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Stella LaRosa #3
Black Gold
In Black Gold, investigative journalist Stella LaRosa is driven by a relentless pursuit of justice. Haunted by past failures, she seizes a new lead when a whistleblower from oil tycoon Carter Barclay's inner circle comes forward with cryptic clues about a dark secret. However, before Stella can meet the informant, they are found dead under suspicious circumstances.
Determined to uncover the truth, Stella dives into a treacherous web of corruption and deceit, discovering that Barclay is behind an illegal human cloning operation, harvesting organs for his wealthy clients. Her investigation takes her undercover within Barclay's powerful oil empire in Houston, where danger lurks at every corner. As she delves deeper, Barclay kidnaps someone close to her and frames her for a crime she didn't commit, turning law enforcement against her.
Now a fugitive, Stella must push herself to the limits, grappling with moral dilemmas and her own thirst for vengeance. In a pulse-pounding climax, she infiltrates Barclay's secret compound, facing off against him in a tense battle that forces him to confront the monster he's become.
With no other choice, Stella kills Barclay in self-defense, ending his reign of terror.
Black Gold is a high-stakes thriller that takes readers from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the oil-rich landscapes of Texas. It's a story of courage, redemption, and the relentless fight for justice. Join Stella LaRosa as she battles her demons and a powerful adversary, exposing a conspiracy that shakes the very foundation of morality. Perfect for fans of gripping action and intricate plots, this latest installment in the Stella LaRosa series is a must-read.
Determined to uncover the truth, Stella dives into a treacherous web of corruption and deceit, discovering that Barclay is behind an illegal human cloning operation, harvesting organs for his wealthy clients. Her investigation takes her undercover within Barclay's powerful oil empire in Houston, where danger lurks at every corner. As she delves deeper, Barclay kidnaps someone close to her and frames her for a crime she didn't commit, turning law enforcement against her.
Now a fugitive, Stella must push herself to the limits, grappling with moral dilemmas and her own thirst for vengeance. In a pulse-pounding climax, she infiltrates Barclay's secret compound, facing off against him in a tense battle that forces him to confront the monster he's become.
With no other choice, Stella kills Barclay in self-defense, ending his reign of terror.
Black Gold is a high-stakes thriller that takes readers from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the oil-rich landscapes of Texas. It's a story of courage, redemption, and the relentless fight for justice. Join Stella LaRosa as she battles her demons and a powerful adversary, exposing a conspiracy that shakes the very foundation of morality. Perfect for fans of gripping action and intricate plots, this latest installment in the Stella LaRosa series is a must-read.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2025
760 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
161 books1,435 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 18, 2025
LT Ryan never disappoints and I might add likes to leave us hanging and in anticipation for the next book. I guess why he’s an author and I’m not. Poor Stella, having to distance herself from her “family” business, she is a reporter that is trying to take down the bad guys. She gets herself into a situation that she knows is life or death. She receives critical data from a source who is found dead and if that’s not enough, the friend of the victim also is murdered when he sends the file to Stella. Be prepared to have time to read this one as you won’t be able to put it down.
February 27, 2025
The best book of the series so far.
Do not start this late in the evening. You may find yourself finishing it the wee hours of the morning.
Several story threads find good conclusions, a couple head in unexpected directions, and a couple intriguing new ones get started.
Of course, there is family drama. Very surprising family secrets are uncovered. Bodies drop throughout. To find out who and by whom, you'll have to read the book. Oh, and there is some welcome news in the newsroom.
Do not start this late in the evening. You may find yourself finishing it the wee hours of the morning.
Several story threads find good conclusions, a couple head in unexpected directions, and a couple intriguing new ones get started.
Of course, there is family drama. Very surprising family secrets are uncovered. Bodies drop throughout. To find out who and by whom, you'll have to read the book. Oh, and there is some welcome news in the newsroom.
February 20, 2025
Well-plotted; action scenes are more believable than not. One question kept me from fully enjoying the action hero's adventures: If Barclay knew Stella was visiting the grave of the deceased FBI Special Agent, why in the gods' names didn't he just send a henchman to knock her off at one of those visits?
Otherwise, the characters are three-dimensional, not overly involved in psycho-drama and driven by their pasts. The twists and turns at the end create more curiosity than resolution, but that's the name of the game: invite the reader to the next book!
And to echo the other reviewers, this co-author has her head on more securely than some of the others in LT's multiple scenarios. This one actually picked you up and carried you all the way through without too many side steps. A genuine example of an action/adventure tale at its best. Well done!
Otherwise, the characters are three-dimensional, not overly involved in psycho-drama and driven by their pasts. The twists and turns at the end create more curiosity than resolution, but that's the name of the game: invite the reader to the next book!
And to echo the other reviewers, this co-author has her head on more securely than some of the others in LT's multiple scenarios. This one actually picked you up and carried you all the way through without too many side steps. A genuine example of an action/adventure tale at its best. Well done!
February 27, 2025
Easy read… tempting you to keep reading!
Stella is the heroine of this multi faceted story. She is strong and has been through so much trauma. She has come out of it and chosen to do what is right, tho it is not always easy for her. Her past has taught her much and she has overcome it, but not without her own personal demons that still haunt her. Catches the attention and makes you want to see her succeed… and decide she’s worthy of the love of a certain man! Great read!!
Stella is the heroine of this multi faceted story. She is strong and has been through so much trauma. She has come out of it and chosen to do what is right, tho it is not always easy for her. Her past has taught her much and she has overcome it, but not without her own personal demons that still haunt her. Catches the attention and makes you want to see her succeed… and decide she’s worthy of the love of a certain man! Great read!!
February 20, 2025
Stella rises again!
Stella is one tough cookie! In this adventure shr is able to take down the head of a major human genome company and thwart his plans for cloning humans for organ transplants. She also
learns s major surprise about her father. This book is fast, suspenseful, and a very enjoyable read.
Stella is one tough cookie! In this adventure shr is able to take down the head of a major human genome company and thwart his plans for cloning humans for organ transplants. She also
learns s major surprise about her father. This book is fast, suspenseful, and a very enjoyable read.
April 11, 2025
CC1
This was an excellent chapter of the Stella Rose story. Excellent way she went after Barclay. From becoming friends with Patrick as her assistant then saving Patrick husband Theo after being shot by Barclay. Excellent plot and ending. Can't to see how Stella father adjusts to being Mafia boss. 10 stars plus!!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
This was an excellent chapter of the Stella Rose story. Excellent way she went after Barclay. From becoming friends with Patrick as her assistant then saving Patrick husband Theo after being shot by Barclay. Excellent plot and ending. Can't to see how Stella father adjusts to being Mafia boss. 10 stars plus!!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
April 19, 2025
Intriguing, action-filled thriller!
The excitement and anticipation of what is next continues throughout the book. If you like thrillers with surprises, twists and turns, you will enjoy this book. Stella ladies wants to take down Carter Barclay, the billionaire, and Carter Barclay wants Stella ladies dead. Read this book to find out what happens! Happy reading! ☺️
The excitement and anticipation of what is next continues throughout the book. If you like thrillers with surprises, twists and turns, you will enjoy this book. Stella ladies wants to take down Carter Barclay, the billionaire, and Carter Barclay wants Stella ladies dead. Read this book to find out what happens! Happy reading! ☺️
February 11, 2025
I have been a fan of Kristi Belcamino for years now and I recognize her storytelling in this book. So much happens to Stella in this book and it makes you wonder: will she survive?
Great addition to the series.
Great addition to the series.
February 25, 2025
Wow! Great book!
This Stella LaRosa is a hit. What a fabulous character she is. Her resume is intricate. She's a straight up bad ass!
And how creepy is cloning bodies for transplantation? Great idea in a sick and immoral way. Ha!
Love it. Keep 'em coming. I will keep reading!
This Stella LaRosa is a hit. What a fabulous character she is. Her resume is intricate. She's a straight up bad ass!
And how creepy is cloning bodies for transplantation? Great idea in a sick and immoral way. Ha!
Love it. Keep 'em coming. I will keep reading!
February 27, 2025
Thrilling
I love this series and can’t wait for the next book. Stella is a badass and I can’t get enough of her. This book does not disappoint. Full of suspense and twists at every turn. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I love this series and can’t wait for the next book. Stella is a badass and I can’t get enough of her. This book does not disappoint. Full of suspense and twists at every turn. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
June 8, 2025
Black Gold
This was an interesting story, full of a lot of action and suspense. At the end we are teased with what happens next. I suspect it’s not good. But I have to wait for the publisher on this.
This was an interesting story, full of a lot of action and suspense. At the end we are teased with what happens next. I suspect it’s not good. But I have to wait for the publisher on this.
August 14, 2025
enjoying
I’m really enjoying this series. Stella is strong, a little crazy, and lethal. My only complaint is two strong female characters who fall deeply in love with pretty vile humans and call them the love of their lives.
I’m really enjoying this series. Stella is strong, a little crazy, and lethal. My only complaint is two strong female characters who fall deeply in love with pretty vile humans and call them the love of their lives.
February 23, 2025
Texas Bound
Black Gold continues the Stella LaRosa series. Newspaper writer and crime fighter describe what Stella does. Breathtaking! Definitely a must read.
Black Gold continues the Stella LaRosa series. Newspaper writer and crime fighter describe what Stella does. Breathtaking! Definitely a must read.
February 28, 2025
Incredibly awesome
This series is incredible can't wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this series to everyone without a doubt.
This series is incredible can't wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this series to everyone without a doubt.
March 2, 2025
Must have missed previous books
Without the first two books, I guess I was at a loss. That’s why it was confusing for the first half of the book. Not a bad read though.
Without the first two books, I guess I was at a loss. That’s why it was confusing for the first half of the book. Not a bad read though.
March 22, 2025
Black Gold
Great story with a surprise ending. Stella finally destroyed her enemy and sought justice for all his wrongs, saving his son to help right his father's wrongs.
Great story with a surprise ending. Stella finally destroyed her enemy and sought justice for all his wrongs, saving his son to help right his father's wrongs.
April 13, 2025
3 gunshots
3 guns available to be picked up off the floor after rescue and the fbi agent doesn’t grab one as they retreat stupid plot detail
3 guns available to be picked up off the floor after rescue and the fbi agent doesn’t grab one as they retreat stupid plot detail
August 3, 2025
Stella does her thing again overcomes all o sticklers mental or physical and beats the bad guys to death while protecting her allies and trying to stop her mental and sexual problems loved it
August 25, 2025
woman power
A great read. Lots of woman power. Stella series is a great read. Thank you ver much to the two authors.
A great read. Lots of woman power. Stella series is a great read. Thank you ver much to the two authors.
November 30, 2025
Fabulous...
I hadn't read the first two books in this series. I still enjoyed it very much. It was exciting and scary! I look forward to the continuation of this story.
I hadn't read the first two books in this series. I still enjoyed it very much. It was exciting and scary! I look forward to the continuation of this story.
March 18, 2025
Really enjoyed the main character who is a strong female character
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews