Don’t Look

Taylor Sage #1

by Molly Black, Susan Marlowe (Narrator)

Book #1 from the series: A Taylor Sage FBI Suspense Thriller
🎧Listening Length = 7 hours and 23 minutes

First in a gripping series: A sadistic killer with a penchant for disturbing crime scenes is on the loose, and it’s up to FBI special agent and behavioral analysis expert Taylor Sage to catch the culprit. Could a chilling tarot card prediction hold the key to solving the case?

Bodies of young men are turning up, dressed unusually in gowns and posed like dolls. When a tarot reader offers FBI Special Agent Taylor Sage a clue to finding the diabolical serial killer, Taylor has no choice but to open her mind and follow the trail. What she encounters, though, is far more harrowing than anything she expected—and may just change everything she thought she knew.

FBI Special AgentTaylor Sage has crossed the country and transferred to her dream job with the BAU at Quantico. With a new job, a new house, and her husband by her side, Taylor is ready to put the darkness of her past behind her: a sister who vanished when she was a teenager.

Taylor is ready for a fresh start. But when a tarot reader on the boardwalk offers an uncannily specific prediction about her next case, Taylor, ready to brush it off, is haunted by it—and can’t help noticing that it was accurate.

The BAU is stumped by this new serial killer, by the posed bodies, and it seems only Taylor can decode the riddle. But time is running out, and Taylor will have to use every tool at her disposal to save the next victim, whether she believes in it or not.

Might the tarot reader hold the key?

Or is she leading Taylor down a fatal dead end?

A complex psychological crime thriller full of twists and turns and packed with heart-pounding suspense, the TAYLOR SAGE mystery series will make you fall in love with a brilliant new female protagonist and keep you turning pages late into the night.

Books #2 and #3 in the series—DON’T BREATHE and DON’T RUN—are also available.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Audiobook, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published February 15, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author Molly Black is author of the MAYA GRAY FBI suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the RYLIE WOLF FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books; of the TAYLOR SAGE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the KATIE WINTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the RUBY HUNTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting), and of the CAITLIN DARE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Molly loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.mollyblackauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY MOLLY BLACK

GRACE FORD FBI THRILLER

NEARLY MINE (Book #1)

NEARLY SAFE (Book #2)

NEARLY FREE (Book #3)

NEARLY GONE (Book #4)

NEARLY HIS (Book #5)

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

RUBY HUNTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IF I RUN (Book #1)

IF I TELL (Book #2)

IF I LIVE (Book #3)

IF I FORGET (Book #4)

IF I RETURN (Book #5)

MAYA GRAY MYSTERY SERIES

GIRL ONE: MURDER (Book #1)

GIRL TWO: TAKEN (Book #2)

GIRL THREE: TRAPPED (Book #3)

GIRL FOUR: LURED (Book #4)

GIRL FIVE: BOUND (Book #5)

GIRL SIX: FORSAKEN (Book #6)

GIRL SEVEN: CRAVED (Book #7)

GIRL EIGHT: HUNTED (Book #8)

GIRL NINE: GONE (Book #9)

RYLIE WOLF FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

FOUND YOU (Book #1)

CAUGHT YOU (Book #2)

SEE YOU (Book #3)

WANT YOU (Book #4)

TAKE YOU (Book #5)

DARE YOU (Book #6)

TAYLOR SAGE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

DON’T LOOK (Book #1)

DON’T BREATHE (Book #2)

DON’T RUN (Book #3)

DON’T FLINCH (Book #4)

DON’T REMEMBER (Book #5)

DON’T TELL (Book #6)

DON’T HIDE (Book #7)

DON’T BLINK (Book #8)

KATIE WINTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SAVE ME (Book #1)

REACH ME (Book #2)

HIDE ME (Book #3)

BELIEVE ME (Book #4)

HELP ME (Book #5)

FORGET ME (Book #6)

HOLD ME (Book #7)

PROTECT ME (Book #8)

REMEMBER ME (Book #9)

CATCH ME (Book #10)

WATCH ME (Book #11)

Reviews

[William_Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to about 60% and stopped. The writing isn’t great, there’s a ridiculous amount of telling and explaining. The chapter where they visit the old guy with the doll store- the author uses the word creepy over and over until it loses all meaning. Without reading more, it’s safe to assume this ‘creepy’ guy probably wasn’t the killer. I’ve lost interest in the actual crimes and I’m not invested in the main two characters.

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy the characters, and this story has been run through the mud...

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was okay but the author used the same descriptions repeatedly. I didn’t actually care about the characters and don’t think I would read another one of these.

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like Molly Black, but the one thing I cannot stomach is an unlikeable protagonist. It's one thing to be driven, but quite another to be self-absorbed to such a degree that career becomes more important than marriage. Taylor Sage has good reason to want to solve crimes, yet the reasons she is so single-minded revolves around status, not altruism. She is selfish and unworthy.

Sage has moved to Quantico for her career, and her husband has moved with her with the understanding that they will attempt to start a family. However, this is a lie. Sage has no intention of starting a family. She wants to accelerate her career. She gets asked to start early and immediately she falls into the routine of working too hard with single-minded purpose.

The story is interesting, but Taylor persists in being a horrible character. The story demonstrates no potential redemption. It's really all kind of a mess with very little joy. I needed more story, better characterization, and more intrigue.

[Kay H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, will definitely continue with the series. Not sure how much romance there will be, if any. FMCs workaholic tendencies are very relatable.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok start into a mystery/crime/fbi/serial killers series. Serial killers are normally not something I enjoy reading about, but this was ok. I'm not overly thrilled by our main character, Sage. She is single minded on the cases she handles and refuses to let go until they are solved. On one hand that is a good thing, but on the other it has given her zero personality. I don't like her much. The ending was ok. There was not much buildup and really no surprise twist. I'll read the second one and see where that goes.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read but it lacked the depth (particularly to do with the case) needed to make it a good one (for me anyway). The writing style was simplistic and repetitive. Even found some spelling mistakes. I liked the concept of the main character (yay for strong female protagonists) but the execution didn't work. The MC is plagued by some past events in her life but instead of dealing with them she throws herself into her work and treats the people in her life, who are trying to help her, cruelly. This made it difficult to sympathise with or even like her. Mutiple times it was mentioned that she forgot she had a husband while working or seemed to use work as a way to avoid him entirely. The 'medical diagnosis' that was revealed later in the novel also seemed poorly placed just to create added tension between her and her husband. How could she have not been told previously?! When her accident was first mentioned, without being a doctor, I knew what the outcome would be. Yet, it had somehow gone unknown to her for years? Unlikely. I won't be continuing with this series.

[Richard K. Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was impressed with Molly Black's writing style.......
Now for me to even pick up an FBI Suspense Thriller is so NOT me, that once I started to listen to this creepy tale of young men's bodies being murdered, and displayed in the public park wearing woman's dresses........I was all in for the ride, and was glad I took it.

There is nothing extremely violent in this FBI thriller, but the creepy scenes of the ways they are murdered and whatnot, made me think of Buffalo Bill in "Silence Of The Lambs" way back when. Will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the Taylor Sage series. Recommended.
3.5 🩸🩸🩸🩸

[Mj · Rating 2 out of 5]

She should feel guilty

This is one of the most irritating protagonists. She is arrogant, selfrighteous, and her internal dialogue is repetitive and boring. Her treatment of her husband is abusive and is condescending to her partner.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2*stars REALLY.
SAGE IS TOO SELFISH TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP, ESPECIALLY A MARRAIGE. SHE WANTS TO PUT HER MAN ON A SHELF AND TAKE HIM DOWN WHEN SHE WANTS TO PLAY WITH HIM. I WAS STILL TRYING TO LIKE HER AT ABOUT 45%. SHE IS MARRIED TO HER JOB AND FOREVER FAITHFULL TO IT. A LITTLE TOO SLOW & BORING AND ANTICLIMATIC FOR ME. ;<

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book is an interesting read, the author’s decision to make Tarot card readings a valid way to seek advice is a complete turnoff for me. In addition, the main character-Taylor Sage-is so work-obsessed it is destructive to all of her relationships. Sage’s insistence that her obsessive behavior should be tolerated makes her annoying. Just not my kind of story.

[Leanne Hardy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too basic, by the numbers/book, very lacking in characterisation, the ending has touches of Bates & Silence of the lambs but not in a good way, don't borrow other authors ideas & not give it a punchy twist to try make it your own. The only reason the FBI catch the killer is all down to profiling which is even used in a super basic way in this sadly rather dull read :(

[Rockymountainreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many cringe moments. So many. The MC FBI agent makes a lot of assumptions that are based on nothing. MC is dull and I don’t like her much. I don’t plan to pick up more by this author. This is my 3rd try but I’m just not impressed.

[Emily W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Taylor to be a seriously disturbed character who doesn’t confide in her partner or more importantly her husband. She jumps from one suspect to another with little to no evidence, relying on her intuition. I won’t continue this series

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out promising; fast-paced, intriguing setup, and a unique case involving a serial killer staging his victims like dolls. But as the story progressed, the momentum slowed, and it lost a bit of its edge.

FBI Special Agent Taylor Sage is an interesting lead, and I think there’s potential here for a solid series. The book is short, concise, and very straightforward, which makes it a decent gap filler when you’re not sure what to read next.

That said, I was hoping for more suspense and twists along the way. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t leave a lasting impression. I’d call my reaction neutral, maybe leaning slightly positive, and while I’m not in a rush to continue the series, I might pick up the next one when I’m in between heavier reads.

Final Thoughts: A quick, easy thriller that’s perfect if you want something light and to the point, but don’t expect a ton of surprises or emotional depth.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murdered men posed in dresses? It's a case for the FBI. Taylor Sage has just transferred to the Behavior Analysis Unit and is setting out to make a name for herself. With a fear that the murderer might further escalate his deeds, Taylor and her partner pull out the stops to track down a serial killer.

I liked the premise and Taylor's backstory, but the characters were not sympathetic. Taylor is work-driven in a dangerous occupation and yet wants a family - I can't see how that would work out. Her husband pushes her into choices (both minor and major) that go against her wishes. Her junior partner questions her commands, deductions, and contributions. Everyone is at least mildly objectionable.

The story was solid, but it will be a while before I head into this series again.

[Millennial Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good for the most part. The story didn't go overboard on the gruesome details, which worked well for me. Since it's the first book in a series, it introduces Taylor Sage as a somewhat compelling protagonist, with some past trauma and depth that the series will clearly focus on. The tension felt high as she, and her new partner, tried to track down the emerging serial killer. My biggest gripe is with the reveal of who the killer was. Rather than the narrative leaving clues for the characters, and the readers, to find and pick up on, each step in the investigation, each development in the plot, is handed to them.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really thought the concept was interesting. Men are being murdered and then dressed up in dresses with make up and staged to be found.
However, it was dragged out for too long and the procedures—or lack there of—were ridiculous.
I hated the ending. Her not being upfront with Ben was terrible and I don’t even like Ben.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleh… this story didn’t flow well for me. Sadly the first book I’ve read from this author will probably be the last. I feel like I should have dnf’d it, but I was determined to give it a chance and kept going. Not worth it.

[Lee Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t look - Molly Black

One of the best I’ve read for a long time! I especially loved FBI special agent Taylor Sage’s character. 👏

[Macjest · Rating 3 out of 5]

An FBI agent is on the hunt for a killer who leaves his victims posed like dolls. The story itself is interesting but the main characters are a little too flawed. I don’t want them to be perfect, but I don’t want the flaws to be distracting either. Still, it was interesting to give the series another chance.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a book that ends making you want to read the next one.

[Amelia Ranger · Rating 1 out of 5]

i’ve discovered i read through thriller books at a pace unlike anything else and unfortunately this means reading a lot of thriller books i do not enjoy just to pass time. in my defence for this one it was free on apple books and i had time to kill at the airport.

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This is the first book I've read by Molly Black and it won't be my last. Thank you NOOK (yes I still have the Nook app and not Kindle) for having a few free ebooks. The author has several different series and I was happy this was the first. I really enjoyed the characters, detectives in search of a serial killer.

[Carli Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for criminal minds fans. It was a fun read! I’m excited to read the next two books!

[Fiona Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many reviews that say they didn't like this one but I really enjoyed it. It was easy to read and I love murder mysteries where the twist is great and you have no idea how it will end. The only thing I didn't like is that now I have to find #2 in the series to find out what the cliff hanger is. Molly Black has a lot of good books I need to go and find!

[Linea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely insufferable female MC

[Avid · Rating 4 out of 5]

My star rating- read below for thoughts
⭐️⭐️= book similar to many other
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= added enough of her own flare and a very solid main character that I enjoyed it very much
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= multiple bad guys
-⭐️= truncated ending
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= final score

A tad bit of the typical storyline and a bit 'creepy' to use a favorite word from the book but then again, it is quite fitting.

Though I have read many other books based on this same premise which would have given it only a basic rating, the author does spice it up with one heck of a main character who doesn't know the word give it up already or call it good. Our FBI go getter is one tough cookie who has a gut instinct and won't let things rest even if they've got cuffs on a bad guy. Until her gut is happy, she can't rest & if this means going it alone,... so be it.

PLENTY of 'creeps' to pick from was also quite eerie, alarming, and frankly frightening considering how small of a town they were in! Gave me the heebie jeebies! (I'd move! 😳)

My only disappointment was the very ending of the book. I won't do a spoiler. It doesn't ruin what happened in the story itself but a sideline story that was being told. It wasn't developed very well to begin with and all of a sudden towards the last 1/4 of the book became a large issue only to be put aside for the murder investigation. Then it snuck in occasionally in snippets only never broached because it was 'a touchy subject' (my words). Then at the last part you find out something major and waited to see where it led on to feel like you fell off the cliff instead of a cliffhanger. 😞 Very disappointed. It was simply truncated as if she was tired and wanted to finish the book.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taylor Sage often acted liked agent with a few years experience vs a seasoned agent - 1 st death was a year ago, 2d death is current - freaked out over 3rd death but that did not follow the pattern (just wasted more time chasing down another false lead, she didn’t know how she’d ever sleep again"
Calvin heaved out a sigh, which irritated Taylor more. “Yeah, I’m not your babysitter, I’m your partner, Sage. That means we’re equals, even if you are more experienced than me—which is only by a few years, by the way. I’m twenty-nine, and you’re what, thirty-four? We’re practically the same age.””
I did not feel like they followed up on the dresses as timely as they could of. I don't know if I am mad for being whiney or for Taylor for not saying I am so sorry you know how I am with a new case Plus the injury that affects her ability to get pregnant should have been discussed with her prior to her being in her 30's - especially since she was pregnant when it happened

[Laurie Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bodies of dead men dressed in designer gowns. A tarot reader who provides clues that FBU agent Taylor Sage questions. Having just moved with her new husband to Virginia to slow down, begin a new life Taylor didn't expect to be thrown into a case before her official start date at the BAU.

Taylor is teamed with a younger, fresh faced agent. He is as soft spoken and tactful as Taylor is abrupt and rash. They follow the clues, most leading to dead ends. At wits end, Taylor again approaches the tarot reader for "advice".

While I finished this book, once again there is the flawed protagonist, trying to escape her past and move forward. And once again, a female who resents and bristles at any criticism aimed her way, justified or not. And once again, a law enforcement officer who doesn't follow procedure and risks not only her life, but the lives of others.