Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

Written by Blake Pierce

Narrated by Elaine Wise

From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.

In Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2), a new serial killer is stalking Boston, killing his victims in bizarre ways, taunting the police with mysterious puzzles that reference the stars. As the stakes are upped and the pressure is on, the Boston Police Department is forced to call in its most brilliant—and most controversial—homicide detective: Avery Black.

Avery, still reeling from her last case, finds herself up against a rival precinct and a brilliant, cunning killer who is always one step ahead of her. She is forced to enter his dark, twisted mind as he lays clues for his next killing, and forced to look into places in her own mind she would rather not go. She finds herself compelled to seek the counsel of Howard Randall, the twisted serial killer she’d put behind bars years ago, all while her new burgeoning life with Rose and Ramirez is falling apart.

And just as things cannot get any worse, she finds out something else: she herself may be the target.

In a game of psychological cat and mouse, a frantic race against time leads Avery through a series of shocking and unexpected twists—culminating in climax that even Avery could not imagine.

A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, Cause to Run is book #2 of a riveting series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lukeman Literary Management
• Release date: Oct 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781640295070

Blake Pierce

Blake Pierce is author of the #1 bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which include the mystery suspense thrillers ONCE GONE (book #1), ONCE TAKEN (book #2) and ONCE CRAVED (#3). An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Reviews for Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

[Alfreda Woodard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy this series. I'm just wondering why they picked a narrator with a British accent?! The setting is Boston! That's the only thing I find strange.

[NNEAMAKA PAYNE · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Continuing with Blake Pierce’s Avery Black series, I sought to learn a little more about the protagonist and her various skills. As the novel opens, it would seem that Detective Avery Black has earned more than simply a new title within Boston PD’s Homicide Squad. Partnered up with Dan Ramirez, they are also loosely trying to define a romantic relationship, while not letting it get between their work assignments. After a heroic hostage negotiation, Black and Ramirez are called to the scene of a crime aboard a yacht—at the mayor’s request, no less—where a woman’s body is found, with an odd star traced upon it. Black and Ramirez begin their investigation, invading another jurisdiction, and soon find themselves in the middle of a gang fight. Have no fear, Black pulls out some of her martial arts training, stunning both the gang and those on the force around her. Still no further ahead with her case, Black continues to inch closer to her daughter, Rose, who is about to take early acceptance to college. Their rocky past is something that Avery hopes to erase, though it will not be easy. It would seem that as soon as work calls, Detective Avery Black is out the door, leaving everything else to perish. However, when she is stumped, she turns to the only person who appears able to help. A visit to see Howard Randall, the man she defended in court when she was still a criminal attorney, may hold all the answers. While others frown on this Hannibal/Clarice interaction, Black secretly likes the information she can gather. Randall seems to fill a father role that is missing in her life. Working off a new angle, Black tries to push ahead with the case, though comes to notice that everything in her world is coming apart: Ramirez is distancing himself, Rose is scorned that she is again losing her mother, and the Homicide Squad no longer has her back. All this takes her back to her childhood, when she had no one to help. With a killer on the loose who continues to play games, Black will have to compartmentalise for a while longer and let the pieces of her life fall where they may. Another great novel in the series that keeps the reader on their toes. Recommended for those who like shorter mysteries and police procedurals, as well as the reader who enjoys female protagonists.

The gamble to continue with the series has paid off already, as I am fully committed to seeing where things go. Avery Black remains a complex character, whose backstory is woven into the present-day storyline. The reader learns of her horrible upbringing and how she was tossed into foster care, which hardened her when she realised no one could protect her. This may have benefits, but it is destroying her relationships in the presents: familial, romantic, and professional. Her work ethic is like no other, though this tunnel vision could be troublesome in the bigger picture. An ongoing interaction with serial killer Howard Randall seems to be working, as long as Black can stay at arm’s length, though there is surely something Blake Pierce wants the reader to know without saying it quite yet. There are others that surround Black and support her throughout this piece, including Dan Ramirez. He is more prominent in the book, though still stands in the shadow of the overly single-minded Black. Their interactions are sometimes strained, though I really cannot wait to see if they can shake off the dust and prove to be great partners. The story was again strong and held my attention with a number of hints sprinkled throughout the narrative. A mix of shorter and more developed chapters will keep the reader forging ahead and making sure they can solve the case before the killer gets the better of everyone. Adding a little education within the narrative also provides the reader with some additional treats, should they feel the desire to take it all in. I have the next book ready and should begin it now, as Avery Black waits for no one.

[Janice Martin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have a little trouble with the English accent being as this is takes place in the US.

[janet Gant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good. Love this character. Never dull or slow

[Claudinha · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I find that every book I’ve read are very similar. From Riley Paige to Mackenzie White to Avery Black, all characters have almost the same personality. Why ‘create’ different stories with characters so alike?