Review: Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep

Gin Blanco, aka The Spider, is at it again. As Ashland's new queen of the underworld, she is still having to fend off attackers, but something is different about this one. Something feels very familiar to her about the particular style of the attack and the rune that the killer leaves behind. This goes back into her past when her mentor Fletcher was still alive. This will be one of her most dangerous opponents yet. 

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death.

What happens when your main weapons are silverstone knives and you have to go up against a metal elemental? Gin will find out. And why is she making milkshakes for someone she normally wouldn't do that for. What is right on the tip of her memory? And will she remember it and recognize it in time to keep from getting killed or losing any of her loved ones?

I really enjoyed the book. I didn't like the cover. The model's head seems to be swiveling like an owl's.

Gin and her friends and family were their usual selves. Gin really does seem to enjoy cooking for people, but is uncomfortable in her role as the head of Ashland's underworld. In fact in the opening of the book she is supposed to be mediating a meeting between 3 of the head criminals. She is getting rather exasperated with the 2 men. The third, a woman, doesn't seem to be bothering her as much. 

The plot was action packed with several attempts on people's lives as the book progresses. I don't think that's really a spoiler since this is a book about an assassin. I like the character Silvio who seems to be acting as her assistant and occasionally conscience prompting her to do things.

It's a good addition to the Elemental Assassin series as number 13. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. It's interesting and enjoyable to watch Gin settling into her new role in the underworld and fighting a blast from the past.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.