What do you think?
Rate this book
Queen of Spades #6
The Wild Card
Rose never had a normal childhood.Death pursued her at every turn.Finally, Rose realizes in order to defeat her killer... she must become one herself.
"As an avid fan of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, Scot Harvath, Orphan X, etc., Can't tell you how pleased I was to discover the female version of my favorite heroes!” - HB LEVESQUE, Amazon"Kristi Belcamino has taken assassination thrillers to a new level with The Wild Card." - Jennifer Soppe, Amazon
"I was so into this story!!!"- Lit Lover, Amazon
"On the edge of your seat thriller." - Loreen, Amazon
"Enjoyed this quick,hard to put down, book! Adventure, travel, suspense and new characters." - PK, Amazon
"A fast-paced page-turner that is full of thrills, suspense, and action that you will only be disappointed with when you reach the final pages." - J. Johnson, Amazon
"As an avid fan of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, Scot Harvath, Orphan X, etc., Can't tell you how pleased I was to discover the female version of my favorite heroes!” - HB LEVESQUE, Amazon"Kristi Belcamino has taken assassination thrillers to a new level with The Wild Card." - Jennifer Soppe, Amazon
"I was so into this story!!!"- Lit Lover, Amazon
"On the edge of your seat thriller." - Loreen, Amazon
"Enjoyed this quick,hard to put down, book! Adventure, travel, suspense and new characters." - PK, Amazon
"A fast-paced page-turner that is full of thrills, suspense, and action that you will only be disappointed with when you reach the final pages." - J. Johnson, Amazon
- GenresFiction
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
257 people are currently reading
79 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 9, 2020
Wow, that’s all I can say! A new generation of strong, fighting women. This book was exciting, but at the same time very sad. Rosalie joins Eva’s group to learn how to defend herself, like Gia before her. Rose’s history was very dark and described more in depth than previously. Rose is The Wild Card, as she sets out to prove herself and gets caught up in horror. It was good to see Eva opening up more to others, especially a new character Violet. I didn’t know what to expect of this next Queen of Spades book, but it was well worth the wait and now I can’t wait for the follow-up. I highly recommend this book.
July 21, 2024
-In what is another action filled story, the author introduces us to a new character who may take center stage in a future episode. Though this story is part of the “Eva” series, the main character is a little girl by the name of Rose.
-In all the series that this author has written, the characters are connected in different ways. Gia, Eva’s niece and the subject of the earliest series, now has a boyfriend, Nico. He was a former head of a Mexican drug cartel but has now turned on his past life. His daughter is Rose and Rose has been witness to many tragic killings from a young age. Her mother was murdered in front of her when she was an infant; later, a guardian and a nanny were horribly killed in front of her; and her father was absent most of her life, until only a few years before.
-In order for Rose to learn how to protect herself, Gia has sent her to Eva to learn defensive skills. Though she’s only 12, she catches on quickly and excels in her training. She does so well, and perseveres so much in her lessons, she becomes one of the top girls in the group of trainees.
-From Rose’s first day by Eva, one of the other girls, Lane, had resented Rose, and they had several run-ins which came just short of escalating. One day, Lane came into Eva’s office looking very distraught. Her sister, Aria, was missing and possibly a victim of the sex trade
-We’re now introduced to a man who is the villain of the story. Savino is a mafia boss who has ignored Eva’s directive to get out of the sex trafficking business and has found it very lucrative. There is one client, though, who has made him a very rich man, known only as the Sultan. He demands a young virgin who is in her early teens but beyond that, Savino doesn’t want to know what he does with them. Tales of sadistic practices taking place in the palatial home the Sultan occupies have leaked out, and the local residents have cited that he’s the closest thing to the devil. Already, Savino has delivered about half a dozen girls to the Sultan and is looking for more.
-Savino wants all the mafia bosses back in the sex trafficking trade, but to do so, he knows he has to take down Eva. He knows that Eva will try to stop him by sending someone from within her group to infiltrate his setup, and he’s ready for it and is even planning on capturing one of Eva’s girls for the Sultan.
-Eva refuses to allow Rose to include herself in this. She had promised Gia that she would teach Rose to defend herself, and had no intention of making Rose one of Eva’s trained assassins. But Rose is a headstrong girl and her past makes her feel that she can handle anything that any other trainee can.
-We know that Rose will get herself involved, as the opening chapter has Rose in a scene a few days later, killing a man on a boat, and then flung into the water and on the verge of drowning.
-What happens in between those events is a wild action filled adventure that the author does so well, and will leave the reader unable to put the book down until the last page. We are also introduced to, not only Rose, but another new character, who will possibly be joining Eva in future books.
-In all the series that this author has written, the characters are connected in different ways. Gia, Eva’s niece and the subject of the earliest series, now has a boyfriend, Nico. He was a former head of a Mexican drug cartel but has now turned on his past life. His daughter is Rose and Rose has been witness to many tragic killings from a young age. Her mother was murdered in front of her when she was an infant; later, a guardian and a nanny were horribly killed in front of her; and her father was absent most of her life, until only a few years before.
-In order for Rose to learn how to protect herself, Gia has sent her to Eva to learn defensive skills. Though she’s only 12, she catches on quickly and excels in her training. She does so well, and perseveres so much in her lessons, she becomes one of the top girls in the group of trainees.
-From Rose’s first day by Eva, one of the other girls, Lane, had resented Rose, and they had several run-ins which came just short of escalating. One day, Lane came into Eva’s office looking very distraught. Her sister, Aria, was missing and possibly a victim of the sex trade
-We’re now introduced to a man who is the villain of the story. Savino is a mafia boss who has ignored Eva’s directive to get out of the sex trafficking business and has found it very lucrative. There is one client, though, who has made him a very rich man, known only as the Sultan. He demands a young virgin who is in her early teens but beyond that, Savino doesn’t want to know what he does with them. Tales of sadistic practices taking place in the palatial home the Sultan occupies have leaked out, and the local residents have cited that he’s the closest thing to the devil. Already, Savino has delivered about half a dozen girls to the Sultan and is looking for more.
-Savino wants all the mafia bosses back in the sex trafficking trade, but to do so, he knows he has to take down Eva. He knows that Eva will try to stop him by sending someone from within her group to infiltrate his setup, and he’s ready for it and is even planning on capturing one of Eva’s girls for the Sultan.
-Eva refuses to allow Rose to include herself in this. She had promised Gia that she would teach Rose to defend herself, and had no intention of making Rose one of Eva’s trained assassins. But Rose is a headstrong girl and her past makes her feel that she can handle anything that any other trainee can.
-We know that Rose will get herself involved, as the opening chapter has Rose in a scene a few days later, killing a man on a boat, and then flung into the water and on the verge of drowning.
-What happens in between those events is a wild action filled adventure that the author does so well, and will leave the reader unable to put the book down until the last page. We are also introduced to, not only Rose, but another new character, who will possibly be joining Eva in future books.
July 24, 2020
I really loved the focus on Rosalie in this book. This is really her book, about her fears, goals and taking her place as one of Eva’s soldiers. She wants to be called Rose, she is not a little girl anymore. We see her developing into a very resourceful young person moving away from her childhood but still influenced by her childhood experiences. Her earlier experiences have certainly shaped the person she is becoming. I also liked the change of setting for this novel. The descriptions of Spain, specifically Barcelona were interesting. I feel the description of parts of Thailand were a bit incomplete only focusing on the evil side of the Sultan and his strange cult. It is not explained what hold he has over the young girls in his cult to have them behave in the way they do. They don’t appear to be able to think for themselves.
The plot was good and the action moves quicklyfrom Eva’s compound to the Spanish location. I felt the dialogue was realistic with aspects of Rose’s young age coming through. I liked the introduction of Violetta to the storyline of Eva and can only hope we see her again.
This book ends with a To Be Continued so one can only guess Rose will have another confrontation with the evil Sultan. But I have to ask why did the author have Rose hide on the yacht when a smaller
boat was available. She would not have known how to drive it. Maybe this is just another indication of her immaturity and making the wrong choice.
I look forward to reading about what happens next.
The plot was good and the action moves quicklyfrom Eva’s compound to the Spanish location. I felt the dialogue was realistic with aspects of Rose’s young age coming through. I liked the introduction of Violetta to the storyline of Eva and can only hope we see her again.
This book ends with a To Be Continued so one can only guess Rose will have another confrontation with the evil Sultan. But I have to ask why did the author have Rose hide on the yacht when a smaller
boat was available. She would not have known how to drive it. Maybe this is just another indication of her immaturity and making the wrong choice.
I look forward to reading about what happens next.
July 9, 2020
Another Queen of Spades thriller and it is just great! Rosalie is now 12 years old and training with Eva Santella's group of women in Italy. She is doing very well at this training and loving it. Nico, her father, is very proud of her, but he is starting to lose some of his memories. That makes her feel very sad so she wants to start spending more time with him. However, there is a bad plot afoot to kidnap some young girls and send them to Thailand to become sex slaves. Rose, as she prefers to be called, is kidnapped along with the other girls and tries to save them and herself. And of course we know Eva is going to be involved in trying to rescue them too. So the action thickens. It becomes very fast paced from this point onwards, with different things going on for Rose and the other girls, and Eva and Violet, another young woman Eva quickly became close to. The actions become so bang bang bang, that every turn of the page is something new happening. I loved the story so much that I was sad when it ended, but end it did. I want to read more of what happens next, does Rose get the Sultan who bought her from the evil doer? Do we get to see more of Violet? I sure hope so!
August 5, 2020
Through Children’s Eyes
Kristi Belcamino’s books are always entertaining and thought provoking. I love reading them for the thrills, tension, and tenacity of her characters. After I am finished, though, I am always prone to thinking about the story behind the entertainment.
In this book we see the children taking charge. We have used and abused some of our children and the world in which for so long that they have decided to take the responsibility upon themselves to fix things. And they have done it with ferocity. You see the abandonment every day. From the street corners of Baltimore and other cities throughout the world to the starvation in mountains of Appalachia, Africa, Asia, well everywhere, child labor, and yes, in Rose’s case, the sex trade.
Kristi reminds us of how valuable our children are. What most of us parents fear every day when it comes to our children. The fact that they feel within themselves that they cannot be children and have to grow up way too soon.
This is a book of thrills, tension, and tenacity, but it also a book of sorrow. It is a must read for every parent. Read it, enjoy it, then go give you kid(s), or grandkids, a hug and let them know you care and have their back.
Kristi Belcamino’s books are always entertaining and thought provoking. I love reading them for the thrills, tension, and tenacity of her characters. After I am finished, though, I am always prone to thinking about the story behind the entertainment.
In this book we see the children taking charge. We have used and abused some of our children and the world in which for so long that they have decided to take the responsibility upon themselves to fix things. And they have done it with ferocity. You see the abandonment every day. From the street corners of Baltimore and other cities throughout the world to the starvation in mountains of Appalachia, Africa, Asia, well everywhere, child labor, and yes, in Rose’s case, the sex trade.
Kristi reminds us of how valuable our children are. What most of us parents fear every day when it comes to our children. The fact that they feel within themselves that they cannot be children and have to grow up way too soon.
This is a book of thrills, tension, and tenacity, but it also a book of sorrow. It is a must read for every parent. Read it, enjoy it, then go give you kid(s), or grandkids, a hug and let them know you care and have their back.
July 28, 2020
First thing: There are never any spoilers in my reviews! Second, this is an AMAZING thriller by Kristi Belcamino that you just don't want to miss. Even if you haven't read any books in the Eva OR Gia series, you can pick up here and not miss a beat because the storyline, background, and character development are simply spot on. However, you will WANT to go back and read the other books if you haven't because the stories are just SO GOOD! The story encompasses the passion and strength of women who are simply trying to do the right thing in defending not only themselves but the greater good and standing up for what's right is right. There are plenty of shady characters that draw your attention and keep you enthralled as we watch Rosalie grow up and come to her own because of and despite her unconventional childhood. A fast-paced page-turner that is full of thrills, suspense, and action that you will only be disappointed with when you reach the final pages. Gia, Eva, and Rosalie all capture your heart in a way that you feel like you know them! I love this series and this author! I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 28, 2020
Hold on tight there’s a new bada$$ released in the wild. Little Rosalie, Rose, is not a little girl anymore. She’s a fighter and a killer, at twelve years old. She’s seen the worst of people and wishes to rid the world of the nastiness. As I was reading I easily forgot she’s very young but then remembered the horrors she’s witnessed already. As she sets herself on a mission she gets caught up in human trafficking, Eva comes to her aid with a new assistant. This saga has evolved quite a bit from Gia to Eva and now, Rose. Each woman experienced tragedy and darkness, learning to use the past to help others and live a life of strength and empowerment. Truly a captivating storyline and always a thrill to read an early copy. My review has been provided voluntarily.
August 24, 2020
Another super series begins by Kristi Belcamino.
Gia’s stepdaughter Rosalie or Rose, who has witnessed more violence and death as a 12 year old than anyone should in a lifetime, is sent to Eva to train in self defense.
But Rose has more in mind and the adventure begins.
Great book and you may read it in one sitting unless something extremely important or absolutely necessary interrupts you.
We also meet a new and interesting character - Violet.
The story is filled with twists and turns and unexpected developments.
But! The best is yet to come.
Book 2 in the series will be released tomorrow - August 25th - and I have preordered it and simply can’t wait.
Read Wild Card and let the next super series begin ...
Gia’s stepdaughter Rosalie or Rose, who has witnessed more violence and death as a 12 year old than anyone should in a lifetime, is sent to Eva to train in self defense.
But Rose has more in mind and the adventure begins.
Great book and you may read it in one sitting unless something extremely important or absolutely necessary interrupts you.
We also meet a new and interesting character - Violet.
The story is filled with twists and turns and unexpected developments.
But! The best is yet to come.
Book 2 in the series will be released tomorrow - August 25th - and I have preordered it and simply can’t wait.
Read Wild Card and let the next super series begin ...
July 10, 2020
At age 12, Rosalie joins the women training under Eva. She quickly begins to outshine Gia and Eva. The story is not without some heartache as Nico begins to show signs of age-related dementia. The story is every bit as fresh and exciting as the very first in the series. I blazed through this one I always do for Belcamino's book, and then wished I could have read more. The characters ae realistic. The dialogue is clear and interesting. A new villain called "The Sultan," is introduced, and he gets away in this episode, but I'm sure we will see more of him. Belcamino captures all the passion and power of a strong Italian woman in her stories. They are very realistic superheroes.
July 22, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is Rosalie’s book. Gia and Nico have sent her to Eva’s training camp to learn to protect herself. Rose has worked harder then ever to become one of Eva’s best trained. She wants more. She wants to go to the next step with training. When one of the girls, Lane, comes to Eva with information that her sister has been taken by a sex trafficking group, a plan is made on getting the girl back. Rose wants to prove she is capable of handling the situation even though she is told no. This is an edge of your seat read as the action happens. A new evil, The Sultan, is introduced. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!!
July 28, 2020
Yet again Kristi has us gripped from page 1. Was a bit unsure as the main character of this book is so young but I my worries were totally unfounded. Eve, has been training Rosalie for what she thinks is her own protection but Rosalie has other ideas she is training to be a better killer. With action, tension & a great story line the book takes you across the world to the seedy underworld of the sex trade. Lots of close calls & high tension. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down. Works as a stand alone but you will want to read the rest of the series once you finish this one. Highly recommend if you like action, kick ass women & fantastic story.
July 28, 2020
Will Rose grow to be an avenging angel like the Santella women, Eva and Gia? Raised by Gia and sent to train under Eva, the choice is up to her...she has the skills, the motivation and the disposition. But she must decide between her chance at a normal life with her family and her desire to seek vengeance for the wrongs done to innocent girls caught up in the sex trafficking business. A lot of emotion in this one; seeing young Rose mature way beyond her years because of her life's experiences but also seeing the vulnerable side of the 12 year old girl that she is. Don't miss it!! Can't wait for the continuation of Rose's story.
July 12, 2020
Loved this! It focuses on Rosalie (more than Eva) as she has now spent a year training and developing her skillset, and wants to be one of Eva's soldiers. Unfortunately, to try to prove her worth to Eva, she puts herself in danger. Rosalie is strong for such a young girl, though, and tries everything she can to keep herself and others safe.
This book had some emotional moments, but also had the action and suspense we love in this series. This had a deeper look into Rose and how she behaves and feels, and I look forward to seeing where the next book takes her.
A great read!
This book had some emotional moments, but also had the action and suspense we love in this series. This had a deeper look into Rose and how she behaves and feels, and I look forward to seeing where the next book takes her.
A great read!
July 28, 2020
Has taken assassination thrillers to a new level
Eva, our international woman of assistance and assassination, has set her sights on an old rival in Italy this time. As the story progresses a dangerous mission is launched, things take a wrong turn quickly, and a last minute change of heart could be a minute to late to save them. Kristi Belcamino has taken assassination thrillers to a new level with The Wild Card and has ensured that even should the Queen fall her monarchy is well protected.
Eva, our international woman of assistance and assassination, has set her sights on an old rival in Italy this time. As the story progresses a dangerous mission is launched, things take a wrong turn quickly, and a last minute change of heart could be a minute to late to save them. Kristi Belcamino has taken assassination thrillers to a new level with The Wild Card and has ensured that even should the Queen fall her monarchy is well protected.
July 29, 2020
Under the tutelage of Eva, Rosalie, now going by Rose, has become quite a fierce young girl. When she goes to infiltrate a human trafficking ring against Eva's wishes, she faces violence and danger that may be more than she can handle.
A fast paced story full of thrills and action makes you forget that Rose is only 12. It's also an emotional story with well written characters that show the strength and perseverance people have to overcome their terrible pasts. I am really looking forward to see what comes next for Eva and Rose.
A fast paced story full of thrills and action makes you forget that Rose is only 12. It's also an emotional story with well written characters that show the strength and perseverance people have to overcome their terrible pasts. I am really looking forward to see what comes next for Eva and Rose.
July 29, 2020
“What makes some people the way… the way we are?” Rose asked Eva. Indeed. At barely 12 years old, Rose had already witnessed two brutal murders and had killed a man who had kidnapped her. She’s training at Eva’s elite compound to learn how to better protect herself. She falls into the hands of traffickers; is singled out for a ‘special’ client. Who can save her? Another tense tale from Belcamino. I did love the interactions that Rose had with the boy at the beach. A little bit of normality.
July 14, 2020
Rose is training in Italy under Eva, the Queen of Spades. One of the girls gets taken in by Savino, who traffics young girls. Rose goes on her own to try to save her by pretending to be a runaway. The suspense builds as Rose finds a way to escape, but not for long. An exciting finish as Eva gets involved to try to save Rose. This is another page turning thriller.
July 28, 2020
This is an edge of your seat thriller all the way through. Little Rosalie has had a hard life, but has grown up to be a strong, bad a** woman. There are lots of thrills and chills. It’s fast paced and easy to read. It’s part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving
July 30, 2020
Another awesome book!
Delve into Rose, a bit of Gia and Nico, and always have to have some Eva.
Good story, left it open for more, which we always want, when this author is in charge!
Delve into Rose, a bit of Gia and Nico, and always have to have some Eva.
Good story, left it open for more, which we always want, when this author is in charge!
August 8, 2020
Suspense! Holy cow!
On the edge of your seat thriller! I am loving Rose's story and can't wait for the next installment! Front to back, this book will keep you turning the pages and wanting more!
On the edge of your seat thriller! I am loving Rose's story and can't wait for the next installment! Front to back, this book will keep you turning the pages and wanting more!
September 29, 2020
So happy
With this character from the Gia series who has spun off to her own new series. A young girl who has seen a lot and has the desire to be as badass as the woman who saved her. She will train harder and nothing will stop her. Can’t wait for more Rose!
With this character from the Gia series who has spun off to her own new series. A young girl who has seen a lot and has the desire to be as badass as the woman who saved her. She will train harder and nothing will stop her. Can’t wait for more Rose!
June 9, 2021
Eva's Warrior's
Eva has trained Rose well but can she continue to do the job?
Eva, Gia and Rose lives are changing. How will they continue?
Well written story with mystery, strong and believable characters
to decide how to continue to help others.
Eva has trained Rose well but can she continue to do the job?
Eva, Gia and Rose lives are changing. How will they continue?
Well written story with mystery, strong and believable characters
to decide how to continue to help others.
July 13, 2021
Absolutely Amazing Page-Turner!
Reading Belcamino novels seems like it takes five minutes and you suddenly come to a he end! You can't help but fall in love with her main characters, anxious to see them drive and come out ahead!
Reading Belcamino novels seems like it takes five minutes and you suddenly come to a he end! You can't help but fall in love with her main characters, anxious to see them drive and come out ahead!
August 10, 2021
Sad
The story of a young girl growing up in a difficult and deadly life! She is forced to kill even as a preteen. Although she is given the choice of leaving the killers life she chooses
Vengance!
The story of a young girl growing up in a difficult and deadly life! She is forced to kill even as a preteen. Although she is given the choice of leaving the killers life she chooses
Vengance!
December 10, 2025
Okay this series really surprised me. At first I thought it was too predictable but, then the story really sucked me in. Still think if the reading of it on Audible was better the story would have resonated more. But beggars can't be choosers!
July 12, 2020
The Eva series just keep getting better. Rose has grown up, as far as she is concerned and has a mind of her own. Even though she basically is still a young girl. you still wish she didn’t have the background ....
Read
August 6, 2020I just finished Wild Card and didn’t want it to end! Great story and very sobering with its relevancy at the same time! Thanx Kristie!! I loved it! Waiting for the next one!
October 14, 2020
Awesome.
February 24, 2021
Great reading
I was hooked with the first book. I give this book four stars. Hope others enjoy her books as much as I have.
I was hooked with the first book. I give this book four stars. Hope others enjoy her books as much as I have.
August 2, 2021
Seemed a little simplistic but I enjoyed it still. Simple good versus evil.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews