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Mackenzie White #7
Before He Sins
In BEFORE HE SINS (A Mackenzie White Mystery--Book 7), priests are turning up dead, their bodies found crucified against church doors throughout Washington, D.C. Could this be some sort of act of revenge? Could it be a member of their order? Or a serial killer, hunting priests with a far more diabolical motive?
The FBI turns to special agent Mackenzie White, as the case bears a resemblance to the religious overtones of her first case, The Scarecrow Killer. Plunged into the subculture of the priesthood, Mackenzie struggles to learn more about the rituals, about ancient scripture, to try enter the killer's mind. But Mackenzie is already preoccupied by her hunt for her father's own murderer, determined to find him this time. And this new killer is more sinister than most, and will push her, in his deadly cat and mouse game, to the very brink of her own sanity.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE SINS is book #7 in a riveting new series--with a beloved new character--that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
The FBI turns to special agent Mackenzie White, as the case bears a resemblance to the religious overtones of her first case, The Scarecrow Killer. Plunged into the subculture of the priesthood, Mackenzie struggles to learn more about the rituals, about ancient scripture, to try enter the killer's mind. But Mackenzie is already preoccupied by her hunt for her father's own murderer, determined to find him this time. And this new killer is more sinister than most, and will push her, in his deadly cat and mouse game, to the very brink of her own sanity.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE SINS is book #7 in a riveting new series--with a beloved new character--that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2017
610 people are currently reading
910 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
1,885 books5,730 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 42 reviews
July 25, 2023
Cette enquête était spécial et difficile à admettre qu’il existe vraiment un psychopathe qui ciblait les prêtres ou les pasteurs des églises ⛪️ en suivant un cheminement précis et étonnant !
Mackenzie était folle de rage en essayant de trouver de nouveaux indices ou de piste pour résoudre cette énigme, enfin elle réussissait de clôturer cette affaire, mais une surprise l’attendait pour tourner la page de son passé une fois pour toute , et commencer un nouveau chapitre de sa vie sereinement ♥️
Enfin Mackenzie déménageait pour vivre dans la maison d’Elington ♥️♥️
Mackenzie était folle de rage en essayant de trouver de nouveaux indices ou de piste pour résoudre cette énigme, enfin elle réussissait de clôturer cette affaire, mais une surprise l’attendait pour tourner la page de son passé une fois pour toute , et commencer un nouveau chapitre de sa vie sereinement ♥️
Enfin Mackenzie déménageait pour vivre dans la maison d’Elington ♥️♥️
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.
October 23, 2017
I love this series!
May 1, 2025
priests are turning up dead, their bodies found crucified against church doors throughout Washington, D.C. Could this be some sort of act of revenge? Could it be a member of their order? Or a serial killer, hunting priests with a far more diabolical motive?
The FBI turns to special agent Mackenzie White, as the case bears a resemblance to the religious overtones of her first case, The Scarecrow Killer. Plunged into the subculture of the priesthood, Mackenzie struggles to learn more about the rituals, about ancient scripture, to try enter the killer's mind. But Mackenzie is already preoccupied by her hunt for her father's own murderer, determined to find him this time. And this new killer is more sinister than most, and will push her, in his deadly cat and mouse game, to the very brink of her own sanity.
The FBI turns to special agent Mackenzie White, as the case bears a resemblance to the religious overtones of her first case, The Scarecrow Killer. Plunged into the subculture of the priesthood, Mackenzie struggles to learn more about the rituals, about ancient scripture, to try enter the killer's mind. But Mackenzie is already preoccupied by her hunt for her father's own murderer, determined to find him this time. And this new killer is more sinister than most, and will push her, in his deadly cat and mouse game, to the very brink of her own sanity.
August 14, 2022
This is the first book of Blake Pierce that I didn't love. I have been raving about her books for over a year now and I knew at some point there would come a time that I would get a book that I didn't like much and this was it. Sometimes it just gets to be the same run of the mill story line. At least in this series so far the chief isn't telling her she has to solve the case in 48 hours or she's off the case and then she goes out on her own to follow up on a lead without telling anyone. Of course this lead is the right one and of course she will be slammed around and beaten up and of course her partner will come and rescue her with seconds to spare. With this book she can't ever hold on to her gun and somehow she has her weapon turned on her.
I really do love Blake Pierce but I'm finding that she is hard to read back to back only because her story lines are starting to develop a particular pattern. If I took a break in between each story then maybe it won't bother me so much.
I have never given Blake Pierce a 2 star rating and it literally hurt to give her that 2 stars but I had to be honest. I also decided I'm going to step back and take a break from her books. I need to space them out due to the fact I have found her pattern.
I do recommend her books to everyone who loves mystery thriller books. Just because this book was given a 2 star rating please give Blake Pierce a try. You will not be disappointed. I promise you this!!!
I really do love Blake Pierce but I'm finding that she is hard to read back to back only because her story lines are starting to develop a particular pattern. If I took a break in between each story then maybe it won't bother me so much.
I have never given Blake Pierce a 2 star rating and it literally hurt to give her that 2 stars but I had to be honest. I also decided I'm going to step back and take a break from her books. I need to space them out due to the fact I have found her pattern.
I do recommend her books to everyone who loves mystery thriller books. Just because this book was given a 2 star rating please give Blake Pierce a try. You will not be disappointed. I promise you this!!!
June 2, 2021
3...Still no closure on Daddy Dearest??? WTF?? Come on already! MacKenzie's case this time was good, but was held back by her dad's case...which keeps popping up...these novels read more like a made for TV, than detective novels to me...am I wrong???
September 25, 2018
If you’ve read my previous reviews, I can just say “ditto”. Same storyline, different characters & different locations, but, basically the same story in each book. Somehow, Mackenzie ends up alone with the killer. This girl has had more concussions than any head or brain can take. I’ve got 2 more books to find out what happened to her father. Thankfully, they’re short.
February 16, 2018
Mackenzie White Did It To Me Again
I have basically done nothing the last couple of days but read her books. I reread from book one and have just book 8 to. They are definitely addictive.
I have basically done nothing the last couple of days but read her books. I reread from book one and have just book 8 to. They are definitely addictive.
June 6, 2019
Clergymen
This book is about Clergymen being murdered a specific way. Mackenzie is pulled into two different ways when her father's case starts picking up again. Worth reading like the rest of Blake Pierces books.
This book is about Clergymen being murdered a specific way. Mackenzie is pulled into two different ways when her father's case starts picking up again. Worth reading like the rest of Blake Pierces books.
February 4, 2020
Mackenzie is on a new case, Church leaders are being crucified. Of course she is able to save the day quickly and with a slight injury. As always. As you can guess she gets another clue about her fathers murder leaving her wanting to solve it. The story line is getting way too predictable.
November 5, 2018
Amazing
Not disappointed! I love the style of writing. Just as good as the others. Keeps you reading for sure! A real crowd pleaser
Not disappointed! I love the style of writing. Just as good as the others. Keeps you reading for sure! A real crowd pleaser
February 9, 2019
Before he sins
Yet again I have been engrossed in this book reading until early hours. I really enjoyed it and would recommend reading this book and all the others in the series
Yet again I have been engrossed in this book reading until early hours. I really enjoyed it and would recommend reading this book and all the others in the series
March 23, 2019
Get again
I feel like each book I read makes me happier and happier that I found Blake Pierces books. They are fantastic.
I feel like each book I read makes me happier and happier that I found Blake Pierces books. They are fantastic.
May 6, 2019
Great read...as always
I read this book while on vacation in a day. Blake nails it again. Can’t wait to read book 8!
I read this book while on vacation in a day. Blake nails it again. Can’t wait to read book 8!
June 19, 2020
I started out liking this series a lot. It was exactly the kind of story I enjoy. Unfortunately, as the series went on, the romance just got annoying. Previously, I was able to ignore it. In this book, it got to be too much.
Mackenzie is an adult, an FBI agent at that, but she gets really, really whiney when her boyfriend is temporarily reassigned. She managed to do fine before Ellington became her partner. Yet now, he's gone for a day or two and all she can think of is how much she wants him with her. Really? She can't handle a few days apart. Also, it is not a romance novel. We really do not need reminding that they have an active sex life.
Finally, I really don't believe the FBI would allow them to continue to be partners when dating, much less let them stay in the same room.
It is really sad that the author felt that for Mackenzie to be an interesting female she needed to hook up with her partner. She was fine and strong in the first few books without all of that. Now, she's just whiney and annoying.
Mackenzie is an adult, an FBI agent at that, but she gets really, really whiney when her boyfriend is temporarily reassigned. She managed to do fine before Ellington became her partner. Yet now, he's gone for a day or two and all she can think of is how much she wants him with her. Really? She can't handle a few days apart. Also, it is not a romance novel. We really do not need reminding that they have an active sex life.
Finally, I really don't believe the FBI would allow them to continue to be partners when dating, much less let them stay in the same room.
It is really sad that the author felt that for Mackenzie to be an interesting female she needed to hook up with her partner. She was fine and strong in the first few books without all of that. Now, she's just whiney and annoying.
March 6, 2023
"Maybe that was why she found this act so deplorable; mocking the death of Christ at the very entryway to a place where people gathered to seek solace and refuge in his name was detestable."
The Mackenzie White series has blown me away. This installment was particularly intense--both with the violence of the crimes but also the deep dive into religion and abuse of position. In many ways it was a hard book to read because of just how heartbreaking and horrible the crimes discussed were. But I was grateful that the author gave respect to religion while still acknowledging that crappy people can exist within any organization.
Also the mystery with Mackenzie's father might be coming to a close in the next book and I am so excited to get my hands on it.
Content: Strong language used regularly, graphic depictions of violence, descriptions of rape and sexual assault (talked about but no scenes where it occurs--the rape is primarily m/m), discussions of suicide, some mild sexual content but nothing too explicit
The Mackenzie White series has blown me away. This installment was particularly intense--both with the violence of the crimes but also the deep dive into religion and abuse of position. In many ways it was a hard book to read because of just how heartbreaking and horrible the crimes discussed were. But I was grateful that the author gave respect to religion while still acknowledging that crappy people can exist within any organization.
Also the mystery with Mackenzie's father might be coming to a close in the next book and I am so excited to get my hands on it.
Content: Strong language used regularly, graphic depictions of violence, descriptions of rape and sexual assault (talked about but no scenes where it occurs--the rape is primarily m/m), discussions of suicide, some mild sexual content but nothing too explicit
January 8, 2024
4 ⋆⋆⋆⋆
En este nuevo caso de Mackenzie White se toca el tema del fanatismo hacia la iglesia, es crudo porque se manejan situaciones sensibles como el abuso, violación, manipulación entre otros. Sigo creyendo que Ellington es alguien que no da nada, que solo estorba, no lo veo con actitud o que minimamente este a la altura de Mackenzie, creo que ya me ensañe con el y cada que aparece me parecen pesadas las paginas, en cambio ella cada vez más madura, con ese compromiso en cada caso, donde presta atención a cosas que ni yo misma me hubiera imaginado, algo se aprende de ella.
El final da un vuelco, viene el caso más importante de su carrera, se estruja el corazón, pero creo que no hay nadie mejor que ella para develar mejor ese misterio de su padre. En este libro Pierce usa la misma formula como en cada uno de sus anteriores entregas, no se si sea malvado, pero quiero que un caso no le salga a Mackenzie.
En este nuevo caso de Mackenzie White se toca el tema del fanatismo hacia la iglesia, es crudo porque se manejan situaciones sensibles como el abuso, violación, manipulación entre otros. Sigo creyendo que Ellington es alguien que no da nada, que solo estorba, no lo veo con actitud o que minimamente este a la altura de Mackenzie, creo que ya me ensañe con el y cada que aparece me parecen pesadas las paginas, en cambio ella cada vez más madura, con ese compromiso en cada caso, donde presta atención a cosas que ni yo misma me hubiera imaginado, algo se aprende de ella.
El final da un vuelco, viene el caso más importante de su carrera, se estruja el corazón, pero creo que no hay nadie mejor que ella para develar mejor ese misterio de su padre. En este libro Pierce usa la misma formula como en cada uno de sus anteriores entregas, no se si sea malvado, pero quiero que un caso no le salga a Mackenzie.
June 3, 2020
I like this series. Really like this series. But there's this one thing that nags at me. Why on earth did the author, publisher whomever it was, make the decision to narrate an audiobook series set primarily in Nebraska and DC in British accent? Elaine Wise has a pleasant enough voice most of the time, but Mackenzie White is from Nebraska. She shouldn't have a British accent. Then there are the male characters. When she voices Mackenzie's boss, it is like nails on a chalkboard. I'll definitely finish the series because the storylines are excellent, but I'll never pick up another Blake Pierce audiobook because Elaine Wise narrates every.single.one. Sigh.
February 8, 2018
I thought Mac did a good job of finding leads. Sure most of them didn't work out, but they did make sense at the time.
I liked how lippy Mac got with her boss, although I thought it might have gotten her in trouble. I thought it odd that in the middle of the killings he sent her to NB to work in her dad's case. It sucked that it turned out to be a dead end.
With how this one ended I hope we get resolution with her dad's case. It's gone on long enough, time to find out and move on.
I liked how lippy Mac got with her boss, although I thought it might have gotten her in trouble. I thought it odd that in the middle of the killings he sent her to NB to work in her dad's case. It sucked that it turned out to be a dead end.
With how this one ended I hope we get resolution with her dad's case. It's gone on long enough, time to find out and move on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2022
Es el primer libro que leo del autor y resulta que es una serie y no es el primero de ella. El libro me ha gustado mucho. Tiene varias tramas que se solapan y mucha acción. Me ha parecido que la trama principal se ha resuelto un tanto rápidamente. Queda la segunda trama con la que se cierra este libro y que supongo que será la trama principal del siguiente. Ya estoy deseando leer el libro. Muy recomendable.
June 4, 2024
I kind of had a hard time with this one. I just couldn’t get into it like I did with the other books in the series. It was interesting to see how it played out at the end. Just wasn’t my favorite of the series. One difference is I listen to the audio, and didn’t really like narrator. Where with the others I read them.
Read
November 26, 2020I have got hooked on the character of Blake Pierce, but the cost of his books are going up it seems. Since his books are only around 200 pages long I'm no longer willing to spend nearly as much on them as I would a full length novel.
January 9, 2023
The only reason I have given 3 stars is I’ve been listening to the book, and the person reading has changed, it’s an American book, FBI, and I’m sure that the reader is Irish, it would be much better if it was an American reading it, she is terrible and I’m really struggling to listen.
February 12, 2018
Can't Stop Reading
Unbelievable and gripping throughout this book like the others before. Can't wait to start the next episode. A must read
Unbelievable and gripping throughout this book like the others before. Can't wait to start the next episode. A must read
March 28, 2018
I just love this series. Good writing as usual by Blake with enough intrigue to keep you guessing and keep you hooked.
October 21, 2019
Always great story
McKenzie always keep the story in suspension difficult situation but Always find the true in each case can't wait to read next stop.
McKenzie always keep the story in suspension difficult situation but Always find the true in each case can't wait to read next stop.
October 25, 2019
Wow!! Just wow!!
This book took a little longer than expected since I'm a Catholic and reading something so gruelling about priests stirred me up but it felt so good getting to the end.
Great read
This book took a little longer than expected since I'm a Catholic and reading something so gruelling about priests stirred me up but it felt so good getting to the end.
Great read
January 20, 2020
Addicting!
Another exciting story with Agent MacKenzie White. And as this one is solved we learn she will be going back to Nebraska.
Another exciting story with Agent MacKenzie White. And as this one is solved we learn she will be going back to Nebraska.
April 11, 2020
Can’t wait to listen to the next book
June 20, 2020
I didnt really like this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews