Venom in the Veins

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

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.

©2018 Jennifer Estep (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Another great story

I love the characters. The narrator has them nailed down. Once again Estep has woven a web and sucked me in.

Gin is closer than ever to The Circle

This is one of my favorite series. It's one of the only series I listen to solely on audio since the narrator totally nails this character. I enjoy the assassin/great cook Gin Blanco and her cohorts. Since the author revealed that Gin’s family were involved with the illuminati-ish group “The Circle”, I’ve been waiting to see which one of Gin’s parents is still alive. That didn’t occur in this book but I know the deceased savant Fletcher knew which one of Gin’s parents was into shady business and I can’t wait for him to reveal it in one of his notes to the gang.

While I continue to enjoy the plot, I am impatiently waiting for the big reveal of Hugh Tucker’s motivations because he is a gray area in this story. He is portrayed as a villain, but he goes out of his way to assist Gin, Finn and Bria. So, what exactly is Hugh’s deal? I am also waiting for a villain on the level Mab Monroe. No one, not Mab’s daughter, Finn’s mom Deidra or anyone else has captured my attention like the elemental sociopath Mab Monroe. I want the Spider to have another great rival, and I am not convinced the real power behind the Circle will provide that. I hope so, but I am certainly waiting for the next one.

I'm a big fan

Followed Gin since the beginning, and love diving into her world. Lauren's southern accent is right on for me and a joy to listen to.

A completely unsatisfying end to series.

This is the first serial novel that I have completed. I probably should not do another. Where each column in a series novel each must be able to stand mostly alone, I grew to know how to wait 5 seconds,10 seconds, 15, 45, 3 minutes. And to endure the gratuitous graphic sex scenes.
Good character development kept me listening, and plausible story lines kept me entertained. My mother once said that I would listen to anyone reading to me, even if it was just the dictionary. This is not to demean Ms Fortang’s presentation. Her voice and characterizations kept me listening.

I spend a great deal of time behind the wheel of a vehicle. Thank you for keeping me entertained for the hours.

Can't get enough of Gin Blanco!

Again Jennifer Estep does a fantastic job of creating havoc in the lives of Gin Blanco, her family and friends. This is a series that always gets "read" on the day it comes out. Other listens are put on hold to hear how Gin and her crew save Ashland from savory masterminded criminals. With Jennifer Estep's wonderful imagination and Lauren Fortgang riveting narration this book was another awesome read!

They Just Keep Coming

Always a good listen. Riveting all the way through. Can't wait for the next one.

Another great story!

I don't think I could ever get tired of Gin and the gang. Narrator is awesome!

I continue to enjoy this series

I’m always excited to get back into the world of Elemental Assassins and Gin and the gang. Things are never dull for the underworld leader of Ashland. Doesn’t matter how much she just wants to run the Pork Pit, there is always something that needs her attention.

Someone seems to be targeting Stewart Mosley, Finn’s boss at the bank. He’s trying to auction off the last of Mab Monroe’s stuff for charity, but has been attacked a few times. Gin and the gang become impromptu bodyguards and investigators as they try to figure out who’s behind the attacks.

There are also a few surprises at the auction. Gin finds a pictures of both of her parents. While, Gin and Bria’s mother has been discussed a lot in these books, I don’t think I remember ever reading about Tristan. We don’t learn a lot about him in this book, but I think more will be coming in future books.

We also learn some more about the Circle. We see more of Hugh Tucker. He does some real head-scratching things in this book. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but something is up there.

This series is still going strong at book 17. That is no easy feat. Some books are better than others, but I always have a fun time with the gang in Ashland. I think this book was somewhere in the upper middle of the series. Venom in the Veins isn’t of my favorite, but it also isn’t my least favorite either. It really has me chomping at the bit for book 18, that is for sure.

Narration
Lauren Fortgang continues the narration of this series. She does a great job with keeping all the voices straight throughout this long series. I love all the voices she has for all the characters and there are a lot of them. If you haven’t tried Lauren Fortgang, I highly recommend her.

Good but could be better

In all the other books in the series gin just outclasses them in the end with raw power. In this one she gets her butt kicked basically all the way through the story. Not the character I know

Another great book

Story line and narration were great as usual. I really enjoy this series. The story line has lists of twists, yet easy to follow.