Girl, Accused

Ella Dark #25

by Blake Pierce

FBI Agent Ella Dark has studied serial killers from the time she could read, devastated by the murder of her own father, and has gained an encyclopedic knowledge of murderers.

When victims of a new killer are marked by a scarlet letter that spells out their ultimate sin, Ella’s obsession with the macabre becomes essential as she races against time to decode the symbolism behind each death. But will her relentless pursuit lead her too close to becoming a part of the killer’s diabolical sermon?

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

GIRL, ACCUSED (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller) is book #25 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 20,000 five star reviews and ratings.

FBI Agent Ella Dark, 29, is given her big chance to achieve her life’s to join the Behavioral Crimes Unit. Ella’s hidden obsession of gaining an encyclopedic knowledge of serial killers has led to her being singled out for her brilliant mind, and invited to join the big leagues.

But this time Ella finds herself in a cat and mouse chase with no way out, and she must wonder if she is hunting—or the one who is hunted….

A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the ELLA DARK series is a riveting mystery, packed with suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

Future books in the series will soon be 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: Thriller, Audiobook

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2025

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

[Renee Koeune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like ella dark.

[Venessa Johnstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im pretty used to this series now.. they are not great but im sucked in now lol

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this one opens, Ella is in trouble and it doesn't look good for her, even as people know she didn't do what they say. Her boss pulls a hail mary to get her help and it's surprising, yet not, who this person ends up being...Mia.

I've missed Mia, she and Ella really work well, but I can also see why Mia is embracing retirement. They talk about it a bit and you can see how settled Mia is in her new life, in a good way, even as being back to help Ella is "fun" for her too.

The two of them get sent out of town to work a case while the boss gets things settled for Ella's trouble. They have a couple of missteps, but get the killer right at the end and in an interesting way.

Luca is dealing with his own troubles from the last case and on leave. I loved the interaction with his mom at the end, but really wonder about the "idea" that popped into his head. We'll have to wait for the next book to find out what it was and how it will affect them all.

[Angela French · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked this book out not knowing it was number 25 of a series. That wasn’t a problem. It was easy to pick up and know what was going on. I’m sure the book was really good but I only made it to chapter 25. The plot had religious undertones due to a religious zealot. Not a problem. Reminded me of the movie 7. However, after the two FBI agents said the following for the, what seemed like millionth time, “I can’t believe someone would read this book” speaking of the Bible, or “I don’t understand why people go to church” I closed Blake Pierce. Look, I get it. Not all people are believers, but it was established early the main character quit believing in God at age 8. We did not need to be beat over the head with a hammer. Had it been an important narrative it would have been different but the way he just casually threw in three times a chapter the FBI was against God was unnecessary. Trust me. We knew already.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl, Accused - a review by Rosemary Kenny.


Amidst a mounting national crime crisis, FBI Special Agent Ella Dark is detained on suspicion of carrying out the murders that she was investigating.

Unexpectedly freed on condition she solves other gruesome murders, Ella is surprised to be partnered with her retired former partner Ripley, but their delight is short-lived as the twistiest case of their careers puts them in a killer's crosshairs.

Brilliantly nuanced characters, a great plot and a riveting denouement - Blake Pierce's Girl, Accused has it all in spades.

Don't wait, go grab a copy right now!

[Mary Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to have Mia and Ella back working together again . It wasn’t the same the last few books. honestly, I wasn’t going to keep reading the series, as it didn’t bring the same excitement. I decided to try one more, and to my surprise she was back.

Now, about the book review. I truly enjoyed the latest case, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out in a audiobook. The end was a cliff hanger. Don’t want to add any other spoilers.
Thank for bringing Mia back.

[Vicki Elia · Rating 1 out of 5]

For Audio Edition which is not listed:

Stopped after 3 chapters. Kate Burns, who narrates this book and others in this series, is absolutely awful. Her tone grates my ears. I'm very finicky with female narrators, and Burns can continue narrating this series and I will not listen to any of them. It's a shame because the stories seem intriguing.

Rated a 1 purely due to narration and an unread book.

[Kari Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy Mia is back!!!! This definitely picked up from the last book. It was just better having the duo back together! Hopefully the next one hits more of what is going on with Ella!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars