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Claire King #2

Once He Longs

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FBI Special Agent Claire King dies chasing a killer—and is resuscitated minutes later to realize she has changed. Dark images flash through her mind in a newfound power, visions leading her towards serial killers. But when new victims are found with incense burning beside their bodies, Claire finds herself baffled by the new case, and with time running out on the next victim’s life, she must wonder if her visions will save a life—or betray her.

“Molly Black has written a taut thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

Once He Longs is Book #2 of a long anticipated new series by critically-acclaimed and #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Molly Black, whose books have received over 2,000 five-star reviews and ratings.

FBI Special Agent Claire King has a reputation for brilliance, for being able to crack serial killer cases that no other agent can. Before she died and came back to life, she relied solely on this brilliance. But now that she has this fleeting, newfound power, Claire is should she follow what she knows? Or what she senses? Are visions more powerful than intellect?

Or will they lead her right into a killer’s trap?

A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the Claire King series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series are also available!

“I binge read this book. It hooked me in and didn't stop till the last few pages… I look forward to reading more!”
—Reader review for Found You

“I loved this book! Fast-paced plot, great characters and interesting insights into investigating cold cases. I can't wait to read the next book!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

“Very good book… You will feel like you are right there looking for the kidnapper! I know I will be reading more in this series!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

“This is a very well written book and holds your interest from page 1… Definitely looking forward to reading the next one in the series, and hopefully others as well!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

“Wow, I cannot wait for the next in this series. Starts with a bang and just keeps going.”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

“Well written book with a great plot, one that will keep you up at night. A page turner!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

“A great suspense that keeps you reading… can't wait for the next in this series!”
—Reader review for Found You

“Sooo soo good! There are a few unforeseen twists… I binge read this like I binge watch Netflix. It just sucks you in.”
—Reader review for Found You

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

226 people are currently reading
458 people want to read

About the author

Molly Black

342 books392 followers
Bestselling author Molly Black is author of the MAYA GRAY FBI suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the RYLIE WOLF FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books; of the TAYLOR SAGE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the KATIE WINTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the RUBY HUNTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting), and of the CAITLIN DARE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Molly loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.mollyblackauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY MOLLY BLACK

GRACE FORD FBI THRILLER

NEARLY MINE (Book #1)

NEARLY SAFE (Book #2)

NEARLY FREE (Book #3)

NEARLY GONE (Book #4)

NEARLY HIS (Book #5)

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

RUBY HUNTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IF I RUN (Book #1)

IF I TELL (Book #2)

IF I LIVE (Book #3)

IF I FORGET (Book #4)

IF I RETURN (Book #5)

MAYA GRAY MYSTERY SERIES

GIRL ONE: MURDER (Book #1)

GIRL TWO: TAKEN (Book #2)

GIRL THREE: TRAPPED (Book #3)

GIRL FOUR: LURED (Book #4)

GIRL FIVE: BOUND (Book #5)

GIRL SIX: FORSAKEN (Book #6)

GIRL SEVEN: CRAVED (Book #7)

GIRL EIGHT: HUNTED (Book #8)

GIRL NINE: GONE (Book #9)

RYLIE WOLF FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

FOUND YOU (Book #1)

CAUGHT YOU (Book #2)

SEE YOU (Book #3)

WANT YOU (Book #4)

TAKE YOU (Book #5)

DARE YOU (Book #6)

TAYLOR SAGE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

DON’T LOOK (Book #1)

DON’T BREATHE (Book #2)

DON’T RUN (Book #3)

DON’T FLINCH (Book #4)

DON’T REMEMBER (Book #5)

DON’T TELL (Book #6)

DON’T HIDE (Book #7)

DON’T BLINK (Book #8)

KATIE WINTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SAVE ME (Book #1)

REACH ME (Book #2)

HIDE ME (Book #3)

BELIEVE ME (Book #4)

HELP ME (Book #5)

FORGET ME (Book #6)

HOLD ME (Book #7)

PROTECT ME (Book #8)

REMEMBER ME (Book #9)

CATCH ME (Book #10)

WATCH ME (Book #11)

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Community Reviews

5 stars
473 (48%)
4 stars
330 (33%)
3 stars
141 (14%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Richardson.
160 reviews24 followers
February 4, 2024
4.3 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


The second book in the Claire King series, Once He Longs by Molly Black, delivers an engaging and suspenseful story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Claire King, a strong and independent woman, becomes embroiled in a world of mystery and danger, she must rely on her instincts and intelligence to survive.

Black's writing is captivating and maintains the reader's interest throughout the book, with unexpected twists and turns that add to the sense of suspense and tension. The character development is a highlight, particularly with Claire King, who is a multifaceted and compelling protagonist. The supporting characters also contribute depth to the story.

While the book is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to fans of suspense and mystery, some readers may find the endings of both book 1 and book 2 to be disappointingly similar, as it seems the author used a similar formula for both conclusions, possibly diminishing the overall impact of the story.

Despite this, Once He Longs is a well-written and compelling thriller that sets the stage for the next installment in the Claire King series, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in the protagonist's adventures. The book comes greatly recommended for anyone seeking an engrossing and suspenseful read.

#thriller #suspenseful #addictedtoreading #addictedtobooks #serialkillerseries
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,347 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2023
This is the 2nd in the series about FBI Special Agent Claire King and her partner, Wilson.
On the first case, Claire actually died, but was brought back to life by the life saving of her partner. But when finally waking from the coma, Claire finds that she can see visions. She wonders if they are a curse or blessing.

When they get back to work after the successful case, Claire is ready to find The Artist. She thought he might be dead, but she receives a postcard from The Artist, that says he's thinking of her. Now, she must find him again.

But, Claire and Wilson have been sent to California to chase down another serial killer, who has already killed two women. Hoping that her visions will help her solve this one, she is disappointed that now it seems to be gone. She must hunt the killer on her own!
173 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2024
Once He Longs
Molly Black

An intense story that will make you hold your breath!

Wow! I am not sure if I am glad that the story ended or not ... It feels like I am still waiting for yet another twist to hit me. I'm not sure if I can take a breath yet ...
And although this particular book ended, the story is far from over. The next twist will hit you sooner than you plan!
Profile Image for Donna.
2,103 reviews30 followers
December 6, 2023
Claire King and her partner are assigned to track down a possible serial killer who leaves incense burning beside his victims. Her visions are still a bit vague and Claire is still running about touching things and people to trigger something helpful. As their partnership grows stronger Claire is asking her partner to ‘trust me’ when she vague about what she sees. Chilling contact from ‘the artist’ has Claire searching camera footage after she receives a postcard from the serial killer. Exciting new series from Molly Black!
Profile Image for Jonathan.
87 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2023
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I haven't read the first book in the series yet. Anyone reading this will need to do that as it references things from first. Will try read that asap. I really enjoy the authors style of writing. So far there have been very few books I have not disliked. Only critism is the victims tend to die the same way.it will be interesting to see how her abilities. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Aly S.
79 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2023
Intriguing

If you're into fast paced mysteries, this book is for you. I love the dark humor in it. Gallows humor, I think it is called. It gives a break in intensity of certain situations.

The mystery of the case is intriguing. The threat of another killer watching her adds to the suspense. The ominous call from her past gives more to consider.

This entire story is super Interesting. I definitely recommend it!
17 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
Couldn’t Put It Down!!

This book was really good! It was suspenseful, had twists and turns that were unexpected. The characters were really good with interesting personalities and history. Highly recommend and looking forward to book two!
563 reviews5 followers
October 31, 2023
So her partner starts having feelings for her but doesn’t want to jeopardize his job and their friendship but ends up saving her life again! Is every book going to have her almost being killed? I’m interested in the storyline about her mothers death. Reminds me of Castle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
254 reviews
November 4, 2023
Riveting!

From the beginning this book captured my attention. Reading how these professionals did their jobs, I shod say lived their lives was spellbinding. There wasn't time to take a breath and it was onto the next case to catch more criminals or nutcases!
222 reviews
November 8, 2023
Once the mind goes so far, can it ever come back?

It's a good thing that this is fiction. It could easily be the cause of nightmares. Maybe it still could. Law enforcement is given the job of solving a series of murders. Enough said, don't hold your breath. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Bonnie Cook.
163 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2023
Great read

This was an easy crime read , rather short. Held my attention and world and character building were satisfactory. The ending scene with the killer was intense.
Four stars due to the slight cliffhanger
2,417 reviews13 followers
November 21, 2023
FBI agent Claire King gets visions related to crimes - but the visions are incomplete and so the investigations still take time and work.

Lots of twists and misreads happen along the way.

Enjoyable story
Profile Image for Laura.
346 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2023
while I think the first book was a little more exciting, this was equally well written. I am enjoying the characters and their development. I do hope that Claire leans into the visions and I think that is extremely interesting.
36 reviews
September 10, 2024
This book was a little different...

The beginning had nothing to do with the end. It's not like you can ever figure out who did it. This guy wasn't even in the plot until the end. Don't even want to read the next one. Sorry.
947 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2023
Once he longs

This is the second book about murders that Clair has to solve with her partner she really pushes her self to find the truth and live
21 reviews
October 29, 2023
exciting

I was entranced waiting breathily for the next clue to come or here her next vision most compelling. Will look forward to her next nook.
59 reviews
November 2, 2023
Entertaining

Not the most original plot-line, but the main character held enough interest to keep reading. Molly Black has a handle on suspense.
117 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2023
Enthralling

Great follow up book, full of twists and turns. Great, and crazed, characters carry the story along in suspense. Look forward to book 3
25 reviews
November 20, 2023
on the edge

Definitely one f the best mysteries I have read in a while giving you clues but not enough to decide the villain early
413 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2023
Claire

Great story and list of characters . Quick read. Think I will like the next one too. Hope you enjoy it.
399 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2024
Intense

An insane serial killer with a plan to save the universe. A practically unstoppable pair of FBI serial killer hunters. And a mind bending plot.
10 reviews
September 18, 2024
Good read!

Very interesting and makes you want to continue reading. These books make you want to keep read the next one!
22 reviews
February 18, 2025
Good

You keep reading, waiting to see if she gets any more visions to help them with their case. She should find someone to help her understand how they work, tho.
Profile Image for Barbara.
203 reviews
July 15, 2025
Getting better ... I'm getting a clearer picture of who Claire is and her new-found gift. I'll keep going in the series
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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