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Gabriella Giovanni Mystery #4
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Evil lurks ready to destroy it all.
The fourth book in the award-nominated Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series - San Francisco Bay Area newspaper crime reporter Gabriella Giovanni has finally got it all a devoted and loving boyfriend, Detective Sean Donovan; a beautiful little girl with him; and her dream job as the cops' reporter for the Bay Herald . But her success has been hard-won and has left her with debilitating paranoia. When a string of young co-eds starts to show up dead with suspicious Biblical verses left on their bodies--the same verses that the man she suspects kidnapped and murdered her sister twenty years ago had sent to her--she begins to question if the killer is trying to send her a message.
It is not until evil strikes Gabriella's own family that her worst fears are confirmed. As the clock begins to tick, every passing hour means the difference between life and death to those Gabriella loves...This is book 4 of the 6 book series.
The fourth book in the award-nominated Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series - San Francisco Bay Area newspaper crime reporter Gabriella Giovanni has finally got it all a devoted and loving boyfriend, Detective Sean Donovan; a beautiful little girl with him; and her dream job as the cops' reporter for the Bay Herald . But her success has been hard-won and has left her with debilitating paranoia. When a string of young co-eds starts to show up dead with suspicious Biblical verses left on their bodies--the same verses that the man she suspects kidnapped and murdered her sister twenty years ago had sent to her--she begins to question if the killer is trying to send her a message.
It is not until evil strikes Gabriella's own family that her worst fears are confirmed. As the clock begins to tick, every passing hour means the difference between life and death to those Gabriella loves...This is book 4 of the 6 book series.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
53 people are currently reading
719 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 44 reviews
October 18, 2015
Wow. Where to start?
This is my first Kristi Belcamino read; it is also (of course) the first book I've read in this series. I had no troubles reading this as a stand alone and not reading the first three in the series.
Newspaper crime reporter Gabriella Giovanni has settled into her life as a mother to Grace, and SO to Sean Donovan. Past events from her life, as well as her job, make her feel a bit paranoid toward the public, specifically in any interaction with her daughter. The book starts with one such incident as the family spends the day on the beach.
Within a few days, both she and Sean are thrown into an investigation of the deaths of several local college women - and the killer seems to be sending a message directly to Gabriella. It also points to the killer being someone from her past who has been hiding for years.
This was a great, great mystery. Many plot twists. Wonderful writing. Characters that you enjoyed reading about and grew to like. Honestly, top notch mystery writing, plot, attention to detail - I thoroughly enjoyed reading every minute of it. The writer's attention to detail, including descriptions of the Bay area, were icing on the cake.
I must read the other Gabriella Giovanni mysteries now, and look forward to more in the future. Highly recommend this book for lovers of mystery. I have not enough good things to say about it.
This is my first Kristi Belcamino read; it is also (of course) the first book I've read in this series. I had no troubles reading this as a stand alone and not reading the first three in the series.
Newspaper crime reporter Gabriella Giovanni has settled into her life as a mother to Grace, and SO to Sean Donovan. Past events from her life, as well as her job, make her feel a bit paranoid toward the public, specifically in any interaction with her daughter. The book starts with one such incident as the family spends the day on the beach.
Within a few days, both she and Sean are thrown into an investigation of the deaths of several local college women - and the killer seems to be sending a message directly to Gabriella. It also points to the killer being someone from her past who has been hiding for years.
This was a great, great mystery. Many plot twists. Wonderful writing. Characters that you enjoyed reading about and grew to like. Honestly, top notch mystery writing, plot, attention to detail - I thoroughly enjoyed reading every minute of it. The writer's attention to detail, including descriptions of the Bay area, were icing on the cake.
I must read the other Gabriella Giovanni mysteries now, and look forward to more in the future. Highly recommend this book for lovers of mystery. I have not enough good things to say about it.
August 25, 2015
This is a 4 1/2 star story that is one of the best in the series. We find Gabriella, Sean and Grace settled in San Francisco when a murder starts stirring up the past. It has striking similarities with the kidnapping and murder of her sister 20 years ago. So much fast action, so much murder and mayhem this book flies to a thrilling conclusion. I think reading the previous books would help understand some of the background story. A great read.
September 29, 2015
Excellent- my favorite so far in this series!
October 27, 2018
Extremely hard to put down and a must-read for fans of Kristi Belcamino.
I wasn't sure anything could top 'Blessed are those who weep', but I was very wrong. 'Blessed are those who mourn' went above and beyond my expectations.
I love falling in love with characters and Gabriella is hard not to love, her raw emotions always get me she always feels so deeply and Sean Donovan is right there to catch her when she falls.
This story was another gripping emotional rollercoaster and I loved it.
I wasn't sure anything could top 'Blessed are those who weep', but I was very wrong. 'Blessed are those who mourn' went above and beyond my expectations.
I love falling in love with characters and Gabriella is hard not to love, her raw emotions always get me she always feels so deeply and Sean Donovan is right there to catch her when she falls.
This story was another gripping emotional rollercoaster and I loved it.
October 28, 2015
Kristi Belcamino manages to take the reader on a non-stop action packed ride filled with murder, mind-games, and heartfelt emotion.
I can honestly tell you that I didn’t know if I would like the latest installment of the Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series as much as I have the three previous books. I fell in love with the series early on and the bar was set high with Blessed are the Meek. I was sure that Kristi would deliver a great book, but she out did herself. Blessed are Those Who Mourn is an expertly written mystery that truly exemplifies the best in Women Sleuths sub-genre.
The story opens about six years after the last story. Gabriella is still working as a reporter for the Bay Herald and is still with her long-time boyfriend Detective Sean Donovan. Only now, the two are blessed with a daughter that neither one could love more. Though Gabriella still has her hang-ups and is a tad bit over-protective of her daughter, she has embraced motherhood while trying to balance her career and living a more “normal” everyday life. However, that normal life comes into jeopardy when a group of murders directly tie to the death of her sister. The murderer is sending a message through these deaths and the biblical verses that are being left with each girl.
It is not until one horrible day when Gabriella’s mother is attacked and her daughter is kidnapped that things truly start to get personal. Holding nothing back, the police, the Giovanni’s, Gabriella, and Sean all search for the missing little girl. I can promise you that you will be at the edge of your seat until the end as you follow all the twists and turns in this book.
The greatest gift an author can give you is an honest portrayal of human nature. Taking all the good and the bad that is around us and weaving it together to create an entertaining tale. Kristin Belcamino is an author that can do just that. She manages to truly understand how to balance the gritty world of murder and the quest for the truth with normal everyday interactions. Then she throws in some humor and light hearted moments that will make you smile even with all the chaos that is surrounding the characters.
What is the best part of this story is the honesty in which the author depicts Gabriella’s emotions. The hatred for the kidnapper, the fear, the guilt, and the ups/downs of her relationship with Sean during the time when her daughter is missing don’t come across as anything but true. I don’t know what it would feel like to be in the position when your child is taken by a psycho and I hope that I never would, but I felt what the characters were going through. I could see how someone could try to cope and just make it from minute to minute.
It is because of all of this, that this book (and this series) is so good. It is also why this book is completely worth a read.
I can honestly tell you that I didn’t know if I would like the latest installment of the Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series as much as I have the three previous books. I fell in love with the series early on and the bar was set high with Blessed are the Meek. I was sure that Kristi would deliver a great book, but she out did herself. Blessed are Those Who Mourn is an expertly written mystery that truly exemplifies the best in Women Sleuths sub-genre.
The story opens about six years after the last story. Gabriella is still working as a reporter for the Bay Herald and is still with her long-time boyfriend Detective Sean Donovan. Only now, the two are blessed with a daughter that neither one could love more. Though Gabriella still has her hang-ups and is a tad bit over-protective of her daughter, she has embraced motherhood while trying to balance her career and living a more “normal” everyday life. However, that normal life comes into jeopardy when a group of murders directly tie to the death of her sister. The murderer is sending a message through these deaths and the biblical verses that are being left with each girl.
It is not until one horrible day when Gabriella’s mother is attacked and her daughter is kidnapped that things truly start to get personal. Holding nothing back, the police, the Giovanni’s, Gabriella, and Sean all search for the missing little girl. I can promise you that you will be at the edge of your seat until the end as you follow all the twists and turns in this book.
The greatest gift an author can give you is an honest portrayal of human nature. Taking all the good and the bad that is around us and weaving it together to create an entertaining tale. Kristin Belcamino is an author that can do just that. She manages to truly understand how to balance the gritty world of murder and the quest for the truth with normal everyday interactions. Then she throws in some humor and light hearted moments that will make you smile even with all the chaos that is surrounding the characters.
What is the best part of this story is the honesty in which the author depicts Gabriella’s emotions. The hatred for the kidnapper, the fear, the guilt, and the ups/downs of her relationship with Sean during the time when her daughter is missing don’t come across as anything but true. I don’t know what it would feel like to be in the position when your child is taken by a psycho and I hope that I never would, but I felt what the characters were going through. I could see how someone could try to cope and just make it from minute to minute.
It is because of all of this, that this book (and this series) is so good. It is also why this book is completely worth a read.
March 13, 2016
You might think that having read the previous three novels in the Gabriella Giovanni series, you are prepared for almost anything. You would be wrong. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn takes living in a character's head to a whole new level. When you read this book, you will feel pain and suffering and hopelessness. You will fall into a hole so dark and deep, so filled with evil, that your heart beats wildly and your breath comes in ragged gasps. How do people cope with certain unimaginable events of horror? Following Gabriella Giovanni and Sean Donovan through this story will give you an insight that will give you some understanding of that.
Five years has passed since Gabriella and Donovan have had their lives and their love tested to the core in Blessed Are the Meek. Gabriella has recovered from the despair that had almost shut her down and has learned coping skills to deal with her past traumas. She and Detective Sean Donovan finally have everything they ever wanted. Five-year-old Grace Donovan is a beautiful, fierce child who has fulfilled every dream that Gabriella ever had about a family life with Sean Donovan. The nightmares of Gabriella's past have been replaced with happiness and love, but, evil isn’t finished with Gabriella Giovanni yet.
Still working as the crime reporter for the Bay Herald in San Francisco and Donovan still working as a detective for the Rosarito Police Department, it's not unusual for the two to be working the same case, so to speak. As young college women start showing up dead in the Suisun Bay area, there is an eerie and unavoidable common thread, Bible verses left with the bodies. Gabriella is all too familiar with these verses, and suddenly, the nightmares of yesterday have returned. Someone is sending a message, a message that if interpreted incorrectly will cost Gabriella her world. She will be called upon to find strength to battle an all-too familiar evil in the midst of all-consuming despair, and, of course, it wouldn't be a Gabriella Giovanni mystery if the ticking of the clock wasn't a driving force in Gabriella's fight for the right answers.
The hold that this story has, the very gripping claws of emotional involvement that the reader experiences is reading at its best. As in all the novels in this series, the action moves rather quickly, but it will not move fast enough for the reader. Blessed Are Those That Mourn makes a speed reader out of the slowest, something to which I can personally attest. The story can simply not be left to resolve the next day. It demands a full-on commitment as soon as page one is begun. So, clear your day or night to read one of the most engaging books you will ever cry your way through.
Five years has passed since Gabriella and Donovan have had their lives and their love tested to the core in Blessed Are the Meek. Gabriella has recovered from the despair that had almost shut her down and has learned coping skills to deal with her past traumas. She and Detective Sean Donovan finally have everything they ever wanted. Five-year-old Grace Donovan is a beautiful, fierce child who has fulfilled every dream that Gabriella ever had about a family life with Sean Donovan. The nightmares of Gabriella's past have been replaced with happiness and love, but, evil isn’t finished with Gabriella Giovanni yet.
Still working as the crime reporter for the Bay Herald in San Francisco and Donovan still working as a detective for the Rosarito Police Department, it's not unusual for the two to be working the same case, so to speak. As young college women start showing up dead in the Suisun Bay area, there is an eerie and unavoidable common thread, Bible verses left with the bodies. Gabriella is all too familiar with these verses, and suddenly, the nightmares of yesterday have returned. Someone is sending a message, a message that if interpreted incorrectly will cost Gabriella her world. She will be called upon to find strength to battle an all-too familiar evil in the midst of all-consuming despair, and, of course, it wouldn't be a Gabriella Giovanni mystery if the ticking of the clock wasn't a driving force in Gabriella's fight for the right answers.
The hold that this story has, the very gripping claws of emotional involvement that the reader experiences is reading at its best. As in all the novels in this series, the action moves rather quickly, but it will not move fast enough for the reader. Blessed Are Those That Mourn makes a speed reader out of the slowest, something to which I can personally attest. The story can simply not be left to resolve the next day. It demands a full-on commitment as soon as page one is begun. So, clear your day or night to read one of the most engaging books you will ever cry your way through.
September 20, 2015
Belcamino has done it again! I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Mourn and I am delighted to report this book, the fourth and best in the Gabriella Giovanni series, is excellent. This was not an easy task as the first three were terrific, each better than the one before it. It is not necessary to read the series in order but it is clearly the best way to go. I highly recommend reading the third before the fourth book.
Belcamino keeps the series fresh by adding new characters along the way and using older characters in slightly different ways, revealing more of their persona as the tales move along. Giovanni continues as a reporter on the crime beat of a San Francisco newspaper and the reader has the feeling of getting to know Giovanni’s entire family and some of the people she works with as well, including competitors from other newspapers.
Gabriella is certainly not perfect. She is capable of soaring heights of joy along with wallowing in the depths of despair. She has a temper but she is not a hard woman. It is these types of characteristics that make her so interesting, vulnerable and make the reader want to follow her ups and downs.
As the book opens she is at a beach with her boyfriend, Sean Donovan, a detective in a local police department and their young daughter, Grace, all of whom live together. Giovanni has returned to their car to get a jacket for Grace. As she returns she sees Grace, with Donovan on his cell phone paying no attention to the child while an adult male is approaching Grace. Gabriella freezes, flashing back to when her older sister was kidnapped and murdered, some 20 years ago. Donovan finally turns around, Gabriella begins a sprint to Grace and things are put right.
It’s not much of a spoiler to tell you that Grace gets kidnapped a short time later as the book then focuses on search for her.
Belcamino writes very well and has a good story to tell. It is fast paced and difficult to put down. Her gift, however, is getting the reader into the head of Gabriella. I felt as though I was experiencing some of the things that she was experiencing. What more can the reader ask?
Belcamino keeps the series fresh by adding new characters along the way and using older characters in slightly different ways, revealing more of their persona as the tales move along. Giovanni continues as a reporter on the crime beat of a San Francisco newspaper and the reader has the feeling of getting to know Giovanni’s entire family and some of the people she works with as well, including competitors from other newspapers.
Gabriella is certainly not perfect. She is capable of soaring heights of joy along with wallowing in the depths of despair. She has a temper but she is not a hard woman. It is these types of characteristics that make her so interesting, vulnerable and make the reader want to follow her ups and downs.
As the book opens she is at a beach with her boyfriend, Sean Donovan, a detective in a local police department and their young daughter, Grace, all of whom live together. Giovanni has returned to their car to get a jacket for Grace. As she returns she sees Grace, with Donovan on his cell phone paying no attention to the child while an adult male is approaching Grace. Gabriella freezes, flashing back to when her older sister was kidnapped and murdered, some 20 years ago. Donovan finally turns around, Gabriella begins a sprint to Grace and things are put right.
It’s not much of a spoiler to tell you that Grace gets kidnapped a short time later as the book then focuses on search for her.
Belcamino writes very well and has a good story to tell. It is fast paced and difficult to put down. Her gift, however, is getting the reader into the head of Gabriella. I felt as though I was experiencing some of the things that she was experiencing. What more can the reader ask?
October 23, 2015
From the beginning I was riveted. I could not put this down. You saw the pieces getting put in place but were helpless. Ella and Donovon are great. THey are overprotective but are trying to ease that protectiveness.
This is a haunting, riveting, intriguing tale of two people who are put in the middle of a nightmare. Donovon is a detective who loves his girlfriend and daughter with everything he has but cannot protect them from ella’ s past or what happens in the present. Him and Ella are put in a parents worst nightmare and the reason that you see in the end is horrendous. You just want the responsible parties from years ago and now to pay with everything they have.
The tale of trying to solve murders that are happening which are gruesome and trying to find their 5 year old little girl puts Donovon and Ella on edge. They are frayed and begin to see what is important to them. Ella realizes more about herself, her little girl and her boyfriend. She learns to trust her gut, becomes more fearsome and finds strength in donovon who is always there for her even when she lashes out at him and treats him like dirt. Donovon learns to show Ella what matters to him most and that he loves her but no matter what it is their daughter who needs them. No matter what Donovon would die for that little girl as would Ella. Ella needs to see this to realize what she could lose in her life.
A tantalizing tale that is a race against time to find the one responsible and find their little girl before it is too late. Each character is riveting as is the plot that grabs you and doesn’t let go. The perfect combination of back story, showing emotions and fears of the characters, the strength of the characters and driving the plot and danger to a point that keeps you wanting more. This is a great mystery that you hang on to and hope for the best for Grace and her parents. I look forward to reading what is next fro this family and what danger Donovon and Grace will face down together with strength and determination to make things a safer place for others.
This is a haunting, riveting, intriguing tale of two people who are put in the middle of a nightmare. Donovon is a detective who loves his girlfriend and daughter with everything he has but cannot protect them from ella’ s past or what happens in the present. Him and Ella are put in a parents worst nightmare and the reason that you see in the end is horrendous. You just want the responsible parties from years ago and now to pay with everything they have.
The tale of trying to solve murders that are happening which are gruesome and trying to find their 5 year old little girl puts Donovon and Ella on edge. They are frayed and begin to see what is important to them. Ella realizes more about herself, her little girl and her boyfriend. She learns to trust her gut, becomes more fearsome and finds strength in donovon who is always there for her even when she lashes out at him and treats him like dirt. Donovon learns to show Ella what matters to him most and that he loves her but no matter what it is their daughter who needs them. No matter what Donovon would die for that little girl as would Ella. Ella needs to see this to realize what she could lose in her life.
A tantalizing tale that is a race against time to find the one responsible and find their little girl before it is too late. Each character is riveting as is the plot that grabs you and doesn’t let go. The perfect combination of back story, showing emotions and fears of the characters, the strength of the characters and driving the plot and danger to a point that keeps you wanting more. This is a great mystery that you hang on to and hope for the best for Grace and her parents. I look forward to reading what is next fro this family and what danger Donovon and Grace will face down together with strength and determination to make things a safer place for others.
August 17, 2015
5 Stars! Blessed Are Those Who Mourn by Kristi Belcamino, will be released Sept. 29, 2015. I was privileged to read an advance copy of this on Aug. 6, 2015. Here is my review:
(You can pre-order it through Amazon.com.)
Another winner from Kristi Belcamino! This author is on fire! In this 4th book in the Gabriella Giovanni series, the action starts near the beginning and barrels full speed ahead, with suspense and gut-wrenching emotional pull that keeps the reader glued until the very end. How does the author do it? She does it with finely-honed writing skills and a gift for creating real characters and an authentic story. She is one of the best new writers I have read.
If you read any of the Giovanni books in this series you will find the main character, Gabriella, to be strong, smart, sassy and endearing. And you will definitely want more, so read them all. Although it’s not necessary to read them in order, I like to do so in most series, since I get to watch the characters develop and see the connections grow. This is especially true in this series.
This time the crime hits very close to home, striking fear and anguish to Gabriella’s heart, bringing up painful memories of a family tragedy from many years back. I don’t want to give anything away, but the story kept me riveted, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime dramas with suspense.
Gabriella’s family will leave you wishing you were born into a big Italian family like hers, with all the drama and entertaining antics, but most of all, the love and loyalty they share. Romance is there, too, with Gabriella’s lover, Sean Donovan, a handsome hunk of a police detective. I hope to see more books by this writer. She never disappoints.
Below are the Gabriella Giovanni books in order written:
1. Blessed Are the Dead
2. Blessed Are the Meek
3. Blessed Are Those Who Weep
4. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
(You can pre-order it through Amazon.com.)
Another winner from Kristi Belcamino! This author is on fire! In this 4th book in the Gabriella Giovanni series, the action starts near the beginning and barrels full speed ahead, with suspense and gut-wrenching emotional pull that keeps the reader glued until the very end. How does the author do it? She does it with finely-honed writing skills and a gift for creating real characters and an authentic story. She is one of the best new writers I have read.
If you read any of the Giovanni books in this series you will find the main character, Gabriella, to be strong, smart, sassy and endearing. And you will definitely want more, so read them all. Although it’s not necessary to read them in order, I like to do so in most series, since I get to watch the characters develop and see the connections grow. This is especially true in this series.
This time the crime hits very close to home, striking fear and anguish to Gabriella’s heart, bringing up painful memories of a family tragedy from many years back. I don’t want to give anything away, but the story kept me riveted, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime dramas with suspense.
Gabriella’s family will leave you wishing you were born into a big Italian family like hers, with all the drama and entertaining antics, but most of all, the love and loyalty they share. Romance is there, too, with Gabriella’s lover, Sean Donovan, a handsome hunk of a police detective. I hope to see more books by this writer. She never disappoints.
Below are the Gabriella Giovanni books in order written:
1. Blessed Are the Dead
2. Blessed Are the Meek
3. Blessed Are Those Who Weep
4. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
October 21, 2015
3.5 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn is the fourth book in Kristi Belcamino's Gabriella Giovanni series.
Belcamino's choice of lead characters opens up a world of possibilities in terms of plots. Gabriella is a crime reporter in San Francisco and her partner Sean Donovan is a police detective.
The past plays a large part in Blessed Are Those Who Mourn. Belcamino provides enough back story that this first time reader didn't feel at a loss at all.
Someone is murdering women - and leaving taunting clues - bible verses - that mirror those left decades ago when Ella's sister was taken. And then the unthinkable - Ella and Sean's daughter Grace is snatched. And nothing will stop Gabriella from getting her back......
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn is an emotional, desperate, fast paced, action filled race to the final pages.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn is written in first person from Gabriella's view. It is her thoughts, her actions and her feelings that drive the book. Family, love and loyalty play a large part. Gabriella is a member of close knit Italian famiglia. Those relationships are explored and filled out, again providing fodder for other stories in the future. Religion and bit of mysticism also factor into Ella's life.
The 'bad guy', although despicable, never really jumped off the page for me. I thought his reasons for his action a bit far-fetched. But then again, who am I to say what crazy does?
Belcamino has written what she knows - she herself was a police reporter, comes from an Italian family and worked in the Bay Area setting she has chosen for her book. Her first Macavity and Anthony Award-nominated book - Blessed Are the Dead - was inspired by her dealings with a serial killer during her life as a Bay Area crime reporter.
Fans of Tami Hoag and Iris Johansen would enjoy this series.
Belcamino's choice of lead characters opens up a world of possibilities in terms of plots. Gabriella is a crime reporter in San Francisco and her partner Sean Donovan is a police detective.
The past plays a large part in Blessed Are Those Who Mourn. Belcamino provides enough back story that this first time reader didn't feel at a loss at all.
Someone is murdering women - and leaving taunting clues - bible verses - that mirror those left decades ago when Ella's sister was taken. And then the unthinkable - Ella and Sean's daughter Grace is snatched. And nothing will stop Gabriella from getting her back......
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn is an emotional, desperate, fast paced, action filled race to the final pages.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn is written in first person from Gabriella's view. It is her thoughts, her actions and her feelings that drive the book. Family, love and loyalty play a large part. Gabriella is a member of close knit Italian famiglia. Those relationships are explored and filled out, again providing fodder for other stories in the future. Religion and bit of mysticism also factor into Ella's life.
The 'bad guy', although despicable, never really jumped off the page for me. I thought his reasons for his action a bit far-fetched. But then again, who am I to say what crazy does?
Belcamino has written what she knows - she herself was a police reporter, comes from an Italian family and worked in the Bay Area setting she has chosen for her book. Her first Macavity and Anthony Award-nominated book - Blessed Are the Dead - was inspired by her dealings with a serial killer during her life as a Bay Area crime reporter.
Fans of Tami Hoag and Iris Johansen would enjoy this series.
September 30, 2015
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN is a riveting and fast moving mystery thriller full of suspense and family issues. Kristi Belcamino, pulls out all the stops, delivering her promise to tie up some loose ends and as well as creating new hooks to keep readers involvement in Gabriella Giovanni’s life. The author gives her readers a ride of a lifetime as Gabriella takes steps to protect those she loves as well as her new baby Grace She continues to provide readers with Gabriella ‘s backstory giving details of her sister’s murder and explaining why she is so protective of Grace. Belcamino’s fast moving story is difficult to put down.
The storyline’s intensity never lets up as readers see through Gabriella’s eyes her interaction with existing support characters. Belcamino updates each character’s history and explains their roles in the story. She grabs her readers’ attention by involving them in the events and lives of each supporting character. Readers see an increase in the momentum of the story and as events unfold they experience what Gabriella sees and feels. Belcamino uses her knowledge of investigative reporting to add realism to her plot helping Gabriella and Donavan come to life jumping off the page. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN is a great story of mystery and adventure. The author skillfully weaves family issues and romance throughout the storyline. She shows readers what makes Gabriella tick, and they see a complex person, a reporter, a mother, lover, and a fighter. Belcamino doesn’t disappoint her readers and earns a 5-star ranking.
The storyline’s intensity never lets up as readers see through Gabriella’s eyes her interaction with existing support characters. Belcamino updates each character’s history and explains their roles in the story. She grabs her readers’ attention by involving them in the events and lives of each supporting character. Readers see an increase in the momentum of the story and as events unfold they experience what Gabriella sees and feels. Belcamino uses her knowledge of investigative reporting to add realism to her plot helping Gabriella and Donavan come to life jumping off the page. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN is a great story of mystery and adventure. The author skillfully weaves family issues and romance throughout the storyline. She shows readers what makes Gabriella tick, and they see a complex person, a reporter, a mother, lover, and a fighter. Belcamino doesn’t disappoint her readers and earns a 5-star ranking.
October 12, 2015
Holy cannoli! It's been a while since a book had me on the edge of my seat like this one. I read it in one setting because I could not put it down until I knew what happened. Gabriella's torment when her daughter is targeted by a serial killer will definitely strike a chord with anyone with children.
The characters are believable and well-developed. This is fourth in a series, but it works well as a stand-alone, although after reading it, I do want to read the first three.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reading Addiction Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The characters are believable and well-developed. This is fourth in a series, but it works well as a stand-alone, although after reading it, I do want to read the first three.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reading Addiction Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 17, 2015
This review is based on a reading of an ARC of the novel.
With her fourth book in her Gabriella Giovanni mystery series Kristi Belcamino knocks it out of the park with her best novel to date. In Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, Giovanni and Donovan are faced with a series of murders which challenge both intimately, and which leads them finally to the trail of a long time nemesis, with a twist. The pace is furious and the action hot as Gabriella races a ticking clock to the resolution of an unsolved crime which has haunted her life. Reader beware: the emotionally fraught drama of this suspense-filled gem will tug at the most hardened heartstrings! A bravura piece of story telling by a stellar talent. Five stars!
With her fourth book in her Gabriella Giovanni mystery series Kristi Belcamino knocks it out of the park with her best novel to date. In Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, Giovanni and Donovan are faced with a series of murders which challenge both intimately, and which leads them finally to the trail of a long time nemesis, with a twist. The pace is furious and the action hot as Gabriella races a ticking clock to the resolution of an unsolved crime which has haunted her life. Reader beware: the emotionally fraught drama of this suspense-filled gem will tug at the most hardened heartstrings! A bravura piece of story telling by a stellar talent. Five stars!
October 17, 2015
This is the 4th book in the series, and it is clear, from reading this book,that I've missed out on a lot of action by not reading books 1 - 3. That said, I don't believe that anything was lost from the enjoyment of this book by not doing so.
But this story? Oh my. This was a skillfully woven blanket of tension, grief, fear and anger. The author told a very dramatic story in a manner which was completely and utterly captivating, and yet somehow managed to impart a sense of bleakness in the telling from the point of view of Ella which was occasionally illuminated by flashed of hope.
There were instances of emotion which, frankly, caught me by surprise, and had me dabbing at my eyes.
A compelling read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
But this story? Oh my. This was a skillfully woven blanket of tension, grief, fear and anger. The author told a very dramatic story in a manner which was completely and utterly captivating, and yet somehow managed to impart a sense of bleakness in the telling from the point of view of Ella which was occasionally illuminated by flashed of hope.
There were instances of emotion which, frankly, caught me by surprise, and had me dabbing at my eyes.
A compelling read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2015
Whether it was Gabriella’s putting her fear out in the universe, a mother’s intuition, or prophecy, or all of the above, I don’t know. I was paralyzed and I’ve never paused while reading a book, but I have to admit, I had an “ohcrapIcantbelievethis” moment…the rest of the book was a roller coaster ride through this moment…I speedily devoured the rest of the book in anticipation of a positive resolution. Once again, Belcamino has delivered a rich, intense journey through Gabriella Giovanni’s life…
September 30, 2015
Kristi Belcamino's newest novel brings Gabriella Giovanni into another scintillating mystery, but this time it's personal! The story is keenly crafted, and takes the reader along for an emotional ride with Gabriella and Donovan. The story captivates your attention and imagination, and the terror of every parent's worst nightmare. It's another must read by Ms. Belcamino, and I highly recommend the first 3 books of her series for further enjoyment!
October 6, 2015
I couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the beginning. Heart tugging and so real I cried and laughed. I was spellbound wanting to know what would happen next. I recommend this book to everyone.
I I I couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the beginning. Heart tugging and so real I cried and laughed. I was spellbound wanting to know what would happen next. I recommend this book to everyone.
I I I couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the beginning. Heart tugging and so real I cried and laughed. I was spellbound wanting to know what would happen next. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 30, 2016
Finished the 4th and last book in the series. Gabriella found out at last just what was important
in her life above all else. Reading the last part of this book was nail-biting and I couldn't get to the end fast enough. I read through dinner into the night to finish it. I really hope the author will
consider writing more books with Gabriella and Donovan, her husband.
in her life above all else. Reading the last part of this book was nail-biting and I couldn't get to the end fast enough. I read through dinner into the night to finish it. I really hope the author will
consider writing more books with Gabriella and Donovan, her husband.
October 8, 2015
Interesting and exciting story
Except for a lot of repetitious content, this is an excellent look into the mind of a mother with a missing child and memories of a similar situations involving her loved sister.
Except for a lot of repetitious content, this is an excellent look into the mind of a mother with a missing child and memories of a similar situations involving her loved sister.
October 13, 2015
Kristi Belcamino once again brings out the S in Suspense! Another nail biter that will have you grasping your book or reader so hard you might break it. Love, hate, revenge, and courage all in one story. Never mess with a mother and her child.
October 4, 2015
The Best One Yet!
The fourth novel in the Gabriella Giovanni serious is the best one yet! Tense, thrilling, and addicting. Thanks for another edge-of-you-seat story.
The fourth novel in the Gabriella Giovanni serious is the best one yet! Tense, thrilling, and addicting. Thanks for another edge-of-you-seat story.
February 11, 2016
They just keep getting better. Waiting for 5!
April 14, 2019
Gab life is full, with a loving boyfriend, and their little girl Grace. She looks a lot like her sister that was kidnapped and murdered twenty years ago.The man was Frank Anderson, and bible quotes. Her mother has been the rock and her and Gracie are close. With her job as a cop reporter and boyfriend Donovan a detective, A fear is always there she should be there all the time to protect her child, what kind of a mother is she. A day with the three of them at the beach, a stranger comes up and touches Gracies arm, and Gab felt like she was frozen in the spot, of what happened twenty years ago.
Now someone knocks her motherOn the head and took Gracie while they were at the beach. Her last little plea: of why they didn’t marry, she didn’t realize how important it was to Gracie, then she saw the picture she had just drawn in her room. Now realizing that children want the same as others around them. Things that are different is hard for them to understand. The guilt, the anger. As she is facing her child is now missing, what will be the outcome. A story that reaches you of the emotionally side of Gab, her fears, and the love Donovan and Gracie have for her. A must read by the author
Now someone knocks her motherOn the head and took Gracie while they were at the beach. Her last little plea: of why they didn’t marry, she didn’t realize how important it was to Gracie, then she saw the picture she had just drawn in her room. Now realizing that children want the same as others around them. Things that are different is hard for them to understand. The guilt, the anger. As she is facing her child is now missing, what will be the outcome. A story that reaches you of the emotionally side of Gab, her fears, and the love Donovan and Gracie have for her. A must read by the author
March 28, 2019
How much hurt can a mother stand
Gabriella Giovanni’s daughter is kidnapped on the beach as her mother is injured and left in a coma. The child’s father Seam Donovan is a local cop on the hunt for a serial killer, Frank Anderson, who is suspected of killing Gabriella’s sister. Are the crimes connected? Is Frank at it again? As we read along we share in Gabriella’s agony and every twist and turn in the plot. By the end you are rushing to get to the next part. You can’t put it down or stop. You must know as you feel her pain. You are ready to cry and your heart is in your mouth awaiting the release or death the seems inevitable. How does Kristi do it? Yet another great thriller. A definite need to read.
Gabriella Giovanni’s daughter is kidnapped on the beach as her mother is injured and left in a coma. The child’s father Seam Donovan is a local cop on the hunt for a serial killer, Frank Anderson, who is suspected of killing Gabriella’s sister. Are the crimes connected? Is Frank at it again? As we read along we share in Gabriella’s agony and every twist and turn in the plot. By the end you are rushing to get to the next part. You can’t put it down or stop. You must know as you feel her pain. You are ready to cry and your heart is in your mouth awaiting the release or death the seems inevitable. How does Kristi do it? Yet another great thriller. A definite need to read.
May 27, 2020
Can Gabriella find the Ki!ler before she loses another family member?
Gabriella 's life is perfect, a devoted boyfriend, a beautiful daughter and her job at the newspaper. Her only blot on this life is finding the man who kidnapper and killed her sister so many years ago. Her world is turned upside down when bodies of young women show up with similar bible verses to those of her sister's kidnapper. Then the horrible moment when her daughter is taken from the beach. Gabriella is on a hunt to.find out where her daughter is and bring her safely home.
Gabriella 's life is perfect, a devoted boyfriend, a beautiful daughter and her job at the newspaper. Her only blot on this life is finding the man who kidnapper and killed her sister so many years ago. Her world is turned upside down when bodies of young women show up with similar bible verses to those of her sister's kidnapper. Then the horrible moment when her daughter is taken from the beach. Gabriella is on a hunt to.find out where her daughter is and bring her safely home.
April 10, 2018
I really liked this one
I was a little apprehensive about this book after reading the last book in the series where I felt Gabriella was going to become just an overwrought person. I was so wrong. Gabriella is back and faces one of the most horrible things a parent ever has to deal with. And she handles it well. Everything tied together so well in this book. The sub story served a definite purpose and helped tie everything together. Highly recommended.
I was a little apprehensive about this book after reading the last book in the series where I felt Gabriella was going to become just an overwrought person. I was so wrong. Gabriella is back and faces one of the most horrible things a parent ever has to deal with. And she handles it well. Everything tied together so well in this book. The sub story served a definite purpose and helped tie everything together. Highly recommended.
January 6, 2020
So far the Gabriella Giovanni Mysteries are the best I've read from Kristi. They may have been the first but I like them the best. She keeps us hanging on to every word until the end. Gabriella is one tough lady who has no idea what she is doing but always seems to do it right and win in the end. I've read all the Gia and about to read the latest Eva, they are tough too I just think that Gabriella is a little tougher. These are must-read books for any lover of mystery novels.
July 11, 2018
Too many years missing
I have loved all of the Gabriella novels, but I feel like there’s one missing between the third book and this, the fourth one. We missed six years of their lives ... and that’s more than I wanted to miss! I love Gabriella!
I have loved all of the Gabriella novels, but I feel like there’s one missing between the third book and this, the fourth one. We missed six years of their lives ... and that’s more than I wanted to miss! I love Gabriella!
March 10, 2019
Excellent
Wow, this one really was an emotional journey, fear, tears, happiness, it had it all. I love Gabriella, she is so strong and fearless. I can't wait to find out what she comes across next
Ready to start the next in this riveting series..
Wow, this one really was an emotional journey, fear, tears, happiness, it had it all. I love Gabriella, she is so strong and fearless. I can't wait to find out what she comes across next
Ready to start the next in this riveting series..
November 5, 2018
Blessed are those who mourn.
I read them all back to back.I loved everyone of them. I have also read all the Gia books and loved those. I am waiting for the next Gia book.
I read them all back to back.I loved everyone of them. I have also read all the Gia books and loved those. I am waiting for the next Gia book.
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