Face of Darkness

Zoe Prime #6

by Blake Pierce

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 DARKNESS (Book #6), victims are being found murdered in Salem, in ways and on dates which correlate to the infamous witch trials. Is a serial killer trying to recreate the past? What can the numbers mean?

Zoe, meanwhile, has hit her own internal wall, as her personal life begins to unravel under the weight of her condition.

Will this be the case that sets her over the edge?

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Crime

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 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

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the blurb for this book and instantly fell in love with the idea. When I looked at the book in more detail I realised that this was in fact the 6th book of this series. I didn't let it put me off and honestly, it could have been a stand-alone as much for the reason that everything was well explained and the author didn't leave you guessing for what had happened previously for you to enjoy it. The characters were complex enough to keep you interested yet not too complex that they were hard to relate to. It was well paced and had enough red herrings to keep the pages being turned furiously. I did guess the break-though in Ezekiel's connection well before the protagonist did which had me egging her on as well. Well worth a read! I'll definitely be going back to read the previous books in this series and exploring more by the same author too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good suspense thriller. Have enjoyed all the Zoe Prime mysteries I have read. Blake has a way of telling a story that it keeps you reading. Zoe gets a new partner. They must learn to trust each other for them to be able to work together successfully. Each, has a secret in their personal lives, can they trust enough to share those secrets? They are after a serial killer, can they find out who it is before a 4th person is murdered? What do the victims have in common, that they are being targeted? Can Zoe and Aiden figure it out before it is to late? The murders take place in Salem, Mass, home of the famous witch trials, could witchcraft be behind the murders? Read to find out. You won't be disappointed. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Face of Darkness is the 6th book in the series for Agent Zoe Prime, so while I don't have the full background on Zoe's synesthesia for numbers it didn't detract from the overall story. I haven't read the first 5 books yet however after this I may well go back to the beginning.

Stepping into Agent Prime's world as she returns to work, navigating an urgent case for the FBI with one time, new partner, Agent Aiden Flynn we're taken straight to Salem and the Witch Trials watching the bodies stack up and racing against time to find the killer and or the final victims before it's too late. The writing was fast paced and got me hooked from the start, while it wasn't initially clear why Zoe's speech pattern was stilted it was soon explained and I was able to let it go and go with it. The relationship between the two Agents kept me hoping they could keep their antagonism to one another at bay so that they could solve the case, soon starting to trust each other enough with their own secrets to get the job done. Their skills and abilities quickly demonstrated that they complimented each other as every great detective partnership needs to.

I did feel empathy for Zoe - she was in a bad place from an event that shattered her previous working partnership and from the stigma of her 'ability' that haunted her from people she should have trusted the most. I think the writer wrote her character well and I did feel compassion for her and willed her to confide in Flynn so that she could rejoin the living and do what she loved and was so good at, seeing the numbers and solving crimes and with that the acceptance to move on in her personal life too.

This was a good book that I would happily recommend, it only lacked the final 5th star as I don't feel I need to read it again and it wasn't a wow book but I did enjoy it and was keen to read to the end. I would happily read more in this series and look out for more from this author. Definitely one I can recommend!

[Keshav Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Scripted Thriller

Another brilliantly written thriller in the sixth series of Zoe Prime by Blake Pierce. Having read all the previous five books, I was looking forward to reading this one for two main reasons - First being a thriller involving numbers, and second to see the direction of professional bonding between Zoe and her new partner Aiden Flynn. After Zoe's erstwhile partner Shelly is killed, Aiden joins the FBI and is assigned as a partner to Zoe. In the fifth book of the series, there were professional differences between the two leading to Zoe likely lose her partner. This plot spirals about mysterious deaths in the small town of Salem which the residences believe correlates to the infamous witch trials. Zoe and Aiden have only 24 hours before they can avoid another murder and nab the perpetrator. But this time, Zoe's instinct of seeing through numbers does not seem to help much. However, once she is convinced of the connection between the killings to the witch trials, she uses her gifted ability to trace back the victims to their ancestral roots during the witch trials and manages to evade another casualty. During the entire investigation process, Aiden is convinced of a special ability of Zoe which he finally convinces her to speak about. As the relationship unfolds, Zoe slowly comes out of the cocoon more so in her personal life where she promises to continue her therapy and move on with her long-time relationship with John. A well-scripted end to the disturbing life of Zoe Prime and a new dawn awaits her with a new partner Aiden whom she can now trust as much as Shelly. A well-recommended read for all thriller lovers who love number games.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Prime is a troubled soul. She’s an FBI agent who can’t seem to keep a partner. Her last one however was murdered, and Zoe is still struggling to cope with the loss. Shelley Rose was the first partner she’d had who understood her. Because Zoe sees everything in numbers and patterns. It makes her difficult to work with and Aiden Flynn, her new partner, has already found this out.

In Salem, it looks like someone is trying to make the town more infamous than it already is, by starting killing on the dates of the notorious witch trials. It’s a race against time for the FBI agents to find the killer before more people die.

This is the 6th instalment in this particular series about the FBI. The main character, Zoe, has synesthesia, where numbers and patterns are always in her heard. It is written in such a way that you can empathise with her, as her mind never seems to be quiet and is always making calculations. It makes for a flawed personality but one that you can empathise with. Zoe finds it hard to connect with people and is unable to understand ordinary human reactions which can make her job so much harder. As always with Blake Pierces novels, it is well written and researched, with characters who grow into people you want to read about. It would probably be better to have read previous books in this series, however it’s till one I would highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe and Flynn are sent to Salem to investigate two hangings that have happened in two days. With little to go on, they are fighting against the clock, and in some ways against each other. Flynn and Zoe are both battling their own demons and trusting each other does not seem to be an option. But as the case progresses, they both realize the need to share some of their secrets in order to solve the case.

I enjoyed the background of this story and watching Zoe become more confident as she struggled with hiding her abilities from Flynn. What I didn't like was some of the repetitive phrases and awkward explanations that I feel could have been addressed with careful editing. I was most confused by the scene involving the 4th victim. I'm usually pretty good at visualizing scenes, but this one confounded me.

In this book, Zoe is also able to reconcile some of her past issues. She is becoming a much more hopeful individual, able to acknowledge her own worth. She is a fascinating character and I hope there are more stories to come. I received and ARC of this book and have given my review voluntarily.

[Kay Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe And Aiden Are Partners, Will They Share Their Secrets?

Zoe is partnered with Aiden after her former partner is killed. They are assigned to find a serial killer in Salem, Massachusetts before another person dies. The problem? The murders are similar, but there is no obvious connection between the victims that gives any clue to the motive or the killer. Every lead turns into a dead end even as the killer plots the death of another victim. As the tension builds to find the killer the tension also builds between the partners. Zoe has reverted back into her secret self, the numbered world she shares with no one. Aiden is young and ambitious and clueless as to why Zoe acts so different from “normal” people.

Blake Pierce is masterful at building characters. It makes the story real as you experience theirs frustrations, fears, and triumphs. Face of Darkness is an excellent example of this as Zoe learns how to accept her secret ability and work with her new partner.

I received a free advance copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest review

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe Prime, an FBI agent keeps her synesthesia a secret, affecting her partnerships and friendships. She shares her condition with an FBI partner who is killed in the line of duty. Zoe sees the world as numbers....and as a result her gift allows her to do lightning fast calculations and to see patterns in events, which can be very useful as an special agent. Zoe and her new, aggravating partner are sent to Salem, Massachusetts when a man is found hanging in a very public way. Is the murder related to the old Salem witch trials? Who is the next victim and who is the murderer? Zoe and her partner must learn to work together and trust each other as they begin to share their secrets. I enjoyed Zoe’s character and the mystery was good...full of red herrings and as confusing as it must be when faced with a crime and searching for the motive. This was a very good mystery and I definitely will be going back and reading the previous novels in this series.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began reading Face of Darkness, I immediately felt comfortable, because I recognized Zoe and enjoyed being with her. Blake Pierce does an excellent job of developing characters and writing about their adventures. Although I haven’t read all of the Zoe Prime series, I have been able to pick up the story because Pierce does a good job of creating a series that can stand alone. Also because I like the series so much, I don’t think I will mind going back to earlier episodes.

I really need 4.5 stars for this book. I felt that the investigation was a little too well-constructed. The reader could guess a lot of what would happen. I didn’t mind, but I am sure that some readers would prefer not to be able to guess so much.

I recommend this book and this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Infosleuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book with a fascinating protagonist

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I’m putting the rest on my TBR list right away. Even though events in earlier books are referred to, the book worked fine as a standalone and focused on a new case. Zoe sees the world through numbers and the author does an excellent job of showing us how she sees things, the problems this causes her and the confusion it causes her new partner because he is unaware of it. The plot is an interesting mix of town history, multiple murders and a mentally disturbed killer. The tension ramps up until the end and the mystery kept me guessing. A very well-written book with a nice balance between character development and plot.

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

[Diane Secchiaroli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting mystery about a detective who has the unique ability of “seeing” things as numbers. Her mother always saw this as something bad and tried to beat it out of her, so Zoe always hides this ability. When she is assigned a new partner she is withdrawn and they do not get along. They are assigned to investigate murders in Salem, Massachusetts, the place of the Salem witch trials. The townsfolk think this is a curse from the witches. Throughout the investigation another man is killed and they are in pursuit of the killer before another death. There are twists and turns throughout the novel and you begin to wonder if the townsfolk might be right. The way they solve the murders is interesting. This could be classified as a psychological thriller. This was an ARC from BookSiren for my honest review.

[Sarahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dire la verdad la serie de Zoe Prime me sorprendió mucho... Se que es un poco diferente a lo que escribe Blake, pero me sorprendió lo bueno que lo supo manejar. (Blake te amo 😘)

Le di 4 estrellas a este libro sin embargo, respecto a la trama no me atrapo tanto. ES un tema muy interesante los juicios de Salem y un tema que da mucho que hablar pero sinceramente creo que falto algo. No fue lo suficiente como para resaltar entre los demás ni tan malo como para tacharlo.

Mi calificación va mas por el gran desarrollo de la protagonista verla crecer es algo muy importante y creo que se tomo mucho tiempo ( 6 libros) para poder dar un paso mas en su vida y aceptar que tiene una habilidad a pesar de todo el pasado que la afecto. Zoe te amo y espero que puedas ser mejor como lo estas haciendo ahora.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe and her new partner get sent to Salem, where two men have been hanged in public without witnesses. The shocking crimes are surrounded by mystery as many in town believe they are related to the deaths of witches in the town´s past. Zoe and Flynn will dig in the past to find the culprit and also they will find quite a few unexplainable issues. Their stint in Salem, although full of heavy issues, ends with a promising partnership for the future also involving their boss. It finally is time for Zoe to make amends with her past and her feelings to start building relationships. Looking forward to how this new approach will work out in the next story.

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

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe is still reeling from the death of her partner and trying to move on with life and work. Her new partner is young and annoying to her. They are called to Salem on a new case. Men are being hung and they need to stop the killer before they strike again.

in this book we see Zoe grow. She learns to open up and tell people about herself and her ability as well as seeming to come in control of them in the process. I love all of the books this author writes so far. Gripping and thrilling page turner to the very end!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast-paced novel. Interesting to have the narrative voice switch between the FBI Agent, the victims and the murderer. The standard of English and editing is very high. The setting is clearly meant to be contemporary from the reference to "influencers" and "followers" in Chapter 16, so I found the mention of a "speed dial entry" in Chapter 15 rather dated. Does anyone use speed dial buttons these days? Neat touch to have the names of the four senior judges at the Salem witch trials almost, but not quite, correct! I enjoyed the book, which is the first of your many that I have read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily thank you.

[Amy Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book with a colorful cast, interesting premise, really cool setting and all-around exciting time. I really cannot put down anything Blake Pierce writes. It never ceases to amaze me how every story can follow the same general outline (bad person does a bad thing, hero tries to solve the mystery, there are a few false leads, good guy wins in the end), but every book can be COMPLETELY different so you never get bored reading them and have to stay up until the early hours of the morning to finish it every time a new one comes out. I have not read a bad one yet.

I received an ARC but my opinions are all mine.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face of Darkness is book 6 in the A Zoe Prime Mystery by Blake Pierce. Blake writes outstanding mystery books. This book is a little bit different. FBI Special Agent, Zoe Prime and her new partner, Aiden Flynn are investigating a serial killer who is hanging their victims. Blake Pierce always writes fast paced and exciting thrillers. Face of Darkness does not disappoint. The characters are authentic and interesting while the pace is lightning fast. If you enjoy thrillers, this book and series is one you don’t want to miss. I received an arc for my honest review.

[Edi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick FBI thriller read. Not quite as graphic as some if his other books, but still somewhat in a few places. Part of a series but is easily read as a standalone. Featuring FBI Agent Zoe Prime and her amazing abilities to solve crimes with a little more personality creeping through. Cover gives adequate description. It is a good read! I received this book as 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.

[Jean Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced and very readable thriller. The characters are well 'fleshed out' and Zoe's remarkable facility with numbers makes her an interesting and unique character. The setting of a well known town which has a somber history adds depth to the narrative and the author has skillfully juxtaposed the past and present day Salem without any jarring notes.

If you enjoy a suspense /thriller with an historic edge I can definitely recommend Face of Darkness.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynn Hinkforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read the Zoe Prime series in order. She is probably my favorite Blake Pierce character. I was saddened when I was getting near the end of the book to see it wrapping up and knowing it was the end of the character’s story. This series was mostly within the realm of possibility whereas his other series get so out there, I tend to stop reading them.

If anyone wants to read a thriller/police procedural with an interesting troubled character trying to muddle through life while solving crimes, this might be for you.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the development of the protagonist in this series. She is coming out of her cocoon a bit and showing personal and professional growth. The story is well written and the mystery well plotted as always.

During this latest addition to the series Zoe learns to trust her new partner with her secret while solving a complex murder case.

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

[jon Rudik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Prime series

Another amazing series of adventures from author Pierce. Every book in the series leads the reader deeper into the mind of the main character and hopeful to see her prosper and grow stronger in life. I hope the series will continue beyond book 6. Thanks for the roller coaster ride...

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

[Deborah Trogdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous blend or mystery, Salem witches and Zoe Prime

While I’m sad to have this series come to an end, this book certainly took you on the journey through Zoe Prime’s challenges as she faced yet another methodical and illusive serial killer. Her new partner comes more to life in this book as they delve deep into the past Salem Witch trials and face a killer with a connection.

[Penelope Sturm-Borkert]

Inspiring

I loved this series. It was so amazing to have a heroine battling an ability that should have been admired. Thank you for writing such an inspiring book.

[Sharon Brinkman-Windle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Blake Pierce. One of my new favorite mystery writers.

[valerie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some prime

I really enjoyed this book, it had me gripped from start to finish. I hope this isn't the last in the series.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her secrets are out.

[Katrina Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

[Twobbema · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* absolutely loved this series.