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Deputy Gemma Stone #3
Stilettos and Gunpowder
My name is Gemma Stone. I’m a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy and not only must I deal with the sweat-soaked misery of the Arizona desert, I get to respond to a bunch of crazy 9-1-1 calls all day long. Like a parakeet up a tree, or a car accident where a tractor trailer full of fireworks is hit and the 4th of July comes a bit early.
But some days crime takes a deadly turn. Police cars are suddenly blowing up. Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado, the love of my life, was assigned to track down and stop the bomber. Am I worried? You betcha. There’s a madman on the loose and he is very, very good at making bombs.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Feds think I’m in cahoots with an Iraqi warlord who deals in stolen antiquities. Ichabod, my murderous ex-dance partner, escapes from prison and I’m suddenly in everyone’s crosshairs.
Author’s I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for way too many years and this novella contains some of the wilder incidents that occurred.
But some days crime takes a deadly turn. Police cars are suddenly blowing up. Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado, the love of my life, was assigned to track down and stop the bomber. Am I worried? You betcha. There’s a madman on the loose and he is very, very good at making bombs.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Feds think I’m in cahoots with an Iraqi warlord who deals in stolen antiquities. Ichabod, my murderous ex-dance partner, escapes from prison and I’m suddenly in everyone’s crosshairs.
Author’s I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for way too many years and this novella contains some of the wilder incidents that occurred.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
41 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Gail Koger
34 books1,349 followersI was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for thirty-one years and to keep insanity at bay, I took up writing. Not to worry. The insanity isn’t catching – much. Other than the addiction to chocolate and the twitch in my left eye, I’m good. I just finished, Stilettoes and Gunpowder book #3 in the Gemma Stone series.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 21, 2024
A sheriff’s deputy finds herself in a chain of bizarre, booming events that would have put a lesser woman in the psych ward and that was before her past reared its ugly head and put some heavy-duty criminals on her tail. Gail Koger writes with humor and experience pairing crazy real encounters in a deputy’s day and amusing and action-packed fictional hijinks that entertains readers every time dispatch sends over a callout.
Stilettos and Gunpowder is the third book in a loosely connected series that work best read in order. In this case, the fresh conflict for Gemma comes with past encounters that were present in the two previous books. And, then there’s her burning romantic tango with bomb squad expert Dante that has been growing through the series.
Starting with a big booming bang, Stilettos and Gunpowder was off to the races. Gemma and her best bud and fellow deputy, Julie, respond to patrol calls and all while a mad bomber is out for revenge, but he may have to stand in line because someone new is on the scene. Gemma and her formiddible family and policing team of friends have to figure out what these guys want and how to get them off their backs. The criminals are packing serious fire power and are playing for keeps. Gemma and Julie find that even jaunts in the hospital emergency room aren’t safe places for them.
Oooh, was that a bit of romance in the air for Julie? Can’t wait to see that develop as well as watching Dante slowly become enveloped into the large, boisterous Stone family clan. Sexy Apache rodeo clown for the win!
Action and cackling-good humor permeate the story. Attack chihuahuas, old people getting funky, a clan of vicious kids, a rattlesnake crisis and more had me howling. But, oh, the creme de la creme was a chicken farm visit with a surprise new character for the deadly and crazy family tree and a misadventure that made grown special operatives back away in horror.
A rowdy-good time was had by all and I found myself more in love than ever of the Gemma Stone series. Can’t wait to see what comes next. If you like off the hook comedy and hijinks-fueled action with some spicy romancing on the side, don’t miss the Gemma Stone series.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 9.19.20.
Stilettos and Gunpowder is the third book in a loosely connected series that work best read in order. In this case, the fresh conflict for Gemma comes with past encounters that were present in the two previous books. And, then there’s her burning romantic tango with bomb squad expert Dante that has been growing through the series.
Starting with a big booming bang, Stilettos and Gunpowder was off to the races. Gemma and her best bud and fellow deputy, Julie, respond to patrol calls and all while a mad bomber is out for revenge, but he may have to stand in line because someone new is on the scene. Gemma and her formiddible family and policing team of friends have to figure out what these guys want and how to get them off their backs. The criminals are packing serious fire power and are playing for keeps. Gemma and Julie find that even jaunts in the hospital emergency room aren’t safe places for them.
Oooh, was that a bit of romance in the air for Julie? Can’t wait to see that develop as well as watching Dante slowly become enveloped into the large, boisterous Stone family clan. Sexy Apache rodeo clown for the win!
Action and cackling-good humor permeate the story. Attack chihuahuas, old people getting funky, a clan of vicious kids, a rattlesnake crisis and more had me howling. But, oh, the creme de la creme was a chicken farm visit with a surprise new character for the deadly and crazy family tree and a misadventure that made grown special operatives back away in horror.
A rowdy-good time was had by all and I found myself more in love than ever of the Gemma Stone series. Can’t wait to see what comes next. If you like off the hook comedy and hijinks-fueled action with some spicy romancing on the side, don’t miss the Gemma Stone series.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 9.19.20.
September 1, 2024
I had such a blast hanging out with Gemma, Julie, and the Fams again.
As always our time together was packed with criminal hijinks, suspect roping, and the evasion of some pretty scary bad guys who wanted us pushing up daisies.
We evaded a lot of kaboom 💥booms.
Well we evaded, everything else not so much
We outsmarted crooked cops
Faced down snarky wives
Battled bikers with our Brahma and even took down cartel members looking for their stolen loot
Don't worry amidst all the action we didnt forget to take a little downtime for family and friends and to enjoy some tamales ;)
Until our next adventure
Stay safe out there
You never know what Monday will bring
*Seriously though this is one of those series that is a must-read
It is packed with humor, action, family, romance
Situations that are a little outside the box but I think that is what makes it such a great series
As always our time together was packed with criminal hijinks, suspect roping, and the evasion of some pretty scary bad guys who wanted us pushing up daisies.
We evaded a lot of kaboom 💥booms.
Well we evaded, everything else not so much
We outsmarted crooked cops
Faced down snarky wives
Battled bikers with our Brahma and even took down cartel members looking for their stolen loot
Don't worry amidst all the action we didnt forget to take a little downtime for family and friends and to enjoy some tamales ;)
Until our next adventure
Stay safe out there
You never know what Monday will bring
*Seriously though this is one of those series that is a must-read
It is packed with humor, action, family, romance
Situations that are a little outside the box but I think that is what makes it such a great series
August 30, 2024
Gail Kroger Rules!
As always, Gail Kroger writes pages turners that are fun, fast-paced, unpredictable and always rewarding at the end, yet leaving the possibility up for all sorts of further adventures. This latest Gemma Stone book is wonderful with engaging characters and plot lines that grow more & more entertaining/interesting with each book in the series. You never know what new depths or twists & turns will happen. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just encourage you to go get her books! Start with book 1 so you don't miss out on anything! Go! Fly to get your copies of all three! And while you're at it, read her Coletti Warlord Series too!
As always, Gail Kroger writes pages turners that are fun, fast-paced, unpredictable and always rewarding at the end, yet leaving the possibility up for all sorts of further adventures. This latest Gemma Stone book is wonderful with engaging characters and plot lines that grow more & more entertaining/interesting with each book in the series. You never know what new depths or twists & turns will happen. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just encourage you to go get her books! Start with book 1 so you don't miss out on anything! Go! Fly to get your copies of all three! And while you're at it, read her Coletti Warlord Series too!
August 15, 2024
A fun read as expected
The author never disappoints. Laughing all the way through the book. You can tell she draws on her years as a dispatcher for the stupid stuff people have done! Can’t wait for the next one!
The author never disappoints. Laughing all the way through the book. You can tell she draws on her years as a dispatcher for the stupid stuff people have done! Can’t wait for the next one!
August 19, 2024
fun
Always a pleasure to read you will laugh and laugh until you fall of the chair can’t wait for the next book
Always a pleasure to read you will laugh and laugh until you fall of the chair can’t wait for the next book
August 10, 2024
another great read
Gemma Stone, a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy, has an exciting time of it. An accident causing a firework delivery truck to explode when causes a bomb to explodes her police car. Then things just go wrong with one shenanigan event after another. All while her friend, family, the police and her boyfriend Dante gang up to defeat the bad guys before anyone else dies.
This is action packed, humorous, and family bonding at its best. Highly recommend. It is an enjoyable read and will leave you smiling.
Gemma Stone, a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy, has an exciting time of it. An accident causing a firework delivery truck to explode when causes a bomb to explodes her police car. Then things just go wrong with one shenanigan event after another. All while her friend, family, the police and her boyfriend Dante gang up to defeat the bad guys before anyone else dies.
This is action packed, humorous, and family bonding at its best. Highly recommend. It is an enjoyable read and will leave you smiling.
August 11, 2024
I loved this book. So much fun to read! I enjoyed the serious but crazy situations the characters have to deal with. They are over-the-top, including cameos of the recurring side characters of the series, and foes old and new... Thanks, Gail!!
August 12, 2024
so funny
Another well written and entertaining book a laugh a minute brilliant eagerly awaiting the next instalment well done again gail
Another well written and entertaining book a laugh a minute brilliant eagerly awaiting the next instalment well done again gail
September 26, 2024
Another rollicking tale of Gemma Stone, her family & friends & Dante, the love of her life. Not to mention the wacky senior citizens of Maricopa County, Arizona.
This time bombs and ancient treasure mix in with Ichabod: the ex, and terrorists.
Looking forward to the next one.
This time bombs and ancient treasure mix in with Ichabod: the ex, and terrorists.
Looking forward to the next one.
November 3, 2024
Still laughing
There is just something about how Gail spins a story. I am constantly laughing at what is going on and wondering what's next!!
There is just something about how Gail spins a story. I am constantly laughing at what is going on and wondering what's next!!
November 17, 2025
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
William Butler Yeats
"The Second Coming" 1919
I have given the other three books in the series resounding 5-star ratings and settled in, thinking this one would be the same. And, overall, the story had all of the parts that ensured my enjoyment of the series. Humor and high powered rifles, oh my!
However, one aspect of the book hit every one of my WTF buttons. While the "godly" types may preach forgiveness, (though the psychiatric community now advises that this often is not in the best interests of the victims) allowing a true psychopath near your children, especially one with a history of physical, emotional and mental torture of a child, is beyond comprehension. And the monster the Stones let near their children, allowed into a position where it could steal those children away and torture them, destroy their lives and souls, then throw them away like trash, is beyond comprehension.
The situation that brought the psychopath to the forefront was funny, and well written - I could see the scene in my mind as I have with all of the books, but when I realized who the Chicken Man is, I felt ill.
Not much else to say. I am terribly disappointed that the apparent last book in the series robbed me of much of the joy I had gained from the previous books
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
William Butler Yeats
"The Second Coming" 1919
I have given the other three books in the series resounding 5-star ratings and settled in, thinking this one would be the same. And, overall, the story had all of the parts that ensured my enjoyment of the series. Humor and high powered rifles, oh my!
However, one aspect of the book hit every one of my WTF buttons. While the "godly" types may preach forgiveness, (though the psychiatric community now advises that this often is not in the best interests of the victims) allowing a true psychopath near your children, especially one with a history of physical, emotional and mental torture of a child, is beyond comprehension. And the monster the Stones let near their children, allowed into a position where it could steal those children away and torture them, destroy their lives and souls, then throw them away like trash, is beyond comprehension.
The situation that brought the psychopath to the forefront was funny, and well written - I could see the scene in my mind as I have with all of the books, but when I realized who the Chicken Man is, I felt ill.
Not much else to say. I am terribly disappointed that the apparent last book in the series robbed me of much of the joy I had gained from the previous books
Read
September 21, 2024Excellent. Action non stop with loveable characters and humor. I loved it.
September 22, 2024
Another great read
I love this woman's books. She combines great story with a action, suspense, and a large dash of humor and snark. Such a fun read.
I love this woman's books. She combines great story with a action, suspense, and a large dash of humor and snark. Such a fun read.
September 22, 2024
I always love a sheriff/police story with female characters. The plot/storyline was good, interaction between characters flowed well and romance always a plus.
November 30, 2025
Targeted
Just when Gemma is hoping to get sometime with Dante, everything goes to hell. When the police are targeted, Dante is put in charge of the investigation. But it soon becomes apparent that the gang are facing more than one foe. Can Dante and the Stone family keep Gemma and Julie safe? Will you Gemma end up in the hospital and on the news again. You betcha. Another rollicking adventure in Gail Kroger's family drama.
Just when Gemma is hoping to get sometime with Dante, everything goes to hell. When the police are targeted, Dante is put in charge of the investigation. But it soon becomes apparent that the gang are facing more than one foe. Can Dante and the Stone family keep Gemma and Julie safe? Will you Gemma end up in the hospital and on the news again. You betcha. Another rollicking adventure in Gail Kroger's family drama.
August 19, 2024
Quite simply, I am in love with this series and all the "good guys" in it. The "bad guys" get just desserts (for a change, it seems) and I laugh until I sound like one of the Sun City old farts on their way over the veil.
Gemma Stone, you fictitious bad-a$$, you! Long may you reign!
Gemma Stone, you fictitious bad-a$$, you! Long may you reign!
October 22, 2024
Love this series. The stories and characters always make me chuckle and brighten my day.
January 5, 2025
Awesome
I love every one of the books so far, every one is a page turner. I can't wait to see what trouble Gemma gets into next.
I love every one of the books so far, every one is a page turner. I can't wait to see what trouble Gemma gets into next.
August 3, 2025
Sometimes the only reason Gail Kroger’s heroines survive the chaos around them is that the idiots around them take advantage of their perceived right to be stupid
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews