Cordelia Kingsbridge - A Chip and a Chair

Detective Levi Abrams and PI Dominic Russo are reunited and more committed to each other than ever, but they can’t truly move forward with their lives until the serial killer who’s been tormenting them is behind bars. When a secret burial site is discovered in the desert with the remains of the Seven of Spades’s earliest victims, that goal finally seems within reach. But just as the net is tightening, the Neo-Nazi militia Utopia launches their master plan with a devastating act of terror that changes the landscape of Las Vegas forever. 

As Levi and Dominic scramble to prevent the city’s destruction, they’re opposed by treacherous forces that propel them toward catastrophe. In the end, Levi’s fate may rest in the hands of the very killer he’s been hunting. 

The race to save Sin City is on, and these players are going for broke. No matter how hopeless things seem, as long as they’re together and they’ve got a chip to play and a chair to sit in, they’re still in the game.

Comment: This is the final installment in the Seven of Spades series, which I had intended - and accomplished - to finish reading in 2023.

In this final adventure, detective Levi and his partner Dominic are bent on savoring the good things in their life and in the life of those around them. However, at the same time, the aftershock of what the serial killer Seven of Spades has done, can't be ignored. Everyone is determined to catch the killer, but the connections are just too difficult to find, but things change when a white supremacist group decides to target the killer, attacking and kidnapping Levi. The Seven of Spades has been known to help or to defend Levi, sometimes by extreme measures, which means Levi will be rescued, but will he be ready to find out who the killer truly is?

From the start that the big secret in this series has been the identity of the serial killer who, for some reason, has always been on the side of detective Levi, even though what caused this or what kind of connection they might have is unknown. The hint that the killer had to be someone close to Levi has been more than obvious, but the question is who could fit all the criteria, considering past events.

Well, I think this would always be a surprise, no matter what, because the person had to belong to a small group of people. Some of the secondary characters have been part of the series for a while and the choices weren't many, but the author still managed to misdirect things here, until the final reveal and I confess I fell into her ploy and suspected a person who ended up being only red herring. When I found out who the person was, in a reveal scene, which was surprisingly simple, I was startled because of obvious reasons: this person always seemed to behave a certain way and that was, after all, fake.

In a way, and perhaps this is only an impression due to the fact I had to stop reading many times because of real life, and breaking up the flow might have that effect, I've felt that this last story was a little rushed. I did have the feeling the story was only about who the Seven of Spades really was and how cleverly everyone was deceived, and the other elements (such as stuff related to secondary characters and the romance between Levi and Dominic) took second stage. One could say this is expected, but I think the author could have written things differently... after all, I felt the drama was a bit too much on book #3 and now this one wasn't as shocking.

Let it be said that the explanation for the killer's identity to have been hidden so well is certainly possible, but... it was so well concealed that even rationally accepting such behavior as likely, as very much acceptable in terms of mental and social reasons, I still felt it came out of nowhere. Someone had to be the big villain, so... again, maybe it's just an impression. The plot pretty much revolves around this, until the very end, when a demanding situation has to be solved and the Seven of Spades, now know to Levi and other characters, actually helped. Hmm, this felt a bit too much, actually, in how one can accept unlikely scenarios...

As a whole, the series was definitely engaging and there were many things, details related to cases and the romance that I liked and that made me eager to keep reading. I think this final installment could have as well planned as the first two, which to me were the best, but I think that if the goal was to conclude an adventure with enough solid feature, this was achieved. The romance also had a romantic end, so to speak, with information that left me happy for them and the belief that these two were, indeed, in love, despite their obvious need to keep working on their trust issues.

All in all, a good enough end to the series, and I'm glad I've finished up another one.

Grade: 7/10

Cordelia Kingsbridge - One-Eyed Royals

Spoiler Alert! The following blurb contains spoilers for Cash Plays, book three of Seven of Spades.
Shattered by their devastating breakup, Detective Levi Abrams and PI Dominic Russo find themselves at war right when they need each other most. While Dominic is trapped in a vicious cycle of addiction, Levi despairs of ever catching the Seven of Spades. The ruthless vigilante’s body count continues to climb, and it’s all Levi can do to keep up with the carnage.
When Levi’s and Dominic’s paths keep crossing in the investigation of a kidnapping ring with a taste for mutilation, it feels like history repeating itself. Thrown together by fate once again, they reluctantly join forces in their hunt for the mastermind behind the abductions.
But the Seven of Spades hates sharing the spotlight, and they have an ace in the hole: a new batch of victims with a special connection to Levi. Their murders send shockwaves through Las Vegas and change the rules of the game forever.
The Seven of Spades has upped the ante. If Levi and Dominic don’t play their cards right, they’ll end up losing everything.

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Seven of Spades series, featuring police detective Levi and PI Dominic as they try to find a way to uncover the identity of the serial killer Seven of Spades, and stop him, even though his targets have always been people who have not been innocent. 

In this story, following closely the events of the previous one, Levi and Dominic are now separated because Levi found out about Dominic's relapse into gambling. While they deal with this situation, they still can't quite give up on each other and hook up sometimes. They know this isn't healthy but  they are still in love and still hope things change. At the same time, the Seven of Spades is escalating on his actions and is now starting to target people connected with Levi's past. The killer's obsession with Levi is also making others around him nervous. What can anyone do, however, if the killer is so clever and resourceful?

I was not very happy with what happened between the protagonists in the previous book. I get it that the author wanted to highlight the need for the guys to communicate, to want to be together and that means Levi has to let go of his anger, and Dominic has to accept he relapsed and needs to ask for help, but these things are much easier said than done. I do get this, but at the same time part of me wished that these two would already be at a point where their self awareness and intelligence would stop them from making bad choices. Oh well..

In this novel, of course things get to such a level that something certainly had to be done. I think the author did a good enough job showing this in a way that I can believe the guys did process things and wanted to do this for the right reasons (their self respect, the respect of those around them) and not because the serial killer forced their hand with the kind of acts he commits. In fact, this story reveals that not only the serial killer isn't the unassuming self appointed vigilante, only doing bad things because he feels no authority is doing enough, but he is actually a person with an agenda and while it seems obvious he is obsessed with  Levi, it's still not easy to guess why.

I mean, this killer has targeted people he considers need punishment and that has, in the first books, felt almost like karma, like that vigilante who can do things that legally others cannot. I think it was quite clever of the author to develop this character slowly, so at first he was just a person doing bad deeds for good reasons, but now he is escalating and it's no longer the excusable person he seemed to be in the first books. He has also shown a soft spot for Levi and that must mean there's a connection somewhere, somehow. In this book, I started to create this theory... well, there's only one book to go and I bet we will learn the truth then, so...

What strikes me as more negative in the story line if this book - and a little as it happened in the one before already - is how, in the attempt to portray the increase of madness of the serial killer, his actions, and kills and plans seem to escalate too, making the killer almost... cartoonist? Over the top? I just didn't like how we have to accept this person can this easily accomplish the things he does and the more we read, the more elaborated and dramatic and (slightly) ridiculously flamboyant they get, which means I become less impressed. I think some things are just to be eye catching by now.

Of course, this makes for an adrenaline reading, always anticipating the next kill or the next drama or something. Along with this, we still have the main couple debating their issues, trying to find common ground and trying to investigate the case which propelled the whole thing. I feel there was way too much going on and yes, the author is certainly competent and clever in her planning, but I wasn't always happy with what the characters were doing. I suppose I'd have liked them to be more decisive and focused in doing what they had to to battle their demons. I know, I know, this is part of the game, to deal with problems and to be worthier of the HEA...

All things considered, this easy to read yes, it's a fluid story, always on the go and captivating but I do wish the content had been more appealing overall. I do hope the last one will be as good as it promises...

Grade: 6/10

Cordelia Kingsbridge - Cash Plays

The Seven of Spades is back with a vengeance—the vigilante serial killer has resumed their murderous crusade, eluding the police at every turn. But a bloodthirsty killer isn’t the only threat facing Sin City. A devious saboteur is wreaking havoc in Las Vegas’s criminal underworld, and the entire city seems to be barreling toward an all-out gang war.
As Detective Levi Abrams is pushed ever closer to his breaking point, his control over his dangerous rage slips further every day. His relationship with PI Dominic Russo should be a source of comfort, but Dominic is secretly locked in his own downward spiral, confronting a nightmare he can’t bear to reveal.
Las Vegas is floundering. Levi and Dominic’s bond is cracking along the seams. And the Seven of Spades is still playing to win. How many bad hands can Levi and Dominic survive before it’s game over?

Comment: This is the third installment in the Seven of Spades series by the author. I have liked the previous stories and there was no doubt I'd want to finish the series.

In this third book, detective Levi and the rest of the police force are still dealing with the aftermath of the last actions taken by the killer known as Seven of Spades. There is even an FBI profiler agent, joining the team, to advance the study of why this killer is doing these things and who could it be. It is also weird that the killer has clearly identified Levi as someone he has connected with which only leaves Levi even more annoyed. At the same time, his boyfriend Dominic is going on with his PI job and things have been quite steady so far, but this new case is putting him in a very complicated position... when some truths come out, can everyone maintain their reason and not do something impossible to undo?

In terms of writing and style, nothing to say about this installment, as it follows the trend we saw in the previous books. I must say one little things still seems a bit annoying here and there is how often the author finishes a scene and suddenly the next chapter starts after whatever had happened or been mentioned is already over. I can't say that whatever was done is that important to have been missed, but it kind of breaks down the pace of what was being said.

The plot begins pretty much after what happened in the previous book and everyone is still dealing with many things, some seem more interesting than others. Police wise, the main issues are now directed to the apparent ongoing situation related to gangs and how it seems as if someone is trying to pit them against each other, to force a possible gang war. I will say that this theme was not one I felt interested in and I could easily skip scenes where the gang actions and characters were being discussed.

A very good choice, in my opinion, about the author's work method is how we get chapters from both Levi and Dominic's POV, in third person. I do like this writing style because it makes me feel closer to the characters and what they are going through without it seeming they are conceited thinking weirdly about themselves. However, I must be a little mean in explaining why my personal preference in regards to something this books also exploited and that is a little exacerbated because of the writing style: Dominic is a recovering gambler and part of why he is so complex and layered is how we got to understand how much damage being an addict to gambling caused him.

I think it would be expected that the author might address this in more detail at some point because before we only got to see the positive side of things since Dominic is recovering, and he is genuinely a wonderful person. Considering this, of course we only had seen the "right" decisions and why Dominic had the strength to deal with his addiction. But all those amazing things aren't a one time deal, any recovered addict is a recovered addict forever and the author has chosen to let us follow Dominic in a setback to his addiction. I can understand why but I will say I disliked having to read about it. Every time Dominic did something he shouldn't I felt like punching him, which I suppose means I felt very strongly about it, so good work author, but at the same time I wish Dominic didn't have to fall back to his vice so we could see him recover again.

I mean, I bet that is where the author is going with this for the next novels but why does this have to be so graphic, we could have Dominic having problems without becoming a gambler again. The fact he justifies that because of work doesn't help and yes, it can be part of his growth as a character and as a human being to recognize he is still flawed, but to me, this was incredibly avoidable.

This aside, the drama is still over the top but I could deal if not for the clear emotional consequences of this in the next story.. especially if I think about how this book ended, with that incredible scene... I think it can be the proof the author is a very clever planner and I can't wait to see how this story wraps up because the killer has to be someone we would not assume could be a killer. 

Basically, thinking about the overall arc of what is going on and the characterization of the characters, this was a good book, but when I think about the major themes discussed (gangs and addiction), I didn't like everything.

Grade: 6/10

Cordelia Kingsbridge - Trick Roller

It’s the height of summer in Las Vegas. Everyone believes the serial killer Seven of Spades is dead—except Levi Abrams and Dominic Russo—and it’s back to business as usual. For Levi, that means investigating a suspicious overdose at the Mirage that looks like the work of a high-class call girl, while Dominic pursues a tough internship with a local private investigator. The one bright spot for both of them is their blossoming relationship.
But things aren’t so simple. Soon Levi is sucked into a dangerous web of secrets and lies, even as his obsession with the Seven of Spades intensifies. Dominic knows that Levi isn’t crazy. He knows the Seven of Spades is still out there, and he’ll do anything to prove it. But Dominic has his own demons to battle, and he may be fighting a losing war.
One thing is certain: the Seven of Spades holds all the cards. It won’t be long before they show their hand.

Comment: This is the 2nd installment in the Seven of Spades series by author Cordelia Kingsbridge. I've liked the first book, which I've read last year, and I feel quite interested in knowing how the series progresses.

In this second story, detective Levi and bounty hunter Dominic are cementing their relationship and probably ready to label themselves as boyfriends. Things are going slowly, after all there is always some adjustments and their work remains demanding, as do their personal issues. Things become more interesting as Levi investigates anew case and Dom starts an internship for better pay but the fact the Seven of Spades killer is still on the loose and someone took the fall instead is something they can't let go. When it might seem that their investigation might have a new lead or that things go smoothly in other ares, suddenly something happens and everything is doubtful again and Levi's boss is angry as what they see is his "obsession"... but will they find new clues before it's too late?

I actually found this story to be a bit more captivating than the first. It felt as if Dom and Levi as at a better stage, in that initial moment where they are getting to know each other and we can sort of see they are falling in love and, to me, this makes the whole difference because it works as if it's a stable detail from which the rest can develop. I hope the author is planning on establishing them as a good couple, so they can deal with problems together instead of finding ways to make them at odds...

The personal aspects of the protagonists' lives remain a key element to make this story feel richer, more solid. They are working out things between them, they have family members and friends between them who are happy for their relationship and this certainly makes a difference. Both are still dealing with their personal demons, let's say so, and it's not easy or instantaneous that their problems are fixed. Although the author hints at things and difficulties, I got the feeling the aim isn't to make the series a drama fest, and their wins and lows can be seen as a learning curve and a way for them to trust one another. At least, I hope so!

As for the crime investigation, as always in these types of books, I'm amazed at the author's imagination to think of details and things to compose her plot. I mean, obviously there are thrillers and suspense books or even psychological stories where the crimes and stuff are way more complex, but I think, considering the page limit and the fact the focus is divided into more than one aspect, the author did well in creating something intriguing here. Regarding this, I feel the author improved from the first book, where things seemed less organic.

We know from the other book that Levi suspects the real killer wasn't the one the police caught and Dom believes him, after the work they did together. I think that this was played well enough, we have this feeling something might not be that simple or something escaped our attention, but as the plot moves along and we are distracted by the police case Levi and his partner Martine are working on, one little detail and one there start to make it expected that something new is going to happen related to that. I'm often a zero when it comes to place things together (unless it's that obvious) so each new development was interesting.

The story ends in a very movie-like type of scenario, or more appropriately since this is a series, one of those episodes' endings where we are left wondering what had happened. I have to assume the next story will be way more dramatic but I also hope it won't use the main characters' romance, which seems to be going so well, as a way to create drama. Since I'm curious, I'll definitely read the next one...

Grade: 8/10

Cordelia Kingsbridge - Kill Game

Homicide detective Levi Abrams is barely holding his life together. He’s reeling from the fallout of a fatal shooting, and his relationship with his boyfriend is crumbling. The last thing he’s prepared for is a serial killer stalking the streets of Las Vegas. Or how he keeps getting thrown into the path of annoyingly charming bounty hunter Dominic Russo.
Dominic likes his life free of complications. That means no tangling with cops—especially prickly, uptight detectives. But when he stumbles across one of the Seven of Spades’s horrifying crime scenes, he can’t let go, despite Levi’s warnings to stay away.
The Seven of Spades is ruthless and always two moves ahead. Worst of all, they’ve taken a dangerously personal interest in Levi and Dominic. Forced to trust each other, the two men race to discover the killer’s identity, revealing hidden truths along the way and sparking a bond neither man expected. But that may not be enough to protect them.
This killer likes to play games, and the deck is not stacked in Levi and Dominic’s favor.

Comment: I saw some readers, whose opinion on books I share, praising this author's work, namely regarding this Seven of Spades series. I added this first book to my TBR and finally got to it.

In this story we follow detective Levi Abrams and his partner Martine Valcourt as they investigate what seems to be the beginning of a serial killer spree. The killer leaves a card with the seven of spades as a signature and even taunts the police when they are too slow in getting the clues right. The intriguing part is that soon becomes obvious the killer is targeting people who seem guilty of some crime which the justice system didn't convict, making him or her a sort of vigilante. 

At the same time, Levi is dealing with a rocky love life, for his boyfriend of three years is showing signs he doesn't care about Levi's profession and keeps leaving hints about him doing something safer. It doesn't help bounty hunter/waiter Dominic keeps showing up at the police station when he catches people and he does like what he sees. Since it feels like Dominic thinks the same, they have managed to stay away from one another, being simply polite if necessary, but what will happen when Levi feels forced to make a decision at last?

I think this was a good blend of crime story and romance. The story feels well planned by the author even though for my personal taste, some elements were made to happen rather quickly but I can assume in the following books we might have more development on all subjects and those might feel more complete too. 

The characters are likable and flawed, which means we can bet there will be development for them and as they interact, certainly the relationships or connections with other characters will come to life even better. It's also a lot easier to sympathize when they act or think things which we could do the same way were we to be in a similar position. I think a few scenes were staged too obviously, however. In the sense that it felt like the author wanted to included this or that and she did, even though some of those scenes could have happened in a more natural manner.

Levi is a fascinating character. He is both assertive and vulnerable and although he does make a decision I don't think was a good one, romantically wise, I liked him as a protagonist. His values and moral code are exemplary in his professional life and although I would have liked a different tone for the romantic relationship, I think he is very likable. His flaws make him seem more human and I can see how he might become a better, happier person as the story moves along, if he continues in this way.

Dominic is even more intriguing because his flaws feel organic. He had a gambling problem, he is still recovering but he is a genuinely good person and I feel like I can cheer him up and want to see him find true happiness, at all levels. His romantic life before Levi was rather sad, for he had quick encounters with men he didn't feel he would care about so I hope the romance between him and Levi will become something very solid and strong to face any issues. 

I should say that the way things were played out in this book still feel a bit too quick and staged. Meaning, the writing style made it feel like they had to be placed in close settings on purpose and not because the plot truly required it. For instance, the moment they go from two people who saw the other one as being attractive to really acknowledge there was a mutual attraction happened because Levi does something that, after how he was presented, feels like something he would not do. But to advance this situation, the author placed him in such a scenario. It felt staged and I would have personally preferred another scene for this to happen.

The secondary characters didn't feel very strong to me, again there to play a role. I hope the next book can offer something more solid in this regard.

As for the plot, I think it was intriguing, the villain has his/hers own set of values even if the interpretation is clearly wrong, but it's not a classic bad guy who just wants to kill or has a specific reason. The end was quite well done because it felt the path taken had to be the only possible one to finish this case but we learn things weren't as easy as that...

I liked this book and will read the next one but I hope the things I found less appealing - despite my general appreciation - can be smoothed or "fixed" then.

Grade: 7/10