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Double Blind #4

Fourth Estate

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Several Tampa media personalities were known for their “hit piece” stories about local public figures. Now they’re known for being murdered.

And anyone they trashed could be a suspect.

Detectives Carly Sanderson and Sergio Martin hunt for the serial killer while simultaneously being saddled with an image consultant hired to improve the police department’s profile.

When the killer announces his intention to widen his range of victims, public pressure to find him goes through the roof. But internal office politics hamstring the investigation, forcing Carly and Sergio to work around the clock - and around the rules - to uncover the secret connections the victims shared with their killer.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2022

204 people are currently reading
269 people want to read

About the author

Dan Alatorre

77 books420 followers
USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre has published more than 50 titles and is read in over a dozen languages around the world.

His fast-paced thrillers have gripped readers all over the globe, notably his USA Today bestseller The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series, his successful murder mystery Double Blind series, and more. Readers can't put his books down.

Dan resides in the Tampa area with his wife and daughter.

Check out his Readers Club at DanAlatorre.com and find out about new releases before anyone else!

Double Blind, a murder mystery thriller series
- Double Blind
- Primary Target
- Third Degree
- Fourth Estate
- Five Sparrows
- Six Sisters
- Seventh Avenue, coming soon

The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series
- The Gamma Sequence
- Rogue Elements
- Terminal Sequence
- The Keepers
- Dark Hour

Jett Thacker mysteries, a murder mystery series
- Tiffany Lynn Is Missing
- Killer In The Dark
- Definition Of A Murder, coming soon

Horror Anthology series:
- Dark Passages
- Dark Voodoo
- Dark Intent
- Dark Thoughts
- Shadowland
- Wings & Fire
- Spellbound
- Nightmareland
- Dark Visions
- The Box Under The Bed

Paranormal Thriller/Horror:
- A Place Of Shadows

Sci Fi Time Travel Adventure:
- The Navigators

Comedy Romance:
- The Italian Assistant

And many more!

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5 stars
269 (60%)
4 stars
117 (26%)
3 stars
48 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Amber K.
1,240 reviews50 followers
September 27, 2024
Great addition to this series, tho I had my doubts for just a bit! I actually struggled with my review because of it. I have loved the first 3 books, but early on in this one for me, it was becoming nothing but the Davis & Sergio drama story. Didn't we do this in the last book? It was too much the main focus of the book instead of the actual serial killer thriller story. Then, the ending had a lot of reeming qualities for me, and I do plan to continue the series. Hopefully, Davis won't be making any more appearances!!
Profile Image for Katie.
487 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2024
Another gripping mystery thriller by Dan Alatorre. I love this series.
Profile Image for Kevin.
Author 22 books242 followers
February 11, 2023
A killer in an obvious disguise takes out the owners of two sensationalistic fringe internet news outlets, along with a secretary in a law firm and a judge – all in the same day. This sets off alarm bells for the Tampa police, including homicide detectives Sergio Martin and Carly Sanderson. Identifying the killer and stopping him before he continues his spree is the immediate priority – and the entire story takes place during one heart-stopping day. Around the frantic investigation, Sergio and Carly have multiple personal crises distracting them, including the status of their very personal romantic involvement. It’s a tossed taco salad of thrills and intrigue arranged by master chef Dan Alatorre.

This author specializes in fast-paced stories and really knows how to weave together the introspection and relationship issues with the pulse-pounding action and suspense scenes. It’s a story you’ll want to play hooky from work to finish reading. When you get to the dramatic final scenes, don’t even think about putting it down!

The click-hungry head of the gossip-mongering internet equivalent of the National Inquirer is a caricature of everything that’s wrong with modern media. The fact that two of his similarly smarmy competitors have been murdered and that he is the likely next target only makes him more obsessed with how many hits his live stream will get. Similarly, the Tampa police lieutenant to whom Sergio and Carly report is a villain from the first page – a high-ranking police official focused on his own ambition and somehow maniacally bent on ruining Sergio. There isn’t much ambiguity here between the good guys and the bad guys, but the story rockets forward so quickly that there is no time for deep reflection about the social commentary or the literary significance of the characters. Add in Carly being up for a promotion to sergeant, where she will need to make decisions that could adversely affect Sergio, and there is more than enough subplot go glue together this frantic fictional day.

Readers who are already committed to the Sergio/Carly relationship will find this story gripping and emotionally compelling. New readers will be drawn immediately into their relationship and should want to go back and see how they got to this point. I know I am now anxiously awaiting the next story to see where they go from here.

Highly recommended for all fans of thrillers and police procedurals.



Profile Image for Karen.
1,504 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2023
A perfectly paced, suspense thriller. Sergio and Carly are on the search for a killer again. This time they are working separately and dealing with other intense issues as well. Can they find the killer, save the people, find an even keel for themselves, and still keep their jobs? It’s going to be intense.

Sergio Martin is a very good detective, even though he does outside the rules on occasion, he still gets results and discovers and apprehends the killer. His methods may not always follow his bosses, desires, but he gets the job done. The trouble is that his Lieutenant doesn’t like his methods and is looking for any way to get rid of him. When someone starts killing reporters and attempts to kill a defense lawyer, Sergio has to work to beat the clock and the killer before any more people meet their demise.

Carly has an interview and won’t be working with Sergio in the field on this case. Her day goes from bad to worse and then a case comes in that will have her working it from the precinct. Can she do as well of a job from the desk as she can in the field finding the killer and the clues? Not only does she have to deal with her interview being postponed, yet again, but her ex called and wants to meet her for dinner. Things can’t get any worse this day, or can they?

I loved this story and I love Carly and Sergio. They have great chemistry and a great working repertoire. When they have to work the case separately, it gets a bit dicey. Carly is looking at the case with a different eye and Sergio has to refrain from doing things the way he normally would, off the cuff. When they both have to work under a microscope the case almost gets away from them, but they’re professionals and they can do the job and all the other stuff will have to work out. Dan does a great job of leading the reader on a chase along with the detectives, the pace of this story is perfect, the characters as always are great, and twists in this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Dan’s Double Blind Series is right up there with a James Patterson book in my eyes. The suspense kept building throughout the book, having me guessing almost until the end as to who the killer was. I loved it and I give it a 5-star review.
2,000 reviews37 followers
January 21, 2023
Fourth Estate is one of those stories that's so packed full of action, excitement and all the feels that it will almost make your head spin. First, there's the Carly, Sergio and Kyle triangle - the will she or won't she go back family drama that's been brewing for the last book or two.
Then, suddenly, the entire Tampa PD finds themselves in the middle of a serial murder case that will rock the city and your world if you're a Sergio and Carly fan.
I LOVED the action and the interplay between the characters not to mention the fact that this is one of the most exciting, fast-paced and hard hitting stories I've seen in a long time. As a bonus, it features a cast of villains - all with social media connections - who will make you wonder whether you should EVER trust the internet again.
If you're a Double Blind fan, this one's an absolute must and, in my humble opinion, perhaps the BEST of the series, but it's pretty easy to pick up the backstory to the series so don't worry about figuring out where you're at. This one's worth taking a few minutes to figure out where all the characters fit.
Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
425 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2023
Author Dan Alatorre has made us wait awhile for his latest book with our hero's Sergio and Carly, but believe me it was worth the wait! Carly is up for a promotion to Sergeant, Lieutenant Davis is all over finding a way to get rid of Sergio, nerves are tight. Out of left field Carly is made an offer that has her reeling. As if this isn't enough of a strain on the new couple Mr Alatorre throws a bunch more curve balls into the mix! This latest book is going to keep you guessing right to the end of how everything is going to turn out. So much suspense, action and dangerous situations! A few places where the tears are ready to fall as you shout " No, no don't...... " I have to admit that I even had my own ideas of who the killer was and who was next, but I was all wrong! Lol! You don't want to miss this exciting new story! But then you are going to be waiting impatiently for the next one!!!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
256 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
You are in for a whirlwind ride with this book. Just could not put it down. The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat. The book will elicit a full range of emotions. Will admit I did cry at one incident in the book. Was unable to figure out who the murderer was, which is unusual for me, but isn't that what makes a good book? Dan, always surprises me with his twists. This is my favorite series that he writes and this by far has been my favorite book. Can't wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend this book as well as the other books in this series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
71 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2023
This is the best book written by Dan Alatorre. It has it all; murder, suspense, fast-paced, butt on the end of your seat, heart-pounding, intense thriller. Dan knows how to catch you by the throat and gasping for air.

Sergio and Carley are searching for another killer. Can they track down this person and bring justice to all?

They aren't working this case together; Sergio is in the field, Carley sits inside, at her desk.
Sergio likes to works outside the rules and boundaries, but not this time, he has to go by the book. Carley see the case from a different angle, while she's handling other issues in her life. Can they catch the killer before more people die?
1,573 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2024
I liked this a lot

This is quite a cool 😎 story, great characters and not so good ones for sure, many with their own private agendas , it has a good very solid plot, careful crafting on how the killer was caught, some humorous spots and some romance.
The main female character was a bit verbal with her thoughts in what amounted to seconds, that’s why I gave it four stars, I didn’t like being in her head quite that much.
But this is a good story, told well, and is clean in all aspects, ( if I remember correctly). The writing flow’s easily, I’m looking forward to book no. 5 now
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,632 reviews36 followers
January 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading a new story with Carly and Sergio, although they did not always see eye to eye, they worked really well together despite all the restrictions imposed by their chief. Although the story is a work of fiction, it's really something that could've happened in real life which only added to my interest in reading it. As always, Mr. Alatorre provided his readers with a great plot, and a well-developed and written story, and I'm looking forward to reading the following book in this series.
I thank the author and his publisher for the ARC.
103 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2023
Great 4th Story in This Series
Fourth Estate is the latest installment in the Double Blind series and in fact, this may be the best one yet. It was fun to reconnect with Carly and Sergio again and they have some different personal challenges they must deal with. A lot of twists and turns in the story line this time out and the reader must pay attention to get the full picture.
I am a huge fan of Dan's work and have read many of his books. When it comes to series, this is a favorite of mine, but I recommend them all. Get this book, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Kayla.
24 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2025
I started my new year off right by finishing this book! This series is my favorite thriller series, Dan Alatorre does not disappoint. His books are fast paced and hook you from the start. Will Carly and Sergio be able to stop the disguised killer? While they are working together but separately. We also meet Averie Fox who I love as well as Carly and Sergio. I loathe the police lieutenant who is set on ruining Sergio. The Double Blind series is a MUST read and the ending of this one will blow you away.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,644 reviews28 followers
January 18, 2023
Fourth Estate: a fast-paced murder mystery (Double Blind Book 4), my eleventh read from author Dan Alatorre. I really enjoyed his Gamma Sequence series, this is another page-turning thriller, the fourth in the series, in my opinion, his best to date! I look forward to the next book in the Double Blind series. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Author 3 books6 followers
November 16, 2025
This was the first book, by this author, that I had read - but I am already reading the next one! It is always refreshing, in this day and age, to read a novel that doesn't depend on blasphemy, graphic violence, and sex to fill the pages.
Very enjoyable - and ...no I'll not provide any spoilers!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
20 reviews
January 11, 2023
I've developed quite a fondness for Dan Alatorre's books, especially the series.
This newest of the Double Blind series was great entertainment that kept me interested from beginning to end. My only complaint is that I got so caught up in it that I finished too quickly. Now I have to wait that much longer for the next!
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2023
Carly and Sergio are back in another great mystery suspense. They are not working as partners and Carly is assigned other duties while Sergio is still on the street. This time a serial killer is after news reporters. But can they figure out why and track him down before he kills more? Lots of great action and twists to this story.
984 reviews12 followers
January 31, 2023
Who is the man in the red windbreaker and why is he shooting some people indiscriminately? Carly and Sergio are on a mission to find the culprit who is always one step ahead. Can they prevent more murders? A fast paced thriller with a lot of twists and action and an intriguing ending! I enjoyed reading this book and love the suspense and unpredictability.
1 review
January 25, 2025
This was not what I would consider a well-written book. The characters were 2 dimensional, the pacing was sluggish and I did not find it compelling at all. In fact, it was so bad, that I actually couldn't finish the book. I actually hate writing a review like this because I greatly admire good writing and love to read books. But this was not one of them.
286 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2023
Suspenseful, action packed crime thriller. This well written story full of twists and turns kept me turning pages trying to figure out who the killer was. I can't wait to see what Carly and Sergio get into next.
12.7k reviews189 followers
January 27, 2023
Writing about problems is a great way for a journalist to help solve them. Unfortunately it’s more dangerous than they expected, so dangerous some ended up dead. Intriguing, suspenseful, well written.
181 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2023
I love the main characters in this book. There is humor, repartee and touching moments. And LOTS of action. It is well written with great subplots. This kept me up way past my bedtime but I just had to find out how it ended. I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Kenna Penn.
149 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2024
I liked this one a lot! I liked that it left you wondering who the killer was, unlike the other books where we knew early on and even had scenes from the killer’s perspective. The reason for the crimes seemed like a bit of a stretch, but it was an enjoyable read all the same.
Profile Image for Chris.
580 reviews
March 8, 2024
Ok Book

Lots of action in this book. Not really a police procedural, but it somehow missed the mark of flowing like a story.... especially towards the end. I am a little disappointed.
Profile Image for Diana Lessig.
121 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2025
Book 4 Fourth Estate was kinda a slow burn for me. It is a great storyline, absolutely love Carly and Sergio together, but the suspect part of the story was slower in this book, at least to me. It is still a good read but so far Double Blind is my favorite book.
Profile Image for Kandy.
1,385 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2023
Oh wow, so much suspense. This book kept me guessing and definitely entertained. I usually read in bed at night, but I couldn't wait that long to find out whodunnit. So good!
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,071 reviews
February 27, 2023
I loved these books. They were full of twists and turn that kept me on the edge of my seat. I never saw the end coming.
4 reviews
February 28, 2023
great fast storytelling

An unusual premise, not typical serial killer. Convoluted plot ( in a god way) with interesting characters. I loved it
181 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2023
Media mainia

Great story line, all the twist and turns to keep the pages turning.
Will be looking for more of these two!
5 reviews
March 18, 2023
Too wordy

First few pages showed promise then it just rambled on with useless chatter. Didn’t feel it was worth the time to finish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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