Girl, Forsaken: An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller, Book 7

Ella Dark #7

by Blake Pierce

FBI Special Agent Ella Dark has studied serial killers from the time she could read, devastated by the murder of her own sister, and has gained an encyclopedic knowledge of murderers. A serial killer is leaving clues around the city, using Ella’s knowledge of historical murders to taunt her. Can Ella dig deep into her encyclopedic mind and crack the case? Or will this killer finally outsmart her?

Girl, Forsaken (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller) is book seven in a long-anticipated new series by number one best seller and USA Today best-selling author Blake Pierce, whose best seller Once Gone has received more than 1,000 five star reviews.

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.

Ella is confident she can solve the killer’s twisted puzzle—but he always seems to be one step ahead of her.

Can she win this dangerous game of cat and mouse? Or will she herself become the target?

A 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 listening late into the night.

Books eight and nine in the series—Girl, Trapped and Girl, Expendable—are now also available!

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Serial Killer

Audible Audio

First published June 28, 2022

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

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so done with this series. It had potential, but never really followed through with that. Ironically, a final nail in the coffin is the blurb that is associated with the series on Amazon. It describes Ella Dark as a woman who is still trying to deal with the murder of her own sister. Since it was her father who was murdered, and she had no siblings, least of all a sister, it just cements the whole thing. The books are farfetched and are accompanied by inaccurate blurbs. You'd think that someone would have caught that long ago? Or maybe just doesn't care. Either way, it's not worth the effort of hoping they will get better. On to, hopefully, better series.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven books in and I am still a fan. I have read some of the one star reviews for this one. I understand their frustration, but in the end, I still find these stories to be page turners. That is one thing I am looking for - a book that does not slow down - at the end of each chapter I want to start the next one. The Ella Dark series is one of those series for me. So I am going to stay with my 5 stars for this series.

I liked how in this book the tables are turned and one of the FBI agents is accused of murder. There is also a new case to be solved and the serial killer is leaving riddles to be solved. I enjoyed reading how Ella solves the riddles. At the same time that Ella is solving riddles, her partner Mia, is working another case. With so much going on, there was never a dull moment. And, once again, the ending of this book had me picking up number eight in the series to see what will happen next!

[Dario Delfino · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I really disliked in this book is how Ella acts like a teenager, reckless, unwise, guided by instincts, and absolutely unable to say the truth to anyone, FBI, police, friends... And by the way, do you really think you can lie to the police about your IDENTITY? Don't you think they'll ask for an ID card from a witness?

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was really crazy! Ella and Ripley are chasing killers and things don't look good for either of them. I love that Ella got hers and was able to get the FBI to back off of what they found at her house. I fear for Ripley, it looked like she was finally going to put her nightmare behind her, but once again like smoke it's gone and she's not in a good place. I really worry about her. I'm not sure about this new alliance Ella made with another agent, feel like that will come back to harm her at some point, but I do love the in she has with the researchers! Kindred spirits there.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve picked up this series as a relatively light, fast paced crime series but they are getting just a little too unbelievable. Supposedly intelligent, well trained FBI officers continually go rogue, act in risky ways with no back up or communication against not one but several serial killers all of who reference off of other historic killers. I sometimes think if there were as many serial killers as there are novels about them then there would be no victims left! The death count is high and this one has fellow FBI officers acting as randomly and dodgy as the killers. There is a strong partnership and back stories that could be better explored. I think I need to take a break from this series, creaking stairways, dark rooms with mysterious exits, highly scented suspects and all!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Ella Dark series is getting so far-fetched and nuts that it’s not at all believable anymore. So many murders in 24 hours when Ella’s supposed to be on lockdown? And nobody at the FBI picks up on it? Pssshhh ok.

Alas, I’m a sucker for Blake Pierce’s utterly predictable books and will likely read the next one.

[Em Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one in a while.

[Chrissy | fullybookedweekends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven books in and the storylines still take me by surprise. This one takes a turn when one of the FBIs own is accused of murder, leaving the two special agents to go their own ways. Suspense fills the air and tensions rise as the two agents are on the hunt for two separate killers - if I read this as a physical book, it’d be quite the page turner.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better then the others. I loved the suspense this book gave me. The author changed this book up a lot and I loved how this one turned out.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man this book at the end had me questioning so many things haha another great read by Blake

[Lizzie Aquino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro estuvo BUENÍSIMO!
Me gustó mucho la forma en la que pusieron entre la espada y la pared a Ella, como ella no pensaba bien las cosas ya que al final del día eran ataques hacia ella, hacia su persona, que la motivación y el odio era por y para ella, y como gracias a toda su situación se volvió entendible el que ella dejara de lado todo lo aprendido, cometiendo muchos errores, pero resolviendo los acertijos de manera excelente.
Y sobre Mía, ella está al límite, harta, decidida a TODO por estar tranquila, y ese aspecto tan humano que le han dado está que UFFF
Sabía que no podía tener un final tan seco, tan fácil, sabía que no iba a ser fácil para Mia y Ella acabar con su persecución, pero oye, esto estuvo DEMASIADO GENIAL. Ya necesito tener los próximos libros, los necesito YAA

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little different than the six before it which was a nice switch up but still didn't leave out all the silly chiches. If anything they were doubled up on. Such as another killer who is obsessed with Ella. How many are there going to be? Is there a group of killers anonymous club that they all choose a person to be obsessed over? I think the singular idea of the man being vengeful and going after Ella in the way it happened in this book would be a great book on its own, but the fact that it was thrown in with all the other chaos in this short book was too much going on.

I thought Agent Bradbury was too easy to give up his opinions on Mark’s personality. He would rather believe Ella, who he hates with his guts, after her three minutes of five percent effort of trying to convince him of things no one wants to be accused of. He’s known Mark longer and a lot of people are blinded by the truth when it comes to loyalty which seems like it’s something Agent Bradbury would stick to.

You would think this would be the finale of the series (also thinking that this would be the end of Tobias, but keep in mind all the important characters always live in books like this even with a shot to the heart of course) because the plot went rogue from the typical formula of all the other books. Being that this is only half way through the series, I assumed the rest of it would be about her dad, but again… Tobias lived, so here we go on another merry go round trip of what I assume will be a repeat of the first seven books.

[J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. Best Ella Dark book in the series yet. There's a psycho sending Ella on missions around the city while Mia is hot on the tails of Tobias Campbell. Both of the villains are really interesting too, and I wish we'd got to know a little more about the monster-of-the-week killer here. Something else I like is the little touches that the author includes as they seem like easter eggs for Blake Pierce constant readers. E.g. there's a guy in this book who collects serial killer artwork and in one scene in his house, Ella spots a painting of a winged horse. In the book where Ella meets Tobias for the first time (I think it was 'Girl Hunted') there's a painting of a winged horse in his cell. My only gripe is that I wish we saw a little more of Mia in this book.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat! In this next installment, we see Ella and Mia team back up to take down Tobias while also hunting another killer that’s after Ella and potentially working with Tobias to harm them. I loved that the killer that Ella was after was constantly making her (and the reader) think to figure out what was coming next, and we also see Ella rediscover her love of what she does through this as well. I also love that we see Mia determined to end this decades-long battle with Tobias, even if it means losing her own life in the process of taking his. I was shocked at the ending with Tobias and finding out that it wasn’t over for them in this book, and I’m very intrigued to see if they ever catch him!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was Book 7 of the Ella Dark series, one I’m working my way through. These books are quite redundant and not super exhilarating; however, it made for a good 10 hour road trip audiobook to keep me awake!

It follows Ella Dark, an FBI field agent, as she solves serial murders while hunting down an escaped murderer simultaneously. I don’t feel like these books are accurate or adequately depict true FBI work. In fact, this one had many instances of Ella lying to the FBI director. I had many an eye roll based on her choices that she made, but alas, I do plan to finish this series as audiobooks until I can’t handle them anymore. 😂

If you need a quick read or audio book to consume your time and don’t care too much for good writing, check out this series.

[Kira Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m going to stop star rating these bc they are the same everytime.

this book was nonstop thrill and mystery i really enjoyed it. with the tobias campbell situation coming to a head and the anonymous called it was too good to stop. really enjoyed this one - definitely the one that is the most thrilling so far.

am i frustrated by the end of tobias and mias interaction? yes! i really don’t understand how he could still be alive.
i’ve also seen people talk about how infuriating ella is and k would be lying if i didn’t say i agree to an extent. however, the point of this series is she is a new agent so clearly she has an arrogance to her. especially bc all of her cases have been solved. i find her frustrating at times but she definitely is an intriguing character to follow.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserted, Destitute... Girl, Forsaken... Ella Dark

Another Ella Dark thriller. This one had me on the edge of my seat. I would stand and read, sit and read until I couldn't stand it anymore. Blake Pierce does a great 👍🏾 job with our heroines, Ella Dark and Mia Ripley. What I think 🤔 is going to happen, it takes another turn and have me anxious for the two Agents. I know Mia Ripley and Ella Dark can take care of their selves, the plot is so intense that I am all in. You would think I am watching the movie, but know I am reading and I love it. This will keep you on the edge of your seat 🪑💺. I am looking forward to Book 📚📖 #8, Girl Trapped.

[Jillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good lord, this book is awful. I know Blake Pierce books are trashy thrillers - easy reads, not meant for deep thoughts and plot twists. Some I enjoy, and I actually liked this series at first. This book is laughably bad. Terrible. Ridiculous plot and not even remotely realistic scenarios, pathetic villians, and some of the worst dialog that I've ever had to endure. I'm actually listening to this book, and the narrators delivery makes the cringe worthy dialog even worse, which I didn't think was possible. I can't see myself being able to listen to the rest of the series, this book basically killed it for me.

[Thatgirllyssakinnns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has more twist and turns that I could count . To start off Ella is framed for Murder and the only person who comes to mind is Tobias Campbell . The serial killer who has a personal vendetta against Ella partner Agent Ripley . The dynamic duo finally together just to be separatedby Tobias and his plans ! Ella is trying to clear her name and Ripley is on the fight of her life as she tracks down the man who has been haunting her every movement since she first captured him . The girls came so close to putting a stop to Tobias only for him to vanish wishfully dead since he was wounded but one could only hope . Until the next books the hunt is still on .

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella and Mia are at crossroads - they either find the criminals that hunt them or they'll die, however, this time they are each find a different culprit although the stories intersect. This story has a very good plot, the characters are fully defined and are quite strong, the leads are really interesting and although misleading at times, they reach a conclusion. Looking forward to reading the next story in this series. I would also like to point out that this book needs more proofreading.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Debbie Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella comes home to find Mark slaughtered on her sofa. Did Tobias DO THIS?? Mia comes in and rescues her, takes her to headquarters & then to stay at Mia's house which built like a fortress. Mia leaves to search for Tobias. Then Ella starts getting calls from a killer who gives Ella clues to solve to stop him from killing. Wow! This book was really a page turner. Now, I just can't wait for #8, Girl, Trapped! Thanks, Blake! Loved this one!

[Debbie Appedu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have listened to the audio versions of this series. While the stories are not too bad (pretty predictable), the narration is a train wreck! From mispronounced words, to terrible inflection and the voices used for different characters are laughable. I think I keep listening to see if it can get any worse or hoping the author realizes how terrible she is and has made a change. Please Mr. Pierce, get a new narrator.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this may be my favorite yet!

It was like action packed the entire time!

So clearly from my last review, it was Mark who got killed. Which I mean I’m okay with. What happened to the roommate though?

I love that someone who HATED Ella ended up working with her and having her back.

I loved that Mia found Tobias and they got into an altercation.

I loved the dual action packed story lines going on at the same time!

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

* spoiler alert
I love Riply and Ella but this one was a little far fetched. To be honest I was getting a little fed up with Ella getting her butt kicked in most of the past situations and books. The fact that Tobias is still alive makes me want to quit this series. I will definitely take a break from reading them. Also, it is a stretch that Ella keeps going off on her own without anyone knowing what she is doing or having any backup.

[Lisa Grapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has by far been my favorite book of the series so far. I started this series and plan to finish it, however painful it is. This book was totally different than the other books where there’s a killer, her and Mia go to get them, Ella saves the day by figuring out who it is and arresting the culprit. I enjoyed this book so much more than the previous six in the series. I really don’t understand the titles for the books though because they have absolutely nothing to do with the books.

[Mary Anne Timchishen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one very excited but these characters have as many lives as cats. I cannot imagine how any of them are still able to walk let alone fight.
And what’s up with the FBI, agent is threatened and you let her leave ALONE and drive home ALONE and say stay safe?!?!!!
Two thumbs up for Mia Ripley though

[Kristina Horvath · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series is becoming more and more ridiculous. I enjoyed the first few books in the series, but the timelines, storylines and characters are not super hero’s, so it’s becoming more and more predictable and laughable. I wish I would have stopped at the 3rd or 4th on the series, sadly can’t get that time back.

[Christine Ku · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I am actually getting 2 for 1 with this novel in that it alternates between two female cops which I wasn’t expecting from the blurb (well, one is the actual protagonist of the series and the other is her partner). It’s an engaging read overall and I might be tempted to read more of the author and this particular protagonist.

[Kathy Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the ones previous

This book in the Ella Dark series seemed to drag a little, and seemed much longer than its 194 pages. Ella and her FBI agent partner, Mia Ripley are each.on her own case, chasing different bad guys. Sometimes it was difficult to keep it all straight.

[Shirley Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up

Blake Pierce keeps putting out outstanding work. I have truly enjoyed the Ella Dark series. I enjoyed the riddles, and the way Ella Dark solved them. I was a little loss on the end of Mia's mission.