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Gia Santella #4
Black Widow
A Mediterranean cruise. A fascinating new friend. An assassin playing a deadly game of revenge. Vigilante heiress Gia Santella has everything that money can buy. It’s what she can’t buy—love, companionship, friendship—that eludes her. When Gia is forced to take a luxury cruise, she sets aside her vigilante ways. As she enjoys exotic lands and foods, a new friendship gives her hope that she might be able to lead a normal life like everybody else. But like everything else in her life has done, her new friendship soon takes a deadly turn. It’s up to Gia to do what she does best—hunt for a killer to exact justice for those unable to do so themselves. With her new friendship on the line—and maybe her own life—Gia sets out to avenge the innocent once more. But this time, her desire for vendetta may be her undoing. The fourth novel in an intense thriller series authored by USA Today Best Selling Author Kristi Belcamino. Fans of JD Robb, Lisa Gardner, Atomic Blonde, and Killing Eve will love the suspense, romance, and twists of these fast-moving thrillers. ________________________ What readers are ★★★★★ "Brava!"
★★★★★ "...I'm hooked!"
★★★★★ "...Gia is my favorite."
★★★★★ "...the plot is so deceptive..."
★★★★★ "Non-stop action and layers of intrigue..."
★★★★★ "...I'm hooked!"
★★★★★ "...Gia is my favorite."
★★★★★ "...the plot is so deceptive..."
★★★★★ "Non-stop action and layers of intrigue..."
148 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2018
443 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Belcamino
98 books421 followersKristi 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.
Newsletter Sign up: https://www.subscribepage.com/KristiB...
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
Newsletter Sign up: https://www.subscribepage.com/KristiB...
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 5, 2018
Oh, Gia Santella, you so keep me on pins and needles. You can go from zero to being in a life and death situation in the blink of an eye. And, I love every minute of your crazy, dangerous life. Kristi Belcamino packs far more action into the Gia Santella #5 than a reader would ever expect with the setting of an ocean cruise. Of course, this author has never been guilty of a dull moment. Gia is a creation of nerves living on the outside, and proof that playing nice is only one option.
Still struggling with her grief from her boyfriend's death, Gia has shut herself away from the outside world. But, her closest friend Dante is determined to snap her out of that dark place and sends her on a two-week Mediterranean cruise. Luxury accommodations, relaxing by the pool, visiting exotic places is a perfect prescription to cure Gia of her morose mood. And, it's as if the gods of happiness are finally shining on Gia when she meets a new friend before the ship even sails. Natasha is the young bride of an older, insanely rich gentleman and is immediately drawn to Gia as another young, fun-loving companion. They hit it off so well that Gia begins to wonder if having a female friend is something she has needed in her life. Of course, trouble and Gia always seem to travel together, and it's not long before the bluebird of happiness drops a dollop of doo-doo on Gia's head. Natasha's sugar daddy disappears, and when Gia tries to help, the friendship that started off with a bang becomes strained. The twists that end up with Gia's life in danger (granted, a normal place for our Gia) are deliciously played out to reveal a dark force of a merciless mission.
Kristi Belcamino never wavers in her ability to tell a story that pops and her talent in creating thrilling characters. The Gia Santella series is one that has captured a special place in my favorite reading. I can't wait to see what happens with Gia next.
Still struggling with her grief from her boyfriend's death, Gia has shut herself away from the outside world. But, her closest friend Dante is determined to snap her out of that dark place and sends her on a two-week Mediterranean cruise. Luxury accommodations, relaxing by the pool, visiting exotic places is a perfect prescription to cure Gia of her morose mood. And, it's as if the gods of happiness are finally shining on Gia when she meets a new friend before the ship even sails. Natasha is the young bride of an older, insanely rich gentleman and is immediately drawn to Gia as another young, fun-loving companion. They hit it off so well that Gia begins to wonder if having a female friend is something she has needed in her life. Of course, trouble and Gia always seem to travel together, and it's not long before the bluebird of happiness drops a dollop of doo-doo on Gia's head. Natasha's sugar daddy disappears, and when Gia tries to help, the friendship that started off with a bang becomes strained. The twists that end up with Gia's life in danger (granted, a normal place for our Gia) are deliciously played out to reveal a dark force of a merciless mission.
Kristi Belcamino never wavers in her ability to tell a story that pops and her talent in creating thrilling characters. The Gia Santella series is one that has captured a special place in my favorite reading. I can't wait to see what happens with Gia next.
April 1, 2018
I read this in one setting! I loved it. Only Gia could get into trouble while on a 2 week cruise to the Mediterranean. She finally gets a woman friend, Natasha, however, Gia soon realizes be careful what you wish for. While Dante and Darling do make appearances, this book really is about Gia and her new friend. We follow Gia from San Francisco to Paris and Tangiers. One of these characters I really enjoyed!! The ending is terrific. I'm looking forward to the next adventure with Gia.
April 27, 2018
Gia can't catch a break even when is it bought and paid for. Dante sends Gia on a cruise to try and help her get through her grieving. Gia meets Natasha on the cruise and things seem to be going pretty good until they aren't anymore. Gia being Gia has got to set the record straight and find the justice needed. But at what cost this time? Her own life? You will need to read the book to find the answers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 4, 2018
Another fantastic thrill ride with Gia Santella, she really knows how to keep me enthralled in her web of intrigue and mystery right to the very end and I love that in a character.
Kristi Belcamino is truly talented at weaving a gripping edge of your seat story.
Kristi Belcamino is truly talented at weaving a gripping edge of your seat story.
April 16, 2025
Very much like the other books in this series.
March 19, 2018
Trying to recover from her boyfriend's death. Her best friend Dante pays for and convinced her to go on a Mediterranean cruise. Gia meets Natasha and it seems like she has a girlfriend that she never had. It all goes wrong when Natasha's husband goes missing and is presumed dead. Who is Natasha and is that her real name?
This is another thrill from Kristi Belcamino that you will not want to put down.
This is another thrill from Kristi Belcamino that you will not want to put down.
April 6, 2018
Kristi Belcamino hit it out of the park with her new release Gia and the Black Widow, the fifth book in the Gia Santella Crime Thriller series.
I have been a fan of Gia since meeting her in the first book of the series, Gia in the City of the Dead. In each book Gia's fierce and fiery character has evolved, as have those of the friends in her orbit. The plots keep me wanting more, and this book has me eagerly awaiting book six.
In Gia and the Black Widow, we find Gia still grieving the brutal death of Bobby, the man who captured her heart after her brother's death. She is languishing in her grief, returning to her bad habits: occasional one night stands, drinking and smoking too much and ignoring the running of her family business.
Her friends Dante and Darla become so concerned that they stage an intervention to help Gia snap out of this extended and unhealthy grief. Dante, her best friend and professional adviser, lost his partner on their wedding day in the same shooting spree as Bobby. He certainly understands Gia's pain, yet realizes something has to change. He buys Gia a ticket and convinces her to take a luxury cruise along the Coast of Africa.
Reluctantly Gia boards the ship, and almost immediately meets a charming and vivacious woman her age, and her much older companion. Much to Gia's surprise her new acquaintances, Natasha and Henry, are her table mates during the cruise. They have been married for six months, and Gia finds herself enjoying their company.
Gia has never had a close girlfriend, and despite always guarding her feelings, Gia finds herself liking Nat very much. Henry encourages their budding friendship as he is physically unable to join them on some of cruise excursions and retires early in the evening.
All seems to be "smooth sailing" until when one evening at dinner Natasha and Henry are very curt and dismissive of Gia. They leave the table abruptly, Gia nurses her hurt feelings at the bar and on the deck where she falls asleep. Her reverie is disturbed by a woman screaming, and she immediately recognizes Natasha's voice. Gia rushes to their stateroom, and sees Nat in a bloodied negligee and no Henry.
This is the catalyst for all that unfolds in this exciting story. Where is Henry? Is Natasha the sweet and fun friend Gia hopes for her to be? Who is the woman with the white hair? I could not put the book down until I knew the answers.
Gia and the Black Widow is an action-packed read; I was constantly wondering what was coming next. Belcamino continues to keep the series fast and very enjoyable; easy to read but unforgettable characters. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a strong female protagonist and a great crime thriller. Five stars.
I have been a fan of Gia since meeting her in the first book of the series, Gia in the City of the Dead. In each book Gia's fierce and fiery character has evolved, as have those of the friends in her orbit. The plots keep me wanting more, and this book has me eagerly awaiting book six.
In Gia and the Black Widow, we find Gia still grieving the brutal death of Bobby, the man who captured her heart after her brother's death. She is languishing in her grief, returning to her bad habits: occasional one night stands, drinking and smoking too much and ignoring the running of her family business.
Her friends Dante and Darla become so concerned that they stage an intervention to help Gia snap out of this extended and unhealthy grief. Dante, her best friend and professional adviser, lost his partner on their wedding day in the same shooting spree as Bobby. He certainly understands Gia's pain, yet realizes something has to change. He buys Gia a ticket and convinces her to take a luxury cruise along the Coast of Africa.
Reluctantly Gia boards the ship, and almost immediately meets a charming and vivacious woman her age, and her much older companion. Much to Gia's surprise her new acquaintances, Natasha and Henry, are her table mates during the cruise. They have been married for six months, and Gia finds herself enjoying their company.
Gia has never had a close girlfriend, and despite always guarding her feelings, Gia finds herself liking Nat very much. Henry encourages their budding friendship as he is physically unable to join them on some of cruise excursions and retires early in the evening.
All seems to be "smooth sailing" until when one evening at dinner Natasha and Henry are very curt and dismissive of Gia. They leave the table abruptly, Gia nurses her hurt feelings at the bar and on the deck where she falls asleep. Her reverie is disturbed by a woman screaming, and she immediately recognizes Natasha's voice. Gia rushes to their stateroom, and sees Nat in a bloodied negligee and no Henry.
This is the catalyst for all that unfolds in this exciting story. Where is Henry? Is Natasha the sweet and fun friend Gia hopes for her to be? Who is the woman with the white hair? I could not put the book down until I knew the answers.
Gia and the Black Widow is an action-packed read; I was constantly wondering what was coming next. Belcamino continues to keep the series fast and very enjoyable; easy to read but unforgettable characters. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a strong female protagonist and a great crime thriller. Five stars.
November 10, 2020
Thoroughly and consistently enjoyable mystery
-Gia is recuperating from the episode in the last book, where the man she loved, Bobby, was killed. It’s been affecting her both physically and mentally as she seems to have lost her desire to do anything. Her close friends are all around her, and her closest friend, Dante, has now surprised her with a trip for her to refresh herself.
-Gia is reluctant to go, but Dante presses her and she’s enticed by the details. Several days in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a cruise from Spain, to Morocco and then ending in Portugal. Dante knows that if he gives Gia time to think, she’ll back out, so when she begins to consider it, he then tells her to hurry because her plane to France leaves in three hours.
-Gia is now boarding the ship, which is a luxury liner with wealthy but older people coming on board. To her delight, she sees a young girl in her 20’s accompanied by an older man near 70, who’s her husband. When the young girl sees Gia, she gets excited that there’s another person her age on the ship. Even though the young girl is married, she tells Gia that her husband trusts her, but is okay with her staying out late with Gia while he rests earlier.
-A group of younger singles end up boarding as well, and both the young married girl, Natasha, and Gia, become almost inseparable. They not only party together on the ship, but they go together on shore when the ship docks.
-Natasha, though, freezes when she sees a sophisticated woman come on board, as this woman had gone out with Natasha’s husband. Natasha confides to Gia that the woman is known as the Black Widow as she’s been married numerous times before, with all of those husbands dying mysteriously.
-Things take a turn one night, when Natasha has an argument with her husband and retires early, but then leaves her room and stays out with another woman until about 3 in the morning. During this time, Gia is now alone and stays in the nightclub drinking, until the club closes and she sleeps it off on the deck. All of a sudden, a scream is heard from the direction of the penthouse suite, where Natasha and her husband are staying. She rushes to the suite with the security personnel and finds Natasha on the floor of the suite, sitting in a pool of blood, with no sign of her husband.
-This investigation now takes twists and turns, until even Gia finds herself to be a suspect, and she must figure out a way to locate the killer.
-Though relatively short, the author does a great job at presenting a very interesting story and, as always she excels in her description of action scenes. This is light and easy reading but, at the same time, is a thoroughly enjoyable action novel.
-Gia is recuperating from the episode in the last book, where the man she loved, Bobby, was killed. It’s been affecting her both physically and mentally as she seems to have lost her desire to do anything. Her close friends are all around her, and her closest friend, Dante, has now surprised her with a trip for her to refresh herself.
-Gia is reluctant to go, but Dante presses her and she’s enticed by the details. Several days in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a cruise from Spain, to Morocco and then ending in Portugal. Dante knows that if he gives Gia time to think, she’ll back out, so when she begins to consider it, he then tells her to hurry because her plane to France leaves in three hours.
-Gia is now boarding the ship, which is a luxury liner with wealthy but older people coming on board. To her delight, she sees a young girl in her 20’s accompanied by an older man near 70, who’s her husband. When the young girl sees Gia, she gets excited that there’s another person her age on the ship. Even though the young girl is married, she tells Gia that her husband trusts her, but is okay with her staying out late with Gia while he rests earlier.
-A group of younger singles end up boarding as well, and both the young married girl, Natasha, and Gia, become almost inseparable. They not only party together on the ship, but they go together on shore when the ship docks.
-Natasha, though, freezes when she sees a sophisticated woman come on board, as this woman had gone out with Natasha’s husband. Natasha confides to Gia that the woman is known as the Black Widow as she’s been married numerous times before, with all of those husbands dying mysteriously.
-Things take a turn one night, when Natasha has an argument with her husband and retires early, but then leaves her room and stays out with another woman until about 3 in the morning. During this time, Gia is now alone and stays in the nightclub drinking, until the club closes and she sleeps it off on the deck. All of a sudden, a scream is heard from the direction of the penthouse suite, where Natasha and her husband are staying. She rushes to the suite with the security personnel and finds Natasha on the floor of the suite, sitting in a pool of blood, with no sign of her husband.
-This investigation now takes twists and turns, until even Gia finds herself to be a suspect, and she must figure out a way to locate the killer.
-Though relatively short, the author does a great job at presenting a very interesting story and, as always she excels in her description of action scenes. This is light and easy reading but, at the same time, is a thoroughly enjoyable action novel.
April 10, 2018
Lucky me, was one of the Advance Readers. Gia and the Black Widow by Kristi Belcamino is another sparkly adventure for our heroine. Reluctant to go out and do anything while still grieving for her murdered fiancee, Gia nevertheless allows herself to be talked into getting away from her home in San Francisco. Her close friend Dante has bought the tickets and persuaded Gia to fly alone to Barcelona and from there to embark on a Mediterranean cruise. The beauty of the Mediterranean, Morroco and Tangiers and the luxurious cruise ship suite help to cheer her, and she makes a new friend to share the fun with. Soon, however, the new friend seems not to be all Gia had thought. Could Gia have made a mistake? It seems wherever Gia goes, adventure and sometimes dark events surround her. Loved this one! The Gia books just keep getting better!
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
April 17, 2018
Gia Santella once again manages to find trouble, this time in the form of a lovely young newlywed, married to a rich, much older man, on a Meditteranean cruise meant to kick start Gia out of her doldrums. The young newlywed and Gia quickly bond during the early days of the cruise and Gia begins to wonder if she has been missing something in life by not having any close female friends. But of course things are not what they seem and soon the proverbial shit hits the fan, and Gia finds herself facing a situation she never would have imagined herself in on a relaxing cruise. Has her penchant for trouble always seeming to find her dug a hole too deep to escape? Read and find out!
June 19, 2018
Well here I go on my new Adventure with Gia and the Black Widow. That was on the 16/05.
A comment from a friend: You and Gia and a spider on an adventure?!? PICS!!! My reply: Novel by Kristi Belcamino and further comment by me : Only picked up on the novels because of Gillian aka Gia Murphy. The reply: Cool!
My further update... https://www.amazon.com/City-Dead-Sant... then on the :- finished Gia and the Black Widow by Kristi Belcamino. what finished already. WOW! And that was on the 21/05/2018 at 6:53am....
A comment from a friend: You and Gia and a spider on an adventure?!? PICS!!! My reply: Novel by Kristi Belcamino and further comment by me : Only picked up on the novels because of Gillian aka Gia Murphy. The reply: Cool!
My further update... https://www.amazon.com/City-Dead-Sant... then on the :- finished Gia and the Black Widow by Kristi Belcamino. what finished already. WOW! And that was on the 21/05/2018 at 6:53am....
October 12, 2020
Friendship is hard
Gia is struggling with all her loss and Darling and Dante have a plan. Once on the cruise everything seems to be going well until it really isn’t. Then we have intrigue, betrayal, mystery and the fun task of solving a double murder. Gia is fierce in her desire to solve the crime and find the truth.
This story is entertaining and moves at a quick pace. It is an easy read that is enjoyable as it has fun dialogue, colorful characters and a captivating storyline.
Gia is struggling with all her loss and Darling and Dante have a plan. Once on the cruise everything seems to be going well until it really isn’t. Then we have intrigue, betrayal, mystery and the fun task of solving a double murder. Gia is fierce in her desire to solve the crime and find the truth.
This story is entertaining and moves at a quick pace. It is an easy read that is enjoyable as it has fun dialogue, colorful characters and a captivating storyline.
Read
June 1, 2021A Marvel of a story
Another wonderful chapter of Gia Santella's life. She is in the depths of her depression after all of the losses she has just encountered. Dante books her on a tour and cruise in Europe and North Africa to get her through her transition.
This book did feel like a transition book. It read fast and had a lot of action but it did seem to lack the umph that I expect from a Belcamino book.
I did like the Marvel and Black Widow references.
Another wonderful chapter of Gia Santella's life. She is in the depths of her depression after all of the losses she has just encountered. Dante books her on a tour and cruise in Europe and North Africa to get her through her transition.
This book did feel like a transition book. It read fast and had a lot of action but it did seem to lack the umph that I expect from a Belcamino book.
I did like the Marvel and Black Widow references.
April 7, 2018
In this exciting fifth book in the series, Gia is still reeling from the tragic loss of her love. Reluctantly accepting a gift of a Mediterranean cruise, she is pleasantly surprised to find herself enjoying the company of a charming new friend, Natasha. However, when Natasha’s husband disappears, frightening questions arise. As always, mystery and danger go hand in hand in this thriller.
October 7, 2018
Kristi's books were recommended to me and I acquired several as I worked on my reading queue. I enjoyed the prequel so much I binged my way thru 6 of Gia Santella's adventures. A kick ass female on her way to finding her true self and her place in the world. Great characters and story. Non-stop action and layers of intrigue will keep you reading long after you should have been asleep.
October 19, 2018
You never know what Gia will
Get herself into next! I love that about her! Mystery & suspense are her constant companions. She always leaves you wondering what is next! This installment in the series continues on with the wild situations she gets herself into even when she is trying to get a break away from her life. Trouble always follows... you definitely won’t be disappointed!😊
Get herself into next! I love that about her! Mystery & suspense are her constant companions. She always leaves you wondering what is next! This installment in the series continues on with the wild situations she gets herself into even when she is trying to get a break away from her life. Trouble always follows... you definitely won’t be disappointed!😊
May 1, 2018
Welcome back Gia
Of the several series that Kristi is writing, Gia is my favorite. This story doesn’t disappoint. Gia’s character continues to develop, grow, and grieve. Really a good read. Highly recommended.
Of the several series that Kristi is writing, Gia is my favorite. This story doesn’t disappoint. Gia’s character continues to develop, grow, and grieve. Really a good read. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2018
Jackpot!!
I enjoyed this series so much! I love Gia Santelle!! Would like it even better if she didn't drop the fbomb so often! Some makes a point and is expected. I will be reading more in the future!
I enjoyed this series so much! I love Gia Santelle!! Would like it even better if she didn't drop the fbomb so often! Some makes a point and is expected. I will be reading more in the future!
August 8, 2018
I don’t think I can give a great opinion here, because I had eye surgery while reading the book and had to set it aside while my eye healed. With that being said, I really enjoyed the ending and it left me wanting more from Gia.
September 30, 2023
Black Widow (4)
WOW!! what an amazing and awesome read! I feel as if I was invited on a trip around the world! On a cruise that was supposed to uplift my soul and teach me to be flamboyant! In fact what I learned was "don't ever turn your back on your supposed friends"
WOW!! what an amazing and awesome read! I feel as if I was invited on a trip around the world! On a cruise that was supposed to uplift my soul and teach me to be flamboyant! In fact what I learned was "don't ever turn your back on your supposed friends"
April 5, 2018
Another enjoyable Gia Santella story. A great big dose of fun!
May 15, 2019
Exciting as ever. Gia can't catch a break.
Read
February 21, 2020Awesome
April 13, 2020
Wonderful!!!!
As always this one was better than the last. I always hate for them to end but I'm always excited to get to the next great read in this series. Now, in to it!!
As always this one was better than the last. I always hate for them to end but I'm always excited to get to the next great read in this series. Now, in to it!!
Read
August 24, 2020Awesome. I have enjoyed reading your books. Looking forward to the next one
May 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters, immediately looked for and read more from this great author!
June 27, 2021
Wow! Another great entry in this series of books! Gia seems to find trouble everywhere she goes but once again, she prevailed. Can’t wait to see what her next adventure brings!
September 23, 2021
Exciting
This is an all nighter for sure! It starts slowly and builds to a crescendo! I would definitely recommend this book!
This is an all nighter for sure! It starts slowly and builds to a crescendo! I would definitely recommend this book!
March 13, 2023
Great
Wish Gia wasn't always drinking and sexing. She could be a more inspiring character storylines are good however. Love the other characters.
Wish Gia wasn't always drinking and sexing. She could be a more inspiring character storylines are good however. Love the other characters.
April 13, 2023
good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews