Once Chosen

Riley Paige #17

by Blake Pierce

A serial killer strikes every Halloween—the bodies of his victims re-surfacing years later—and with Halloween only days away, it is up to FBI Special Agent Riley Paige to stop the killer before he strikes again.

How has this killer gone undetected for so long? How many victims have there really been? And who will he target next?

FBI Special Agent Riley Paige must fend off her own demons and her dysfunctional family life as she races against time to enter the mind of a diabolical killer days away from striking again—one who may even be more brilliant than her.

Can she stop him in time?

An action-packed psychological suspense thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE CHOSEN is book #17 in a riveting series—with a beloved character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Ebooks

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2020

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

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read every book in this series and this is by far the worst. It feels like it was written quickly and impersonal. The heroine of the book was a complete let down this time around. I follow Blake Pierce and if he was out of ideas for Riley, then he should have just stopped. This was the absolute worst book I’ve read in a long time! I wish I could ask for a refund!!!!!!!

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2...What the crap was this??? Far-fetched fiction at it's finest...the case was just...poop! And the ending to this series seemed rushed and just silly! Wth??? So disappointed!

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

FBI Agent Riley Paige has been asked to take a new agent into the field with her. They are on a case about repeated Halloween murders. The plot was weak in that the killer was not introduced in any capacity during the book. Nothing about the story sounded like how FBI agents would act.

[Kristal Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good end to the series.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book of the series was a good read. I enjoyed reading the whole series! Blake's books always draw me, keep me guessing and always wanting more. Definitely one of my go to authors

[Cassandra Struble · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little hard to get back into the grown up Riley Page after going to the making of Riley Page series. Riley and Bill are finally starting to bloom a romantic relationship, but while they are trying to figure out whether or not to go public at work another case comes up. This time they have Riley go out with a new partner. Riley goes about diving the case while trying to keep her girls getting along back at home. She has a hard time getting along with her new partner, so she seems her back on her way. This leads to more insubordination (not on riley's part this time) and then at the end another twist comes about!

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I told myself I would finish this series because I've read them all, but I'm so disappointed in the writing of the female characters. It's like he's got a punch list of "stereotypical female characteristics" and he just writes until he finishes them all. Riley has gotten progressively horrible - she is no longer the strong, thrilling female lead - she's one dimensional and really predictable.

[Menna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hey friends,
✒️Genre : This was a Crime thriller novel from the detective POV
✒️ Story line : The Detective Riley Paige (main character of this series ) Is a BAU agent and she is sent along with her new partner Anne Maire to help local police forces to investigate a possible serial killer that kills every Halloween and sends cryptic notes to the police.
✒️ Discussion : Reading this book feels like reading an episode of a crime show like Criminal minds. The way we jump between scenes every chapter is almost the same transitions as an episode.. I love how this book could be seen and that is the merit of this book. However, this is also a big disadvantage due to lack of the promised thrill and literary Psychological deepness expected from a book discussing a Psychotic serial killer. In addition, I find that detective Riley is very close minded and is hell bent on not liking her new partner and blames her for asking questions and not understanding her train of thoughts when in reality detective Riley didn't once try to explain a theory she was having with Anne Marie or tried to at least bounce off ideas with her.
✒️ Recommendations : Avid crime Tv show Fans will enjoy reading this book as a quick read resembling an episode of their favorite Tv show.
✒️ Rating : ** compared to crime thrillers then it's a 1.5 star **
** compared to novels in general then it's a 2.5 star book due to it's easy going writing style and it's Episode like setup**

Stay safe , Stay at home 🏡 #QuarantineRead

[Di Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a bit more of the last book of this series. I will miss Riley and her adventures for sure.

[Michelle Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once Chosen

This book has a bit of a different flavor than most of the other Riley Paige stories. It felt strained, like it wasn't coming as easily for the writer as it has in the past. That feeling, along with the implications of the book's ending, suggest to me that the Riley Paige series is over.

It is a wonderful series. I highly recommend it. The first book is free, as are most of the initial books in Blake Pierce's wide selection.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of a GREAT series! The ending of this book made me pump my fist and say "YES!", as Karma is indeed a wonderful thing for Riley Paige in this read. In this final installment, Riley Paige is partnered with a rookie agent with no field experience, and she instantly takes a disliking of her. Riley would much rather work with her long-time, trusted partner and friend, Bill, but orders are orders. A serial killer is murdering seemingly random victims every Halloween. Strangely enough, the bodies of the victims turn up years later. Riley's new partner, Ann Marie, has definite potential as an agent, both with her intuitive mind and ability to empathize with people. Why doesn't Riley like her? The two of them manage to solve this unique case, and the ride is incredible. Start from Book No. 1--worth it!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set during the Halloween season. A girl goes missing but a chilling letter guides the police to her corpse a year later. Poor Riley is saddled with a new female rookie partner. The boss has her regular partner Bill doing office work and the pair aren’t happy they’ve been split up. The rookie is a social butterfly who’s a bit too cheerful at crime scenes and rubs Riley the wrong was. Riley sends her back to the BAU but naturally she doesn’t leave and ends up in the killers hands. Bill and Riley have started a relationship but the boss isn’t a fan but he ends up getting arrested himself. Riley’s daughters get into teenage drama but finally pull together with Jilly attacking some bullies with her candy. Lots of plot twists and ghoulish action.

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappoints

Once Again Riley is in trouble with her boss at the FBI, finding herself on a seriel murder case with a rookie new partner she tries to get it right, follow the rules to avoid any misstep with her boss, her long term partner and her young family and apprehend a seriel murderer who has been committing horrendous crimes for many more years than they had originally thought. Can Riley use her vast experience to end this seriel killer's run before he strikes again, keep her rookie in line and her mind on the job? Excellent writer. Thank you Once Again Blake Pierce.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Blake Pierce comes through with a good Riley Page novel. Typical Riley with the struggles with bosses (but not quite as much), troubles with the partner and a bit of suspense with the kids. Hoping the new love angle works out! Listened to the audiobook and still not crazy about the same narrator who pronounces Maryland Merry-land and the Potomac River pot-a-mac...why is a British narrator narrating a novel set in DC?

[Donisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somewhat Unhappy

I'm probably the only reader that's annoyed whom she ended up with romantically. I'm #TeamBlaine - This book seemed rushed and the conclusion to finding this killer wasn't as exciting as the previous books. The conclusion to Jenn's storyline was disappointing because I adored her character - I went from not being thrilled with her character in the beginning to loving her character; its like I grew to love her for nothing.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this psychological thriller. The plot is an interesting one filled with mystery, drama and suspense that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. A lot of twists and turns in this book that made it interesting throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very believable for an FBI agent. Dialogue and language doesn't ring true; perhaps due to the author being British. The audiobook didn't help, as the reader did a pretty bad job imitating how Americans speak. Maybe I should just read another in the series to be fair.

[sarah jane miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I’m not good with writing reviews but I just want to say I highly recommended the Riley page books they are brilliant and once you start reading them you have to read them in one sitting Blake Pierce is a brilliant writer

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites!

I love the Riley Paige character. I'm wondering if this is the end. I hope not.
Another killer is hunted by Riley and her rookie temporary partner. They are very different people. Van they find a way to work together?

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!!

Although I am sad to see this one end. It was such a great series! The twists and turns always keep you hooked and turning the page!! Can't wait to start my next series journey with this amazing author!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did the series just end with #17? I felt it was abrupt. The way Jen disappeared then sends random notes. I was sure that it was a red herring. She was actually abducted & someone was trying to cover their tracks. Maybe this is the start of a new series featuring the rookie ?

[Patricia Grogan Bugher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent FBI suspense series about Agent Riley Paige. Every single book was terrific. The ending of Once Chosen is perfect!

[Myriam Sylla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une fin de série magnifique et prenante, je recommande. ..

[jon Rudik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Chosen

Another fantastic story in the Riley Paige series. Masterful character development and full of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Diana Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The End?

Is this the end of the Riley Paige series? I enjoyed this book as much as all the others. Well done.

[Penelope Sturm-Borkert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This was a great book. I have enjoyed all of the Riley Page series. I know all good things come to an end, but I e noted this series so much I hate to have it stop.

[valerie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Paige

Absolutely love the Riley Paige mysteries, this is an excellent read they all are,, I really hope it's not the last in the series.

[martina a king · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Loved this book real page turner from the start to finish hope there will be few more before retirement for agent riley

[Tal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so surprised at how the entire series was wrapped up! Very abrupt.

[Caitlin E. Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always