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Gia Santella #3.5
Gia and the Lone Raven
Returns to full price January 26
He thought he could get away with it. He was wrong.
Gia Santella's hunt for her best friend leads her on a road trip to Mexico where she learns that there is no refuge from evil despite sunny skies and bucolic beaches.
Many Americans flee to Baja, California to escape something--the drudgery of a 9-to-5 life. An abusive husband. A hefty tax bill.
But others go there to kill.
The beauty of Baja hides dark secrets and soon Gia finds herself caught up in a group of ex-pats who like the advantages of living in a place where people can disappear without a trace and nobody bats an eye.
But then Gia comes to town. She will risk everything to save the innocent ...
Download this book because you love fierce women, dark mysteries, and riveting suspense.
He thought he could get away with it. He was wrong.
Gia Santella's hunt for her best friend leads her on a road trip to Mexico where she learns that there is no refuge from evil despite sunny skies and bucolic beaches.
Many Americans flee to Baja, California to escape something--the drudgery of a 9-to-5 life. An abusive husband. A hefty tax bill.
But others go there to kill.
The beauty of Baja hides dark secrets and soon Gia finds herself caught up in a group of ex-pats who like the advantages of living in a place where people can disappear without a trace and nobody bats an eye.
But then Gia comes to town. She will risk everything to save the innocent ...
Download this book because you love fierce women, dark mysteries, and riveting suspense.
- GenresMystery
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2018
71 people are currently reading
77 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 25, 2018
Gia Santella is such a great creation of Kristi Belcamino's. Smart, tough, beautiful, and broken in places she keeps concealed, Gia is a take-charge, independent force with which to be reckoned. Her Italian roots provide her with great passion and also a tendency to readily take on danger in protecting and avenging her loved ones. In this new novella, Gia and the Lone Raven, Gia is still recovering from the tragedy that happened in Sicily and left her life in shambles. Her best friend Dante is trying to regain his footing in a world turned upside down, too, and has sequestered himself south of the border, away from his home in San Francisco. Gia determines it's time for her to seek out Dante and try to put the pieces of their friendship back together. Finding Dante is the easy part, and Gia has hope for healing in their lives. However, trouble always seems to find Gia, and the trouble brewing in the Mexican Baja is a deadly one. People are disappearing, and Gia must first find a killer before extricating herself and Dante from yet another perilous situation.
January 22, 2018
The Best Keeps Getting Better!
There's something addictive about Kristi Belcamino's writing! She takes creative story telling to the max, increasing it even more with each new novel as the horrendous evil is beyond most reader's imagination her main character, Gia, has a compassion for others that's world class. Gia is a woman any intelligent, self-confidence and caring man will fall in love with!
There's something addictive about Kristi Belcamino's writing! She takes creative story telling to the max, increasing it even more with each new novel as the horrendous evil is beyond most reader's imagination her main character, Gia, has a compassion for others that's world class. Gia is a woman any intelligent, self-confidence and caring man will fall in love with!
January 15, 2018
An excellent addition to the Gia Santella series! While searching for her best friend Dante and trying to repair their friendship, Gia finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation. Story of her life! Another well written exciting adventure. Gia is smart and tough and takes crap from no one. I like her more and more with each book!
December 22, 2017
Gia is in Baja looking for Dante. She wants to beg his forgiveness in person and bring him back to the states for Christmas. After finding a hotel, she is walking around and notices posters of several missing American women in the tourist center. While she is looking, Marc, a handsome surfer comes up behind her. Gia is very interested and takes him back to her hotel. She leaves the next morning and heads to Dante’s camp on the beach. Although, it is a less than warm reunion with Dante. Gia, Dante, and his friends go out for dinner. Marc is there and happens to knows Dante as well. Gia meets another friend, Austin and ends up on his yacht. While Austin is nice, Gia cannot quit thinking about Marc. As well as the missing women. What Gia has stumbled into this time, could be deadly.
This Gia novella is an action-packed read and perfect for an afternoon. In Gia and the Lone Raven, she has developed a new skill The Galidatura Moderna, or Italian martial arts which only adds to her charm. What I loved about this story is Gia has her usual kickass, take no prisoners style but she is evolving and listening more to her emotional side. Kristi is always good about giving enough details regarding characters and backstory for this to be a standalone. However, to truly appreciate Gia – read the books in order. I know you will not be disappointed. I personally cannot wait for the next locale and adventure that Gia takes us, her faithful readers on.
This Gia novella is an action-packed read and perfect for an afternoon. In Gia and the Lone Raven, she has developed a new skill The Galidatura Moderna, or Italian martial arts which only adds to her charm. What I loved about this story is Gia has her usual kickass, take no prisoners style but she is evolving and listening more to her emotional side. Kristi is always good about giving enough details regarding characters and backstory for this to be a standalone. However, to truly appreciate Gia – read the books in order. I know you will not be disappointed. I personally cannot wait for the next locale and adventure that Gia takes us, her faithful readers on.
January 28, 2020
-This is the 4th book in the Gia series, and it continues with Gia’s close friend, Dante, still blaming Gia for the death of his husband, Matt. Gia is trying to regain his friendship, and she finds out that he’s in the vicinity of Baja, Mexico. Dante’s mother, with whom Gia is very close, is anxious to hear news of her son, as he’s cut himself off from everyone in his grief.
-Gia drives to where Dante has been staying, and is approached by a very handsome and smooth talking man, and she ends up being with him for a night. When Gia comes across Dante, she finds that he’s been living in a tent on a beach with a young man with whom he has a relationship. He still has very ill feelings towards Gia, but appears to tolerate her presence.
-There are some other people that Dante has befriended. There’s a woman, Cassie, who’s getting divorced after 25 years of marriage, because she discovered that her husband has been cheating on her and now she’s interested in doing some cheating. She’s dumping her husband, but it’s her that holds the purse strings and she’s cutting him out of everything. The man that Gia had the fling with, Marc, enters the group, accompanied by a friend of his, Austin. Marc tries to rekindle that fling with Gia, but she now sees him for the player that he is, and she brushes him off. Cassie, who was jealous of Gia’s youth and looks, now becomes the focus of Marc’s attention and the two of them end up going out for the day, to Cassie’s delight.
-Late that night, though, Cassie and Marc haven’t returned, which Gia realizes is very odd, as Cassie has a small dog which she idolizes and which is locked in her car. By the next morning, something is definitely wrong. Just before this, Gia noticed a number of posters of missing women, and missing couples, and now spots one of the posters with the photo of one of those missing women with a man’s arm around her. She’s shocked to see that the man in the photo is the exact image of Marc.
-Gia tries to convince Dante that Marc is dangerous and appears to be involved in the disappearance of not only Cassie, but other women as well, but he’s still so angry at her, that he just attributes her actions as jealousy caused by Marc going with Cassie instead of her. Gia knows that she has to find out what’s happened to Cassie on her own.
-Gia remembered that Austin had mentioned that he was meeting up with Marc the next day on Austin’s yacht and she ends up making a play for Austin in order to be with him when Marc returns so that she could question Marc about Cassie’s disappearance. But things take a turn for the worst, because Marc realizes that Gia is on to him, and he takes steps against Gia. But Gia didn’t count on how ruthless and heartless that man is. Despite that, she confronts him and almost loses both her life and the life of Dante in the process.
-Though this is a very short story, the action is extremely well written, as Gia now confronts a sadistic killer. Another top notch thriller with Gia now developing her martial arts skills to a higher level, while also having to use her smarts to catch the killer.
-Gia drives to where Dante has been staying, and is approached by a very handsome and smooth talking man, and she ends up being with him for a night. When Gia comes across Dante, she finds that he’s been living in a tent on a beach with a young man with whom he has a relationship. He still has very ill feelings towards Gia, but appears to tolerate her presence.
-There are some other people that Dante has befriended. There’s a woman, Cassie, who’s getting divorced after 25 years of marriage, because she discovered that her husband has been cheating on her and now she’s interested in doing some cheating. She’s dumping her husband, but it’s her that holds the purse strings and she’s cutting him out of everything. The man that Gia had the fling with, Marc, enters the group, accompanied by a friend of his, Austin. Marc tries to rekindle that fling with Gia, but she now sees him for the player that he is, and she brushes him off. Cassie, who was jealous of Gia’s youth and looks, now becomes the focus of Marc’s attention and the two of them end up going out for the day, to Cassie’s delight.
-Late that night, though, Cassie and Marc haven’t returned, which Gia realizes is very odd, as Cassie has a small dog which she idolizes and which is locked in her car. By the next morning, something is definitely wrong. Just before this, Gia noticed a number of posters of missing women, and missing couples, and now spots one of the posters with the photo of one of those missing women with a man’s arm around her. She’s shocked to see that the man in the photo is the exact image of Marc.
-Gia tries to convince Dante that Marc is dangerous and appears to be involved in the disappearance of not only Cassie, but other women as well, but he’s still so angry at her, that he just attributes her actions as jealousy caused by Marc going with Cassie instead of her. Gia knows that she has to find out what’s happened to Cassie on her own.
-Gia remembered that Austin had mentioned that he was meeting up with Marc the next day on Austin’s yacht and she ends up making a play for Austin in order to be with him when Marc returns so that she could question Marc about Cassie’s disappearance. But things take a turn for the worst, because Marc realizes that Gia is on to him, and he takes steps against Gia. But Gia didn’t count on how ruthless and heartless that man is. Despite that, she confronts him and almost loses both her life and the life of Dante in the process.
-Though this is a very short story, the action is extremely well written, as Gia now confronts a sadistic killer. Another top notch thriller with Gia now developing her martial arts skills to a higher level, while also having to use her smarts to catch the killer.
January 17, 2018
I just finished reading Kristi Belcamino's fourth book in the Gia Santella series, Gia and the Lone Raven, and continue to be very impressed as to how she further develops Gia in each story-so much so that I feel as though I actually know her. Being her "friend and sharing her journeys " is quite an exciting trip- oh I mean read.
In Gia and the Lone Raven, Gia is still reeling from the tragedies that occurred on what was to be a wonderful trip to Italy to share in the joy of her best friend Dante Marino's wedding to his partner Senator Matt Stinson. She was also looking forward to spending time with her new love Bobby Kostas, and perhaps taking the relationship to the next level.
Unfortunately nothing went as planned and several tragedies occurred. In addition to dealing with her grief, she is trying to understand how and why Dante has blamed her for all that went so wrong.
She travels to Mexico in the hopes of finding Dante and repairing their relationship. Nothing is ever easy for Gia, yet she faces every challenge with fierce determination. Understanding that, it is
not a surprise that Gia finds herself in danger and surrounded by mystery on this trip.
I highly recommend Gia and The Lone Raven; it is a compelling and riveting story, that once I started, I could not put down. It can be read as a stand-alone, although I think it would be much more satisfying if the previous three books were read, especially Gia and The Dark Night of The Soul. Each book just gets better than the last and provides more insight into Gia's character. Each one is a five star plus read.
In Gia and the Lone Raven, Gia is still reeling from the tragedies that occurred on what was to be a wonderful trip to Italy to share in the joy of her best friend Dante Marino's wedding to his partner Senator Matt Stinson. She was also looking forward to spending time with her new love Bobby Kostas, and perhaps taking the relationship to the next level.
Unfortunately nothing went as planned and several tragedies occurred. In addition to dealing with her grief, she is trying to understand how and why Dante has blamed her for all that went so wrong.
She travels to Mexico in the hopes of finding Dante and repairing their relationship. Nothing is ever easy for Gia, yet she faces every challenge with fierce determination. Understanding that, it is
not a surprise that Gia finds herself in danger and surrounded by mystery on this trip.
I highly recommend Gia and The Lone Raven; it is a compelling and riveting story, that once I started, I could not put down. It can be read as a stand-alone, although I think it would be much more satisfying if the previous three books were read, especially Gia and The Dark Night of The Soul. Each book just gets better than the last and provides more insight into Gia's character. Each one is a five star plus read.
September 14, 2020
Gia and the Lone Raven- a review by Rosemary Kenny
''Nevermore', quoth the raven, in Edgar Allen Poe's poem and Giada 'Gia' Victoria Santella must surely be hoping 'nevermore' to see another such winged harbinger of death - she's seen far too much of it already, though still in her early twenties - mostly that of loved ones.
Still mourning her lost love, Bobby and her BGF Danté's husband Matt, Gia's on a mission to win back Danté's friendship and forgiveness - then go on a vendetta against the killers.
Will she find both in Baja? What sidetracks Gia?
The unpredictable events that lead to more than one fight for her life, also bring a sense of moving in the right direction, as her Budo sensei Kato urges Gia to choose love over hate.
Kristi Belcamino's excellent character-led action-thriller ticks all the boxes for anyone who loves realistic, feisty female MCs, who kick ass when necessary and aren't afraid to be in touch with their true inner selves, when it comes to defending the helpless or expressing love to their valued friends.
Gia's an exceptional character, whose adventures in Kristi Belcamino's fabulous 4th Book, Gia and the Lone Raven, proves the point that the Gia Santella. Crime Thrillers series is on a fast climb to the top.Guaranteed reading pleasure!!
Get hold of a copy today and tell all your friends!
''Nevermore', quoth the raven, in Edgar Allen Poe's poem and Giada 'Gia' Victoria Santella must surely be hoping 'nevermore' to see another such winged harbinger of death - she's seen far too much of it already, though still in her early twenties - mostly that of loved ones.
Still mourning her lost love, Bobby and her BGF Danté's husband Matt, Gia's on a mission to win back Danté's friendship and forgiveness - then go on a vendetta against the killers.
Will she find both in Baja? What sidetracks Gia?
The unpredictable events that lead to more than one fight for her life, also bring a sense of moving in the right direction, as her Budo sensei Kato urges Gia to choose love over hate.
Kristi Belcamino's excellent character-led action-thriller ticks all the boxes for anyone who loves realistic, feisty female MCs, who kick ass when necessary and aren't afraid to be in touch with their true inner selves, when it comes to defending the helpless or expressing love to their valued friends.
Gia's an exceptional character, whose adventures in Kristi Belcamino's fabulous 4th Book, Gia and the Lone Raven, proves the point that the Gia Santella. Crime Thrillers series is on a fast climb to the top.Guaranteed reading pleasure!!
Get hold of a copy today and tell all your friends!
June 29, 2018
Gia and the Lone Raven is a wonderful addition to Kristi Belcamino's Gia Santella Series. This novella is fast-paced but still manages to pack both action and character development into a short format.
This can easily be read as a standalone if you are not familiar with the Gia Santella series (why aren't you?!?!) and would serve as a nice quick introduction to the main character if that is the case. For Gia lovers this fits nicely into the series with return characters and plenty of Gia's background to keep us learning more and more about her. Gia is not a static character, she is growing and learning with every volume just as we learn more about her.
I would highly recommend this book, and the entire series for that matter, to any reader who likes action/adventure with a strong female lead. She may be absolutely amazing in some areas but, like all of us, she is flawed and knows it. Those flaws sometimes get her into trouble, sometimes out, but they always make her a likable and memorable character.
This can easily be read as a standalone if you are not familiar with the Gia Santella series (why aren't you?!?!) and would serve as a nice quick introduction to the main character if that is the case. For Gia lovers this fits nicely into the series with return characters and plenty of Gia's background to keep us learning more and more about her. Gia is not a static character, she is growing and learning with every volume just as we learn more about her.
I would highly recommend this book, and the entire series for that matter, to any reader who likes action/adventure with a strong female lead. She may be absolutely amazing in some areas but, like all of us, she is flawed and knows it. Those flaws sometimes get her into trouble, sometimes out, but they always make her a likable and memorable character.
January 4, 2018
Gia and the Lone Raven book 4, another winner!! Gia goes to Mexico to try and get Dante's friendship back and ask him to come home, in Gia 3, in Italy, excellent book, Gia and Dante had their problems. But of course, nothing is easy for Gia, she finds herself involved with murder and murderers once again, see how she gets out of this one.
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.
February 9, 2019
Another great Gia book! This one is a little shorter than the previous ones, but still is a great read. Gia tracks Dante down in Mexico, and unintentionally ends up in a murderer's sights. She does what she can to protect her friend, and people she barely even knows.
It's nice to read a series where the main character grows with each story, and each tragedy. Now to read the next one!
It's nice to read a series where the main character grows with each story, and each tragedy. Now to read the next one!
October 12, 2020
Picking up a few months after book three Gia is still working to get Dante to forgive her. The effort takes her to Mexico where things don’t go as planned.
This is a short story full of emotion, explosive scenes, anger and crime solving. Gia is an awesome character and this was a fun story to add to her and Dante’s friendship.
This is a short story full of emotion, explosive scenes, anger and crime solving. Gia is an awesome character and this was a fun story to add to her and Dante’s friendship.
January 19, 2018
Gia travels to Mexico to try and patch things up with Dante. Unfortunely, things got in the way. Gia notices that there are several missing American women. You can't miss the posters. Now Gia is on another mission. Soon Gia is in for the fight of not only the missing women but her own life!
May 3, 2018
I do love a short, sweet story that ends with Gia getting the upper hand on a psycho it really made my day and I am still mad at Dante whether he has forgiven Gia or not I'm not ready to forgive him ...lol
January 18, 2018
Gia is on a hunt for her best friend Dante in California at the request of his Mother. What she finds is murder, danger and missing women. An outstanding short story.
March 31, 2019
Kind of a short story and really too short
November 26, 2019
Better and Better
What an awesome read! Gia is a true badass and she has some wild adventures. I love her free spirit. Love this book!
What an awesome read! Gia is a true badass and she has some wild adventures. I love her free spirit. Love this book!
June 23, 2020
Nice short story that developed and ended with satisfaction. As usual, Belcamino delivered.
June 26, 2021
Another great entry in this series of books. Looking forward to seeing what is happening next.
April 15, 2023
good read
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews