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The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #4
A Gamble Either Way
A lavish riverboat casino should be the perfect place to unwind after nearly being buried alive, but ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop knows better. This casino is run by a real estate tycoon who’s gathered all the movers and shakers so he can convince them to let him develop a pristine piece of land.
Add in a mix of protestors, and it’ll be anything but a peaceful night on the river.
When the curtain opens for the tycoon’s big introduction, he’s sitting on stage.
With his throat slit.
And his guts on his lap.
Screams.
Chaos.
Security rushes to radio back to shore… but the communication devices have been destroyed. And the boat? Dead in the water.
Every passenger is a suspect.
The killer wants to turn the casino into a floating graveyard.
And Rileigh is his big prize.
A Gamble Either Way is the fourth book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller series by Lauren Street.
Add in a mix of protestors, and it’ll be anything but a peaceful night on the river.
When the curtain opens for the tycoon’s big introduction, he’s sitting on stage.
With his throat slit.
And his guts on his lap.
Screams.
Chaos.
Security rushes to radio back to shore… but the communication devices have been destroyed. And the boat? Dead in the water.
Every passenger is a suspect.
The killer wants to turn the casino into a floating graveyard.
And Rileigh is his big prize.
A Gamble Either Way is the fourth book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller series by Lauren Street.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
177 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 12, 2024
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers:
A Gamble Either Way, #4 - Interesting and hard to put down with all kinds of happenings, and on a paddlewheel steamboat. Hairy story lines with good characters and a constant pace. Intense. Intriguing. Editing is better. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
BECAUSE ONE OF US WAS WRONG, Novella - This is a funny, interesting, intriguing and entertaining introduction to the Bishop Smokey Mountains series. Likeable characters, crimes like crazy, good story lines, and good humor. A must read first. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: Download through Hide Me Away, book one of the series. 5*
HIDE ME AWAY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Good pacing. Hard to put down with all the happenings, the variety of characters, and some intense story lines. It was easy to figure out the murders, even with all the suspects. Good team work between the acting sheriff and the veteran in solving the crimes. I like the writing style of the author. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: the author. 5*
FUEL TO THE FLAME, #2 - This story picks up four months after Hide Me Away ends. I'm not sure why the author though it was important to rehash HMA in the first four chapters, and others, which made it difficult for me to keep reading since I read HMA. The story kicks into gear and turns out full of gory but not graphic crimes, mixed with more crimes and plenty of action. Thar's a bit of crazy going on in those mountains. Intense story lines. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: BookSprout. 4*
Closer By The Hour, #3 - Rather intriguing and a bit gory, but not graphically detailed, and definitely difficult to put down, the interesting, well written story lines and good characters made for an immersing, entertaining read. A good pace, terrible crimes and poor ole Rileigh getting herself into plenty of "Oh, snap" situations. Some humor, and Lily and Daisy are hoots. A little predictable but well worth reading. Now, a little bit of editing .... Source: BookSprout. 5*
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers end.
A Gamble Either Way, #4 - Interesting and hard to put down with all kinds of happenings, and on a paddlewheel steamboat. Hairy story lines with good characters and a constant pace. Intense. Intriguing. Editing is better. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
BECAUSE ONE OF US WAS WRONG, Novella - This is a funny, interesting, intriguing and entertaining introduction to the Bishop Smokey Mountains series. Likeable characters, crimes like crazy, good story lines, and good humor. A must read first. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: Download through Hide Me Away, book one of the series. 5*
HIDE ME AWAY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Good pacing. Hard to put down with all the happenings, the variety of characters, and some intense story lines. It was easy to figure out the murders, even with all the suspects. Good team work between the acting sheriff and the veteran in solving the crimes. I like the writing style of the author. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: the author. 5*
FUEL TO THE FLAME, #2 - This story picks up four months after Hide Me Away ends. I'm not sure why the author though it was important to rehash HMA in the first four chapters, and others, which made it difficult for me to keep reading since I read HMA. The story kicks into gear and turns out full of gory but not graphic crimes, mixed with more crimes and plenty of action. Thar's a bit of crazy going on in those mountains. Intense story lines. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: BookSprout. 4*
Closer By The Hour, #3 - Rather intriguing and a bit gory, but not graphically detailed, and definitely difficult to put down, the interesting, well written story lines and good characters made for an immersing, entertaining read. A good pace, terrible crimes and poor ole Rileigh getting herself into plenty of "Oh, snap" situations. Some humor, and Lily and Daisy are hoots. A little predictable but well worth reading. Now, a little bit of editing .... Source: BookSprout. 5*
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers end.
February 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! The suspense, the chaos and the set up of the plot. Even though I have not read any other book from the series, the characters feel familiar to me and I don't feel that I am missing out much. But I do believe the story does flow better and you'll pick up other things if you have read the previous titles from the series.
The glamorous party boat, guests dressed in fairytale costumes, gruesome murders described in graphic detail --- honestly it's a good mix I never imagined was possible! The female lead, Rileigh Bishop, has been a great MC throughout the story and her actions make sense. I can absolutely see her character growth and development throughout this book, and I am really rooting for her in the future titles of the series. I do wish there were more chapters from Mitch's perspective hehe, I really like him as the sheriff, he is righteous, smart and I must say charming in a way. The plot and flow of the scenes made sense and there were several red herrings so I just kept guessing until towards the end, when I realised, I was like "ahhhhhhhh~~~~, I see I see". It's enjoyable overall!
I do believe the writing is at times not perfect and I had to really ignore stuff for certain scenes to make sense. But maybe because it's an ARC so I hope the final copy has implemented these changes!
Overall 3.5 stars, and onto the next book!!! Thank you for NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for providing me with an e-ARC.
The glamorous party boat, guests dressed in fairytale costumes, gruesome murders described in graphic detail --- honestly it's a good mix I never imagined was possible! The female lead, Rileigh Bishop, has been a great MC throughout the story and her actions make sense. I can absolutely see her character growth and development throughout this book, and I am really rooting for her in the future titles of the series. I do wish there were more chapters from Mitch's perspective hehe, I really like him as the sheriff, he is righteous, smart and I must say charming in a way. The plot and flow of the scenes made sense and there were several red herrings so I just kept guessing until towards the end, when I realised, I was like "ahhhhhhhh~~~~, I see I see". It's enjoyable overall!
I do believe the writing is at times not perfect and I had to really ignore stuff for certain scenes to make sense. But maybe because it's an ARC so I hope the final copy has implemented these changes!
Overall 3.5 stars, and onto the next book!!! Thank you for NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for providing me with an e-ARC.
January 6, 2024
This new episode remains in the fast-paced, adrenaline charged vein. It's almost incredible that such a small town gets to see so much murder and mayhem in such a short period of time - almost as if Rileigh and Mitch brought it with them when they came. I can also sympathize with saving the world as we know it from the avarice of civilization, it's such a sore subject indeed, and secular trees being cut indiscriminately under the guise of empty promises most of all.
The plot is well made, I really didn't have a clue who... yeah, no spoilers. The solving of the mystery is well built, and the writing so good I could almost feel Rileigh's claustrophobia, her pain where her mother is concerned and I honestly felt cold and frustrated along with Mitch.
Again, her dive into the psyche of a murderer is chilling, and her description of someone with dementia spot on - I have a mother with that diagnosis and I should know.
I will certainly read more books from this author.
The plot is well made, I really didn't have a clue who... yeah, no spoilers. The solving of the mystery is well built, and the writing so good I could almost feel Rileigh's claustrophobia, her pain where her mother is concerned and I honestly felt cold and frustrated along with Mitch.
Again, her dive into the psyche of a murderer is chilling, and her description of someone with dementia spot on - I have a mother with that diagnosis and I should know.
I will certainly read more books from this author.
June 9, 2025
Yet another stellar addition to the Rileigh Bishop series, A Gamble Either Way is intense, twisted, and completely unputdownable. This installment breaks new ground by taking the action to the water instead of the usual land-based setting—and it’s all the more thrilling for it.
Every chapter kept me hooked, and the plot is absolutely gripping. The mystery surrounding Rileigh’s missing sister deepens, with those eerie postcards continuing to play a role—only this time, we get a tantalizing glimpse behind the curtain.
I did miss the familiarity of Rileigh’s home turf and the chaos that comes with her evil aunt Daisy, who always brings a dark edge to the story, but the new setting and fresh layers of intrigue more than made up for it.
The characters were as compelling as ever, but the real standout was the plot—insanely clever and so well executed. I can’t wait to see where Lauren Street takes us next. Highly recommended! Thank you Netgalley & Lauren Street for this arc!
Every chapter kept me hooked, and the plot is absolutely gripping. The mystery surrounding Rileigh’s missing sister deepens, with those eerie postcards continuing to play a role—only this time, we get a tantalizing glimpse behind the curtain.
I did miss the familiarity of Rileigh’s home turf and the chaos that comes with her evil aunt Daisy, who always brings a dark edge to the story, but the new setting and fresh layers of intrigue more than made up for it.
The characters were as compelling as ever, but the real standout was the plot—insanely clever and so well executed. I can’t wait to see where Lauren Street takes us next. Highly recommended! Thank you Netgalley & Lauren Street for this arc!
January 16, 2024
Once again Rileigh Bishop has a target on her back and a serial killer has her in his sights. It's enough to give a woman a complex! This series just keeps getting better and better. There is plenty of action, suspense, Mama craziness (you have to read them to understand that), and the possibility (if anybody will ever admit it) of romance. All thoroughly enjoyable and very difficult to put down once you start. Ms. Street hasn't let me down yet and I doubt she will. I highly recommend this series. But I have to say, I think one of my favorite parts of Ms. Street's writing is her use of sarcastic humor and Southern sayings. It's fun to "hear" the things my mother and grandmother (and me, if I'm being honest) say all the time. It adds a touch of home.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion.
December 24, 2023
I love this series. The characters are so easy to get attached to. They feel like old friends. The author has a real knack for intertwining the mystery of each story with Rileigh’s personal struggles, but not in a way that is distracting. It actually makes you want to keep turning the page. We’re getting closer and closer to finding out who the postcards are from! And Rileigh and Mitch are getting closer too. I have a feeling in the next book, something’s going to give. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
January 28, 2024
A big thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the eARC. I am voluntarilyr reviewing this book. This is number 4 in a series, of which I have read none. I found it reads okay as a stand alone. I know I am missing some things-like what exactly does Rileigh do for a living? What is her relationship with Mitch? But in general it reads well. I enjoyed the murder mystery. Although the murder scenes may be a bit graphic for some. Rileigh has amazing inner strength. I found it interesting and very readable. It seemed pretty quick as well. 3.5 stars I will definitely try to read the others.
January 13, 2024
A Gamble Either Way by Lauren Street confused me at first, for all I had was a local meeting and a fancy dress on a paddle steamer taking 20 percent into my Kindle. Things abruptly changed with a horrific murder and remarks about shoes and socks.
I found it difficult to finish because the killings were so graphic that they belonged under the genre of horror rather than crime thriller.
An independent review for NetGalley / Sterling & Stone
I found it difficult to finish because the killings were so graphic that they belonged under the genre of horror rather than crime thriller.
An independent review for NetGalley / Sterling & Stone
March 10, 2025
Dress up party, BEWARE!!
Gave this book a 5 star rating because it kept my interest from start to finish. Raleigh is having problems with anxiety and enclosed spaces since the last book, but she is trying to overcome her anxiety. Mitch takes her to a riverboat party and the fun begins. There are multiple twists and turns, with a lot of danger involved. Would recommend this book to mystery lovers that enjoy figuring things out and like a lot of action.
Gave this book a 5 star rating because it kept my interest from start to finish. Raleigh is having problems with anxiety and enclosed spaces since the last book, but she is trying to overcome her anxiety. Mitch takes her to a riverboat party and the fun begins. There are multiple twists and turns, with a lot of danger involved. Would recommend this book to mystery lovers that enjoy figuring things out and like a lot of action.
January 3, 2024
How does Rileigh get herself into so many situations? Yes; she does look for trouble; but, it appears to find her without much effort.
Mitch isn’t available to save her and she must depend on herself.
It makes her stronger!
(No focus on Aunt Daisy in this story- just a bunch of other random crazy’s)
Mitch isn’t available to save her and she must depend on herself.
It makes her stronger!
(No focus on Aunt Daisy in this story- just a bunch of other random crazy’s)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
Rileigh is still suffering from what happened in the past but life goes one and she has ro solve the murder of a man on a paddleboat. This is a good story with likeable characters, a page turner.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
February 19, 2024
This is another great book in this series. It follows Rileigh and Mitch as they they and solve murders on a River Boat . The killer then sets their sights on Rileigh. I am really enjoying this series and love Mitch and Rileigh.
April 18, 2024
Proofreading needed!
Up to book 4, still full of mistakes. Characters are still engaging enough to keep reading but it would be so much better if the editing errors would disappear.
Up to book 4, still full of mistakes. Characters are still engaging enough to keep reading but it would be so much better if the editing errors would disappear.
July 10, 2024
Bribery
A rich man wanted to build expensive houses in one area of the mountains that was still pristine. To influence people he hired a steam paddle wheel boat for a dinner cruise. Murders and mayhem abound.
A rich man wanted to build expensive houses in one area of the mountains that was still pristine. To influence people he hired a steam paddle wheel boat for a dinner cruise. Murders and mayhem abound.
April 23, 2024
loved it
July 19, 2024
Wow
Classic storyline with an awesome twist!!!!
Absolutely loved the setting, using a steam boat instead of the Classic locked castle.
Classic storyline with an awesome twist!!!!
Absolutely loved the setting, using a steam boat instead of the Classic locked castle.
August 11, 2024
What has Rileigh got herself into this time? Trapped on a river crusie boat with no way back to shore will she find the killer or killers in time to save Mitch? Is jillie really back this time? Is she on the boat? Really enjoyed this one! Can't wait to see what's I. Store for the rest of the series. Kinda glad she only got scuffed up a little in this one.
August 21, 2024
Spellbinding
I read this with rapt attention, captured from the very first page until the very last!. On to book five!
I read this with rapt attention, captured from the very first page until the very last!. On to book five!
October 15, 2025
I love this series so much but this one reminded me of of a dinner cruise mystery - which was annoying. Excited to start the next book but this one could have been better.
February 6, 2024
This one got complicated to follow the characters and seemed confusing. Just didn't enjoy it as much as the first three. Also, for an ex-cop and ex-military, Raleigh does some really dumb things!! That is a little hard to understand given her background.
Still looking forward to the next one.
Still looking forward to the next one.
August 14, 2024
Rileigh and Mitch are back in another mystery. Rileigh, Mitch, and practically the whole town are going to a masquerade party on a river boat. A man had rented it out and they were waiting on him to come on stage and tell a fairytale story. When the curtain rises, someone has killed him. They need to go back to the docks but the engine is not working and the phones have been destroyed. So they are stuck on the riverboat, in a freezing storm, and no way to call for help. Then another body is discovered and Rileigh is in the race of her life. She must keep the killer from blowing the boat up.
Fairly good story. Plenty of action and suspense. Hope the typos are fixed. It will leave you guessing to the very end. I was honestly shocked. I hope Mitch and Rileigh finally get together.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *
Fairly good story. Plenty of action and suspense. Hope the typos are fixed. It will leave you guessing to the very end. I was honestly shocked. I hope Mitch and Rileigh finally get together.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews