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Riley Paige #11
Once Buried
A serial killer is killing victims with rapid speed, and in each crime scene, he leaves an unusual signature: an hourglass.
Its sand is designed to fall for 24 hours—and when its empty, a new victim appears.
Amidst intense media pressure, and in a frantic race against time, FBI Special Agent Riley Paige is summoned, with her new partner, to crack the case. Still reeling from the fallout with Shane, trying to sort out her family life, and to help Bill get back on his feet, Riley’s plate is already full. And as she enters the darkest canals of this twisted killer’s mind, this just may be the case that sets her over the edge.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE BURIED is book #11 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
Its sand is designed to fall for 24 hours—and when its empty, a new victim appears.
Amidst intense media pressure, and in a frantic race against time, FBI Special Agent Riley Paige is summoned, with her new partner, to crack the case. Still reeling from the fallout with Shane, trying to sort out her family life, and to help Bill get back on his feet, Riley’s plate is already full. And as she enters the darkest canals of this twisted killer’s mind, this just may be the case that sets her over the edge.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE BURIED is book #11 in a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2017
754 people are currently reading
1427 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
762 books5,828 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 45 reviews
October 8, 2018
Seriously a person who buries people alive? Who does that? A psycho that is what. Again Pierce doesn't disappoint. We get to see more of Riley, some more of Jenn and more of Bill. We get to learn more about Jenn which is nice. We have typical Riley, after all she has been thru with Hatcher she still has some issues to work thru. I mean we have Peterson then Hatcher, I would have issues too. This one did not disappoint I feel like the farther we go the better they get!!!!!
February 4, 2020
In all the books of this series there is a serial killer and the murders are horrible but for some reason this book and the way the victims were killed resonated the most. Like a lot of readers I become part of the story with the characters and just the thought of what they went through was beyond horrifying. We also get to know Jenn a little better and find out a little of her past and how it is affecting her life now...will be interesting to see how this plays out.
March 6, 2021
3...A bit of a step down but only due to the overall dramatics this time around! The case was cool and unique, and our newest detective's secrets are slowly leaking! Can't wait to see where that alone leads...
August 31, 2018
I couldn't put it down. The suspense of not knowing gets me every time. Right when I think YES it's that person BAM nope it's not. And just like that I'm reading till 2 in the morning. Then only thing that really gets to me is the retelling of the last books and crimes. Yes I know if you pick up this book before you've read the 11 others then you'll have some clue what's going on but.... This is a series book read them in order!!! And I'm really liking this Jenn character a lot i can't wait to dig into her past. Once again I'm hooked... If you need me I'll be reading the next book!!!
March 13, 2019
When Riley Paige, along with her partner Jenn Roston are summoned to investigate two back-to-back murders, where the victims were buried alive; she decides this may the perfect time to lure her former partner, Bill Jeffreys, out of his PTSD. She recommends the same to her boss, Brent Meredith, who grudgingly agrees.
The case is bizzare.
The victims are buried alive in sand - and the killer leaves behind a 24-hour hand-made enormous hourglass, filled with sand, marking the countdown to his next victim.
What could possibly be his relationship with sand?
As her team literally race against time, Riley has to deal with a dark secret that Jenn is harbouring.
Is Jenn in trouble? Will she be made to lose her job with the FBI?
Will Riley be able to solve the case in time to prevent yet another murder?
With the locals not on her side, as always, and superiors in the bureau who wait for her to fail, there’s a lot for Riley at stake.
This series only gets better with time!
The case is bizzare.
The victims are buried alive in sand - and the killer leaves behind a 24-hour hand-made enormous hourglass, filled with sand, marking the countdown to his next victim.
What could possibly be his relationship with sand?
As her team literally race against time, Riley has to deal with a dark secret that Jenn is harbouring.
Is Jenn in trouble? Will she be made to lose her job with the FBI?
Will Riley be able to solve the case in time to prevent yet another murder?
With the locals not on her side, as always, and superiors in the bureau who wait for her to fail, there’s a lot for Riley at stake.
This series only gets better with time!
January 24, 2018
In this novel, FBI Agent Blake Pierce hunts for a serial killer who buries people alive. She does this with the help of a team of FBI Agents especially Agent Bill and Agent Jenn. All the while searching for the killer, all the three agents have to fight the demons of their past that continuously haunt them.
After watching 12 seasons of the TV show Criminal Minds, I can say I was pretty much familiar with the working of the Behavioral Analysis Unit or BAU of the FBI. This story has the appropriate amount of thrill and suspense but I think this would be the first and last of Riley Paige Mystery that I read. After watching a lot of the same on TV, its just too much for me.
Still the whole Riley Paige Series (as I guessed after reading this one) would surely be worth reading.
After watching 12 seasons of the TV show Criminal Minds, I can say I was pretty much familiar with the working of the Behavioral Analysis Unit or BAU of the FBI. This story has the appropriate amount of thrill and suspense but I think this would be the first and last of Riley Paige Mystery that I read. After watching a lot of the same on TV, its just too much for me.
Still the whole Riley Paige Series (as I guessed after reading this one) would surely be worth reading.
July 9, 2020
Book 11 in the Riley Paige series gives us the much-anticipated "secret" background on young Agent Jenn. She indeed does hold some dark secrets, and Jenn has entrusted Riley with them. As a team, they make a great pair. Jenn needs to learn the way Bill has learned that she needs to trust Riley's instincts. In this installment, a killer is leaving sand timers marking every 24 hours another murder will take place. The sand timers are the only clues, and Riley is quickly frustrated with multiple dead ends. Just when I thought they had the murders solved, yet it's another dead end. Blake Pierce adds more and more pressure to his character Riley's life--how much can she handle?
February 17, 2018
Blake pierce never Fails !!
this is the 12th book in one of his series. I'm his biggest fan ...love all series by Blake.
This book got a 5, just deserved it for this book. Riley, is an amazing FBI agent. This story puts you there, grips you, tightens your chest, and you not only won't but can't stop reading. I'm officially a part of Riley Paige's life lol. I can't wait for book 13 out in March. Just love all Blake's series. The only thing that I am bothered by is the price went up, but I understand why, and it won't stop me lol.
this is the 12th book in one of his series. I'm his biggest fan ...love all series by Blake.
This book got a 5, just deserved it for this book. Riley, is an amazing FBI agent. This story puts you there, grips you, tightens your chest, and you not only won't but can't stop reading. I'm officially a part of Riley Paige's life lol. I can't wait for book 13 out in March. Just love all Blake's series. The only thing that I am bothered by is the price went up, but I understand why, and it won't stop me lol.
March 28, 2018
Another good one
A fast paced thriller that you'd expect from Pierce. I miss the kind games from Hatcher though. I wish their had been more build up and suspense surrounding Jenn's situation.. It has made her look as if she is not as fierce of a character but instead is more of a victim when in past books Pierce had us scared Jenn was a force to be reckoned with against Riley until Riley could learn to trust her as an agent and partner. I'm hoping that'll change in upcoming books.
A fast paced thriller that you'd expect from Pierce. I miss the kind games from Hatcher though. I wish their had been more build up and suspense surrounding Jenn's situation.. It has made her look as if she is not as fierce of a character but instead is more of a victim when in past books Pierce had us scared Jenn was a force to be reckoned with against Riley until Riley could learn to trust her as an agent and partner. I'm hoping that'll change in upcoming books.
January 15, 2021
I have listened to every book my library carries by Blake Pierce. They are all excellent. They keep you enthralled from beginning to end. All her books show the ptsd side of being in law enforcement. When I get out of this mood I am in to listen to books i will read all of Blake's ebooks available at my libraries. These books show the family part of law enforcement and how heart wrenching it is to be away from family, having to juggle a career you love with love of family.
August 31, 2025
rated it including the quality of the narration and the recording. The quality of the recording at times sounds as though she is in a tin can and there is static in the background. I would give the book itself four to a 4.5.
I have no idea why they changed narrators, but ...... I checked and this one does the remainder of the series. And there's a very good chance I will not finish it. She is dreadful the only word I can use politely.
I have no idea why they changed narrators, but ...... I checked and this one does the remainder of the series. And there's a very good chance I will not finish it. She is dreadful the only word I can use politely.
May 4, 2019
This book is so very good like all Blake Pierce books, at least in my opinion. Riley Paige is at it again doing what she does so well stepping into the killer's mind to solve the murders. The killer is filled with hurt and rage which led to him killing in such a terrifying but personal way. The terror and anxiety I felt while reading this book was crazy!
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 25, 2021
I am so addicted to this series and sometimes I wonder why as the story lines can get repetitive and highly unrealistic drama. This Book in the series is not one of those times though. This story held my attention from cover to cover and was a breath of fresh air and great reminder as to why I love this series so much.
May 6, 2025
people are being buried alive. Riley is sent to investigate a stream of murders in which people are buried at the waist and quicksand in which they are quickly very completely alive and die. along with bodies are also hourglasses counting down to the next body. Riley's ex partner is joining her new partner and her in this case.
May 8, 2018
Another good job
Blake Pierce books are all outstanding, and this one is no exception. A tough case for Riley to solve, a comeback by one of her co-workers and a crisis developing in another one. Book is hard to put down.
Blake Pierce books are all outstanding, and this one is no exception. A tough case for Riley to solve, a comeback by one of her co-workers and a crisis developing in another one. Book is hard to put down.
September 13, 2018
Edit please
There are typos and misspellings like crazy in this book. I understand he’s pumping them out, but get a decent editor bc these are obvious. This is a quick read and once I start a series I finish it, but it wasn’t spectacular.
There are typos and misspellings like crazy in this book. I understand he’s pumping them out, but get a decent editor bc these are obvious. This is a quick read and once I start a series I finish it, but it wasn’t spectacular.
January 25, 2020
Yet another Riley Page! I feel like this one is kind of in a rut of just going along with the other books on the series. The killer definitely has a different motive that Riley has to uncover, but all in all I feel like it is a rut. Im still going to keep moving through the series though!
Read
July 12, 2023The killer is leaving an hourglass next to the bodies he leaves buried. Poor Bill is still dealing with his ptsd and depression but Riley knows he needs her help. Lots of drama and red herrings keep the story moving.
August 12, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this edition of the Riley Page series. Although the focus of the story remained with Riley, there was significant development of the secondary characters, including seeing some of the story from the killers point of view. The solution to the crimes was tied up neatly as usual.
March 14, 2025
I love Blake Pierce but this was not my favorite of his. I felt it wasn’t as exciting with as many twists as usual. However, I do feel that it did set up some potential good storylines for future books.
January 8, 2018
one of the better in the series.
March 29, 2018
Absolutely hooked, bring on the next book
January 18, 2019
Another Crack Thriller
What can I say? Pierce continues to enthralling and amaze. He is a fantastic writer with a great sense of drama.
What can I say? Pierce continues to enthralling and amaze. He is a fantastic writer with a great sense of drama.
March 12, 2019
Another great story to add to the Riley Paige Mystery series. Read and listened to this one in 1 day. Once I start with one of these stories I can't seem to stop till they are done!
July 16, 2019
Great book
Wow definitely 5 stars great story ,looking do read next book with pleasure,Blake Pierce great writer love his books .
Wow definitely 5 stars great story ,looking do read next book with pleasure,Blake Pierce great writer love his books .
September 8, 2019
Sand Terror
Fast paced, hidden anguish, and Enlightenment. Rielly and Jen get closer and Bill is still struggling with PTSD. Beautiful Sand Timer left at each murder site.
Fast paced, hidden anguish, and Enlightenment. Rielly and Jen get closer and Bill is still struggling with PTSD. Beautiful Sand Timer left at each murder site.
October 20, 2019
The only question is, what happened to Liam? There is mysteriously one fewer teenager at Riley's house?
December 9, 2019
Love of of your books. Already started the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews