Poker Face

Queen of Spades #8

by Kristi Belcamino

Former Italian Mafia boss, turned vigilante fugitive, Eva Santella - aka the Queen of Spades - owns a training school for assassins in the old country, but her main priority is traveling around the world to help those who cannot help themselves and turn to her as a last resort.

Now, in this eighth book of the series, Eva Santella leaves Sicily to travel to the American south to search for three missing—and pregnant women. The state of Alabama has just outlawed abortion and Eva suspects there might be a connection.

She doesn't know who is behind the disappearances, but is certain that if she doesn't find them, they are going to end up dead.

Author If you are triggered by the subject of abortion or miscarriage I suggest you skip this one. I have another 30+ books you can check out instead. : )

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2022

About the author

Kristi 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

Reviews

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you could read without the others first. The author gives Eva’s backstory a few times and the story is not connected to the others. The laws on abortion are heavy in the news right now and Belcamino decided to put her own spin on it. A woman has decided to kidnap women wanting abortions and forcing them to go through with the pregnancy. Eva, thanks to all her skills and her assistant, was able to investigate where the police failed. The storyline was intriguing as it was told through the villain, each woman and Eva. If you can be triggered by abortion, handcuffs, or dark spaces this might not be a book for you. In previous books Eva had loose relationships, meaning she enjoyed her freedom and was happy without a permanent connection. I felt the way her last relationship ended was stilted and forced as a reason for the latest hottie. I like Eva’s character and personality, I miss reading stories that have a more personal connection to her and her life. I received an advanced copy and have provided this review honestly.

[Lauren A · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of today's more controversial topics is the 'A' word. Eva has been contacted to track down three pregnant women who have disappeared. Their common link, all were considering having an abortion. Kristi handles the subject openly but tactfully. Evil is indeed alive and well in this story in the form of a woman who is abducting pregnant women to satisfy her delusional religious crusade. Eva must put all the pieces of the puzzle together before she can identify her and get to the women before it's too late. Very refreshing that in the end, each woman comes to embrace and accept their pregnancy in their own way. Well written and suspenseful, a different twist on Eva that peels away yet another layer of who this extraordinary women is.

[Robin Blanksguster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Ms. Belcamino. Eva and Alex have quit each other and a special, emergency situation needs Eva's special touch. 3 pregnant women are missing in the South and no one has a clue as to why or where they could be hidden. Each woman has a problem with having her baby and disappeared after having been seen at a particular medical clinic. A snobby, bullying, grand dame older woman may be at the bottom of a few bad happenings. There are many twists and turns and I found myself rooting for Eva to get to the women and for the hot guy she encounters while looking for the women. Great read!

Red Robin

[Alan Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Another exciting page-turner episode in the life of Eva - Queen of Spades. This is the 8th in the series, but Kristi Belcamino has cleverly intertwined Eva's past life and exploits into the story making it almost like a standalone novel that anyone could pick up and read. As usual Kristi has given us a fast paced story, never any wasted words, little twists and turns, sensitively dealing with the abortion issue and always with the best strong female hero Eva Santella. I've read everything the author has written and I have NEVER been disappointed.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poker Face (Queen of Spades Thrillers Book 8), my thirteenth read from author Kristi Belcamino and my second in the Queen of Spades Thrillers series. Well written & enjoyable, a captivating tale that takes unexpected twists & turns, always keeping the reader engaged and guessing until the book’s end. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva is back with a new situation that needs to be taken care of. Someone contacted the Queen of Spades page begging for help to find missing pregnant women in Alabama. She doesn't know if it is related to the new law against abortion or not, but is darned sure gonna find out and find them, hopefully alive.
Tastefully written, not too political, and as always with Eva, a kickass story filled with action and excitement.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have read just about all of Ms. Belcamino's books about Eva's exploits. This was a story line I thought different from the norm but just as interesting and suspenseful. I totally enjoyed it and can't wait for more.

Kristi is a fantastic author that can keep you guessing as you are on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book as I do all Ms. Belcamino's.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva is drawn back to the U.S. to help find three pregnant women in Alabama who has disappeared. With recent changes in the abortion laws and a plea for her help, she works to find them. She is willing to take whatever risks needed to help locate them and bring the ladies home. Eva has a one track mind when she is on a mission and is a true bad ass! Awesome read!

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Novels! All 8 of them!

I read all eight of the Queen of Spades novels and loved every one of them. Storylines were exciting and interesting. The characters are wonderful, especially Eva and Red.I am looking forward to reading more exciting, "can't put them down", novels from this author.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 young women from Alabama go missing. The only thing they have in common is that they are pregnant. Eva Santella takes on the challenge to hunt for the missing women. Another thriller from Kristi Belcamino.

[Leslie Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great add to the series! Our Queen of Spades is on a mission to find out who is kidnapping pregnant women. Eva uses her skills to figure out what is going on and along the way meets a cute punk rocker that throws a kink in her structured life. Loved it and looking forward to the next one!

[Christina Picone · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series has become my escape

I absolutely love these books and this author. Im an EMT and often need a mental escape. These books have become my safe haven. I hope the author continues to write more and more because I will read every.single.book!

[Felicia Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAITING ON THE QUEEN OF SPADES TV SERIES

I have completed the 8 book series and what a great series. I found book 8 was more about mental illness and how it wasn’t treated and the consequences that came from it. Thank you Ms. Belcamino.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story line

This is truly an amazing story line. You don't want to miss this read.
The Queen of Spades does it again. Heart wrenching story. Don't want to put down.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new Queen of Spades story has Eva back in the US searching for missing pregnant women. The story is told from many perspectives, allowing you to get into the head of each character.
Things have also changed in her personal life, which was a little surprising to me - maybe I just didn't see the relationship troubles in the previous book?
I have enjoyed this series from the start, and this was another good addition. I hope to read more Eva stories in the future.

[Celia Manansala · Rating 3 out of 5]

not like the Queen of Spades

This is not the Eva l like.

So sorry. She seems unsure and weak. And l had liked her in the previous books.

[Debbie Portnoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

From the time I started this book ; I had to read to the end without stopping. This entire series is amazing!!