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Kari Blackhorse #1
Close By: A Kari Blackhorse Suspense Thriller, Book One
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, listening 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!
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, listening 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!
Audible Audio
Published July 31, 2025
321 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
825 books5,891 followersBlake 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 20, 2025
"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.
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.
June 28, 2025
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!
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!
August 15, 2025
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
I usually only listen to audiobooks in the car. It's my strict rule. Commute only. Close By broke that rule.
The moment I knew this audiobook wasn’t staying in my car was during the second murder, when the victim is running for her life thinking, “Not human. Not human.” That was it. Couch listening activated. Shoes still on. Priorities reassessed.
The book hooks you immediately with a murder that feels almost inevitable. A geologist is warned to stay away from a site after dark. He ignores that warning. If this were a horror movie, he’d be the person hiding behind the one tree in an open field. You know something terrible is coming—you just don’t know exactly how bad it’s going to be. That sense of dread never really lets up.
What really sets Close By apart is how deeply it weaves in Native American spirituality and culture. The respect for the earth, the heavens, and everything in between felt genuine and thoughtfully handled. It wasn’t flashy or overdone; it just made sense. Pure in a way that grounded the story rather than distracting from it.
Kari, our main character, stands with one foot in two worlds: Her mother’s Navajo culture and her father’s white culture. Watching her navigate both with respect, intelligence, and purpose was one of the strongest parts of the book. She doesn’t reject either side. She uses both to solve the murders, and that balance felt authentic and earned.
Audiobook-wise, listening definitely slowed me down. If I’d had a paperback, I’d have torn through this in half the time. That said, the narrator did a solid job, emotion where it mattered, emphasis in the right places, and no vocal gymnastics that make you cringe. Always appreciated.
Kari was front and center for me the entire time, but I wanted to slap the conceited FBI agent on her behalf. Gently. With a 2 x 4. He was insufferable. The kind of character who exists solely to make you mutter, “Ugh, this guy again,” every time he shows up.
The setting did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to tension. These murders happen on sacred land, and that alone adds a layer of unease that seeps into every scene. You don’t just feel like crimes are being committed. You feel like something deeper is being violated.
This was my first Blake Pierce book, but it won’t be my last. These are exactly the kinds of thrillers I love: crime-focused, atmospheric, culturally rich, and unapologetically dark.
And for the record, there’s no sweaty sex, no romance, no flowers. Just pure, unadulterated murder and mayhem.
Which is exactly how I like it.
The moment I knew this audiobook wasn’t staying in my car was during the second murder, when the victim is running for her life thinking, “Not human. Not human.” That was it. Couch listening activated. Shoes still on. Priorities reassessed.
The book hooks you immediately with a murder that feels almost inevitable. A geologist is warned to stay away from a site after dark. He ignores that warning. If this were a horror movie, he’d be the person hiding behind the one tree in an open field. You know something terrible is coming—you just don’t know exactly how bad it’s going to be. That sense of dread never really lets up.
What really sets Close By apart is how deeply it weaves in Native American spirituality and culture. The respect for the earth, the heavens, and everything in between felt genuine and thoughtfully handled. It wasn’t flashy or overdone; it just made sense. Pure in a way that grounded the story rather than distracting from it.
Kari, our main character, stands with one foot in two worlds: Her mother’s Navajo culture and her father’s white culture. Watching her navigate both with respect, intelligence, and purpose was one of the strongest parts of the book. She doesn’t reject either side. She uses both to solve the murders, and that balance felt authentic and earned.
Audiobook-wise, listening definitely slowed me down. If I’d had a paperback, I’d have torn through this in half the time. That said, the narrator did a solid job, emotion where it mattered, emphasis in the right places, and no vocal gymnastics that make you cringe. Always appreciated.
Kari was front and center for me the entire time, but I wanted to slap the conceited FBI agent on her behalf. Gently. With a 2 x 4. He was insufferable. The kind of character who exists solely to make you mutter, “Ugh, this guy again,” every time he shows up.
The setting did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to tension. These murders happen on sacred land, and that alone adds a layer of unease that seeps into every scene. You don’t just feel like crimes are being committed. You feel like something deeper is being violated.
This was my first Blake Pierce book, but it won’t be my last. These are exactly the kinds of thrillers I love: crime-focused, atmospheric, culturally rich, and unapologetically dark.
And for the record, there’s no sweaty sex, no romance, no flowers. Just pure, unadulterated murder and mayhem.
Which is exactly how I like it.
October 23, 2025
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.
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.
December 17, 2025
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!
January 8, 2026
A great read
An insight into the amazing world of true Americans. A world of wonder, beauty and beliefs we, who don't belong, will ever understand. Why is it we cannot allow native people to live as humans? Denying them basic human rights? This book, albeit fictional, shows we can live and work together in harmony with ancient beliefs and modern technology and ideas. Well written and great storyline
An insight into the amazing world of true Americans. A world of wonder, beauty and beliefs we, who don't belong, will ever understand. Why is it we cannot allow native people to live as humans? Denying them basic human rights? This book, albeit fictional, shows we can live and work together in harmony with ancient beliefs and modern technology and ideas. Well written and great storyline
November 14, 2025
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.
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.
July 30, 2025
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.
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.
October 7, 2025
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
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
October 29, 2025
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.
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.
February 8, 2026
Choppy.
I like his other books better. This one droned on. It felt written to be preachy &/or politically correct instead of a story. It didn't flow easily. Instead of being part of the story, it felt like that was what was the most important thing to the author.
I like his other books better. This one droned on. It felt written to be preachy &/or politically correct instead of a story. It didn't flow easily. Instead of being part of the story, it felt like that was what was the most important thing to the author.
July 16, 2025
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
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
August 23, 2025
2.25 🌟
October 9, 2025
The entire book is just them repeating the same exact thing over and over again.
November 3, 2025
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.
This was a great thriller. I had complex characters and an interesting storyline. I really enjoyed the mystical element. Good twist and turns.
December 1, 2025
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.
Good story and neat cover design, but this one needs a good cleaning by an seasoned editor. Otherwise, a four star book.
December 16, 2025
Great book finished in one day.
January 5, 2026
Intriguing plot as usual by Pierce. I enjoy the police procedural aspect. This story contains quite a bit of indigenous people folklore and spirituality.
January 19, 2026
Great story and interesting characters.
January 21, 2026
A bit predictable, but the supernatural/spiritual elements added enough intrigue to keep me going.
February 11, 2026
A decent start for a first book in a series. Will read a second…
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews