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Queen of Spades #1-6
Queen of Spades Thrillers: Books 1-6: Queen of Spades Boxset
Perfect for fans of Lee Child and readers who love vigilante assassins.
She fled her violent world in Italy and made a life for herself in L.A. under a new name.
But then …They found her.
And took away everything she loved.
Now she has only one thing left to live for…
Making them pay.
All six books in the bestselling Eva Santella series: Queen of Spades, One-Eyed Jack, The Suicide King, The Ace of Clubs, The Joker, and the Wild Card
What readers are saying:
“Kristi Belcamino is always great, her characters are memorable feminist icons, the toughest women on the planet. This time she's invented a new genre, the Mafia Kung Fu movie Italian style, with a feminist twist.” - Amazon Review
Eva Santella grew up in Sicily as the daughter of a mafioso but when he was put in prison, she took over the family business and became one of the first female mob bosses when the other families made her a Woman of Honor.
But then they turned on her.
And she had to flee her beloved home country and start a new life for herself in America.
They hunted her down and tried to destroy her.
But they failed.
Instead, the Queen of Spades was born, arisen from the ashes of her torched life.
Like the Atomic Blonde, Red Sparrow, Jason Bourne? You'll love Eva Santella.
BUY THE QUEEN OF SPADES BOXSET TODAY TO START THE THRILL RIDE!
She fled her violent world in Italy and made a life for herself in L.A. under a new name.
But then …They found her.
And took away everything she loved.
Now she has only one thing left to live for…
Making them pay.
All six books in the bestselling Eva Santella series: Queen of Spades, One-Eyed Jack, The Suicide King, The Ace of Clubs, The Joker, and the Wild Card
What readers are saying:
“Kristi Belcamino is always great, her characters are memorable feminist icons, the toughest women on the planet. This time she's invented a new genre, the Mafia Kung Fu movie Italian style, with a feminist twist.” - Amazon Review
Eva Santella grew up in Sicily as the daughter of a mafioso but when he was put in prison, she took over the family business and became one of the first female mob bosses when the other families made her a Woman of Honor.
But then they turned on her.
And she had to flee her beloved home country and start a new life for herself in America.
They hunted her down and tried to destroy her.
But they failed.
Instead, the Queen of Spades was born, arisen from the ashes of her torched life.
Like the Atomic Blonde, Red Sparrow, Jason Bourne? You'll love Eva Santella.
BUY THE QUEEN OF SPADES BOXSET TODAY TO START THE THRILL RIDE!
- GenresAction
1206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2021
About the author
Kristi Belcamino
97 books428 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2021
Queen of Spades:
Eva is such a tough woman. Through her own heartache she powers on, seeking vengeance after a devastating loss. She discovers that her life in America all these years hasn't actually kept her hidden, and it is people from her past who are seeking their own vengeance.
This was a great read. You really feel for her, and totally understand the actions she takes. Even with revenge on her mind, she still has a good heart and is willing to do what she can to help the people she deems worthy.
One-Eyed Jack:
A member of an online group has planned something huge that will be truly devastating. They have strong views and will go to extremes to prove a point. Eva is contacted as a last resort to help control and prevent the catastrophe from occurring.
Behind closed doors, Eva still struggles with her loss, but in the presence of others she is strong and determined to do what's right.
Characters in this book (and series!) are all complex, each with their own insecurities and flaws, yet most think with their hearts before their heads, putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.
Another great read by Kristi Belcamino! Highly recommend!
The Suicide King:
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, allowing us 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.
The Ace of Clubs:
Following straight on from The Suicide King, Eva heads to Cabo to help find a missing American girl after receiving a mother's desperate plea. Unfortunately missing girls aren't a rare occurrence here, and Eva has her work cut out for her trying to find this particular girl. The city is full of people with something to hide, and most are not willing to tell Eva the truth about what they know.
It is so great to see Eva's vulnerable side throughout these books, and not just her tough side. She doesn't let her personal demons slow her down though, she just puts those thoughts on hold while she helps others.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Kristi writes these awesome female lead characters, but they aren't perfect, which just makes them that much more likeable. Loved this book and can't wait for the next one!
The Joker:
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.
The Wild Card:
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!
Eva is such a tough woman. Through her own heartache she powers on, seeking vengeance after a devastating loss. She discovers that her life in America all these years hasn't actually kept her hidden, and it is people from her past who are seeking their own vengeance.
This was a great read. You really feel for her, and totally understand the actions she takes. Even with revenge on her mind, she still has a good heart and is willing to do what she can to help the people she deems worthy.
One-Eyed Jack:
A member of an online group has planned something huge that will be truly devastating. They have strong views and will go to extremes to prove a point. Eva is contacted as a last resort to help control and prevent the catastrophe from occurring.
Behind closed doors, Eva still struggles with her loss, but in the presence of others she is strong and determined to do what's right.
Characters in this book (and series!) are all complex, each with their own insecurities and flaws, yet most think with their hearts before their heads, putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.
Another great read by Kristi Belcamino! Highly recommend!
The Suicide King:
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, allowing us 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.
The Ace of Clubs:
Following straight on from The Suicide King, Eva heads to Cabo to help find a missing American girl after receiving a mother's desperate plea. Unfortunately missing girls aren't a rare occurrence here, and Eva has her work cut out for her trying to find this particular girl. The city is full of people with something to hide, and most are not willing to tell Eva the truth about what they know.
It is so great to see Eva's vulnerable side throughout these books, and not just her tough side. She doesn't let her personal demons slow her down though, she just puts those thoughts on hold while she helps others.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Kristi writes these awesome female lead characters, but they aren't perfect, which just makes them that much more likeable. Loved this book and can't wait for the next one!
The Joker:
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.
The Wild Card:
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!
February 21, 2021
QUEEN. OF. SPADES by Kristi Belcamino
Eva motto has been ‘ kill them with kindness’. She was chair person for the food drive at the school. The things she did for her children, and for them as a family to blend in. A picture on her phone forced her to leave the meeting.. She couldn’t get caught up in the sentimentality of her family it would weaken her. They had been against her, a woman that had taken over the reins of her mafia family. They proved that it was deadly for her to continue taking what she loved. A life so rich in love from a husband and children now taken,
Dressed in black now, she stepped back into the persona she was once again ‘Queen of Spades’, The housewife of ten years was gone. The legend of who she was has returned. Revenge for those that had taken from her. Now training an army of woman, loyalty was demanded, if they succeeded that would be her family.
Powerful, an awesome book, giving us a close, personal look into her life, the sadness of having family turn against her. To have been richly blessed with an American family , taken because she was a woman in power, This has to be one of the best books the author has written, it will touch readers as they read.
ONE EYED JACK. Kristie Belcamino
The opening draws you in, giving you a glimpse of a man so dark, and full of hate. He is pleading for help, to right a wrong, he knows about. Eva a diverse person, a soft side, that few know of . She is tough and
determined for a cause, and to help those, that can’t,. This helps to bring healing to her, and to fight the demons at night. ...In this story was against men gathering their hate against women, and feeding it, by gathering together, the FBI wanted more details. Now it is directed at her. A friend in Conrad, and another loss. The story is always filled with the emotions and heart aches that she goes thru, we admire this person, this Queen.
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.
THE WILD CARD...Kristi. .Belcamino
Rose once again in the water will she survive, the memories come once again. Was she a monster, for she felt no remorse for what she had done. Gia tells her no. Nico and Gia sent her to Eva to be well trained, she would always be a target. To die, not yet, a man who was evil to the core first, to save hundreds of girls. How it began was the hate from another soldier Lane, from the first day. Then when Lane went to Eva that a young sister had been taken, thirteen. It was Rose who said she would go, she could persuade them to take her in.
Eva remember her life, a love and family taken, To hear what Rose had planned from the beginning , they all had under estimated her.
Powerful story of a love for family, others, and to help others when trouble comes. It is a deep moving story of Rose and the choice she feels she is to do.
Great series
Eva motto has been ‘ kill them with kindness’. She was chair person for the food drive at the school. The things she did for her children, and for them as a family to blend in. A picture on her phone forced her to leave the meeting.. She couldn’t get caught up in the sentimentality of her family it would weaken her. They had been against her, a woman that had taken over the reins of her mafia family. They proved that it was deadly for her to continue taking what she loved. A life so rich in love from a husband and children now taken,
Dressed in black now, she stepped back into the persona she was once again ‘Queen of Spades’, The housewife of ten years was gone. The legend of who she was has returned. Revenge for those that had taken from her. Now training an army of woman, loyalty was demanded, if they succeeded that would be her family.
Powerful, an awesome book, giving us a close, personal look into her life, the sadness of having family turn against her. To have been richly blessed with an American family , taken because she was a woman in power, This has to be one of the best books the author has written, it will touch readers as they read.
ONE EYED JACK. Kristie Belcamino
The opening draws you in, giving you a glimpse of a man so dark, and full of hate. He is pleading for help, to right a wrong, he knows about. Eva a diverse person, a soft side, that few know of . She is tough and
determined for a cause, and to help those, that can’t,. This helps to bring healing to her, and to fight the demons at night. ...In this story was against men gathering their hate against women, and feeding it, by gathering together, the FBI wanted more details. Now it is directed at her. A friend in Conrad, and another loss. The story is always filled with the emotions and heart aches that she goes thru, we admire this person, this Queen.
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.
THE WILD CARD...Kristi. .Belcamino
Rose once again in the water will she survive, the memories come once again. Was she a monster, for she felt no remorse for what she had done. Gia tells her no. Nico and Gia sent her to Eva to be well trained, she would always be a target. To die, not yet, a man who was evil to the core first, to save hundreds of girls. How it began was the hate from another soldier Lane, from the first day. Then when Lane went to Eva that a young sister had been taken, thirteen. It was Rose who said she would go, she could persuade them to take her in.
Eva remember her life, a love and family taken, To hear what Rose had planned from the beginning , they all had under estimated her.
Powerful story of a love for family, others, and to help others when trouble comes. It is a deep moving story of Rose and the choice she feels she is to do.
Great series
February 16, 2026
The Queen of Spades boxset is a thrilling, nonstop ride from start to finish. Kristi Belcamino has created a character who is equal parts fierce, clever, and relentless, Eva Santella is the ultimate antiheroine for fans of vigilante justice and high-stakes action.
From her roots in Sicily as the daughter of a mafioso to her reinvention in Los Angeles, Eva’s story is one of resilience, revenge, and empowerment. The series captures both the grit of the criminal underworld and the emotional depth of a woman fighting for justice on her own terms. Each installment ratchets up the tension, with clever twists, pulse-pounding action, and memorable supporting characters that keep you hooked through all six books.
Belcamino’s writing balances thrilling action with moments of humanity, making Eva more than just a vengeance machine, she’s a fully realized, complex character you can root for, even as she takes on seemingly impossible odds. Fans of Atomic Blonde, Red Sparrow, or Jason Bourne-style thrillers will find themselves completely absorbed.
A perfect series for readers who love fast-paced, female-led action with intelligence, heart, and unflinching stakes. This boxset is binge-worthy from page one.
From her roots in Sicily as the daughter of a mafioso to her reinvention in Los Angeles, Eva’s story is one of resilience, revenge, and empowerment. The series captures both the grit of the criminal underworld and the emotional depth of a woman fighting for justice on her own terms. Each installment ratchets up the tension, with clever twists, pulse-pounding action, and memorable supporting characters that keep you hooked through all six books.
Belcamino’s writing balances thrilling action with moments of humanity, making Eva more than just a vengeance machine, she’s a fully realized, complex character you can root for, even as she takes on seemingly impossible odds. Fans of Atomic Blonde, Red Sparrow, or Jason Bourne-style thrillers will find themselves completely absorbed.
A perfect series for readers who love fast-paced, female-led action with intelligence, heart, and unflinching stakes. This boxset is binge-worthy from page one.
March 15, 2021
Finished 1 & 2, but not 3. Let me tell you why.
I didn’t quit reading because I hated the books, cause I didn’t. Honestly I just needed a break from it. It keeps me kinda stressed out. Sometimes I get bored with it, then sometimes I get really annoyed, and then sometimes I’m on the edge of my seat. And I’m just not all that hung up on it.
I love that the author, Kristi Belcamino, has no problem killing off characters. That sounds terrible but it gets readers more invested I think. Also she is good at throwing curve balls that you never see coming. That said though, her writing is a little basic and simple. And it’s all her good story telling qualities she is still lacking something that I just can’t put my finger on. I just can’t get 100% into the books. so for now I am going to move on but maybe I will come back to it at another date.
I didn’t quit reading because I hated the books, cause I didn’t. Honestly I just needed a break from it. It keeps me kinda stressed out. Sometimes I get bored with it, then sometimes I get really annoyed, and then sometimes I’m on the edge of my seat. And I’m just not all that hung up on it.
I love that the author, Kristi Belcamino, has no problem killing off characters. That sounds terrible but it gets readers more invested I think. Also she is good at throwing curve balls that you never see coming. That said though, her writing is a little basic and simple. And it’s all her good story telling qualities she is still lacking something that I just can’t put my finger on. I just can’t get 100% into the books. so for now I am going to move on but maybe I will come back to it at another date.
April 22, 2021
Ok but disappointing
I like a revenge thriller if it ends up with the good guys winning but with this series I was left feeling deflated as too many 'good guys' died whilst too many 'baddies' got away, especially with the last book which was really disappointing.
There's also some weird timeline and chronology issues throughout the series too whereby we jump forward several years at a time, even 20 years at one point, only then to have events spoken about a year ago when it should be 21 years ago and people never seeming to age.
It also doesn't make sense that Eva and her army of supposed expertly trained assassins always get overpowered or taken by surprise and, in many cases killed, by second rate thugs. It just makes all the descriptions of the training totally pointless.
I like a revenge thriller if it ends up with the good guys winning but with this series I was left feeling deflated as too many 'good guys' died whilst too many 'baddies' got away, especially with the last book which was really disappointing.
There's also some weird timeline and chronology issues throughout the series too whereby we jump forward several years at a time, even 20 years at one point, only then to have events spoken about a year ago when it should be 21 years ago and people never seeming to age.
It also doesn't make sense that Eva and her army of supposed expertly trained assassins always get overpowered or taken by surprise and, in many cases killed, by second rate thugs. It just makes all the descriptions of the training totally pointless.
March 4, 2021
For an elite trained assassin, she sure does walk into every trap imaginable, which in itself didn't take much imagination to set the traps, so it makes it even more ridiculous that elite assassins are constantly falling for it. She and her squad are the worst example for elite assassins I've heard of. They fall into every trap, constantly are surprised and overpowered, and downright stupid. Also the fifth book isn't really a book of its own because most it is filled with backstory from the first couple of books and I don't mean like a couple sentences here and there, I mean page upon page of it. I would not recommend nor would I ever read anything else by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
Queen of Spade's Forever
I love this series. Filled with knock down,drag out, kick butt energy and thrills from the first page to the last. I had previously read a couple of the series, but reading the entire series from front to back was well worth Reading over again. If you enjoy non stop action while feeling every emotion known to exist, through Eva Santella. Then I highly recommend reaching this series from front to back.
I love this series. Filled with knock down,drag out, kick butt energy and thrills from the first page to the last. I had previously read a couple of the series, but reading the entire series from front to back was well worth Reading over again. If you enjoy non stop action while feeling every emotion known to exist, through Eva Santella. Then I highly recommend reaching this series from front to back.
Read
April 5, 2022Good read
Great read ,interesting plot, mafia family ties keep you guessing. Hard to stop reading once you get started . Eva makes a great killer and you just want to see her continue on a good path to be helpful to the oppressed .highly recommended.
Great read ,interesting plot, mafia family ties keep you guessing. Hard to stop reading once you get started . Eva makes a great killer and you just want to see her continue on a good path to be helpful to the oppressed .highly recommended.
October 20, 2024
the Amazons of Eva lacks something
These women were trained and yet they get caught. Like Chiara. Like Helena. They lack tradecraft and are easily overcome and overwhelmed.
The author has to make them more invincible.
These women were trained and yet they get caught. Like Chiara. Like Helena. They lack tradecraft and are easily overcome and overwhelmed.
The author has to make them more invincible.
April 5, 2026
I listen to audio books and I was SOOO looking forward to listening to this series but the audiobooks lacked emotion of any kind.
It’s such a disappointment that the publisher/author chose AI to read these books over a human.
It’s such a disappointment that the publisher/author chose AI to read these books over a human.
May 8, 2021
I love the Queen of Spades Thrillers.
May 26, 2021
Better then I thought was wishing it kept going. Amazing storyline kept you wanting more and more.
March 11, 2023
Really good
All 6 stories were very good. I enjoyed the style of writing and the characters especially the strong female lead. Different but very good
All 6 stories were very good. I enjoyed the style of writing and the characters especially the strong female lead. Different but very good
April 1, 2023
Amazing set of books!
You will be in the edge of your seat reading about Eva Santella and the circumstances that made her what she is now. Loved all six books!
You will be in the edge of your seat reading about Eva Santella and the circumstances that made her what she is now. Loved all six books!
May 22, 2023
A really interesting and enjoyable set of stories.
The thing I liked most about these set of stories was the action with the interplay of characters in each story as it unfolded.
The thing I liked most about these set of stories was the action with the interplay of characters in each story as it unfolded.
March 12, 2025
What a Thriller
Eva is the best. How she kills the bad people who destroy women and children goes unsaid. The boxset was read in three days . A true page turner!
Eva is the best. How she kills the bad people who destroy women and children goes unsaid. The boxset was read in three days . A true page turner!
August 18, 2025
brilliant very good read
Absolutely brilliant could not put it down kept you going all the time kept you in suspense wishing a good ending
Absolutely brilliant could not put it down kept you going all the time kept you in suspense wishing a good ending
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews