Girl Four: Lured

Maya Gray #4

by Molly Black

In GIRL FOUR: LURED, bodies are found with a lone jigsaw puzzle piece left atop them, the victims of a serial killer.

What could the meaning be? What puzzle is he trying to complete?

But time is running out, and Maya’s sister is in danger. Can she put the pieces together in time to save the next victim?

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

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author Molly Black is author of the MAYA GRAY FBI suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the RYLIE WOLF FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books; of the TAYLOR SAGE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the KATIE WINTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the RUBY HUNTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting), and of the CAITLIN DARE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Molly loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.mollyblackauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY MOLLY BLACK

GRACE FORD FBI THRILLER

NEARLY MINE (Book #1)

NEARLY SAFE (Book #2)

NEARLY FREE (Book #3)

NEARLY GONE (Book #4)

NEARLY HIS (Book #5)

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

RUBY HUNTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IF I RUN (Book #1)

IF I TELL (Book #2)

IF I LIVE (Book #3)

IF I FORGET (Book #4)

IF I RETURN (Book #5)

MAYA GRAY MYSTERY SERIES

GIRL ONE: MURDER (Book #1)

GIRL TWO: TAKEN (Book #2)

GIRL THREE: TRAPPED (Book #3)

GIRL FOUR: LURED (Book #4)

GIRL FIVE: BOUND (Book #5)

GIRL SIX: FORSAKEN (Book #6)

GIRL SEVEN: CRAVED (Book #7)

GIRL EIGHT: HUNTED (Book #8)

GIRL NINE: GONE (Book #9)

RYLIE WOLF FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

FOUND YOU (Book #1)

CAUGHT YOU (Book #2)

SEE YOU (Book #3)

WANT YOU (Book #4)

TAKE YOU (Book #5)

DARE YOU (Book #6)

TAYLOR SAGE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

DON’T LOOK (Book #1)

DON’T BREATHE (Book #2)

DON’T RUN (Book #3)

DON’T FLINCH (Book #4)

DON’T REMEMBER (Book #5)

DON’T TELL (Book #6)

DON’T HIDE (Book #7)

DON’T BLINK (Book #8)

KATIE WINTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SAVE ME (Book #1)

REACH ME (Book #2)

HIDE ME (Book #3)

BELIEVE ME (Book #4)

HELP ME (Book #5)

FORGET ME (Book #6)

HOLD ME (Book #7)

PROTECT ME (Book #8)

REMEMBER ME (Book #9)

CATCH ME (Book #10)

WATCH ME (Book #11)

Reviews

[Samantha Buckle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Audiobook
Only rated lower because they change the readers.
The change in readers made the transition from book to book harder than the last ones.
Not as talented as the previous reader - voices very different.
Leave it to Maya to find the truth, like, GIRL POWER!
The addition of location is perfect!
I have never been so hooked on a series.
Favourite part of my commutes.

[Vivianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (3.5/5)

Girl Four: Lured by Molly Black is another solid and fast-paced thriller, and in my opinion, a small but meaningful step up from the previous installment. While it still doesn't quite reach four-star territory, it stands out for its fresh setting, intriguing theme, and growing layers in the overarching mystery.

What I really enjoyed in this one was the playful citywide theme. The story takes place in a town that's completely obsessed with games — from board games and riddles to a massive puzzle factory at the center of everything. This quirky setting gave the book a fun, memorable atmosphere that made it feel more distinct than earlier entries.

As with the other books, the pacing is brisk and the action keeps you turning the pages. Molly Black knows how to write engaging thrillers that are easy to devour — and I mean really easy. These books are so short — barely 200 pages each — which makes them perfect if you’re in the mood for something quick and addictive. But the short length is also part of the problem: there’s not quite enough time to build emotional depth or complexity. Just as things start to get interesting, the book is already over.

What helped this one rise above the previous installment was the continued development of the Moonlight Killer storyline. We're finally learning more about him, and getting glimpses of his point of view adds a welcome layer of tension and psychological intrigue. It’s still not fully explored, but it’s enough to keep me interested in what’s coming next.

That said, this still isn’t a standout thriller. The characters remain more functional than emotionally engaging, and while the setting is great, the plot wraps up a bit too neatly and predictably — a pattern that’s becoming familiar across the series.

In short: Girl Four: Lured is fun, fast, and a little more memorable than the books before it. The puzzle-themed town and game-obsessed culture were highlights, and the Moonlight Killer arc is finally starting to feel like it has weight. It’s still light, still a bit shallow — but definitely entertaining.

Quick, quirky, and a step forward — just don’t expect too much depth in only 200 pages.

[Marcia Gray-Wilkerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the others imo. Still good!

[Chelsea Hazendonk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to all the other books in the series so far, but I liked the puzzle / board game story line for something different.

[Heather C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not prefer the new reader which highlighted the tedious parts to the writing style. Shallow characters: the only clear discerning trait of the main character is she's tall, her "romantic" interest is unreal and weak; too frequent use of the characters names, ridiculous villain with no back story...Didn't finish and done with the series.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my least favorite so far out of the series but even then it was still pretty good.

[Toni Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is a bit of a mixed bag for me, landing at a solid 3.5 stars. I was pulled into the intriguing premise of GIRL FOUR: LURED, the latest installment in the Maya Grey series by Molly Black. The idea of a serial killer leaving behind a single jigsaw puzzle piece on each victim's body is a genuinely chilling and clever concept. It immediately raises so many questions: what does it mean? What puzzle is he trying to complete? The stakes are raised even higher when Maya's own sister becomes a potential target, creating a race against time that kept me engaged.
​However, the audiobook experience, which is a major factor for me, was a struggle. The new voice for this installment, while clear, just didn't work. The male voices, in particular, were difficult to listen to. They often came across as sounding like small children, completely lacking any masculine tone. The character of Harris was especially jarring; his voice was a whispery, sore-throat-sounding attempt at masculinity that pulled me right out of the story every time he spoke. A voice performance can truly make or break an audiobook, and in this case, it was a significant drawback that made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the plot.
​While the story itself is compelling and keeps you on the edge of your seat as Maya tries to put the pieces together, the voice acting issues were a constant distraction. It's a shame, because the plot is strong and the tension is palpable. If you're a fan of the series and are willing to overlook a performance that doesn't quite hit the mark, the story is worth it. But if you're like me and the narration is a make-or-break element, you might find yourself frustrated.

[Amber McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series, but this book was a little bit annoying at the end. Was definitely predictable that the killer was going after people that look like the wife instead of the husband being the killer. I don’t really understand why she didn’t just ask the husband when she first went to The Cabin who else had access to that puzzle and who the person in the puzzle was. Literally didn’t even ask the husband who the girl was in the picture, she found that out later. I also don’t understand why she knew the killer was going back to The Cabin, but didn’t call for any back up and sent back up elsewhere? Still will continue reading the series, but mayas lone wolf personality is starting to get annoying.
I also think it’s funny that no one else has realized that this is the moonlight killer sending her to find people who are imitating his work. There’s a whole team of FBI and no one has thought it’s weird that every single case has not been the moonlight killer??

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good plot and story that places board games at a whole different level. Someone is obsessed with a certain puzzle and is killing people. Maya is discovering leads but she reaches nowhere, and more girls are being murdered. Even with Marco's help, it seems like her time to discover the culprit of these crimes is coming to an end and her sister's life, as well as the other girls, will be even in more danger. What is the secret that lies with the puzzles? Why the killer leaves pieces of a particular puzzle with every corpse? Will Maya be able to solve the crime puzzle and free one more girl? Will it be her sister?
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Maegan Cutrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Gray is still desperately trying to save her sister, and the other bunnies. This case is different though, it seems there is no leads left to investigate. Until Maya finds an unusual clue, a puzzle piece. She is in the board game capitol, but is this puzzle more deadly than most? And will she find the killer in time to spare a bunny's life, as well as her sister's? I enjoyed this book of the series the most so far, but the narrator made me dock a star. back to the old one please and thank you.

[Tessa Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, however I bumped it down to 4 stars due to the narration of the audiobook. The narrator for the previous books did a far better job capturing the characters in my opinion. There were also some errors in editing where the narrator would repeat the same sentence twice, trying to get the tone or intention correct.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and am loving the series. I listen to this in one day and it was a great story.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya is withholding information, lying to her boss
Harris has a plan, they didn’t work before.
To rescue the hostages, she couldn’t say anything.
If she had the chance, she’d would go alone
Facing a gun barrel, she now thought differently
Captivating plot, well done.
Given ARC for my voluntary review

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

I absolutely love following the story line between the detective and Agent Gray as they complete the puzzles. I have been walking around with my kindle glued to my hand since starting book 1. I just can't put it down. I look forward to reading all Molly Black books!

[Lara Aelric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I'm a huge board game nerd, but I enjoyed all of the board game and puzzle references in this book. It made following the breadcrumbs of the crumb a lot easier to follow than usual because I'd be like "oh yeah that makes sense!" and I really enjoyed learning the bonus facts about a hobby I enjoy.

Things are ramping up!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Moonlight killer has yet another killer for Maya to find. The serial killer is still tormenting his bunnies and taunting Maya with his hand drawn postcards and hints. The deadlines are making her superiors anxious and angry. Chemistry with detective Marco keeps distracting Maya as he joins her investigation.

[Tifanee Oliver-Crosmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3
Wasn't a fan like some others that they changed the narrator. The story line was neat with the puzzles and the town being this huge game board loving place..
Mya is starting to get on my nerves a little... she complains how she needs help and mar o shows up to help and yet she's mad he's babysitting her like girl what one is it you mad or not?!

[Christy Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it is getting a little repetitive. I will probably still continue to finish the series. I’m listening to book 5 now. Just because I’m curious if she ever saves her sister, but yeah they’re pretty good detective short stories, but the first three are much better than the fourth one but maybe this one was just a dud and the rest will be better.

[Cynthia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya is overwhelmed

The Moonlight Killer keeps sending postcards to Maya. Each murder he has her investigate has a time limit. Will she solve this one before one of the girls dies?
This is another good mystery. Sit down and enjoy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #4 was just okay for me. I didn’t really care for the storyline in this one and I feel that not too much happened with the main story either. I feel I just finished it because I had to so I can get to the next one.

[Tracie Jacquemin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better written than the first two, but I did not like the change of readers on the Audio book. This reader sounds like she should read romance, not detective fiction. The series has a great theme and is enjoyable.

[Melissa Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be just okay—not as good as the others in the series. There were still some inconsistencies throughout, and it took me longer to get through compared to the previous books. I just couldn’t fully get into the story this time, which made it less engaging for me overall.

[Virginia Clevenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

This series just gets better and better. The more I read, the more I want..I can hardly wait for the next in the series.

[Rosanne Schaner]

Very good page turning thriller. Looing forward to next one.

[Kathy Esdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series with Mayo and Marco. He is her voice of reason keeping her grounded. The moonlight killer is methodical and evil. His identity is going to be mind blowing.

[Catherine Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story brings out a total different type of killer. Maya Gray is definitely a female, modern Sherlock Holmes.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOOPLA

[Hannah Sobtaguim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick listen. Love this series.

[Trudi]

Puzzle piece killer? While I put puzzles together 😳🤣

[Carolina Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the the next book

[Amanda Ciero · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ would be higher, but I don’t like how the reader switch for the audiobook