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Mackenzie White #9
Before He Preys
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White finds herself stumped. Victims are turning up dead, unrecognizable, their bodies hurled from the highest of heights. A deranged serial killer, obsessed with heights, is killing his victims from the highest locations. The pattern seems random.
But is it?
Only by entering into the darkest canals of the killer's mind can Mackenzie begin to understand what his motive is--and where he will strike next. In a deadly chase of cat and mouse, Mackenzie drives herself to the brink to stop him--but even then, it may be too late.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE PREYS is book #9 in a riveting new series--with a beloved new character--that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
But is it?
Only by entering into the darkest canals of the killer's mind can Mackenzie begin to understand what his motive is--and where he will strike next. In a deadly chase of cat and mouse, Mackenzie drives herself to the brink to stop him--but even then, it may be too late.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE PREYS is book #9 in a riveting new series--with a beloved new character--that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2018
537 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
933 books5,932 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
August 22, 2020
je continue la lecture de ma favorite série policière avec un nouveau tome trop captivant comme d'habitude !
La série des crimes dans ce tome était choquante et trop triste, des victimes retrouvées assassinées d'une façon atroce, déformées et des parties de leurs corps déchirés car elles étaient jetés depuis des bâtiments avec des hauteurs inimaginables !
Quel était la maladie mentale de ce criminel responsable de ces drames ??
Quelle était son obsession pour les bâtiments d'une hauteurs excessive ??
toujours Mackenzie à la hauteur et pourrait réussir de clôturer ses enquêtes avec une intelligence et une intuition incroyable? Elle confrontait des obstacles gênants et choquant cette fois ci !
Ellington demande Mackenzie en Mariage enfin ... la plus belle des choses que je l'attendait depuis leurs première rencontre .....
La série des crimes dans ce tome était choquante et trop triste, des victimes retrouvées assassinées d'une façon atroce, déformées et des parties de leurs corps déchirés car elles étaient jetés depuis des bâtiments avec des hauteurs inimaginables !
Quel était la maladie mentale de ce criminel responsable de ces drames ??
Quelle était son obsession pour les bâtiments d'une hauteurs excessive ??
toujours Mackenzie à la hauteur et pourrait réussir de clôturer ses enquêtes avec une intelligence et une intuition incroyable? Elle confrontait des obstacles gênants et choquant cette fois ci !
Ellington demande Mackenzie en Mariage enfin ... la plus belle des choses que je l'attendait depuis leurs première rencontre .....
June 3, 2021
4...Better than the last few, thank goodness...even the drama with Mac's FIANCÉ didn't bother me...Really intriguing case and a prime time ending for sure! Still loving Mac and her Lone Ranger tendencies!
July 19, 2018
This was my first Blake Pierce -- how could I have missed so many? Read this quickly - 156 pages. I fell in love with Mackenzie and Ellington and was SO happy at the conclusion. Except there's going to be at least one more, I think. What a terrible position Mackenzie found herself in -- with E. unable to help. THEN to get pulled off, just as she's figuring things out - frustration! Can't say much without totally giving everything away, but I was hooked from page 1. Now my problem is: do I read THIS series or go on to one of his other series. Help me decide, people.
April 17, 2018
So much is going on in this one, so much changing in Mackenzie and Ellison's lives that the case seems almost secondary. The two of them have to manage some tough times, but seem to come out stronger than ever, ready for a whole new future.
The case Mackenzie is sent on is a bit odd. Sent at the behest of a FBI bigwig, she under covers a little bit of evil in a small town. I loved how the Sheriff backed her, how he appreciated the way her mind worked to figure things out, but hated how he let her down at the end. It's a good thing Mackenzie is more than able to save herself.
The case Mackenzie is sent on is a bit odd. Sent at the behest of a FBI bigwig, she under covers a little bit of evil in a small town. I loved how the Sheriff backed her, how he appreciated the way her mind worked to figure things out, but hated how he let her down at the end. It's a good thing Mackenzie is more than able to save herself.
October 9, 2022
This book might give anyone that has a fear of height's a reason to be nervous or scared to death. Bodies are being hurled from terrible places so high up that a normal person would be terrified. This serial killer loves to watch his victims eyes when he lets them go and they know they are going to die.
Like all of Blake Pierces other books this one is another good book. I'm only rating these as average because even though I love her books and the story she tells there isn't a ton of new and exciting content. If this is the first series of hers you are reading your rating might be higher but I have read about 4 or 5 of her series and she seems to follow the same formula. There is nothing wrong with that but you know what's going to happen. She is going to get throw off the case because it isn't wrapped up in 24 to 48 hours. Which to me is unrealistic but it's a book (it bugs me because it's just unrealistic) a mayor or some higher up is going to push for results and even though she is thrown off the case she goes rogue and still follows leads and it ends up with her getting caught by the killer and the partner comes to her rescue. They don't fire her or suspend her because she caught the killer and saves the day. I know I am making it sound so boring and if you are reading this review you can see why she is only getting 3 stars from me now. The books are still good. I love the characters and the murders are all different. I just wish she would break from the formula she has found herself writing in.
Would I recommend this to others who love murder mystery YES I truly would. Regardless she is still a great writer of mystery books
Like all of Blake Pierces other books this one is another good book. I'm only rating these as average because even though I love her books and the story she tells there isn't a ton of new and exciting content. If this is the first series of hers you are reading your rating might be higher but I have read about 4 or 5 of her series and she seems to follow the same formula. There is nothing wrong with that but you know what's going to happen. She is going to get throw off the case because it isn't wrapped up in 24 to 48 hours. Which to me is unrealistic but it's a book (it bugs me because it's just unrealistic) a mayor or some higher up is going to push for results and even though she is thrown off the case she goes rogue and still follows leads and it ends up with her getting caught by the killer and the partner comes to her rescue. They don't fire her or suspend her because she caught the killer and saves the day. I know I am making it sound so boring and if you are reading this review you can see why she is only getting 3 stars from me now. The books are still good. I love the characters and the murders are all different. I just wish she would break from the formula she has found herself writing in.
Would I recommend this to others who love murder mystery YES I truly would. Regardless she is still a great writer of mystery books
May 7, 2025
I gave the book a 3 rating, not because of the storyline or the characters, but because I just can't give a hoot for the narrator...She's just not my cup of tea I guess.
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White finds herself stumped. Victims are turning up dead, unrecognizable, their bodies hurled from the highest of heights. A deranged serial killer, obsessed with heights, is killing his victims from the highest locations. The pattern seems random.
But is it?
Only by entering into the darkest canals of the killer's mind can Mackenzie begin to understand what his motive is--and where he will strike next. In a deadly chase of cat and mouse, Mackenzie drives herself to the brink to stop him--but even then, it may be too late.
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White finds herself stumped. Victims are turning up dead, unrecognizable, their bodies hurled from the highest of heights. A deranged serial killer, obsessed with heights, is killing his victims from the highest locations. The pattern seems random.
But is it?
Only by entering into the darkest canals of the killer's mind can Mackenzie begin to understand what his motive is--and where he will strike next. In a deadly chase of cat and mouse, Mackenzie drives herself to the brink to stop him--but even then, it may be too late.
March 13, 2020
Blake always creates wonderful storylines which are filled with creativity, wit and edge of your seat suspense and surprises.
June 20, 2018
Another winner
Breathless is the best description of me reading this. Another page turning heart stopping winner I can't wait for the next one
Breathless is the best description of me reading this. Another page turning heart stopping winner I can't wait for the next one
May 20, 2018
I cannot get enough of this author
I originally stumbled upon the MacKenzie White series by accident. Every time a new one is released I purchase it and end up staying up way too late reading because I cannot put it down. This newest book is fascinating as it delves into the mind of a serial killer and what would motivate him or her into such heinous crimes. Spellbinding, fast-paced and mesmerizing
I originally stumbled upon the MacKenzie White series by accident. Every time a new one is released I purchase it and end up staying up way too late reading because I cannot put it down. This newest book is fascinating as it delves into the mind of a serial killer and what would motivate him or her into such heinous crimes. Spellbinding, fast-paced and mesmerizing
April 21, 2018
Before He Preys - a review by Rosemary Kenny
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White is on an unusual case, in this magnificent thriller from Blake Pierce, who never fails to satisfy!
In the space of four days, there have been two apparent suicides near the tiny hamlet of Kingsville - that is, until Mackenzie examines the
situation and interviews probable suspects and grieving relatives and friends of the young victims. Initially there seems no link between the victims and no
way to tell if the initial suicide verdicts are correct. The coroner has his suspicions and soon the hunt for the last person to see the youngsters alive begins.
Where where the first two victims found? Where had they been just before? What was different about the two deaths?
What did their loved ones say about the two that somehow linked them? When does Mackenzie go to visit Jan Haggerty - and what is the latter's profession?
Where is the third victim found - and what clue does this location give Mackenzie that the others did not?
Why is Mackenzie removed from the case by her boss, McGrath? Where does she later find incriminating evidence? Who is in danger at the grain silo?
As the victim tally increases and potential witnesses are reluctant to tell what they know, Mackenzie must take the law into her own hands,at the risk of losing her job and putting herself in harm's way to solve the case, before the next victim chosen is snatched away to die, a broken-bodied, lonely corpse that will haunt Mackenzie more with each passing day. If you want to experience delicious terror, look no further than this sure winner of a psychological thriller par excellence!
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White is on an unusual case, in this magnificent thriller from Blake Pierce, who never fails to satisfy!
In the space of four days, there have been two apparent suicides near the tiny hamlet of Kingsville - that is, until Mackenzie examines the
situation and interviews probable suspects and grieving relatives and friends of the young victims. Initially there seems no link between the victims and no
way to tell if the initial suicide verdicts are correct. The coroner has his suspicions and soon the hunt for the last person to see the youngsters alive begins.
Where where the first two victims found? Where had they been just before? What was different about the two deaths?
What did their loved ones say about the two that somehow linked them? When does Mackenzie go to visit Jan Haggerty - and what is the latter's profession?
Where is the third victim found - and what clue does this location give Mackenzie that the others did not?
Why is Mackenzie removed from the case by her boss, McGrath? Where does she later find incriminating evidence? Who is in danger at the grain silo?
As the victim tally increases and potential witnesses are reluctant to tell what they know, Mackenzie must take the law into her own hands,at the risk of losing her job and putting herself in harm's way to solve the case, before the next victim chosen is snatched away to die, a broken-bodied, lonely corpse that will haunt Mackenzie more with each passing day. If you want to experience delicious terror, look no further than this sure winner of a psychological thriller par excellence!
April 28, 2023
*3.5
"For some people, becoming a monster didn't involve murderous thoughts and bloodlust. Sometimes it meant closing yourself off to everything except the ways you had to try to fix the past."
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I can easily say though that it is my least favorite in the series so far but I am still so in love with this story. Blake Pierce is always a fun author to read but this is probably my favorite series written so far.
The whole thing with Ellington was the only downside but I do think that by the end it was resolved and it didn't bother me. However, I wish there had been another form of drama to come about--something that could get them to the same destination. That being said, the growth that came from this was amazing and it really put the couple to the test. Mackenzie has to work really hard to open herself up and she needed this push. Really excited to see the growth continue for her and for her and Ellington as a couple.
The mystery aspect of this book was a definite five stars. Kept you on the edge of your seat and this was a particularly fascinating one with a lot of facets to it--learned a little more about phobias and just some interesting psychology.
Content: Violence, discussions of rape, strong language used (f-word, etc), a few sex scenes that are lightly descriptive, discussions of suicide (by jumping from a bridge)
"For some people, becoming a monster didn't involve murderous thoughts and bloodlust. Sometimes it meant closing yourself off to everything except the ways you had to try to fix the past."
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I can easily say though that it is my least favorite in the series so far but I am still so in love with this story. Blake Pierce is always a fun author to read but this is probably my favorite series written so far.
The whole thing with Ellington was the only downside but I do think that by the end it was resolved and it didn't bother me. However, I wish there had been another form of drama to come about--something that could get them to the same destination. That being said, the growth that came from this was amazing and it really put the couple to the test. Mackenzie has to work really hard to open herself up and she needed this push. Really excited to see the growth continue for her and for her and Ellington as a couple.
The mystery aspect of this book was a definite five stars. Kept you on the edge of your seat and this was a particularly fascinating one with a lot of facets to it--learned a little more about phobias and just some interesting psychology.
Content: Violence, discussions of rape, strong language used (f-word, etc), a few sex scenes that are lightly descriptive, discussions of suicide (by jumping from a bridge)
February 15, 2020
Another great read by Blake Pierce.
This one is about a killer who likes to drop victims from high places.
Each serial killer seems to have a special kind of trauma that causes them to kill. Although it has been stated in the books that a high percentage kill for sexual reasons most of these killers in these books have sexual reasons.
Still, they are addictive to read, except the one about following her father's killer, and I will follow this story with Mac and Ellington, who are in love. Their story has become as important as finding the killer. And of course MacKenzie always finds herself alone with the killer and barely escapes with her life. Still I love these books!
This one is about a killer who likes to drop victims from high places.
Each serial killer seems to have a special kind of trauma that causes them to kill. Although it has been stated in the books that a high percentage kill for sexual reasons most of these killers in these books have sexual reasons.
Still, they are addictive to read, except the one about following her father's killer, and I will follow this story with Mac and Ellington, who are in love. Their story has become as important as finding the killer. And of course MacKenzie always finds herself alone with the killer and barely escapes with her life. Still I love these books!
March 31, 2018
Before He Preys ( A Mackenzie White Mystery-- Book 9) by Blake Pierce
A mystery in the Country side, few people in town but one must be a killer. This time Mackenzie must travel without her partner, it feels odd to her but she carries on with few available killers to pick from. The town sheriff is a big help in getting her in and out of known places to the locals, she does what she does best interviews and gets in the mind of the killer. Blake has done it again, put out another rewarding book. Sleep well tonight!
A mystery in the Country side, few people in town but one must be a killer. This time Mackenzie must travel without her partner, it feels odd to her but she carries on with few available killers to pick from. The town sheriff is a big help in getting her in and out of known places to the locals, she does what she does best interviews and gets in the mind of the killer. Blake has done it again, put out another rewarding book. Sleep well tonight!
March 22, 2021
As I prepare to start reading book 10, I find myself wondering why. Stereotyped main character, formulaic plots. But each one has an interesting crime that gets all but lost in White's angst and inner turmoil. If I had to purchase these books I would have stopped after #1 but as a member of Koboplus they have been free with the subscription. Now that the crime which has haunted her life and career has been solved I wonder what new trauma awaits. Thinking things don't look good for Ellington because that would be a tried and true plot piece in a series formula.
March 31, 2018
Makenzie is sent to investigate a suicide of a Deputy Directors nephew, quietly. Ellington is on suspension, and she is flying solo. There are no leads to why heights are a factor in the suicide/murder and MacKenzie must pull all her resources to save another victim, but without Ellington and McGrath sidelining her, she must choose between saving a life and being fired.
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.
February 11, 2020
Mackenzie is pulled. To a more internal investigation trying to figure out if a relative of an important member was suicide or murder. Of course, she's able to solve the crime. Within a week's time. Watching her violate rules and guidelines that out for her. Is becoming a bit ridiculous. Her personal love life takes a turn. After an internal investigation
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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.
August 26, 2025
3. Audiobook.
The one where we get a new audio narrator who voices Mac (a Nebraska native) with an English/Irish accent…
Oh and the one where Mac gets engaged in yet again the most anticlimactic way.
The one where we get a new audio narrator who voices Mac (a Nebraska native) with an English/Irish accent…
Oh and the one where Mac gets engaged in yet again the most anticlimactic way.
April 24, 2018
Love her writing
I love her books only thing I hate is when the book ends. Makes me sad having to wait. Keeps you up at night wanting to see how the story ends.
I love her books only thing I hate is when the book ends. Makes me sad having to wait. Keeps you up at night wanting to see how the story ends.
October 18, 2018
Ok
Maybe not as good as previous books but still definitely worth a read it starts out quite quickly but in middle it lags little bit before picking up pace again
Maybe not as good as previous books but still definitely worth a read it starts out quite quickly but in middle it lags little bit before picking up pace again
February 27, 2019
Excellent
Another great read that had me turning pages into the early hours. Absolutely love the Blame Pierce books I can't wait to start the next one
Another great read that had me turning pages into the early hours. Absolutely love the Blame Pierce books I can't wait to start the next one
March 25, 2019
Finally
Finally a happy ending. Great story with lots leftists and turns. I just couldn't put it down. So. What else is new?
Finally a happy ending. Great story with lots leftists and turns. I just couldn't put it down. So. What else is new?
May 2, 2019
A Great Read
These stories are great book versions of any crime scene show you watch on TV. I Love reading these books.
These stories are great book versions of any crime scene show you watch on TV. I Love reading these books.
May 10, 2019
Easy read
Easy read, true to the Blake Pierce style. I can’t wait to see where Mackenzie goes next. My favorite series right now.
Easy read, true to the Blake Pierce style. I can’t wait to see where Mackenzie goes next. My favorite series right now.
June 18, 2019
Going it alone
With Ellington still suspended, Mackenzie has to find a killer on her on her own. There is a surprise. And just a gifted writer i highly recommend this book.
With Ellington still suspended, Mackenzie has to find a killer on her on her own. There is a surprise. And just a gifted writer i highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2019
This was terrifyingly beautiful. My respect for Mackenzie is increasing book by book !!!!
January 8, 2020
Suspenseful book! Classic MacKenzie White behavior throughout. I didn't find myself as frustrated with her during this book as opposed to book 8. Great read, great ending.
April 22, 2020
Love your books
November 26, 2020
The narrator is awful. Is she on something. Spoilt this series. The first narrator up to book 7 was great but this one. Story was good but couldn't wait to finish her silly voicel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews