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Queen of Spades #3
The Suicide King
Former assassin and mafia boss Eva Lucia Santella has lost everything she’s ever cared about, but is still attempting to carve out a new life for herself back in Italy as a modern day Robin Hood, devoted to taking down those who prey on the innocent.
And she’s training an army of female assassins to help her do it.
When one of her top lieutenants comes under attack, Eva vows revenge.
But when her niece Gia Santella—unexpectedly shows up in Italy, Eva finds that she has more to lose than she ever dreamed possible. She’d avoided meeting the young woman, knowing that everyone she ever cares about is inevitably taken from her.
The two women soon find themselves in the fight of their lives in a battle that leaves them both reeling in grief and left with only one option:
Kill or be killed.
And she’s training an army of female assassins to help her do it.
When one of her top lieutenants comes under attack, Eva vows revenge.
But when her niece Gia Santella—unexpectedly shows up in Italy, Eva finds that she has more to lose than she ever dreamed possible. She’d avoided meeting the young woman, knowing that everyone she ever cares about is inevitably taken from her.
The two women soon find themselves in the fight of their lives in a battle that leaves them both reeling in grief and left with only one option:
Kill or be killed.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
291 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Belcamino
97 books427 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 36 reviews
December 15, 2021
-The author continues with her ability to create great action scenes and this story gives a view of a life changing event that happened in the Gia series, but through the eyes of her aunt, Eva Santella, the Queen of Spades.
-In a previous Gia book, Gia had fallen for her friend, Bobby and had accompanied Bobby on a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of her closest friend, Dante, to Matt, a US Senator. During the reception, which took place in a high end hotel, the small number of guests, who seemed to be in the front lobby area, were suddenly gunned down by four men dressed in dark clothes and riding motorcycles. Though Gia survived when Dante pulled her to the floor, both Matt and Bobby were killed.
-This current book now examines the prelude and aftermath of this event through the eyes of the Queen of Spades.
-Eva had dedicated her life to fight the other crime bosses who had seen how lucrative the sex trafficking trade could be. To Eva, though, forcing a woman to engage in sex against her will was an abhorrent practice and she promised that she would take down the whole group of crime bosses because of it. When innocent children were killed during a fight between various criminal groups, Eva declared war on the other crime bosses publicly.
-For years, Eva had chosen women who would be part of her army in order to achieve those ends, and was training them in a villa which she purchased expressly for this purpose. One of the women who excelled beyond the others was Eva’s chosen person to succeed her. But that made this woman a target. There was one boss who seemed to be on a mission to destroy Eva through those around her, and every day, he would watch this student come into town in order to satisfy her only vice, a cup of espresso by a local cafe so that he would, one day, kidnap and kill her. That day finally came.
-A message was then sent to Eva. “Next time, it’s personal”. Eva knew that the only meaning that she could gather, was that Eva’s niece, Gia, was now in danger. Gia was Eva’s only living relative and must be protected. It was after this that the killing in the hotel took place.
-Now, Eva had to find out exactly who this crime boss was who had killed her prize student and who was now after Gia. Gia, on her end, believed that the woman known as the Queen of Spades was the one responsible for killing her boyfriend and was doing everything she could in order to find out about her and get her own revenge against her for Bobby’s death.
-As usual, Ms. Belcamino does a great job at keeping the suspense by setting up scenes where death can only be avoided by planning and skill. The crime boss is pure evil and carries a desire for vengeance of his own against both Gia and Eva and very nearly succeeds. The action scenes are very well done and the emotional difficulties which Eva goes through because of her own losses, and which Gia now goes through because of the death of Bobby, aid in the realism of the characters’ motivations.
-In a previous Gia book, Gia had fallen for her friend, Bobby and had accompanied Bobby on a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of her closest friend, Dante, to Matt, a US Senator. During the reception, which took place in a high end hotel, the small number of guests, who seemed to be in the front lobby area, were suddenly gunned down by four men dressed in dark clothes and riding motorcycles. Though Gia survived when Dante pulled her to the floor, both Matt and Bobby were killed.
-This current book now examines the prelude and aftermath of this event through the eyes of the Queen of Spades.
-Eva had dedicated her life to fight the other crime bosses who had seen how lucrative the sex trafficking trade could be. To Eva, though, forcing a woman to engage in sex against her will was an abhorrent practice and she promised that she would take down the whole group of crime bosses because of it. When innocent children were killed during a fight between various criminal groups, Eva declared war on the other crime bosses publicly.
-For years, Eva had chosen women who would be part of her army in order to achieve those ends, and was training them in a villa which she purchased expressly for this purpose. One of the women who excelled beyond the others was Eva’s chosen person to succeed her. But that made this woman a target. There was one boss who seemed to be on a mission to destroy Eva through those around her, and every day, he would watch this student come into town in order to satisfy her only vice, a cup of espresso by a local cafe so that he would, one day, kidnap and kill her. That day finally came.
-A message was then sent to Eva. “Next time, it’s personal”. Eva knew that the only meaning that she could gather, was that Eva’s niece, Gia, was now in danger. Gia was Eva’s only living relative and must be protected. It was after this that the killing in the hotel took place.
-Now, Eva had to find out exactly who this crime boss was who had killed her prize student and who was now after Gia. Gia, on her end, believed that the woman known as the Queen of Spades was the one responsible for killing her boyfriend and was doing everything she could in order to find out about her and get her own revenge against her for Bobby’s death.
-As usual, Ms. Belcamino does a great job at keeping the suspense by setting up scenes where death can only be avoided by planning and skill. The crime boss is pure evil and carries a desire for vengeance of his own against both Gia and Eva and very nearly succeeds. The action scenes are very well done and the emotional difficulties which Eva goes through because of her own losses, and which Gia now goes through because of the death of Bobby, aid in the realism of the characters’ motivations.
December 21, 2020
The Suicide King - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Kristi Belcamino's Queen of Spades is Eva Santella; whose enemy is the eponymous 'Suicide King'.
He first targets her guard dogs, then her Italian stronghold and finally her niece, Gia, in revenge for the death of his sister at Eva's hand and the body count soon rises.
What happens at the wedding reception?
Why does Gia blame the Queen of Spades for it?
How does Eva discover her enemy's name?
The latter part of the novel could do with named chapter headings imho, as it's sometimes unclear (to me), who's the subject of the particular chapter, especially between Gia or Eva.
I got a little confused as Eva's story morphed into Gia's and back again, before ending rather abruptly, while the grammar needs better proofreading. Yet overall the story makes interesting characters come to life and conveys the intensity of vendetta!
Why not get yourself a copy today and decide for yourself?
Kristi Belcamino's Queen of Spades is Eva Santella; whose enemy is the eponymous 'Suicide King'.
He first targets her guard dogs, then her Italian stronghold and finally her niece, Gia, in revenge for the death of his sister at Eva's hand and the body count soon rises.
What happens at the wedding reception?
Why does Gia blame the Queen of Spades for it?
How does Eva discover her enemy's name?
The latter part of the novel could do with named chapter headings imho, as it's sometimes unclear (to me), who's the subject of the particular chapter, especially between Gia or Eva.
I got a little confused as Eva's story morphed into Gia's and back again, before ending rather abruptly, while the grammar needs better proofreading. Yet overall the story makes interesting characters come to life and conveys the intensity of vendetta!
Why not get yourself a copy today and decide for yourself?
August 4, 2020
The writing style changed in this one
I give this a 3.5 star.
Primarily for the reason that the author changed the way she writes. In the prior books, it was from Eva's POV. This one has many different POV's but the author did not signify the character that is in that chapter. It would have been nice to see the person whose POV was during each chapter . At least put the characters name below the chapter label or something. That issue alone made it a bit harder to read since you would need to make sure you understood who was thinking or saying what.
There were a some places where I needed to add words to make a complete sentence so the paragraph flowed nicely. There were other places where I had to flip the words around to make sense of the sentence.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. The storyline kept me interested and reading till the end.
I give this a 3.5 star.
Primarily for the reason that the author changed the way she writes. In the prior books, it was from Eva's POV. This one has many different POV's but the author did not signify the character that is in that chapter. It would have been nice to see the person whose POV was during each chapter . At least put the characters name below the chapter label or something. That issue alone made it a bit harder to read since you would need to make sure you understood who was thinking or saying what.
There were a some places where I needed to add words to make a complete sentence so the paragraph flowed nicely. There were other places where I had to flip the words around to make sense of the sentence.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. The storyline kept me interested and reading till the end.
February 25, 2021
Eva, the Queen of Spades, is again being targeted by a determined adversary. He uses what she loves, her rescue dogs, the young woman who is excelling in her army of female assassins and the niece she does not know. But Eva is skilled and equally relentless and will fight to the death to destroy her enemies.
The third in the series, this book is not nearly as entertaining. I did not like change in narration. The niece's story is told in first person while the rest is in third. The niece plot left me cold. Eva is still entertaining but this book was not as satisfying or as much fun as the first two.
The third in the series, this book is not nearly as entertaining. I did not like change in narration. The niece's story is told in first person while the rest is in third. The niece plot left me cold. Eva is still entertaining but this book was not as satisfying or as much fun as the first two.
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February 25, 2020Gives you Melded Kickass Excitement
This book melds the power of Kristi Belcamino’s two kick ass protagonists. This story brings Eva’s view of Gia’s story from Dark Night of the Soul. She does a great job of giving us backstories for both characters and how their lives are intertwined. The scenery is spectacular as always and takes me back to my time living in Italy and reinforces my desire to revisit this wonderful country. I hope that we see more interaction between the two characters as their goals and personalities are similar. By reading this book you get a two for one enjoyable read.
This book melds the power of Kristi Belcamino’s two kick ass protagonists. This story brings Eva’s view of Gia’s story from Dark Night of the Soul. She does a great job of giving us backstories for both characters and how their lives are intertwined. The scenery is spectacular as always and takes me back to my time living in Italy and reinforces my desire to revisit this wonderful country. I hope that we see more interaction between the two characters as their goals and personalities are similar. By reading this book you get a two for one enjoyable read.
December 31, 2025
This one I loved and could not put down! It is a speed reading spectacular collection of books about strong and driven women led by one incredibly brilliant mafia boss. I appreciate that each of these books leads right into the next and hope they are turned into a binge worthy Netflix or Amazon Prime series!!!!!
May 30, 2020
Another great Queen of Spades action packed adventure! You never know what will happen next. Reading with the Gia series, it helps put the pieces together from two different perspectives. Easy and fast reads that leave you waiting for the next in the series!
October 1, 2020
Loved the book. Eva is a real bad ass as is Gia
December 18, 2021
The female Tanner, reminds me very much of the Remington Kane Series
May 29, 2025
More discrepancies. That kind of kills it for me but I’ll continue with the series.
February 19, 2026
I did enjoy this one.
October 29, 2019
Another amazing book has hit the shelves. Without revealing too much (after all, you need to read the book), the star of the show is our bad-ass/kick-ass heroine Eva, who gives her all for the good of all with her team of woman assassins who despite being assassins are doing everything for all the RIGHT reasons. All of Kristi's books are superbly written and one of my favorite things about her writing is that everything is so real, including the raw emotion she elicits. My favorite thing about this book is the Eva and Gia come together! Who is Gia? you may ask? Well, now you need to go back and read ALL of Kristi's books to get the answer, although, you need to know that her books hold their own as stand-alones without any cliffhangers if you are new to this talented author. The descriptives are amazing, story and character development rival any and every best selling, mystery author around! You can actually picture yourself there, and the story keeps the thrill alive until you get to the last page. This third installment gets more into family dynamics and gives a little more background regarding the relationship between the two women. So, now it's timed to find out how Eva became the Queen of Spades, after losing everything, pulling herself back up and stopping at nothing until her cause is avenged! I received a complimentary copy of this book and am providing my review for no other reason except to assist you in deciding to buy this wonderful read.
October 25, 2019
In this third outing with Eva Santella, Belcamino shows readers the chain of events that brought Eva and Gia together for the first time. And it is one serious roller coaster ride…in good ways and in some confusing ways. As always, the pacing of the story flies by at a break-neck speed. Belcamino is great at grabbing your attention and never letting it go. The plot line is thorough and fast paced. All of the main and supporting female characters are well-written establishing details and individual traits in clear, precise, defining strokes. However, when it comes to the villainous Turricci family members, things get a bit muddled. There are less defining characteristics, less identifying traits and less details given to these characters which made the Turricci family difficult to follow – it’s a labyrinth of who was trying to kill whom and who had already killed whom.
The plot line was great, the pacing was exceptional but the lack of distinguishing information and details was a bit confusing and, I felt, distracting.
The plot line was great, the pacing was exceptional but the lack of distinguishing information and details was a bit confusing and, I felt, distracting.
October 22, 2019
I really enjoy Belcamino’s writing. Her stories always include strong, resilient women and intense storylines that are powerful and thought-provoking. She gives you the good, bad, and ugly sides as well as the gripping emotional scenes that resonate throughout the reads. This book, The Suicide King, encompasses all of the above. It pulls you in from the beginning and holds you captive until the end. And this book also has the best of two worlds, Eva AND Gia! It was awesome to have both these fabulous ladies in a book together. I enjoyed getting a deeper look at Eva’s life, her thoughts, and her motivations. She is such a compelling character and has such a presence. Though her emotional turmoil is not yet over, she pushes through, holds strong, and helps those she loves and considers family no matter what. This book was an incredible ride and a very satisfying read.
*I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
*I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
October 23, 2019
If you are a fan of Belcamino you've probably read her Gia Santella series and met Eva briefly. Well this is where we get the official story of how they met and why Gia's friends were murdered at the wedding. Their stories are intertwined where we previously only got Gia's side of things now we hear from Eva for a better understanding and behind the scenes look. Eva is a tough cookie, Gia is too, and her confidence is catching. It's powerful to read about strong women taking a stand and fighting for vengeance. I highly encourage you to read the Queen of Spades series from the beginning as the story does continue, no cliffhangers. My copy was given by the author, I wrote my review voluntarily.
October 29, 2019
Wow! A great book that is an action-packed journey, keeping you turning the pages well past bedtime. Ms. Belcamino has introduced us to Eva and Gia separately in past books and each has proven to be fierce, loyal and dynamic, but also wounded and searching. Family is the center of both their worlds, giving them their edge and a purpose, to avenge those that have been harmed and need help. I love how with each new book the characters evolve and reveal a little more of their vulnerability, while still remaining the baddest heroines that will risk everything for family name doing what's right. The emotional ending that finally brings Eva and Gia together makes me excited for the next chapter in each of their stories.
November 5, 2019
When you have an aunt and a niece who have never met, and both possess the deadly skills necessary to obtain vengeance, and, most importantly you have Kristi Belcamino to bring their story to life in a daring, exciting, amazing book, just doesn't get better than that!
Both women have experienced great love and horrific losses. Both have sworn to get revenge, both have prepared their lives to obtain it.
If you're looking for strong women, they come no stronger, or more vivid.
Thanks to the beautiful descriptions, I can see the beauty of Sicily in my mind's eye. The action writing jumps off the page, or the Kindle. No spoiler alerts from me, but I loved every page.
I can't wait for the next one in the series!!!
Both women have experienced great love and horrific losses. Both have sworn to get revenge, both have prepared their lives to obtain it.
If you're looking for strong women, they come no stronger, or more vivid.
Thanks to the beautiful descriptions, I can see the beauty of Sicily in my mind's eye. The action writing jumps off the page, or the Kindle. No spoiler alerts from me, but I loved every page.
I can't wait for the next one in the series!!!
November 3, 2019
Once more into the deep
Eva, now building her army, is drawn in to yet another twisted plot by her Italian enemies to attempt her demise. As the story progresses unexpected complications arise, temporary measures are thwarted, and the hard lessons learned keep surfacing. Kristi Belcamino’s The Suicide King takes readers once more into the deep, dark, and twisted world of the Queen of Spades and adds more space to it. Introducing new branches to her already tangled tree of vengeance and establishing connections to her family both living and dead; this book does not disappoint. I don’t know how I am going to be able to wait for her next call to action.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Eva, now building her army, is drawn in to yet another twisted plot by her Italian enemies to attempt her demise. As the story progresses unexpected complications arise, temporary measures are thwarted, and the hard lessons learned keep surfacing. Kristi Belcamino’s The Suicide King takes readers once more into the deep, dark, and twisted world of the Queen of Spades and adds more space to it. Introducing new branches to her already tangled tree of vengeance and establishing connections to her family both living and dead; this book does not disappoint. I don’t know how I am going to be able to wait for her next call to action.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
October 29, 2019
This new Queen of Spades book runs alongside one of the earlier Gia books. This shows what was happening on Eva's side of the story, as she discovers a member of her army is missing and in danger, and that her niece, Gia, is in town and in trouble herself. Eva doesn't know Gia, but is compelled to help her, even knowing that (like Gia) she winds up losing everyone she loves.
This was another great read, with us getting to see more of Eva's life and what motivates her. She's a strong woman who will help those in need, no matter what.
Look forward to the next one! Love that there's only a short wait between them!
This was another great read, with us getting to see more of Eva's life and what motivates her. She's a strong woman who will help those in need, no matter what.
Look forward to the next one! Love that there's only a short wait between them!
October 27, 2019
Two family members who never met, that are so kick-ass and connected more than they know. It's a story we read in the Gia Santella series but delves deeper into the plot with so many more details. This was an advanced copy and so happy to read and review it honestly. This is a series not to be missed. As an Italian American who has visited Italy, it kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I antipate the next book and sad to see there will only be two more. Maybe Ms. Belcamino will rethink that plan.
October 29, 2019
The Queen of Spades series is a great look into the life of Eva Santella’s life and how she became The Queen of Spades. After losing everything, she has had to turn the tables and get revenge on those who caused her heartache. Her niece, Gia, also a great series, interweaves in this as well. Kristi has developed great, smart, kick butt women who stand up for what they believe in and protect those they love. When one of Eva’s soldiers is killed, Eva will fight to get to the killer and take pleasure in making sure they pay. An excellent read!
February 21, 2021
THE SUICIDE KING....by Kristi Belcamino
The third book in this series, and another winner for the author. We meet Eva, who peseveres as does her niece Gia does. They have lost everything, yet want justice done as a modern Robin Hood. They must stand together in this story, no option it’s kill or be killed. Fast paced, and I loved having the two women, though unknown to each other, fight together.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
The third book in this series, and another winner for the author. We meet Eva, who peseveres as does her niece Gia does. They have lost everything, yet want justice done as a modern Robin Hood. They must stand together in this story, no option it’s kill or be killed. Fast paced, and I loved having the two women, though unknown to each other, fight together.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
October 22, 2019
This novel is another home run for Kristi Belcamino. The Queen of Spades is Gia's aunt that she never met or even new of. Turricci is a mob leader that has revenge on his mind. He wants to kill anyone related to Eva, the Queen of Spades. Eva declares war on the Cosa Nostra. Eva's prime member of her assassin group of women, Chiara, is kidnapped by Turricci. This novel is another page turner and a thrill ride.
October 29, 2019
★★★★★ from Sharon Scott on October 18, 2019
Suicide King
This is the latest in the Queen of Spades Thrillers, and a thriller it truly is! I have loved all of Kristi's books but this is the best yet. It is intense, suspenseful and over the top with action. I could not put it down, and I cannot wait for the next in this series! Kristi, thank you for sharing your gift with us! Prima la Famiglia!
I received this book as an ArC reader, but the review is my own.
Suicide King
This is the latest in the Queen of Spades Thrillers, and a thriller it truly is! I have loved all of Kristi's books but this is the best yet. It is intense, suspenseful and over the top with action. I could not put it down, and I cannot wait for the next in this series! Kristi, thank you for sharing your gift with us! Prima la Famiglia!
I received this book as an ArC reader, but the review is my own.
November 12, 2019
Murder at the Hotel Rizzoli
Another block buster thriller from Kristi Belcamino. Exciting marriage of the two protagonists and melding of adventures that solidify family ties. Gia and Eva have So much in common, least of which is their losses suffered at the hands of the Mafioso in Italy. Afraid to open up their hearts to each other, this is the beginning of a budding relationship. Murder and mayhem abound. A definite good read.
Another block buster thriller from Kristi Belcamino. Exciting marriage of the two protagonists and melding of adventures that solidify family ties. Gia and Eva have So much in common, least of which is their losses suffered at the hands of the Mafioso in Italy. Afraid to open up their hearts to each other, this is the beginning of a budding relationship. Murder and mayhem abound. A definite good read.
October 12, 2019
The Suicide King by Kristi Belcamino is the third whirlwind in this incredible series! GREAT read ~ intense/satisfying/combining characters we know and love with a vendetta that's dying to be ended ~ in only the way the Queen of Spades can end it! Sooooo looking forward to the next one, the Ace of Clubs, in end-December. {Can we make the calendar flip by so it's here sooner?! Please?!}
October 20, 2019
WOW! I hard a difficult time putting this one down to go to bed at night! And reliving Dante's wedding and the disaster that occurred had my heart feeling sad all over again. But having Gia and Eva together again in a book is over the top drama! Read this...you will not be disappointed!
This is my very honest opinion given for the ARC I received.
This is my very honest opinion given for the ARC I received.
October 29, 2019
The 3rd book in this series & it goes from strength to strength. Kristi Belcamino has really got writing about super strong yet feminine characters down pat. Yet again she hits it out the ball park with this latest instalment of The Queen Of Spades series. If your looking for a good strong story with action, feeling, kick ass women & much more then look no further than this series of books.
November 5, 2019
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Every book I read from Kristi Belcamino I fall more in love with her. As usual The Queen of Spades kicks some ass with plenty of twist and turns.
October 17, 2019
The plot was intense and filled with action. It was a great fit for the Queen of Spades series. The characters were well-developed and the character Gia added to the story. I recommend this book and the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews