Non c’è nessuno lì (Un thriller dell’agente FBI Sofia Blake — Libro 1)

Sofia Blake FBI Suspense Thriller #1

by Ava Strong

L’agente speciale dell’FBI Sofia Blake, con un dottorato in linguistica, è in grado di decifrare qualsiasi messaggio in codice o in lingua straniera che il Bureau le sottopone, riconoscendo pattern che nessun altro riesce a scorgere. Queste sue abilità la rendono indispensabile quando si tratta di dare la caccia ai più odiosi serial killer. Quando un membro importante della comunità viene trovato morto nel corso dell’annuale celebrazione del Dia de los Muertos, e accanto al corpo viene scoperto un biglietto criptico, Sofia è chiamata a risolvere in tempo un messaggio in codice per salvare la prossima vittima designata…

“La trama ha molti colpi di scena, ma è il finale, che non mi aspettavo affatto, che fa sì che questo libro sia decisamente uno dei più appassionanti che abbia letto da anni.”
—Recensione di un lettore per NON COME NOI

NON C’È NESSUNO LÌ è il primo volume dell’attesissima nuova serie dell’autrice di bestseller Ava Strong, il cui libro NON COME NOI ha ricevuto oltre 1000 valutazioni e recensioni a cinque stelle.

Nata in una famiglia di logopedisti dalle peculiari origini tedesche, egiziane e francesi, Sofia Blake ha sempre apprezzato le lingue e le culture straniere. Ed è proprio grazie alle sue eccezionali abilità linguistiche e al suo talento naturale per decifrare i messaggi in codice che Sofia è riuscita a fare carriera nell’FBI. Ma quest’ascesa all’apparenza irresistibile ha subito una grave battuta d’arresto dieci anni prima, quando la sorella di Sofia, reporter di viaggio, è sparita misteriosamente.

Tormentata dal suo passato e alla disperata ricerca di risposte, Sofia si è ripromessa di usare i suoi talenti straordinari per impedire che avvengano nuove tragedie simili.

Il suo genio linguistico basterà a fermare gli assassini più perfidi?

O gli assassini riusciranno ad avere la meglio su di lei, prima che lei riesca a decifrare i loro messaggi in codice?

Un thriller emozionante, pieno zeppo di svolte e colpi di scena, segreti e sorprese che non ti aspetti, la serie di SOFIA BLAKE è un giallo che ti farà affezionare a una nuova e unica protagonista, costringendoti a leggere fino a tarda notte. I fan di Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll e Robert Dugoni se ne innamoreranno di sicuro.

I futuri volumi della serie saranno presto disponibili!

“È un libro inquietante e ricco di suspense che non si smette di leggere, e potrebbe farvi non chiudere occhio, specie di notte!”
—Recensione di un lettore per NON COME NOI

“Molto intrigante, non riuscivo a smettere di leggerlo… Un sacco di colpi di scena e un finale davvero inaspettato. Non vedo l'ora di leggere il prossimo della serie!”
— Recensione di un lettore per NON COME NOI

“Un susseguirsi di avvenimenti come sulle montagne russe… Non riesci a chiuderlo fino a che non lo hai finito!”
—Recensione di un lettore per NON COME NOI

“Lettura eccellente con personaggi molto realistici a cui ci si affeziona… Non riuscivo a smettere di leggerlo!”
—Recensione di un lettore per IL CODICE DELLA MORTE

“Una lettura eccellente, un sacco di colpi di scena, con un finale sorprendente, che ti lascia con la voglia di leggere il libro successivo della serie! Ottimo lavoro!”
—Recensione di un lettore per IL CODICE DELLA MORTE

“Vale la pena leggerlo.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Ebooks, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2023

About the author

Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.

Reviews

[Janette Boyd-Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeps repeating phrases

Potentially a good story but so distracting by keep repeating words and phrases. I am sure they will get better

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmmm

Well I suppose if you like reading about black charger cars and shadows of every kind, that try and fail to add drama or atmosphere into the story. Add to that a very cavalier FBI agent, very agreeable police force for the fbi to work with.
Look it’s a short breezy story with no real thrill at all. The authour just isn’t up to snuff at creating the vibe of a thriller at all. So glad it was a freebie and I didn’t pay for this.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a decent start to a new series. I like the partnership aspect based on respect and admiration with no desire to move into a relationship amongst partners. I found it strange how many times I was reminded that she drove a black Dodge Charger - as if the car had its own meaning. What I didn’t like - she has an unsolved family mystery. What happened to her sister. I feel like this angle has been overplayed in so many of her books at this point that I always know it’s going to come up somewhere.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea for the story was OK. A depraved, insane killer, Aztec runes, the FBI trying to catch the killer before the two days of celebration for El Día de los Muertos finish. However, it really needed an editor, or even just a proof reader as certain words and phrases repeated and repeated and - you get the idea. The agent, Sofia, works on luck and instincts; there was little actual policing leading to results. She also went off on her own to lure a killer minus her gun and not having let her partner know. Her boss loathes her for some unspecified reason and I’m not going to read any more of this series to find out why.

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned A Lot

I zipped through this book quickly because it was so predictable. But I learned a lot about THE DAY OF THE DEAD celebration which was interesting because I has only heard about it and knew nothing of its history .

But as for the story line, it was another female FBI Agent with a tag along male partner, who does very little to enhance the story line. A young girl is found dead, then another girl is found dead but this one has a sugar skull with her. They both have their throats cut and are killed one right after the other. Sofia has to work fast since this seems to be tied to the Day of the Dead celebration that only last 4 days, and they might lose the killer.

The normal chase and fight follow. And in the end we find this FBI Agent ALSO has a missing sister.. Boorring.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to start a new series and the premise seemed interesting and right up my alley. Nope. Not for me. I mean, I finished it, so there is that, but holy repeated phrases! Just for shits and giggles I did a search for "chill" -- I could have narrowed it down to chills down the spine or something, but just "chill" is used 32 times in this book. 32 times! And that is not in meaning "chill out."

[Rymer Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read like a school project. Everything was too convenient, I didn’t feel any mystery or suspense. I kept reading to see if my theory was right and it turned out I was overthinking it - there was no theory or twist to be had. I initially thought this book was a bad translation and that’s why it was clunky but apparently not. Additional star given for the main character not having a crush on her male work partner.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read

Sophia is an intelligent linguist who uses her skills to the benefit of the FBI. I liked the storyline, which centres around the Mexican Day of the Dead. The characters are well crafted, and dramatically increase the amount of twists and turns.

[mercy yaques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new story.

Kept me intrigued from the first page. Action from star to finish. Great story line. Looking forward to the second book. I have a new author. Ms. Strong keep the books coming.

[PRISCILLA WADE MCWHORTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok

The book was okay. The story line was good...so were the characters. It wasn't terrible...It was just not thrilling enough for a thriller. I hate saying anything harsh about someone's hard work. Sorry, Ava

[sharry turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fast paced and intent.

I enjoyed this very much. A little bit out of my ordinary mystery but really liked it. Intense and fascinating. This is one I would highly recommend.

[Robert Ruesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Suspense, believable. Interesting topic and looks like an excellent series.

[Judy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book

It was a book that left you with a chill and checking your surroundings. Characters were believable and you felt like cheering them on.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This book was very good and a very interesting mystery. I will continue with the series and the mystery of Socials sister.

[Janet Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

What a great read. It gripped me from the 1st page & I can't wait to read the next book, I think Ava Strong is a great author & I will continue to read all her books.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, it was pretty short but the suspense and the twists just kept coming. & the FMC was a badass. If thriller isn’t your usual genre, this would be an easy one to get through!

[Jeanne Dembenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

Great start to a interesting series, look forward to more of these books. The ending really grabbed you, and a bit of a cliffhanger too

[Maria Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I really enjoyed this book. So much suspense. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Exciting times.

[Nicola Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Great read, I enjoyed Sofia and Ryan's work relationship, I am looking forward to reading more of her exploits. You have created warm and believable characters Ava.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated PG

[Faye Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Excellent reading! For me this book had a slightly awkward beginning but it quickly captured my attention with a rapidly moving and intense plot. Very good book!

[Helen Skegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters good read

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

During the Day of the Dead celebrations, the discovery of a corpse sends shockwaves through the community. It's up to Sofia Blake and Ryan Donovan, FBI agents, to hunt the killer.

I had struggles with this book. There was a lack of depth - to the characters and the story. While the plot itself was outstanding, the execution left me a little hollow.

One particular plot point had me snarling, though. Since my rant will reveal a part of the story, it's hidden. As in many thrillers, the girl from the alphabet agency is a loose cannon who showboats at will. This led to a scheme with several errors.
Mistake #1: Deciding that she needs to trap the killer, she makes herself a target for him by dressing demurely. She also decides to go it alone because her partner doesn't answer her call. And, even though she reaches his voicemail, she doesn't leave a message informing him of her idea.
Mistake #2: This spur-of-the-moment plan was not thought through. In dressing how she did, Sofia appeared vulnerable and could (and did) attract the attention of other/different creeps.
Mistake #3: Pressed for time, Sofia changed her clothes in an alleyway. That could have either a) caused an indecent exposure arrest or b) an unrelated sexual assault. Luckily, neither happened, but she found that she couldn't secrete her firearm on her person and left it unsecured in the back lane. My jaw dropped.

A couple of other points bother me: The arrival of a multi-story arc at the end of the book was unheralded in the main work. Her father (who presumably has the same anglicised surname) refers to her as "mija", a Spanish/Mexican endearment. As his first name was Spanish/Mexican, this might make sense, but then the surname... Perhaps this will be uncovered in the next adventure. Perhaps I'll read the next adventure.

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even free, it's not worth it! The only thing in life we have control over is our time, and it is precious as we never know how much we will be given. Don't waste it on this book.

NOT RECOMMENDED! 👎

Jumping in and out of languages was not positive - it showed nothing more than a braggart, and the audio was absolutely horrendous.

Stupid jokes were made in the midst of looking for a serial killer between 2 giddy lovers. (Maybe he's a vampire. We'll that's too bad. I'm all out of garlic.)

The audio claimed to be read by a woman. However, there is no way this isn't a poorly audio generated reading. It wasn't able to handle basic nuisances of the English language. ie: The English language has 3 different sound possibilities when a word ends with the letters "ed." In the story, it couldn't grasp this simple concept of how to pronounce the word 'stopped' correctly. It read like this,

"She try Ed to to catch him and, but he stop Ed his car and jump Ed out before she could get to him."

The whole book read like this. It was terrible.

The storyline itself was also terrible. No character development. The only goal I saw was the author attempting to throw big words here and there and toss in various languages, with no improvement to the story. It was all to impress and had a reverse affect on me. It didn't match the poor quality of the rest of the book. This was one of the worst reads I've read in a long time.

📚 I suggest taking a pass on this one. NOTE: I've read this author prior and enjoyed some of the books. It just so happens this one was awful.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the story features a murder that occurs during Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead celebration. The festival has always intrigued me, and in this story a serial killer is prowling the festival looking for potential victims.

The characters of FBI partners Sofia Blake and Ryan Donovan start off well enough. Sofia’s driven to find the killer and her unique linguistic skills and ability to decipher patterns come in handy. The killer has provided unique symbols on the Calaveras (sugar skulls) he left with his victims.

The pacing moves fast and the suspense builds nicely. My only problem is that Sophia takes it upon herself to lure the killer out by wandering alone at night without her weapon or any backup. I’m not familiar with FBI procedures, but her irresponsible behavior didn’t seem realistic. I don’t want to spoil it by revealing what happens, so you’ll have to read the book. The atmosphere of the festival is captured well, however, and the ending is satisfying.

[Ruchika Pahwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's usual serial killer stuff that you may find in almost every other FBI thriller being written by hundreds of authors today. This particular story has some logical, content connectivity and other repetitive issues that may make it boring to be read. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it too much, yet giving three stars to support the effort of the writer, made on covering a bold concept that other writers don't think of writing about. It's regarding the dark blood rituals that are too real to be happening in the spiritual as well as physical world, and in which many innocent souls are sacrificed on a frequent basis. What I'm describing can be understood better by those who are spiritually enlightened. Such readers will surely gain more by reading this book. So, it's an important story for them to understand how demonic souls operate in this world. Some general readers may not comprehend it that well. So, that pretty much sums it up.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehh...premise is good. Execution leaves you wanting. FBI agent Sofia Blake is on the hunt for a serial killer who is leaving Day of the Dead masks behind on his victims. There is a code on the masks that she must decipher, and once does, realizes the killer will be taking 4 victims. She is so anxious to catch this killer that she uses herself as bait. Bad move of course and so unbelievable. She ditches her service weapon behind a dumpster? I would think that would lead to termination by the Bureau if not the killer! Seriously anyone could have come across it. But that's not all! She takes on the killer on her own despite being knocked out, taken, tied up, placed in a freezer.....she just keep escaping each predicament. Really? Most of the book was all right, but the ending was too unrealistic.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where the heck were the editors on this audiobook? If mis-pronouncing basic words wasn’t enough, and turning words with an ‘ed’ on the end into a two syllable word (piqued = pi-qued, looked = look-ed), pronouncing names two different ways (Lima pronounced with a long e like Lima, Peru one time and in the next sentence he is Mr. Lime-a) multiple times throughout is ridiculous. The main character is Sofia. Half way through the book, she pronounces it So-fie-a (long I). We met her partner Ryan in the first chapter…2.5 hours in, the sentence was something like "Ryan, Sofia’s partner" - as if we didn’t know that. I’ve almost stopped several times but at this point, there are so many books out there and with this one, I’m so distracted by the mistakes and childish writing that I’m done.

[Mark Lukas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not For Me

I kept wondering why this book, just didn't resonate with me. Then, I realized that the target audience was probably young women, not old men. The somewhat over wrought descriptions (everything was endlessly vibrant and colorful). The police work, or in this instance FBI, was not in keeping with standard operating procedures. An officer would never go "underground" without notifying a superior or leave their weapon and clothing where someone could find them, especially a child. A black sedan morphs into a refrigerated truck, at one point. If these types of details don't bother you, give it a go. But I think the author could and perhaps already has done better, since she has written a number of books.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting new series by Ava Strong that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Sofia Blake, a Special Agent with the FBI, is tasked with finding a serial killer during the Day of the Dead celebration in California. Surrounded by the festival, Sofia and her partner Ryan, try to locate the predator who is killing young women and leaving calaveras, sugar skulls with ancient symbols, behind on the bodies. Sofia uses her linguistic skills to decipher the ancient Aztec language, to find the suspect. However, it may come down to trying to trap the killer in his lair. The thrilling conclusion will leave you breathless!