By a Thread

Elemental Assassin, Book 6

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

"When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation. Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis, Mab Monroe, a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco.

"So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all.

"Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently."

©2012 Jennifer Estep (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gin Blanco is one of the most intriguing heroines on the scene.... If you have not gotten on the Gin bandwagon yet, do so today!” ( RT Book Reviews)

Great Series!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Often, I get bored with a series by the 5th or 6th book but I can't get enough of Jennifer Estep's characters in the Elemental Assassin Series! Jennifer captures your attention again in By A Thread.

Which character – as performed by Lauren Fortgang – was your favorite?

Gin of course!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Gin's wit makes me smile.

The Spider Returns

By A Thread is a good addition to the series. A change in venue appears to have helped both Gin and the pacing of the storyline. A new baddie along with fresh faces tests Gin and the gang. Along the way, we deal with some lingering baggage. Overall, a very satisfying ride for the reader.

Have been enjoying the series but.......

If you could sum up By a Thread in three words, what would they be?

easy to follow

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Nice to see strong female characters, but could do without the graphic sex (not a prude, just does not add to the story and actually distracts from it). also why does author need to constantly tell us "that she can cure anything but death" or "puts on condom even though i always take my little white pill" or "smell of chicory always reminds me of"

What about Lauren Fortgang’s performance did you like?

Easy to hear and a nice voice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

its not a good thing that I do, books are short for the price

An excellent series

I have just finished listening to this series for a second time. Despite being on the shady side of the law, Gin and her friends are very likable characters. Who hasn't wanted to despense a little justice and to hell with the consequences. I'd sure like her on my side should I find myself in trouble with the wrong sort. Each book develops the story line a bit more and adds to our understanding of the past. I'll be saving a credit for the next installment.

Excellent story and narration

I absolutely enjoyed this book. So many earlier situations are finally resolved. The narration is excellent and the story kept me amused, surprised and not able to put it down until the story was over.

Loved It

Any additional comments?

Great narration. I like to list this first as it can make or break a story.

Loved this story. Easy listerning and very entertaining. Will be impatiently waiting for any new books in audio from this author.

I really enjoy it when readers with similar reading interests list their favourite authors and series. It really helps me find new authors too follow. Mine are Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Estep, Faith Hunter, Molly Harper, Ilona Andrews, Kresley Cole, Deborah Harkness, Nalini Singh, Coreene Callahan and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Happy Reading

Donovan Caine - UGH!!!

I was very happy when Donovan Caine left Ashland. The fact that Gin had 2 encounters with him (one in a closet and another in a car) and is still so hung up on him, makes me grind my teeth. Especially, when she has such a wonderful relationship with Owen Gracin. I am currently having a difficult time getting through this story as it appears to be gang up on Gin, from the idiot cop to her "beloved" sister cop. Gin is such a strong character, except for these issues with Donovan, who is a giant pain in the a**.

I'll keep going to hopefully put this character to bed once and for all and will write a follow-up review when I finish.

I hope that there’s no end in sight to this series

After having voraciously devoured all of the previous Elemental Assassin books I was curious and a bit apprehensive to uncover Estep’s “post Mab Monroe” game plan. Gin’s quest for vengeance has all but consumed this series’ storyline up until now so I was anxious to see what the pacing of By a Thread would be like without this driving force. And I have to hand it to Jennifer; this installment was just as mesmerizing as its predecessors.

Up until this novel I was willing to give Bria the benefit of the doubt; like Gin, she had a tough start in life. But that’s where the similarities between the two sisters end. After the initial ugliness, Coolidge had a pretty typical upbringing with normal things like friends, a happy childhood and the chance to pick her own path in life. In the early chapters of this book she came across as a female version of Donovan Cain. I seriously wanted to reach into the pages and b*tch slap her. The way Bria handled the introductions between her best friend, Callie, and Gin was awful. I’m still reeling from the insult. She might as well have ripped Blanco’s heart right out of her chest and stomped on it. Her pretty little speech towards the end was a step in the right direction but Bria still has a long way to go in order to earn my forgiveness, let alone Gin’s.

The breakneck action that this series is renowned for was just as riveting as ever but for me, it was the emotional elements that really stood out. Estep demonstrated that not only can she entertain her readers but she can also provide an enriching experience as well. Between her sister’s catty behaviour, Donovan Cain rearing his ugly head and Owen’s jealousy, it’s a wonder that Gin even has the time to kill anyone in this book. I loved the one fingered salute Blanco gives her ex towards the end of the story. This novel is worth reading for this scene alone. Anyone and everyone who’s ever been scorned by a lover will appreciate the karma behind their encounter.

I was impressed with Estep’s ability to breathe new life into her Elemental Assassin mold by switching up the big bad, changing locals and adding new characters into the mix. The backbone that I have loved since day one is still there but change is good and Jennifer does a phenomenal job of revamping her series. As usual, Lauren Fortgang’s narration was flawless and remains a key ingredient in my overall enjoyment of these books.

I sincerely hope that there’s no end in sight to this series because I will keep on reading it for as long as Jennifer Estep keeps on writing it. By a Thread seamlessly blends the old with the new and steers the Elemental Assassin world in a promising new direction.

Love these books!!

They are so addictive! Once you start listening to one you won't be able to stop.

Did it again!🐛😚

This is my favorite so far. probably due to bringing Donavan back. I'm assuming he will be back. Great story line, loved the vampire villian.