Be careful what you wish for … Red Dog Gang — who may be one and the same.
Jacqui is determined to find Black Maria, the key to the identity of the Red Dog Gang’s secretive leader. To survive long enough to do that, Jacqui needs a paying case.
The one she’s offered may put her in the most danger of all …
The Ten of Spades is part 5 of a 13-part serial novel – please begin with The Jacq of Spades or the Red Dog Conspiracy Act 1 box set.
240 pages in print.
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I’m a huge fan of Patricia Loofbourrow’s Red Dog Conspiracy novels and I’ve been looking forward to getting Part 5, The Ten of Spa. Well, it was worth the wait. This book is quite simply superb. Well written, with a great plot, a perfect cast – and the perfect world-building that defines the series. Jacqui may finally be free of the Spadros family but that’s not stopping her from looking for the Black Maria , and ultimately the head of the Red Dog Gang. And the the rogue “The Ten of Spades” group isn’t gonna stop her. Totally exciting. Totally fun. Totally what I look for and easily worth five stars.
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
The Red Dog Conspiracy is a conspiracy that spans many books and about which we learn more with each one. The Ten of Spades (Chapter 5) is the latest and one written for existing fans. I say this because a lot happens, there are several smaller mysteries solved, and the conspiracy’s scope becomes clearer, but there isn’t really an independent story. Still, what draws me in are the personal moments, the characters, and the sense of place, all of which were present from the very noir detective scene setting in the beginning to the card lingo used throughout.
Jacqui is true to herself in that she’s impulsive, selfish, and occasionally wise. These characteristics are tempered by what her alcoholism drove her to, the cravings of an addict, and the trail of destroyed lives and bodies she’s left in her wake. I call her selfish more because she doesn’t consider the impact of her actions on others. What appeals about her is how she’ll go to any length to help those who hire her or even just ask for her assistance. She’s a good person in a strange situation with a horrible past and an upbringing that blinds her to the reality of those around her for all she believes herself one of them.
This book ended on a powerful note even without a major, independent plotline, so it’s odd to say the section after the initial beginning was slow and I struggled a bit. The book starts out reminding readers of what has happened as Jacqui reviews the case and reminisces about what has come before. Sometimes this worked for me, especially how the past connects into her present, but other times it didn’t. Then, about 45% of the way in, everything clicks together in a single scene, and I had trouble putting the book down when I had to. I include this to warn you, but also to point out it’s worth the effort if your reaction is like mine because good things come to those who wait.
If you’ve been following my reviews of the series, you’ll know I have an issue with how Jacqui treats Joseph Kerr and Tony. I’ll say only how her reasons are clearer and more grounded in this book while she’s finally starting to see some of the things I picked up on a while back. But then, I’m a suspicious sort. I’ve found Jacqui puts together some pieces of the puzzle quickly, and others she notices but then either dismisses or forgets if she realizes their significance at all.
This is less a detective series, despite her being a private investigator, than a social, cultural exploration of a place built on the ashes of environmental collapse after it’s been taken over by the ignorant who saw opportunity where they did not understand the whole. It’s fascinating and populated by complex characters, so I keep coming back and looking forward to seeing what next will be thrown in Jacqui’s way.
P.S. I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
Our heroine, Jacqueline Spadros, has finally gotten out from under the rule of the Spadros family and is now free to run her investigation business. But, is she truly free or are her troubles just beginning?
The author, Patricia Loofbourrow, has built a very complex world in this series and the characters are equally complex. Her writing is very descriptive and really draws you into this world. You can almost feel the tension and see the surroundings as you read this book. The more you read of this series, the more you need to know.
If you are looking for a quick, standalone book, this is not the book for you. But, if you enjoy world building, complex plots with undertones of the Mafia, steampunk and noir, start from the beginning of the series and let this world grow on you. You won’t be disappointed!
I was given the chance to read this book by the author and chose to review it.
Great 5th installment of a steampunk/dystopian/noire series and a quick read! In this book, Jacqui, having finally made public her work as a P.I. during a grueling trial, seeks to continue her detective work in order to get by. Yet, in a city quadrant run by a family she tried to leave, she finds this more than difficult. Still a case comes before her that may have connections to the mysterious Red Dog Gang.
This one definitely intrigued me with its plot twists and characterization. While you do see a new dimension of Jacqui as she continues to struggle living alone (with minimal staff), I especially liked learning more about Jon Diamond, who is one of my favorite characters in the series. I also liked the added world building elements involving the Dealers’ religion in this one. While Kitty and Jacqui mention it some in books 2 and 3 and it has a focus in the The Alcatraz Coup prequel, I felt this needed more discussion in earlier books of the main series. And now we have it!
At first I was a little unsure about the chapter or so that Jacqui recaps the details of all the events related (or possibly related) to the Red Dog Gang conspiracy, but in the end, I liked it. This series has a lot of different threads in its mystery, and the previous 4 only do minor recap as needed. I am not sure I would want the character to do this in all the remaining novels, but book 5 is a good place for it.
Once again, I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in noire-style mystery and dystopian fiction with a steampunk feel.
The Ten of Spades: Part 5 of the Red Dog Conspiracy is a complex post-castrophe neo-noir steampunk novel you will want to sink your teeth into. A writing style composition that reflects a organic and well balanced novel. The detective elements, criminal elements and scandals in the city offer a exhuberate aggregate of suspense and sustainable mystery. The characters are well fleshed out with amplitude of dimension. A gripping page turner with a fullhouse of twists. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this captivating series.