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Zoe Prime #4
Face of Madness
FBI Special Agent Zoe Prime suffers from a rare condition which also gives her a unique talent—she views the world through a lens of numbers. The numbers torment her, make her unable to relate to people, and give her a failed romantic life—yet they also allow her to see patterns that no other FBI agent can see. Zoe keeps her condition a secret, ashamed, in fear her colleagues may find out.
In FACE OF MADNESS, a truly awful serial killer is targeting women in FBI Special Agent Zoe Prime’s home state of Nebraska, using methods reminiscent of Ted Bundy. Zoe sees all the numbers—but for the first time in her life, it doesn’t help. This killer may be driven by human and social reasons—something that Zoe struggles to understand.
Is this the case that proves her limits?
Or is there a pattern to everything? Even social interactions?
And as Zoe battles her own demons, will her decision to visit her family—a disastrous one—finally lead to her breaking point?
In FACE OF MADNESS, a truly awful serial killer is targeting women in FBI Special Agent Zoe Prime’s home state of Nebraska, using methods reminiscent of Ted Bundy. Zoe sees all the numbers—but for the first time in her life, it doesn’t help. This killer may be driven by human and social reasons—something that Zoe struggles to understand.
Is this the case that proves her limits?
Or is there a pattern to everything? Even social interactions?
And as Zoe battles her own demons, will her decision to visit her family—a disastrous one—finally lead to her breaking point?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
166 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
933 books5,929 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 34 reviews
April 17, 2024
This is the fourth installment of the Zoe Prime series. I’ve really been enjoying the series. Zoe (pronounced Zoey) is a great character! A bit quirky and terrible at picking up social ques and terribly awkward in social groups and interactions, but all that makes her so much more endearing to me and definitely more entertaining. Throughout the series, Zoe has been seeing a therapist to help her deal with her Synethesia, a condition that makes her see numbers, figures, and calculations in everything she sees.
The story starts with her therapist telling Zoe that it’s time for their weekly sessions to come to an end. This makes Zoe nervous, but the therapist tells her it’s time and Zoe has learned so much in how to handle her condition. Yet, on a double date with John (the man she has been seeing for months), Shelley and her husband, there is a scene at the table where Zoe is clearly missing the social clues that Shelley is sharing that had me cracking up. Oh dear! Zoe is so clueless sometimes it’s actually amusing. Lol, sooo Zoe!
Zoe and Shelley, who are FBI agents, are back on another case of tracking down a serial killer. This one takes them back to Nebraska where Zoe grew up, with an alcoholic father that left Zoe when she was a kid with an abusive and mentally deranged mother. All of this is in the first 30% of the story. Most of the story revolves around investigating the murders that are piling up and bringing Zoe closer and closer to her hometown and possibly running into someone who may recognize her.
Deep into the second half, I DNFed the story, because of a twist the writer chose to take in the story. It was absolutely horrible and I no longer cared what happened anymore. I can’t believe that Pierce chose to take the story in that direction. Really stupid decision. I won’t be continuing with the series.
The story starts with her therapist telling Zoe that it’s time for their weekly sessions to come to an end. This makes Zoe nervous, but the therapist tells her it’s time and Zoe has learned so much in how to handle her condition. Yet, on a double date with John (the man she has been seeing for months), Shelley and her husband, there is a scene at the table where Zoe is clearly missing the social clues that Shelley is sharing that had me cracking up. Oh dear! Zoe is so clueless sometimes it’s actually amusing. Lol, sooo Zoe!
Zoe and Shelley, who are FBI agents, are back on another case of tracking down a serial killer. This one takes them back to Nebraska where Zoe grew up, with an alcoholic father that left Zoe when she was a kid with an abusive and mentally deranged mother. All of this is in the first 30% of the story. Most of the story revolves around investigating the murders that are piling up and bringing Zoe closer and closer to her hometown and possibly running into someone who may recognize her.
Deep into the second half, I DNFed the story, because of a twist the writer chose to take in the story. It was absolutely horrible and I no longer cared what happened anymore. I can’t believe that Pierce chose to take the story in that direction. Really stupid decision. I won’t be continuing with the series.
October 27, 2024
Suffice it to say I am officially never reading anything by this Blake Pierce ever again. I'm so disgusted with the way this author ends series' I'm gonna purge all the books l'm going to purge all the books I've bought that I WAS going to read. Boom!
January 14, 2021
This was almost a solid 4. It felt like this book was written just to kill off a character. The entire story felt rushed instead of well developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
Not your typical murder mystery
Zoe Prime is an interesting character and one that is evolving as the series moves along. To really appreciate this character, it is best to read the books in order.
Zoe has a unusual disorder/gift-- she sees the world around her in numbers. She has spent her lifetime hiding this ability during in part to a tormented childhood. But thanks to 3 individuals: her mentor, her therapist, and her partner, Zoe is beginning to feel like she has a chance for a more normal life. The numbers are under control and she is in a promising relationship. But then a new case draws her back into the past and a serial killer brings her more heartache than she ever expected.
This was a sad and difficult episode in the Zoe Prime universe. It makes me wonder what is next for this interesting character. This is definitely a series that is full of surprises.
Zoe Prime is an interesting character and one that is evolving as the series moves along. To really appreciate this character, it is best to read the books in order.
Zoe has a unusual disorder/gift-- she sees the world around her in numbers. She has spent her lifetime hiding this ability during in part to a tormented childhood. But thanks to 3 individuals: her mentor, her therapist, and her partner, Zoe is beginning to feel like she has a chance for a more normal life. The numbers are under control and she is in a promising relationship. But then a new case draws her back into the past and a serial killer brings her more heartache than she ever expected.
This was a sad and difficult episode in the Zoe Prime universe. It makes me wonder what is next for this interesting character. This is definitely a series that is full of surprises.
August 19, 2020
This was absolutely the best book I’ve read in a long time!!! I’ve read all of Blake Pierce’s series and this book was one of the best since the “good” Riley books! I absolutely was enthralled with the story and the emotions coming from the usually emotionless Zoe. I have already preordered the next book in the series.
December 14, 2020
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
I typically don't read books in a series until I have read the first book. Because I received an advance review copy, I chose to read Face of Madness without reading the first three books. It's true that this book can be stand-alone, however, I did feel like I was missing a lot about who Zoe is.
Zoe is a complex character with flaws, unique struggles, and the desire to be more. She's aware that she can change and improve, and I really liked that about her. While I didn't truly understand the special talent she has, I knew enough to follow along and not question it.
I would have liked to have known more about Zoe's relationship with her partner. It sounded like it took quite a bit of time for the two women to form a strong connection and to trust one another. It was nice to see them balancing each other's strengths and trying to see things through a different lens. Again, there was enough for me to understand it, but it felt like just a taste.
The plot of Face of Madness is pretty standard: serial killer on the loose, FBI is brought in to investigate, some kind of personal connection to the situation. All of that is on par with typical mystery/detective books. What's unique about this plot is Zoe's past and how it connects to this case. I would have liked a bit more follow-through with this at the end when Zoe leaves to go back home. Her backstory felt a little lost in the end because the focus was on the central murder plot.
Overall, I found this to be an easy read with strong female characters and a solid story. I would recommend reading the other three books first to gain more insight into Zoe and her abilities. It might make the storylines in Face of Madness feel more impactful.
I typically don't read books in a series until I have read the first book. Because I received an advance review copy, I chose to read Face of Madness without reading the first three books. It's true that this book can be stand-alone, however, I did feel like I was missing a lot about who Zoe is.
Zoe is a complex character with flaws, unique struggles, and the desire to be more. She's aware that she can change and improve, and I really liked that about her. While I didn't truly understand the special talent she has, I knew enough to follow along and not question it.
I would have liked to have known more about Zoe's relationship with her partner. It sounded like it took quite a bit of time for the two women to form a strong connection and to trust one another. It was nice to see them balancing each other's strengths and trying to see things through a different lens. Again, there was enough for me to understand it, but it felt like just a taste.
The plot of Face of Madness is pretty standard: serial killer on the loose, FBI is brought in to investigate, some kind of personal connection to the situation. All of that is on par with typical mystery/detective books. What's unique about this plot is Zoe's past and how it connects to this case. I would have liked a bit more follow-through with this at the end when Zoe leaves to go back home. Her backstory felt a little lost in the end because the focus was on the central murder plot.
Overall, I found this to be an easy read with strong female characters and a solid story. I would recommend reading the other three books first to gain more insight into Zoe and her abilities. It might make the storylines in Face of Madness feel more impactful.
August 24, 2020
Another good read from Blake Pierce in the fourth edition of the Zoe Prime series. With a rare condition of synaesthesia, Zoe is able to see through everything around her in numbers. She uses this hidden talent to her advantage while being an FBI agent in solving heinous crime pertaining to criminals with psychological behaviors. The first three books in the series were intriguing with the perpetrators obsessed with the Fibonacci series, complex equations engraved on bodies, and tattoos from the holocaust. In all these books, Zoe uses her talent extensively to analyze and predict the behavior of the fugitives before finally nabbing them. In comparison, this book has some emotional components like the killings happening in her home town where she had some bitter memories of her childhood, her existing personal life, which is finally coupled with the unfortunate death of her co-worker. While Zoe sees the crime scenes in numbers, she is initially unable to connect the dots, presumably since the killer is driven by social and human characteristics. With her compatriot no longer by her side, she persues this case with a vengeance and ultimately succeeds in capturing the grotesque assassin. Overall a compelling read and definitely recommended for thriller enthusiasts. Hoping to read more such captivating crime stories in the Zoe Prime series.
November 25, 2020
Zoe Almost Finds Normalcy But It Was Not To Be
Zoe is haunted by her “gift,” the ability to see the world in numbers. The gift, though, is one she can’t turn off. Going through therapy she is finally starting to see the world as others see it. She has a friend, Shelly, on the force and a man in her life these days. When she and Shelly are sent to Zoe’s home town to investigate a couple of gruesome murders, Zoe is confronted with her past and hidden memories break to the surface. As they work to solve these murders, more woman are murdered in the same manner. In the end, the murderer will be brought to justice, as they always are. Before you get there, however, you will be shocked and shaken by the events that precede the emotional ending.
Zoe Prime is an unusual heroine, she has moments of strength interspersed with her vulnerability and bouts of inadequacy. A sympathetic character that you will cheer on, hoping she will find the strength to conquer her fears and gain the confidence she needs. She will need all the strength she has to recover from the trauma of this case. Blake Pierce has set a high bar for himself, can he write a follow-up narrative as compelling as this one? Can’t wait to see where our heroine leads us next.
Thank you, Booksprout, for a copy of Face of Madness for my entertainment and review.
Zoe is haunted by her “gift,” the ability to see the world in numbers. The gift, though, is one she can’t turn off. Going through therapy she is finally starting to see the world as others see it. She has a friend, Shelly, on the force and a man in her life these days. When she and Shelly are sent to Zoe’s home town to investigate a couple of gruesome murders, Zoe is confronted with her past and hidden memories break to the surface. As they work to solve these murders, more woman are murdered in the same manner. In the end, the murderer will be brought to justice, as they always are. Before you get there, however, you will be shocked and shaken by the events that precede the emotional ending.
Zoe Prime is an unusual heroine, she has moments of strength interspersed with her vulnerability and bouts of inadequacy. A sympathetic character that you will cheer on, hoping she will find the strength to conquer her fears and gain the confidence she needs. She will need all the strength she has to recover from the trauma of this case. Blake Pierce has set a high bar for himself, can he write a follow-up narrative as compelling as this one? Can’t wait to see where our heroine leads us next.
Thank you, Booksprout, for a copy of Face of Madness for my entertainment and review.
December 12, 2020
Wow. My emotions. Blake Pierce is a master of taking you on a roller coaster ride of emotions... And then derailing your roller coaster and sending it careening over a cliff in a fiery inferno. So many feelings!!!!! It is hard to describe how great this book is without giving away any spoilers but my jaw dropped as plot twist after surprise ending was dropped on me. I reread pages because I KNEW I had to be reading it wrong and couldn't believe my eyes. I devour everything Blake Pierce writes and this was no exception. Probably the only minor issue I would say, which I complain about with all books like this is that you have never met the killer (other than in the vague "and then he kills her" context) outside of the murdering scenes so you have no way of suspecting who the murderer is until the big reveal. Since you never met him. There is no "the butler dunnit" or "it was the cab driver she was alone with all evening! I knew it!" Which kind of seems unfair for those playing as long at home. I still think it is a must-read, and although it pretty much can be read alone (I have only read #1 and #4 so far), do yourself a favor and read the others in the series first so you can get a little more backstory on the characters first. You will not regret it.
I received an ARC for free but my opinion is all mine.
I received an ARC for free but my opinion is all mine.
December 10, 2020
Zoe Prime . . . Zoe is a synesthete and reminds me strongly of another favourite heroine - that's a point in Pierce's favour right from the start. Characters that are not cookie-cutter perfect are exactly my type of characters. And Zoe is different, challenging, and endearing. You want to know more and you keep turning pages.
Face of Madness is a fast-paced tale of the sort that Pierce has mastered. A mind-boggling, heart-stopping adventure, with intriguing twists that the reader simply does not see coming! Face of Madness is another excellent read; I've come to expect no less from this author. I highly recommend this one, easily read as a stand-alone; but if you haven't already, you really should catch up on all of Zoe's adventures.
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Face of Madness is a fast-paced tale of the sort that Pierce has mastered. A mind-boggling, heart-stopping adventure, with intriguing twists that the reader simply does not see coming! Face of Madness is another excellent read; I've come to expect no less from this author. I highly recommend this one, easily read as a stand-alone; but if you haven't already, you really should catch up on all of Zoe's adventures.
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
November 25, 2020
Although this isn’t my first Blake Pierce book, this is the first one of this series for me. Actually, it is the fourth in the Zoe Prime series. In addition, this book is one that has really sold me on Pierce’s books. I was struck by how his creation, Zoe, is so unique, complex, troubled, and yet capable. I most definitely will go back and read the first books in this series and await the fifth book. Obviously, Face of Madness can be read and enjoyed as a standalone procedural. I loved it. But I am so glad there is more about Zoe to enjoy.
I am not going to tell you anything about the plot for fear of giving any hints to all that happens in this book. You don’t want me to spoil a good read.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. This review is my own opinion given freely and sincerely.
I am not going to tell you anything about the plot for fear of giving any hints to all that happens in this book. You don’t want me to spoil a good read.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. This review is my own opinion given freely and sincerely.
February 2, 2021
Face of Madness by Blake Pierce is book 4 in the Zoe Prime series. This was the first of the series that I have read and I did not feel lost. The novel immediately pulls you in with Zoe’s character. She works for the FBI with her partner Shelley. Zoe is unique in that she relates to the world by seeing patterns and numbers instead of emotions and people. Shelley is the opposite and the two make a terrific team. The ladies embark on a case involving a woman who has been murdered and beheaded. As the body count and heads increase, the women find themselves in a small town in Nebraska, not far from where Zoe grew up. Not having had the idyllic childhood she swore would never return. Zoe has to face her past as well as catch a deprived killer. This story is a great thriller but I love the character development that the author partakes in almost as much. I highly recommend this book.
September 23, 2020
The fate of one of the victims was obvious from very early on, but predictability isn’t the worst flaw of this murder mystery. The book is simply stupid. As a sleep deprived new mom with zero law enforcement training or experience, I was appalled when the detectives arrest someone based on zero physical evidence (and no question raised about the missing murder weapon and body parts or any physical evidence!) but purely speculation (a possible motive and the “data”?) and a lack of alibi. They would have no case in court, but the two were quick to celebrate their victory. The portrayal of these supposedly strong female characters is embarrassing. And I haven’t even mentioned the cliche of the psychology of a serial killer. It’s bad.
July 26, 2020
The one started out as a simple double murder in WI. that Shelley and Zoe are sent to solve. It hits a little close to home when it's a county over from where Zoe was raised and the memories are still raw.
Visiting relatives who knew nothing of her abuse only bring back the trama. The murders keep adding up and a serial killer is leading them on a goose chase. Zoe is coming unglued as the case progresses. They think they capture the killer and prepare to leave and everything is not what it seems. And it will never be again. Zoe May never recover from this setback because the numbers are piling up.
Visiting relatives who knew nothing of her abuse only bring back the trama. The murders keep adding up and a serial killer is leading them on a goose chase. Zoe is coming unglued as the case progresses. They think they capture the killer and prepare to leave and everything is not what it seems. And it will never be again. Zoe May never recover from this setback because the numbers are piling up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2020
A riveting addition to the works of this author. We follow FBI agent Zoe Prime and her partner, Shelley Rose as they attempt to solve multiple beheadings in rural Nebraska.
Zoe operates on a different wavelength to most; Blessed (or cursed, depending on your opinion) with an ability to see in numbers. Forced to mimic social interactions and emotions in am effort to appear neurorypical.
It is a great read and will keep you guessing. Blake pierce isn't afraid to pull the rug right out from underneath the reader and the result is compelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zoe operates on a different wavelength to most; Blessed (or cursed, depending on your opinion) with an ability to see in numbers. Forced to mimic social interactions and emotions in am effort to appear neurorypical.
It is a great read and will keep you guessing. Blake pierce isn't afraid to pull the rug right out from underneath the reader and the result is compelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2020
I loved this book. This is the first zoe prime book I have read in the series and even coming in after serveal book I didn't feel like I was missing something. The author does a great job of making his books stand alone but still come together to build a great series. Zoe is an fbi agent that is struggling to understand and show emotions, pulled more towards the numbers and math of everything around her instead of actually seeing the people and emotions around her. She's trying to find her humanity and it might cost more then she can ever expect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2021
This is my 1st book by this author. I would normally start reading from the start of a series and this is book 4 of the Zoe Prime series. However, it wasn't necessary in this case to have read the 1st 3. There was sufficient background given to introduce me to the main character.
The story was interesting and moved at a quick pace. I found myself reading it quicker and quicker to see what happened next. There was numerous twists that were unexpected and added to the overall enjoyment. I will continue to read the earlier books in this series and also give the other series by this author a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was interesting and moved at a quick pace. I found myself reading it quicker and quicker to see what happened next. There was numerous twists that were unexpected and added to the overall enjoyment. I will continue to read the earlier books in this series and also give the other series by this author a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2021
Face paced hard to put down FBI mystery,thriller. Part of a series but easily read alone. This was the first of the series that I have read, but definitely will read more of them. The main character,FBI agent Zoe Prime, is a little odd and would probably be described as 'on the spectrum'. All characters are well developed and you feel like are the 'fly on the wall'. A little more graphic to my liking in parts but not enough to stop reading. overall very good book, quick read.
I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and BookSirens for allowing me to read this book.
I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and BookSirens for allowing me to read this book.
December 3, 2020
This author is a favorite. Her characters are flawed people succeeding in serious careers. Zoe Prime is an FBI Special Agent who sees the world in numbers. While her people skills are weak because of it, it allows her to see patterns and solve crimes. This is not a romance. It probably isn't much of a police procedural, but it is engaging. I am always looking forward to the next book with Zoe Prime.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2021
This was a well written thriller. However, I didn't really connect with the characters. There wasn't much to relate with.
Zoe's ability to see everything in numbers wasn't a special power that made much sense other to explain her difficulties connecting with others. It didn't really offer any special capabilities to aid her in her job as FBI agent.
I'm not a huge fan of this genre so perhaps it colors my perspective.
I received a free copy of this book. I'm leaving my honest review.
Zoe's ability to see everything in numbers wasn't a special power that made much sense other to explain her difficulties connecting with others. It didn't really offer any special capabilities to aid her in her job as FBI agent.
I'm not a huge fan of this genre so perhaps it colors my perspective.
I received a free copy of this book. I'm leaving my honest review.
March 14, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Zoe Prime series. The main character, Zoe Prime, continues to pull me in as she deals with her "gift" that helps her solve the mysteries that are given to her and her partner, Shelley. The suspenseful and riveting plot made it a book that I didn't want to put down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced readers copy of this book thanks to the author and BookSirens.
November 26, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 5, 2020
I just finished reading this and I feel a little worse for wear.
I was really starting to feel for Zoe and I love the murder mysteries.
I’m impressed that I didn’t see Shelley’s death coming at all. But I’m also absolutely horrified. It’s a brilliant twist, but I just cannot get over this.
I was really starting to feel for Zoe and I love the murder mysteries.
I’m impressed that I didn’t see Shelley’s death coming at all. But I’m also absolutely horrified. It’s a brilliant twist, but I just cannot get over this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
Another winner from Blake Pierce. Lots of twists and turns and some unexpected events in this one. Looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to BookSirens for the privilege to read and review this book.
August 4, 2020
A good book . I love all your books.
September 1, 2020
Good read
Another good read from Blake Pierce,had me reading until the early hours was sad what happened near the end as I wasn't expecting what happened.
Another good read from Blake Pierce,had me reading until the early hours was sad what happened near the end as I wasn't expecting what happened.
September 30, 2020
Hard hitting. Makes Zoe more real than the previous books in the series.
November 18, 2020
Okay, this was a different ending than what I expected.
May 13, 2022
4.5* I am so hooked on her story.
August 7, 2022
I like the pace and plot. Zoe's view of the world through patterns and numvers is intriguing. Her anti-social behaviour seems interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews