Close By

Kari Blackhorse #1

by Blake Pierce

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

Across the sun-scorched Arizona desert, Navajo tribal Detective Kari Blackhorse must confront a series of murders shrouded in ceremonial precision. Caught between modern law enforcement and ancestral traditions, Kari's heritage becomes her guide through a labyrinth of mystical clues as she hunts for a truth more complex –and a killer more sinister— than any she has faced before.

As the body count rises, Kari must challenge her own beliefs to decipher whether the killer is grounded in ancient evil—or flesh and blood.

CLOSE BY 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 Kari Blackhorse series will keep you riveted, turning pages late into the night in this fast paced mystery series. Packed with shocking twists and featuring a brave and brilliant heroine, it offers a fresh take on the mystery genre—and a thriller that will keep you wanting more.
Fans of Lisa Regan, Robert Dugoni, and Kendra Elliot 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: Audiobook, Mystery

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 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

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She finally found where she belonged."

I have read many Blake Pierce novels, and I can easily say that this is one of my favorites and I am so excited for the next book to be released.

I loved the inclusion of the Navajo culture and beliefs. Growing up in Arizona, I was familiar with abd fellnin love with the Navajo culture and people.

This was a great book.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close By - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Blake Pierce's new series A Kari Blackhorse Suspense Thriller, opens with the innocent-sounding Close By. Tribal Police Detectives Kari and partner Ben Tsosie are called in to investigate a strange death near a sacred Apache monument. 
Will Kari's Navajo heritage or her logical, former FBI approach, serve her better?

A standalone case, Close By will grip you firmly by the imagination, keep you guessing whodunit - and wanting more. 
Grab yourself a copy today!

[Casi Binkley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t stand books where the detectives don’t follow proper police procedure. They broke into the house unlawfully to obtain evidence that supported the guilt of the suspect without a warrant. I’m not sure what Detective Blackhorse put in her police report, but it would’ve been inadmissible evidence.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from first chapter

This is the first book I've read in this series. Kari Blackhorse is an amazing character; I enjoyed getting to know her and reading about her development in this first book.
Read the entire thing in one sitting. I was too engrossed to even try to put it down.
Had no idea who the bad guy was until they were revealed in the story.
Also really enjoyed reading about the Diné culture.
Can't wait to start the next book in the series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book, I liked the characters and the story line - nothing super deep but entertaining and worth the listen. But, the audio itself seemed to have some major glitches with multiple times where the narrator repeated the same words once, twice even three times before continuing on with the story. It was like the narrator took a break and forgot she'd already read parts so repeated herself. Very annoying!

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lesson in Indian culture

I’m really enjoyed this story line. I learned a lot about some Native American culture. The past and present plus their culture and our FBI investigative theories work together if you let them.

People are being murdered and positioned strangely showing signs of supernatural killings. But it isn’t correct and Kari knows it. So she’s looking elsewhere for the answers.

The story revolves around those who know and those who think they know. But working together is the answer.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

The book description was interesting, but the characters are poorly drawn. The story drags and the resolution is ridiculous. The authors Zoe Prime books are so good, I was expecting more interesting characters and a better story.

[Sfz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good things about the book :

1. Plot and reveal was good
2. Audiobook book narrator was very clear


Not so good things about the book :
1. So many repeated sentences
2. Her partner character sounded interesting at first but later no development

[Cynthia E Provencher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Awesome!

Another edge of your seat thriller from Blake! Grabs u right from the first page. Interesting characters u won't forget. Twists & turns u won't see coming. A must read! As usual Blake has another hit here. They just keep coming. Looking forward to the next one.

[Rimona Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting

I always believed there is a bridge between two worlds. The story was truly great and explained why people sensed things others didn’t. Great story

[Ane Els · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 🌟

[Ashley Straznickas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The entire book is just them repeating the same exact thing over and over again.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great thriller

This was a great thriller. I had complex characters and an interesting storyline. I really enjoyed the mystical element. Good twist and turns.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to author Blake Pierce for this free copy of Close By.

Good story and neat cover design, but this one needs a good cleaning by an seasoned editor. Otherwise, a four star book.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book finished in one day.