Say Die

by Blake Pierce

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

Prison psychologist Dr. Alison Payne has interviewed hundreds of convicted killers, advocating for their release—or determining if they should remain behind bars.

But when a suspected killer she once interviewed escapes, Alison must delve into the dark corridors of his mind to save others before it's too late—and to save herself.

SAY DIE is the first book 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.

The Alison Payne mystery series is a page turning suspense ride, immersing you in a captivating cat-and-mouse game brimming with shocking twists. This refreshing take on the thriller genre features an ingenious female protagonist who can outsmart them all, and who is guaranteed to capture your heart. Fans of Rachel Caine, Karin Slaughter, and Melinda Leigh are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the 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, Thriller, Crime, Ebooks

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 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

[Kelly Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller who dunnit.  First time reading this author, the story was good.  Alison interviews prisoners and recommends them for early release if she believes they are no longer a danger to society.  After recommending that Tommy be set free, a series of murders happen not long after he is releases, they look awfully similiar to those that Tommy was found guilty for 40 years ago, all evidence points to Tommy going back to his old ways but Alison isn't convinced and believes there's a copy cat on the loose.  4 🌟

[Chris James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant storyline! really enjoyed this one

[Alyssa Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Klare · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read

[Cidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena Torres worked in a convenience store and was locking up and taking the rubbish to the bins at the back of the store, she heard steps behind her and her world ended more or less right there, a man with a grin on his face thrust a broken bottle into her stomach. And then across the rest of her.

Dr Alison Payne works as a freelance consultant forensic psychologist in California, living in a gated community but she learns that someone she saw for years, a multiple murderer, had been released from jail 6mths previously and now people are being killed by broken bottles slashing through all their bodies. Except the man she had seen in prison was truly repentant and knows he had to go to jail and was scared of coming out of prison, he was quiet and thoughtful and not a bad lad, or rather old man now. Alison didn't believe that he would have done this. Special Agent Derek Sullivan was looking for her to help them track him down.

There is a subplot here with Alison's sister being murdered many years before and her dad James Payne was a police officer and had never stopped looking for his daughter's killer. He doesn't find her in this book. He also has his ex-police dog Rex who lives with him and is a good guard dog so he persuades Alison to come and live with him and Rex to keep her safe, he doesn't want to lose his only remaining daughter. I like Rex.

This is a really exciting book, the tension ratchets up all the way through, I believe that Thomas didn't kill these 3 new murder suspects (he killed 2 before) and believe that Alison and SA Derek will become an item, well I would like them to be!! And Alison's dad is looking for an ex-police dog as he is still worrying about her. Never fear Rex is still there!!

[Pierrebleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent Rollercoaster

A magnificent rollercoaster of a story which zips us along at pace and stops us breathing for a while.

Alison is a prison psychologist and has a big say on whether or not some prisoners are ready or not to be released.

Tommy Carter is a prisoner she believed in and she, along with the relevant committee believed his contrition so he was finally released after forty years in jail.

Then murders started that mirrored Tommy Carter’s modus operandi so he becomes public enemy number one and fingers of blame are pointed at Alison for releasing him. Alison is then targeted with goads and threats, leaving her feeling vulnerable.

Alison is convinced Tommy is not guilty but all her reasoning is hypothetical and not backed up by evidence. CBI detective Derek is the counterbalance to her arguments as we set off on a rollercoaster ride with significant twists and turns and a great pace. Readers need to remember to breathe now and then.

A great read and up there alongside Blake Pierce’s other top quality work.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Pierce did it again. Her super power is creating kick ass women who can hold their own, who are strong and wise and capable but still know it's ok to need and want help and just as equally strong and capable men who aren't challenged by assertive, take charge women, but see them as equals in every way and these people work as great teams, helping each other, not fighting to be first.

They Both use their strengths to help balance the other's weaknesses and get the job done.

That is why I love her books and have read so many and will keep on. reading them as long as she keeps writing.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The positive thing about this book is that it is short- It's an easy listen.
My guess is that if this series continues, Dr. Alison Payne will be a detective. She seems to be a step ahead of the killer. She knew everything he did and exactly where he'd be. It was really annoying.
The narration of the book was a tad confusing. The main suspect is suppose to be a 60+ year old man but the narrator made him sound like he was barely in his 20's if not younger.

Book lacked substance and depth.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

another winner

I have enjoyed Blake Pierce’s books for a long time. Say Die is no different. Allison is a psychologist who interviews prisoners up for early release. One case has come back to haunt her, and her life is on the line. Although my initial thought was, “Oh boy, another case of a long ago murdered sister, whose death was never solved,“ I changed my mind as I continued to read. This is a really good story of cat and mouse. I highly recommend it.

[Shelda Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER SMOOTH READ!

I am very impressed because this book was exciting easy to read without being full of filthy language and sexual things that are not fun to read. I love mysteries and I love female protagonist that are strong and really have a good heart and the special agent she works with is just wonderful and so is her father. it is a great book. I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Jeanenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an quick little cat and mouse mystery. Although the characters were likeable, I didn't connect with them at all. To me, they were too nice and perfect and spent a lot of time on platitudes. The book was short and interesting, AND the beginning of the series. Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.

[Alana Wilson-Lowe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I was disappointed and expecting more based on the reviews. It felt rushed and the characters seemed to be lacking in any depth. Perhaps it was the narration (I listened on audiobook), but the “final showdown” played out like cartoon superheroes squaring off against the final boss.

The premise was fun, though, so I won’t give up on this author just yet.

[Avid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story. Intense. I was pleased to see a strong female character represented. Yep, this wouldn't happen in real life, but this isn't real life. It's an intense thriller.

Recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚

[David Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allison makes it through

Dr. Allison Payne kept her wits about her and tracked her leads until she realized who was the guilty party. She had help in the form of her father and CBI agent Derek when it came down to a confrontation with the winner take all.

[Indira Brunelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book. The story was strong and it was gripping throughout the whole book. The writing was a bit weird sometimes though. Overall I did enjoy it :) I’ll be reading the next one.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nor my favorite Blake Pierce book, and I'm not sure why. It wasn't as gripping as usual, I guess. Sometimes it seems there were things left out? Like the bad guy being someone we knew? I dunno, not my fav, but not horrible either.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Great story of a prison psychologist who is targeted by a killer. The obvious choice is a man she recommended for early release. A very good suspense novel earning five stars from me.

[Georgette Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down

[Tenille · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Mrs. Charlene J Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Kept me reading . Couldn't wait to.go.to bed just to keep reading it. I was starting to suspect Derek.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb is wrong - "But when a suspected killer she once interviewed escapes...". No. He was convicted and then released (much later) on parole. Different story line.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Pierce never fails to deliver an eventful mystery with unexpected turns.

[Kristie Hobbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not up to Blake Pierce's usual standards.

Far fetched plot and uninteresting characters. I follow Blake Pierce and love most of the books, but this one doesn't pass muster.

[John M. Toler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Die—Very Readable

Interesting mystery, as always by Blake Pierce. Looking forward to the next novel in the series, Say When. Hope it’s available on the Kindle list.

[Hunter King · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of your seat from page 1.

From page 1 you’re on the edge of your seat. There’s not a single page that you can predict. Highly recommended

[Flyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. Fast paced psychological thriller. Not a bad first read. Might be tempted to try the next in the series to see how it goes.

[Mrs MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book will continue to reason the series

[Carley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok maybe it’s because I’ve been watching Bones again, but Alison and Derek are giving Temperance and Booth vibes and I’m totally here for it.

[Vanessa Vanuitert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Keeps you intrigued. The story behind it is iworth reading. I like the author as well, her books are good.

[Deb Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting thriller. You won't want or need to put it down - it's just 180 pages! The first of a series.