What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Ava Locke #1
Blackout
After a run-in with a crazed killer in her last case, Ava wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how and why she got there. She is surrounded by unfamiliar faces that at one time she would have been relieved to see. With her memory gone, Ava only grows more afraid.
Her former partner had decided it was time to retire only to be replaced by a recruit, Oscar. He is given the case Ava was working on before her amnesia.
Five people die, seemingly at the same time. They have no connection, other than the fact they have all seen each other at least once. Is it merely a coincidence, or is there a darker reason?
As she recovers, Ava starts to receive messages from an unknown number, bringing back memories she had hoped to forget. As she struggles to recover, Oscar is left to handle the case by himself.
Now, it is only a matter of time before another victim surfaces. It’s up to Oscar and Ava to figure out who is the mastermind behind these killings, and figure out how to deal with their own challenges.
Her former partner had decided it was time to retire only to be replaced by a recruit, Oscar. He is given the case Ava was working on before her amnesia.
Five people die, seemingly at the same time. They have no connection, other than the fact they have all seen each other at least once. Is it merely a coincidence, or is there a darker reason?
As she recovers, Ava starts to receive messages from an unknown number, bringing back memories she had hoped to forget. As she struggles to recover, Oscar is left to handle the case by himself.
Now, it is only a matter of time before another victim surfaces. It’s up to Oscar and Ava to figure out who is the mastermind behind these killings, and figure out how to deal with their own challenges.
Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2021
49 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Clara Lewis
55 books52 followersAuthor Clara Lewis has always been an avid fan of mysteries. As a child, she devoured the “Nancy Drew” and “Hardy Boys” series’s, which inspired her desire to write her own mystery thrillers. Though Clara’s journey took her in several different directions, she eventually published her debut series early in 2021.
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 11, 2021
Ava wakes up in the hospital with no memory of anything. what happened to her? How did she get there? Why is she so fearful?
The young girl sitting beside her is Ellie .... they obviously went through something together, but what? Ava instinctively trusts the girl. The doctors have asked all her visitors not to tell her what happened. Far better for her to remember on her own ....
Her former partner had decided it was time to retire only to be replaced by a recruit, Oscar. He is given the case Ava was working on before her amnesia.
Five people die, seemingly at the same time. They have no connection, other than the fact they have all seen each other at least once. Is it merely a coincidence, or is there a darker reason?
Once Ava leaves the hospital, still with no memory, she and Oscar need to solve this puzzle...and soon as another body has been found.
Although labeled as first in the series, there is a prequel that I recommend starting with (VANISHED -- free on Amazon) It's a short story but filled with page-turning action as Ava struggles to remember... and still be able to do her job. This is a short read, less than 100 pages, so an easy read. Beware --- there is a small cliff-hanger at the conclusion.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 1, 2024
I just love the character of Detective Ava Locke and this is the first episode in a what is a twelve book series. There is therefore some hook to get you to read on; each short story is complete as far as it goes but the larger mystery goes forward.
I like the originality of this author but at times it strikes me that her creativity overwhelms her consciousness before she can get all the words down in print. Consequently I do not feel the piece flows as well as the author would want. Another niggle I have is the over use of one expression in particularly. There are too many times where various characters interact with others by “tapping”, “patting”, and generally “handling” another’s shoulders.
Although it seems initially part of the plot in both the prequel and this first book, I find the lack of teamwork within the police department at odds with the perceived desire to solve cases. In this investigation the working detective proceeds without back-up at one stage with almost disastrous results. Lessons appear to be taken on board and hopefully now there will be greater collaboration.
Beyond these negative aspects I have to commend this series to you. The writing is original and the words of Clara Lewis are fresh and engaging. There is a built in tension here associated with a pervading mystery that predates these events. The plot is original and creative.
I really like the main protagonist, Ava Locke and her new partner is an interesting foil and sensitive participant in these cases.
When one plans a series across twelve instalments it is difficult to get that balance between interest and anticipation. The writer has built her characters well; despite introducing an added complication of amnesia for the lead detective. This bodes well and generates momentum to read on and the intriguing case means readers have little alternative but turn more pages along the way.
I like the originality of this author but at times it strikes me that her creativity overwhelms her consciousness before she can get all the words down in print. Consequently I do not feel the piece flows as well as the author would want. Another niggle I have is the over use of one expression in particularly. There are too many times where various characters interact with others by “tapping”, “patting”, and generally “handling” another’s shoulders.
Although it seems initially part of the plot in both the prequel and this first book, I find the lack of teamwork within the police department at odds with the perceived desire to solve cases. In this investigation the working detective proceeds without back-up at one stage with almost disastrous results. Lessons appear to be taken on board and hopefully now there will be greater collaboration.
Beyond these negative aspects I have to commend this series to you. The writing is original and the words of Clara Lewis are fresh and engaging. There is a built in tension here associated with a pervading mystery that predates these events. The plot is original and creative.
I really like the main protagonist, Ava Locke and her new partner is an interesting foil and sensitive participant in these cases.
When one plans a series across twelve instalments it is difficult to get that balance between interest and anticipation. The writer has built her characters well; despite introducing an added complication of amnesia for the lead detective. This bodes well and generates momentum to read on and the intriguing case means readers have little alternative but turn more pages along the way.
October 24, 2022
Swamped by Symbols
Detective Ava Locke wakes up in the hospital and doesn't recognize anyone around her. She's terrified at being restrained and has to be sedated in order to keep her from ripping out her IV lines and fleeing in her hospital gown.
Dr. Shepard, her Mother, Michelle and Ellie, the girl who she saved in the last book, are about the only people Ava can tolerate. Especially when her old partner, Carl, comes in only to say he's retiring and to introduce her to Oscar Guera, her new partner.
The Chief has assigned Ava and Oscar to the case of the five dead people who expired all at the same time but, in reality, Oscar is the only one working on the file. Ava is receiving unknown phone calls every evening where someone just breathes at her.
Ava is losing weight, having nightmares and getting more and more scared as the police dig into the facts of the case. Oscar, after confronting several kids involved, is being stalked by them, and nearly gets killed but for Ellie's intervention.
There are mountains of mysteries to be solved. Who is organizing these kids? What does the symbol/tattoo left on people and on crime scenes mean? Why is Ava getting sicker? When will this end? I guess I'll be getting the next book to find out.
Detective Ava Locke wakes up in the hospital and doesn't recognize anyone around her. She's terrified at being restrained and has to be sedated in order to keep her from ripping out her IV lines and fleeing in her hospital gown.
Dr. Shepard, her Mother, Michelle and Ellie, the girl who she saved in the last book, are about the only people Ava can tolerate. Especially when her old partner, Carl, comes in only to say he's retiring and to introduce her to Oscar Guera, her new partner.
The Chief has assigned Ava and Oscar to the case of the five dead people who expired all at the same time but, in reality, Oscar is the only one working on the file. Ava is receiving unknown phone calls every evening where someone just breathes at her.
Ava is losing weight, having nightmares and getting more and more scared as the police dig into the facts of the case. Oscar, after confronting several kids involved, is being stalked by them, and nearly gets killed but for Ellie's intervention.
There are mountains of mysteries to be solved. Who is organizing these kids? What does the symbol/tattoo left on people and on crime scenes mean? Why is Ava getting sicker? When will this end? I guess I'll be getting the next book to find out.
November 10, 2021
Blackout
Detective Ava Locke (Book 1)
by Clara Lewis
Blackout, book1of the Detective Ava Locke series; an intriguing and riveting murder mystery with some twists. A short story with everything readers want in a thriller, it gets readers attention from the first page and does not let go; will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Filled with suspense, tension, and violence; readers will not be able to turn the pages fast enough. The characters entertaining and well-written, working well together. Reading Vanished, the prequel to this story first; will help readers follow the storyline better.
Clara Lewis is an amazing author, with a talent for engaging the readers from the very start of the book. Having read several books from Ms. Clara, I can honestly say she knows what she is doing. Well, done keep up the great work. I look forward to finishing this series. These are my thoughts and feelings about this author and this book, both receiving 5-star rating.
Detective Ava Locke (Book 1)
by Clara Lewis
Blackout, book1of the Detective Ava Locke series; an intriguing and riveting murder mystery with some twists. A short story with everything readers want in a thriller, it gets readers attention from the first page and does not let go; will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Filled with suspense, tension, and violence; readers will not be able to turn the pages fast enough. The characters entertaining and well-written, working well together. Reading Vanished, the prequel to this story first; will help readers follow the storyline better.
Clara Lewis is an amazing author, with a talent for engaging the readers from the very start of the book. Having read several books from Ms. Clara, I can honestly say she knows what she is doing. Well, done keep up the great work. I look forward to finishing this series. These are my thoughts and feelings about this author and this book, both receiving 5-star rating.
August 16, 2021
"After a run-in with a crazed killer in her last case, Ava wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how and why she got there. She is surrounded by unfamiliar faces that at one time she would have been relieved to see. With her memory gone, Ava only grows more afraid."
This story had me hooked from the first page and kept me to the end. Even though this series is in several books it has me. This is my first read of this author and she writes her mysteries trying to ask questions of who and why. Who is killing all these young victims? Why are they also trying to kill Ava? How are these victims related to the killer? I'm excited to read the next installment in the series and I am sure there will be more questions to be answered.
This story had me hooked from the first page and kept me to the end. Even though this series is in several books it has me. This is my first read of this author and she writes her mysteries trying to ask questions of who and why. Who is killing all these young victims? Why are they also trying to kill Ava? How are these victims related to the killer? I'm excited to read the next installment in the series and I am sure there will be more questions to be answered.
September 13, 2021
A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller
If you read Vanished, the prequel to this story, the narrative becomes even more intense. While working undercover, Detective Ava Locke is shot and loses her memory, which has an impact on a current case that she and her new partner, Oscar Guera are working on. As Ava is recuperating in the hospital, her past will begin to haunt her, revealing a deep-hidden secret, mysterious phone calls, eerie dreams, and peculiar signs, turning this into an intriguing murder mystery with some curveballs thrown into the mix. Detective Guera is an enchanting and relatable character, much like Carl Weathers, and Kellie will soon become a self-assured ally, building up to a jaw-dropping surprise, which I never expected.
If you read Vanished, the prequel to this story, the narrative becomes even more intense. While working undercover, Detective Ava Locke is shot and loses her memory, which has an impact on a current case that she and her new partner, Oscar Guera are working on. As Ava is recuperating in the hospital, her past will begin to haunt her, revealing a deep-hidden secret, mysterious phone calls, eerie dreams, and peculiar signs, turning this into an intriguing murder mystery with some curveballs thrown into the mix. Detective Guera is an enchanting and relatable character, much like Carl Weathers, and Kellie will soon become a self-assured ally, building up to a jaw-dropping surprise, which I never expected.
October 23, 2021
This was the first book in the Detective Ava Locke series and it’s a good start to a series. The main character is Eva who wakes up in a hospital not exactly sure what was going on since she couldn’t remember what happened. There was a girl Allie there who was trying to help her and stayed by her side in the hospital. Meanwhile, Ava’s detective partner, Oscar, is pissed off that someone did this to Ava and he was going to find out who and why. The story has very well-written characters and some thrill and mystery to it. The ending really leaves you hanging, wanting to know whom these people are trying to kill Oscar and Ava along with a strange tattoo on their bodies and of the other 5 people who have been killed. I’m looking forward to reading more of the series.
January 22, 2022
Detective Ava Locke wakes up in the hospital with no memory. At first she doesn’t even remember her own name. She slowly begins to remember. Her new partner, Oscar, has been instructed not to share too much with her because over stimulation could cause permanent memory loss. Although she is confined to a hospital bed she still wants to help. Teenagers are committing suicide by injecting themselves with a deadly drug. Oscar realizes the same symbol is at each crime scene. Initially he does not realize the symbol matches a tattoo that was carved into Anna’s arm in high school. It is very suspenseful and will leave you hanging amd hungering for more. I love the characters in this series. Now onto the next one!
August 25, 2022
I highly recommend this book 1 of The Detective Ava Locke Series. It is suspense at its best. Ava is in the hospital with amnesia after she was injured when working on a case. Her former partner, Carl, has retired and she has been assigned a new partner, Oscar. Most of this book is Ava getting to know Oscar and trying to remember what happened to her and avoiding someone who is trying to kill her and Oscar. The case of someone killing teens who have been branded with a symbol is ongoing. It does end with the case unsolved and more teens being murdered but I enjoyed this book so much I can't wait to read more of this series. The characters of Ava and Oscar are great. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 27, 2021
Detective Ava Locke, after being injured in her last case, is now in hospital with no memories. She meets her new partner, Oscar. While in hospital, the case continues and Oscar is trying to figure it out. More people die. Ava slowly starts regaining her memory. She starts getting weird phone calls and strange things happen to her in hospital. Part of the case takes her back to something that happened to her long ago. I am eager to find out how the case evolves and what it has to do with her previous experience. I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
I received an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
July 29, 2021
I read this as parts of Clara`s ARC group but it is my honest review
This book follows Vanished and I really think you would need to read that first or else you might feel a little lost.
Ava wakes up in hospital with amnesia and feels very frightened and doesn't know who to trust. Her new partner, who she has never met before tries to help by getting her involved in a very odd 5 person murder but someone keeps phoning her and sending messages that doesn't help her mental state.
The book does come to an abrupt end which was a bit disconcerting but it just makes you want to read more - we'll it does me!
This book follows Vanished and I really think you would need to read that first or else you might feel a little lost.
Ava wakes up in hospital with amnesia and feels very frightened and doesn't know who to trust. Her new partner, who she has never met before tries to help by getting her involved in a very odd 5 person murder but someone keeps phoning her and sending messages that doesn't help her mental state.
The book does come to an abrupt end which was a bit disconcerting but it just makes you want to read more - we'll it does me!
May 23, 2021
Tensions Are High When Amnesia Delays Preventing Murder. This second book of the ‘Detective Ave Locke’ series is fraught with tension and violence while Ava struggles to regain her memory. She is integral to solving several, previously thought unrelated, murders of teens under similar circumstances. Her new partner, Oscar, and her teen friend, Ellie, take center stage in their efforts to unravel the puzzling questions of why, how and by whom. This is a page turning read that gets you hooked. I received a free ARC opt for an honest review.
Sis
Sis
July 27, 2021
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am providing my honest review.
Second book in the series, a few details are missing between “Vanished” and “Blackout” so the reader might be somewhat lost without reading the first book.
A pretty severe case of amnesia leaves heroine Ava Locke at a real disadvantage for solving a 5-victim homicide- especially with a new partner she has never met!
Lots of obstacles to overcome but just when things are looking up, the book ends!! I’m sorry but I’m a traditionalist and need a bit more of a smoother transition.
Second book in the series, a few details are missing between “Vanished” and “Blackout” so the reader might be somewhat lost without reading the first book.
A pretty severe case of amnesia leaves heroine Ava Locke at a real disadvantage for solving a 5-victim homicide- especially with a new partner she has never met!
Lots of obstacles to overcome but just when things are looking up, the book ends!! I’m sorry but I’m a traditionalist and need a bit more of a smoother transition.
August 18, 2021
Ava has amnesia. She also has a new partner, Oscar. To add to the anxiety, she is receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown number. Whoever it is seems to be able to see her in her hospital room. She doesn’t know who the people around her are. She doesn’t know who to trust.
Oscar is looking out for her but he is being followed by a group of teens who assault him when he is vulnerable. This is definitely a story that you don’t want to put down! I received an ARC copy of this. This is my honest review.
Oscar is looking out for her but he is being followed by a group of teens who assault him when he is vulnerable. This is definitely a story that you don’t want to put down! I received an ARC copy of this. This is my honest review.
May 26, 2021
How much of a person is made up of their memories? Ava can't remember her past and may have forgotten many things which would help to solve the case she and Oscar are working on. Ava's life may be in danger and she doesn't know what to think. The writing is excellent and the story draws you in. The ending leaves you in the middle of a situation, so I'm looking forward to the next part of this series. Thoroughly enjoyable!
June 1, 2021
Ava is recovering from a previous case that left her in the hospital. With a new partner Oscar, they are working on a case in which 5 people all died at the same time, but different locations. Ava has no memory of her attack that left her in the hospital but this new case is brining up some older memories that might help with the case. The question is, will they be too late?
I received an ARC and this is my honest review. Once again a quick read but will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review. Once again a quick read but will keep you on the edge of your seat.
June 21, 2022
A very gripping beginning, filled with mystery, wondering what happened to Ava and then things just get more complicated, creating more unanswered questions. The tempo picks up at the end, making you want to read the next book in the series to get some answers.
Still getting to know the characters and trying to keep up as the plot thickens!
Looking forward to the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and I am giving a review voluntarily.
Still getting to know the characters and trying to keep up as the plot thickens!
Looking forward to the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and I am giving a review voluntarily.
Read
April 26, 2023What a beginning to what is already the best psychological thriller I've read this year.
Ava Locke's a tough no nonsense detective until she wakes up in a hospital bed after being viciously attacked but that's just the start of her problems and those of her fellow detectives as the bodies start to pile up. There's so much more to say about what takes place in part one of this thriller but I'm not into spoilers so buy and enjoy the ride. 10/10.
Ava Locke's a tough no nonsense detective until she wakes up in a hospital bed after being viciously attacked but that's just the start of her problems and those of her fellow detectives as the bodies start to pile up. There's so much more to say about what takes place in part one of this thriller but I'm not into spoilers so buy and enjoy the ride. 10/10.
May 24, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 24, 2021
4.5 rounded up . This is a fast-paced book. Ava was injured on a prior case and now has amnesia. She doesn't know who to trust. Who keeps calling her at the same time every night? That is just one of the questions that needs to be answered. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
July 17, 2021
The story continues with Eva waking up with no memories. Oscar is on the case. What's going on?. .Mysterious phone calls. Flyers. Someone wants the memories to stay buried. Or do they?
Can hardly wait for the next installment!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am giving you my honest review.
Can hardly wait for the next installment!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am giving you my honest review.
March 27, 2024
Now that I've read both the prequel and this first book in the series, I think I can say I'm hooked! I know how I'm spending my day tomorrow. I'll be binge reading the rest of this series! These are quick, easy little reads, but the ending of each book leaves you hanging and yearning for the next one.
May 22, 2021
The first book in the Ava Locke Series has Ava in hospital with no memory. As she heals and tries to remember, she has a new partner who is keeping her connected to the new case. This book kept me interested until the last page. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 26, 2021
This novella is suspenseful and interesting. Our heroine is learning about herself as we learn about her. Suffering from amnesia she must try to remember her past so it does not become her future. I already pre-ordered the next installment.
June 27, 2021
Blackout is the first book in this series after the introduction Prequel Vanished
It is a well written, page turning, short story, with lots of suspense, but does end in a Cliffhanger.
I received a arc copy of this book for my honest review.
It is a well written, page turning, short story, with lots of suspense, but does end in a Cliffhanger.
I received a arc copy of this book for my honest review.
August 5, 2021
I absolutely love the writing style of this author. She is on my list for favorite authors. I received a book for an honest review. I can not put down her detective stories. They are short books and very interesting and you just want to read more and more.
August 19, 2021
Definitely enjoyed reading this book. Glad to catch up with Ava and Ellie again and know that Carl made it. Kept me reading and went fast. Anxious for the next one.
Forgot again to mention this is an ARC book for an honest review
Forgot again to mention this is an ARC book for an honest review
September 9, 2021
A crazed man puts Ava in hospital, everything is a blank now,
Ellie sitting beside her, and Ava trusting her
A new partner Oscar, working alone till Ava can
Ava getting unknown calls, will that help her memory
Good series to enjoy and figure out the clues.
Ellie sitting beside her, and Ava trusting her
A new partner Oscar, working alone till Ava can
Ava getting unknown calls, will that help her memory
Good series to enjoy and figure out the clues.
June 27, 2022
I am glad that Ava is out of the hospital and starting back at work. I like that Ellie is with her and helping Oscar and Ava out on the case. It should help with Ava’s continued recovery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more!
June 25, 2021
I have been hooked since the 1st book Vanished. You get so wrapped up in this quick but entertaining read and totally find yourself cheering for Ava. Love this series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews