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Queen of Spades #5
The Joker: A Thriller
THE CHILDREN HAVE LITTLE KILL OR BE KILLEDIn this new pulse-pounding thriller, Eva will risk everything to free the most vulnerable from a life of violence and tyranny. The gun-toting children are lethal and highly trained instruments of death.The cartel has given them little kill or be killed.Eva is the only one who can possibly save them from a dark future they have little chance of escaping on their own.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2020
234 people are currently reading
62 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.
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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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 18, 2020
Imagine children having to take up arms and train to protect their towns. Well, this is what happens in this latest Queen of Spades book. A town in Mexico, violent cartel members, arrogant politicians 'owned' by the cartels and a journalist who does her best to make the world aware of this injustice. Eva becomes involved, at the request of her niece's ward, Rosalie, to save the children. This book refers to info about Eva found in prior stories and shows her strong character and vulnerabilities. I enjoyed this latest venture by Kristi Belcamino, however, am not sure who The Joker is: the cartel head, the governor, his wife or the president? All are equally abhorrent. I'm looking forward to the next Queen of Spades story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
-Eva Santella continues on her quest to help others in this latest novel. This episode focuses on a village in Mexico, which is being attacked by the cartel. Because of the corruption of both the governor of that district, as well as the President of Mexico, the cartel is allowed to continue to oppress and kill the villagers who are trying to fight against them.
-Leading the fighters is a courageous doctor, Dr. Victor Reyes Santangel, who has trained the children left in the village, including his own son, Francisco, to use rifles and to defend themselves. He has continually tried to bring the plight of the village to the press, in order to push the authorities to arrange for the armed forces to protect the village from the cartel members, but his cries have fallen on deaf ears. The government authorities have twisted what he’s doing and proclaimed that it is Dr. Santangel who is causing harm to the children by training them to fight.
-Kylie Menzies, a photojournalist with the Associated Press, has entered the picture in order to bring to light what’s been happening. Disregarding the danger to herself, she entered the jungle area where the villagers are located, with only one guide/ bodyguard with her. Her pictures of the children being trained to handle rifles, along with her story of the village being abandoned by the government, becomes front page news, but rather than pushing the authorities to assist the village, the Governor and President double down on painting Santangel as the evil one.
-The public, though, and world leaders, are now putting pressure on the Mexican government to save the children. Kylie’s photos are now being shown on news feeds all over the world, and word reaches Eva of what’s happening. She receives calls for assistance, and knows that she must go there and do what she can to get the children out.
-The Governor and President, who now realize that the situation and public outcry is getting out of hand, must figure out how to both satisfy the world cries for protection of the children and also how to continue to assist the cartel and keep the payoff money coming to them, which makes them untrustworthy partners to go along with Eva’s efforts to both save the children and stop the cartel.
-As always, the author is at her best depicting action scenes. The author goes into a short background depicting the impetus behind the will to fight injustice of certain characters, by relating off shoot stories of what they endured, but I felt that this was done a little too often. Also, those that Eva must go up against are clearly not a match for her talents and it would have been a better story had some of the characters countered her moves so as to put Eva in danger. Despite the flaws compared to previous novels in the series, it’s still a very well laid out story, with characters that are believable.
-Leading the fighters is a courageous doctor, Dr. Victor Reyes Santangel, who has trained the children left in the village, including his own son, Francisco, to use rifles and to defend themselves. He has continually tried to bring the plight of the village to the press, in order to push the authorities to arrange for the armed forces to protect the village from the cartel members, but his cries have fallen on deaf ears. The government authorities have twisted what he’s doing and proclaimed that it is Dr. Santangel who is causing harm to the children by training them to fight.
-Kylie Menzies, a photojournalist with the Associated Press, has entered the picture in order to bring to light what’s been happening. Disregarding the danger to herself, she entered the jungle area where the villagers are located, with only one guide/ bodyguard with her. Her pictures of the children being trained to handle rifles, along with her story of the village being abandoned by the government, becomes front page news, but rather than pushing the authorities to assist the village, the Governor and President double down on painting Santangel as the evil one.
-The public, though, and world leaders, are now putting pressure on the Mexican government to save the children. Kylie’s photos are now being shown on news feeds all over the world, and word reaches Eva of what’s happening. She receives calls for assistance, and knows that she must go there and do what she can to get the children out.
-The Governor and President, who now realize that the situation and public outcry is getting out of hand, must figure out how to both satisfy the world cries for protection of the children and also how to continue to assist the cartel and keep the payoff money coming to them, which makes them untrustworthy partners to go along with Eva’s efforts to both save the children and stop the cartel.
-As always, the author is at her best depicting action scenes. The author goes into a short background depicting the impetus behind the will to fight injustice of certain characters, by relating off shoot stories of what they endured, but I felt that this was done a little too often. Also, those that Eva must go up against are clearly not a match for her talents and it would have been a better story had some of the characters countered her moves so as to put Eva in danger. Despite the flaws compared to previous novels in the series, it’s still a very well laid out story, with characters that are believable.
March 23, 2020
Another exciting thriller in the Queen of Spades series that follows Eva to Mexico to save the young children who are being trained as soldiers to defend their village from a Mexican cartel and the American journalist who is photographing and telling their story to the world.
Thanks to Kylie, the journalist capturing the tragic and deadly story of the Mexican children training to fight from a very young age to defend themselves and their home from the cartel, their story has hit the front page of the news and captured national attention. This is the kind of attention high ranking officials and the cartel do not want in their country so plans are put into place to eliminate both the journalist and the children.
The front-page story catches Eva’s eye and she knows she must help so she heads to Mexico to pick up Kylie’s trail hoping to intercede and save her and the children from a terrible fate. Manipulation, lies, deceit, violence, and death await Eva as she inserts herself into the plight to save the children before it is too late.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as others in the series. It felt like it was missing something to me, like it needed more focus and depth and detail on the plot of the story instead of reminiscing on more of Eva’s past. It kind of felt like that overshadowed the action and takedown and made it feel a little rushed at the end. I guess I wanted all the bad guys to suffer a bit more. Ha! But it was still an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to Eva’s next book.
Thanks to Kylie, the journalist capturing the tragic and deadly story of the Mexican children training to fight from a very young age to defend themselves and their home from the cartel, their story has hit the front page of the news and captured national attention. This is the kind of attention high ranking officials and the cartel do not want in their country so plans are put into place to eliminate both the journalist and the children.
The front-page story catches Eva’s eye and she knows she must help so she heads to Mexico to pick up Kylie’s trail hoping to intercede and save her and the children from a terrible fate. Manipulation, lies, deceit, violence, and death await Eva as she inserts herself into the plight to save the children before it is too late.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as others in the series. It felt like it was missing something to me, like it needed more focus and depth and detail on the plot of the story instead of reminiscing on more of Eva’s past. It kind of felt like that overshadowed the action and takedown and made it feel a little rushed at the end. I guess I wanted all the bad guys to suffer a bit more. Ha! But it was still an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to Eva’s next book.
March 29, 2020
The Queen of Spades has a new case and this one cuts right to her heart. Children are being used in a killing game but it is not for fun. They are part of a defensive group who are killing drug cartel members in an attempt to stop the cartel from killing innocent people and bringing drugs in to the villages. It is a very serious game and the Queen of Spades in trying to get to the source of it all and free the children from having to kill and live by the force of guns and killing. In one of her most emotional cases, we follow Eva as she digs into the government and the cartels to get to the main figures in this scenario. We get to see her in action and watch as she succeeds in freeing the children from having to do these terrible things and allows them to once again be children. This is a very fast paced adventure with plenty of excitement and bloodshed. Can be read in an evening. Offers a look into the Queen of Spades character and her motives behind what she does.
April 1, 2020
No spoilers ins this review: This installment of the Eva Santella Queen of Spades series is as wonderful as all the others. Edge of your seat thrills keep you riveted to this captivating, page-turner, burn up your Kindle thriller! This book does fine as a standalone, but there are recurring characters that turn up so in order to have the entire backstory (and it might flow better for you) but you might want to read the others first if you haven't already. But, don't let that stop you from one-clicking, you will be able to follow along just fine! A total heartstring tugger that also goes up against a Mexican cartel and corruption...all in all, a great read with everything you'd look for in a thriller. I am also on the edge of my seat withing for the next book by this fab author! I've never been disappointed with any of her books! I received an ARC and am happy to provide my honest and unsolicited review.
March 24, 2020
Another good action thriller from Belcamino! I received an ARC of this book. Here are my thoughts:
Pictures published by a very resourceful young photojournalist of a group of young boys who have been conscripted into a small protection force for their small village in Mexico have gone viral. They’re fighting against a deadly Cartel that has attacked their small village many times. Trained as look-outs and even killers at a very young age (a six-year-old shooting at bad guys?), they’ve been robbed of a normal childhood. The Mexican government hasn’t helped this remote region at all. Spurred on by ANY injustice to children, The Queen of Spades is off to Mexico to rescue/liberate them. Remember, Eva has some good contacts in Mexico. (The Joker? Could he possibly be a dirty politician?) Plenty of action, some things to think about. Good read!
Pictures published by a very resourceful young photojournalist of a group of young boys who have been conscripted into a small protection force for their small village in Mexico have gone viral. They’re fighting against a deadly Cartel that has attacked their small village many times. Trained as look-outs and even killers at a very young age (a six-year-old shooting at bad guys?), they’ve been robbed of a normal childhood. The Mexican government hasn’t helped this remote region at all. Spurred on by ANY injustice to children, The Queen of Spades is off to Mexico to rescue/liberate them. Remember, Eva has some good contacts in Mexico. (The Joker? Could he possibly be a dirty politician?) Plenty of action, some things to think about. Good read!
March 27, 2020
In Eva Santella, Kristi Belcamino has created a fierce protector of the vulnerable. With each book in this series, I as a reader get to not only be a part of her latest adventure, but also to dig a little deeper into what makes Eva tick. The author writes in a unique way that reveals these layers of Eva's emotions and past experiences as though we are hearing about them from our best friend. In this book Eva teams up with a photojournalist to rescue a group of boys from a cartel. I thoroughly enjoyed the teamwork and hope this is not the last that we hear of Kylie the photojournalist. I also was very intrigued by another character in this book, Solange, wife of the Governor of the area of Mexico that is featured in this book. She seems to have a little more cunning and behind the scenes power than your average wife.
April 2, 2020
I'm giving this one a 3.5.
In this fifth installment of the Queen of Spades series, the character of Kylie, a photojournalist on a mission to make people see the injustices of the world, adds some welcome freshness and sass to a storyline that feels a bit off kilter. Eva’s sections of the book are broken up with flashbacks and with bouts of concern over her emotional stumbling blocks, which creates a choppy feel. The plot line is interesting and story elements are current and relevant, but the pacing and flow are simply uneven. Readers can still expect action and intrigue just in a slightly less cohesive package. I have really enjoyed all of the other Queen of Spades and Gia Santella books so this feels like a bit of a hiccup. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next installment and seeing how Eva and Kylie and maybe even Gia will interact!
In this fifth installment of the Queen of Spades series, the character of Kylie, a photojournalist on a mission to make people see the injustices of the world, adds some welcome freshness and sass to a storyline that feels a bit off kilter. Eva’s sections of the book are broken up with flashbacks and with bouts of concern over her emotional stumbling blocks, which creates a choppy feel. The plot line is interesting and story elements are current and relevant, but the pacing and flow are simply uneven. Readers can still expect action and intrigue just in a slightly less cohesive package. I have really enjoyed all of the other Queen of Spades and Gia Santella books so this feels like a bit of a hiccup. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next installment and seeing how Eva and Kylie and maybe even Gia will interact!
March 22, 2020
Children have been trained to wield weapons in order to defend themselves, and their Mexican town, from the local cartel. Kylie, a photojournalist, has been documenting this, and the news has spread and grabbed Eva's attention. Eva has a soft spot for children, and with a government useless in protecting these kids, she decides to take things into her own hands.
This book had snapshots from previous books, showing again how Eva became who she is, as well as some background for other characters. I did feel there was a lot of character backstory, whereas the manipulation and takedown of the villains seemed to go by fairly quickly. Still a good read, but not my favourite of the series.
This book had snapshots from previous books, showing again how Eva became who she is, as well as some background for other characters. I did feel there was a lot of character backstory, whereas the manipulation and takedown of the villains seemed to go by fairly quickly. Still a good read, but not my favourite of the series.
March 31, 2020
Children at risk. That’s a major problem for Eva and she acts accordingly. The story of Eva continues to grow and develop. While there is plenty of action, ranging from preteens being trained to use guns, to the bad guys getting what is due to them, there is much more to the story. We learn more about Eva and what made her the Eva we know. This could almost be a standalone book because it fills in a lot of her history. I wouldn’t recommend that because you would miss a bunch of other good books. Kristi Belcamino has two excellent series going now with Eva and with Gia. She is one of the few authors who I drop everything to read her latest. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2020
The Queen of Spades still rules
Eva, our international woman of assistance and assassination, heads to Mexico once again on a rescue mission. As the story progresses the memories of her past life threaten to overwhelm, the danger she faces could overpower, and just when you think everything will be all right a wrench gets thrown into the works. Kristi Belcamino has once again proven that the Queen of Spades still rules with a hardened heart for those who do wrong and compassion for those who are deserving.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Eva, our international woman of assistance and assassination, heads to Mexico once again on a rescue mission. As the story progresses the memories of her past life threaten to overwhelm, the danger she faces could overpower, and just when you think everything will be all right a wrench gets thrown into the works. Kristi Belcamino has once again proven that the Queen of Spades still rules with a hardened heart for those who do wrong and compassion for those who are deserving.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
April 21, 2022
This book took me a little longer to read than the last one by this author. Maybe it was a little harder to follow or because the story was disturbing, compelling me to set it aside every once in awhile. The killing and terrorizing of children is despicable. Eva thinks so, too, and sets out to fix things. She also has an accomplice named Kylie, a photojournalist who uncovered the story and, along with Eva's niece, motivated her to travel to Mexico to do something about it. Of course, Eva never fails, and in the process befriends many grateful people. So, in spite of the unpleasantness of the first part of the story, it does have a very gratifying ending.
March 19, 2020
The Mexican cartel is trying to take over a village that now has children being trained to fight to defend themselves against the cartel. An American journalist, Kylie, is in the village taking pictures and videos. Kylie is transmitting the images to her editor. The story is now national news. The President and Governor of Mexico are being paid by the cartel. So the President will not send troops to protect the people. The Queen of Spades goes to help the people of this Mexican village. A very dangerous mission.
June 24, 2020
Mexico
In this KU library selection, Eva returns to Mexico, where a NYC based photographer/reporter has revealed a village is at war with the local cartel. The villagers have asked the government for protection, but it hasn't come, so the children have been armed and are being trained to defend their village. And for Eva, that is not acceptable. While the author does a good job of providing background, to fully understand Eva and her life readers will benefit from starting at the beginning.
In this KU library selection, Eva returns to Mexico, where a NYC based photographer/reporter has revealed a village is at war with the local cartel. The villagers have asked the government for protection, but it hasn't come, so the children have been armed and are being trained to defend their village. And for Eva, that is not acceptable. While the author does a good job of providing background, to fully understand Eva and her life readers will benefit from starting at the beginning.
March 22, 2020
Eva is thrust back into Mexico as she is called upon to help a village and their children. Forced into a life of defending their village at a young age these children need help. In the voices of a young journalist, a cartel leader and the governor we get underneath the criminal mind and dire needs of the kids. Another exciting read in the vigilante world of Eva and her warriors. It’s fast paced, easy to follow and kept me reading. I received an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.
March 26, 2020
Another great read that keeps you gripped from page 1. After seeing the plight of children forced to bare arms to defend themselves & their village Eve goes into action along with a feisty photo journalist who broke the story. Whilst this book in the series gives us more back story on Eve & what lead her to where she is now it still kicks ass with plenty of action & suspense. Highly recommend this book. Kristi Belcamino continues to produce kick ass reads.
April 6, 2020
Another great book featuring the Queen of Spades. You get engrossed into her cause to save others and will stop at nothing. Has a good twist when she lets in a journalist to help. Although the books are a series, this is another standalone but you will want to read them all! The author is also engaged with her fans in newsletters and Facebook. Check out her freebie that has the first book of three series.
March 21, 2020
Eva again travels to Mexico as a fearless photojournalist brings the world's attention to a small town where young children are being trained to defend the town from the cartels because the government won't help. Although this is the fifth book in this series, it can be read as a standalone because the high point from the previous books are covered. Eva works her special magic to thwart the cartel and force the government officials to stand up to their responsibilities. If you have enjoyed the other books, this one provides more of the same, with perhaps a little less romance.
April 11, 2020
The Joker
Kristi continues to write exceptional, suspenseful and thrilling novels and her latest in the "Queen of Spades" series is her best yet! She has become my favorite author and I have devoured every book in this series and will continue to be onboard for future additions! Blew through it in a day!
Kristi continues to write exceptional, suspenseful and thrilling novels and her latest in the "Queen of Spades" series is her best yet! She has become my favorite author and I have devoured every book in this series and will continue to be onboard for future additions! Blew through it in a day!
March 25, 2020
Oh my, what a storyline. This is an emotional, heart pounding thriller. Eva and Kylie are a dynamic duo!! There was action, suspense and so many twists and turns. This is a very entertaining series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
March 30, 2020
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. This book will have you outraged for the children, angry at politicians and crying tears at the end.
April 4, 2020
This is book 5 in the series and I have to say that this one might be the best one so far. From the beginning we start off with a bang and it doesn't stop there. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the softer side of Eva when she's relaxed with Alex.
May 6, 2020
Fast paced Thriller
This COULD be a great stand alone thriller. But you'd be so much happier if you just go get Queen of Spades now and binge your way to the Joker! I love this series.
This COULD be a great stand alone thriller. But you'd be so much happier if you just go get Queen of Spades now and binge your way to the Joker! I love this series.
May 24, 2020
Action packed
Eva is back. This time with sights on protecting children in a cartel ridden village. The adventure continues as the president and the Governor are involved... A must read!
Eva is back. This time with sights on protecting children in a cartel ridden village. The adventure continues as the president and the Governor are involved... A must read!
June 9, 2021
Hard Life
Eva has had a hard life but she has helped so many people. Can she continue this life.
well written story with strong and believable characters.
Kristi has done it again. Wonderful thrillers.
Eva has had a hard life but she has helped so many people. Can she continue this life.
well written story with strong and believable characters.
Kristi has done it again. Wonderful thrillers.
March 19, 2020
Another great book in the Queen of Spades series. Eva goes to Mexico to take care of the children
March 25, 2020
Kristi Belcamino at her best!
Could have been longer, but still a great read as usual. Always interested in knowing what The Queen is up to, or her niece Gia.
Could have been longer, but still a great read as usual. Always interested in knowing what The Queen is up to, or her niece Gia.
March 25, 2020
Outstanding once again
I'm never disappointed in one of books a truly gifted author cant wait for the next one.. love love love
I'm never disappointed in one of books a truly gifted author cant wait for the next one.. love love love
March 26, 2020
A good book
It was a ok book not as good as I thought it would be,I would recommend it you might like it
It was a ok book not as good as I thought it would be,I would recommend it you might like it
September 11, 2020
Did it again
Kristi always manages to give me a great story . This one does not disappoint. Eva is what every woman wants to be
Kristi always manages to give me a great story . This one does not disappoint. Eva is what every woman wants to be
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews