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Avery Black #6
Cause to Dread
From #1 bestselling author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense—the AVERY BLACK SERIES—which continues here with CAUSE TO DREAD (Book #6), also a standalone novel. The series begins with CAUSE TO KILL (Book #1)—a free download with over 200 five star reviews!
A woman turns up dead in her own apartment, locked in her closet, her body crawling with poisonous spiders, and the Boston police are stumped. As all of their leads collapse, they are dreading the killer will strike again. Desperate, the police have no choice but to turn to Boston’s most brilliant and controversial homicide detective—Avery Black. Now retired, Avery, in a low point in her own life, reluctantly agrees to help with the case. But when other bodies start turning up, murdered in grotesque and unusual ways, Avery can’t help but wonder: is there a serial killer on the loose?
With the intense media pressure and the stress of having a new, inexperienced partner, Avery is pushed to her limit as she struggles to crack the bizarre cases—and to keep herself from falling into the abyss.
Avery finds herself falling deeper and deeper into the twisted mind of the killer, who holds more secrets than Avery could imagine.
The most riveting and shocking book of the series, a psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO DREAD will leave you turning pages late into the night.
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side, so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)
172 pages, ebook
First published February 5, 2018
351 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
685 books5,777 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
July 11, 2019
The Avery Black series continues to gain momentum in Blake Pierce’s six novel. With the dust still settling in the aftermath of the devastation of the previous piece, Avery has become a recluse, living in a rural cabin and staying clear of anything police related. Her once strong relationship with Rose has been strained again because of a murder spree and with Ramirez gone, there is little direction. When a man is discovered dead in his closet, his death is strongly suspicious. Covered in venomous spider bites, the victim appears to have heightened levels of natural chemicals inside him as well. Further digging leads to some interesting clues, especially when some close to the victim reveal that he was deathly afraid of arachnids. Avery is intrigued and agrees to help with this case alone, missing a sense of importance. Partnered up with someone new, Avery and Officer Courtney Kellaway begin scouring for clues of a killer with an odd penchant for fear. When other victims emerge with what seems like a loose connection to their original crime scene, Avery works her magic and ties them all together. However, an urgent call about Rose has Avery rushing from the scene. With Rose in the hospital, Avery will have to show her mothering abilities and come to terms with the reasons behind Rose’s being there. A killer on the loose and Howard Randal likely alive and on the lam leaves Avery looking over her shoulder at every turn as she seeks answers in a life that has lost its meaning. Pierce has helped the story and characters rebound well in this sixth novel, though there is a feeling of finality in the writing. Recommended to those who have loved the Avery Black series, as well as readers who love a quick mystery.
Blake Pierce has done well crafting an exciting series in a handful of novels. Avery Black and those around her have grown so much, with strong story arcs connecting the series as a whole and leaving the reader wanting more. The growth of Avery can be seen by those series fans who have paid attention throughout. Many will have seen the slow start to the Avery-Rose relationship, which only got strong to shatter apart when a string of murders drives a wedge between them. Avery is also forced to come to terms with the loss of Ramirez, who has been a part of her life for the previous novels. Avery Black is fiercely independent, though she needs people more than ever at this part in her life. With a new killer targeting unknowing victims and Howard Randall still on the loose, Avery can only wonder what will come of it all. Others in the series have grown incrementally in the background and allowed the reader to see some development. Still, there is so much that could be done, should Pierce ever wish to come back to further this series. With a strong story, Pierce entices his series fans to return after unleashing so much trouble in the past book. Always ready to offer a new and intriguing murder mystery, Blake Pierce has continued to impress me through my series binge. I can only hope others will take on the challenge and find just as much worth reading about and pass the recommendation along.
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, as you continue to dazzle with this series. I may have to check out some of your others to see if they are just as addictive. That said, I have to wonder if you’ve thought of some cross-over novels with your other female protagonists.
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 crafting an exciting series in a handful of novels. Avery Black and those around her have grown so much, with strong story arcs connecting the series as a whole and leaving the reader wanting more. The growth of Avery can be seen by those series fans who have paid attention throughout. Many will have seen the slow start to the Avery-Rose relationship, which only got strong to shatter apart when a string of murders drives a wedge between them. Avery is also forced to come to terms with the loss of Ramirez, who has been a part of her life for the previous novels. Avery Black is fiercely independent, though she needs people more than ever at this part in her life. With a new killer targeting unknowing victims and Howard Randall still on the loose, Avery can only wonder what will come of it all. Others in the series have grown incrementally in the background and allowed the reader to see some development. Still, there is so much that could be done, should Pierce ever wish to come back to further this series. With a strong story, Pierce entices his series fans to return after unleashing so much trouble in the past book. Always ready to offer a new and intriguing murder mystery, Blake Pierce has continued to impress me through my series binge. I can only hope others will take on the challenge and find just as much worth reading about and pass the recommendation along.
Kudos, Mr. Pierce, as you continue to dazzle with this series. I may have to check out some of your others to see if they are just as addictive. That said, I have to wonder if you’ve thought of some cross-over novels with your other female protagonists.
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/...
June 11, 2023
Son profond chagrin après sa double perte de son futur mari ainsi que de son ex-mari et le père de sa fille , cette dernière la traite comme coupable et la seule responsable de la mort de son père et refuse n’importe quel contact avec sa mère ! Avery s’enfuit dans son chalet et choisi la retraite anticipée pour d’être seule à digérer sa mélancolie !
Après 3 mois et le vide total dans vie elle a décidé de retourner à la brigade criminelle de Boston A1 pour la résolution d’une affaire horrible ! Un homme était retrouvé mort dans son placard enveloppé des toiles d’araignées et de divers espèces d’araignées le couvre horriblement et circule dans toute la chambre ! Quel horreur !!!!
N’existe plus de lien entre toutes ces victimes pas un seul point qui les réunissent sauf leurs expression d'horreur aux leurs visages même après leurs assassinats.
Avery après son retour au travail s’est trouvé en face d’un tueur en série tue ses victimes par les choses qui les effraient par ses phobies par ses peur qui les attaque !
Une stressante poursuite , une fatigue tangible et une intuition imbattable l’a amené au bon chemin pour arrêter le coupable, et la meilleure des choses sa relation avec Rose sa unique fille est enfin améliorée et leurs blessures sont rétablies
Très bon roman et j’espère qu'il sera pas le dernier de la série Avery Black
Après 3 mois et le vide total dans vie elle a décidé de retourner à la brigade criminelle de Boston A1 pour la résolution d’une affaire horrible ! Un homme était retrouvé mort dans son placard enveloppé des toiles d’araignées et de divers espèces d’araignées le couvre horriblement et circule dans toute la chambre ! Quel horreur !!!!
N’existe plus de lien entre toutes ces victimes pas un seul point qui les réunissent sauf leurs expression d'horreur aux leurs visages même après leurs assassinats.
Avery après son retour au travail s’est trouvé en face d’un tueur en série tue ses victimes par les choses qui les effraient par ses phobies par ses peur qui les attaque !
Une stressante poursuite , une fatigue tangible et une intuition imbattable l’a amené au bon chemin pour arrêter le coupable, et la meilleure des choses sa relation avec Rose sa unique fille est enfin améliorée et leurs blessures sont rétablies
Très bon roman et j’espère qu'il sera pas le dernier de la série Avery Black
March 23, 2022
Very frustrated with how the end of the last book in this series did not line up with this one. It was pretty distracting. Great storyline, bad transition.
May 15, 2018
very quick read. finished it in less than one work day. I feel like there were a few things that didn't align with the first book regarding Avery's parents. other than that it was a good read.
December 19, 2022
Always enjoy books by this author. Felt like it took me a little bit to get into the story but then I got sucked in with how crazy the murders where. I wouldn't want to go out the way these characters did.
October 12, 2023
It was last book of the series and it was written nicely and Ended well.
Seeking to read some more murder mystery in future.
Seeking to read some more murder mystery in future.
September 17, 2025
O livro "Razão Para Se Apavorar" é uma montanha-russa de emoções, e eu digo isso da melhor forma possível. Se gostas de ser fisgado logo nas primeiras páginas, preparem-se, porque este livro faz exatamente isso. É uma obra que te prende do início ao fim com um ritmo alucinante e uma narrativa que te desafia a montar as peças do puzzle.
O autor constrói um suspense magistral, com uma trama cheia de reviravoltas que te deixam sem ar. É o tipo de leitura que te faz duvidar de tudo e de todos, mantendo a tensão lá no alto. A escrita é super envolvente e fluida, o que torna a experiência ainda mais imersiva. Posso dizer que faz com que te sintas parte da história, vivendo cada momento de incerteza e perigo junto com os personagens.
E por falar em personagens, eles são incrivelmente complexos e bem desenvolvidos. Suas motivações são profundas e, muitas vezes, sombrias. O autor explora a mente humana de uma forma fascinante, mostrando como o medo e a pressão podem levar a decisões inesperadas.
Para quem já conhece a série, este livro une muitas pontas soltas, mas também lança novas perguntas que nos fazem roer as unhas. Estão a ver aquela sensação de que a história não pode parar por aqui? Pois é a sensação exata que o autor deixa. É um final que é ao mesmo tempo satisfatório e totalmente perturbador, deixando um gancho perfeito para o que possa estar por vir.
"Razão Para Se Apavorar" é uma leitura que vai deixar-te em alerta, com o coração acelerado. É um thriller psicológico de tirar o fôlego que prova que as histórias mais assustadoras muitas vezes estão escondidas dentro de nós mesmos.
O autor constrói um suspense magistral, com uma trama cheia de reviravoltas que te deixam sem ar. É o tipo de leitura que te faz duvidar de tudo e de todos, mantendo a tensão lá no alto. A escrita é super envolvente e fluida, o que torna a experiência ainda mais imersiva. Posso dizer que faz com que te sintas parte da história, vivendo cada momento de incerteza e perigo junto com os personagens.
E por falar em personagens, eles são incrivelmente complexos e bem desenvolvidos. Suas motivações são profundas e, muitas vezes, sombrias. O autor explora a mente humana de uma forma fascinante, mostrando como o medo e a pressão podem levar a decisões inesperadas.
Para quem já conhece a série, este livro une muitas pontas soltas, mas também lança novas perguntas que nos fazem roer as unhas. Estão a ver aquela sensação de que a história não pode parar por aqui? Pois é a sensação exata que o autor deixa. É um final que é ao mesmo tempo satisfatório e totalmente perturbador, deixando um gancho perfeito para o que possa estar por vir.
"Razão Para Se Apavorar" é uma leitura que vai deixar-te em alerta, com o coração acelerado. É um thriller psicológico de tirar o fôlego que prova que as histórias mais assustadoras muitas vezes estão escondidas dentro de nós mesmos.
August 28, 2020
This book should have a content warning for suicide attempts. It deals a lot with the mental health issues that Avery experienced in the last book which is important. There was a continuity error I think where Avery thinks about seeing Ramirez lowered into the ground but I’m pretty sure that she was in the hospital and Rose went for her. I may be remembering different. I also didn’t think the lgbtq representation that was present was as accurate as it could be. The brief view of it that we see when describing the victim’s messed up childhood and maybe that’s why he entered into a gay relationship didn’t add anything to the story except maybe potential homophobia. I get that some people have internalized homophobia and don’t accept who they are at first but that could give misconceptions on how being in the LGBTQ+ works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2020
I wanted to give it a four star but somewhere between first book and this one I think the writer forgot the characters and how they developed. Even their background stories.
Their were so many mistakes that it was almost painful.
Please if you are going to give us another one in this series (which I strongly hope you would) just go through the details of your characters again. For your sake as well as your readers.
Their were so many mistakes that it was almost painful.
Please if you are going to give us another one in this series (which I strongly hope you would) just go through the details of your characters again. For your sake as well as your readers.
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.
August 29, 2019
Hope there is more!
Another good book from this author although I am hoping there is more , kind of left you with a cliff hanger
Another good book from this author although I am hoping there is more , kind of left you with a cliff hanger
March 9, 2020
Avery Black
This book was yet again another good read from Blake Pierce, I really hope there is going to be a book 7.
This book was yet again another good read from Blake Pierce, I really hope there is going to be a book 7.
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed the series averys character is my fave character. I was really sad about Ramirez ..im curious about Howard & her going forward.
However some things were mixed up
Writer forgot averys mom & father died when he wrote about avery & her moms supposed relationship...they didn't have one according to avery in first books plus both her parents according to avery were dreadful until her mom was murdered by her father & she ran away.
Omalley & Connelly characters were mixed up since book 4 or 3
Also lots of grammatical errors that could be avoided
Other than that great series.
However some things were mixed up
Writer forgot averys mom & father died when he wrote about avery & her moms supposed relationship...they didn't have one according to avery in first books plus both her parents according to avery were dreadful until her mom was murdered by her father & she ran away.
Omalley & Connelly characters were mixed up since book 4 or 3
Also lots of grammatical errors that could be avoided
Other than that great series.
June 2, 2021
Chega de Blake Pierce pra mim... Que coisa cansativa! Li os 6 dessa série e não quero saber de mais. Parece uma fórmula pronta: a policial que quer se afirmar em um ambiente machista, cheia de problemas, assassinos cheios de clichês, ela sempre consegue acertar o tiro no ombro do bandido (sim! Em todos os seis livros!)...Jesus! Fora outras coisas. Depois de ler o primeiro, parece que vc está lendo a mesma história com nomes diferente. Só isso. Perda de tempo. E o pior é que tem outros livros do mesmo autor com a mesma fórmula. É o típico autor comercial. Só vai escrevendo e jogando no mercado. :(
October 14, 2022
Avery is back and she has suffered great loss. She hides away from the world in her cabin and she even contemplates pulling the trigger while holding the gun under her chin. She can't do that to Rose who has some of her own issues. While Avery was deciding if she should kill herself, Rose her daughter ingested a lot of pills and actually did try to kill herself. The 2 need to come together and try to fix the problems and face them together.
Another really good book and I think Avery retired. I hope not because she is one of my favorite book detectives so far.
Read the series. You will not be mad that you did :)
Another really good book and I think Avery retired. I hope not because she is one of my favorite book detectives so far.
Read the series. You will not be mad that you did :)
March 4, 2021
Gostei muito deste livro, tal como os cinco anteriores.
Muito bem escrito e totalmente viciante.
Esta série Avery Black é um verdadeiro page-turner, não fosse eu ter lido cada um dos seis livros em 4H ou 5H.
Tenho pena que tenha terminado (penso eu, tenho de verificar. Pelo menos na loja kobo só há seis) porque sinto que ficou mais por explorar.
Agora é tempo de explorar novas séries do autor.
Muito bem escrito e totalmente viciante.
Esta série Avery Black é um verdadeiro page-turner, não fosse eu ter lido cada um dos seis livros em 4H ou 5H.
Tenho pena que tenha terminado (penso eu, tenho de verificar. Pelo menos na loja kobo só há seis) porque sinto que ficou mais por explorar.
Agora é tempo de explorar novas séries do autor.
October 28, 2021
I was worried I wouldn't like the ending but how could I not love it right?! I mean it's Blake Pierce! Anyway, I enjoyed reading this series!!
Blake Pierce, please know I have absolutely loved all your books that I've read/listened to and I'm so thankful for you and your team for bringing us this series - thank you so much!
Blake Pierce, please know I have absolutely loved all your books that I've read/listened to and I'm so thankful for you and your team for bringing us this series - thank you so much!
November 11, 2021
I've absolutely loved the series but throughout this book I kept questioning myself over details that Avery Black reflects on... Like watching Ramirez's coffin be lowered and there's a section that talks about it being the first time she visited his grave.
These details contradict the previous book Cause To Save.
These details contradict the previous book Cause To Save.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
Last book of the Avery Black series.
Doesn’t disappoint in terms of plot and writing.
I understand the struggles she goes through, as a working mother myself.
And I relate with the inner turmoil she faces - but that doesn’t deter her from solving this last case efficiently as another serial killer is on the loose: this time targeting people with various phobias
Doesn’t disappoint in terms of plot and writing.
I understand the struggles she goes through, as a working mother myself.
And I relate with the inner turmoil she faces - but that doesn’t deter her from solving this last case efficiently as another serial killer is on the loose: this time targeting people with various phobias
February 11, 2018
OMG
If you haven't read any of the Avery Black books you don't know what you're missing. I think this one was the best one yet. You shouldn't start with this one you should start with book one. They're really fantastic.
If you haven't read any of the Avery Black books you don't know what you're missing. I think this one was the best one yet. You shouldn't start with this one you should start with book one. They're really fantastic.
February 20, 2018
Sad to see you the end
I have now read all of Blake Pierce's books. I really enjoyed this series the most I think. Keeps me on my toes trying to figure out who the killer is. The characters are likable and the plot line keeps me in suspense
I have now read all of Blake Pierce's books. I really enjoyed this series the most I think. Keeps me on my toes trying to figure out who the killer is. The characters are likable and the plot line keeps me in suspense
October 23, 2018
Interesting
Grammar and spelling aside, this book is very much the same as reading the others in the series. Avery is called in, decides it’s a serial killer and the usual chaos takes place.
Grammar and spelling aside, this book is very much the same as reading the others in the series. Avery is called in, decides it’s a serial killer and the usual chaos takes place.
July 31, 2020
Great read
Liked the people in the book, I think he went too far in killing off so many of the main characters.
It took Rose too long to grow up.
Interesting plots. Keeps your mind sharp and I enjoyed the setting as I know Boston and surrounding areas.
Liked the people in the book, I think he went too far in killing off so many of the main characters.
It took Rose too long to grow up.
Interesting plots. Keeps your mind sharp and I enjoyed the setting as I know Boston and surrounding areas.
September 13, 2020
Enjoyable book. Better proofreading please!
I've enjoyed the details without repetition of the story. The characters are relatable. However, I am distracted by the many errors. Not only misspellings but complete words. I would hope the proof readers correct these errors.
I've enjoyed the details without repetition of the story. The characters are relatable. However, I am distracted by the many errors. Not only misspellings but complete words. I would hope the proof readers correct these errors.
May 22, 2021
Great book.
Good and active, keeps your interest all the way through with some surprises.
suspenseful and lots of twists and surprises all thru the book. Well written.
Plenty of interesting issues
Good and active, keeps your interest all the way through with some surprises.
suspenseful and lots of twists and surprises all thru the book. Well written.
Plenty of interesting issues
November 29, 2021
Glad Avery is back in a good place with her daughter Rose (funny... she was in the last book too, then it switched again). I liked the addition of her partner Calloway and I liked the case they worked together on fears.
December 26, 2022
Excellent book
When a man is found dead in his closet with spiders crawling all over him, the department calls on Avery Black to come out of retirement to help solve a strange case that has stumped officers. Can she catch the killer in time?
When a man is found dead in his closet with spiders crawling all over him, the department calls on Avery Black to come out of retirement to help solve a strange case that has stumped officers. Can she catch the killer in time?
March 10, 2024
After being so excited during the series I found the last book a little deflating . Book 5 was the ultimate.read for me and I would have been happy leaving it there . I'm hoping that the next series I read grips me like the others . 😏
February 27, 2018
She is definitely a bad ass. My favorite character from Blake Pierce so far. Avery Black is imperfect, relatable, reckless, and beyond instinctual and intelligent. Another amazing female lead role.
March 3, 2018
A.very at her most venerable. Great story that follows her previous book so well. Good characters. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews