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Avery Black #5
Cause to Save
In CAUSE TO SAVE, serial killer Howard Randall has escaped, and the entire city of Boston is on edge. Women are turning up gruesomely murdered, and everyone suspects Howard is at it again.
When Boston’s most brilliant and controversial homicide detective—Avery Black—is herself stalked—and when people close to her are brutally killed, one by one—it seems the city’s worst fears are confirmed.
But Avery is not so sure. The murders remind her of something she once saw in her past. They remind her of something too close to her heart—something that had to do with a secret she thought she had buried long ago….
The most riveting and shocking book of the series, a psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO SAVE will leave you turning pages late into the night.
When Boston’s most brilliant and controversial homicide detective—Avery Black—is herself stalked—and when people close to her are brutally killed, one by one—it seems the city’s worst fears are confirmed.
But Avery is not so sure. The murders remind her of something she once saw in her past. They remind her of something too close to her heart—something that had to do with a secret she thought she had buried long ago….
The most riveting and shocking book of the series, a psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO SAVE will leave you turning pages late into the night.
198 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2017
426 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
791 books5,876 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 54 reviews
July 10, 2019
Blake Pierce has saved the best for this fifth novel, placing Avery Black in the middle of her most explosive mystery yet. As Boston reels with the news that Howard Randall has escaped from prison, Avery is still focussed on Ramirez, who sits in a coma. When a young co-ed is murdered, many wonder if this is Randall continuing what he did best, but Avery is not sure, finding it all a little too convenient. Having finally fostered a good relationship with her daughter, Avery and Rose are able to enjoy one another’s company. When news that Ramirez is awake comes from the hospital, Avery rushes there, dodging the ongoing attacks from her superiors that she cannot be on the case. Avery and Ramirez share some insights, leaving a clearer picture as to who might be behind the killing. In a macabre way, all the pieces fall into place and it turns out that Avery knows the killer well, another of her former clients when she was a defence attorney. The killings hit close to home and no one is safe, including Avery, as she tries to work the case while not tipping her hand. Two serial murderers are on the loose in Boston and no one is safe. Avery will have to summon all her courage for this case, as someone is out for a revenge that is as frigid as it is violent. Blake Pierce lays it all out in this novel, leaving series fans to pick their jaws off the floor before rushing to finish. Highly recommended for those who gave enjoyed Avery Black to date and enjoy seeing her pushed to her limits.
Blake Pierce has done well to lay the groundwork for a great series with his four previous novels, but nothing will prepare the reader for what is to come in this piece. The one man who sunk Avery’s career is on the loose, though Howard Randall has also been a father figure to her. Avery sees herself at a real crossroads with this book, trying to piece her life back together. A fallen partner/boyfriend is in the hospital from injuries sustained on the job, while a brutal serial killer hides in the shadows and another one seems keen on mocking her from afar. Avery has finally found the sweet spot for her relationship with Rose, though it will be tested throughout this piece. Wanting to catch a killer and be a good support will force Avery to make some hard decisions, ones that she may come to regret. Others surrounding Black keep the story riveting and push the narrative to new levels. Most are familiar to the series reader, allowing the reader to ply off the past banter and current connections to deepen the flavour of the overall story. The writing remains strong and held my attention as the narrative takes more twists that I could have predicted. The balance of shorter and more developed chapters kept me pushing on and not wanting to stop at any point. Blake Pierce left me shocked with how he brought this novel to a close, adding more unsettling finality on one hand and some cliffhangers on the other. The sixth novel is sure to pack a punch like no other..
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, for never letting up and making me glad to have taken the recommendation of this Avery Black series.
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 has done well to lay the groundwork for a great series with his four previous novels, but nothing will prepare the reader for what is to come in this piece. The one man who sunk Avery’s career is on the loose, though Howard Randall has also been a father figure to her. Avery sees herself at a real crossroads with this book, trying to piece her life back together. A fallen partner/boyfriend is in the hospital from injuries sustained on the job, while a brutal serial killer hides in the shadows and another one seems keen on mocking her from afar. Avery has finally found the sweet spot for her relationship with Rose, though it will be tested throughout this piece. Wanting to catch a killer and be a good support will force Avery to make some hard decisions, ones that she may come to regret. Others surrounding Black keep the story riveting and push the narrative to new levels. Most are familiar to the series reader, allowing the reader to ply off the past banter and current connections to deepen the flavour of the overall story. The writing remains strong and held my attention as the narrative takes more twists that I could have predicted. The balance of shorter and more developed chapters kept me pushing on and not wanting to stop at any point. Blake Pierce left me shocked with how he brought this novel to a close, adding more unsettling finality on one hand and some cliffhangers on the other. The sixth novel is sure to pack a punch like no other..
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, for never letting up and making me glad to have taken the recommendation of this Avery Black series.
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/...
January 26, 2024
La cinquième affaire d’inspectrice Avery Black m’a fait déchiré le cœur littéralement .
Le célèbre criminel et qui a bouleversé la vie d’Avery auparavant et l’a traumatisé tant de fois et maintenant libre ! Et Ouii Il a enfoui de sa prison ! Et au même moment une série de crimes horribles commence ! Est-ce qu’il est Howard Randal le responsable ? Ou un imitateur ?
Une folle poursuite était lancée déjà ....
Le coupable a commencé d’attaquer les proches de l’inspectrice ❣️
Ce tome spécifiquement m’a déchiré le cœur Avery a perdu son futur mari, son ex-mari à la fois et a sauvé la vie de sa unique fille à la dernière minute !
Elle a attrapé ce sale type après tous ces victimes mais Howard Randall est-il toujours en vie ou il est mort ???
Le célèbre criminel et qui a bouleversé la vie d’Avery auparavant et l’a traumatisé tant de fois et maintenant libre ! Et Ouii Il a enfoui de sa prison ! Et au même moment une série de crimes horribles commence ! Est-ce qu’il est Howard Randal le responsable ? Ou un imitateur ?
Une folle poursuite était lancée déjà ....
Le coupable a commencé d’attaquer les proches de l’inspectrice ❣️
Ce tome spécifiquement m’a déchiré le cœur Avery a perdu son futur mari, son ex-mari à la fois et a sauvé la vie de sa unique fille à la dernière minute !
Elle a attrapé ce sale type après tous ces victimes mais Howard Randall est-il toujours en vie ou il est mort ???
October 5, 2020
Brought me to tears.
September 13, 2017
I've enjoyed this series until this one. I've also never seen so many typos!
October 27, 2017
Howard Randall is a great character.
August 2, 2025
Este livro é um verdadeiro turbilhão de emoções e reviravoltas. Blake Pierce tem uma habilidade notável para construir uma trama envolvente e cheia de tensão, que te faz questionar tudo a cada página. A narrativa é construída de forma a manter o leitor constantemente intrigado, com um ritmo que não permite pausas longas.
A história desenrola-se em torno de personagens complexos, cujas motivações são um quebra-cabeças fascinante. Vi-me por várias vezes tentar desvendar os segredos e as verdades por detrás dos acontecimentos, e é provável que, mesmo que sejas um “detetive de poltrona” experiente, ainda assim serás surpreendido.
A história começa com um evento que desestabiliza completamente a vida de Avery Black. Pode ser o desaparecimento inexplicável de uma pessoa querida, a revelação chocante de um crime do passado, ou uma situação de extremo perigo que exige uma ação imediata. A partir daí, somos completamente levados numa jornada intensa onde a linha entre o que é real e o que é perceção torna-se cada vez mais ténue.
O que torna este livro tão cativante é a forma como Blake Pierce constrói o mistério. Não se trata apenas de "quem fez o quê", mas de "porquê" e "como as coisas chegaram a este ponto". A personagem principal é forçada a confrontar o seu próprio passado, as suas relações e as suas crenças, enquanto tenta decifrar pistas e ligar pontos que parecem desconectados. Há um sentimento constante de urgência e um crescente clima de suspense, onde cada nova descoberta pode ser uma pista crucial ou um beco sem saída perigoso.
Pierce é mestre em criar um ambiente onde a paranoia e a incerteza são palpáveis. Faz-nos querer tentar resolver o mistério ao lado da personagem, duvidando de quase todos e questionando as verdadeiras intenções de cada um. É um jogo de gato e rato psicológico que mantém o leitor constantemente a adivinhar, com reviravoltas inesperadas que surgem quando menos esperas.
A história desenrola-se em torno de personagens complexos, cujas motivações são um quebra-cabeças fascinante. Vi-me por várias vezes tentar desvendar os segredos e as verdades por detrás dos acontecimentos, e é provável que, mesmo que sejas um “detetive de poltrona” experiente, ainda assim serás surpreendido.
A história começa com um evento que desestabiliza completamente a vida de Avery Black. Pode ser o desaparecimento inexplicável de uma pessoa querida, a revelação chocante de um crime do passado, ou uma situação de extremo perigo que exige uma ação imediata. A partir daí, somos completamente levados numa jornada intensa onde a linha entre o que é real e o que é perceção torna-se cada vez mais ténue.
O que torna este livro tão cativante é a forma como Blake Pierce constrói o mistério. Não se trata apenas de "quem fez o quê", mas de "porquê" e "como as coisas chegaram a este ponto". A personagem principal é forçada a confrontar o seu próprio passado, as suas relações e as suas crenças, enquanto tenta decifrar pistas e ligar pontos que parecem desconectados. Há um sentimento constante de urgência e um crescente clima de suspense, onde cada nova descoberta pode ser uma pista crucial ou um beco sem saída perigoso.
Pierce é mestre em criar um ambiente onde a paranoia e a incerteza são palpáveis. Faz-nos querer tentar resolver o mistério ao lado da personagem, duvidando de quase todos e questionando as verdadeiras intenções de cada um. É um jogo de gato e rato psicológico que mantém o leitor constantemente a adivinhar, com reviravoltas inesperadas que surgem quando menos esperas.
June 13, 2025
The end will break you.
November 21, 2021
This is my 5th Avery Black book and I'm PRETTY sure the author has confused the characters a bit. In the early books... O'Mally was higher on the chain than Conley. In this one, Conley seemed more in charge. There was also a mix up in this one w/Jane Seymour's asst Amy being referred to instead.
Besides all of the finer details being amiss.... I'm sad for all that happened w/Ramierez. I'm not sure I want to listen to the next/final book if he's not in it and Avery isn't a cop.
Besides all of the finer details being amiss.... I'm sad for all that happened w/Ramierez. I'm not sure I want to listen to the next/final book if he's not in it and Avery isn't a cop.
March 25, 2022
An amazing book. It got me that stuck that I had to finish it just in two sittings. Just one heartbreak, why¿ why did she not realise Ramirez will be the next person…? I am left with all the whys! Maybe just like Avery! And oh that question she asked about Ramirez - HOW! Yes, it mattered. Had I been in her stead, I would have been asking the same question. A bit dramatic, just enough to keep you glued to it.
January 30, 2020
I am enjoying this series but it is jarring there are proofing errors in the ebook version. Sometimes it is a spelling mistake like on instead of one, but in others the wrong character's name is used.
August 9, 2025
Great
A great character and a good story line. Lost some good ones and I really love all his characters...I don't want this series to end.
A great character and a good story line. Lost some good ones and I really love all his characters...I don't want this series to end.
October 14, 2022
I have been giving Blake Pierce's books 3 stars lately and I have gone into some detail as to why this has happened. I still really love how she writes and tells a great murder mystery book.
This books was spooky to me. Not in the sense I was scared and had to sleep with lights on LOL. It was more to the point I was holding my breath as to who else this new murderer was going to kill. Most of the time you know the key characters will be safe. Maybe a bit beaten up by the killer but no major characters are ever killed...UNTIL this book. Just wait and see. It was such a good story too. This book deserved all 5 of those stars I gave it.
Great book to this series
This books was spooky to me. Not in the sense I was scared and had to sleep with lights on LOL. It was more to the point I was holding my breath as to who else this new murderer was going to kill. Most of the time you know the key characters will be safe. Maybe a bit beaten up by the killer but no major characters are ever killed...UNTIL this book. Just wait and see. It was such a good story too. This book deserved all 5 of those stars I gave it.
Great book to this series
June 22, 2018
Blake Pierce is an Awesome Author as shown in this Book
This book was so good that I could not put it down. I stopped at 5:00 A.M because it was a constant rollercoaster ride. Her characters are so well thought out and she gives you a look into their depraved mind. I always like an author who will show you why and how a person is evil. It is a neat subject to ponder and Blake Pierce gives you a brilliant look into the mind of a killer. I don't want to give anything away. But it is best to start from book one. Because she has family and love interest. And she really shakes things up with these characters in this book. It will really surprise you and make you wonder what is next. Read the book, but only after you read the others. They were great too. You will love this book.
This book was so good that I could not put it down. I stopped at 5:00 A.M because it was a constant rollercoaster ride. Her characters are so well thought out and she gives you a look into their depraved mind. I always like an author who will show you why and how a person is evil. It is a neat subject to ponder and Blake Pierce gives you a brilliant look into the mind of a killer. I don't want to give anything away. But it is best to start from book one. Because she has family and love interest. And she really shakes things up with these characters in this book. It will really surprise you and make you wonder what is next. Read the book, but only after you read the others. They were great too. You will love this book.
November 18, 2025
I was so annoyed during this whole thing.
1. The editing needs some work... I found a handful of misspellings or moments where her was written but it was supposed to be here, or he. This doesn't seem serious but after the third one I was like... wtf now it's taking away from the experience.
2. How did she not see him going for Ramirez?! He literally wrote it on the wall... "everyone you love". The second call I'm making (the first one being Rose) is to make sure he has extra protection... he would have done that for her.
3. Towards the end of the book she says she had no idea what he had planned... but again... HE WROTE IT ON THE FKN WALL BRO!
4. I'm just so tired of reading about her getting her ass beat just for some predictable turnaround to happen... I was just waiting for R to show up and save her butt.
1. The editing needs some work... I found a handful of misspellings or moments where her was written but it was supposed to be here, or he. This doesn't seem serious but after the third one I was like... wtf now it's taking away from the experience.
2. How did she not see him going for Ramirez?! He literally wrote it on the wall... "everyone you love". The second call I'm making (the first one being Rose) is to make sure he has extra protection... he would have done that for her.
3. Towards the end of the book she says she had no idea what he had planned... but again... HE WROTE IT ON THE FKN WALL BRO!
4. I'm just so tired of reading about her getting her ass beat just for some predictable turnaround to happen... I was just waiting for R to show up and save her butt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
I read this in one day. I love this character, Avery Black. I love her and Ramirez. I love her daughter Rose and all the stories.
There are some typos and the message that says, "I will kill those you love." Not quite so direct, but that was the meaning. So why did Avery miss one of the most important people in her universe? Because of bad writing. Blake, I love your stories but you need a really good editor and some Beta readers to catch some of these story holes.
Still, love Avery and her universe. On to #6 and then I assume we will have to wait for more in the Cause series.
There are some typos and the message that says, "I will kill those you love." Not quite so direct, but that was the meaning. So why did Avery miss one of the most important people in her universe? Because of bad writing. Blake, I love your stories but you need a really good editor and some Beta readers to catch some of these story holes.
Still, love Avery and her universe. On to #6 and then I assume we will have to wait for more in the Cause series.
January 11, 2018
Fantastic story. This was the 5th book in the series and the 4th one left off with a cliffhanger. From the minute this one started Blake Pierce had you guessing which way the story was going to turn. I can actually admit I was totally surprised by a few of the turns. Cannot wait for the 6th book which I have preordered but it will not be out until 2/28/2018! Can’t wait. I’ll just have to go on and read the 2nd book of the Mackenzie White series, Before He Sees!
June 25, 2021
Does the author read his or her own books?.
This is supposed to be a series but it may as well be 5 separate stories. The ages, histories and personalities of the characters change from book to book. In this book Capt O'Malley is suddenly subordinate to Connolly, the supervisor of detectives. It feels as if I'm more invested in these characters than the author which also explain the multitude of horrors the author rains down on Avery.
This is supposed to be a series but it may as well be 5 separate stories. The ages, histories and personalities of the characters change from book to book. In this book Capt O'Malley is suddenly subordinate to Connolly, the supervisor of detectives. It feels as if I'm more invested in these characters than the author which also explain the multitude of horrors the author rains down on Avery.
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.
January 3, 2020
I want the next book in this series!
The characters are so well developed you feel like you know them. The plots are very well organized. This author keeps you in suspense on multiple levels. The only drawback was the proofreading. You really can't rely on a computer program to find words that aren't correct for the sentence.
The characters are so well developed you feel like you know them. The plots are very well organized. This author keeps you in suspense on multiple levels. The only drawback was the proofreading. You really can't rely on a computer program to find words that aren't correct for the sentence.
October 28, 2021
...... Well...... I SO was NOT expecting that! .... Speechless.... This is a definitely Read Now kind of book (in case you were thinking about taking a break between books in this series)! Just like all other Blake Pierce books I've read, I absolutely loved it!!
Thank you Blake Pierce and team for this phenomenal book/series!
Thank you Blake Pierce and team for this phenomenal book/series!
February 1, 2022
This one would be my favorite but I can’t give it more than three.
Mostly because I’m convinced Connelly and O’Maley’s characters flipped rolls in this books and it confused me.
Also Finley had know character progression. He went from kind of a dick to some sweet guy all of sudden
Other than those two main things everything else I liked. It was a good story.
Mostly because I’m convinced Connelly and O’Maley’s characters flipped rolls in this books and it confused me.
Also Finley had know character progression. He went from kind of a dick to some sweet guy all of sudden
Other than those two main things everything else I liked. It was a good story.
December 22, 2022
Gripping from the first page
This book grips you from the first page, and the stranglehold only gets tighter as it progresses, only letting go when the last page is done.
When Howard Randall escape from prison and a young woman is found murdered, Avery Black is on the hunt to find him. But is he innocent?
This book grips you from the first page, and the stranglehold only gets tighter as it progresses, only letting go when the last page is done.
When Howard Randall escape from prison and a young woman is found murdered, Avery Black is on the hunt to find him. But is he innocent?
March 7, 2024
I have no words that can describe how fabulous,gripping this book is. The twists and turns and drama was exceptional and I stayed up all hours to finish it . Love the fact Howard is still around very catchy
Wow amazing . I think my year will be full of reading as I've seen all the other series and can't wait . Hope they are as gripping as this series
Great author keep them coming 👍
Wow amazing . I think my year will be full of reading as I've seen all the other series and can't wait . Hope they are as gripping as this series
Great author keep them coming 👍
October 24, 2017
Five Stars Isn't Enough
I can't believe how intense these books were and at the same time how much I enjoyed them. If you're looking for something that will keep you engrossed from the very first word in the first book to the last word in the last book this is it.
I can't believe how intense these books were and at the same time how much I enjoyed them. If you're looking for something that will keep you engrossed from the very first word in the first book to the last word in the last book this is it.
March 2, 2021
Uau. Estou sem fôlego!
Comecei este livro assim que terminei o vol. 4 da série Avery Black porque estava demasiado envolvida na história para dar continuidade à leitura.
Este livro tirou-me o chão várias vezes, principalmente no final.
Livro 6, aqui vou eu... (tentar reconfortar-me)
Comecei este livro assim que terminei o vol. 4 da série Avery Black porque estava demasiado envolvida na história para dar continuidade à leitura.
Este livro tirou-me o chão várias vezes, principalmente no final.
Livro 6, aqui vou eu... (tentar reconfortar-me)
January 16, 2023
The story was different from the usual ones in the series and a bit upsetting in the way the events unfold - I am a bit saddened to see this series coming to an end.
The story indicates the same, though there is still one more book in the series.
The story indicates the same, though there is still one more book in the series.
October 23, 2017
Excellent series
November 2, 2017
4 stars only because I was disappointed in the ending and the fact that this is the final book of the series. It's a really good read though.
November 9, 2017
I had my heart in my mouth throughout. The pace, the horror and the heartache of the events chilled me, yet compelled me to go on.
This was an amazing ending to a truly brilliant series.
This was an amazing ending to a truly brilliant series.
January 15, 2018
Awesome as per every book in this series. Very excited to read number 6. I've already preordered it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews