Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin #17
267 p.
Publisher: Author/Indie
Published: 6/12/18
Source: from author for review

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2t0A6Rk

Blood might be thicker than water, but venom is stronger than just about anything… 

It was supposed to be a nice, quiet, simple dinner with friends—but nothing is ever nice, quiet, or simple when you’re Gin Blanco, the Spider, notorious assassin and current queen of the Ashland underworld. 

This time around, someone seems to be targeting Stuart Mosley, the president of First Trust bank. Lots of people have grudges against Mosley, but the more I investigate, the more Mosley’s problems seem to be connected to some of my own, especially when it comes to the Circle, the evil, shadowy group that is secretly responsible for much of the crime and corruption in Ashland. 

But when another blast from my dark and deadly past as the Spider comes to light, I wonder if I’ll be able to survive this dangerous new enemy, who has a burning thirst for revenge that will only be satisfied with one thing: my death. 

Note: The title of this book has been changed from Cold Sting to Venom in the Veins.

My thoughts:

Another episode in Gin's life and I still enjoy these books. There is a familiar ring to most of these stories and for me, it is like coming back to old friends and going on a new adventure where Gin kicks some arse. While we don't quite move too much on the latest overall arc in this novel we do get a bit further glimpse into what is going on and it also made me even more curious about Hugh Tucker and how he fits into Gin's past, present and possible future (although how far into that future is yet to be seen). It seems like we keep getting hints on if he is a bad guy or a good guy and the jury is still out. It is frustrating in a good way as he rides the line between good and evil perfectly. I don't think I'd like it if all my answers came at once.

As with the other books the secondary characters are as interesting as Gin and we get to have more interaction with Mosley, Finn's boss, and we get to see how he has become more part of Gin's growing family. Without giving too much away, we see how Gin ends up not just protecting Mosley but how his past has been intertwined with her own.

I give this book 4 stars. It is another good addition to the series which I adore and I anxiously await the next book. I know I'm a bit light on details, but this is a series I think you need to experience yourself and I don't want to spoil any of it. Also, don't let 17 books scare you. A good book goes fast and you won't have to wait for the next one to come out. In some ways that makes me envious as I am now wanting the next book and I have to wait.

☀