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Avery Black #4
Cause to Fear
When a body turns up floating beneath the frozen Charles River, the Boston Police summons its most brilliant and controversial homicide detective—Avery Black—to close the case. It doesn’t take Avery long, however, to realize that this is no isolated murder: it is the work of a serial killer.
Other bodies begin to turn up, all of them sharing one thing in common: all are trapped in ice. Is it all a coincidence—or the signature of a particularly deranged killer?
As the media converges and Avery suffers pressure from her bosses, she struggles to crack the inexplicable case, too bizarre even for her brilliant mind. At the same time she tries to keep her own depression at bay, as her personal life spirals to a new low. And she does it all while trying to enter the mind of a psychotic and elusive killer.
What she will find will shock even her, and make her realizes that nothing is what it seems—and that the worst darkness may sometimes be closest to us.
A psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO FEAR is book #4 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
Other bodies begin to turn up, all of them sharing one thing in common: all are trapped in ice. Is it all a coincidence—or the signature of a particularly deranged killer?
As the media converges and Avery suffers pressure from her bosses, she struggles to crack the inexplicable case, too bizarre even for her brilliant mind. At the same time she tries to keep her own depression at bay, as her personal life spirals to a new low. And she does it all while trying to enter the mind of a psychotic and elusive killer.
What she will find will shock even her, and make her realizes that nothing is what it seems—and that the worst darkness may sometimes be closest to us.
A psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO FEAR is book #4 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
250 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2017
475 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
1,071 books5,991 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 56 reviews
July 8, 2019
Blake Pierce has a lot in store for Avery Black in this fourth novel in the mystery series. After being offered the sergeant position within Homicide, Black is seriously considering it, though there are a few impediments. She is busy enough with work, but will the promotion make things even worse? Can her relationship with her daughter, Rose, withstand the potential change of responsibilities? Then, there is her ongoing relationship with partner Dan Ramirez, which has been moving at light speed. They have been spending a great deal of time together and seem to be inching closer to something permanent. Ramirez admits some secrets from his past, though time to discuss it is cut short when a woman is found frozen in the Charles River. Perfectly groomed, the victim appears almost pristine, which baffles Black and her team. When a second body turns up, Black tries to play the beauty angle to see what might come of it, including those who value beauty as being most important. Balancing her work life with personal, Black may have finally found the proper mix to permit a strong relationship with Rose. However, the killer does not strike based on Black’s convenience, which will strain all plans and turn the case on its head. When following up on a strong lead, Ramirez is injured on the job, sending him to the hospital and momentarily distracting Black from the case. However, she is determined to get this case moved to SOLVED so that she can focus her attention on Ramirez, who is not doing well. Rushing forward, Black trips on a new set of facts that could turn the case upside down and around in short order. While some say beauty is only skin deep, it would seem this killer wishes to lock it in by cryogenically stopping time. Brilliant in its execution and full of twists, Pierce treats series fans to a wonderful novel that will have them rushing for the next in the series. Recommended to those who have followed Avery Black throughout the series as well as readers who like twists that may derail their linear thinking.
Blake Pierce continues to shape this series effectively with unique cases and wonderful character development. Building on three past novels of significant quality, Pierce takes Avery Black and pushes her to the brink as she shows all her vulnerabilities. Avery exemplifies growth in her personal relationships, inching towards a lasting connection with Ramirez, while also remaining cautious of not going down the same path as her ex-husband. She is also working to strengthen things with Rose, though that is always a more delicate relationship that balances precariously on the edge. Black works hard and accepts more responsibility, though remains under scrutiny by her colleagues and superiors. These changes prove useful for series fans, who watch her pushing forward in a position that has left her feeling less than comfortable since joining the Boston PD. Others surrounding Black help to develop the needed camaraderie to push the protagonist further, bettering herself and making her character all the more likeable. Dan Ramirez is again prominent in the book, juggling his personal connection to Black and trying to partner well with her, while also realizing that the workplace dynamic will change with the promotion. The story remains strong and held my attention as the narrative discusses the connection between murder and superficial beauty. The mix of shorter and more developed chapters proves helpful to guide the reader as they rush to get deeper into the narrative and see just where the killer sees themselves in the larger picture, as well as offering some backstory that shaped the need to kill. Blake Pierce continues to find exciting ways to deliver a story, adding twists and a cliffhanger that will propel the story forward into the next novel. I’m off to secure it so I can sift through the fallout of the book’s final page.
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, as you show your passion for writing with each book in the series. I think I may have to check out some of your other work when this series has been devoured.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Blake Pierce continues to shape this series effectively with unique cases and wonderful character development. Building on three past novels of significant quality, Pierce takes Avery Black and pushes her to the brink as she shows all her vulnerabilities. Avery exemplifies growth in her personal relationships, inching towards a lasting connection with Ramirez, while also remaining cautious of not going down the same path as her ex-husband. She is also working to strengthen things with Rose, though that is always a more delicate relationship that balances precariously on the edge. Black works hard and accepts more responsibility, though remains under scrutiny by her colleagues and superiors. These changes prove useful for series fans, who watch her pushing forward in a position that has left her feeling less than comfortable since joining the Boston PD. Others surrounding Black help to develop the needed camaraderie to push the protagonist further, bettering herself and making her character all the more likeable. Dan Ramirez is again prominent in the book, juggling his personal connection to Black and trying to partner well with her, while also realizing that the workplace dynamic will change with the promotion. The story remains strong and held my attention as the narrative discusses the connection between murder and superficial beauty. The mix of shorter and more developed chapters proves helpful to guide the reader as they rush to get deeper into the narrative and see just where the killer sees themselves in the larger picture, as well as offering some backstory that shaped the need to kill. Blake Pierce continues to find exciting ways to deliver a story, adding twists and a cliffhanger that will propel the story forward into the next novel. I’m off to secure it so I can sift through the fallout of the book’s final page.
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, as you show your passion for writing with each book in the series. I think I may have to check out some of your other work when this series has been devoured.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 26, 2023
Ramirez 😢
Un Tome très diversifié, enquête surprenante d’un tueur obsédé par la glace ❄️ et la perfection, poste de Sergent attend l’accord de inspectrice Avery Black sans doute 🏅relation émotionnelle et améliorée entre Avery Et sa unique fille mais le malheur c’est que son équipier et Son amoureux Ramirez était victime d’une agression par un suspect potentiel , et il est hospitalisé jusqu’à maintenant à la réanimation en coma 💔💔 je suis impatiente pour le tome suivant 🔗
Un Tome très diversifié, enquête surprenante d’un tueur obsédé par la glace ❄️ et la perfection, poste de Sergent attend l’accord de inspectrice Avery Black sans doute 🏅relation émotionnelle et améliorée entre Avery Et sa unique fille mais le malheur c’est que son équipier et Son amoureux Ramirez était victime d’une agression par un suspect potentiel , et il est hospitalisé jusqu’à maintenant à la réanimation en coma 💔💔 je suis impatiente pour le tome suivant 🔗
October 24, 2017
OMG
I swear I think I've become obsessed with these darn books. Form the minute I start one I literally CANNOT put it down until I finish it. Now this one ended in a place where I definitely HAVE to read the next one.
I swear I think I've become obsessed with these darn books. Form the minute I start one I literally CANNOT put it down until I finish it. Now this one ended in a place where I definitely HAVE to read the next one.
August 21, 2020
The cliffhanger was crazy but I had a concern about how the killer was portrayed. Throughout the beginning of the book the killer is portrayed as a man but later you find out it is a woman who was abused and raised as a man. I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a comment on transgender people but I’m going to be honest the only reason I picked up the next book was to see if Ramirez is ok and the fact the book never said anything about the killer being transgender. I understand that what happened to the killer is something that is very real but as it is in 3rd person I felt like it could have been revealed to the reader much sooner that it was. I did enjoy the majority of the book but the way the killer was portrayed almost made me put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
The book, again, has a great story line. I’m just tired of the continued format of the book. Avery is the best detective but doesn’t follow rules. Gets kicked from the case. Solves the case alone. Gets congratulated then promoted. Each book is the same. I’m hoping books 5 and 6 have different lines. The good part happens in the last 2 chapters and wish it came a little sooner in the book. Otherwise, the book was good and easy to follow. The typos are getting worse throughout the series, though. That is very hard to look past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
It was thrilling experience with so much emotions and facts. I really liked it.
April 8, 2017
While the book itself remains as interesting as the rest of the series, I found myself very frustrated by a number of inconsistencies between this and the rest of the series. Avery mentions Rose "finally" going to college when in a previous book, Rose was living in a college dorm room. There also appears to be a name change for Avery's ex-husband, previously named Jack, but randomly referred to as Tom in this book? There are others, but these are a couple of the most glaring.
April 23, 2017
Love Avery Black but....
There comes a time when editing the written word should be an important step. There are quite a few overlooked mistakes, makes me think "damned autocorrect!" Other than that, I still lo e Avery Black stories. Thank you Blake Pierce and watch out for that "damned autocorrect."
There comes a time when editing the written word should be an important step. There are quite a few overlooked mistakes, makes me think "damned autocorrect!" Other than that, I still lo e Avery Black stories. Thank you Blake Pierce and watch out for that "damned autocorrect."
June 25, 2021
Inconsistency in details is maddening
Avery' ex- husbands name is Jack in books 1,2& 3, suddenly in book 4 his name is Tom. Her daughter Rose is 16 in book 1, a little over 1 year later, in book 4 she is 19. Just a few examples. In addition it is a little ridiculous how often these detectives are close to death and how many serial killer there are in Boston.
Avery' ex- husbands name is Jack in books 1,2& 3, suddenly in book 4 his name is Tom. Her daughter Rose is 16 in book 1, a little over 1 year later, in book 4 she is 19. Just a few examples. In addition it is a little ridiculous how often these detectives are close to death and how many serial killer there are in Boston.
November 1, 2017
More of the same; average at best.
June 23, 2025
🕵🏻♀️ Em "Razão Para Temer", acompanhamos a detetive de homicídios de Boston, Avery Black, em mais um caso complexo e perturbador.
🕵🏻♀️ A história começa com a descoberta de um corpo a flutuar nas águas geladas do rio Charles. A vítima é rapidamente identificada, mas as circunstâncias da sua morte são tudo menos claras.
🕵🏻♀️ Avery e a sua equipa mergulham na investigação, tentando desvendar a identidade do assassino e o motivo por detrás do crime. À medida que a investigação avança, Avery descobre que a vítima tinha segredos obscuros e conexões com pessoas influentes, o que torna o caso ainda mais delicado e perigoso.
🕵🏻♀️ A trama desenvolve-se através de várias reviravoltas e pistas falsas, mantendo o leitor na “ponta da cadeira”, sempre à espera em cada capítulo o desenrolar da investigação. Avery precisa usar toda a sua inteligência e instinto para navegar pela rede de mentiras e enganos, desvendando os segredos da vítima e expondo o assassino.
🕵🏻♀️ Ao longo da investigação, somos também levados a acompanhar a luta interna de Avery com seus próprios demónios. Seus traumas passados assombram-na, mas também a impulsionam a buscar a verdade e justiça para as vítimas. A pressão do caso e os perigos que enfrenta testam seus limites físicos e emocionais.
🕵🏻♀️ A narrativa explora a mente dos personagens, tanto da vítima quanto dos suspeitos, revelando motivações complexas e obscuras. O suspense aumenta à medida que Avery se aproxima da verdade, colocando-a em perigo iminente. O livro culmina em um confronto tenso e inesperado com o assassino, onde todos os segredos são finalmente revelados.
🕵🏻♀️ Em essência, "Razão Para Temer" é uma história de suspense psicológico que prende o leitor com um mistério intrigante, personagens complexas e reviravoltas surpreendentes, enquanto acompanhamos a determinada Avery Black na busca incessante pela justiça.
🕵🏻♀️ A história começa com a descoberta de um corpo a flutuar nas águas geladas do rio Charles. A vítima é rapidamente identificada, mas as circunstâncias da sua morte são tudo menos claras.
🕵🏻♀️ Avery e a sua equipa mergulham na investigação, tentando desvendar a identidade do assassino e o motivo por detrás do crime. À medida que a investigação avança, Avery descobre que a vítima tinha segredos obscuros e conexões com pessoas influentes, o que torna o caso ainda mais delicado e perigoso.
🕵🏻♀️ A trama desenvolve-se através de várias reviravoltas e pistas falsas, mantendo o leitor na “ponta da cadeira”, sempre à espera em cada capítulo o desenrolar da investigação. Avery precisa usar toda a sua inteligência e instinto para navegar pela rede de mentiras e enganos, desvendando os segredos da vítima e expondo o assassino.
🕵🏻♀️ Ao longo da investigação, somos também levados a acompanhar a luta interna de Avery com seus próprios demónios. Seus traumas passados assombram-na, mas também a impulsionam a buscar a verdade e justiça para as vítimas. A pressão do caso e os perigos que enfrenta testam seus limites físicos e emocionais.
🕵🏻♀️ A narrativa explora a mente dos personagens, tanto da vítima quanto dos suspeitos, revelando motivações complexas e obscuras. O suspense aumenta à medida que Avery se aproxima da verdade, colocando-a em perigo iminente. O livro culmina em um confronto tenso e inesperado com o assassino, onde todos os segredos são finalmente revelados.
🕵🏻♀️ Em essência, "Razão Para Temer" é uma história de suspense psicológico que prende o leitor com um mistério intrigante, personagens complexas e reviravoltas surpreendentes, enquanto acompanhamos a determinada Avery Black na busca incessante pela justiça.
December 29, 2023
I've been reading a lot of Blake Pierce books and powering through the typos and missing words and continuity problems, but this book really irritated me.
Avery's ex has a different name? Rose is "finally" going to college? Come on, let's do the slightest amount of due diligence before writing the next book in a series so that characters keep their back stories intact. Sort of like how in the previous book Avery had an older adopted sister whose existence and story didn't match with Avery's childhood as told in previous books.
The storytelling is good and the books are nice and short, but the lack of continuity is a real problem.
Avery's ex has a different name? Rose is "finally" going to college? Come on, let's do the slightest amount of due diligence before writing the next book in a series so that characters keep their back stories intact. Sort of like how in the previous book Avery had an older adopted sister whose existence and story didn't match with Avery's childhood as told in previous books.
The storytelling is good and the books are nice and short, but the lack of continuity is a real problem.
March 5, 2024
To state that this book was awesome is understated. I stayed up until it was finished . I thought the 1st book was good but as I went through the series I was gripped . I'm usually a chatter box and my partner said I've never been so quiet and absorbed into pages of brilliant writing and crime thriller. I'm now on the last book and already feeling deflated as there are no more . I will of course search the next series by the brilliant author and only hope they continue to be as good as what I've read so far . Can't wait to see what happens in the last book . Very excited . Its also raining AGAIN ..so a sofa day ahead and some reading not to be missed 🙂
April 3, 2022
Avery has her hands full, a promotion is awaited, her relationship with her daughter has improved, as well as her relationship/partnership with Ramirez, and she is working on a difficult case to find leads in the search for the culprit. All she knows is that he/she wants to be found, the letters to the police and to the press are taunting, and the victims keep on piling up! What is the connection to the cold? What is the killer searching for? Will she be able to throw some light on this case? Another good story that will keep you entertained for a few hours.
October 14, 2022
Avery Black is back out on another murder investigation and this time the women are being positioned and painted up to be doll like, pure perfection. Avery and her partner Ramirez are now building up their relationship. They have moved beyond a working relationship but are now dating and Ramirez is moving in. Rose Avery's college age daughter is loving seeing her mom happy again. Rose really likes Ramirez too.
Great book yet again.
Great book yet again.
October 26, 2017
A great story, but I was disappointed with the "ending". It was left up in the air, and you need to buy the next book to find out what happened to one of the characters. It was as if the book was not properly finished. I felt there were enough unknowns and interest factors to encourage the reader to purchase the next book without leaving the fate of one of the main characters hanging.
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.
March 24, 2022
And the grill I Had while reading this whole book. It definitely hit another level. Just amazing. Still found one flaw: when the killer had never believed in lucked and had all it planned out since months/years, why just why did the last one was a random pick! The whole series earned my interest back.
February 18, 2018
Another brilliant detective murder mystery with the enigmatic protagonist, Avery Black. As usual Blake Pierce's writing is pure genius. His characterisations are perfect and pitches the pace perfectly. I've loved all his work to date and long may I continue to do so.
October 24, 2018
Great thrilling read
Fast paced with great plot with believable characters and plot. The ending was not expected since its begs the next book. Had the next not been available now I would have been pissed. But it is and I’m starting today
Fast paced with great plot with believable characters and plot. The ending was not expected since its begs the next book. Had the next not been available now I would have been pissed. But it is and I’m starting today
February 6, 2021
Os livros do autor têm-me surpreendido pela positiva.
Conheci o autor porque me ofereceram um kobo e, junto com ele, vinha o primeiro livro desta coleção.
Embora a tradução seja em pt-br, estou a adorar porque fico bastante envolvida nos casos da Avery Black.
A caminho do livro 5...
Conheci o autor porque me ofereceram um kobo e, junto com ele, vinha o primeiro livro desta coleção.
Embora a tradução seja em pt-br, estou a adorar porque fico bastante envolvida nos casos da Avery Black.
A caminho do livro 5...
December 20, 2022
Love this author!
Blake Pierce knows how to write a story that sucks you in & won't let go.
When women are found in icy water, completely nude and blemish-free, Detective Avery Black must race to find the killer before he targets his next victim.
Blake Pierce knows how to write a story that sucks you in & won't let go.
When women are found in icy water, completely nude and blemish-free, Detective Avery Black must race to find the killer before he targets his next victim.
June 13, 2023
I liked the life stuff that happens with Avery in this book, but the big "reveal" about the murdered at the end feels cringey .
March 4, 2025
Como essa personagem se desenvolveu de maneira surpreendente.
Avery Black está mais centrada e focada e finalmente num relacionamento saudável com Ramirez.
Gostei bastante dessa história e uma surpresa sobre o assassino.
Continuo lendo a série.
Avery Black está mais centrada e focada e finalmente num relacionamento saudável com Ramirez.
Gostei bastante dessa história e uma surpresa sobre o assassino.
Continuo lendo a série.
June 14, 2017
Good Story
This was an exciting read with a surprise ending. Put together nicely with lots of twists and turns. The character development was excellent and the ending exciting.
This was an exciting read with a surprise ending. Put together nicely with lots of twists and turns. The character development was excellent and the ending exciting.
August 25, 2017
Fabulous. The Avery Black series is great!!!!
ThevAvery Black series is terrific. Can't wait for the next one. In the meantime I bought another of his books
ThevAvery Black series is terrific. Can't wait for the next one. In the meantime I bought another of his books
January 9, 2018
Easily the best one of the series so far. I hope there's another!!!
January 9, 2018
gaaaaah! cliffhanger!!!! so good. bummed book 5 isn't on audible yet. had to buy kindle book seconds after finishing book 4!
September 17, 2018
Naked naked all four books about naked women with different stories nice plot,too much explanation like book notes
December 19, 2018
Argh! One more to go
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews