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Dana Blaze FBI Suspense Thriller #1
Dark Corners
Brilliant constitutional lawyer-turned FBI Special Agent Dana Blaze uses her intellect to outsmart serial killers. But when a mastermind killer chooses victims in a way connected to the U.S. Constitution, Dana finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse to outsmart him before he strikes again…
DARK CORNERS (A Dana Blaze FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1) is the debut novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Katie Rush.
FBI agent Dana Blaze was once a brilliant constitutional attorney, until her world shattered when her beloved father, a revered politician, was brutally murdered in a case that remains unsolved to this day. As Dana rose through the ranks of the FBI, she emulated her father, becoming an embodiment of justice and truth.
Dana is the only one capable of stopping this killer.
But will she reach him in time?
A page-turning and harrowing thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured protagonist, the DANA BLAZE 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.
DARK CORNERS (A Dana Blaze FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1) is the debut novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Katie Rush.
FBI agent Dana Blaze was once a brilliant constitutional attorney, until her world shattered when her beloved father, a revered politician, was brutally murdered in a case that remains unsolved to this day. As Dana rose through the ranks of the FBI, she emulated her father, becoming an embodiment of justice and truth.
Dana is the only one capable of stopping this killer.
But will she reach him in time?
A page-turning and harrowing thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured protagonist, the DANA BLAZE 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.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
457 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 22, 2024
This is my first Katie Rush book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the second one and wondering how Dana and Sam will tackle the Admiral and his desires. In this book a maniac killing women who are speaking out on the First Amendment. He kills quickly and leaves cryptic notes that Dana is able to figure out using her years of scrabble gaming. Sam is her partner and always has her back, which is good since she isn’t great at communication sometimes. This was a fairly fast paced book with a few twists and turns and an introduction to a prior case which Dana put away another notorious serial killer. Dana boss is a typical bureaucrat who would be lucky if he could find his backside with both hands. He is a pencil pusher who demands a quick resolution and has no idea what is required to get it. A hopeful climber of the hierarchy of the FBI and doesn’t seem to like Dana in the least. I enjoyed this book, and my interest peaked for the next one. I’d recommend the book its good and a good read.
August 7, 2024
Weirdest narration ever. Should get zero stars for the numerous mispronunciations in this book. The narrator in the same sentence pronounces “human” (hue-man) correctly, then a second later mispronounces it as “hum-min”.
The written book was a really good thriller. My first by this author and a very well done plot kept me glued to it. 4*. But the narration tanks her writing.
Words with -ed endings mostly mispronounced. Maybe they’re said differently in some countries but this takes place in US and uses an English or British narrator so it just sounds so sloppy and so wrong. Ex: “Pro-noun-ced”. or “Sur-pri-sed “.
I went with it as a quirk for the first hour or two but it got ridiculously annoying and confusing that main character’s name was often Dana?? Then Donna? Narrator seriously alternated frequently and inconsistently between the two versions. And secondary character’s name vacillated between Maria and Ma-ri-ah at times.
Audiobook publisher please fix this. Listened to it on Audio via Libby.
If anyone tells me differently, I will amend this review. Until fixed, read a Kindle or paper book.
The written book was a really good thriller. My first by this author and a very well done plot kept me glued to it. 4*. But the narration tanks her writing.
Words with -ed endings mostly mispronounced. Maybe they’re said differently in some countries but this takes place in US and uses an English or British narrator so it just sounds so sloppy and so wrong. Ex: “Pro-noun-ced”. or “Sur-pri-sed “.
I went with it as a quirk for the first hour or two but it got ridiculously annoying and confusing that main character’s name was often Dana?? Then Donna? Narrator seriously alternated frequently and inconsistently between the two versions. And secondary character’s name vacillated between Maria and Ma-ri-ah at times.
Audiobook publisher please fix this. Listened to it on Audio via Libby.
If anyone tells me differently, I will amend this review. Until fixed, read a Kindle or paper book.
April 24, 2024
The Constitution
A great story that focuses on the current situation of the Constitution during our times. How did we get so far from what our founding father's penned when they wrote the original document.
If history is destroyed, the age old foundation is destroyed as well. If the youth of today don't know how we developed, they are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past.
This story raises the question of whether he was right about our government. Maybe his approach to remedy the wrong was right but his concern about the government direction was not.
Although this book was a work of fiction, it was an entertaining suspenseful thriller.
A great story that focuses on the current situation of the Constitution during our times. How did we get so far from what our founding father's penned when they wrote the original document.
If history is destroyed, the age old foundation is destroyed as well. If the youth of today don't know how we developed, they are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past.
This story raises the question of whether he was right about our government. Maybe his approach to remedy the wrong was right but his concern about the government direction was not.
Although this book was a work of fiction, it was an entertaining suspenseful thriller.
March 30, 2024
Dana is an FBI Agent working to solve a murder of an activist. As the bodies pile up she and her partner Sam work diligently to track down the killer. Dana is able to find the murderer and rescues the next victim but almost gets herself killed.
February 7, 2024
Great book
This book will grab your attention and keep it till the end. Katie Rush knows how to write an intriguing story. There is a twist at the end I didn't see coming. I plan on reading more by this author.
This book will grab your attention and keep it till the end. Katie Rush knows how to write an intriguing story. There is a twist at the end I didn't see coming. I plan on reading more by this author.
May 6, 2024
One by one young political activists are being struck down. The deaths, which occur at rallies, at first appear to be due to natural causes but a closer examination reveals the sinister truth - murder. FBI agent Dana Blaze is assigned to this highly charged case and given limited time to resolve it. Will she and her partner be able to bring the killer to justice?
I had sidelined this book because it began with an uncomfortable scene in which the female investigator was browbeaten by her male superior officer. (Surprisingly, the last book I read had a similar beginning. I also mothballed that one for a time.) Happily, that subplot was not the main focus of this story and the body of the work centred on a first-rate investigative mystery.
There's a fine line between fearless and wreckless and the author had her main character navigate it with aplomb. The working partnership was skillfully managed and added to the pleasure of the reading. The tension created by a hostile supervisor and the thrill of the murders balanced out the potentially cloying relationship between the two agents - my one criticism would be that these two were too much on the same page.
The investigation was conducted (for the most part) in a professional manner. The twists and turns of the plot were not overt, but the story did move in a predictable pattern. By the end of the book, I felt satisfied that my time had been well spent following Dana and Sam as they overcame hurdles to clear the case.
For readers who dislike cliffhangers, be aware a story arc appears to thread through the subsequent books. However, the initial case that Dana Blase sets out to solve is thoroughly settled within this book.
Although this is the first book for the author and the first in a series, Dark Corners is a well-written, solid police procedural. I look forward to more in the Dana Blaze series.
I had sidelined this book because it began with an uncomfortable scene in which the female investigator was browbeaten by her male superior officer. (Surprisingly, the last book I read had a similar beginning. I also mothballed that one for a time.) Happily, that subplot was not the main focus of this story and the body of the work centred on a first-rate investigative mystery.
There's a fine line between fearless and wreckless and the author had her main character navigate it with aplomb. The working partnership was skillfully managed and added to the pleasure of the reading. The tension created by a hostile supervisor and the thrill of the murders balanced out the potentially cloying relationship between the two agents - my one criticism would be that these two were too much on the same page.
The investigation was conducted (for the most part) in a professional manner. The twists and turns of the plot were not overt, but the story did move in a predictable pattern. By the end of the book, I felt satisfied that my time had been well spent following Dana and Sam as they overcame hurdles to clear the case.
For readers who dislike cliffhangers, be aware a story arc appears to thread through the subsequent books. However, the initial case that Dana Blase sets out to solve is thoroughly settled within this book.
Although this is the first book for the author and the first in a series, Dark Corners is a well-written, solid police procedural. I look forward to more in the Dana Blaze series.
March 20, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a new author for me. The story begins with Dana in a meeting with other agents when she receives a call and is sent to Philadelphia for a high-profile case. It appears that individuals who are holding political rallies are being killed and no evidence is left at the scene. The investigation is not really supplying any potential suspects. Those that Dana and Sam have brought in for questioning have shown to be duds.
To make matters worse, Dana's boss has gotten impatient and told Dana to find a suspect or he will bring in another agent to handle. When Dana and Sam bring in a suspect, they are told that someone will now be handling. Dana becomes aware of a potential suspect and proceeds to the address that is on file for him. Once Dana arrives at the location and is not able to raise Sam, she decides to check it out on her own. This wasn't a wise idea.
To learn why the victims were chosen, who the killer was, what happened when Dana went in without backup and how it all ended, then you need to read this book.
This was a great story and I look forward to reading more.
This is a new author for me. The story begins with Dana in a meeting with other agents when she receives a call and is sent to Philadelphia for a high-profile case. It appears that individuals who are holding political rallies are being killed and no evidence is left at the scene. The investigation is not really supplying any potential suspects. Those that Dana and Sam have brought in for questioning have shown to be duds.
To make matters worse, Dana's boss has gotten impatient and told Dana to find a suspect or he will bring in another agent to handle. When Dana and Sam bring in a suspect, they are told that someone will now be handling. Dana becomes aware of a potential suspect and proceeds to the address that is on file for him. Once Dana arrives at the location and is not able to raise Sam, she decides to check it out on her own. This wasn't a wise idea.
To learn why the victims were chosen, who the killer was, what happened when Dana went in without backup and how it all ended, then you need to read this book.
This was a great story and I look forward to reading more.
July 28, 2024
Very Interesting?
This was not your run of the mill mystery. Dana and Sam are on the hunt for a Constitutional Killer. He is after political speakers who are advocating for the first amendment.
There are no clues, no suspects, or obvious reasons as to how he’s picking his victims, or who’s next. No visible wounds or suspects even though it’s done in broad day light and death is immediate.
This story is told in a matter of fact manner and not very exciting. Timing is odd. In one breath it seems the deaths are immediate and then it’s like weeks apart. This not attention getting. I had no problem putting it down and returning “whenever”. It just plods along till the end, which by the way, is not the end. Ugh!
This was not your run of the mill mystery. Dana and Sam are on the hunt for a Constitutional Killer. He is after political speakers who are advocating for the first amendment.
There are no clues, no suspects, or obvious reasons as to how he’s picking his victims, or who’s next. No visible wounds or suspects even though it’s done in broad day light and death is immediate.
This story is told in a matter of fact manner and not very exciting. Timing is odd. In one breath it seems the deaths are immediate and then it’s like weeks apart. This not attention getting. I had no problem putting it down and returning “whenever”. It just plods along till the end, which by the way, is not the end. Ugh!
February 27, 2025
The story was okay, but I'm having an issue listening to audio books and hearing them say the book is written by _____ & read by _____ when it is clearly a poorly done AI read. In this particular book, credit was given to Caroline. I would rather have the transparency & honesty. Had that been the case, my ratings would likely have increased. Either way, I suffer through it, but there's a difference going into a book thinking you will have someone reading using voice inflection and actually knowing how to pronounce basic English words vs a robotic monotone that has problems sounding out what a fluent 4th grader can easily read.
Story 3-stars
Audio 2-stars
Overall 2 1/2 stars 🌟
Story 3-stars
Audio 2-stars
Overall 2 1/2 stars 🌟
February 6, 2024
This was really interesting and this was the first mystery/thriller that I read that really centered around female activists and protesting for equal rights and such. It fell a little flat for me character wise though, it's your same run of the mill mystery crime thriller, nothing new so that's why it's in the middle for me but better than I expected because I've read a lot of crime thrillers and they are pretty much all the same, but still very interesting to read about for sure on these topics.
February 8, 2024
This was a great who done it. It was gripping and suspenseful. I didn't realize this was book 1 of 5!!! I enjoy a good mystery, but there's no way I can wait for an ending that long. I'll wait until they're all out and binge read the rest, if I can remember. Time is too short to wait for 4 books when there are so many more glorious hours of reading awaiting me. I'm too impatient. I voluntarily read a free copy of this provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
February 22, 2024
This was a unique read at least it was for me. In that it was centered around a killer and their defense of the constitution. I'm extremely intrigued to see what happens in the books to follow. You need to know going in to this one that is is a series and the underlying theme continues, not all is wrapped up at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2024
Dana Blaze is investigating the murder of civil activists in the DC area, all of them invoking people's rights protected by the first Amendment, even the cause of death is difficult to ascertain as there are no easily seen lesions. Dark Corners is well-written, fast-paced, it has an engaging plot, and is a promising start to a new series.
I thank Ms. Rush for the copy of this book.
I thank Ms. Rush for the copy of this book.
June 1, 2024
Decent read but I feel like every book I’ve read recently has had a scene where one agent goes off on their own and then gets injured before miraculously escaping and saving the day. Overall nothing wrong with the story and can see how it sets up for the next one but probably won’t continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
You know when a book gets off to a bad start with plot inconsistencies and incredible leaps in faith to accept the story. You have to decide whether to persevere or not, well I decided wrong and kept going.
Bad move, and believe me I won’t try any more.
This was a fraction of a star if I could do that.
Bad move, and believe me I won’t try any more.
This was a fraction of a star if I could do that.
February 26, 2024
While the plot of the story had merit, it just isn't my cup of tea. I didn't feel like the 'partners' really jelled together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2024
not bad for first book
But the action didn't really take place until towards the end. Dana Blaze feels like she has to continually prove her worth as an FBI agent. What will it take to show her boss her worth?
But the action didn't really take place until towards the end. Dana Blaze feels like she has to continually prove her worth as an FBI agent. What will it take to show her boss her worth?
May 11, 2024
I'd probably emphasize Dana's anagram abilities rather than her constitution knowledge. She needed to identify the letters as an anagram first and then anybody would be able to google the meaning.
Enjoyable story
Enjoyable story
June 23, 2024
Quick read. Not a bad one just not one I felt connected to. The character development was lacking for me to be honest. There are others in the series, I just don't know if I am invested enough to continue with them.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
Good story.
The reader could not pronounce a lot of words and the female FBI agent had her name pronounced three different ways.
Dona sounds like doughnut
Donna
Dana (long a)
Sadly, I won’t be listening to any more of her books.
The reader could not pronounce a lot of words and the female FBI agent had her name pronounced three different ways.
Dona sounds like doughnut
Donna
Dana (long a)
Sadly, I won’t be listening to any more of her books.
July 8, 2025
rather a dull read
The story line is okay but the characters are flat. Dana acts more like Nancy Drew than an FBI agent. The relationship between Dana and her male FBI colleagues is weak and nonprofessional.
The story line is okay but the characters are flat. Dana acts more like Nancy Drew than an FBI agent. The relationship between Dana and her male FBI colleagues is weak and nonprofessional.
February 7, 2024
Solid mystery/thriller! Every moment was spent on the edge of my seat, and I read it in a day!
March 26, 2024
If you like FBI Type books then this is the book for you.
Its a really good read, lots going on, good story line.
I received a free ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Its a really good read, lots going on, good story line.
I received a free ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 26, 2024
I received this ARC through book Sirens for a voluntary review. A good read and storyline. Loved all the strong female characters. Glad I knew it's a series and not all questions are answered.
April 20, 2024
Very superficial story and writing, very predictable plot.
May 25, 2024
Riveting storyline
A great suspense thriller. A killer on the loose with a needle as a weapon. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
A great suspense thriller. A killer on the loose with a needle as a weapon. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 27, 2024
Okay. Loose threads?
July 10, 2024
I found this to be pretty boring to be honest. It’s pretty generic. There’s nothing to set it apart from the seemingly millions of other fbi/detective mystery thrillers out there.
August 29, 2024
A good enough plot, but this writer is still "immature" and learning her skill. Everything was pretty predictable and a lot of talk but not much action (also, too much explanation).
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September 16, 2024FBI
Well written storyline which has a believable theme. Strong characters that interact well and that the reader will find engaging.
Well written storyline which has a believable theme. Strong characters that interact well and that the reader will find engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews