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Emerson Ward Mystery #1
Night Blind
The first in the Blake Sanders thriller series.
Overcoming a lifetime affliction of ADD, Blake Sanders had it all—great career, beautiful wife and loving son—until the one-time college basketball star’s world was rocked by scandal and his grown son’s suicide. In the space of a few months, he lost his only child, his public affairs job, and his marriage. Now, a year later, he delivers newspapers and washes dishes in a restaurant, able to face the world only at night. Blake figures he’s fallen about as low as he can go.
But an elderly customer on Blake’s paper route is brutally slashed to death in her home, and Blake is charged with murder. In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Blake gets caught up in a maelstrom of murder and deceit involving a pre-Civil War secret naval intelligence mission, hundreds of millions of dollars in buried gold and a potential bio-weapon that could cause a worldwide pandemic.
When the only man who can help him is assassinated, Blake finds himself on the run from the cops, a murderer and a shadowy rogue French military intelligence agent. His only hope of staying out of jail is his ex-wife’s law firm. His only hopes of staying alive are his wits and the sudden appearance of a beautiful and mysterious naval intelligence officer. But Blake’s not sure he can trust even them.
Night Blind is a breathless thrill ride on and under the streets of Seattle as one man’s quest for the truth turns to a fight for survival—his own and possibly the world’s.
Overcoming a lifetime affliction of ADD, Blake Sanders had it all—great career, beautiful wife and loving son—until the one-time college basketball star’s world was rocked by scandal and his grown son’s suicide. In the space of a few months, he lost his only child, his public affairs job, and his marriage. Now, a year later, he delivers newspapers and washes dishes in a restaurant, able to face the world only at night. Blake figures he’s fallen about as low as he can go.
But an elderly customer on Blake’s paper route is brutally slashed to death in her home, and Blake is charged with murder. In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Blake gets caught up in a maelstrom of murder and deceit involving a pre-Civil War secret naval intelligence mission, hundreds of millions of dollars in buried gold and a potential bio-weapon that could cause a worldwide pandemic.
When the only man who can help him is assassinated, Blake finds himself on the run from the cops, a murderer and a shadowy rogue French military intelligence agent. His only hope of staying out of jail is his ex-wife’s law firm. His only hopes of staying alive are his wits and the sudden appearance of a beautiful and mysterious naval intelligence officer. But Blake’s not sure he can trust even them.
Night Blind is a breathless thrill ride on and under the streets of Seattle as one man’s quest for the truth turns to a fight for survival—his own and possibly the world’s.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
174 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Michael W. Sherer
26 books103 followersMike is a member of and frequent judge for International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America and the author of "Mistaken Identity" and "Stolen Identity," four books in the Seattle-based Blake Sanders series, including "Night Strike" and "Night Blind," which was nominated for an ITW Thriller Award in 2013. His other books include the award-winning Emerson Ward mystery series, the stand-alone suspense novel, 'Island Life," and the Tess Barrett new/young adult thriller series, currently in development for television.
Mike and his family now reside in the Seattle area. Please visit him at www.michaelwsherer.com or you can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thrillerauthor and on Twitter at @MysteryNovelist.
Series:
* Emerson Ward Mystery
Mike and his family now reside in the Seattle area. Please visit him at www.michaelwsherer.com or you can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thrillerauthor and on Twitter at @MysteryNovelist.
Series:
* Emerson Ward Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 27, 2012
Blake Sanders felt like he had lost everything…twelve months ago, his only son Cole had committed suicide, and he blamed himself. He should have been able to help him, and couldn’t work out why he hadn’t seen the signs. After he lost his job in a shocking scandal he was innocent of, but couldn’t prove, he lost his beautiful wife Molly to divorce… So when he came across a woman threatening to jump from a bridge, while he was driving to his night time job, he was determined to save her…
Later, as he did his newspaper delivery round through the streets of Seattle, he looked forward to catching up with Midge, his last customer on the run. Midge, an elderly lady he had struck up an odd friendship with, was a kind gentle soul, who spent her daylight hours volunteering at the nearby Joyance House, near the church and rectory. To his disappointment, Midge’s house was in darkness, so he continued on his way.
To Blake’s horror, Midge had been brutally murdered in her home, and now the police were after him for her murder. Both Donovan and Hiragawa didn’t believe his claims of innocence, and ex-wife Molly’s team of lawyers were immediately on his case. On bail, Blake decided he needed to prove his innocence, and so began the incredible race against time, and his life, with a rogue French military intelligence agent, a shadowy murderer and the police all after him.
With the assassination of a key player, the mystery surrounding events which occurred in the 1850’s, a recently found journal by Sister Marguerite, which seemed connected to Midge’s death, the gorgeous Lieutenant Commander Reyna Chase of Navy Intelligence deeply involved… Councilman Rafe Acasa and his sidekick Dan Whiting….would Blake be able to stop the horrific murders before he himself lost his life? Who could he trust? It seemed he was on his own…
This brilliant thriller is the first in the Blake Sanders series, and I will definitely be reading the next! I could not put this book down, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, the absolutely breathtaking scenes had me right there…. Well done Mike Sherer and thank you for my advanced copy!
Later, as he did his newspaper delivery round through the streets of Seattle, he looked forward to catching up with Midge, his last customer on the run. Midge, an elderly lady he had struck up an odd friendship with, was a kind gentle soul, who spent her daylight hours volunteering at the nearby Joyance House, near the church and rectory. To his disappointment, Midge’s house was in darkness, so he continued on his way.
To Blake’s horror, Midge had been brutally murdered in her home, and now the police were after him for her murder. Both Donovan and Hiragawa didn’t believe his claims of innocence, and ex-wife Molly’s team of lawyers were immediately on his case. On bail, Blake decided he needed to prove his innocence, and so began the incredible race against time, and his life, with a rogue French military intelligence agent, a shadowy murderer and the police all after him.
With the assassination of a key player, the mystery surrounding events which occurred in the 1850’s, a recently found journal by Sister Marguerite, which seemed connected to Midge’s death, the gorgeous Lieutenant Commander Reyna Chase of Navy Intelligence deeply involved… Councilman Rafe Acasa and his sidekick Dan Whiting….would Blake be able to stop the horrific murders before he himself lost his life? Who could he trust? It seemed he was on his own…
This brilliant thriller is the first in the Blake Sanders series, and I will definitely be reading the next! I could not put this book down, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, the absolutely breathtaking scenes had me right there…. Well done Mike Sherer and thank you for my advanced copy!
December 31, 2012
The book starts out slowly, and was a bit confusing at first with a number of characters introduced and no clear connection between them. The author builds tension and atmosphere incredibly well, and I was struck by the complexity of the sympathetic and conflicted main character Blake Sanders.
Soon the story builds up steam, though. Lots more questions with few answers spin out the tale. There were a couple of times I stopped reading when coincidence just seemed too...well, coincidental (as in the location of the "treasure"). Yes, there's a lost treasure. Also a bio-hazard from the past. Government cover up? International intrigue and rogue agents? Religious fanaticism? Any single motivation would be enough to fuel most thrillers and putting them all together means Sherer must juggle lots of balls to keep them from splattering on the ground. But somehow he manages to do just that.
This is the first in a proposed series of stories featuring Blake Sanders. I look forward to reading them all.
Soon the story builds up steam, though. Lots more questions with few answers spin out the tale. There were a couple of times I stopped reading when coincidence just seemed too...well, coincidental (as in the location of the "treasure"). Yes, there's a lost treasure. Also a bio-hazard from the past. Government cover up? International intrigue and rogue agents? Religious fanaticism? Any single motivation would be enough to fuel most thrillers and putting them all together means Sherer must juggle lots of balls to keep them from splattering on the ground. But somehow he manages to do just that.
This is the first in a proposed series of stories featuring Blake Sanders. I look forward to reading them all.
November 5, 2012
In Seattle, Blake Sanders was a former college basketball player and later a public official. He lost his job and marriage to a financial scandal. He's haunted by the death of his son and makes a living delivering newspapers.
Blake's misfortunes seem to have increased his empathy. As his part in the story begins, he talks a woman out of jumping off a bridge and committing suicide.
The last stop on his delivery route is to an elderly woman who seems lonely and Blake often stopped at her house for tea. This night, someone murders her and then tries to put the blame on Blake.
There is an underlying story of a bequest to an order of nuns made in the eighteen fifties. They are given land and mineral rights to what is on the land. Seattle is now building a tunnel and there is a connection to what is under the land that is owned by the sisterhood. In addition, there is a former French agent who has an idea of what might be there and wants to get at it at all costs.
The author has written a story that grabs the reader's attention. He has developed a number of memorable characters and provides solid pacing to his story so we have moments of suspense and then pauses for background information.
Readers looking for an excellent story and well written literature will enjoy this excellent novel.
Blake's misfortunes seem to have increased his empathy. As his part in the story begins, he talks a woman out of jumping off a bridge and committing suicide.
The last stop on his delivery route is to an elderly woman who seems lonely and Blake often stopped at her house for tea. This night, someone murders her and then tries to put the blame on Blake.
There is an underlying story of a bequest to an order of nuns made in the eighteen fifties. They are given land and mineral rights to what is on the land. Seattle is now building a tunnel and there is a connection to what is under the land that is owned by the sisterhood. In addition, there is a former French agent who has an idea of what might be there and wants to get at it at all costs.
The author has written a story that grabs the reader's attention. He has developed a number of memorable characters and provides solid pacing to his story so we have moments of suspense and then pauses for background information.
Readers looking for an excellent story and well written literature will enjoy this excellent novel.
March 13, 2013
Michael W. Sherer's Night Blind blinds the reader to all else during the course of reading. Sherer immerses the reader so deeply in Seattle, the air feels damp and the night feels lonely as he introduces Blake Sanders. Sherer did something most authors fail to do... He managed to make me think the ultimate villain out to destroy Sanders was someone other than it was and yet when he finally revealed the villain, it made perfect sense. I felt engulfed in Sanders quest to do the right thing even while stumbling through his life trying to deal with his losses, save his life, protect those he loves, and seek justice. Sherer brings in a diverse and interesting cast of characters that leave the reader wanting more not only of the flawed but likable Sanders but those who surround him. In the midst of all these fabulous characters, Sherer drops the reader into the midst of danger, intrigue, political wrangling, and more danger. Sherer's cast of characters reminds us that none of us live in a vacuum where our lives are untouched by the actions of others.
October 5, 2012
Blake Sanders had a good life but now delivers newspapers and washes dishes. A year earlier his son committed suicide, and was accused of theft at his job. His marriage fell apart and he blamed himself for his son’s s death. One evening while delivering the paper, he stops a woman from killing herself. At the same tie, an elderly woman on his route was murdered and all the evidence points to him. Desperate to clear his name, he stumbles upon more than he bargained for. A hunt for hidden treasure and a religious mystery that happened over 150 years earlier brings in not only the US Navy, the FBI but also a rogue French military agent.
Michael W. Sherer has created a likeable character in Blake Sanders. He is a complicated man but the author lets out a little about him as the story develops. We get to learn who he is and what makes him tick and his relationships with other. The story also unfolds, not in a chaotic confusion, but clearly evolving as each piece of the puzzle is connected. As I read each chapter, I wanted to know more about the nun’s secret. It all comes to a head and the climax is worthy of the pages before it. This was a very good novel and I look forward to the continuing adventures of Blake Sanders.
Michael W. Sherer has created a likeable character in Blake Sanders. He is a complicated man but the author lets out a little about him as the story develops. We get to learn who he is and what makes him tick and his relationships with other. The story also unfolds, not in a chaotic confusion, but clearly evolving as each piece of the puzzle is connected. As I read each chapter, I wanted to know more about the nun’s secret. It all comes to a head and the climax is worthy of the pages before it. This was a very good novel and I look forward to the continuing adventures of Blake Sanders.
March 23, 2013
NIGHT BLIND has made me an instant fan of Michael Sherer. The novel features a flawed, damaged protagonist who is nevertheless a fundamentally decent man. He's a man who's lost most everything dear to him: his job, his marriage, and his only child, with the loss of his freedom looming over his night-based waking hours.
NIGHT BLIND features deft character development and a strong storyline. I noted some reviewers complained about too many subplots, but I found they enriched the novel, becoming part of a tapestry of fine storytelling instead of a diversion. In that regard, I think NIGHT BLIND straddles the creative worlds of crime genre and literature. Michael Sherer reminds me of crime mystery/thriller author Steve Brewer in that he's a fine writer, but more importantly, a great storyteller.
NIGHT BLIND features deft character development and a strong storyline. I noted some reviewers complained about too many subplots, but I found they enriched the novel, becoming part of a tapestry of fine storytelling instead of a diversion. In that regard, I think NIGHT BLIND straddles the creative worlds of crime genre and literature. Michael Sherer reminds me of crime mystery/thriller author Steve Brewer in that he's a fine writer, but more importantly, a great storyteller.
December 4, 2012
Sherer has a wonderful way with words, and I appreciate the fact he doesn't "dumb down" his writing. I love words, and when an author sends me to the dictionary (easy on your Kindle!), I personally approve. He also has the fabulous skill of depiction--creating a painting in your mind--although in the first half of the book, it may have been a tad too much for a thriller.
NIGHT BLIND indtroduces us to a flawed but honorable protagonist. One I personally want to follow, and Sherer is on top of the game with his action scenes. The plotting was meticulous. Well done.
If you're looking for something outside the norm, something that sets a higher bar, you won't go wrong with NIGHT BLIND.
NIGHT BLIND indtroduces us to a flawed but honorable protagonist. One I personally want to follow, and Sherer is on top of the game with his action scenes. The plotting was meticulous. Well done.
If you're looking for something outside the norm, something that sets a higher bar, you won't go wrong with NIGHT BLIND.
March 26, 2013
As other reviewers has said, this was a very complicated story. I liked how the past was gradually revealed, with tantalizing bits kept me wanting to learn more. The number of characters kind of meant we didn't get to know them that well, but the action was enough to give the reader a good sense of them. I would read more in this series.
June 26, 2013
Poorly organized. Keeps you guessing for all the wrong reasons...mainly because its poorly organized.
August 16, 2017
Interesting plot. Good characters who had my interest and I liked. Ending certainly leaves open a sequel. Just have to get used to the flipping of 1st to 3rd person. I like knowing extra information from the 3rd person perspective, but I get confused when we'd jump back to Blake's perspective as the "I" narrative. Could be that I had the audio version?
April 4, 2019
" A curate's egg"
The first chapter was heavy going and I almost gave up before I'd started. I persevered but despite some high points the overall impression was hit and miss. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
The first chapter was heavy going and I almost gave up before I'd started. I persevered but despite some high points the overall impression was hit and miss. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
July 12, 2017
Not a page turner
I actually had a hard time finishing this book. I lost interest many times but decided to stick it out to see how it ended. I am glad I finished though.
I actually had a hard time finishing this book. I lost interest many times but decided to stick it out to see how it ended. I am glad I finished though.
November 13, 2018
Mesmerizing
Enjoyed the journey. Recommend a good read. Kept me wanting to know what would happen next. You might want to try this who done it.
Enjoyed the journey. Recommend a good read. Kept me wanting to know what would happen next. You might want to try this who done it.
December 2, 2018
Keeps you reading
Gets your attention from the beginning. Many different things to keep you wondering what is really going on. Makes you want to read the next book.
Gets your attention from the beginning. Many different things to keep you wondering what is really going on. Makes you want to read the next book.
July 5, 2019
I liked this book. It was a quick read. A man who had to pull himself out of a hole. A lot of swear words that, for me, weren't all necessary.
April 12, 2021
Nice thriller
Very good read but a little slow to get started. The last hundred pages keeps one glued to the pages. This would be a great airplane read for a long flight.
Very good read but a little slow to get started. The last hundred pages keeps one glued to the pages. This would be a great airplane read for a long flight.
March 21, 2017
Good read
Started slowly but built up to really good story. I don't know French so I had to look up some of the words.
Started slowly but built up to really good story. I don't know French so I had to look up some of the words.
February 24, 2017
Review. Night Blind
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The profanity was not needed. The plot and characters were very thought out and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The profanity was not needed. The plot and characters were very thought out and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone.
February 23, 2017
Great story!
One of the best reads in a long time.
Good plotting and good flow of action.
The combination of historical and contemporary themes was excellent.
One of the best reads in a long time.
Good plotting and good flow of action.
The combination of historical and contemporary themes was excellent.
May 9, 2013
I didn't think that Sherer gave me enough information to stay involved in this story. I felt like this was a third or fourth book in a series as I was reading it. Then I looked up some information about it and found that it is the first in the series. So now, I am wondering if Sherer is planning on expanding on character and surroundings in future books.
Summary:
Blake Sanders has literally lost everything. He has gotten to the point where he only goes outside in the night to complete little jobs that mean nothing (I'm not completely certain why, it is explained to a certain extent, but not enough for me to really grasp onto the character). A woman is killed on his paper route and somehow he is blamed for it because he has befriended her. Now he has to clear his name and solve the real murderer. Oddly this kinda helps turn his life around.
My thoughts:
I already gave you some of my thoughts. I felt dropped in the middle of something that was already built up. This led to some confusion and feelings that I should know something. I would've liked some more background knowledge and building parts, especially since this is a first novel in a series. It did move very quickly. There are areas of great suspense, but I was confused through parts that just prevented my complete involvement in the story.
Summary:
Blake Sanders has literally lost everything. He has gotten to the point where he only goes outside in the night to complete little jobs that mean nothing (I'm not completely certain why, it is explained to a certain extent, but not enough for me to really grasp onto the character). A woman is killed on his paper route and somehow he is blamed for it because he has befriended her. Now he has to clear his name and solve the real murderer. Oddly this kinda helps turn his life around.
My thoughts:
I already gave you some of my thoughts. I felt dropped in the middle of something that was already built up. This led to some confusion and feelings that I should know something. I would've liked some more background knowledge and building parts, especially since this is a first novel in a series. It did move very quickly. There are areas of great suspense, but I was confused through parts that just prevented my complete involvement in the story.
March 12, 2013
Some people have the worst luck and Blake Sanders has the worst. His lost his son, career, wife, and now one of his only friends. He is also accused of murder. Although it sounds like he has the life of the Biblical Job, I liked the character of Blake Sanders and especially the friendship he struck with the elderly woman, Midge Babcock.
When there are several different story lines going at the same time as this story had, I only ask that they smoothly connect at some point in the book. Night Blind was a little confusing at first because the storylines were so different that I couldn’t imagine how they related. At first it was like reading a book of short stories, all different, and it was little difficult to keep them straight. There was even a confusing point in which there was mention of an event that turned out not to take place until later in the book. I re-read the that chapter several times before I gave up only to find later in the story where it was explained.
I thought Night Blind started out as a great story, turned into a good story, but then after traveling down way too many rabbit trails, it turned into an OK story. By the end of the book, honestly, I actually didn’t care much who did what.
When there are several different story lines going at the same time as this story had, I only ask that they smoothly connect at some point in the book. Night Blind was a little confusing at first because the storylines were so different that I couldn’t imagine how they related. At first it was like reading a book of short stories, all different, and it was little difficult to keep them straight. There was even a confusing point in which there was mention of an event that turned out not to take place until later in the book. I re-read the that chapter several times before I gave up only to find later in the story where it was explained.
I thought Night Blind started out as a great story, turned into a good story, but then after traveling down way too many rabbit trails, it turned into an OK story. By the end of the book, honestly, I actually didn’t care much who did what.
September 4, 2013
Blake Sanders has issues and plenty of them. He's trying to deal with the break up of his marriage, the death of his son and with his perilous financial situation (he lost his cushy job at a prestigious Seattle PR firm and is reduced to delivering papers).
And then his favorite customer, an elderly woman named Midge, turns up stabbed to death, and he's charged with her murder.
So Blake sets out to find the truth. Seems that Midge discovered a deep dark secret about hidden treasure and something very sinister, possibly hidden beneath an old convent. On top of all his troubles, Blake's got a renegade French spy out to kill him.
This book held my interest--I wanted to find out who did it and what the big secret buried beneath the sidewalks of Seattle was, but I often found myself looking at the "percent finished" line at the bottom of the page and thinking it should be done by now. And it was a bit heavy on the similes. But I did enjoy it.
And then his favorite customer, an elderly woman named Midge, turns up stabbed to death, and he's charged with her murder.
So Blake sets out to find the truth. Seems that Midge discovered a deep dark secret about hidden treasure and something very sinister, possibly hidden beneath an old convent. On top of all his troubles, Blake's got a renegade French spy out to kill him.
This book held my interest--I wanted to find out who did it and what the big secret buried beneath the sidewalks of Seattle was, but I often found myself looking at the "percent finished" line at the bottom of the page and thinking it should be done by now. And it was a bit heavy on the similes. But I did enjoy it.
August 24, 2013
Blake Sanders is delivering papers in the early morning when he see a woman about to jump off of a bridge. He stops his car and talks to her until the police come. He is able to save her life and gets back to delivering papers. When he gets to an elderly woman's house whom he has become good friends with he is disappointed to seem that her light is not on. He was hoping she would be up and wanted to spend some time talking to her. A short time later he is taken in for questioning about the elderly woman's murder. Blake slowly figures out that he is in the middle of something and someone is trying is set him up to get rid of him. This is a good read, well written and complicated enough to keep you interested.
Read
January 10, 2013Well....I started listening to this in audio format....and it took me several "starts" to get into it. After the prologue I was hooked. I'm usually not into spy stuff....but this was good. The narrator was great and it played like a movie in my head. The story line was complicated and interesting. The climax of the book was heart thumping. I enjoyed it. Best line in the book??? Narrator being Molly during the car chase......"Is that HIM??!?!?!?" I died laughing. Hit my funny bone. Great book. :)
October 1, 2013
hit and miss, but overall a very good read. I liked the plot and loved the lead character. I loved how his past gradually revealed itself throughout the book. I found that sometimes the plot seemed a little too convenient, almost like it wasn't worth the effort so something, anything was whipped up quickly which meant the plot seemed "incredible" at times.
Then there was an important character who just seemed to vanish towards the end. No tie-up, closure.....or maybe that's left open for a further book?
Regardless of my criticism, I still really enjoyed the read.
Then there was an important character who just seemed to vanish towards the end. No tie-up, closure.....or maybe that's left open for a further book?
Regardless of my criticism, I still really enjoyed the read.
March 27, 2013
I found a lot to like about this thriller. Sherer does an incredible (and credible) job of using Seattle as a setting, seamlessly weaving the city's past with its present. I also loved the idea of a hero with AADD, and the AADD is an integral part of how the story and the hero evolve. Also terrific--the male hero didn't fall into bed with every eligible woman! I didn't find all present-day parts of the story totally believable despite having been well researched, but this fast-moving novel carried me along to the end. I'll definitely give the next Blake Sanders book a read.
October 10, 2015
This was the 7/10 score I referred to. I enjoyed it a lot, but felt he got a bit carried away towards the end, which stopped the fourth star. The lead character is quite interesting, but I struggle to see the basis for a series, although I am interested enough to find out. The blending of past and present is quite well woven together and the relevance of the former to the latter carefully revealed to be very effective.
May 16, 2013
I was going to give this book only 2 stars but the second half of the book was 4 star material, so I'll go ahead and rate it 3 stars. It was really slow in the beginning, with about 4-5 different story lines which FINALLY converged at the end of the book. At almost exactly half way through the book, things started to happen and it got more interesting.
April 16, 2014
I enjoyed the book. Kept me turning pages and not at all bothered by the multiple activity lines spreading throughout. They all tied together in the end with the exception of the saved 'jumper'. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
April 18, 2015
Very Interesting
Very interesting and good read. I found the characters well developed and the protagonist great with a slight sense of humor and the whole history part a major plus.
Very interesting and good read. I found the characters well developed and the protagonist great with a slight sense of humor and the whole history part a major plus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews