Dis adieu à la vie (Un thriller Alison Payne — tome 1)

Alison Payne #1

by Blake Pierce

“Un chef-d'œuvre de thriller et de mystère.” — Chroniques Littéraires et Cinématographiques, Roberto Mattos (à propos de Sans Laisser de Traces) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

La Docteure Alison Payne, psychologue en milieu carcéral, a interrogé des centaines de tueurs condamnés, plaidant pour leur libération ou déterminant s’ils doivent rester derrière les barreaux. Mais lorsqu’un tueur présumé qu’elle a autrefois interrogé s’échappe, Alison doit plonger dans les sombres méandres de son esprit pour sauver d’autres vies avant qu’il ne soit trop tard — et pour se sauver elle-même. Voici le premier tome d’une nouvelle série très attendue de Blake Pierce, auteur de best-sellers n°1 et best-seller du USA Today, dont les livres à succès ont reçu plus de 7 000 évaluations et critiques cinq étoiles. La série est un suspense haletant qui vous tiendra en haleine, vous plongeant dans un jeu du chat et de la souris captivant et plein de rebondissements renversants. Cette approche rafraîchissante du genre thriller met en scène une protagoniste ingénieuse capable de tous les déjouer, et qui, à coup sûr, saura vous séduire. Les fans de Rachel Caine, Karin Slaughter et Melinda Leigh tomberont sous le charme à coup sûr. Les prochains tomes de la série sont également disponibles !

“Un thriller haletant dans une nouvelle série qui se dévore ! ...Tant de rebondissements, de retournements de situation et de fausses pistes… J'ai hâte de découvrir la suite.” — Commentaire de lecteur (Son Dernier Souhait) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Une histoire forte et complexe sur deux agents du FBI qui tentent d'arrêter un tueur en série. Si vous cherchez un auteur capable de capter votre attention, de vous faire douter tout en vous laissant essayer de reconstituer le puzzle, alors Pierce est l'auteur qu'il vous faut !” — Commentaire de lecteur (Son Dernier Souhait) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Un thriller à suspense typique de Blake Pierce, plein de rebondissements et de retournements de situation, de véritables montagnes russes. Vous ne pourrez pas le lâcher avant la dernière phrase du dernier chapitre !!!” — Commentaire de lecteur (La Cité des Proies) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Dès le début, nous avons une protagoniste atypique, comme je n'en avais jamais vu dans ce genre auparavant. L'action est omniprésente… Un roman à l'atmosphère très prenante qui vous fera veiller jusqu'au petit matin.” — Commentaire de lecteur (La Cité des Proies) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Tout ce que je recherche dans un livre… une super intrigue, des personnages intéressants, et une histoire qui vous happe dès le début. Le livre avance à un rythme effréné et ne ralentit pas jusqu'à la fin. Et maintenant, j'attaque le tome deux !” — Commentaire de lecteur (Fille, Seule) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Un livre passionnant, palpitant, haletant… à lire absolument pour les amateurs de mystère et de suspense !” — Commentaire de lecteur (Fille, Seule) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Crime, Ebooks

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 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

[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 🌟

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison is haunted by her sister's murder that goes unsolved and she tends to bear responsibility for all the cases she is confronted with and the culprit is released when he shouldn't be. In Say Die, the first book in the series, after interviewing a man in prison he'll manage to escape and her life will become a maze to uncover the truth and the killer. Interesting plot, however, the book needs better proofreading.
I thank the author for the free copy of this book.

[Raymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick thriller that anyone can get through in a day. Though I do feel like the FMCs story started in the middle of her story.

I liked the story though and the plot line was really interesting.

[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!!

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der Klappentext weckt Erwartungen, die der eigentliche Inhalt so nicht erfüllt. Statt eines entflohenen Killers steht eine Mordserie in Oakland im Mittelpunkt, deren Modus Operandi und Fingerabdrücke auf Tommy hindeuten – einen Mann, der nach 40 Jahren Haft entlassen wurde. Dr. Alison Payne, Gefängnispsychologin, hat diese Entlassung mit ihrer damaligen Begutachtung mit ermöglicht. Als jedoch immer mehr Ungereimtheiten auftauchen, beginnt Alison zu zweifeln und ermittelt gemeinsam mit CBI-Agent Derek weiter. Trotz des interessanten Ansatzes bleibt auch dieser Thriller klar im bekannten Blake-Pierce-Fahrwasser. Wieder steht eine junge Frau mit schwerer traumatischer Vergangenheit im Zentrum – hier die ermordete Schwester – flankiert von einem eher blass gezeichneten Partner. Die Ermittlungen bewegen sich häufig jenseits legaler Grenzen und gipfeln in einem riskanten Alleingang der Protagonistin. Das ist routiniert erzählt, aber vorhersehbar und ohne große Überraschungen. Zusätzlich trübt eine schwache Übersetzung den Eindruck: ständiger Wechsel zwischen Du und Sie, teils mitten im Satz, sowie Grammatikfehler stören den Lesefluss deutlich. Unterm Strich ein durchschnittlicher Thriller, der Fans der Autorin und Liebhaber dieses Schemas zufriedenstellen dürfte, darüber hinaus aber wenig Neues bietet.

[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.

[Maria Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[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.

[Sharon Leff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Alison Payne Shines!


Logical, competent, independent, and fierce female protagonist, Dr. Alison Payne shines as the series starter of a series should. No back seats, no eclipsed moments by other law enforcement, she commands taking the lead in the case that targets the wrong assailant, a man she had been responsible for his early release.

Supporting characters, especially her retired special agent widowed father and his canine, work as contrast, information sources, and character developers. Works! Fast read.

[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.

[Annette Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Heroine

I Was Skeptical About starting A new series Because Riley page Is like my favorite character That Blake pierce brings to life. This book was a little slow to start , But When I got past chapter 3It totally sucked me in To the story and the characters. I highly recommend this book

[Kathy Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay.

I have read many of Blake Pierce's books, but this was the first one in this Alison Payne series. The action was predictable and felt rushed. I really was disappointed by the pace. There were really no surprises. I may try the second book in this series before deciding whether to read anymore. Three stars.

[phillip jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a solid thriller that kept me entertained, but it didn’t completely wow me. the pacing was fast and it had that addictive “one more chapter” vibe, especially during the investigation scenes.

at the same time, some parts felt a little predictable and a few twists didn’t hit as hard as i wanted them to. a couple moments also felt rushed instead of fully developed.

[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.

[BlazesBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st introduction to Blake Pierce. I enjoy the writting style.

What i did enjoy the most though was how Allison followed all the breadcrumbs to find the killer before it was too late.

But the best part was the Unsung hero Good Old Rex, he may be retired but he had 1 last hoorah in him before he lived the rest of his days in peace.

[Phil Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

A psychologist recommends the early release from prison of a murderer who she believes is rehabilitated. Shortly after, there are killings similar to the ones the murderer committed 40 years previously.

An OK story. There is a sequel that I doubt I will read.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh

This seems just like the Perfect series but with different names, background, and crimes. But it's still a criminal psychologist working with a hot cop from CBI. It's just too much of the same with nothing new.

[Georgette Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down

[Tenille · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️