Girl, Alone

Girl, Alone by Blake Pierce is pulse-pounding and action-packed. Definitely a suspenseful crime thriller, it’s the first book in the Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller series. Ella is an FBI Intelligence Agent, but she wants to join the coveted Behavioral Research and Instruction Unit (BRIU).

With a photographic memory and extensive knowledge of serial killers, their victims, and their cases, she gets the opportunity to join Special Agent Mia Ripley on a case in Louisiana. There have been three murders within one week. Is it a serial killer or multiple killers? How will Ella handle coming face to face with a real murder versus only seeing a scene through photographs and reports? Will she add value to the investigation or will she be a detriment?

It was easy to connect with Ella Dark. She has a warm personality and a harrowing backstory, but lacks some self-confidence as she experiences her first case in the field. Overall, though, she’s a strong protagonist, and the author did a good job of giving her plenty of depth in this first novel. Mia Ripley, her partner, is an experienced field agent and works to mentor and train Ella. But will it be enough to help Ella survive? The reader also gets an occasional look at the killer’s thoughts and actions throughout the book. Who is it and what drives this person to kill?

The writing flows smoothly and pulled me immediately into the story line. It is exactly what you would expect from a well-written crime thriller with plenty of action, lots of investigation, some twists and wrong turns and a gripping, spellbinding, thought-provoking conclusion. It was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the investigation becoming a success. But is that what happens?

Girl, Alone is suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy action crime thrillers with strong female characters,  this may be the series for you. My one quibble was that Ella Dark was always referred to by her first name or as “Rookie” while other characters were referred to by their surnames.

This is the sixth book that I have read by this author in 4 different series and they have all been excellent. He continues to bring great characters, entertaining story lines, and lots of action together in exhilarating novels. I can’t wait to find out what’s next for Ella Dark.

I purchased a digital copy of this novel. This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication was December 16, 2020.