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NOT LIKE THIS (An Ilse Beck FBI Suspense Thriller) is book #4 in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ava Strong.

FBI Special Agent Ilse Beck, victim of a traumatic childhood in Germany, moved to the U.S. to become a renowned psychologist specializing in PTSD, and the world’s leading expert in the unique trauma of serial-killer survivors. By studying the psychology of their survivors, Ilse has a unique and unparalleled expertise in the true psychology of serial killers. She had no idea, though, that she would become an FBI agent herself.

When Ilse’s patients turn up dead in string of suicides, Ilse investigates, and suspects something more nefarious is at play. Has the serial killer from her past—the one she fears the most—possibly returned?

And if so, is he targeting Ilse next?

A dark and suspenseful crime thriller, the ILSE BECK series is a breathtaking page-turner, unputdownable from the first word. A compelling and perplexing mystery, rife with twists and jaw-dropping secrets, it will make you fall in love with a brilliant new character, while it keeps you shocked late into the night.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2022

31 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

Ava Strong

83 books228 followers
Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.

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5 stars
109 (44%)
4 stars
87 (35%)
3 stars
37 (15%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
5 reviews
August 1, 2022
stressful

I had to skip a lot of it. So many stupid decisions, I refuse to believe FBI agents are this stupid in real life. How come they wouldn’t know who she is by now?
Profile Image for Sheryl Smith.
1,178 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
Nail biter!

CAUTION: This book could be tough for anyone who has suffered abuse, been kidnapped or raped.

This book takes on some challenging aspects of the reality of being a trauma survivor. Not just a survivor, but a thriver. It is a bit raw at times, but doesn't go as deep as it could, thankfully. The emotional upheaval that trauma survivors face just about every day is no joke and this book gives us a glimpse into the often overactive mind of our protagonist. She also has a touch of OCD, which isn't highlighted as much in the book.

The mystery itself is intriguing and draws us in. It's one of those where the perp seems obvious but then it's clear he isn't the one, then another perp seems obvious, but then . . . So, it's a real journey trying to solve the whodunit part, wrapped in the thriller aspect of this warped mind on the loose.
111 reviews
June 26, 2024
More wincing than ever before around 14...

Once again the word wince was used 12+ times, its quite annoying.

There was a gaping hole in the storyline when the killer and his dog approached the female Police Officer, but it was never acknowledged or followed up on. Once again our heroine Ilse was Superwoman. I did enjoy this Book and recommend it. I have a very small Mini Poodle Gypsy Diamond so I would have liked to have known, as most dog/animal lovers would, what happened to the dog. I probably enjoyed this book the most out of the 4 I've read. Finally the saying is barking up the wrong tree not sniffing...
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,673 reviews37 followers
January 13, 2022
Not Like This is a good story, well-written, and with a good plot that mixes Ilse's past with her present. Her life in Germany, though, still remains very much of a mystery to herself, and she seems to be slowly remembering bits of those difficult times. Her relationship with her boss Rawley, and her partner Tom also seems to be improving and she definitely, in this story, has got the training and talent to get the bad guys in cuffs! The criminal they are facing in this story is a tormented mind and a very bad one, hopefully, he will be caught by the FBI team.
Profile Image for Gayle Tapp.
28 reviews
September 6, 2025
Way too much introspection for a mystery, but I slogged my way through to the end. NO way would Ilse Beck be allowed to become an FBI agent. No way the FBI wouldn't have done a thorough background check on her to realize she still suffered from PTSD. I simply found so much to be unrealistic to be able to lose myself into the book.
7,776 reviews50 followers
January 6, 2022
As an FBI agent, she came to confront him
A monster, her father, no recognition from him
Patients are dying, is it someone from the past
A past in Germany, that has scarred her
Would she ever be free, tense flowing plot
As she searches for answers
Given ARC for my voluntary review
78 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2022
A very interesting story....mysterious murders in which the Agent Ilse Beck gets involved, is attacked herself and then goes on to solve the cases, all the while trying to unravel her own life situation.
Profile Image for Sofii Cufone.
315 reviews
September 23, 2023
Me encanto la trama de esta historia aunque en algunas partes me parecía repetitivo y me abrumaba algunas decisiones que tomaban que los protagonistas pero en general me gustó.
El final de este libro me genero muchas emociones lindas que me hacen necesitar leer ya el siguiente libro.
5 reviews
November 2, 2023
Great New Series

I only recently discovered this unique series. After reading the first in the series, I was hooked. Reading them back to back!!!
Profile Image for Ulli.
12 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
Book is pretty good but I listened to the audio version and didn't like the narration.
Profile Image for Joan Lloyd.
Author 56 books56 followers
August 13, 2025
Book four! Took a whole day to listen. Wonderful. I'm on to 5!
6 reviews
January 22, 2026
I didn't have too much hope for this series when I first started reading it, but Dr Beck has grown on me.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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