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Riley Paige #6
Once Pined
Men and women are turning up dead in the outskirts of Seattle, poisoned by a mysterious chemical. When a pattern is discovered and it becomes clear that a twisted serial killer is on the hunt, the FBI calls in their best asset: Special Agent Riley Paige. Riley is urged to return to the line of duty—but Riley, still reeling from the attacks on her family, is loath to return. Yet as bodies mount, and the murders become more inexplicable, Riley knows she has no choice.
The case takes Riley deep into the unsettling world of nursing homes, of hospitals, of drifting caretakers and psychotic patients. As Riley delves deeper into the mind of the murderer, she realizes she is hunting the most terrifying killer of all: one whose madness knows no depths—and yet who may just appear shockingly ordinary.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE PINED is book #6 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
The case takes Riley deep into the unsettling world of nursing homes, of hospitals, of drifting caretakers and psychotic patients. As Riley delves deeper into the mind of the murderer, she realizes she is hunting the most terrifying killer of all: one whose madness knows no depths—and yet who may just appear shockingly ordinary.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE PINED is book #6 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2016
989 people are currently reading
1773 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
685 books5,778 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 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 21, 2016
Feeling disappointed.
Have read all the books in this series. With each book I am slowly growing more disappointed. The recurring "theme" seems to be that she doesn't play by the rules and gets fired. Then, solves the case, and is duly reinstated. While I suppose this might happen (?) on occasion, I find it hard to believe that it would happen literally on every case. Another frustrating element is the repeating of information. The retelling of her past "faux pas" when drunk and inviting partner Bill to start an affair is not something that we need to 're- read every installment. Her PTSD "flashbacks" seem, I don't know, less than authentic. At first I saw this character as a strong, female lead. Now she just seems to be rather self centered and pathetic. With little or no coping skills.
In this installment, the apprehension of the killer seemed rushed, and really , left me with no real closure.
The character's lack of change and growth is, once again, disappointing. She takes on a troubled teen, and promptly exits for a case.
I guess I might do the same if I had a housekeeper/nanny and an ex-husband to cover for me. The really "hard" job she has, (parenting) she runs away from every time she has a case. Most of which she claims she doesn't want to take on... Just being an agent doesn't make her strong. Just being a woman lead in the story doesn't make her strong. Just being physically fit doesn't make her strong. Show me that this character can A) get her. "Poop in a group" and b) show some growth .
Won't be likely to spend the $ for next installment.
Have read all the books in this series. With each book I am slowly growing more disappointed. The recurring "theme" seems to be that she doesn't play by the rules and gets fired. Then, solves the case, and is duly reinstated. While I suppose this might happen (?) on occasion, I find it hard to believe that it would happen literally on every case. Another frustrating element is the repeating of information. The retelling of her past "faux pas" when drunk and inviting partner Bill to start an affair is not something that we need to 're- read every installment. Her PTSD "flashbacks" seem, I don't know, less than authentic. At first I saw this character as a strong, female lead. Now she just seems to be rather self centered and pathetic. With little or no coping skills.
In this installment, the apprehension of the killer seemed rushed, and really , left me with no real closure.
The character's lack of change and growth is, once again, disappointing. She takes on a troubled teen, and promptly exits for a case.
I guess I might do the same if I had a housekeeper/nanny and an ex-husband to cover for me. The really "hard" job she has, (parenting) she runs away from every time she has a case. Most of which she claims she doesn't want to take on... Just being an agent doesn't make her strong. Just being a woman lead in the story doesn't make her strong. Just being physically fit doesn't make her strong. Show me that this character can A) get her. "Poop in a group" and b) show some growth .
Won't be likely to spend the $ for next installment.
October 5, 2018
I think this one had the most twists in it then the other ones ive read. This one is crazy another one that seems its ripped right from the headlines. This one we have the wonderful world of the elderly. Nursing homes and a new serial killer. Riley really doesn’t want to go back to work but she knows she has to find this killer. We have someone who is poisoning people. That is a little creepy and this killer knows NO bounds and just doesn’t care-kinda like a honey badger, he just doesn’t give a shit. Lol. I feel like Riley is getting stronger as this series goes on. From the Peterson stuff she is starting to grow and she is really starting to get ahold of her PTSD but she is still struggling, I mean what person wouldn’t. Then we have the new “child” of Riley’s she is such a strong person and I really admire her.
February 8, 2021
4...How many times can a person be fired in one series??? For being right??? Angel of death, very creepy take...Maybe it is just the nursery rhyme...Still overly dramatic and the air miles Riley accumulates...for real!
March 30, 2018
I guess its hard to complain about how a character is when its the 6th book already, but it seems like all Agent Riley Paige is good at is getting into trouble with the big boss men, but wouldn't you think by book 6, the big bosses would let her use her gut since its been right this whole time? No, they are constantly complaining about her sticking her nose in without permission and threatening her but she never loses her job......the only thing that keeps me reading into these books is pretty much the crazy murders, not your stereotypical serial killers in these book and I really enjoy that.
May 27, 2023
Riley nuevamente con sus instintos agudizados, una asesina fuera del estereotipo, una vida familiar disfuncional. Ahhh y su Hannibal Letter sigue alli.
Aún con mala traducción, pero ha mejorado.
Aún con mala traducción, pero ha mejorado.
May 25, 2025
Dit is al het beste boek in heel deze boekenserie.
April 30, 2020
The Riley Paige series is like a trainwreck I can't look away from. On one hand I really enjoy the stories (especially Jessie Hunt) but its all so unrealistic and getting more so with each book. The stories are quick easy reads, and while the writing style is really great and relatable the typos are getting worse with each book. Riley Paige is an endearing character and while I understand her internal struggles, she has disregarded all authority, is surrounded by morons that are incapable of doing anything, and there are no consequences. Sure she has been suspended and reinstated 20 times in 6 months but what about all the morons that continue to not believe her or do completely unethical things just to spite her? There are no consequences for them and still no one has confidence in her after she has brought in how many serial killers? I really just struggle with the reality of every character outside of Riley herself. But I will read book 7 and 8, and probably every series by this author because Train Wreck, I'm hooked!
June 26, 2017
Funny. I don't really like Riley Paige,
But I can't NOT read this series.
This book may be the best of the series. Riley isn't as whiney as in the previous books. She's coming to terms with the unsettled realities of her life. Her PTSD is still troubling her -- the flashbacks at the most inopportune times, but few other symptoms.
I'm not sure that I am pleased with her potentially getting back with her ex. But that might be the best thing for the girls -- both of them.
But I can't NOT read this series.
This book may be the best of the series. Riley isn't as whiney as in the previous books. She's coming to terms with the unsettled realities of her life. Her PTSD is still troubling her -- the flashbacks at the most inopportune times, but few other symptoms.
I'm not sure that I am pleased with her potentially getting back with her ex. But that might be the best thing for the girls -- both of them.
March 16, 2022
I’m a HUGE fan of the Riley Paige Mystery Series, but I felt like this book lacked the creativity the others in the series have had. I will definitely keep reading the series, but this one wasn’t a favorite of mine...not bad, but not the best.
September 27, 2020
Riley knows better than everybody. Nobody listens. Riley is suspended. Riley takes the case on her own. Riley almost gets her partner killed. Riley gets her job back. Assorted family drama. The only thing that ever changes is the killer.
July 17, 2024
“Lejos de casa
Tan lejos de casa
Este pequeño bebé está lejos de casa."
Tarde o temprano tenía que regresar la agente que había perdido, y está de vuelta, con más fuerza, más brutalidad, menos contemplaciones y toda esa genialidad que le caracteriza. Riley es la agente especial del FBI que dedica su vida a perfilar y atrapar asesinos seriales, y ella, es tan o más despiadada que los monstros que persigue.
"Te consumes cada vez más
Día tras día
Demasiado triste para reír, demasiado triste para jugar."
Pongámonos en situación, la ciudad es Seattle, hombres y mujeres están apareciendo muertos, envenenados por una sustancia misteriosa. Lo que al principio supone un caso de muerte por casos de pacientes desahuciados es desvelado por la Dra. Shankar cuando se descubre un patrón, un compuesto químico conocido como Talio; el FBI llama a su mejor agente y Riley, atrapada en un callejón sin salida que no es otro que el de su compulsión por atrapar criminales, cede a la presión de su compañero Bill para atrapar al criminal.
Hospitales, asilos, una casa en el lago, enfermeras, cuidadores y pacientes psicóticos, Riley se sumerge junto a Bill en un mundo que apenas contemplarían en sus peores pesadillas, sin embargo, la agente Paige sabe cómo sumergirse en aquellas mentes, lo que convierte este libro en un viaje trepidante y aterrador; la locura no tiene límites y un ángel para este final se halla desatado, sediento y cubierto de diferentes oscuridades.
Lo más hermoso fue conseguir un libro más para mi colección de libros que siempre querré leer, pero que jamás podré hacer por que son ficción, se trata de ‘El largo recorrido’ de Amanda Somers, un libro que, según la novela, fue muy famoso y cambió la vida de muchas personas. Otra cosa, antes del canto final, no es un secreto que tengo un crush literario con Riley, desde que la conocí soy un fan irredento, sin embargo, no he podido ser indiferente al talento, carácter y fuerza de la Dra. Shankar, un personaje impresionante, decisivo, ágil y extremadamente capaz.
"No más suspiros,
Solo cierra tus ojos
Y te irás a casa en tus sueños.”
Tan lejos de casa
Este pequeño bebé está lejos de casa."
Tarde o temprano tenía que regresar la agente que había perdido, y está de vuelta, con más fuerza, más brutalidad, menos contemplaciones y toda esa genialidad que le caracteriza. Riley es la agente especial del FBI que dedica su vida a perfilar y atrapar asesinos seriales, y ella, es tan o más despiadada que los monstros que persigue.
"Te consumes cada vez más
Día tras día
Demasiado triste para reír, demasiado triste para jugar."
Pongámonos en situación, la ciudad es Seattle, hombres y mujeres están apareciendo muertos, envenenados por una sustancia misteriosa. Lo que al principio supone un caso de muerte por casos de pacientes desahuciados es desvelado por la Dra. Shankar cuando se descubre un patrón, un compuesto químico conocido como Talio; el FBI llama a su mejor agente y Riley, atrapada en un callejón sin salida que no es otro que el de su compulsión por atrapar criminales, cede a la presión de su compañero Bill para atrapar al criminal.
Hospitales, asilos, una casa en el lago, enfermeras, cuidadores y pacientes psicóticos, Riley se sumerge junto a Bill en un mundo que apenas contemplarían en sus peores pesadillas, sin embargo, la agente Paige sabe cómo sumergirse en aquellas mentes, lo que convierte este libro en un viaje trepidante y aterrador; la locura no tiene límites y un ángel para este final se halla desatado, sediento y cubierto de diferentes oscuridades.
Lo más hermoso fue conseguir un libro más para mi colección de libros que siempre querré leer, pero que jamás podré hacer por que son ficción, se trata de ‘El largo recorrido’ de Amanda Somers, un libro que, según la novela, fue muy famoso y cambió la vida de muchas personas. Otra cosa, antes del canto final, no es un secreto que tengo un crush literario con Riley, desde que la conocí soy un fan irredento, sin embargo, no he podido ser indiferente al talento, carácter y fuerza de la Dra. Shankar, un personaje impresionante, decisivo, ágil y extremadamente capaz.
"No más suspiros,
Solo cierra tus ojos
Y te irás a casa en tus sueños.”
December 31, 2019
Against my better judgement I tried another of these books. To begin with, the idea that Riley Paige would take on a foster child, a girl she found about to prostitute herself at a truck stop, after she cannot even manage to care enough about her own child to stick around, is ridiculous. This author has to be a man. “Dear me how oh how can a mere female juggle both children and an exciting career?????” 🤮 Even more disturbing, the author seems to think that a foster child should be so grateful to be given a home that a move most of the way across the country to a completely different place, with strangers, should be taken in stride. Minutes, it seems, after the child lands, Paige takes another case leaving the girl with total strangers including her horrible-cheating-monster-turned-perfect-man ex husband. In this book Ryan is a doting father and loving husband. I suppose getting his butt kicked by a serial killer knocked the liar/cheater-don’t give a crap about my own child even when she’s being stalked by a serial killer- right out of him! As usual, the plot is weak and the characters unlikeable. This is the laziest author I’ve ever read in terms of basic research and character development. Uuuuggh the “sexual tension” between Riley and Bill. Don’t even get me started! Really tho, can’t these people eat something besides hamburgers????? Further, Riley’s leaps of psychic ability are too far fetched. I listen to these books as background noise while cleaning the barn. The horse poop is far less stinky than the abused prose. I “more than half” expected April to be poisoned in this one.🙄
June 18, 2020
Even though Once Pined is part of a series of Riley Paige Mysteries, the way Blake Pierce brings the reader up to date on the happenings of the previous five books makes each one almost a stand alone book. Naturally, reading the series gives you WAY more detail and horror, but those not fans of series would do just fine. In this installment, folks are being poisoned by a rare chemical in Seattle. The FBI is reluctantly called in to help with the investigation, and fellow FBI agents and the local authorities both resent Riley and her partner being there. Those authorities are bumbling their way through the investigation, and when Riley protests, she gets taken off the case. Riley's mysterious serial murderer friend gives her clues to the killer, and Riley just can't walk away from the case. She goes rogue, her partner joins her, and whoa things really take off then. As always there are side stories happening, and, as always, there is trouble at home. How Riley manages to keep her head on straight is beyond me! She is indeed an impressively written character.
October 12, 2021
This book got 5 stars from me because it was amazing! I really love this author and I'm right in the middle of 2 of her series. I am loving both. She is really amazing.
This book got 5 stars this time because we didn't see any of the sameness that seems to happen in all her books. The head director of the FBI didn't pull her off the case and she didn't go rogue and go behind anyone's back this time. Well she did but she sort of had the blessing of her boss and another guy in Seattle, WA.
This story line was so good. I also love that Riley is working with Hatcher and she isn't taking him in. He escaped from prison in the last book and is looking out for Riley. I love that he has a soft spot for her and helps her with her cases. He also won't let anyone hurt her.
In this books she brought Jilly home and she April and Ryan are trying to give her a home filled with love and support. April has taken Jilly under her wing and is hoping they adopt her soon.
The whole book was amazing. HIGHLY recommend every series Blake Pierce write!
This book got 5 stars this time because we didn't see any of the sameness that seems to happen in all her books. The head director of the FBI didn't pull her off the case and she didn't go rogue and go behind anyone's back this time. Well she did but she sort of had the blessing of her boss and another guy in Seattle, WA.
This story line was so good. I also love that Riley is working with Hatcher and she isn't taking him in. He escaped from prison in the last book and is looking out for Riley. I love that he has a soft spot for her and helps her with her cases. He also won't let anyone hurt her.
In this books she brought Jilly home and she April and Ryan are trying to give her a home filled with love and support. April has taken Jilly under her wing and is hoping they adopt her soon.
The whole book was amazing. HIGHLY recommend every series Blake Pierce write!
August 3, 2017
'Once Pined' is the 6th Riley Paige mystery and the author has not only maintained the suspense and excitement in the world of FBI agent Riley Paige but surpassed it.
I've never enjoyed 'serial stories' however this series is an exception. Riley is a remarkable FBI agent dedicated to catching serial killers and saving potential victims.
Once Pined is about a serial killer 'with a difference'. Once again, Riley and her FBI partner Bill, go in search of a killer who is poisoning their victims. Riley personal life clashes with her work persona as she tries to manage her family commitments and relationships.
Another excellent murder-mystery from Blake Pierce who is going from 'strength to strength'.
I've never enjoyed 'serial stories' however this series is an exception. Riley is a remarkable FBI agent dedicated to catching serial killers and saving potential victims.
Once Pined is about a serial killer 'with a difference'. Once again, Riley and her FBI partner Bill, go in search of a killer who is poisoning their victims. Riley personal life clashes with her work persona as she tries to manage her family commitments and relationships.
Another excellent murder-mystery from Blake Pierce who is going from 'strength to strength'.
June 14, 2023
Special Agent Riley Paige is still butting heads with the other agents and her superiors. Poor Riley and her partner are on the trail of a killer using her nursing training to kill unsuspecting patients. Riley is only on the case because her parter has issues dealing with poisoning cases. Riley and her daughter open their home to a young runaway but the adjustments are going to be difficult. Her ex husband is stepping up to help with the new family dynamics and things may get blurred down the road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Once Pined
I don't know maybe it's me, and that I read this series back to back within 5 days, but this story just didn't seem to have the " umph" that the other books did. I wasn't carried away, with the story, even though the others were predictable,(as was this one,) I just wasn't as excited about this one and I had been about the rest. However, I hope there will be many, many more!
I don't know maybe it's me, and that I read this series back to back within 5 days, but this story just didn't seem to have the " umph" that the other books did. I wasn't carried away, with the story, even though the others were predictable,(as was this one,) I just wasn't as excited about this one and I had been about the rest. However, I hope there will be many, many more!
July 3, 2018
I actually enjoyed this book better than the last few. as unexpected as it is for me, the growing relationships in Riley's life really add a 3 dimensional aspect I hadn't seen since the first book. however, her constant dismissal and reinstatement is getting tiresome, as well as her constant self doubt. though the stories themselves are getting more dimension, I feel almost as if Riley Paige is still not much more than a piece of furniture in her own life.
November 11, 2019
This one is one of my favorite so far of Riley Page. I really liked how the story line was different again. Shane the chain is still on the loose helping Riley with her case along the way. There were far less times of Riley being in subordination of her boss. This time it was also a female killer. I also liked the input of her personal life. Her complicated relationship with her ex husband, and taking in the runaway teen from 2 books ago. I can't wait to see where the next one takes me!
December 14, 2019
This book was creepy in that the killer was so ordinary. This could have happened anywhere to anyone. People die all the time but something seems off about the deaths that are starting to pile up in a small town. A delayed type of poison complicates the timeline and the local FBI and police are at odds with her and each other. They feel her presence isn't necessary but Riley being Riley doesn't care as long as she can catch this killer. Once again she finds herself in trouble and suspended but as usual she doesn't let that stop her. Riley is also dealing with issues on the home front as well with her daughter and ex-husband and the new addition of Jilly (Introduced in Once Lured, book #4) to her family, so life is never dull.
January 25, 2021
Looking forward to the next book
I have read alot of reviews of people who don't like Riley. She's unstable blah blah blah. My opinion the characters are super relatable. While I notice a lot of spelling and grammar errors and some people have said they quit reading because of it....I'm not the grammar police (and neither are you) if you can look past it the books are worth reading. I love all of Blake's books I have read so far, and I cant stop in this series either.
I have read alot of reviews of people who don't like Riley. She's unstable blah blah blah. My opinion the characters are super relatable. While I notice a lot of spelling and grammar errors and some people have said they quit reading because of it....I'm not the grammar police (and neither are you) if you can look past it the books are worth reading. I love all of Blake's books I have read so far, and I cant stop in this series either.
July 22, 2023
Uno más "a la saca".
Este leído, leído je je je y sin poder soltarlo ...
El tema se empieza a mover hay más protagonistas que van afianzando su sitio y algunos que no contaban apenas, parece que empiezan a contar ( ¡¡ coñe que difícil es no hacer Spoiler !! )
La cosa es que se va poniendo interesante cual serie Policíaca de Tv de 12 o más capítulos.
Seguiré informando.
No sé por qué no le doy 5 estrellas, pero ... no se las doy. ¡ ea !
Este leído, leído je je je y sin poder soltarlo ...
El tema se empieza a mover hay más protagonistas que van afianzando su sitio y algunos que no contaban apenas, parece que empiezan a contar ( ¡¡ coñe que difícil es no hacer Spoiler !! )
La cosa es que se va poniendo interesante cual serie Policíaca de Tv de 12 o más capítulos.
Seguiré informando.
No sé por qué no le doy 5 estrellas, pero ... no se las doy. ¡ ea !
April 24, 2025
Riley's back on another case. she also has decided to bring in the 15-year-old from her past two books to live with her. this new case is someone female who is poisoning people. the local cops and FBI don't want them there. and it is easier to pin the blame on someone who is lying about their medical degrees. they just want the case closed. the serial killer who escaped to help her is still at Large and gives her some smaller advice. you must catch the nurse who is poisoning people
June 29, 2018
As usual, Blake Pierce doesn’t disappoint. Yes, all the stories are similar and yes, I’m not quite sure that one could take matters into his or her own hands if working for the FBI as agent Paige does, but once you get past this, the suspense is real. Loved this book, and can’t wait to start the next.
May 16, 2019
These books are incredibly addictive and as you can see from my reading list, I am reading them at the rate of knots. I have been devouring this series and every other series this author has written. What I will note, is that the books seem to be getting shorter at the same price point and the editing leaves a lot to be desired. However, the stories just bring me back for more and more and more.
June 17, 2019
Once Pined
This was a quick, refreshing read. I took a small break from Riley to read a few other things, and I really missed her! She, along with Bill, solved this case rather quickly without doing as much damage to herself and her family as she usually does. I'm excited about the changes happening in her family as well.
This was a quick, refreshing read. I took a small break from Riley to read a few other things, and I really missed her! She, along with Bill, solved this case rather quickly without doing as much damage to herself and her family as she usually does. I'm excited about the changes happening in her family as well.
August 16, 2019
Unusual, Creepy & Heroic
This book kept you suspended from beginning to end. I disliked how Agent Paige and Argent Jefferies were treated by everyone in the Seattle FBI Office when they were requested to come. I liked how things at Paige' home life is turning out. Just praying that it continues.
This book kept you suspended from beginning to end. I disliked how Agent Paige and Argent Jefferies were treated by everyone in the Seattle FBI Office when they were requested to come. I liked how things at Paige' home life is turning out. Just praying that it continues.
December 5, 2019
Maybe I’m just tiring of this series but I found this one pretty dull. Again, Riley is in trouble with her superiors, her family is in danger, and she’s going against orders to track a killer. And again, the narrator with the strong British accent is narrating a story about the FBI totally set in the US. I’ll finish the series but this was a yawner...
Read
January 23, 2020I initially enjoyed the series but the same annoying scenarios happen in every single book. Hot head hero is just on the verge of solving the case when she has a family emergency that only she can take care of . So off she goes flying across the country and everything is fine. Very repetitive and silly.
September 5, 2021
As always, a fast paced and amazing read by Blake Pierce (one of my favorite authors). The mystery, the development of the characters never fail to amaze me. The only thing I didn't like in this book was the romance part, because I wanted Riley to have a relationship with someone else, not the person she ends up with 😭😭😭 but it's OK, maybe in the next book it all turns out differently.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews