If She Ran

Kate Wise #3

by Blake Pierce

55 year old FBI agent Kate Wise is called back in from retirement when a second husband from a wealthy suburb is found murdered, shot to death on his way home. Can it be a coincidence?

There was one case that has haunted Kate her entire career, the one that she couldn’t solve.

Now, 10 years later, a second husband is killed in the same way—and from the same, exclusive town.

What is the connection?

And can Kate redeem herself, and solve it before it goes cold again?

An action-packed thriller with heart-pounding suspense, IF SHE RAN is book #3 in a riveting new series that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

Book #4 in the KATE WISE MYSTERY SERIES will be available soon.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Murder Mystery

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2018

About the author

Blake 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.

Reviews

[Delores · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story, but...

Another installment in the Kate Wise series that involves murder, secrets, and lies. Tension between Wise and Demarco add to the story. I only give this two stars due to the many typographical errors and the way the author writes about people who are over 50 years old - she seems to think that people over 50 are inept and frail. It's quite tedious.

[Wissal H · Rating 5 out of 5]

l agent Wise est fait appeler par son directeur au bureau de FBI pour une deuxième affaire mystérieuse, cette fois la victime était un homme respectueux gentil aimable sa vie professionnelle pleine de succès et son mariage aussi, il représente avec sa femme l image du couple parfait amoureux l un de l autre, et ils sont de bon parents de leurs enfants et dégage de la bonne énergie dans leurs entourage.

une vie stable d un homme qui n a plus jamais des ennemis ou une personne qui le déteste tout le monde le respecte et l aimait dans leurs petite ville.

une affaire sans une réelle piste et catégoriquement pas de suspect potentiel ...

cette affaire a chuchoté la mémoire de Kate WISE et elle s est rappelée de l ancienne affaire non résolue 8 ans avant avec ses détails précis, une affaire similaire la victime a les meme caractéristiques ,la victime est aussi un homme vit une vie stable heureuse et presque parfaite.
Est ce qu il y un lien entre les deux affaire

Pour quelle raison un assassin veut leurs tuer

La réponse est OUI les deux affaire sont reliés et les similitudes sont plus profondes et dangereuses que ce qui il est apparent au monde, car de tout évidence les apparences sont trompeuses et redoutables.

Après une aventure minutieusement menée par Kate et son coéquipière la vérité enfin a dévoilé avec beaucoup d effort et de risque entamé. Cette vérité atroce était choquante et traumatisante à la fois.
Trahison .. Mensonge .. et trop d Amertume ...

Encore une fois une lecture amusante et agréable avec l un des séries de Blake Pierce.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to first say that I want to rate this book a 2.5 star but since half stars don’t exist I’ll round up. This is the third book I’ve read of Blake Pierce, which also happens to be the third book in the Kate Wise installments. I loved the first two books: kept me engaged, on my toes, and wondering “who done it” the entire time. Unfortunately, If She Ran did not meet up to the same standards and this is for two separate and very different reasons.

1. The story line was lack-luster. I knew the end half way through the book, which is not like his first two books in the series. If it weren’t for the amazing character of Kate Wise I would probably not have finished this one.

2. The multitude of grammatical errors and typos in this book astounded me. One error - fine. Ten or more in a 162 page book is unacceptable. Whoever the copy editor is for this book should not have a job. Seriously. Hire me. I would do a much better job than whoever edited this. Each error I found I got angrier and angrier. This book was not an ARC. This was not a “to be edited” version. There is no excuse for this many errors. Ok rant over.

All in all a decent book if you can look past the errors. And yes I will probably read the next one.

[Brittany S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initial Impressions 9/16/19: This was probably the best out of the first three books that I read, story-wise, but still nothing too amazing. I didn't put together the pieces of the mystery right away but the endings just never seem right. They seem more convenient than well-thought out and I just think all of these stories could use a little more development. The character development is still pretty poor also. I basically read three books because they were so quick but I'm not continuing with this series or this author.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books and the only reason this book and maybe the rest in this series didn't get 5 stars is because of one thing. In every book we hear about Kate being 56 years old and she was a retired FBI agent but she decided to go back to her old job running down cases and catching bad guys. That's all well and good in the first few books in this series to make sure everyone is caught up with what's happening but I do hope she doesn't go through that in all the rest of her books. If they came in part way through a series then they need to research that on their own. Don't make readers who started with book one and know Kate's history of her retiring from the FBI then deciding she missed it and went back to work. If readers can't start with book 1, 2 , or 3 and maybe even book 4 then they don't deserve to know Kate's back story but we as loyal readers shouldn't have to listen to her back story beyond book 4 or 5. The other thing that is getting really old because we have heard it over and over in each book is how Duran made a mistake giving her back her job and making her an agent again. Every book so far he has made a mistake reinstating her and she needs to get back to Virginia and he plans on stripping away her job and taking her badge. It's the same thing in each book so far. That too is getting old. She gets a lead and goes to question a witness and the witness reports her and Duran calls her up angry and telling her he made a mistake giving her back her badge and she needs to get home and turn in her badge. we have to read about him yelling at Kate and the "mistake" he made and then right before she's due to go to the airport a lead will come to her and she has to follow it and will deal with Duran and her partner DeMarco later. After she gets the bad guy and he/she confesses to the whole crime/murder because all the people who commit crimes admit their guilt every time AND against their lawyers advice. Like that happens in real life.

This is actually a really good book with a great story line and an amazing murder plot that I never figure out who did it until they are confessing in front of Kate (Agent Wise) I know I made it sound like the book is garbage but it's actually super good. It was a 4 star read for me and should have been 5 stars but explained above why I took away a star. I love Kate Wise's character. I don't love Agent DeMarco's character. She okay and newer and she looks up to Kate's career as a FBI agent but she seems to have no backbone when it comes to Kate and that annoys me slightly. Duran's character is also one I don't like a lot but I think that's the point in which case the author has done her job well. I think Kate has managed to make the FBI work for her lifestyle. She manages to date Allen and still have time for her daughter Melissa and her baby granddaughter Michelle. I think the series will only get better and better and I can't wait to see where is continues to go.

HIGHLY recommend this author and series to anyone who love mystery/thrillers like I do.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate is very good at what she does. She has good instincts and can figure out which direction a case should take. The case would not have been solved without her. It will be interesting to see where book 4 goes especially after nearly losing her job.

[Rachel Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was too predictable. Plus I didn’t really care for the person that read the audible.

[Wonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3...Okay, a few storyline inconsistencies at the beginning, irked a little...then the constant pulling of Kate off cases is VERY reminiscent of Riley Paige...same with her personal relationships! BUT this case was super good...thought I had it in the bag, but didn't...I am honestly on the fence about continuing this series...Anyone love it enough to talk me into it???

[Marsha Raasch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent mystery about A semi-retired FBI agent . I did get tired of her constantly mentioning her age as a factor as though she was 70+. She was 56 in this novel!

[Janice Thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

great suspense novel

I loved this third book! I really didn’t have a clue who had done it until the end! Great writing and the character is so easy to identify with!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters and the style of writing! Looking forward to books 4 & 5!!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these adventures of Kate Wise!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could’ve been a great book. There were just a lot of things that didn’t make sense.

[Amber Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened on audiobook. Another easy listen for this series. I didn’t see “who done it” until very close to the end which was nice.

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories are good, twists and turns that are interesting. I would mot call these books thrillers per se’ because they don’t leave me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. However they are a a steady, easy read.

As others have pointed out there are typos and better editing is warranted.

I find Kate annoying at times and I hope this gets better with subsequent books. I find her wishy-washy and without a backbone at times. Her boss seems to threaten firing her multiple times and INHO for an FBI agent she gets her feelings hurt way too often.

Overall, a recommended book.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this one, but not as much as previous books. A big part of that is due to the “why” was the same as the last book, women had affairs, too similar or maybe it seems that way to be as I’m reading these back to back. I did like that we got more of DeMarco’s back ground, even liked that she had a disagreement with Kate. I’m hoping the next one is better than this one, back to the feisty Kate.

[Brankie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Kate Wise series I’ve struggled to read. Kate Wise is consistently portrayed as this amazing FBI agent who her boss repeatedly pulls off cases for ridiculous reasons which is a contradiction. The series overall implies older women and the FBI are fools but I think the author thinks she’s writing the opposite. Poor and obvious plot ‘twists’ and character profiles are confusing and inconsistent.

[Kaye Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

The murder mystery in the story is always interesting, but I'm going to save you a LOT of time...

The protagonist, 55-year-old Kate Wise, is not happy being retired and she's pretty much the best FBI agent EVER! The FBI director brings her back to work to help solve a case and train a new agent who is going to be the next best FBI agent EVER!

She stands her boyfriend up, ignores her daughter and grandaughter, and heads back to work, but laments about it throughout the book. After working on the case for a matter of hours or maybe a day or so, her director pulls her from the case because she hasn't magically solved it, nevermind the fact that there are very few clues to work with.

She defies the director, and goes rogue. She misses clues, arrests a suspect, then second-guesses her arrest, finds the right suspect, but only after failing to properly follow safety procedures and getting her ass kicked (while constantly lamenting her age -55 OMG!) at every opportunity and whether she should just give in to retirement. Then, she cleverly solves the case.

The director calls her back to DC where she gets lambasted by the angry (wink-wink) director. She returns home where her boyfriend and daughter forgive her and understand that she simply MUST work because she's pretty much the best FBI agent EVER! Now you're ready for the next book, which is pretty much the same.

BLURB: 55 year old FBI agent Kate Wise is called back in from retirement when a second husband from a wealthy suburb is found murdered, shot to death on his way home. Can it be a coincidence?

There was one case that has haunted Kate her entire career, the one that she couldn’t solve.

Now, 10 years later, a second husband is killed in the same way—and from the same, exclusive town.

What is the connection?

And can Kate redeem herself, and solve it before it goes cold again?

An action-packed thriller with heart-pounding suspense, IF SHE RAN is book #3 in a riveting new series that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're Probably Done Here.
I like the Kate Wise character. I love that a woman considered past her prime is proving she can still kick butt and take names. But I've struggled with a couple of things during the three books of this series I've listened to.

First, Kate has been struggling to find her new normal after retirement from the FBI. She finds herself in the amazing position of being able to remain retired while still working an occasional case. This seems like a win/win. Kate gets fulfillment without having to remain a full-time agent of the FBI. You'd think her family and possible love interest would be happy for her. Yet they torment her about the decision she's made to continue "abandoning the family." Deep issues there. While this story line does show the beginning of some possible resolution, it may just be too late for me.

If that were the only issue I had, I'd probably give this series at least one more chance. Unfortunately, I simply can't take this narration anymore. It's not the worst I've heard, but I'm done with the kind of narration that sounds like it's been done by AI rather than a fully functioning human that can presumably read and interpret punctuation. So that pretty well means I'm done with this series.

That's unfortunate, really, because the story line of this novel is really pretty good, and nicely written. Readers will most likely enjoy it, especially if they like the Kate Wise character already. Fans of audiobooks who aren't too picky about narration will probably enjoy it too. But I'm apparently becoming a narration snob. I'm tired of good books badly read. Authors should demand better of their good works.

[Niki Fontes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have stopped with book number two.
This book was filled with so many typos it was barely tolerable. I must have counted somewhere between 10-12 spelling errors, which is a lot considering it’s only 160 pages. Did I get the editors copy? I am beyond surprised considering how many other books he has written. I am also unsure of the front cover of the book. It does not make sense, nor does the title…. Just over here scratching my head…
I couldn’t give this book one star though because I do appreciate Kate and DeMarcos characters. Otherwise, the story line was okay. The ending was predictable. I was bummed about how much Kate breaks the rules, I mean come on an illegal search to arrest a suspect?? Really??? 🤦‍♀️

It was such a shame after enjoying the first two books.
Reader beware, stop while you are ahead. Don’t pay for this book, it was not worth the 2$ I spent on the used copy.
I bought the next book already, but I doubt I’ll read it after cringing so much from this one.

[Dee DenBleyker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure....I was privileged to be given an advanced copy for review and it was a privilege.

As an older woman myself, I can relate to the character of Special Agent Kate Wise. She is smart and like a dog with a bone she never willingly gives up. In this 3rd outing of this series Kate finds herself revisiting an 8 year old case that she was never able to solve and it has haunted her. After 8 years another murder, using the same gun, has been committed and Kate is determined that this time the case will be closed and the murderer caught and brought to justice. She refuses to settle for anything less. There are times in her investigation that Kate feels desperate for a lead, any little thread that will lead to an arrest.

If you love a good mystery/detective story than this is for you and I promise that the author will not disappoint you.

[White Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

En esta tercera novela de Blake, nos sumergimos una aventura para poder investigar el asesinado de un hombre en la ciudad de Nueva York. Pero que su procedencia es de una urbanización de suburbana. Pero de esta urbanización hace años atrás también registró la muerte de otro de sus ciudadanos bajo las mismas condiciones; muertos en la misma o ciudad 🌃 Nueva York y con la misma arma que es lo que más sospechas levanta.... quien será el asesino? Por qué tienen la misma tendencia?? Que descubrirá nuestra detective 🕵️‍♀️ Kate Wise?? Cómo será la relación de ella con Demarco?? Nos vamos a la aventura. 🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book in the series. This time husbands die as bored wives seek relief from their boredom without risking losing custody of their kids. A hitman is hired by the spoiled wives who are cheating on the husbands who are cheating on them. Such a ridiculous reason for murder and a very grim view of our present society.

I don't think I need to read any more books by Blake Pierce. This author (or group of authors) has cranked out over 500 very similar books in a short period of time. The books are, therefore, very formalaic, repetitive, and predictable. They are only useful as light distractions.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I saw the end coming from about halfway through. My biggest issue with this is the out of character behavior from almost everyone.

Durand calls Kate in, gives her 24 hours then freaks out because she hasn't solved it and pulls her from the case for no apparent reason. Demarco acting like a territorial brat instead of the strong steadfast agent she's always been.
Kate acting like she's 80 years old and questioning herself instead of being confident in her right to be working the case.
The CONSTANT threats to fire her because she's going rogue, except that her going rogue is literally the foundation of the entire series.

I think this is my last Blake Pierce novel.

[Cassandra Struble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic mystery by Blake Pierce! I really liked this take in the Kate Wise series. There wasn't as much take on Kate's personal life in this one, just little tidbits. I love how they are interwoven in the mystery. The case takes place in a small New York suburb where all odd the housewives live perfect lives. Almost perfect, as 2 husbands are murdered in NYC and found in an alley 8 years apart. I loved following the twists as Kate struggles with fear of failure at the past case and figuring out this present one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

If She Ran (Kate Wise #3) was a great read by Blake Pierce. Kate Wise is a 55 year old FBI agent who has been called back from retirement. There is a second husband from a wealthy suburb who is found murdered, he was shot to death on his way home. This killing reminds her of a case from 10 years earlier that has always haunted her. They man was killed in the same way, same for and same exclusive town. I absolutely loved reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Lynneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good book. Probably will read book #4 next. I did notice a fair number of typos in this book, like other reviews had mentioned. I didn’t notice them in the first 2 books. The typos do distract from the story, but not enough to stop reading. I also found it comical how often Kate gets pulled iff a job and put back on. I don’t think in reality that would happen. A fun read that I’d recommend.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick listen, once again. The Kate Wise series are not deep, long tales; but I have enjoyed the idea of a retired agent going back because she missed it and her mission. (I did a similar thing in my own field)

This one twisted and turned, with definite personal bumps in the road for Kate, but eventually all became clear. I learned more about the dark wev and Craigs List than I wanted to know!

Narration fits the work.

[Patricia Grogan Bugher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If She Ran is the third book in the Kate Wise Mystery Series by Blake Pierce. In this installment retired FBI agent, Kate Reid, is brought in for a murder case that resembles a case she worked on eight years previously but was unable to solve. Will Kate be able to solve this one without ruining her stellar FBI reputation?

[Janice Branning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Wise does it again, her and partner Demarco solve another murder mystery. If you have read any of these books, you know you will find out who did it; in the last chapters. Kate never disappoints me; I know everyone will give up on her ability to solve the case. But the case is solved and her friends and family love her again.