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Carter Blake #5
Paskelbta mirusia
Deividas Konoras įsitikinęs – jis neseniai matė savo seserį Adeliną. Seserį, kuri dingo prieš penkiolika metų ir, policijos manymu, tapo paskutiniąja Velnio kalno žudiko auka. Tačiau jos kūnas taip ir nebuvo rastas. Sudomintas bylos Karteris Bleikas vyksta į kalnuose įsikūrusį Betanio miestelį ir imasi tyrimo. Jam padeda šerifo pavaduotoja Izabela Grin, kurios gyvenimas taip pat paženklintas tragedijos: moters tėvas kadaise tapo nesučiupto serijinio žudiko auka.
Karteris Bleikas nė neįtaria, kad Adelinos paieškos įžiebs naują žmogžudysčių bangą, o įtarios miestelėnų akys ims krypti į jį. Atmosfera Betanyje ima kaisti. Įtariamųjų sąrašas tampa vis labiau neįtikimas, o kiekviena nauja tyrimo detalė veda tyrėjus mirtino pavojaus link. Ar pavyks Bleikui ir Grin likti gyviems ir išsiaiškinti tiesą apie žudiką?
Karteris Bleikas nė neįtaria, kad Adelinos paieškos įžiebs naują žmogžudysčių bangą, o įtarios miestelėnų akys ims krypti į jį. Atmosfera Betanyje ima kaisti. Įtariamųjų sąrašas tampa vis labiau neįtikimas, o kiekviena nauja tyrimo detalė veda tyrėjus mirtino pavojaus link. Ar pavyks Bleikui ir Grin likti gyviems ir išsiaiškinti tiesą apie žudiką?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2018
60 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Mason Cross
24 books482 followersFor the latest updates, exclusive giveaways and a free short story, join the Mason Cross Readers Club.
Mason Cross was born in Glasgow in 1979. He studied English at the University of Stirling and has worked variously as a tax officer, events coordinator, project manager and pizza delivery boy. He has written a number of short stories which have been published in Ellery Queen, Scribble and First Edition.
His story 'A Living', was shortlisted for the Quick Reads 'Get Britain Reading' Award. His first novel, The Killing Season was longlisted for the 2015 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and his second, The Samaritan was selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club in Spring 2016. The third book in the series, The Time to Kill was released in 2016 and published in the US under the title Winterlong in 2017, followed by Don't Look For Me and Presumed Dead. He lives near Glasgow with his wife and three children.
You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to varying extents (usually when he's distracting himself from doing the actual writing), and he also has a blog.
You can find out more about Mason Cross and the Carter Blake series by visiting his website.
Mason Cross was born in Glasgow in 1979. He studied English at the University of Stirling and has worked variously as a tax officer, events coordinator, project manager and pizza delivery boy. He has written a number of short stories which have been published in Ellery Queen, Scribble and First Edition.
His story 'A Living', was shortlisted for the Quick Reads 'Get Britain Reading' Award. His first novel, The Killing Season was longlisted for the 2015 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and his second, The Samaritan was selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club in Spring 2016. The third book in the series, The Time to Kill was released in 2016 and published in the US under the title Winterlong in 2017, followed by Don't Look For Me and Presumed Dead. He lives near Glasgow with his wife and three children.
You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to varying extents (usually when he's distracting himself from doing the actual writing), and he also has a blog.
You can find out more about Mason Cross and the Carter Blake series by visiting his website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 27, 2018
Mason Cross writes brilliant and compelling thrillers, and Presumed Dead had me reading non stop until I finished the novel. This is the 5th in the Carter Blake series, a man who has a specialism in locating people who do not want to be found. Blake finds himself in Bethany, Georgia after acquiescing to a request to look into David Connor's claim that he saw his sister, Adeline, in Atlanta. This seems highly unlikely, Adeline was the last victim of The Devil Mountain serial killer, who between 2002 and 2003 was responsible for the murder of 9 people. The MO was consistently two bullets in the head with a .38 gun, the killer was never caught, and there is speculation as to why that might be the case. The town of Bethany has ostensibly consigned these events to history and no-one wants to be reminded of it, so Blake faces hostility on his arrival. More concerning is that the P. I. Connor had previously employed ended up shot dead in an apparent carjacking. Is Blake going to be able to stay alive and get to the truth?
Blake is not the only one interested in the killings, so too is Dwight Haycox, a deputy sheriff carrying out a covert investigation. Deputy Isabella Green lost her father to the serial killer, leaving her haunted by nightmares ever since. She finds herself connecting with Blake, working closely with him as the past seems to rear its head in the present with more murders that echo the MO of the killer. It does not take long for Blake to discover that the carjacked death of the PI links to another death in Atlanta. Blake finds himself arrested for murder, it seems that there are those in the Sheriff's department who are only too happy to lay the recent deaths at the door of an outsider. Blake's client, David, is viewed as a oddball and loner, prime suspect material but Blake is convinced of his innocence. And why has the search for Adeline sparked these present day killings? Blake and Green find themselves thinking the unthinkable when it comes to suspecting who is behind the murders, something that brings them closer to danger.
Mason Cross writes a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller, full of an undercurrent of fear and menace that pervades the novel. Blake is a charismatic central character, matched by the fearless and determined Isabella Green, as they battle ruthless forces that have no intention of facing any form of justice. This is a twisted tale, as secrets and deceptions slowly come to be revealed, with a terrific ending. If you like fast paced thrillers with great plots and writing, then this book will be just your cup of team. A fantastic, thoroughly engaging, and entertaining read that will have you turning the pages fast in your quest to find out exactly what is going on. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Blake is not the only one interested in the killings, so too is Dwight Haycox, a deputy sheriff carrying out a covert investigation. Deputy Isabella Green lost her father to the serial killer, leaving her haunted by nightmares ever since. She finds herself connecting with Blake, working closely with him as the past seems to rear its head in the present with more murders that echo the MO of the killer. It does not take long for Blake to discover that the carjacked death of the PI links to another death in Atlanta. Blake finds himself arrested for murder, it seems that there are those in the Sheriff's department who are only too happy to lay the recent deaths at the door of an outsider. Blake's client, David, is viewed as a oddball and loner, prime suspect material but Blake is convinced of his innocence. And why has the search for Adeline sparked these present day killings? Blake and Green find themselves thinking the unthinkable when it comes to suspecting who is behind the murders, something that brings them closer to danger.
Mason Cross writes a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller, full of an undercurrent of fear and menace that pervades the novel. Blake is a charismatic central character, matched by the fearless and determined Isabella Green, as they battle ruthless forces that have no intention of facing any form of justice. This is a twisted tale, as secrets and deceptions slowly come to be revealed, with a terrific ending. If you like fast paced thrillers with great plots and writing, then this book will be just your cup of team. A fantastic, thoroughly engaging, and entertaining read that will have you turning the pages fast in your quest to find out exactly what is going on. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
April 21, 2018
Serious love for this thriller set in small town America. As usual, Mason Cross gets everything right: a missing girl, thought dead but now seen alive? A serial killer, thought dead but maybe on the loose again? Suspicious small town cops. Carter Blake, the kind of intelligent, methodological investigator that is a genuine pleasure to spend time with. All this in an isolated mountain community where people are dying once again and nobody wants to talk about it. It's brilliantly paced and plotted, with enough layers to make working it all out a real challenge.
Still, I saw the clues you put in Mr Cross, but I didn't think you'd go that dark... That ending. Whoa.
ARC via Netgalley
Still, I saw the clues you put in Mr Cross, but I didn't think you'd go that dark... That ending. Whoa.
ARC via Netgalley
March 14, 2020
Carter Blake.... Number 5
Four books in a row read...
THEN
Adeline Connor was the Devil Mountain Killer's final victim. After she was gunned down, the murderer disappeared and the killing spree ended.
NOW
Carter Blake has been hired to do what he does best: to find someone. But this time he's hunting a dead girl - Adeline Connor's brother is convinced she's still alive.
A gripping mystery of the Devil Mountain Killer returning to haunt a beautiful quiet town.
Good, strong, believable characters, an intriguing story line and a nice twist in the end of the tale.
Carter Blake is doing what he does best - looking for someone. Only this time, the person he is looking for is presumed dead. A friend from his past asks him to get involved with the case of a long missing girl, presumed to have been murdered. But her brother is convinced he's seen her alive.
Here Carter Blake finds a great adversary in particularly Deputy Isabella Green, who ends up working closely with Blake.
With each book you learn just a little about Carter Blake, also learn about the author Mason Cross, just hints of his love of music, brought into Carter's character.
This is the first book I would feel that is a real whodunnit mystery as well as the usual Carter Blake thriller.
I guessed some of the later story, but not all the twists.
A great book just a fraction behind book 3, the best in the series.
Four books in a row read...
THEN
Adeline Connor was the Devil Mountain Killer's final victim. After she was gunned down, the murderer disappeared and the killing spree ended.
NOW
Carter Blake has been hired to do what he does best: to find someone. But this time he's hunting a dead girl - Adeline Connor's brother is convinced she's still alive.
A gripping mystery of the Devil Mountain Killer returning to haunt a beautiful quiet town.
Good, strong, believable characters, an intriguing story line and a nice twist in the end of the tale.
Carter Blake is doing what he does best - looking for someone. Only this time, the person he is looking for is presumed dead. A friend from his past asks him to get involved with the case of a long missing girl, presumed to have been murdered. But her brother is convinced he's seen her alive.
Here Carter Blake finds a great adversary in particularly Deputy Isabella Green, who ends up working closely with Blake.
With each book you learn just a little about Carter Blake, also learn about the author Mason Cross, just hints of his love of music, brought into Carter's character.
This is the first book I would feel that is a real whodunnit mystery as well as the usual Carter Blake thriller.
I guessed some of the later story, but not all the twists.
A great book just a fraction behind book 3, the best in the series.
November 19, 2023
Buvau pasiilgus Bleiko serijos. Įsitraukiau ir įsijaučiau nuo pat pirmųjų puslapių. Veiksmas vijosi veiksmą, o autorius vis numesdavo kokią nors užuominą, kad padėtų, arba dar labiau sutrikdytų🙂 kol galiausiai, bet tikrai ne per anksti, jau kaip ir aišku, kas yra žudikas, tačiau gale yra atskleidžiama dar viena detalė, kuri mane šiek tiek nuvylė. Suprantu, kad čia norėta padaryti dar didesnį efektą, bet man pritrūko logiškų paaiškinimų, kodėl.
Taip pat istorija pasakojama iš kelių veikėjų perspektyvų. Tačiau Karterio skyreliai yra parašyti pirmuoju asmeniu, o visi kiti- trečiuoju. Mane tai šiek tiek trikdė.
Taip pat istorija pasakojama iš kelių veikėjų perspektyvų. Tačiau Karterio skyreliai yra parašyti pirmuoju asmeniu, o visi kiti- trečiuoju. Mane tai šiek tiek trikdė.
April 7, 2018
A BOOM book. I read it then at the end my heart went BOOM.
Hey look I’ve loved this series since the start, in my honest opinion Presumed Dead is the best one yet and that is actually quite the achievement – but it’s true. This was a pretty perfect read from start to finish, sending Carter Blake after a missing girl who may or may not be dead and may or may not be the victim of a serial killer who may or may not be dead. Phew. It’s quite the rollercoaster ride let me tell you.
Add to that small town blues, a suspicious Sheriff, more death, a bit of action and some cliff hanging shenanigans and you are onto a good thing. Then we have perhaps one of the best endings in a thriller novel I’ve come across for AGES. I was all HA. Brilliant.
Oh beautifully written too. An intelligent thriller with clever twists and multi layered characters. I’m sure I’ve said that before but it bears saying again.
I think we can safely leave it at “Highly Recommended” but you can add some puppies or kittens if you like.
Highly Recommended.
Boom.
Hey look I’ve loved this series since the start, in my honest opinion Presumed Dead is the best one yet and that is actually quite the achievement – but it’s true. This was a pretty perfect read from start to finish, sending Carter Blake after a missing girl who may or may not be dead and may or may not be the victim of a serial killer who may or may not be dead. Phew. It’s quite the rollercoaster ride let me tell you.
Add to that small town blues, a suspicious Sheriff, more death, a bit of action and some cliff hanging shenanigans and you are onto a good thing. Then we have perhaps one of the best endings in a thriller novel I’ve come across for AGES. I was all HA. Brilliant.
Oh beautifully written too. An intelligent thriller with clever twists and multi layered characters. I’m sure I’ve said that before but it bears saying again.
I think we can safely leave it at “Highly Recommended” but you can add some puppies or kittens if you like.
Highly Recommended.
Boom.
April 1, 2018
Mason Cross writes fast exciting thrillers somewhere between Tim Weaver (David Raker missing persons investigator) and Lee Child with the Jack Reacher series (dur loner investigating suspicious and frequently dangerous situations). Carter Blake describes himself as a "Locating Consultant" finding people who don't want to be found. In Presumed Dead he is approached by David Connor who believes that his sister Adeline was not the Devil Mountain killer's final victim but rather she is alive and well and he knows this to be true because he has seen her. He has managed to convince Carter Blake that there may be some truth in his wild assertion so Blake makes the trip south to Lake Bethany in hope of an early resolve.
What follows is a fast exciting ride as Blake attempts to be accepted, into this rural community, by a suspicious population and police force who do not welcome the interference of outsiders. It soon becomes clear that a killer is still active and as the body count mounts the lines between the past and present become increasingly blurred. Mason Cross performs the very skilful task of shielding the real killer until the final pages and that disclosure is nothing short of ingenious. Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher Orion for a gratis copy in return for an honest review and that is what I have written.
What follows is a fast exciting ride as Blake attempts to be accepted, into this rural community, by a suspicious population and police force who do not welcome the interference of outsiders. It soon becomes clear that a killer is still active and as the body count mounts the lines between the past and present become increasingly blurred. Mason Cross performs the very skilful task of shielding the real killer until the final pages and that disclosure is nothing short of ingenious. Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher Orion for a gratis copy in return for an honest review and that is what I have written.
December 15, 2019
I'm back to saying WOW!!
What a fantastic book! It's beautifully written, with well fleshed out characters I cared very much for. The pace was just right, with tension mounting as the story progresses. I think it was a real challenge for Carter to figure out who was telling him the truth in Presumed Dead and even MORE of a challenge for this reader. Brilliant storytelling! And, oh my gosh, the last couple of chapters left me feeling totally stunned.
My only disappointment with this book was that it had to end. I wanted to read more, more, more!!!
What a fantastic book! It's beautifully written, with well fleshed out characters I cared very much for. The pace was just right, with tension mounting as the story progresses. I think it was a real challenge for Carter to figure out who was telling him the truth in Presumed Dead and even MORE of a challenge for this reader. Brilliant storytelling! And, oh my gosh, the last couple of chapters left me feeling totally stunned.
My only disappointment with this book was that it had to end. I wanted to read more, more, more!!!
February 24, 2024
Dar viena puiki knyga, kurioje randu tai, kas man labiausiai patinka detektyvuose: paslapčių, profesionalų ir neiškreiptas skerdynes. Įtikina. 🙂
September 27, 2023
Oho! Knyga taip įtraukė, gailiuosi, kad anksčiau neatradau šio rašytojo knygų:'[ vertė spėlioti ir kartu patikėti beveik visais įtariamaisiais (ypatingai knygai einant į pabaigą), tačiau, kad ir kaip būtų, tikrai negalėjau nuspėti, kad knyga baigsis būtent taip, kaip baigėsi. Labai džiaugiuosi perskaičiusi šią knygą ir laukiu nesulaukiu sutikti ir narplioti nusikaltimus su Karteriu Bleiku kitose knygos serijose! 5/5⭐️
May 18, 2025
3,5⭐️
April 13, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy of Presumed Dead, the fifth novel to feature location consultant Carter Blake.
In 2002-3 the Devil Mountain Killer claimed nine known victims in and around the small Georgian town of Bethany and then disappeared. Adeline Connor was the last presumed victim but her body was never found. Recently her brother David believes he saw her in Atlanta and hires Carter Blake to find her. And then the killings start again in Bethany.
I thoroughly enjoyed Presumed Dead which is a high octane read with some clever twists. I was so engrossed by it that I read it in one sitting, unwilling to put it down. There are plenty of "OMG I didn't see that coming" moments and enough action to leave you breathless. It is told mostly alternately by Carter Blake in the first person and Deputy Isabella Green in the third. It makes for an interesting read when the narrator changes midway through an event (fortunately each chapter is labelled with the narrator). I don't think I've seen this approach before but it works really well as it gives two interpretations.
Carter Blake, man of mystery as this is not his real name, has a chequered past which is not really explained in this novel as it has been explored previously. As I have read some of the preceding novels and know about it I'm not best placed to judge if the reader would benefit from this knowledge or not. My impression is that the novel will work as a stand alone as the story is complete with a slightly baffling protagonist. He is a likeable, reasonable man until he isn't as there's steel at his core.
Presumed Dead is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
In 2002-3 the Devil Mountain Killer claimed nine known victims in and around the small Georgian town of Bethany and then disappeared. Adeline Connor was the last presumed victim but her body was never found. Recently her brother David believes he saw her in Atlanta and hires Carter Blake to find her. And then the killings start again in Bethany.
I thoroughly enjoyed Presumed Dead which is a high octane read with some clever twists. I was so engrossed by it that I read it in one sitting, unwilling to put it down. There are plenty of "OMG I didn't see that coming" moments and enough action to leave you breathless. It is told mostly alternately by Carter Blake in the first person and Deputy Isabella Green in the third. It makes for an interesting read when the narrator changes midway through an event (fortunately each chapter is labelled with the narrator). I don't think I've seen this approach before but it works really well as it gives two interpretations.
Carter Blake, man of mystery as this is not his real name, has a chequered past which is not really explained in this novel as it has been explored previously. As I have read some of the preceding novels and know about it I'm not best placed to judge if the reader would benefit from this knowledge or not. My impression is that the novel will work as a stand alone as the story is complete with a slightly baffling protagonist. He is a likeable, reasonable man until he isn't as there's steel at his core.
Presumed Dead is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 17, 2023
Kad ir kaip būtų liūdna tai paskutinioji (penktoji) dalis apie Karterį Bleiką.
Ši knygų serija buvo gan neilga, bet labai įsimintina. Įsimintinas ir ryškus pagrindinis veikėjas, įdomios bylos ir nuotykiai leido pasijusti lyg veiksmo filme.
Šioje dalyje Karteris imasi dingusios merginos bylos. Adelina dingo prieš 15 metų, bet jos brolis Deividas įsitikinęs, kad visai neseniai ją matė. Tik viena didelė problema, Adelina laikoma mirusia, ji tapo paskutine serijinio žudiko auka, nors ir kūno nepavyko rasti.
Betanė nedidelis miestelis, kuriame svetimšaliai nepageidaujami, ypač tokie kurie galėtų sukelti rūpesčių, o Karteris Bleikas būtent toks asmuo. Adelainos paieškos ir mirusių vaiduokių išjudinimas įžiebs naują žmogžudysčių seriją. Nors Bleiką palaiko šerifo pavaduotoja Grin, kokia tikimybė, kad naujos bylos aplinkybės nenuves jų į dar didesnę pražūtį.
Šioje dalyje netrūko jaudulio, veiksmo, paslapčių. Pabaigos negalėjau nuspėti, o ji labai netikėta ir šokiruojanti. Autorius labai užtikrintai užbaigė serija, tikiuosi, dar ateityje perskaityti Karterio Bleiko nuotykių.
Ši knygų serija buvo gan neilga, bet labai įsimintina. Įsimintinas ir ryškus pagrindinis veikėjas, įdomios bylos ir nuotykiai leido pasijusti lyg veiksmo filme.
Šioje dalyje Karteris imasi dingusios merginos bylos. Adelina dingo prieš 15 metų, bet jos brolis Deividas įsitikinęs, kad visai neseniai ją matė. Tik viena didelė problema, Adelina laikoma mirusia, ji tapo paskutine serijinio žudiko auka, nors ir kūno nepavyko rasti.
Betanė nedidelis miestelis, kuriame svetimšaliai nepageidaujami, ypač tokie kurie galėtų sukelti rūpesčių, o Karteris Bleikas būtent toks asmuo. Adelainos paieškos ir mirusių vaiduokių išjudinimas įžiebs naują žmogžudysčių seriją. Nors Bleiką palaiko šerifo pavaduotoja Grin, kokia tikimybė, kad naujos bylos aplinkybės nenuves jų į dar didesnę pražūtį.
Šioje dalyje netrūko jaudulio, veiksmo, paslapčių. Pabaigos negalėjau nuspėti, o ji labai netikėta ir šokiruojanti. Autorius labai užtikrintai užbaigė serija, tikiuosi, dar ateityje perskaityti Karterio Bleiko nuotykių.
April 12, 2024
3,5 ⭐️ nors buvo įdomu ir skaitėsi greitai, bet kažkaip pritrūko Karterio Bleiko. Ankstesnėse knygose jis toks visas super duper, paslaptingas, greitas, apskaičiuojantis, pasitikintis savimi, net šaltakraujiškas... o čia toks labiau eilinis geras agentas ir tiek.
Pabaiga - ilgai vyniotas siūlų kamuolys išsivynioja ir viskas paaiškėja. Smagu, kad vis dėl to ne viską atspėjau 👌
Pabaiga - ilgai vyniotas siūlų kamuolys išsivynioja ir viskas paaiškėja. Smagu, kad vis dėl to ne viską atspėjau 👌
June 7, 2019
3.5 stars
The problem with following this series is that he’s a UK writer so being in the States, I have to wait a little longer until the book is released here.
But it's worth the wait.
That being said, the previous book in the series was so good, this one had a lot to live up to.
It wasn't as good as the previous ones hence the 3.5 stars.
I like the Carter character.
The story moves at a quick pace. It switches b/w POV’s of various characters.
So in the beginning, it’s annoying to have these different people & their stories going along but I know that it won’t take long before the storylines merge & everything connects.
This story was more of a mystery than the action thrillers the previous ones have been. Also, it can be read as a stand alone.
There were a lot of tiny clues throughout the narrative just like a Christie novel. While I figured out some of it, I didn’t guess everything so the twist at the end was a surprise.
Still very smart writing.
Big shout out to the publisher Orionbooks who releases these in the US!!
I look forward to the next book in the series.
The problem with following this series is that he’s a UK writer so being in the States, I have to wait a little longer until the book is released here.
But it's worth the wait.
That being said, the previous book in the series was so good, this one had a lot to live up to.
It wasn't as good as the previous ones hence the 3.5 stars.
I like the Carter character.
The story moves at a quick pace. It switches b/w POV’s of various characters.
So in the beginning, it’s annoying to have these different people & their stories going along but I know that it won’t take long before the storylines merge & everything connects.
This story was more of a mystery than the action thrillers the previous ones have been. Also, it can be read as a stand alone.
There were a lot of tiny clues throughout the narrative just like a Christie novel. While I figured out some of it, I didn’t guess everything so the twist at the end was a surprise.
Still very smart writing.
Big shout out to the publisher Orionbooks who releases these in the US!!
I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2018
Disappointing and sluggish crime fiction in an otherwise dynamite series featuring Carter Blake, a specialist in finding people who don't want to be found. Blake is basically working as a private detective in a missing person/serial killer hunt here but it's three stars for the ingenious twist ending!
July 9, 2019
Mason Cross is one of my new old favorites. Yes, that's an oxymoron but it fits.
There are some authors that I've been reading for many years, King, Doyle, Connelly, Sandford, Deaver, Poe, Maron, Braun and many others. Some feel out of favor. Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Lisa Scotoline for example. Still others are new favorites; Kristoff, Hearne are but two of those.
I came across Cross' name about 5 years ago and I wait anxiously for every new Carter Blake book. Cross came on like gang busters in The Killing Season and hasn't missed a step since. That's very true of this novel.
Blake was given a name of a man by an old, old friend, a man whose sister was the last of the Devil Mountain Killer's victims. . . or was she? The man insists that he saw his sister in Atlanta. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but Blake can't let it rest until he finds out the truth.
But then in the small town of Bethany, Georgia things begin to happen, killings with a modus operandi mirroring the horror of 15 years earlier. And Black is right in the sights of the Sheriff and his deputy. . . well, at least one of them.
There's also Isabella Green, another deputy who becomes more than someone helping Blake. But be warned; Blake doesn't have a good history of lasting relationships. You'll have to READ THE BOOK to find out how this one goes.
Who lives, who dies? Again you'll have to READ THE BOOK to find out, no spoilers from me.
Blake is a character that has depth and history. You need to read the series in order for the most part to understand that history. And his name is not Carter Blake. But that's not a spoiler, you learn that from the very first in The Killing Season.
Adventured, lots of bang bang shoot 'em up, peril and redemption to an extent. If that's your cup of tea and you aren't familiar with Carter Blake then you're missing out.
There are some authors that I've been reading for many years, King, Doyle, Connelly, Sandford, Deaver, Poe, Maron, Braun and many others. Some feel out of favor. Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Lisa Scotoline for example. Still others are new favorites; Kristoff, Hearne are but two of those.
I came across Cross' name about 5 years ago and I wait anxiously for every new Carter Blake book. Cross came on like gang busters in The Killing Season and hasn't missed a step since. That's very true of this novel.
Blake was given a name of a man by an old, old friend, a man whose sister was the last of the Devil Mountain Killer's victims. . . or was she? The man insists that he saw his sister in Atlanta. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but Blake can't let it rest until he finds out the truth.
But then in the small town of Bethany, Georgia things begin to happen, killings with a modus operandi mirroring the horror of 15 years earlier. And Black is right in the sights of the Sheriff and his deputy. . . well, at least one of them.
There's also Isabella Green, another deputy who becomes more than someone helping Blake. But be warned; Blake doesn't have a good history of lasting relationships. You'll have to READ THE BOOK to find out how this one goes.
Who lives, who dies? Again you'll have to READ THE BOOK to find out, no spoilers from me.
Blake is a character that has depth and history. You need to read the series in order for the most part to understand that history. And his name is not Carter Blake. But that's not a spoiler, you learn that from the very first in The Killing Season.
Adventured, lots of bang bang shoot 'em up, peril and redemption to an extent. If that's your cup of tea and you aren't familiar with Carter Blake then you're missing out.
August 14, 2022
Pirmas sakinys: Vėl lijo, bet ne taip, kaip tą naktį, kai ji matė savo tėvą paskutinį kartą.
Autorius planavo, kad serija apie Karterį Bleiką bus trilogija ("Žudymo sezonas", "Samarietis" ir "Metas žudyti"), tačiau geri skaitytojų atsiliepimai leido/privertė Mason Cross parašyti dar kelis romanus. Jeigu ketvirtasis – "Neieškok manęs" – dar susijęs su pirmosiomis dalimis, tai "Paskelbta mirusia" visiškai atskira istorija. Toks pasirinkimas autoriui šiek tiek atriša rankas, tačiau didelių pokyčių neįvyko: toks pats stilius, toks pats pagrindinis veikėjas, taip pat nesunkiai atspėjama mįslė. Ir toks pats malonumas greitai versti puslapius.
Autorius planavo, kad serija apie Karterį Bleiką bus trilogija ("Žudymo sezonas", "Samarietis" ir "Metas žudyti"), tačiau geri skaitytojų atsiliepimai leido/privertė Mason Cross parašyti dar kelis romanus. Jeigu ketvirtasis – "Neieškok manęs" – dar susijęs su pirmosiomis dalimis, tai "Paskelbta mirusia" visiškai atskira istorija. Toks pasirinkimas autoriui šiek tiek atriša rankas, tačiau didelių pokyčių neįvyko: toks pats stilius, toks pats pagrindinis veikėjas, taip pat nesunkiai atspėjama mįslė. Ir toks pats malonumas greitai versti puslapius.
April 16, 2018
This is the first book that I’ve read by Mason Cross, and I really enjoyed it.
Blake is asked to track down a girl who everyone thinks was killed fifteen years ago - all except her brother who hires Blake.
When Blake visits the local Sheriff he’s warned off the case and told the last guy who was asked to find Adeline, ended up dead.
This doesn’t stop Blake from heading out and looking for Adeline and when people start getting killed, it makes him more determined to find out what’s going on.
Deputy Green is helping Blake, much to the Sheriff’s disgust, and together they try and work out who is carrying out the killings.
This is a gripping read and the end will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Blake is asked to track down a girl who everyone thinks was killed fifteen years ago - all except her brother who hires Blake.
When Blake visits the local Sheriff he’s warned off the case and told the last guy who was asked to find Adeline, ended up dead.
This doesn’t stop Blake from heading out and looking for Adeline and when people start getting killed, it makes him more determined to find out what’s going on.
Deputy Green is helping Blake, much to the Sheriff’s disgust, and together they try and work out who is carrying out the killings.
This is a gripping read and the end will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 12, 2023
Overall, it was meh, fair. I hope this isn’t the end of Carter Blake however, he’s been an interesting protagonist to follow. His story arc deserves a better finish than the way this novel concluded. It felt like a rush job to finish, honestly. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear Mason Cross has written much since 2017 so I’m not very hopeful.
September 8, 2025
This was the best crime thriller I have read in a LONG time. READ IT 😬 I have just learned that this is a whole series of books and the fifth in the series which makes me sad as I ussually check!
April 1, 2023
Miestelį sukrečia žmogžudystės, kas žudikas? Bet vieną dieną jos staiga baigiasi ir pasikartoja po 15m.. negi žudikas grįžo?
Oj kad viskas būtų taip paprasta.. rašytojas meistriškai vedžioja už nosies.. kalti atrodo visi..
Žudiką bandžiau nuspėti, tačiau kai jau atrodė žinau rašytojas nusijuokdavo, taigi tikrojo žudiko ne velnio man nepavyko atspėti, todėl plojimai autoriui.
Pabaiga jus nustebins, o istorija neleis atsikvėpti. O kur dar Bleiko žavesys.. labai rekomenduoju 🔥🖤
Oj kad viskas būtų taip paprasta.. rašytojas meistriškai vedžioja už nosies.. kalti atrodo visi..
Žudiką bandžiau nuspėti, tačiau kai jau atrodė žinau rašytojas nusijuokdavo, taigi tikrojo žudiko ne velnio man nepavyko atspėti, todėl plojimai autoriui.
Pabaiga jus nustebins, o istorija neleis atsikvėpti. O kur dar Bleiko žavesys.. labai rekomenduoju 🔥🖤
June 4, 2020
WHAT!!?????
Never in a million years did I see that ending coming. And that is all I have to say.
WOW
Never in a million years did I see that ending coming. And that is all I have to say.
WOW
April 11, 2018
Another cracking ‘read it in a day’ instalment of the Carter Blake series. As soon as it appeared on my kindle I was as excited as a kid at Christmas and started reading straight away. I loved it and my only disappointment is that I finished it too soon (nothing new there) and have a long wait until the next book.
Blake is tasked with finding someone who was ‘presumed dead’ years ago, the victim of a serial killer, until a chance ‘sighting’ of her by her brother. The setting of a small town where everybody knows everybody’s business and where nobody wants to talk about the past killings was perfect. Add in some fresh murders and you are all set for an atmospheric thriller spanning 15 years.
I highly recommend Presumed Dead and while it will work as a standalone, be good to yourself and read the full series.
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group for the copy of Presumed Dead received via NetGalley.
Blake is tasked with finding someone who was ‘presumed dead’ years ago, the victim of a serial killer, until a chance ‘sighting’ of her by her brother. The setting of a small town where everybody knows everybody’s business and where nobody wants to talk about the past killings was perfect. Add in some fresh murders and you are all set for an atmospheric thriller spanning 15 years.
I highly recommend Presumed Dead and while it will work as a standalone, be good to yourself and read the full series.
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group for the copy of Presumed Dead received via NetGalley.
April 19, 2018
Well that’s another fantastic book from Mason Cross who brilliantly writes fast paced thrillers.
Carter Blake is asked by an old acquaintance to see one of her clients, David Conner in Bethany, Georgia whose sister was murdered 15 years ago but he’s adamant he saw her alive and well in Atlanta. The last P.I. he had looking into this turned up dead whilst on the trail. Conner’s sister isn’t the only one to make a reappearance though as the killer also seems to come back from the dead to protect itself.
The story definitely kept me swapping and changing my mind about who the killer was and the ending was fantastic. I would definitely recommend this book!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Carter Blake is asked by an old acquaintance to see one of her clients, David Conner in Bethany, Georgia whose sister was murdered 15 years ago but he’s adamant he saw her alive and well in Atlanta. The last P.I. he had looking into this turned up dead whilst on the trail. Conner’s sister isn’t the only one to make a reappearance though as the killer also seems to come back from the dead to protect itself.
The story definitely kept me swapping and changing my mind about who the killer was and the ending was fantastic. I would definitely recommend this book!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
“What do you know about the Devil Mountain Killer?”
Apparently nothing because this novel managed to mislead its biggest reveal until the very end. I won’t go so far as to it was the most surprising twist I’ve ever come across, but it was pretty spectacular.
As always, Carter remains a capable and likable hero and his novels are always good for an exciting time. I also appreciate that it threads that line between mystery and action thriller in the vein of Reacher or The Gray Man. It makes for a good change of pace as you climb through the installments.
Apparently nothing because this novel managed to mislead its biggest reveal until the very end. I won’t go so far as to it was the most surprising twist I’ve ever come across, but it was pretty spectacular.
As always, Carter remains a capable and likable hero and his novels are always good for an exciting time. I also appreciate that it threads that line between mystery and action thriller in the vein of Reacher or The Gray Man. It makes for a good change of pace as you climb through the installments.
May 21, 2018
Carter Blake returns for his fifth adventure. Whilst attending a funeral, he's asked to look into a case involving a dead woman who's been seen alive and well by her brother. During his investigations, he's drawn into what really happened to the Devil Mountain Killer. This was a high octane thriller with plenty of excitement and an ending that I really did not spot coming.
August 2, 2018
Slower paced than some of the other books in the series but jaw-dropping ending.
November 3, 2019
OMG that ending! I need the next book, stat!!!!!!
April 23, 2023
Loved the latest Carter Blake, where he's recruited to find a man's missing sister thought dead these past 15 years. Carter goes to a small town in Georgia where his quest unleashes the monster known as the Devil Mountain killer. This one had a wicked twist at the end I never saw coming. Love Mason Cross' protagonist, classic investigator. Would recommend ♡
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