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Riley Paige #8
Once Cold
There is one cold case that has plagued Special Agent Riley Paige for her entire career, dwelling at the corners of her consciousness, forcing her to return to it again and again. The only case she has never solved, she has finally put it out of her mind.
Until she gets a call from the murdered victim’s mother.
It spurs Riley to face the case once again, and to not give up until she has found answers.
Yet Riley barely has time to catch her breath when she receives a lead for another cold case, one which, if possible, strikes an even deeper note within her. It is a lead that promises to solve the case of her own mother’s killer.
And it comes from Shane Hatcher.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE COLD is book #8 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
Until she gets a call from the murdered victim’s mother.
It spurs Riley to face the case once again, and to not give up until she has found answers.
Yet Riley barely has time to catch her breath when she receives a lead for another cold case, one which, if possible, strikes an even deeper note within her. It is a lead that promises to solve the case of her own mother’s killer.
And it comes from Shane Hatcher.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE COLD is book #8 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
897 people are currently reading
1588 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
690 books5,787 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 69 reviews
January 10, 2020
Once Cold is book#8 in the Riley Paige series and therein lies my problem for this review. When you start to read a book out of sequence, there may be things that you miss out on, like the growth of a particular character, the connection to some old mystery and sometimes why a character would behave the way he/she did. Such minute details can be understood only in following the order for a long standing series. There are books even in a series where such factors do not effect much as you would enjoy the mystery as it is but 'Once Cold', I believe belongs to the former category where the order of series is essential. Why I felt so, is because Riley's character came across as not very likable for me. Some of her decisions felt selfish and as to using her position to uncover her mom's killer again felt a little off. 'Coz I couldn't conceive the desperation for that act from the story, maybe I am missing out a chunk of it due to the aforementioned reason of out of sequence reading.
I did take up this book primarily for two reasons, one that I am huge fan of cold-case mysteries so when this popped up as recommended in my library list, I wanted to check it out. Secondly this was the first time I'm taking up an audio book, which I thought I can listen to when doing my chores. Unfortunately the plan went for a toss, as there was never any time like that where listening to it peacefully was an option , so after about 20%, I quit the audio and had to go back to reading the ebook🤪.
The cold case mystery of the Matchbook killer was interesting and even the camaraderie of Riley with her colleagues Bill and Jake was pleasing but by the end of the story, I am left with a single thought, Is Riley psychic?? Again maybe mentioned earlier, but there are quite a few instances where Riley does figure out the sequence of events during the murder by putting herself into the murderer's shoes. Guessing the behavioral pattern of the killer is alright but finding clues by transporting her senses was too much for me to take in, especially coz I never felt there was a psychic angle in play.
I did take up this book primarily for two reasons, one that I am huge fan of cold-case mysteries so when this popped up as recommended in my library list, I wanted to check it out. Secondly this was the first time I'm taking up an audio book, which I thought I can listen to when doing my chores. Unfortunately the plan went for a toss, as there was never any time like that where listening to it peacefully was an option , so after about 20%, I quit the audio and had to go back to reading the ebook🤪.
The cold case mystery of the Matchbook killer was interesting and even the camaraderie of Riley with her colleagues Bill and Jake was pleasing but by the end of the story, I am left with a single thought, Is Riley psychic?? Again maybe mentioned earlier, but there are quite a few instances where Riley does figure out the sequence of events during the murder by putting herself into the murderer's shoes. Guessing the behavioral pattern of the killer is alright but finding clues by transporting her senses was too much for me to take in, especially coz I never felt there was a psychic angle in play.
September 25, 2018
I haven’t read any of Blake’s books recently. I don’t even know why. His books are great. He created some great characters. Riley is definitely my favorite (and not just because its my daughters name). She is so strong and smart as hell. This one is about her reopening a long since dead case. I loved seeing Blaine return, he always was one of my favorites. I love how well Blake is trying to tie up some lose ends. There are some things from books past that we are finally getting some answers for.
February 8, 2021
5...By far the best novel in this series, well, so far...I love me some cold cases...and to resolve one AND have some questions from Riley's past answered was nice! A little appearance from Hatcher and a new agent assigned to capture him...Riley helped, kind of...Where is this all heading? So excited to find out!
December 21, 2024
Another good Riley Paige mystery. Keeps you on your toes and there is good suspense. Although I don’t care to much for her inner thoughts and then her actions do the opposite. But I will definitely continue on with this series.
July 29, 2018
Okay, Author Blake Pierce. You have a verrrrrrry sneaky marketing technique and it caught me hook, line and sinker. You give away the first book in each of your series, hopelessly enmesh your readers in the characters, and voila! They have to buy the entire series because the books are seriously that good. Not only that, somehow I came by this book - Riley Paige Mystery #8 - for .99 cents on Kindle. Did you do that????? Because even though this is a standalone mystery (and I had read book #1 so had some background) I HAVE to read everything between 1 and 8 to get caught up with what is happening with Riley, her FBI work, and her family!!! And now I see you have actually written several different series, all of which have book #1 offered for FREE DOWNLOAD which I am about to do. I may have to get a second job flipping burgers, but by gosh I am going to read every dang book you write!!! Your books are so addicting!!! Thank you for the sneaky marketing methods which have introduced me to hours of reading pleasure. And please, keep writing!
August 23, 2019
Seriously??? How many times does she have to screw up a case due to insubordination and lose her badge and gun? No wonder the FBI has lost all its clout and integrity if this is an example of today's agents. This crap is getting mighty tiresome.
October 8, 2025
El retorno de un fantasma personal una vez enfriado
Querido(a) colega, fan, entusiasta y amante de las novelas de la Agente Riley Paige, comparto totalmente tu "crush literario" con ella, hay algo innegablemente cautivador en una protagonista tan brillante, pero a la vez tan dañada, se sumerge en las profundidades de la maldad para encontrar justicia y es espeluznante que sea tan buena. Estamos ante el octavo libro de la serie, otro thriller de infarto, que hace algo mucho más íntimo y audaz: usa la intriga de un caso ya "enfriado".
El concepto de “cold case” no es solo una invención de la ficción; es un pilar de la criminología moderna, de hecho, la primera unidad especializada en casos sin resolver en el mundo se fundó en la Oficina del Sheriff de San Francisco, un hito que subraya la frustración y la tenacidad detrás de estos expedientes. En este octavo volumen, Pierce presenta un doble desafío: un caso antiguo que ha atormentado a Riley (el que "jamás ha resuelto") y, más importante, una pista fresca sobre el asesinato de su propia madre, que lleva "enfriado" desde que ella tenía seis años.
La vida de Riley, su inteligencia superior y su habilidad para perfilar mentes depravadas son producto de ese vacío y esa obsesión que la consumen. En la narrativa de Riley Paige, la línea entre el cazador y el cazado siempre es borrosa, una característica esencial del thriller psicológico. Shane Hatcher reaparece con la promesa de resolver el misterio de su madre y un mentor se vuelve clave para encontrar al asesino de la caja de cerillos ¿Qué impulsa a un personaje como Riley a seguir adelante, incluso cuando su "psique frágil" amenaza con colapsar? Si tu propia herida más profunda estuviera a punto de sanar, ¿serías capaz de ser objetivo? O, más crudo aún: ¿La capacidad de Riley para entender a los monstruos es en realidad su capacidad para entender el monstruo que podría estar latente en ella misma? Es en esa delgada cuerda, a ocho libros de distancia, donde reside la genialidad adictiva de la serie.
Después de recorrer estas páginas te darás cuenta de que la novela actúa como un trozo de hielo oscuro, conservando la verdad bajo una capa de tiempo y silencio, hace falta mucho fuego para derretirlo y la desesperación de Riley, como un sol abrasador, derrite el hielo y saca la verdad a flote como un río torrentoso y, aunque el alivio parece cercano, el agua derretida siempre deja un rastro, una humedad persistente de lo que fue. Una vez enfriado el caso, solo el fuego de la determinación personal puede devolverle su ardiente y peligrosa verdad.
Querido(a) colega, fan, entusiasta y amante de las novelas de la Agente Riley Paige, comparto totalmente tu "crush literario" con ella, hay algo innegablemente cautivador en una protagonista tan brillante, pero a la vez tan dañada, se sumerge en las profundidades de la maldad para encontrar justicia y es espeluznante que sea tan buena. Estamos ante el octavo libro de la serie, otro thriller de infarto, que hace algo mucho más íntimo y audaz: usa la intriga de un caso ya "enfriado".
El concepto de “cold case” no es solo una invención de la ficción; es un pilar de la criminología moderna, de hecho, la primera unidad especializada en casos sin resolver en el mundo se fundó en la Oficina del Sheriff de San Francisco, un hito que subraya la frustración y la tenacidad detrás de estos expedientes. En este octavo volumen, Pierce presenta un doble desafío: un caso antiguo que ha atormentado a Riley (el que "jamás ha resuelto") y, más importante, una pista fresca sobre el asesinato de su propia madre, que lleva "enfriado" desde que ella tenía seis años.
La vida de Riley, su inteligencia superior y su habilidad para perfilar mentes depravadas son producto de ese vacío y esa obsesión que la consumen. En la narrativa de Riley Paige, la línea entre el cazador y el cazado siempre es borrosa, una característica esencial del thriller psicológico. Shane Hatcher reaparece con la promesa de resolver el misterio de su madre y un mentor se vuelve clave para encontrar al asesino de la caja de cerillos ¿Qué impulsa a un personaje como Riley a seguir adelante, incluso cuando su "psique frágil" amenaza con colapsar? Si tu propia herida más profunda estuviera a punto de sanar, ¿serías capaz de ser objetivo? O, más crudo aún: ¿La capacidad de Riley para entender a los monstruos es en realidad su capacidad para entender el monstruo que podría estar latente en ella misma? Es en esa delgada cuerda, a ocho libros de distancia, donde reside la genialidad adictiva de la serie.
Después de recorrer estas páginas te darás cuenta de que la novela actúa como un trozo de hielo oscuro, conservando la verdad bajo una capa de tiempo y silencio, hace falta mucho fuego para derretirlo y la desesperación de Riley, como un sol abrasador, derrite el hielo y saca la verdad a flote como un río torrentoso y, aunque el alivio parece cercano, el agua derretida siempre deja un rastro, una humedad persistente de lo que fue. Una vez enfriado el caso, solo el fuego de la determinación personal puede devolverle su ardiente y peligrosa verdad.
February 18, 2020
Love this series but this one will go down in obscurity for me. I enjoyed every minute of it, but it doesn't have the same punch as the other books in the series.
January 4, 2024
I picked up on a change in the way the author usually writes. Especially when describing Riley, Jake and Bill. The way she wrote Riley and her companions instead of partners.
Maybe it's only my version but at one point instead of "later" it is spelled "latter". Although I picked up errors throughout the series.
I can't believe that she doesn't carry a backup weapon.
The team lack some skills like disarming people or getting out of a hold. Not even mentioning sloppy investigation from Jake's team in the past. And now still dismissing what eyewitness said.
SH really could just be straightforward but he likes the mental torture. Riley should have given Jake a note with info about SH. She may think it's a crime she did with the file, but harboring a fugitive is much worse.
Maybe it's only my version but at one point instead of "later" it is spelled "latter". Although I picked up errors throughout the series.
I can't believe that she doesn't carry a backup weapon.
The team lack some skills like disarming people or getting out of a hold. Not even mentioning sloppy investigation from Jake's team in the past. And now still dismissing what eyewitness said.
SH really could just be straightforward but he likes the mental torture. Riley should have given Jake a note with info about SH. She may think it's a crime she did with the file, but harboring a fugitive is much worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2019
As with the rest of the books in the series it was a non-stop page turner and I finished it in no time
May 25, 2019
FBI agent Riley Paige is confronted by two situations and both having a mayor effect on her life.
The first)Can the cold case Match book murders be solved ? And the second:Will the murderer of her mother be found.? With crisp prose Riley handles these emotional cases Of course this with Blake
Pierce’s help. A delight to read..
The first)Can the cold case Match book murders be solved ? And the second:Will the murderer of her mother be found.? With crisp prose Riley handles these emotional cases Of course this with Blake
Pierce’s help. A delight to read..
September 30, 2017
Once Cold, brings back Riley Paige with a bang.
She decides to open up a case, which has been closed for the past 25 years, as she has a personal connect with one of the victim’s mothers.
Three women were killed in quick succession, 25 years ago, and the killer left a “matchbook” from the bars he picked these women up. And then, as suddenly, the killings stopped and it seemed the Matchbook Killer has disappeared without a trace. The cops gave up after a few days of search and the case was closed.
A cold case of 25 years - will she be able to find him? Is he even alive?
On the personal front, her mother’s killer remains in her mind and she gets frequent nightmares of the day when her mother was shot.
Will the demons in her mind get any rest or will they continue to haunt her?
The author is definitely getting better in tying up loose ends and the editing is infinitely better.
Enjoyed this one.
She decides to open up a case, which has been closed for the past 25 years, as she has a personal connect with one of the victim’s mothers.
Three women were killed in quick succession, 25 years ago, and the killer left a “matchbook” from the bars he picked these women up. And then, as suddenly, the killings stopped and it seemed the Matchbook Killer has disappeared without a trace. The cops gave up after a few days of search and the case was closed.
A cold case of 25 years - will she be able to find him? Is he even alive?
On the personal front, her mother’s killer remains in her mind and she gets frequent nightmares of the day when her mother was shot.
Will the demons in her mind get any rest or will they continue to haunt her?
The author is definitely getting better in tying up loose ends and the editing is infinitely better.
Enjoyed this one.
December 4, 2019
Riley can't get a cold case out of her mind, so she starts digging back into it. It is nice that the case doesn't haves to move as fast as an open serial case, so she can take her time going through the details. She also met back up with her old neighbor and agrees to a date! It is about time she got past her in and out ex! Then she tries to sell her daddy's cabin where she meets up with Shane the Chain. He gets her chasing after her mother's killer once again. This book is starting to show Riley slipping more and more into the darkness with Shane. I did really like how there wasn't as much yelling and arguing with the higher ups at the FBI as that was getting pretty old. Now on to the next book!
June 27, 2020
This installment was a bit more personal for our Riley Paige. When Riley was six years old, her mother was shot to death in the candy store. Because Riley was there, her father blamed her for not saving her mother, and Riley has carried the pain and the guilt all her life. An adversary and "friend" has given her the clues she needs to find her mother's killer. Naturally, at the same time, Riley, her partner, and her retired former partner are all commissioned to open up a long ago cold case. Somehow, she succeeds at both, and I am amazed again how she is able to hold it all together. Probably not real well, but together. Danger is everywhere, and Riley always seems to find it! Onward to Book No. 9!
January 31, 2020
It was good to see Riley finally get some closure regarding her mother's murder. This situation with Shane is getting really dangerous and very precarious, it will be interesting to see what happens next especially with a new agent looking into his whereabouts. Riley is so conflicted internally that in my opinion it would be best for her to stay clear of any relationships. Trusting Ryan again was a big mistake. I don't think Blaine can stomach every aspect of what is involved in her work. Bill has always been the best bet as far as I'm concerned but there is the fact that they are partners and getting into a relationship can ruin everything. Moving on to the next.
May 17, 2020
First of all, I would just like to say that I am amazed at how familiar all Riley Paige's books sound so far. All topics have been exploited time and time again by both writers and film makers. Yet, Blake Pierce managers to keep you glued to the pages.
Reading about Riley's dreams is a bit annoying after the third book, to me at least. As for her personal life, I am very curious about how her relationship to Hatcher will evolve.
In Once Cold, Riley has to solve a 25-year old murder case relying on her skills and on a little help from her friends, including a very enigmatic ex-con.
Reading about Riley's dreams is a bit annoying after the third book, to me at least. As for her personal life, I am very curious about how her relationship to Hatcher will evolve.
In Once Cold, Riley has to solve a 25-year old murder case relying on her skills and on a little help from her friends, including a very enigmatic ex-con.
June 29, 2023
Once again Agent Riley Paige is juggling her family and work responsibilities. She gets help on this cold case from her old mentor and Shane Hatcher who taunts her about clues to her mother’s killer. Riley and her ex butt heads and she’s fed up with his whole attitude towards the girls . April and Jilly are getting along better but her ex has hurt them with his leaving. Riley is finally able to lessen a mother’s grief when she and her partners solve a cold case with three victims. Lots of suspense and a darker tone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
Yo no sé qué tienen pero me tienen enganchadito !
Y mira que se repiten cosas, también es lógico cuando llevas 9 libros y la "mochila" de la trama mantenida es tan grande como para casi hacer que la trama "específica" de cada libro sea casi lo de menos.
Empiezo a pensar que es éso, que lo que me va es el "salseo" de la vida y milagros de Riley y sus "secundarios".
En fín, uno más y el de las cadenas cada vez tiene más peso y éso mola !
Y mira que se repiten cosas, también es lógico cuando llevas 9 libros y la "mochila" de la trama mantenida es tan grande como para casi hacer que la trama "específica" de cada libro sea casi lo de menos.
Empiezo a pensar que es éso, que lo que me va es el "salseo" de la vida y milagros de Riley y sus "secundarios".
En fín, uno más y el de las cadenas cada vez tiene más peso y éso mola !
April 28, 2025
Cold Case. this one Riley goes after a 25-year-old Cold Case to find out who is Loring three young women from a bar to a hotel and killing group. and she's also investigating the murder of her mother when she was a young girl and a candy shop. her husband and her separate again for good this time probably. he doesn't want to take on the girls she's been fostering either. the neighbor and her start slowly dating.
August 9, 2018
It was better than the last couple. I was getting very bored of the taken off the case/playing by her own rules... Blah blah blah... But with the return of Blaine and finding her father's killer, I think something new is going to open up and it's going to be big.
Finding her father's killer wasn't as climactic as I thought it would be, but I'm glad she finally got that closure.
Finding her father's killer wasn't as climactic as I thought it would be, but I'm glad she finally got that closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
July 5, 2019
Once Cold
FBI Special Agent Riley Paige looks into a 25-year-old cold murder case in the eighth installment of this intriguing series. The writing starts off a bit stilted in this book but soon the words disappear as Riley, her partner Bill, and even her retired mentor Jake search for justice. On the side, Riley delves into the long-ago killing of her mother.
FBI Special Agent Riley Paige looks into a 25-year-old cold murder case in the eighth installment of this intriguing series. The writing starts off a bit stilted in this book but soon the words disappear as Riley, her partner Bill, and even her retired mentor Jake search for justice. On the side, Riley delves into the long-ago killing of her mother.
July 22, 2019
I haven't read all of the Riley Paige series. The story here was fairly interesting, bit slow, perhaps, but I was disappointed in the lack of growth of the protagonist. She is a brilliant detective but is involved with a major criminal and keeping it from her boss and partner. Really doesn't chime for me.
January 23, 2020
By far the best yet. Something about Riley working on a cold case gave me chills. I was actually in tears once Riley got to the bottom of what was going on and solved the case like she always does....after 25 years.
I love how the author portrays a woman in a high position in the FBI with a brain like Riley.
I love how the author portrays a woman in a high position in the FBI with a brain like Riley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Once Cold is number 8 in the Riley Paige mystery series. Riley is a divorced, mother of two teenage aged girls and an FBI agent. Riley has quite a temper which has gotten her in trouble more than once with her superiors. Despite that, she’s one of their elite agents. In every book, she and her partner, Bill, have another almost impossible murder to solve. Excellent series.
May 25, 2017
Once Cold ( A Riley Paige Mystery ----Book8) by Blake Pierce
Once again a real action mystery cold case page turner with a few new characters to love. Don't miss it's a gripping crime turner. Love his books and would not miss one. Enjoy!
Once again a real action mystery cold case page turner with a few new characters to love. Don't miss it's a gripping crime turner. Love his books and would not miss one. Enjoy!
September 9, 2017
Page turner
Another fine example of great writing . Page turner till the end . Was on the edge of my seat , couldn't read it fast enough , and didn't want it to end .
Keep up the good work and I'll keep reading .
Thank you 😊
Another fine example of great writing . Page turner till the end . Was on the edge of my seat , couldn't read it fast enough , and didn't want it to end .
Keep up the good work and I'll keep reading .
Thank you 😊
January 31, 2018
Amazing
Anyone looking for a suspense novel this one is for you! This book is a page turner that keeps you wanting more. You won’t be able to stop reading this book!! Blake pierce is an amazing author with great talent!!!
Anyone looking for a suspense novel this one is for you! This book is a page turner that keeps you wanting more. You won’t be able to stop reading this book!! Blake pierce is an amazing author with great talent!!!
April 2, 2018
Once Cold (A Riley Paige Mystery-Book
I really liked this book. I have liked every one of them. I keep gong from one book to the next. Disappointed in words being misspelled in every single book! Enough readers have complained about this.
I really liked this book. I have liked every one of them. I keep gong from one book to the next. Disappointed in words being misspelled in every single book! Enough readers have complained about this.
January 10, 2019
Another great Riley Paige mystery! This book took longer to get going than the others, but was so worth it in the end. I love how each story is so different, and always a page turner. Can't wait to read the other installment to this series. Great Job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews