Absent Humanity

Amber Young #8

by Blake Pierce

There are very few puzzles that Amber Young, genius puzzle editor turned FBI special agent, cannot solve. But when a cunning serial killer leaves a chilling trail of Zodiac-themed murders, Amber must decipher the cryptic messages left at each crime scene. With time running out and the body count rising, can she stop this merciless murderer before they strike again?

“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery.”
—Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABSENT HUMANITY is book #8 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 7,000 five star ratings and reviews.

Amber Young, reclusive puzzle editor turned FBI agent, realizes her unique genius may just mean the difference between life and death for the next victim. In this page-turning, cat and mouse thriller, it’s a battle of clues, riddles, twists—and genius.

A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the Amber Young 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 this series are also available.

“An edge of your seat thriller in a new series that keeps you turning pages! ...So many twists, turns and red herrings… I can't wait to see what happens next.”
—Reader review (Her Last Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A strong, complex story about two FBI agents trying to stop a serial killer. If you want an author to capture your attention and have you guessing, yet trying to put the pieces together, Pierce is your author!”
—Reader review (Her Last Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A typical Blake Pierce twisting, turning, roller coaster ride suspense thriller. Will have you turning the pages to the last sentence of the last chapter!!!”
—Reader review (City of Prey)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Right from the start we have an unusual protagonist that I haven't seen done in this genre before. The action is nonstop… A very atmospheric novel that will keep you turning pages well into the wee hours.”
—Reader review (City of Prey)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Everything that I look for in a book… a great plot, interesting characters, and grabs your interest right away. The book moves along at a breakneck pace and stays that way until the end. Now on go I to book two!
—Reader review (Girl, Alone)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Exciting, heart pounding, edge of your seat book… a must read for mystery and suspense readers!”
—Reader review (Girl, Alone)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2024

About the author

Blake Pierce is author of the bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seven books (and counting). Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); and of the new KERI LOCKE mystery series.

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

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber wants to pursue the killer who is targeting her loved ones but is barred by the Detective handling the case and every break she has she interferes in the search which is not helping matters. She and Simon are sent to find the killer of women who leaves with his victims astrological maps and signage. They'll run all leads that are available and search restlessly for new ones till the culprit is found. The story has a good plot, is fast-paced, and has besides crime and mystery, a bit of romance and it proves to be a great end for the series. I thank Ms. Pierce for this ARC.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absent Humanity - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Once again the newbie FBI Agent and puzzle-master Amber Young and her sidekick Agent Simon Phelps must complete another mystifying trail, to stop a serial-killer who seems obsessed with the signs of the Zodiac...and her!

With so many options for the next murder victim and time running out, can Amber find the link in time...or will another of her loved ones die?
Read Absent Humanity to see what the final puzzle piece is!

[Debbie Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Amber's friends is murdered & Agent Mallory is still refusing her help. She & Simon are sent to investigate the murders of women who are left with Zodiac signs around them. They need to hurry to find the killer because now it seems he's killing them faster. Really great read with a very great ending!

[Kristen Zamudio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was probably one of my least favorite by Blake Pierce. The ending seemed rushed and there was no solid conclusion to the relationship between Amber and Simon (plus, he wasn’t very forthcoming with his feelings). Anyways, having a prior puzzle editor join the FBI was a cool idea, but I feel like the series could have been wrapped up faster.

[§am I Am · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disliked this series. Loved the puzzle aspect, but near the end, it got boring. The main characters had no chemistry what so ever. Main story is the same in every pierce book I've read so far. Glad this series is done.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just more of the same and nothing added to spice it up.