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Blessed Are the Dead
(2014)(The first book in the Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series)
A novel by Kristi Belcamino
2015 Anthony Award for Best First Novel (nominee)
2015 Macavity Award for Best First Novel (nominee)
Nominated for a Macavity Award for Best First Mystery Novel and an Anthony Award for Best First Novel, BLESSED ARE THE DEAD, the first book in the Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series, was inspired by Kristi Belcamino's dealings on the crime beat with a serial killer. <
BOOK #1 in this SIX book series
To catch a killer, one reporter must risk it all ... San Francisco Bay Area newspaper reporter Gabriella Giovanni spends her days on the crime beat, flitting in and out of other people's nightmares, yet walking away unscathed.
When a little girl disappears on the way to the school bus stop, her quest for justice and a front-page story leads her to a convicted kidnapper, Jack Dean Johnson, who reels her in with promises to reveal his exploits as a serial killer.
But Gabriella's passion for her job quickly spirals into obsession when she begins to suspect the kidnapper may have ties to her own dark past: her sister's murder.
Risking her life, her job, and everything she holds dear, Gabriella embarks on a quest to find answers and stop a deranged murderer before he strikes again.
Perfect for fans of Sue Grafton and Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan series!
Interview with the Author
Q. What order should I read the books in?
A. I purposefully wrote the books so they could be read as standalones, but honestly, you will get more from the books if you read them in order because that way the back story lends depth and poignancy to many moments in future books.Here is the order:
Blessed are the Dead (An Anthony and Macavity award finalist for best first mystery)
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are Those Who Weep (A Barry Award finalist in the best mystery category)
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Merciful
Q. Why should I give your series a shot?
A. I've been lucky enough to receive critical acclaim from several different important communities in the mystery world.For me, the highlight of my mystery career so far was when my favorite author, New York Time bestselling writer, Lisa Unger, agreed to read my book, and then said she liked it. It was a dream come true.
Q. Gabriella Giovanni is an Italian-American newspaper report who lives in the Bay Area. So were you. How much of Giovanni is you?
A. I've heard this bajillion time: Isn't Gabriella you? And so, at one point, early on in the series, I took a personality test and answered as me and then took it again as GG. Turns out we are polar opposites. I like to say she's my alter ego, who I would've been in another life. While I was a stay-at-home mom wrangling two rowdy toddlers in my pajamas in negative thirty weather in Minnesota, I could pretend I was this super cool chic eating cannoli and drinking a latte in North Beach, San Francisco.
Q. How would you describe the types of mysteries you write?
A. All my books featuring strong, fierce, and independent women facing unspeakable evil in order to seek justice for those unable to do so themselves.In addition, although my books often deal with dark and disturbing themes, I truly believe that readers finish my books with a sense of hope and the certainty that even in the darkest days there are beautiful moments where people act with grace and dignity and love for their fellow man.
Thank you for reading!
Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series eBook Categories
-
Mystery series-
Mystery, Thriller and Suspense-
Suspense-
Private investigators-
Crime thrillers-
Women Sleuths
Genre: Mystery
BOOK #1 in this SIX book series
To catch a killer, one reporter must risk it all ... San Francisco Bay Area newspaper reporter Gabriella Giovanni spends her days on the crime beat, flitting in and out of other people's nightmares, yet walking away unscathed.
When a little girl disappears on the way to the school bus stop, her quest for justice and a front-page story leads her to a convicted kidnapper, Jack Dean Johnson, who reels her in with promises to reveal his exploits as a serial killer.
But Gabriella's passion for her job quickly spirals into obsession when she begins to suspect the kidnapper may have ties to her own dark past: her sister's murder.
Risking her life, her job, and everything she holds dear, Gabriella embarks on a quest to find answers and stop a deranged murderer before he strikes again.
Perfect for fans of Sue Grafton and Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan series!
Interview with the Author
Q. What order should I read the books in?
A. I purposefully wrote the books so they could be read as standalones, but honestly, you will get more from the books if you read them in order because that way the back story lends depth and poignancy to many moments in future books.Here is the order:
Blessed are the Dead (An Anthony and Macavity award finalist for best first mystery)
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are Those Who Weep (A Barry Award finalist in the best mystery category)
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Merciful
Q. Why should I give your series a shot?
A. I've been lucky enough to receive critical acclaim from several different important communities in the mystery world.For me, the highlight of my mystery career so far was when my favorite author, New York Time bestselling writer, Lisa Unger, agreed to read my book, and then said she liked it. It was a dream come true.
Q. Gabriella Giovanni is an Italian-American newspaper report who lives in the Bay Area. So were you. How much of Giovanni is you?
A. I've heard this bajillion time: Isn't Gabriella you? And so, at one point, early on in the series, I took a personality test and answered as me and then took it again as GG. Turns out we are polar opposites. I like to say she's my alter ego, who I would've been in another life. While I was a stay-at-home mom wrangling two rowdy toddlers in my pajamas in negative thirty weather in Minnesota, I could pretend I was this super cool chic eating cannoli and drinking a latte in North Beach, San Francisco.
Q. How would you describe the types of mysteries you write?
A. All my books featuring strong, fierce, and independent women facing unspeakable evil in order to seek justice for those unable to do so themselves.In addition, although my books often deal with dark and disturbing themes, I truly believe that readers finish my books with a sense of hope and the certainty that even in the darkest days there are beautiful moments where people act with grace and dignity and love for their fellow man.
Thank you for reading!
Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series eBook Categories
-
Mystery series-
Mystery, Thriller and Suspense-
Suspense-
Private investigators-
Crime thrillers-
Women Sleuths
Genre: Mystery
Praise for this book
"... a crime novel so skillfully executed that it's hard to believe it'sher debut ... truly first-rate." - Bruce deSilva
"BLESSED ARE THE DEAD is a fast-paced, suspenseful read ...Gabriella Giovanni is tough, vulnerable and complex -- a terrific new series character."" - Alison Gaylin
"A fast-paced and remarkably assured debut ... Belcamino puts herexperience on the crime beat to good use, creating the kind of villain who'lllurk in your nightmares long after the book ends. Double-check your locksbefore you crack this one open!" - Owen Laukkanen
"Tense,disturbing and smart ... Belcamino is a writer to watch." - Alex Marwood
"Gabriella Giovanni ... has the makings of a character fans will be following for years to come ... A must-read." - Alex Segura
"Can't recommend this book enough ... Suspenseful, emotional and smart -just a great mystery in every way." - Jeff Shelby
"Kristi Belcamino brings her reporter chops to Gabriella Giovanni, the very best kind of heroine -- smart, plucky, and true. Keep your eye on this writer." - Lisa Unger
"BLESSED ARE THE DEAD is a fast-paced, suspenseful read ...Gabriella Giovanni is tough, vulnerable and complex -- a terrific new series character."" - Alison Gaylin
"A fast-paced and remarkably assured debut ... Belcamino puts herexperience on the crime beat to good use, creating the kind of villain who'lllurk in your nightmares long after the book ends. Double-check your locksbefore you crack this one open!" - Owen Laukkanen
"Tense,disturbing and smart ... Belcamino is a writer to watch." - Alex Marwood
"Gabriella Giovanni ... has the makings of a character fans will be following for years to come ... A must-read." - Alex Segura
"Can't recommend this book enough ... Suspenseful, emotional and smart -just a great mystery in every way." - Jeff Shelby
"Kristi Belcamino brings her reporter chops to Gabriella Giovanni, the very best kind of heroine -- smart, plucky, and true. Keep your eye on this writer." - Lisa Unger
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