Donavan, a long time homicide detective through crime investigations from different points of view. Donavan is a good investigator with good instincts and sees clues at crimes scenes that others don’t. As these murders keep happening, Donovan wants to help a friend who is a suspect and suddenly the investigation turns toward him.

Even after being together for over a year Giovanni and Donovan are still learning to trust each other and haven’t shared all of their secrets Their love for each other is put to a test in “Blessed are the Meek” and it doesn’t look like their love for each other is going to be enough to keep them together.

The story kicks into high gear involving police investigation of multiple murders of very influential figures in the San Francisco area. Belcamino delivers new twists and turns to her riveting murder investigation, constantly taking the story in different directions Donovan and Giovanni find themselves at odds as to what clues to follow. Belcamio’s writing introduces well developed support characters to her readers. “Blessed are the Meek” seems to have several antagonists plotting against Giovanni and Donovan in an effort to stop their actions or maybe do them bodily harm.

Giovanni makes use of her years of experience and contacts and uses her friend in Bay Herald’s research department to dig up facts on one of the biggest stories of her career. The city is rocked by the number of murders of in a short period of time. She is determined to find the truth even when issues from her past keep interfering with her pursuit of the truth Giovanni’s passion drives her to take risks to find the truth that will find justice for the victims and to protect those close to her.

Belcamino transition’s between what Giovanni and what Donovan are thinking and she transitions from the newspaper business and law enforcement. The compelling message keeps surfacing that Donovan and Giovanni are in danger.

This spine tingling storyline is exciting to follow with the many twists and turns and direction changes. Reading “Blessed are the Meek” readers will easily see the story lives up to its title. I enjoyed the touch of humor and surprises Belcamio shares with readers. This great story earned a 5 star rating one murder at a time .

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristi Belcamino continues to build a strong series with her second novel in the Gabriella Giovanni mysteries. No second book let-down here. The action is once again full on and riveting. The main characters of Gabriella and Donovan are being beautifully developed and revealed in their dimensional layers, and I have fallen in love with these two, separately and as a couple. Gabriella is learning how to be passionate about her work and in a relationship at the same time. Donovan is an sharp detective who didn't have a clue how hard he would fall for Gabriella. The wonderful supporting characters are becoming familiar to the reader, too. Gabriella's family, especially her over protective brothers; the newspaper photographer Lopez who is a former Green Beret and a good friend; her best friend and court reporter Nicole who understands just how important Gabriella's work is to her; and Father Liam, who adds definite flavor to the mix. We are getting to know the Giovanni family better, and the descriptions of their Sunday dinners with lots of tasty Italian food is a fun part of the book.

With Gabriella and Donovan now learning how to be a couple, life seems to be heading the right direction for Gabriella. She is sent to cover what appears to be a single car accident along a highway when the deceased accident victim is discovered to have been shot in the head. The victim is identified as a dot.com billionaire whose girlfriend, Annalisa Cruz, has ties to Donovan's past. When more high profile murders occur and Donovan becomes the main suspect, Gabriella learns that she is not the only one with a dark shadow lingering over her life. In order to prove Donovan's innocence, Gabriella must discover what her boyfriend is hiding, which means that she will be taking risks that will endanger her and might prove fatal to their relationship. But, Gabriella at her very core is the person who will go as far as it takes to find the truth and help those she loves. And as if proving Donovan innocent isn't enough of an impossible task, Gabriella is faced with new information about her sister's killer that has her running in all directions at once.

So, book #2, Blessed are the Meek, is another successful, intense novel from the brilliant mind of Kristi Belcamino. It is high velocity all the way, and the reader will be wired from beginning to end. Be sure to set everything else aside before starting this book, as it's a ride you'll want to take uninterrupted.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Keeps you reading as Gabriella is always involved in something!

This one starts out that Gabriella and Donovan are still together. He is still doing dectective work and she is a reporter for the San Francisco newspaper.

Gabriella is still searching for clues on who might have kidnapped and killed her sister when she was eight.

This one starts out with a car wreck of a millionaire, but quickly turns into a murder case when they find out he has been shot. The girlfriend of the millionaire - none other then Donovan's former love, Annalisa Cruz.

When Annalisa's present boyfriend is killed and she might become a suspect, Donovan has agreed to help Annalisa out. Of course this is not going over to well with Gabriella. She soon finds out that there may be more to his just helping her out. But he soons finds out that Gabriella may be involved also.

When the police start investigating the case, Donovan arrested. Is he involved? What about Annalisa? Is Donovan still in love with her and why are all the cops associated with Donovan being killed?

Gabriella starts her own investigation and it might be her last.

Really great book that is full of action!

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book's protagonist, Gabriella Giovanni! She lives and breathes, and you just can't get enough of her! Gabriella and her Italian family are so real, you want to join them for Sunday dinner! The second in a new series, this book follows Blessed are the Dead! which I also reviewed with 5 stars. Gabriella is a crime reporter who gets into the middle of a homicide investigation, along with her lover, Detective Sean Donovan. She may be in great danger herself but she never backs off from trying to find whoever has framed Donovan for murders he didn't commit. Along with the new investigation, Gabriella continues to search out leads for the monster who murdered her baby sister many years ago. Once I started it, I did NOT want to stop reading until I got to the end. I highly commend this author, she writes a compelling novel which leaves you salivating for the next one in the series. The next one, Blessed Are Those Who Weep will be out, I think, in April of 2015.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriella Giovanni, crime reporter, is back on the case. This time what starts as a traffic accident turns out to be one of a number of homicides. How many are actually related? Can she continue to keep her professional focus and still tell the victims' stories while continuing to investigate personal mysteries?

Multiple mysteries layer and entwine throughout the tale adding depth and flavor. A colorful, pleasantly detailed narrative allows readers to sense some of the scenery and situations characters encounter.

Characters are interesting, caring, authentic, and continue to develop.

Overall, a fun read.

[Kristin Boldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Blessed are the Dead, we knew who the bad guy was, but didn't know how things would play out. In this sequel, we don't know who is causing the trouble, or why, so there's a strong "what happens next" factor that kept me turning pages to the end.

I enjoy spending time with Gabriella. She's kind of a mess, but tries to keep it together at work and with her family. There's also a lot of well-described food in the books, and I love a good book with good food. If you're a mystery fan, this is a compelling page turner.

[Sheyna Galyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this even more than the first, and I'm glad that Gabriella is finally telling people where she's going. Unfortunately, sloppy editing (ebook version), especially misplaced commas and hyphens, were very distracting. Usually HarperCollins does better than this, and Belcamino's book deserves better. All in all, a great nail-biting mystery I couldn't put down.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book may have been even better that the first one - I can't wait to read the next! In Blessed are the Meek Gabriella tries to prove Donovan's innocence and ends up in peril herself. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I will say that I thought she was going to be rescued by sea life! A wonderful, gripping, unpredictable read!

[Connie Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ

MUST READ

I couldn't put this book down. I knew it was going to be good. It held my attention from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to all. The characters are true to life and draw you in.

[Deb Mcgehee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series!!

When I first started ready this series I thought I would not like it. But I stayed with it and boy I'm I glad I did. Love it, love All the characters. Getting ready to start #3!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good, if not better, than the first. In this sequel, Belcamino, digs into Gabriella’s past, but keeps it fresh with a new mystery. I can’t wait for the third!

[Cindy Boepple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love miss Giovani and can't wait to see what's next in book number three
Recommend this series.....great read

[Paulette · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was a good review of this book written by a Minneapolis journalist. Story doesn't hold together. Main character does dumb unbelievable stuff.

[Christine Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Kept my interest which is a difficult thing to do. Can't wait to finish the third book

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

i like Gabriella - but damn she has lots of "put herself into risk of death situations"

[William Wehrmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, Kristy Belcamino spins a heck of a yarn. In my review of her first Gabriella Giovanni book Blessed are the Dead I hoped that her second book in the series Blessed are the Meek would be equally compelling. It is!

The book begins with a prolog describing the 1987 murder of a lady by a group of men each one of whom is forced, to a greater or lesser degree, to fire a bullet into her body so "they are all in it together."

The story moves on to 2002 when Gabriella finds herself, almost by accident, standing over the naked body of a handsome man, initially thought to be the victim of a road accident. When the police decide that it is a suspicious death, Gabriella is shooed away. As a newspaper reporter on the crime beat, she can't just leave, so she collects the information she can and goes back to delve into the story, and becomes wrapped up in Kristy's story.

In it there is a beautiful artist married to the victim, the handsome mayor of San Francisco, strange shadowy men, and more deaths. Both Gabriella and her boyfriend, Sean Donovan are questioned by the police and he is later jailed for murder. It is a very complicated mystery that ties all the characters together.

Gabriella is still haunted by, and investigates the death some 24 years earlier. Those efforts and emotions complicate her life in so many ways, not the least of which is making her investigations of the current mystery more difficult by adding distractions.

I will not say more as anything I write would spoil the mystery for you. Suffice to say, Blessed are the Meek will grab you and not let you go. I recommend it highly. Kristi Belcamino is an amazing writer. It is a pleasure to recommend her book and to know her, albeit very slightly.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely clicked with this author on the first book in the Gabriella Giovanni series. I loved the first book and I loved this second book just as much! I know I'm addicted when I want to hang out and have coffee with the characters! There is everything to love in this book: a great mystery/thriller, romance, a bit of fun, and thrills and chills throughout. I can't wait to read the next and try the other Gia series by this author as well. I'm so thrilled to have found this series and this author!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the grammar on the kindle edition was edited poorly. “I could care less” UGH! I mean the main character is a journalist....she should know better.
Also the expression is “fuc*in-a” NOT “f*ck an a” - this type-o made me laugh because it’s so wrong and a hilarious oversight.

But the book is good, though sometimes it seems odd that the main character is so flippant when almost being killed over and over again.

I am moving on to the third book because the writing is fast paced and I like Gabriella.

[Jeff Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriella keeps getting better

I liked this, the second one in the series, possibly better than the first. The first book was a hard read but worth it. In this we learn more about Gabriella and how she head works. Good suspense. Well written. Good main characters who are both growing individually and together. Highly recommended.

[Sharon Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed are the Meek

Wow, just wow! I am blown away with these characters. This book made me glad it’s in a series as I would hate to say good bye at the end. Gabriella is a full character with believable quirks and an ability to get into the midst of trouble without even trying to. This book is fast paced and like the prequel I was unable to put it down.

[Debbi Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble seems to follow Gabriella!

Gabriella is back on top again; a new boyfriend, back on the cop beat at the paper. Life looks good, until Donovan's ex girlfriend shows up and people start dying. If that doesn't make matters tough, Gabriella has a lead in her sister's killer. Can she find her sister's killer or will she become the victim of another madman?

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old loves, new loves and a possessive love makes a riveting story. Secrets from the past that Donovan couldn’t share with Gia, and now knew that is what ended his first marriage. Secrets needed to be told before he could marry Gia. A man obsessed to get the one he loved, killing those in his way. A good story of those few that stay by you side threw it all. A good series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next one, please.

Love this series. Fun and easy to read, which is what counts most in summertime. Already purchased the next book!

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

a 4 1/2!! Really liked it.