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The Au Pair #3
Casi Muerta
After the disastrous fallout from her last placement in England, all 23-year-old Cassandra Vale wants is a chance to pick up the pieces. A high-society, divorced mother in sunny Italy seems to be the answer. But is she?
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
And when the unimaginable occurs, will it be too late to pull herself back from the brink? Who, she wonders, is she becoming?
A riveting mystery replete with complex characters, layers of secrets, dramatic twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense, ALMOST DEAD is book #3 in a psychological suspense series that will have you turning pages late into the night.
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
And when the unimaginable occurs, will it be too late to pull herself back from the brink? Who, she wonders, is she becoming?
A riveting mystery replete with complex characters, layers of secrets, dramatic twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense, ALMOST DEAD is book #3 in a psychological suspense series that will have you turning pages late into the night.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
About the author
Blake Pierce
1,095 books6,047 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 50 reviews
June 10, 2021
This book is a combination of a compelling and heart wrenching story interwoven with suspense. This is the only book I have read from the Au Pair series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I was captivated as I followed Cassie during her Italian journey to find her sister, Jacqui. Cassie is a 23 year old American trying to unravel the mystery of her sister’s whereabouts. The people she meets along the way lead to both happiness and tragedy. Who can she trust when all she has is herself to guide her? Looking forward to the next book in this series. Thank you BookSirens for my ARC.
April 25, 2022
A decent read but it leaves you hanging a bit in the end. I enjoyed it and finding that it is the third book in the series I have obtained the first book and will be beginning it shortly.
Cassie has traveled in Europe trying to fallow a lead in finding her long lost sitter Jacqui. In need of work to continue her search she takes a job as an au pair to two little girls Nina and Venetia. Everything is not ok in the home and Cassie quickly finds she is not ok in this rich house of horrors.
Spoiler she never does find her sister but it seems another book is coming soon.
4 stars because I enjoyed the read and will be continuing in this series. Not 5 stars because though I enjoyed it alot was predictable, not all, and the idea wasn't new and fresh.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I did buy the audio book as well because I didn't want to stop reading to drive lol.
Cassie has traveled in Europe trying to fallow a lead in finding her long lost sitter Jacqui. In need of work to continue her search she takes a job as an au pair to two little girls Nina and Venetia. Everything is not ok in the home and Cassie quickly finds she is not ok in this rich house of horrors.
Spoiler she never does find her sister but it seems another book is coming soon.
4 stars because I enjoyed the read and will be continuing in this series. Not 5 stars because though I enjoyed it alot was predictable, not all, and the idea wasn't new and fresh.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I did buy the audio book as well because I didn't want to stop reading to drive lol.
January 12, 2021
Cassandra Vale is in Italy looking for her sister .. with no results. She's running out of money, but she plans on staying until she either finds her sister there .. or follow her to wherever she went.
She sees a notice .. a woman wants to hire an au-pair for her two young children. She's had this kind of job before ... with disastrous results. But the mom seems to be the answer. She's a high-society divorced mother and she pays well.
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
The suspense starts on the very first page and only increases until the totally unexpected conclusion. It's a page-turner with characters that are fully fleshed out and lend an air of credibility. Although 3rd in the series, it does well as a stand-alone. However, starting with the first book is beneficial to totally understanding the main character. There is a slight cliffhanger which will be picked up in the next book.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this mystery/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She sees a notice .. a woman wants to hire an au-pair for her two young children. She's had this kind of job before ... with disastrous results. But the mom seems to be the answer. She's a high-society divorced mother and she pays well.
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
The suspense starts on the very first page and only increases until the totally unexpected conclusion. It's a page-turner with characters that are fully fleshed out and lend an air of credibility. Although 3rd in the series, it does well as a stand-alone. However, starting with the first book is beneficial to totally understanding the main character. There is a slight cliffhanger which will be picked up in the next book.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this mystery/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 4, 2020
Almost Dead by Blake Pierce
This book is number 3 in the Au Pair series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven't yet read the first 2 books but believe I will just to catch fully up to date on Cassies situation looking for her sister and her past Au Pair job. There is alot going on in this book, she is looking for her missing sister while simultaneously starting a new job as Au Pair to 2 little girls who have issues with their mother. At times it may seem a little farfetched but all in all not a bad read. I received an ARC from BookSirens and leave my opinion voluntarily.
This book is number 3 in the Au Pair series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven't yet read the first 2 books but believe I will just to catch fully up to date on Cassies situation looking for her sister and her past Au Pair job. There is alot going on in this book, she is looking for her missing sister while simultaneously starting a new job as Au Pair to 2 little girls who have issues with their mother. At times it may seem a little farfetched but all in all not a bad read. I received an ARC from BookSirens and leave my opinion voluntarily.
September 12, 2021
The book starts with Cassie being arrived in Italy in search of her sister Jacqui. But her life seems to be turning upside down as a string of unfortunate events unfolds when she's been appointed at a new house as an Au Pair.
Note that I haven't read the first two books but it was never a problem. The book gives the account of her history that we can piece together to understand what happened in those books.
Long story short, it can be read as a standalone.
The writing style of the author is brilliant. It was easy to get into, explicitly explaining the scene yet keeping it brief.
The chapters were short (I guess everyone, especially crime thriller fans, loves it). Therefore, comes the whole package of loads of cliffhangers, fast storytelling and lots of twists and turns.
The book is written in the third person but changes its focus from the main character Cassie to another character (I won't say who, just know that it was a female character).
I thought it was a really smart and clever move. As they both represented strong and brave female characters plus their role and interaction with the story was so different yet the mental anxiety and confusion going inside their minds make them stand in the same situation and is incredibly presented by the author.
Coming to the 'characters' element of the book. They were all great. Whether the main characters or supporting characters they were very well made and used. The main character Cassandra was easy to connect to (I don't know why but maybe it was because we were on the same page of facing and fighting our mental anxiety).
The supporting characters were again nicely introduced and departed from the main storyline.
All in all, if you are a fan of crime and psychological thrillers and short chapters then no other reasons are required just READ IT.
P.S. - Even if this book gave me the impression of almost everything that happened in the first two books I want to read them. And certainly, after reading this you will want to read the next book too. So, do read the book if you are willing to read the next one.
Note that I haven't read the first two books but it was never a problem. The book gives the account of her history that we can piece together to understand what happened in those books.
Long story short, it can be read as a standalone.
The writing style of the author is brilliant. It was easy to get into, explicitly explaining the scene yet keeping it brief.
The chapters were short (I guess everyone, especially crime thriller fans, loves it). Therefore, comes the whole package of loads of cliffhangers, fast storytelling and lots of twists and turns.
The book is written in the third person but changes its focus from the main character Cassie to another character (I won't say who, just know that it was a female character).
I thought it was a really smart and clever move. As they both represented strong and brave female characters plus their role and interaction with the story was so different yet the mental anxiety and confusion going inside their minds make them stand in the same situation and is incredibly presented by the author.
Coming to the 'characters' element of the book. They were all great. Whether the main characters or supporting characters they were very well made and used. The main character Cassandra was easy to connect to (I don't know why but maybe it was because we were on the same page of facing and fighting our mental anxiety).
The supporting characters were again nicely introduced and departed from the main storyline.
All in all, if you are a fan of crime and psychological thrillers and short chapters then no other reasons are required just READ IT.
P.S. - Even if this book gave me the impression of almost everything that happened in the first two books I want to read them. And certainly, after reading this you will want to read the next book too. So, do read the book if you are willing to read the next one.
June 18, 2020
I like to read books in order and I’ve been wanting to read Blake Pierce so when I saw this one available to review and it was only # 3 in the Au Pair series, I knew I’d have to catch up on the first o her ex-boyfriend and a previous ex employer or two. She has stumbled into nanny work, but so far it’s been more like a nightmare than a dream job.
When she finds herself in the same area she believes her sister has been, she vows to stay and finally locate her. This means she needs income, so once again, she finds an Au Pair job.
At first, it really seems like a good position with only a single mom and 2 young girls to attend to, but it quickly becomes apparent there’s much more going on behind closed doors. Actually, for this poor girl nothing is as it appears to be. She just cannot catch a break and she manages to attract the attention craziest people around her.
I’m enjoying this series and the characters and I hope to read more from this author soon. I feel each book gets better and Cassie has to have some good come her way at some point!
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an e-copy of this book for my voluntary review.
When she finds herself in the same area she believes her sister has been, she vows to stay and finally locate her. This means she needs income, so once again, she finds an Au Pair job.
At first, it really seems like a good position with only a single mom and 2 young girls to attend to, but it quickly becomes apparent there’s much more going on behind closed doors. Actually, for this poor girl nothing is as it appears to be. She just cannot catch a break and she manages to attract the attention craziest people around her.
I’m enjoying this series and the characters and I hope to read more from this author soon. I feel each book gets better and Cassie has to have some good come her way at some point!
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an e-copy of this book for my voluntary review.
April 10, 2024
The ending was not well developed, and there isn't a 4th book out yet.
March 7, 2021
So when I started this and for the first 1/4 of the book I did not enjoy it - but as I am familiar with the author I persevered and continued to read and then it got as good as other books by this author.
This might have been because a lot of the first part followed on from previous books in the series which I haven't read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This might have been because a lot of the first part followed on from previous books in the series which I haven't read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2020
When a Nice Girl Meets a She-Devil in Stilettos
This third volume of Pierce's Au Pair series was a good, fast read. I'd never read the first volumes, so my impression may be missing the enthusiasm I may have felt if I knew what went on before. That being said, the main story is complete in this book.
The theme is pretty much guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and there's enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Cassandra Vale doesn't have her life together or even a firm self-awareness. She definitely isn't a badass. But, with fate dealing her yet another disappointment, she has to learn how much abuse is too much to just wring her hands over and run away from.
If you like non-gory psychological thrillers, especially with an ill-treated female protagonist, you'll like this book. It wasn't my cup of tea, really, but if there's no ghosts or monsters, it never is. I read a free advance review copy via BookSirens and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This third volume of Pierce's Au Pair series was a good, fast read. I'd never read the first volumes, so my impression may be missing the enthusiasm I may have felt if I knew what went on before. That being said, the main story is complete in this book.
The theme is pretty much guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and there's enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Cassandra Vale doesn't have her life together or even a firm self-awareness. She definitely isn't a badass. But, with fate dealing her yet another disappointment, she has to learn how much abuse is too much to just wring her hands over and run away from.
If you like non-gory psychological thrillers, especially with an ill-treated female protagonist, you'll like this book. It wasn't my cup of tea, really, but if there's no ghosts or monsters, it never is. I read a free advance review copy via BookSirens and this is my voluntary, honest review.
November 28, 2020
Published: February 11, 2020
Self-Published by Blake Piece, 2020
Fiction, Thriller, Psychological
Blake Pierce has published over eight books. She is a lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres and loves connecting with her novels' readers.
“... she knew her words were the truth.”
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first novel I have read from Blake Pierce, and it is the third book in a series. Though this can stand alone, I feel I would have enjoyed the story more had I read the previous two installments giving me all of the backstory and all of the details involving Cassandra's journey.
We find Cassandra as she is looking for her sister in a small town. Her brief time in this town finds her narrowly escaping what could have been a terrible situation. Cassandra finds a bed in a hostel; she finds an opening for an au pair in another town. She called and secured an interview. She arrives early, impressing the mother of the two children, and is immediately hired. Circumstances continue in very unusual terms, as this au pair position doesn’t seem to require much actual interaction with the children. Until Cassandra witnesses the very intimidating mother doing the unthinkable. And now, she finds herself in a fight for not just her life but the lives of two innocent little girls. Will Cassandra survive this position?
This novel started a tad slow but very quickly became impossible to put down. The plot is dangerously faced paced, and the story grabs you and doesn’t let go.
With power and money comes secrets. And to maintain that power, Ms. Rossi is willing to do whatever it takes to rule her household and her business in an iron grip.
This was an intense read. The story unfolds so quickly and so dramatically. It is impossible to find a good place to stop reading because as soon as events start to unravel, they genuinely spiral out of control at a breakneck speed.
The characters are well developed, and the scenery is described so that you will feel the chill coming from the vast halls of tile within the Rossi mansion.
As all the secrets and lies and dangerous truths start to come undone, we are left wondering who will make it out alive, who will be held accountable, and where is Jacqui?
Book four in Blake Pierce’s Au Pair series cannot come fast enough!
Self-Published by Blake Piece, 2020
Fiction, Thriller, Psychological
Blake Pierce has published over eight books. She is a lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres and loves connecting with her novels' readers.
“... she knew her words were the truth.”
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first novel I have read from Blake Pierce, and it is the third book in a series. Though this can stand alone, I feel I would have enjoyed the story more had I read the previous two installments giving me all of the backstory and all of the details involving Cassandra's journey.
We find Cassandra as she is looking for her sister in a small town. Her brief time in this town finds her narrowly escaping what could have been a terrible situation. Cassandra finds a bed in a hostel; she finds an opening for an au pair in another town. She called and secured an interview. She arrives early, impressing the mother of the two children, and is immediately hired. Circumstances continue in very unusual terms, as this au pair position doesn’t seem to require much actual interaction with the children. Until Cassandra witnesses the very intimidating mother doing the unthinkable. And now, she finds herself in a fight for not just her life but the lives of two innocent little girls. Will Cassandra survive this position?
This novel started a tad slow but very quickly became impossible to put down. The plot is dangerously faced paced, and the story grabs you and doesn’t let go.
With power and money comes secrets. And to maintain that power, Ms. Rossi is willing to do whatever it takes to rule her household and her business in an iron grip.
This was an intense read. The story unfolds so quickly and so dramatically. It is impossible to find a good place to stop reading because as soon as events start to unravel, they genuinely spiral out of control at a breakneck speed.
The characters are well developed, and the scenery is described so that you will feel the chill coming from the vast halls of tile within the Rossi mansion.
As all the secrets and lies and dangerous truths start to come undone, we are left wondering who will make it out alive, who will be held accountable, and where is Jacqui?
Book four in Blake Pierce’s Au Pair series cannot come fast enough!
February 17, 2021
This appeared capable of being read as a stand alone novel. Now that there are books available after the first, I don't believe it matters knowing the sister is still missing. This book grips as soon as it starts in Chapter One: "She'd lost her only chance of finding her sister again." Great first line to a book! The book lost me a bit at times because the overarching missing-sister storyline is woven in almost as an afterthought, as if someone threaded it in after the story had already been written. I didn't realize while reading it that it was part of a series. I read this book first and it's thus far the last available book in the series. I don't believe I'd want to go back and read the first two right now. It's not easy to put my finger on what didn't work for me; it was a sum of all the little things that tipped the scale. Yes, there were a few typos, but nothing too jarring. The random switch to another character's point of view after 27 chapters didn't work well for me, although I appreciate why the author chose to do it. There was a suggestion of a conspiracy that didn't quite make sense. I'm not sure if that's because I didn't read the other 2 books or if this was another one of these woven-feel storylines. There was really no indication of any other families receiving influence in that manner. The suggestion that all rich people have to be on the same side of the fine line drawn in the sand didn't work for me. Overall, it's written very well and told a compelling story of the Rossi family through Cassie's eyes. I could feel as if I were in the house and the children's characters had great development. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2021
Terceiro livro da série "The Au Pair" lido. Dos três, publicados até ao momento, este foi o que mais gostei e que realmente me envolveu do princípio ao fim - talvez por ser verdadeiramente vil, por nos transportar para um ambiente conspurcado pela atitude cruel, deplorável e abusiva de uma empresária de sucesso para com as suas filhas.
Ao contrário de livros anteriores, cada personagem é aqui inserido de maneira muito mais pertinente e todas desempenham um papel importante na história.
Embora nos tenhamos de desprender da falta de sorte de Cassie, por sempre estar envolvida em situações tão improváveis, para que consigamos desfrutar desta obra ficcional, Blake Pierce consegue criar um drama psicológico muito envolvente.
Devo realçar, porém, a pobre tradução para a língua portuguesa que tem sido uma constante em toda a coleção - pouco ambiciosa e, atiro até, amadora. Retira um pouco daquilo que deveria ser a experiência de leitura.
Há algumas coisas que gostei menos e que me impedem de cotar melhor o livro:
01. Que relação tinha Nonna com a sua filha? Isto cria bastante ambiguidade pois fica em aberto o que realmente sabe esta mãe demente sobre o momento da queda pela escadaria.
02. Conseguiria uma egocêntrica e abusiva empresária ter controlo sobre todos os funcionários que despediu?
2.1 Sabendo que toda uma equipa havia sido despedida, por que razão o pai das crianças não lhes deu uso para conseguir justiça?
03. Era mesmo necessário criar mais um trauma no início da história em relação aos sequestros? Que pertinência teve este acontecimento para a história?
Aguardo o quarto livro para seguir nesta aventura!
Ao contrário de livros anteriores, cada personagem é aqui inserido de maneira muito mais pertinente e todas desempenham um papel importante na história.
Embora nos tenhamos de desprender da falta de sorte de Cassie, por sempre estar envolvida em situações tão improváveis, para que consigamos desfrutar desta obra ficcional, Blake Pierce consegue criar um drama psicológico muito envolvente.
Devo realçar, porém, a pobre tradução para a língua portuguesa que tem sido uma constante em toda a coleção - pouco ambiciosa e, atiro até, amadora. Retira um pouco daquilo que deveria ser a experiência de leitura.
Há algumas coisas que gostei menos e que me impedem de cotar melhor o livro:
01. Que relação tinha Nonna com a sua filha? Isto cria bastante ambiguidade pois fica em aberto o que realmente sabe esta mãe demente sobre o momento da queda pela escadaria.
02. Conseguiria uma egocêntrica e abusiva empresária ter controlo sobre todos os funcionários que despediu?
2.1 Sabendo que toda uma equipa havia sido despedida, por que razão o pai das crianças não lhes deu uso para conseguir justiça?
03. Era mesmo necessário criar mais um trauma no início da história em relação aos sequestros? Que pertinência teve este acontecimento para a história?
Aguardo o quarto livro para seguir nesta aventura!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
Almost Dead
This is a suspenseful novel about a young woman who goes to Milan to find her sister who has not been in contact with her, and to get a new start after two harrowing nanny jobs in London. To have money to live on while she is in an expensive city, she excepts a job as a nanny for two young girls. She goes into the job wearily because she has had not one, but two bad nanny experiences in her past. This is book three in a series, unbeknownst to me when I started the book. It was totally fine as a stand-alone book, but reading the previous books in the series would give more background on the two previous nanny jobs in London.
Cassie Vale is 23 and on her own in Milan. She feels safe working for a wealthy woman who was recently divorced and needed help with her daughters for a short time.
The book is suspenseful, but I found it to move a little slow in places. I also found the depiction of Cassie Vale to be a very naive girl who often didn’t think things through or use common sense. I am not sure if this is what the author was going for, but if you are looking for a strong Heroine, this book might not do it for you.
The book kept my interest, so I will most likely try another book from Blake Pierce.
Thank you to Booksirens for the free review copy. The opinions in the review are my own.
This is a suspenseful novel about a young woman who goes to Milan to find her sister who has not been in contact with her, and to get a new start after two harrowing nanny jobs in London. To have money to live on while she is in an expensive city, she excepts a job as a nanny for two young girls. She goes into the job wearily because she has had not one, but two bad nanny experiences in her past. This is book three in a series, unbeknownst to me when I started the book. It was totally fine as a stand-alone book, but reading the previous books in the series would give more background on the two previous nanny jobs in London.
Cassie Vale is 23 and on her own in Milan. She feels safe working for a wealthy woman who was recently divorced and needed help with her daughters for a short time.
The book is suspenseful, but I found it to move a little slow in places. I also found the depiction of Cassie Vale to be a very naive girl who often didn’t think things through or use common sense. I am not sure if this is what the author was going for, but if you are looking for a strong Heroine, this book might not do it for you.
The book kept my interest, so I will most likely try another book from Blake Pierce.
Thank you to Booksirens for the free review copy. The opinions in the review are my own.
March 12, 2021
Almost Dead by Blake Pierce is the third book in The Au Pair series. I have not read books one and two, and I do feel like it would have been helpful to read the series in order. Having said that, I was able to piece together a decent picture of Cassie Vale and her history.
Primary characters in the book includedCassie, who is in Italy searching for her sister; Ms. Rossi, a successful designer with more than a handful of secrets; and Nina and Venetia, Ms. Rossi’s children. The characters were well written, even though you need to suspend reality in regards to swallowing all that Cassie has been through and all that she continues to go though.
The plot was a bit unrealistic, but yet, the author manage to pull it off. I didn’t mind suspending belief for a while to read the book. And without a doubt, I’m going back to read book one and two of the series. I’m definitely intrigued as to how the author managed to have Cassie always land in a bit of unrealistic hot water.
The writing was easy to read, and the author had a way of engaging you to the point that you found it hard to put the book down. Even though the writing was simple, suspense was all over the pages. I always think of books like this as “comfort books”. The kind you want to sit down with on a rainy day and just lose yourself to the story without really having to think it through too much. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Primary characters in the book includedCassie, who is in Italy searching for her sister; Ms. Rossi, a successful designer with more than a handful of secrets; and Nina and Venetia, Ms. Rossi’s children. The characters were well written, even though you need to suspend reality in regards to swallowing all that Cassie has been through and all that she continues to go though.
The plot was a bit unrealistic, but yet, the author manage to pull it off. I didn’t mind suspending belief for a while to read the book. And without a doubt, I’m going back to read book one and two of the series. I’m definitely intrigued as to how the author managed to have Cassie always land in a bit of unrealistic hot water.
The writing was easy to read, and the author had a way of engaging you to the point that you found it hard to put the book down. Even though the writing was simple, suspense was all over the pages. I always think of books like this as “comfort books”. The kind you want to sit down with on a rainy day and just lose yourself to the story without really having to think it through too much. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
March 23, 2020
After the disastrous fallout from her last placement in England, all 23-year-old Cassandra Vale wants is a chance to pick up the pieces. A high-society, divorced mother in sunny Italy seems to be the answer. But is she?
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
And when the unimaginable occurs, will it be too late to pull herself back from the brink? Who, she wonders, is she becoming?
A riveting mystery replete with complex characters, layers of secrets, dramatic twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense, ALMOST DEAD is book #3 in a psychological suspense series that will have you turning pages late into the night.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
With a new family come new children, new rules, and new expectations. Cassandra’s determined to make this one last - until a horrifying discovery pushes her to a breaking point.
And when the unimaginable occurs, will it be too late to pull herself back from the brink? Who, she wonders, is she becoming?
A riveting mystery replete with complex characters, layers of secrets, dramatic twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense, ALMOST DEAD is book #3 in a psychological suspense series that will have you turning pages late into the night.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 6, 2020
What a gripping book! I would rate it higher than 5 stars if I could. The narrative is perfectly paced, moving fast enough to keep the reader turning pages and yet slowing just enough at times to allow the sense of pervading menace to brew and spread through one's senses as real and as chilling as an icy mist.
With the introduction, at a critical moment, of the sharply perceptive Detective Falcone and with unpredictable and dementia-ridden Nonna appearing to hold the key to what really happened that climactic evening the story gains a whole new dimension.
The book is the 3rd in a series but works well as a stand-alone read. It reaches a satisfying conclusion in itself but there is still room for the next book in the series to continue the story of Cassie's search.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the introduction, at a critical moment, of the sharply perceptive Detective Falcone and with unpredictable and dementia-ridden Nonna appearing to hold the key to what really happened that climactic evening the story gains a whole new dimension.
The book is the 3rd in a series but works well as a stand-alone read. It reaches a satisfying conclusion in itself but there is still room for the next book in the series to continue the story of Cassie's search.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2020
This is a pretty darn good thriller that is third in the series. I have not read the others yet but that is okay since this reads just fine by itself: the main story wraps up without any cliffhangers, it eludes to books one and two just enough that I know that I want to read them now, and it follows a general theme of the heroine trying unsuccessfully to find her sister which will follow through to book four.
These were all really well written, at first everything seems peachy for Ms. Vale but before long, you realize just how twisted everything actually is and then you hold your breath for the rest of the book wondering just how it is going to play out. A very good read. I will definitely be reading everything else by this author.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
These were all really well written, at first everything seems peachy for Ms. Vale but before long, you realize just how twisted everything actually is and then you hold your breath for the rest of the book wondering just how it is going to play out. A very good read. I will definitely be reading everything else by this author.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2020
Cassie lands another job as an au-pair to two very polite young girls in a beautiful house where everything seems perfect. But as nothing is really as it seems she soon finds herself in a world of hate, fear, jealousy, punishments, betrayal. Is she again allucinating, not taking her meds properly or is she again living in hell? Will she this time find her sister in a small town in Italy? Cassie ends up doing the proper thing regarding the girls she is supposed to look after bringing them joy. The plot is well constructed and easy to read but I could not stop thinking that the main character is a rather unfortunate girl when it comes to choose jobs or relationships. Luckly she has made a good friend in this story and hopefully we´ll read about her in the books to come.
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.
October 5, 2020
Almost Dead is the third book in the series. It can be a stand alone, however I prefer to follow the series from the beginning as it makes it easier to understand what has happened with the characters so far. I felt as if I was a part of the nightmare that was going on in the story. I had no idea why Cassie was searching for her sister and the crazy things she seemed to fall into.
While Cassie is caring for two little girls as an au pair the girls act strangely and are extremely well behaved. Cassie begins to notice strange occurrences that make her question the safety of the children. The sudden confrontation puts the whole house in turmoil. It is only a matter of time before the truth comes out.
I liked the book and am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While Cassie is caring for two little girls as an au pair the girls act strangely and are extremely well behaved. Cassie begins to notice strange occurrences that make her question the safety of the children. The sudden confrontation puts the whole house in turmoil. It is only a matter of time before the truth comes out.
I liked the book and am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2022
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by him yet. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help you enhance your enjoyment of this series as well as this author's writing skills. This is a well written story that is not only full of action but twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. This is a story that is fast paced and has characters that keep the story engaging. They are also connectable and bring the story to life. I enjoyed their growth as well as the growth of the plot throughout the story. The author's use of details made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a story that has layers of secrets as well as heart pumping suspense. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
April 15, 2023
I’ve never felt compelled to write a review, until now. The main character is so DUMB. She never learns from anything. And please, for the love of god, do some gd research on the subject you’re writing about! Figure out the trauma responses and personality traits associated with childhood abuses! Figure out what an American woman would say and do! The audiobook is narrated by some posh Englishwoman which highlights how uninformed the author is not only on the difference between English speaking countries but on women in general. Blake Pierce must be the pseudonym for the hive mind of a stranded alien species forced to participate in capitalism; either that or “he” is an experiment in AI. I cannot believe I read all of these horrid books. Jokes on me honestly.
March 11, 2020
With the latest information Cassandra has a clue as to where her sister might be. In the meantime she is working temporarily for Ottavia as a au pair for her children. A divorced, powerful and cruel woman who owns Rossi's shoes.
Nina and Venetia are unlike any eight and nine year olds. Robotic. Disciplined.
Cassandra soon learns of the family's horrifying secrets. One that puts her own life in danger.
Now with the death of Ottavia, Cassandra must watch her every move and every word that comes out of her mouth.
Almost Dead is filled with mystery, suspense, abuse and lies. An amazing read.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Nina and Venetia are unlike any eight and nine year olds. Robotic. Disciplined.
Cassandra soon learns of the family's horrifying secrets. One that puts her own life in danger.
Now with the death of Ottavia, Cassandra must watch her every move and every word that comes out of her mouth.
Almost Dead is filled with mystery, suspense, abuse and lies. An amazing read.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 6, 2020
Almost Dead by Blake Pierce is the 3rd book in the Au Pair Series. When I started reading this, I was not aware that this was the 3rd in a series, or I would have caught up before starting this one. That being said, this can be read as a stand alone with no problem. It moved at a nice pace and while I felt most of the characters lacked serious depth, I am hooked and want to know what happens next. Time to catch up on what Cassie went through in the first 2 books, before the 4th is released.
Thank you to Booksirens for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Booksirens for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2020
i love this writer. i hadn't read any of the books in the particular series but from the first page i was hooked pierce has a way of making all his books pretty much stand alone but at the same time still fit together at the same time making you want to read the next in the series right away! this book is full of ups and downs and leaves you almost hanging on the edge of your seat yelling at the book that someone has to finally do something and pulls at your heartstrings for the little girls in the book. i loved it. i loved the ending and cant wait to read more from this series.
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.
August 1, 2024
I found this book a little bit boring (I heard it as audiobook but as book I would have never read it til the end).
Cassie is searching for her sister but at the end of the book (it is the third of the series) she hasn’t found her yet. I am not sure if there will be other books though…
The first book and second book are pretty similar to this one - the story is always the same. Cassie never learns anything (from her mistakes).
I can’t say a lot about the style but as an Italian I can tell that the parts in Italian are not well translated and they seem like they are fake - it’s all in the details. I would have expected a little more precision when it comes to that.
Cassie is searching for her sister but at the end of the book (it is the third of the series) she hasn’t found her yet. I am not sure if there will be other books though…
The first book and second book are pretty similar to this one - the story is always the same. Cassie never learns anything (from her mistakes).
I can’t say a lot about the style but as an Italian I can tell that the parts in Italian are not well translated and they seem like they are fake - it’s all in the details. I would have expected a little more precision when it comes to that.
June 25, 2020
This is book 3 in the series.
23 year old Cassie Vale is reeling after a disastrous placement at her last job as a nannie in England.
When she’s offered an opportunity to work for a divorced mother in Italy she jumps at the chance.
Unfortunately for Cassie trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes, and Italy is no exception.
Nothing is as it first appears and Cassie finds herself caught up in an unimaginable nightmare, will she survive this time?
A great suspense thriller with twists and turns.
I received this as an ARC to review
23 year old Cassie Vale is reeling after a disastrous placement at her last job as a nannie in England.
When she’s offered an opportunity to work for a divorced mother in Italy she jumps at the chance.
Unfortunately for Cassie trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes, and Italy is no exception.
Nothing is as it first appears and Cassie finds herself caught up in an unimaginable nightmare, will she survive this time?
A great suspense thriller with twists and turns.
I received this as an ARC to review
March 20, 2020
When I agreed to read this I was not aware this was part of a series. Now I feel maybe I should of read the others before to maybe understand the characters and the storyline a little more.
The promise of the story was there ......her attempted kidnap, the halfway house were possible but way Cassie was hired to care for children without police checks is a red flag for me.
I received a free copy if this book from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review
The promise of the story was there ......her attempted kidnap, the halfway house were possible but way Cassie was hired to care for children without police checks is a red flag for me.
I received a free copy if this book from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2022
Almost Dead (The Au Pair #3) was a great read by Blake Pierce. Cassandra had a disastrous experience in her last placement in England. She is left trying to pick up the pieces of the fallout. There is a divorced mother in Italy who needs an au pair for her children. Cassandra is determined to make this placement last, that is until a horrifying discovery pushes her farther than she thought possible. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
August 11, 2025
The third book in the Au Pair trilogy. Yet again Cassie Vale makes some bad decisions while also making some good ones. I read this book in a day and I would have given it five stars had it not left a huge unanswered question with no further books in the series. Since this book was published five years ago I’m guessing there won’t be another book on the way to finish the story completely. Disappointing ad I really enjoyed the trilogy with this one being my favourite.
July 13, 2024
2.5 stars I would very very much like to believe the kinds of things that happen in this book CANNOT happen in the real world. And I don’t know how the main character keeps getting hired as an au pair without references. I mean really. All over Europe. Really?
I’m a little shocked the publisher keeps publishing these books….
I’m a little shocked the publisher keeps publishing these books….
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