Left to Envy

Adele Sharp #6

by Blake Pierce

In the Sistine Chapel, the first tourists of the day look up—and are horrified to find a dead body affixed by ropes to the ceiling.

More victims soon appear, strung up in similarly dramatic fashion on other major attractions throughout Europe.

Who is killing them? Why? Who will be next?

And is FBI Special Agent Adele Sharp—triple agent of the U.S., France and Germany—brilliant enough to enter the serial killer’s mind and stop him before it’s too late?

An action-packed mystery series of international intrigue and riveting suspense, LEFT TO ENVY will have you turning pages late into the night.

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

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 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

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am simply astounded at the output of author BLAKE PIERCE. I have read the first two books in the European Voyage Cozy Mystery and just finished Book 6 (my first look this series) in the Adele Sharp series entitled LEFT TO ENVY. There are well over 100 books by the author, in multiple series. I am about to dip into a third different series (review to come soon).

The protagonist is Adele Sharp, an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (U.S. F.B.I.), the French DGSI and Interpol. She is consumed by the horrific murder of her mother Elise some ten years prior to this story. She was the failed investigator of that crime and it haunts her. Her longtime partner is John Renee with whom she shares a romantic relationship. There are two stories unfolding in parallel in this book.

John is made the chief investigator of Elise’s murder when a second female body turns up with a similar modus operandi (m.o.). Adele is sent to Rome to help investigate a new serial killer. Bodies are found first in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and then in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Both victims were hung from ceiling in religious poses. Neither victim had any relationship to the other. At each crime scene, a poetic riddle is found that identifies the next crime scene.

Her new partner is Christopher Leoni of the Italian A.I.S.E (FBI equivalent in Italy). He is smart and handsome; so much so, that Adele keeps thinking of him as James Bond. Leoni and Sharp try to figure out the killer’s next location from the Sistine Chapel poetic clue (I could not).

While they are trying to figure what is next, the reader gets a long look at the killer at his next scene in Athens. When Sharp and Leoni arrive at that scene, there seems to be no clue available. The press meanwhile is beginning to call the killer, The Monument Killer. Sharp believes that there is a clue and starts to tear into the crime scene. She is rewarded with another paper clue.

Both Leoni and Sharp think it will lead to a murder in Albania. They go there only to find out that no skullduggery is happening. This reader thought the next murder would happen in England at Big Ben. By the time Sharp and Leoni get to England, they realize they are not right. Breaking multiple laws, they fly to a different site. Their bosses are furious with them and threaten them about their jobs.

While Sharp is away on her case, John Renee is continuing his investigation of the two murders related to Elise Sharp. He follows up on a lead uncovered by Sharp before she left Paris. He thinks he knows who the killer is. When he arrives at the suspect’s house, he finds out there is more going on than he realized.

There are hints of romantic interludes. Once more, the locations are all over Europe. There are multiple suspects in both investigations. This reader felt as if pieces were missing by not having read the five previous books but the author does a nice job of creating the back-story of Adele Sharp. As in the prior books by this author, it was fast and fun reading and easy to grasp. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

GO! BUY! READ!

[Emily | bookswith.emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review at https://bookswithraven.wordpress.com/

I don't want to say too much about this book because it is such an amazing story with plenty of plot twists. When reading this book, I did not know what was going to happen next. Although this book is sixth in a series, I feel like you don't need to read the others before reading this one. Despite this being in a series, everything is described to the reader and it is easy to understand characters and events which have happened previously.

The reader goes on this journey with Adele and her new partner across Europe as they hunt down the killer. They have to attempt to build a profile of the killer to understand what is going through their head to be able to predict the next location. They do a good job at trying to do this as they know so little about this killer and cannot pin point a location for them as they are always on the move. It is a well written thriller with an intricate and well thought out story line. I loved reading a book where the agents were in different countries, especially hearing about places which I visited because it made it easier for me to imagine the events which took place.

I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved reading this book and I want to check out other books from this series.

[Connie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Sistine Chapel, the first tourists of the day look up—and are horrified to find a dead body affixed by ropes to the ceiling.

More victims soon appear, strung up in similarly dramatic fashion on other major attractions throughout Europe.

Who is killing them? Why? Who will be next?

And is FBI Special Agent Adele Sharp—triple agent of the U.S., France and Germany—brilliant enough to enter the serial killer’s mind and stop him before it’s too late?

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting addition to this series. While I enjoy this series it is not one of my favorites written by this author. The protagonist can be harsh and the expectations of her superiors can be unreasonable.

Adele teams up with an Italian agent to solve her most recent serial killer case.

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

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book in this series and I really feel that it would have been a lot better if I had read prior ones in the series. Felt like I was missing some stuff like background information on the characters and some events.
Adele Sharp is a complex person. She is very good at figuring out killers and uses her instincts along with her intelligence to find them. She is suffering from the death of her mother and recurring images of that death are causing her to have panic attacks. It is starting to interfere with her job and she takes time off only to be called back in. Her mentor thinks the new case might help her.
In this story she is working with a new partner who is Italian and they are trying to find a person who is killing people and leaving them at famous tourist locations. Her boss is very insistent that it is all about tourism but she doesn't think so. During the investigation she is being pressured to find the killer quickly and several leads take them to people who ultimately turn out not to be the right one. She does fly a lot to the different crime scenes which may or may not be necessary and shows that someone has a big budget. Adele doesn't always follow the rules or her bosses orders which has the potential for causing problems.
Meanwhile her former partner is working on a case that is a copycat to her mother's. He wants to help Adele by finding the killer and possibly her mother's killer or at least a connection. At first this part of the story felt a little disjointed to me. He is doing the job because it was assigned to him but also because he has feeling for Adele.
There are a lot of emotional issues relating to Adele's connections with her father, former partner and new partner and the author keeps bringing these up perhaps a little too much. Does a good job of describing the scenes of the crimes and other places. Not sure if I really like the main character or not. There was something about her that just didn't sit well with me but I can't put my finger on it. She is very driven and possibly a little obsessive in what she believes is right. The author hints about the past of her new Italian partner but leaves things hanging and made me want to know more about him. Felt his background needed to be filled in more.
Will go back and read the first book in the series.
Received this copy for free for an honest review.

[Eunice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought that the suspense element of the book was very good. It definitely kept the pages turning and I enjoyed the dead ends and false conclusions. I really liked Adele, the heroine, and how she doesn’t seem to let anyone treat her as less than because she’s a woman. She definitely knows her talent and skill and expects to be acknowledged for it.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series, so one of the things that confused me was the second storyline about the main character dealing with her mother’s murder. I kept expecting the two storylines to cross somehow, but it was like reading two separate books that were casually blended together.

The main story was incredible, and reminded me of a Robert Langdon (Dan Brown’s series) mystery. The only thing I wanted more of was the killer’s perspective and understanding of his motive. That was really lacking for me. This character could have been developed more.

The secondary story, because it never tied back in to the main story, felt superfluous and disjointed. I’m not sure what benefit it has, unless this is an ongoing secondary plot within the whole series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and these are my own opinions.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of work by this author lately. They are all mysteries, thrillers, cozy mysteries. Each one takes me on a journey through the very human nature of the characters, the protagonists and antagonists alike. This one could have been very confusing with the characters in many countries, the main prootagonist considering her mother's murder 10 years earlier and a current murderer who may be a copy cat or may be her mother's killer. Add to that, Adele has been off the copy cat murder cases and teamed up with an italian investigator to solve a murdereer who has been racking up a few murders in highly visible religious and tourist locations. The pressure is on and Adele's mind is fragmented among the cases. France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Albania, and on with two different partners. Add to that, the pressure is causing trouble for her personally and professionally. This story is a wild chase, and Adele's mental distress adds to the potential for confusion. Yet, the book is not confused. At any given moment, it is clear which case is at the forefront, even if the resolution is not so clear.

A great ride of a book.

[Ellie Whims · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the good. Left to Envy has an engaging plot that includes elements that reminded me of Thomas Harris’ Hannibal (one of my favorite books). The characters are interesting, and the settings well described.

Now, the less good. There is so much needless repetition in this book. Character attributes are repeated over, and over, and over. Character’s thoughts are repeated over, and over, and over. I’m not sure if the writer was trying to hit a word count, or included that much repetition for some other reason, but it was distracting to me as a reader. The other thing that I found distracting was the dialogue, particularly the Italian detective, Leoni. He often speaks in American expressions and slang. Not like someone who has mastered English, among other languages, but someone who grew up in the US. That threw me out of the story so many times because it was completely out of character.

My overall opinion. Is that Left to Envy us an enjoyable read if you can look past the repetition and myopic dialogue.

[Vincent Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still haunted by the events of the previous instalment, where we were left in suspense wondering whether Adele has, at last, found her mother's killer, Left to Envy starts with a promise of solving that mystery. However, when we are transported to the Sistine Chapel, where the first tourists of the day look up—and are horrified to find a dead body affixed by ropes to the ceiling, and Adele embarks on solving the murder before more victims soon appear, strung up in similarly dramatic fashion on other major attractions throughout Europe, you know that that promise has been broken, and there is no hope of knowing Adele's mother's killers any time soon. I know it is the author's idea of keeping us glued to the series, but stringing us for so long will just spoil it. At least the author should give us hints, then we will be left with how Adele will capture them.

Otherwise, it is an interesting series so far. Still glued to it.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele cannot go on searching for her mother´s killer, her emotions are flying too high which impairs her analysis and possibilities of good results. She leaves the case in the hands of her partner John and moves on to a new case, with another partner. They search for clues and places and break many laws but finally find who is the culprit. All the action is well detailed as are the ups and downs in Adele´s mood and capacity at work. When she returns to Paris she has to face John and get to know the news regarding her mother´s case. Will she be able to return and obtain a positive outcome for the case? Will her new partner really help her? Are there any different feelings between Adele and John? How about with her new partner? We have to wait for the next book to know how it will end!

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

[Edi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of a series and while it can be read independently it is probably best if read in sequence. Not having read the others in the sequence I had difficulty relating to the characters. The main character comes off as selfish, driven ,and suffering from PTSD. Descriptions of her being a bloodhound are repetitive and annoying. It was also a little more graphic than I care to read.I have read some of this authors other works but this one just doesn't make the cut for me. Of course, that could be my lack of engagement with the characters and events. Read in sequence & try it out.

I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author,oh pushed & BookSirens for allowing me to read this book.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series, but the first I have read. Agent Adele Sharp has left her partner, John in Paris and flown home to Germany, for some much needed rest. But while there receives a call requesting her personally for an urgent case in Italy. She decides to go and meets her Italian partner Agent Leoni to go to a bizarre murder scene in the Sistine Chapel. The killer leaves a riddle for them to solve to find out where the next murder will be. This well-written murder mystery has you racing along with the agents to stop a murder spree which spans a number of countries! I received a free copy of this book from the author and am looking forward to reading the first 5 books in the series, this one was so captivating! I leave this review voluntarily.

[Infosleuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling, tension-filled read

This is the first book I’ve read in this series but it works ok as a standalone. Adele is brought in to help find a serial killer with a strange fixation on historic religious buildings. The case really kept you guessing. He really gets into the killer’s mind in this edge-of-your-seat read. Adele’s usual partner is on the case of the deranged killer who tortured and murdered her mother and there is a heavy emphasis throughout the book of the mental and emotional toll this takes on Adele. It is very well written but I found it a little too gruesome for my tastes.

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

[Sandra Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this time around Adele is depressed about her mothers murder and this killer who could be her moms killer or a copy cat instead of trying to solve she gets in a depression and decides to take a different case and takes off. This leads John to solve or attempt to solve this old case and new victims. Adele meets a new agent and you can tell they like each other. She of course finds the murderer and makes some poor choices.
Overall the ending is better but I don’t like Adele’s attitude even though she does realize she is in the wrong she doesn’t seem to care. I will say the ending makes you wonder what happens next or gives you a idea how the next book will start

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent sharp is on leave dealing with the loss of her mother and the attack on her father when her mentor calls to offer her another case. This one is dubbed the monument killer. There is three victims already and at each crime scene is a riddle to the next killing. Sharp must work with a new partner to Cath this killer as soon as possible.

Over all a great read like always from this writer. A true page turner in every fashion of the word!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left to Envy is Book 6 in the Adele Sharp Mystery. Blake Pierce has written another exciting story which is set in Europe. Adele is an FBI Agent who also works France and Germany. Adele’s mother was brutally killed by a serial murderer. While her FBI partner, John, goes after a killer, Adele is busy chasing a murderer from France to Germany. Ms. Pierce writes fast paced exciting thrillers that make me want to read late into the night. The characters are authentic and interesting while the story line keeps you guessing. I can’t wait for book 7! I received an arc for my honest review.

[Colleen]

I have read other books by Blake Pierce and have enjoyed them which led me to read this book. However I really couldn't get into this book. It was okay but it was not any interesting storyline and I didn't care about the characters. But I also think this is what happens when you don't read the first in the series and follow through, at least for me it does.

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

[Diane Killilee curran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find that I can’t read too many of Blake Pierce’s books back to back. Adele needs therapy not continued work in law enforcement. She is ridiculous in her expectations of herself and others. Her supervisors are ridiculous too. One day on the case and she is berated for not having solved it yet? Also, the author uses the same words/phrases repeatedly (hooded eyes, intelligent eyes, detritus). I do like the actual cases but it’s all so overwrought.

[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 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.

[Jeanette Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great series from Blake Pierce. This was my first in the series but it was written in a way that I didn’t feel lost. I really loved the characters and their interaction. Great amount of mystery. Fast paced. I will definitely be going back to the previous ones. And looking forward to the next.

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved number 6 in the Adele Sharp series. Blake Pierce never disappoints. The fast pace and multiple locations only enhanced the drive. I also enjoyed the introduction of the new Italian agent and hope to see more of him as well. It will be interesting to see where Pierce takes us next, especially given the cliff hanger ending. On to #7...

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series, but it feels like this book in particular is on the lower side of four stars. I rated it mostly in context with the other books, which I liked a bit more than this one, but it’s still good. Maybe I just has expected more or because John was not the male lead it this one, I don’t know.

[Pamela Rohrer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is sixth book in series - I’ve read five and this will be my last (there are four more). Adele’s fixation on her partners’ looks is ridiculous and I’ve gotten weary of her thoughts on her mother’s killing.

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

Excellent reading

Excellently written with well developed characters. The story was exciting & held my attention. I like the way the books ends with a premonition of more to come.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!!

Awesome book, can’t wait to read the next one! This world if filled with these types of characters!! So sad and scary!

[valerie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Sharp

This book was exciting to read, so much going on, I couldn't put it down, I can't wait for the next book.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not my favorite of the Blake Pierce series but after the ending of this, I’m looking forward to listening to the next one!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line,but i am getting vert upset over Adele punishing everyone over her mother’s murder. It
Id dragging out

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am quite enjoying this series.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOOPLA