Reviewed by: Rabid Reads. 
 SPIDER'S TRAP is the first installment in phase 3 of the ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series. One was Mab Monroe. Two was M. M. Monroe. Three is, well, the ending of this book, and Jennifer Estep's version is gads more awesome than my recap could ever be, so yeah, you should be one-clicking this title right about now. Anyway, moving on, there's also politicking, bombs, blasts from the past, plus tons of good ol' fashioned The Spider bravado. 
 This story had a bit of a different vibe to it with Gin having to act as mediator to the kingpins of the underworld instead of stabbing first, and asking questions later. I enjoyed Blanco's not-so-tactful approach to their grievances, and her dialogue was exceptionally strong in this novel from the violent one-liners, to the big-stupid-grin inducing snarky retorts. The fights were aces too, but the character growth was definitely the star. 
 The author certainly tugged on my heartstrings with this installment; I can't remember the last time that I was this drained after reading an EA title! Fletcher flashbacks are always bitter sweet, and something pretty significant happens to one of the secondaries. Again, I'm being Vague McVaguerson here because it's better for your sanity if you don't see this one coming. I've found that the band-aid approach is best in these types of situations. 
 I've brought this up on oh close to thirteen occasions now, but Estep's villains are guaranteed crowd pleasers, and this latest enemy was right on the money. He/she wielded a not-so-new elemental power; however their approach and mastery made it feel like it was the first time I'd laid eyes on it. The final powwow was inventive, and written in such a way that I could smell the flowers in Ashland's Botanical Gardens, and I think that I may have gotten blood on my shoes. 
 Thirteen was NOT unlucky for Jennifer Estep. SPIDER'S TRAP--go get it!