Black Widow

Filled with death-defying feats and sweeping emotions, Estep’s 12th Elemental Assassin contemporary paranormal (after Poison Promise) is one of the strongest to date. Gin Blanco’s life as a full-time BBQ restaurant owner in the fictional Southern city of Ashland and part-time master assassin has always been anything but peaceful—and Madeline Magda Monroe coming to town will really shake things up. Madeline, the daughter of crime queen Mab Monroe, is taking aim at everything and everyone Gin holds dear. She plans to make Gin pay dearly for killing Mab—or is there another, deeper reason for her vindictive behavior? A zippy plot is enhanced by solid action scenes that build to a blistering crescendo, though seemingly invulnerable Gin never shows a hint of fear. Familiar faces and new characters bolster a plot that’s certain to captivate new and returning readers alike. Agent: Annelise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Dec.)