What do you think?
Rate this book
Mackenzie White #11
Before He Lapses
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White, six months pregnant, calls off her formal wedding with Ellington and they elope instead. On their honeymoon, they finally have some downtime together-when a call comes in for an urgent case: women are being strangled at a rapid rate in the D.C. area by what appears to be a serial killer. Even more disturbing: this killer is so meticulous that he leaves absolutely no trace.
Mackenzie comes up with a radical theory for who he might be, but pursuing it may jeopardize her own job-and her own life. In her most intense game of cat and mouse yet, she finds herself struggling to keep her baby and her sanity while up against a diabolical psychopath, her own agency, and the hunt of her life.
Even with her all of her wits, it may be too late for her to save the next victims-or herself.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE LAPSES is book #11 in a riveting new series-with a beloved new character-that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
Mackenzie comes up with a radical theory for who he might be, but pursuing it may jeopardize her own job-and her own life. In her most intense game of cat and mouse yet, she finds herself struggling to keep her baby and her sanity while up against a diabolical psychopath, her own agency, and the hunt of her life.
Even with her all of her wits, it may be too late for her to save the next victims-or herself.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, BEFORE HE LAPSES is book #11 in a riveting new series-with a beloved new character-that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
459 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
743 books5,825 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 27, 2022
Ça fait longtemps Mackenzie N’est ce pas ??
Encore une fois je regrette plus mon attachement incroyable à cette série ♥️
Trois filles retrouvées dans des appartements assassinées ligotées et nuées ! Un tableau mystérieux !
Pas de signe ! Pas d’indice ! Pas de pistes !
Un fils les réunissent toutes ses domaines d’études universitaires : La Politique.
Et leurs présences à des événements spéciaux et puis des connaissances en commun mystérieuses et floues.
Une aventure fiévreuse et pleine de tension et de stress à part le suspense absolu bien sûr !
Et une fin choquante et un tueur hors paire !!!
La spécificité de ce tome et pourquoi la tension est augmentée au fils des événements Mackenzie est enceinte de 16 semaines et encore active sur le terrain elle a caché sa grossesse pour continuer l’enquête mais même après son annonce elle n’a pas pu de s’éloigner de toute l’affaire avant sa résolution, un tome hyper stressant , j’avais vraiment peur qu’elle perds son fœtus mais heureusement une fin satisfaisante !
Encore une fois je regrette plus mon attachement incroyable à cette série ♥️
Trois filles retrouvées dans des appartements assassinées ligotées et nuées ! Un tableau mystérieux !
Pas de signe ! Pas d’indice ! Pas de pistes !
Un fils les réunissent toutes ses domaines d’études universitaires : La Politique.
Et leurs présences à des événements spéciaux et puis des connaissances en commun mystérieuses et floues.
Une aventure fiévreuse et pleine de tension et de stress à part le suspense absolu bien sûr !
Et une fin choquante et un tueur hors paire !!!
La spécificité de ce tome et pourquoi la tension est augmentée au fils des événements Mackenzie est enceinte de 16 semaines et encore active sur le terrain elle a caché sa grossesse pour continuer l’enquête mais même après son annonce elle n’a pas pu de s’éloigner de toute l’affaire avant sa résolution, un tome hyper stressant , j’avais vraiment peur qu’elle perds son fœtus mais heureusement une fin satisfaisante !
January 31, 2019
This was an interesting book for Mackenzie, so many changes in her life, most of them she really embraced, a couple not so much. I loved how excited both she and Ellington are for the baby, but worried that she hadn't talked to her boss about being pregnant. I really worried something bad would happen during the case. It did, but it happened in a way that really made Mackenzie aware of how much the baby meant to her, even going so far as to changing her behavior, a big thing for her.
I loved the choice that Mackenzie and Ellington made at the start of the book, it was perfect for them and allowed them to concentrate on what was important to them, their relationship.
I was a bit stunned on who the bad guy ended up being, how he let everyone see the monster in him and how he was caught. What he did at the end was such a cowards choice.
It will be interesting to see how Mackenzie handles the changes she is having forced upon her at work. I'm sure she will still find a way to be active in cases.
I loved the choice that Mackenzie and Ellington made at the start of the book, it was perfect for them and allowed them to concentrate on what was important to them, their relationship.
I was a bit stunned on who the bad guy ended up being, how he let everyone see the monster in him and how he was caught. What he did at the end was such a cowards choice.
It will be interesting to see how Mackenzie handles the changes she is having forced upon her at work. I'm sure she will still find a way to be active in cases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
May 14, 2025
FBI Special Agent Mackenzie White, six months pregnant, calls off her formal wedding with Ellington and they elope instead. On their honeymoon, they finally have some downtime together-when a call comes in for an urgent case: women are being strangled at a rapid rate in the D.C. area by what appears to be a serial killer. Even more disturbing: this killer is so meticulous that he leaves absolutely no trace.
Mackenzie comes up with a radical theory for who he might be, but pursuing it may jeopardize her own job-and her own life. In her most intense game of cat and mouse yet, she finds herself struggling to keep her baby and her sanity while up against a diabolical psychopath, her own agency, and the hunt of her life.
Even with her all of her wits, it may be too late for her to save the next victims-or herself.
Mackenzie comes up with a radical theory for who he might be, but pursuing it may jeopardize her own job-and her own life. In her most intense game of cat and mouse yet, she finds herself struggling to keep her baby and her sanity while up against a diabolical psychopath, her own agency, and the hunt of her life.
Even with her all of her wits, it may be too late for her to save the next victims-or herself.
February 6, 2019
I love this series. Fantastic book!
March 1, 2020
This one is just as good as all the ones that came before in the series and as every other book by this author. However I am deducting one star for "in need of editing."
This author has definitely found the formula for a good story. I especially like the growth of Mackenzie White as the series progresses. But please PLEASE get an editor! This book (and others) has had him and her used for the same person in one sentence. There is the old That for Than and much more. It does eventually detract from the reading as you try to figure out what is meant.
These books are not Kindle Unlimited, you have to buy each one and the price goes up as the series progresses. So you get the first in the series for free. By the fifth one you are paying $6.99 per book. I did that for a while and then got smart and borrowed the Kindle digital version from the library. All I am saying is GET AN EDITOR! PLEASE!
Okay, now that my rant is over, I will again say this is just as exciting, just as addicting as the books that came before in this series and all the other series written by this author. I can't get enough. But I am no longer paying $7 for a two day read. And I do expect the books to be edited.
This author has definitely found the formula for a good story. I especially like the growth of Mackenzie White as the series progresses. But please PLEASE get an editor! This book (and others) has had him and her used for the same person in one sentence. There is the old That for Than and much more. It does eventually detract from the reading as you try to figure out what is meant.
These books are not Kindle Unlimited, you have to buy each one and the price goes up as the series progresses. So you get the first in the series for free. By the fifth one you are paying $6.99 per book. I did that for a while and then got smart and borrowed the Kindle digital version from the library. All I am saying is GET AN EDITOR! PLEASE!
Okay, now that my rant is over, I will again say this is just as exciting, just as addicting as the books that came before in this series and all the other series written by this author. I can't get enough. But I am no longer paying $7 for a two day read. And I do expect the books to be edited.
April 28, 2019
Gripping
Considering that this is an almost end of the series, (I like to read from the first book) this book shows how Mackenzie White mind works for the cases she has with the FBI. This could be a stand alone book. Well written. I highly recommend the book.
Considering that this is an almost end of the series, (I like to read from the first book) this book shows how Mackenzie White mind works for the cases she has with the FBI. This could be a stand alone book. Well written. I highly recommend the book.
February 10, 2019
I was given an advanced copy for review and I was in no way compensated other than reading another success by Mr. Pierce.
MacKenzie and Ellington are on their honeymoon in Iceland when they get called in by McGraft for a case. Someone is killing young college girls, the killer is evolving and each killing is a little worse than the last. Mac and Ellington need to solve this fast before anyone else dies, so they pull out all the stops. During the course of the investigation Mac is attacked and barely escapes with her life and oh yes...Mac is pregnant and fighting morning sickness.
One of the things I like about this young writer is his proliferation. Yes, I read one review about predictability, another about editing and another about sappiness! But I don't see any of that as a negative. Mr. Pierce draws you in and makes you feel like you have know these characters all your life and you never have to wait six months to a year for another story. For me as a reader, I value that as much as a good story.
MacKenzie and Ellington are on their honeymoon in Iceland when they get called in by McGraft for a case. Someone is killing young college girls, the killer is evolving and each killing is a little worse than the last. Mac and Ellington need to solve this fast before anyone else dies, so they pull out all the stops. During the course of the investigation Mac is attacked and barely escapes with her life and oh yes...Mac is pregnant and fighting morning sickness.
One of the things I like about this young writer is his proliferation. Yes, I read one review about predictability, another about editing and another about sappiness! But I don't see any of that as a negative. Mr. Pierce draws you in and makes you feel like you have know these characters all your life and you never have to wait six months to a year for another story. For me as a reader, I value that as much as a good story.
February 25, 2020
Mackenzie is still hiding something from her boss. This time it's extremely selfish and stupid. Needless to say this book showed me how stupid she is. I don't know if I will continue the series. I was glad that her boss finally grew a pair. She should have been fired many times over.
Spoiler: The author does realize 16-17 weeks isn't the beginning of pregnancy right.... She's half way there.
Spoiler: The author does realize 16-17 weeks isn't the beginning of pregnancy right.... She's half way there.
July 23, 2024
This book was good. I was very curious to see how they would end it because Mackenzie usually gets in some kind of fight at the end of the books but this time she was pregnant. The book turned out really good. I felt like I was watching an SVU episode. Giving vibes of the og series. We even got some Ellington povs.
March 4, 2024
I just finished reading it. I really enjoyed reading this book because we got to see a different side of Mackenzie. We saw struggle with her every decision when it came to motherhood and her career. It felt very relatable. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
The writer repeated themselves nearly verbatim multiple times during the beginning of the book. Overall the story is still interesting enough that I can’t seem to stop reading the series but I will say I’m ready for it to be over.
January 31, 2019
Another great read
I think I have read everything in the “Once” and “before” line of books by Blake Pierce and his story never fails to entertain me.
I think I have read everything in the “Once” and “before” line of books by Blake Pierce and his story never fails to entertain me.
February 10, 2019
Excellent
Another fantastic white book lots of twists in this one when I think I know who the killer is it twists again
Another fantastic white book lots of twists in this one when I think I know who the killer is it twists again
February 22, 2019
Another excellent read!! Rules!! What Rules!! Just get the job done!!
March 15, 2019
Excellent
This was an excellent read good from start to finish. Gutted I have to wait until June to buy book 12 😞
This was an excellent read good from start to finish. Gutted I have to wait until June to buy book 12 😞
March 28, 2019
Exceptional
Another fantastic book by Blake Pierce. You start reading and just can't put the books down. Each and every one I've read has been fabulous.
Another fantastic book by Blake Pierce. You start reading and just can't put the books down. Each and every one I've read has been fabulous.
July 4, 2019
I cannot get enough of this author
July 14, 2019
Shockingly a very, very good read. I prefer Riley Paige and the newest, Kate Wise, but I found Mac White to be a great character.
September 19, 2019
Excellent as always. Couldn't out of down. A must read
The characters are so thrilling. I love this book. Keep it coming. Always looking for the next one. Thank you
The characters are so thrilling. I love this book. Keep it coming. Always looking for the next one. Thank you
May 3, 2020
Can’t wait to listen to the next book.
February 4, 2021
I love all of Blake Pierce's series; easy reading and I enjoy following along with the lives of the characters.
June 4, 2021
5....Another killer read...pun intended! What us that? Two in a row!! Loved, this one! Couldn't put it down!
July 14, 2021
Same ol same ol couple getting married/pregnant. However, love how they pulled off both. Interesting taking the political scene for the murders. Enjoyed.
May 30, 2022
Confusing
I love this series, but this book had too many suspects to keep track of. I hope the next book in the series is as exciting as it sounds.
I love this series, but this book had too many suspects to keep track of. I hope the next book in the series is as exciting as it sounds.
June 4, 2022
Good quick read - had to skip the Ellington relationship fill.
July 9, 2022
This is one of the better reads in the Mackenzie White series, not so gruesome. Very quick read.
October 16, 2023
Great read!
Liked the book, worried throughout about her welfare, she gets in some sticky situations, from most innocent places. Please read, you will not be disappointed.
Liked the book, worried throughout about her welfare, she gets in some sticky situations, from most innocent places. Please read, you will not be disappointed.
January 15, 2024
Una nueva aventura de la agente Mackenzie junto a Ellington. Este nuevo caso te hará mantenerte atento en todo momento mientras a la vez descubres la nueva vida de los recién casados.
Read
September 3, 2025The one where Mackenzie battles pregnancy brain 🙄
However arguably the most interesting unsub?
However arguably the most interesting unsub?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews