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Gia Santella #5
Day of the Dead
Named one of Barnes & Noble's 20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018
For fans of Patricia Cornwell and Mark Dawson: Introducing an exciting new series from bestselling thriller writer Kristi Belcamino!
They are the forgotten girls. The lost ones with haunted eyes wandering the gritty streets of San Francisco. Gia Santella, long experienced in fighting her own demons — is drawn into a battle for the girl's very lives. The vigilante heiress soon discovers that much more than bad choices are to blame for the girls’ circumstances.
— from Barnes & Noble
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2018
425 people are currently reading
105 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 30, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the author. These are my thoughts: She drinks, she smokes, she tokes, she cusses – a lot! But, hey, she’s Italian! She knows people. Sometimes, the people she knows are in danger from the people who have some kind of beef with her. Gia has been ‘seeing’ James, a good cop, of all things. In Day of the Dead, an old nemesis returns. He is being extra bad by kidnapping young girls and drugging them. Gia is especially intent on dealing to him what he had dealt to people she knew. Death. She’s trying to find him, but he’s playing her. And now, he has James! Plenty of action, high-speed stuff, tense situations. It all leads up to the actual ‘Day of the Dead’. Maybe she can believe a little of the Woo-Woo stuff!
October 21, 2018
Gia is out for the evening with James, his mother and aunt trying desperately to make a good impression. Of course, things do not go as planned where Gia is concerned. After dinner and before the play, Gia is out smoking when she receives a call from Darling asking her to please come to the hospital. Gia tells James she will just meet them at the play and rushes to meet Darling. At the hospital, Darling explains a child who had been missing was found but in now in the ICU. The girl’s mother had been searching for a few weeks for her daughter and reached out to Darling for help. While standing outside the girl’s room, Gia notices a skinny girl in another room trying to hide. After speaking with this girl, Gia learns both girls were at a drug rehab facility which is far from normal. Gia and Darling start the search to find this facility and determine what is really going on. This starts another harrowing adventure for Gia which includes a former nemesis.
While this is the 7th Gia novel, Kristi always does such a great job of putting in enough details for each book to be a standalone. Day of the Dead is no expectation as all key details regarding characters and relationships are included for any new reader to be up to date. For us faithful Gia followers, all the characters we have grown to love are back including Darling, James, Dante, Daniel, etc. As always reading a Gia story is like being surrounded by best friends and family whom you did not see often but when you do, it is familiar and welcoming. Day of the Dead as all of Kristi’s books not only provides a thrilling, fast pace read but also touches on a critical social issue. I personally cannot wait to go along with Gia on her next adventure to see how she will defeat her newest enemy.
While this is the 7th Gia novel, Kristi always does such a great job of putting in enough details for each book to be a standalone. Day of the Dead is no expectation as all key details regarding characters and relationships are included for any new reader to be up to date. For us faithful Gia followers, all the characters we have grown to love are back including Darling, James, Dante, Daniel, etc. As always reading a Gia story is like being surrounded by best friends and family whom you did not see often but when you do, it is familiar and welcoming. Day of the Dead as all of Kristi’s books not only provides a thrilling, fast pace read but also touches on a critical social issue. I personally cannot wait to go along with Gia on her next adventure to see how she will defeat her newest enemy.
October 31, 2018
Gia is a powerful woman and she's back to protect the Tenderloin in San Francisco. Teamed up with her friends and boyfriend, James - yes, he's back! - they are hunting down a familiar villain kidnapping runaway addicts with the idea of "saving them." I always enjoy how well Belcamino works in real current events to her stories. The Bay Area is familiar ground and I get giddy knowing exactly where the story takes place. Always exciting and a pleasure to read a Gia adventure, I received an early copy and voluntarily reviewed.
October 30, 2018
If you like kick-butt women, Gia is your girl. Day of the Dead is full of action against a former protagonist that you learned to hate in earlier books. Even if you haven't read "Gia Santella" novels before, Kristi Belcamino gives you enough information to understand her vengeance against him. You learn a little more about Gia's background which only whets your appetite to learn more. I loved this book and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
October 24, 2018
Just finished the ARC copy of Gia’s latest adventures. Kristi you still amaze me with each new installment in Gia’s story! What a kick-ass lady! She takes no crap from anyone & protects those closest to her. She has been though so much sorrow in her life, yet she keeps going on, being the tough, yet love able women that she is. She is willing to do anything to protect her friends! Who could ask for more? I’m looking forward to seeing what new adventure lays ahead in her future. Thanks Kristi for keeping us on the edge of our seat, wanting more!!
October 18, 2018
Another fast-paced intriguing thriller! I’m enjoying watching Gia grow and change. A character and author I’d follow anywhere.
May 17, 2020
Reading this just before Halloween, will definitely set the Day of the Dead, celebration. With James again,the draw back was his mother and aunt, the tension causing her to smoke again, which he hated.
Kraig King was back,and his Evil. Even her friend Darling knew, he was.
Gia feels responsible, for what now lies in the hospital bed, she let him go once, and not again.The other girl slipped out of the hospital, and she was the key to finding King. The rehab place,the girls had been at now empty. The leads were nothing, the more odd and obscure, the more she knew it was King. They are watching her, as she is watching them, a cat and mouse game. King is keeping the girls doped on opioids, everyday, she wonders why. For James, she loses everything she has loved. If she keeps a distance, will that save his life. Powerful, tense plot, forgetting to breath as you read. She goes beyond the ordinary, a loyal friend, or to those that need her. A story once again you won’t forget. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Kraig King was back,and his Evil. Even her friend Darling knew, he was.
Gia feels responsible, for what now lies in the hospital bed, she let him go once, and not again.The other girl slipped out of the hospital, and she was the key to finding King. The rehab place,the girls had been at now empty. The leads were nothing, the more odd and obscure, the more she knew it was King. They are watching her, as she is watching them, a cat and mouse game. King is keeping the girls doped on opioids, everyday, she wonders why. For James, she loses everything she has loved. If she keeps a distance, will that save his life. Powerful, tense plot, forgetting to breath as you read. She goes beyond the ordinary, a loyal friend, or to those that need her. A story once again you won’t forget. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
July 22, 2021
-In this next book in the Gia series, the scene opens to Gia who is supposed to be meeting an underworld figure on a day called The Day of the Dead. Her boyfriend, James, is being held prisoner and an exchange is supposed to take place where she gives herself up and they release James. When she appears in the meeting location, she sees three men with James and, while James is being held by one, the other two suddenly attack her and she manages to fight them off. The one holding James now joins the fight, and Gia manages to toss her handgun, which she keeps in her ankle, to James, as she’s too close to them to get a shot. He holds up the gun, but, just then, police arrive and, seeing James with the gun, call out to him to drop but he responds that he’s a police officer. In the tenseness of the moment, the officer shoots anyway, seriously injuring James.
-We now go back in time, and we find Gia talking to James, and meeting his mother and aunt. James wants a serious relationship where he can settle down and have a family, but he’s not sure if that’s what Gia is looking for or is even capable of.
-At the same time, Gia’s friend, Darling, is in need of help. Young girls are missing and one of the missing girls has been found and she’s in the ICU for an overdose. Darling enlists Gia’s help in finding out who’s taking the girls, but it turns out that a criminal that has never stopped trying to hurt Gia, is the one responsible. King, a white haired albino, has hurt Gia before, and she realizes that he’s behind what’s happening.
-This installment in the series is a non stop action filled story, as Gia tries to mend her relationship with James while she also tries to deal with the loss of her former boyfriend and love of her life, Bobby. But the main focus is for her to find out exactly what’s going on with these girls and how she can finally stop King. He’s protected, though, in high places and she doesn’t get the support that she needs from the authorities, and must proceed on her own.
-Eva, the Queen of Spades, who is Gia’s aunt, makes a cameo appearance. The author has dedicated a series for that character alone, but Eva quickly exits the scene after providing some care to Gia.
-Luck for Gia comes through often, as the criminal she’s going after seems to want to constantly toy with her. He sees her as someone to be controlled without killing her, as he controls so many others, but she’s always fighting back. Though this is still a good book, there are some things that are not fully believable. How she can so quickly and completely fall for another man while the memory of her former love is still so strong within her doesn’t sit right. You also can’t see her settling down with anybody as her character is that of a lone wolf. And there are other areas, for example, where she bounces back after a few weeks of rest from multiple instances of physical attacks that would knock a person out for months. It makes you reflect that this is just a fantasy and takes away some of the fear that you have as she faces those that would hurt her.
-It’s still a recommended book and series, as the writing is well done, the action is fast paced, and you get enveloped in the story.
-We now go back in time, and we find Gia talking to James, and meeting his mother and aunt. James wants a serious relationship where he can settle down and have a family, but he’s not sure if that’s what Gia is looking for or is even capable of.
-At the same time, Gia’s friend, Darling, is in need of help. Young girls are missing and one of the missing girls has been found and she’s in the ICU for an overdose. Darling enlists Gia’s help in finding out who’s taking the girls, but it turns out that a criminal that has never stopped trying to hurt Gia, is the one responsible. King, a white haired albino, has hurt Gia before, and she realizes that he’s behind what’s happening.
-This installment in the series is a non stop action filled story, as Gia tries to mend her relationship with James while she also tries to deal with the loss of her former boyfriend and love of her life, Bobby. But the main focus is for her to find out exactly what’s going on with these girls and how she can finally stop King. He’s protected, though, in high places and she doesn’t get the support that she needs from the authorities, and must proceed on her own.
-Eva, the Queen of Spades, who is Gia’s aunt, makes a cameo appearance. The author has dedicated a series for that character alone, but Eva quickly exits the scene after providing some care to Gia.
-Luck for Gia comes through often, as the criminal she’s going after seems to want to constantly toy with her. He sees her as someone to be controlled without killing her, as he controls so many others, but she’s always fighting back. Though this is still a good book, there are some things that are not fully believable. How she can so quickly and completely fall for another man while the memory of her former love is still so strong within her doesn’t sit right. You also can’t see her settling down with anybody as her character is that of a lone wolf. And there are other areas, for example, where she bounces back after a few weeks of rest from multiple instances of physical attacks that would knock a person out for months. It makes you reflect that this is just a fantasy and takes away some of the fear that you have as she faces those that would hurt her.
-It’s still a recommended book and series, as the writing is well done, the action is fast paced, and you get enveloped in the story.
November 4, 2018
Book 7 of the Gia Santella series by Kristi Belcamino which I received as an ARC doesn't disappoint. She remains faithful and fearless to her friends but always expect the unexpected with Ms Belcamino's storytelling. You never know who or how one is going to be hurt or saved. I love the fact that this one remains in Gia's home of San Francisco, CA. Reminds me of when I lived there. I can live vicariously thru the descriptions of places I have visited so long ago. I feel like it was yesterday. This book could very well be a stand alone as Ms. Belcamino brings us up to date on most of her characters and also has an ending. However it doesn't mean we want it to be the end. I'm always left wanting more. So much so that I refuse to read the teaser for her next book. I want it all and I anxiously await it
November 3, 2018
I believe Gia's daily life struggle is very real for many women. Reading about how she continues to fight and grow with each novel should be very encouraging to others struggling in this day to day life. True most of us are not gun toting vigilantes but Kristi always goes deep into what makes Gia tick and that is what makes her a person others can relate to.
That being said, Day of the Dead (how I love it was released on the Day of the Dead!) also deals with a very timely and all too real issue of human trafficking.
So good from start to finish! And, yes, it can be read without reading all the previous books, but really...get them all!
This book was an ARC for me and this is my totally honest review!
That being said, Day of the Dead (how I love it was released on the Day of the Dead!) also deals with a very timely and all too real issue of human trafficking.
So good from start to finish! And, yes, it can be read without reading all the previous books, but really...get them all!
This book was an ARC for me and this is my totally honest review!
November 4, 2018
This is # 7 in the Gia Santella crime series. This one definitely does not disappoint. The characters are artfully woven throughout the series where the possibilities for spin off stories are endless. Gia is a goddess, capable of anything and most of all defending the vulnerable. Full of intrigue, twists and turns, and a dramatic flair that culminates in a closure of one chapter in Gia's life that leaves on in anticipation of her next crime adventure, hopefully #8. Reading for me is about escaping and letting go of job-related stress. These novels take you on a roller coaster ride of adventure, romance and mystery which equates to the perfect escape. Bravo Kristi!!! Cannot wait for the next destination.
November 5, 2018
Another great book in the Gia Santella Series. Gia is a badass woman who always puts others before herself and her own well-being! She is constantly helping the underdog and puts herself in harms way in order to follow through on promises. She is one person who I would want in my corner. This book continues to show how Gia helps others not worrying about herself. And, as she continues to put others before herself, her "love life" seems to suffer the consequences. She has so much emotional trauma from a previous relationship that she finds it hard to commit. I have to say this is one of my favorite books in the series so far! Loved the action, suspense and also loved how the story takes you on a wild ride! This is a definite page turner!
August 28, 2020
Day of the Dead-a review by Rosemary Kenny
Gia Santella is a vigilante heiress in the mould of Lara Croft or Katniss Everdeen, whose mission in life is to take out any and all villains.
What she doesn't expect is that her mission on this occasion, will be made unexpectedly complicated and more dangerous by her realisation that young women are being trafficked for sex after by being kidnapped off the streets or from clubs, after being targeted and drugged by gang-members.
How will Gia infiltrate and take down the leader and his minions who enable this vicious practice and still escape with her life?
Read Day of the Dead by Kristi Belcamino to find out - you're sure to enjoy this walk on the wild side!
Gia Santella is a vigilante heiress in the mould of Lara Croft or Katniss Everdeen, whose mission in life is to take out any and all villains.
What she doesn't expect is that her mission on this occasion, will be made unexpectedly complicated and more dangerous by her realisation that young women are being trafficked for sex after by being kidnapped off the streets or from clubs, after being targeted and drugged by gang-members.
How will Gia infiltrate and take down the leader and his minions who enable this vicious practice and still escape with her life?
Read Day of the Dead by Kristi Belcamino to find out - you're sure to enjoy this walk on the wild side!
November 4, 2018
What a thrill ride -- from the first page to the last (which, by the way, came way too soon). Gia Santella is the tough as nails defender and savior of those who can't do for themselves. This time around she takes on her nemesis who has taken low life drug dealer to new lows. Gia's fight for justice may cost her everything she loves and her life. I literally couldn't put this book down.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
August 17, 2019
Very entertaining
Good read,really kept my interest right up to the end But....get a proofreader!! Time after time incorrect words were used. To instead of too,the instead of there, her instead of here. It happens so often that the spell of the book is interrupted and broken. These errors are not misspelled words- more like typos that Spellcheck won't ever correct. But a proofreader would catch these. This book is too well written and interesting to be ruined by something so easy to correct. D
Good read,really kept my interest right up to the end But....get a proofreader!! Time after time incorrect words were used. To instead of too,the instead of there, her instead of here. It happens so often that the spell of the book is interrupted and broken. These errors are not misspelled words- more like typos that Spellcheck won't ever correct. But a proofreader would catch these. This book is too well written and interesting to be ruined by something so easy to correct. D
November 2, 2018
The Day of the Dead (Gia Santella book 7) I was lucky enough to read and review the ARC copy ! This is a great story with great characters. Each book gives you a little backstory to keep you informed , of details you may have forgotten. Gia is a strong character that suffers from her own demons but always looks out for others. I loved this story her challenges she overcame and her positive outlooks! Ready for the next adventure !
November 4, 2018
Gia has a tough skin but a tender heart, especially when it comes to society's forgotten and ignored. Both sides of her shine through the pages of the 7th book in the series (which I was happy to read as an ARC). Even though I skipped a few books, it easily read as a stand alone novel with just hints - not spoilers - of what I missed. The pages practically turned themselves in this fast paced, action filled, Bay Area read.
November 4, 2018
Kristi Belcamino has led us on a roller coaster ride with her Gia Santella Crime Thrillers Series, and this book does not disappoint! Gia is forced to overcome her personal demons, and confront the people from her past that have haunted her the most, before she can move forward with her life. Fittingly…she’s able to do so on the Día de Muertos (The Day of The Dead.) Settle in and be prepared for some surprises!
September 30, 2023
Day of the Dead (5)
This is a kick ass thriller! I didn't realize that I was reading such a thrilling book! This story brings back memories of my parents, grandparents, brother and sisters! Because of this story I have fallen into love again! Of course, I couldn't ever half be like Gia's bravery! But I can only try so my life begins again by reading the next in story in this series!!
This is a kick ass thriller! I didn't realize that I was reading such a thrilling book! This story brings back memories of my parents, grandparents, brother and sisters! Because of this story I have fallen into love again! Of course, I couldn't ever half be like Gia's bravery! But I can only try so my life begins again by reading the next in story in this series!!
November 2, 2018
Talk about heart stopping and emotional Gia Santella truly found herself in Day of the Dead, I mean Gia is always freaking awesome but this story for me was like watching a butterfly hatch from its cocoon and take its first flight she really shed her old self and now I am more excited than ever for her next story I really can’t wait for her and James to find their own brand of justice.
November 2, 2018
Yes, this is the best one yet! I have read several books from this series and the books just keep getting better? Kristi Belcamino is an amazing author. Gia Santella, the lead character, is such a bad ass! I love the strength and depth of her character. I was drawn into the book and found it hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book release.
November 2, 2018
I received an ARC copy. This is another thriller in the Gia Santella series. This novel will not disappoint. Gia is taking on a drug rehab facility that gets everyone admitted on opioids. As usual there is action and Gia will not back down from anyone. I have read the other books in this series. All of them want you to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next one.
November 3, 2018
OMG, The action was awesome. This read had it all. Laughter, crying, holding my breath with Gia in certain parts hoping she didn't get caught. I was rooting for Gia to find the missing teenage girls and for her boyfriend and her to be together! Couldn't put it down. Grab this book and hang on for the ride!
November 4, 2018
If you like a strong female who is willing to do anything to right a wrong....Gia is your girl! But in this story, things hit close to home for Gia, and she has to find a way to get past her own demons before she can help out the girls wandering the gritty streets of San Francisco. Get your favorite beverage.....your in for a fast paced ride! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 14, 2018
It was worth the wait
Another good story about Gia, which is what we have come to expect. A strong leading character who continues to grow and develop, a good story line, lots of action. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between Gia and James will continue.
Highly recommended, not only this book but the entire series.
Another good story about Gia, which is what we have come to expect. A strong leading character who continues to grow and develop, a good story line, lots of action. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between Gia and James will continue.
Highly recommended, not only this book but the entire series.
October 2, 2019
Fast Paced Book
Gia is a passionate kick ass woman who fights evil and goes the extra mile for what she believes in. Enjoyable characters and storyline in this series. Once you start reading, you can’t put it down until done, not wanting it to end. I look forward to reading the next book in this series
Gia is a passionate kick ass woman who fights evil and goes the extra mile for what she believes in. Enjoyable characters and storyline in this series. Once you start reading, you can’t put it down until done, not wanting it to end. I look forward to reading the next book in this series
October 14, 2020
A villain returns and Gia finds out her luck is still not the best when it comes to her loved ones safety.
The writing is fast paced and the action non stop. The romance is slightly off kilter, but Gia is aware and reflects on that through the book. The story ends with most questions and problems answered, but it has also set a big problem that James & Gia are going to tackle together!
The writing is fast paced and the action non stop. The romance is slightly off kilter, but Gia is aware and reflects on that through the book. The story ends with most questions and problems answered, but it has also set a big problem that James & Gia are going to tackle together!
November 1, 2018
I have absolutely loved this book, Gia riding around in her black Ferrari to her turbulent love life and then a bit of crime, mystery and thriller to keep it all going. its really well written and kept me hooked until the end!
February 23, 2019
Wicked read
Wow, I have read all of the Gia Santella Crime thrillers, and I love the kick-add sassy, flawed character that is Gia.
Kristi Belcamino writes a riveting tale, I await the next instalment...
Wow, I have read all of the Gia Santella Crime thrillers, and I love the kick-add sassy, flawed character that is Gia.
Kristi Belcamino writes a riveting tale, I await the next instalment...
March 28, 2019
A good series
I enjoyed this book as I have the previous six. If you like strong, independent women who, in spite of their flaws, work to level the playing field against injustice and corruption, you will like this series.
I enjoyed this book as I have the previous six. If you like strong, independent women who, in spite of their flaws, work to level the playing field against injustice and corruption, you will like this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews