The Chosen Girls

Blake Wilder FBI Mystery Thrillers #4

by Elle Gray

One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three...
“Need a ride?”

Fourteen years ago, FBI agent Blake Wilder's life turned upside down.
Her parents were murdered, and her sister was taken.
At the age of 22, Blake joined the FBI. Hoping one day she would find out the truth behind her tragic past. Unfortunately, the only lead she had; a man she had known since childhood was found dead.

Out of leads to follow, Blake Wilder turned to doing what she does best - her job.
It is then that she stumbles onto a case that promises to bring not just distractions but tragedies.
With a sadistic and enigmatic killer on the loose and just getting started, Blake finds herself steps behind and struggles to catch up as the body count rises and college girls are slain.

As Blake is matching wits with the killer, she stumbles across a mysterious figure from her childhood who could potentially reignite her parents’ case once more.

Everything is building to a head and enemies are gathering. Even if Blake survives her encounter with this new, dangerous predator, she might not survive the cost that digging into her own past will certainly bring.

Plots, conspiracies, killers, and enemies abound. To get the answers she is so desperately seeking, Blake must be prepared to pay the ultimate price.

Knowledge is power. But for some of us too much knowledge is deadly.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2021

About the author

Elle Gray lives in a small town with her 2 cats, and her handsome husky.
As a girl, she was obsessed with crime novels and thrillers.

Today, she loves writing and creating thrilling novels with courageous, strong heroes/heroines and dangerous psychopaths. She invites you to join her exciting world of detectives and FBI agents that take down killers and kick butt.

Reviews

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Elle's writing and am enjoying this series and she's quite well plotted them but there are some just glaring inconsistencies that detract from the overall rating for me.

First, Blake's entire inner dialogue is about how calm, cool, collected, even stoic she is. But that is NOT how she acts, almost ever. She is constantly blowing up at someone, she is the least calm person in the book. Apart from the villain and Chief Torres, who has to be the most unbelievable cop in America, it appears he is a multi murderer on his own, and his "connections" allowed him to get away with killing a man whose hands were cuffed behind his back? I just can't accept that as plausible. Not in any police department, certainly not in one like Seattle. He literally threatens an FBI agent - who does not bother telling her boss until the end of the book.

The team interviews a lot of people, who lie to them consistently. Not once does anyone mention that lying to an FBI agent is a felony level offense. No one is charged, no one is even told, that is one of the agency's strongest tools and this supervisory special agent never mentions it to any of the suspects she questions?

She is romantically involved with a man, who actually works for the group she is investigating in connection with her parents murder, and it never even occurs to her that there may be more to his interest than romance despite how hard he pushes her on this - she's thrown him out of her house in two books over this. He violated her trust, again, by going into the room she set aside in her house for the investigation, she just forgives him and despite her constant inner dialogue about how she is married to her job, how it will always come first, still thinks all the time about a real relationship, perhaps with him. I mean, make up your mind. He, is the only one, outside her team, who knew about Mr. Corden, or Gina Aoki both of whom end up dead and it doesn't cross her mind that there might be more to him than he tells her? He's undercover, apparently has been many times, but as a medical doctor? I'm sorry that doesn't track for me. You don't just pick up a job as a doctor in a hospital as part of any cover.

Then, as she has in each book, despite telling her team to always have backup, knowing how important that is (see any FBI television show, EVER) she again goes charging into a life and death situation with no back up and somehow overcomes a skilled killer. The level of corruption in the Seattle police department depicted just can't go unnoticed by the press. I just can't buy that.

These things could easily be corrected had she a good editor and publishing house behind her or a decent agent. It appears she doesn't and I really wish she would get that because she has real talent and it could be made so much better with some assistance. She's a gifted story teller and I'd really like to see improvement in these books because they'd be so much better than they already are.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chosen Girls

What's it like, to be a Chosen One? How do you join this oh so exclusive, if deadly, group? It's easy.... Be in the wrong place at the wrong time... And be seen... By him....

"What I know is that you are the smartest, strongest, bravest, and most determined person I know. If there is anybody who can solve this case and bring this cabal down, it’s going to be you. And I know that because I’ve known you for a long while now. I’m comfortable saying that you don’t know how to quit. And you don’t know how to lose.” - Astra

SSA Blake Wilder is determined to stop the unsub... But Blake is unaware of the web of deceit, corruption and betrayal surrounding her... And of the evil that is looming over her like a tsunami....

An intense, gritty read; it grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go!

[ReBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Chosen Girls is my introduction to Elle Gray and the Blake Wilder series. While the overall book is quick-paced and suspenseful, I felt like something was missing with the characters throughout the book. The book jumps right into the story like readers should already know who these characters are and their backstories. Because it's the first book I've read in the Blake Wilder series, I felt lost and had a yearning to know more. Elle did eventually give readers some background on Blake's past as you get further into the book, but it wasn't enough for me to feel like I had a complete understanding of everything that had happened up until The Chosen Girls. I do understand that it is a series and that like most series, it is better to read in order. However, it is always nice when a series gives enough backstory in each book that you can pick up any book in the series and know enough about the characters and their history to have an understanding of what is going on in the current book.

With so many books to read, I'm not 110% sure if I will continue with the Blake Wilder series or go back to the first book and read the series in order. Overall, the story nor the characters piqued my interest enough to continue reading.

****

When Blake Wilder stumbles upon a case of a young female college student, who has been tortured to death, she realizes there may be more to the case than meets the eye. With the help of her team, they soon realize there is a killer on the loose. As the body counts continue to rise, it's up to Blake and her team to catch the killer before another girl is taken.

Meanwhile, Blake is also trying to solve a case close to home. At a young age, her parents were murdered and her sister was taken. Blake has been left with many unanswered questions and will stop at nothing to find out the truth. But as she gets closer to learning the truth, she also risks putting herself and those close to her in danger. Will she ever find out what really happened to her parents and sister?

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but there were many small/odd typos that made it a little annoying to read.

[Gregory W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Paxton pack a punch!

Elle Gray writes a roller coaster of a story! I look forward to each chapter in this series. Will Blake find her sister and will she be alive and well? What's next with Detective Lee? Will we learn Mo and Rick's back story? What about Maisey and Marco? I'm staying tuned!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series. The character development is strong. The story is engaging. The book moved along quickly.

I received a digital ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Ari (Head in a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really engaging and suspenseful.

[Megan Uhrynowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of this one?!?! I am SAT🧎🏽‍♀️

[Amber Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

this conspiracy is driving me nuts and is why I keep reading

[Jayne Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still hasn’t figured it out. Getting aggravated about it lol.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

Elle Gray is my new favorite author. I am reading the Blake Wilder series back to back....just finished Book 4 and getting ready to start Book 5. I enjoy the style of her writing. Each book is better than the one before it. The storyline is great and Ms. Gray has done an amazing job growing all the quirky characters and meshing them together. I enjoy the sarcasm and razor-sharp wit.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More & more frustrated she can’t figure out mark…

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this novel as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Elle Gray writes with an easy flow, with great characters, and a well set storyline. Twists, of course! A great depiction of the FBI and the workers. Always an entertaining read that you keeps you guessing to the finish. Well spent time!

[Jennifer Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Blake Wilder series!

Another great Blake Wilder book! I finished and can't wait to read the next one in the series. I started and finished in a weekend as I couldn't put it down. Very easy read and never boring. I would recommend this to anyone that likes mystery thrillers.

[ANG · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖
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TITLE: The Chosen Girls (Blake Wilder FBI #4)
AUTHOR: Elle Gray
GENRE: Mystery-Thriller
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My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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My Review:
This is the fourth book in the Blake Wilder FBI series, and I must say it is my favorite one thus far! Every reason I had previously for not giving this series five stars was addresses and fixed in this book. Feels like Gray took all the notes her public was giving her and fixed every issue.
One of my biggest issues with this series (before this book) was that there wasn’t enough time spent with the serial killers at the end of the book. The endings felt rushed, and Gray put a lot of focus on Blake’s personal case instead of the case covered in the book. Also, I personally felt that Gray spent too much time giving the audience background of each character. IF you’re reading the series out of order, that appreciated. I, however, am not a person to read series out of order so it felt like I was reading the same five chapters in every book.
THIS BOOK THOUGH! Fixed every issue I had. Gray spent the perfect amount of time giving background, and the ending was great! We get full closure of the case and we’re left with a great cliff hanger.
This is a roller coaster of a book, in the best possible way. The serial killer reminds me of Jack the Reaper, and the way they investigate him is out of the box and genius. This book also gives us a great deal of information into Blake’s personal case, and it feels like you need to run to book #5. I was unable to put this book down, and I cannot wait until book #5!

[Mirrordance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Al quarto episodio di questa serie le idee sono chiare. Non merita altre chance e non vale la pena continuare. A parte il tripudio dei luoghi comuni sull'antagonismo di forze di polizia locali e FBI l'agente speciale Blake Wilder è un personaggio abbastanza macchietta. Le indagini sembrano essere sempre un po' fai da te. Un fatto di cronaca, un morto ammazzato ed ecco che lei da sola e di sua iniziativa si mette ad indagare e a riconoscere nel modus operandi un serial killer. Sta diventando anche evidente l'evoluzione della sua personale vicenda e come potrebbe svilupparsi in ulteriori 10 o 12 libri. I personaggi sono troppo piatti e monodimensionali per togliersi anche solo la curiosità di scoprire come si evolve la storia.
I suoi genitori, appartenenti all'NSA, sono rimasti uccisi in quello che è stato archiviato come un caso di rapina violenta, Nulla è stato rubato, i genitori sono stati giustiziati e sua sorella è scomparsa in quella occasione. La sua scelta di carriera è stata motivata da quel trauma, dalla necessità di scoprire cose realmente è successo anni prima ma, guarda caso, man mano che si scopre che realmente c'è in atto un complotto, non si capisce come mai, gente che non ha esitato a uccidere una intero gruppo di lavoro dell'NSA (senza che nessuno si insospettisse) non ha ancora fatto fuori quella ragazzina ostinata che fa domande e scava nel passato. Di sicuro prima o poi ricomparirà la sorella scomparsa e chi lo sa che piega potrebbe prendere la storia...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only in it for Mark 2.5 stars

Well, it pains me to say, but this series has not gotten better. I'm wondering what happened to the editing. This book had a lot more mistakes and holes than any of the previous books. This one felt like an exact copy and paste of the last book. Same type of murders. Same argument with Mark. Same way they made up. Same "needle in a needle stack" metaphor.

And okay, I'm just going to say it: Blake is annoying and selfish. She refuses to compromise in her relationship but keeps Mark on the hook. Then she literally throws a fit because a woman would rather live than risk her life to give Blake closure. Girl, what? She needs serious therapy. It's kind of funny because she talks about the supposed therapist she has seen for years but there has not once been a scene or even a mention of a recent appointment.

And once again, we see Blake getting her butt kicked and then pulling through with a kick to the kneecaps. Although this time she seems much more emotional with way less control. Girl needs a vacation

Seriously the only thing keeping me going now is Mark and his side story. I'm hoping to get more of his shenanigans from his POV. He's really the only character with any growth at this point

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th in the series. Blake Wilder is still running her team in the FBI. In the last one, she was getting closer to finding out some information on her parents murders. The police and everyone else think it was just a robbery, but Blake has always felt it was more then that. Now, the man who contacted her to say he had information on her parents, has been killed.

In trying to solve the murders of her family, she is also running her team and this time they are after a serial killer who is stalking college girls. Taking them, torturing them and killing them. If you have been reading these, you know Blake is not going to back down, but she always finds herself face to face with the killer.

But, has Blake taken on more then she can handle and will she make it through this time. Another great one, that will have you turning pages!!

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my main issue with these books is the inconsistency of the point of view shifts. Going from killer to FBI agent to an epilogue only in third person that only serves to further the plot? It feels a little heavy handed, like we can't be trusted as readers to figure out what the killer's doing or why this hot doctor is actually a double agent. A little bit of dramatic irony goes a long way, but it's being overused here.
That being said, I like how profiling is handled in these books and I like Blake as a character. She still has a lot of growing to do as a person, but it's cool to watch her solve two cases at once: the serial at hand and the murder of her parents. It's a strong overarching plotline that connects each book.
Despite all my reservations about these books, I'll keep reading, if not for fun, then to figure out who killed SSA Wilder's family.

[Kate Cappola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this next installment of the Blake Wilder series, with another crime that Blake suspects is part of a very particular killer. I love Gray’s straight forward writing, she doesn’t get too caught up in investigating random people and drawing the plot out. There’s a delicate balance between a good mystery and too many distractions that leave the reader feeling lead on. Gray hits the mark in this aspect! 3/5 stars because as I’ve said before, Gray needs to refine her writing and character development. If you read the terms “micro expressions” or “forensic counter-measures” once, you read it 500 times. I think she has plenty of potential and I’m intrigued enough by Blake to keep reading

[Connie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourteen years ago, FBI agent Blake Wilder's life turned upside down.
Her parents were murdered, and her sister was taken.
At the age of 22, Blake joined the FBI. Hoping one day she would find out the truth behind her tragic past.
Unfortunately, the only lead she had; a man she had known since childhood was found dead.
Out of leads to follow, Blake Wilder turned to doing what she does best - her job.

Another pretty good book, after the last series I read, this one is a few rungs down the ladder but I'm still enjoying it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muder of girls and another step forward for Blake

Another thrilling mystery. This time, it is about someone killing young college age girls. It is hard for Blake and her team to get any good clues this time. Will another girl be killec, before the team finds something useful. Also Blake finds someone who used to work with her parents. Will she finally find out what she needs to know. Great and fast reading. Love this series.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

edge of your set

This book is a page turner. It contains a lot of gallows humour? While this book centres around FBI agent Wilder and catching one particular serial killer, there is a large case also being investigated relating to her parents which involves conspiracy and and governmental agencies. I also believe this book is written from a feminist perspective, however disappointingly two of the main female characters discusses problems with their male lovers.

[L E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it but feel cheated... what happen to the sister that was to stop by? but that being as it was, this was another great case. I question few things here and there as to why they just don't always check to see if the unidentified suspects have other properties??? Anyway, I realize that we would otherwise not have a long story if that were the case, still, I'm trying to solve the case along with them ... lol

On to the next one.

[Diana L. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful Mystery

Each book is a stand alone story, but I urge you to start from the beginning. While Blake and her team work hard and follow the clues from the newest crime, she is also putting together clues to solve the murder of her parents and the abduction of her sister. As this story progresses we learn that people aren’t always what they seem and those closest to us don’t always have our best interests at heart. Time for “The a Secret She Kept”

[Ashley Fusco · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars ⭐️ for me. I am very confused as to why this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. I saw the end coming from miles away, there were so many spelling and grammatical errors throughout this book, and the characters had zero depth to them which made it hard to dive into.

I had high hopes for it in the beginning, but it was definitely a let down. Maybe because there are other books in the “series” that I didn’t read I didn’t enjoy it as much as others?

[Edna Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

E;;e Gray always gets me involved right away. The reason I gave this book 3 stars is, the story line continues to be the same in all 4 books. Serial killer, Blake is in trouble with the brass, local law enforcement. Still doesn't realize Mark is involved. She gets the unsub by intuition, goes above and beyond, gets injured. Hooray for the team. Book ends, she is still working on parents murder, MARK!!

[Beth Lechman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Gray writes thrillers that keep you guessing. FBI Agent Blake Wilder and her team are looking for a killer of tortures, strangles and than leaves young girls in water. With not much evidence to go on Blake is determined to find the killer. At the same time she is haunted by the death of her parents 20 years ago and the disappearance of her little sister. She has vowed to find the truth even if it causes the loss of her own life and it just might.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle Gray writes very similarly to James Patterson (which is a fav of mine).... each chapter captures your imagination and gets your mind going... and then it ends and moves on to another part of the story... making you NEED to keep reading. I usually get through her books in less than a week, if not quicker than that. The Chosen Girls took me a week, but I was on a trip & didn't have a lot of spare time to read.
I can't wait to start the next book in the Blake Wilder series - tomorrow. :)

[Alison Falbo · Rating 2 out of 5]

GET AN EDITOR!!! This series is decent but there are so many typos and errors, I’m starting to wonder if it was written by AI with no editing. Characters names are used interchangeably in the same conversations. First person writing shows up randomly without any clue who is speaking or thinking. It’s just one lazy mistake after another and too much repeating the same descriptions and phrases over and over and over. I’ll finish this one and I’m done with this series.