City of Death

Ava Gold #5

by Blake Pierce

1920s. New York City. When a wealthy white man is killed in Harlem, racial tensions flare throughout the city. Ava must delve into her old life in the jazz clubs and speakeasies of New York, fighting against a ticking clock before the entire city, on edge, explodes into racial riots.“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)CITY OF DEATH (An Ava Gold Mystery—Book 5) is a new novel in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star reviews.In the rough streets of 1920s New York City, 34 year-old Ava Gold, a widower and single mom, claws her way up to become the first female homicide detective in her NYPD precinct. She is as tough as they come, and willing to hold her own in a man’s world.When a black musician is accused of murdering a wealthy white Manhattanite, Ava senses all is not what it seems. Determined to track down the real killer, Ava dives back into her old the Harlem world of clubs. But her time is short, and there is only one thing she can be sure this killer will strike again.A heart-pounding suspense thriller filled with shocking twists, the authentic and atmospheric AVA GOLD MYSTERY SERIES is a riveting page-turner, endearing us to a strong and brilliant character that will capture your heart and keep you reading late into the night.Book #6 in the series—CITY OF VICE—is now also available.

Genres: Mystery

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2022

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

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

City of Death - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

An Ava Gold Mystery #5, City of Death by Blake Pierce is a novel you must not miss.
A murder at the rear of a jazz club starts the ball rolling, while a dual storyline tells of NYPD Detective Ava's continuing hunt for her husband Clarence's killer, before she and her partner (and beau), Detective Frank Wimbly, start on the investigation. Straight away there's doubt and obfuscation, but having questioned all concerned what conclusion will Ava and Frank reach - guilty...or not?

A thrilling 50s style noir novel, that will keep you guessing, be sure to grab a copy of City of Death by Blake Pierce today.

Recommended to fans of Cagney and Lacey, Moonlighting tv series' and Hayley Camille's (Avon Calling) Lady Vigilante series of novels.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I love about this series: a great description of New York during the beginning of the 20th century, crime, a story that is fast-paced written, issues like gender and race equality being fairly portrayed, family and friendship ties, and trust. Great plot, great story, that is a must-read for those who enjoy this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting 1920's New York City and Ava Gold - NYC Police Detective - a rich white man is killed outside jazz club in Harlem and a young black man is accused of the murder - open and shut, easy!! But, Ava truly feels he didn't do it and she starts digging to find out who really did and why. And of course she goes her own way and nearly gets killed, of course, but in the end finds the real culprit and opens up a can of worms at the same time.

[Camie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read at least 10 books by this author. They all have great pacing, but never a twist in the mystery. The culprit is never anyone in the main character’s circle of acquaintances or a relative. No twists, period.

In this particular book, there were quite a few typos; where the characters’s names were switched. Ugh!! Poor editing!

[§amantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice change of pace to have only one killer and not a serial killer that ava is chasing. Most of this authors books seem to contain serial killers in the series. Love the time period. Main story line isn't too bad either.

[Peggy J. Chambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ava Gold books are 👍

[Debbie Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealthy white man is killed behind a club in Harlem. A jazz band member is arrested. Ava & Frank set out to find the killer. After interviewing the witnesses, they find a few clues, but someone is trying to railroad the one being held through a quick trial. Ava intervenes and the judge gives her 24 hours to solve the case. Very good plot with a surprise twist. Loved it!