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Messages of Murder #7
Message in the Blade
Is there a rash of suicides or is a serial killer on the loose?
There is an unusual number of suicide victims and accidental deaths in River Bend lately. When psychic, Gabby McAllister, gets hired by one victim's family, she figures out that there may be a serial killer ravaging the small town. Normally, she'd ask Detective Lucas Hartley for help, but they aren't exactly on good terms since she broke up with him.
Everyone in town is a suspect until Gabby finds the real killer. And he has a nasty plan.
Book Seven in the Messages of Murder series.
Book 1: Message in the Bones
Book 2: Message in the Fire
Book 3: Message in the Grave
Book 4: Message in the Snow
Book 5: Message in the Box
Book 6: Message in the Blood
Book 7: Message in the Blade
Psychic murder mystery readers, like you, say, "I love every book in this series. This one gripped me from start to finish."
Read the final book in the best selling Messages of Murder series today.
There is an unusual number of suicide victims and accidental deaths in River Bend lately. When psychic, Gabby McAllister, gets hired by one victim's family, she figures out that there may be a serial killer ravaging the small town. Normally, she'd ask Detective Lucas Hartley for help, but they aren't exactly on good terms since she broke up with him.
Everyone in town is a suspect until Gabby finds the real killer. And he has a nasty plan.
Book Seven in the Messages of Murder series.
Book 1: Message in the Bones
Book 2: Message in the Fire
Book 3: Message in the Grave
Book 4: Message in the Snow
Book 5: Message in the Box
Book 6: Message in the Blood
Book 7: Message in the Blade
Psychic murder mystery readers, like you, say, "I love every book in this series. This one gripped me from start to finish."
Read the final book in the best selling Messages of Murder series today.
- GenresMysteryParanormalRomance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2022
461 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Merriman
53 books231 followersDawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 2, 2023
The last three books were quick
And not as well written. Did I only be Gabby, heck yes! Did I love Lucas, oh yeah! And all the other characters too. But the last three I started noticing typos and less intensity but I still loved the series. Every book was good. Gabby pretty much annoyed me with her stubbornness and I felt bad for Lucas. She definitely messed with his heart. But he was a good man and didn't give up hope. Dustin and Alexis sorted out their issues too and they left a thread hanging in case she decides to do another book but for now this is it. I really will miss the characters. They felt real to me. I definitely will read some of her other novels too. Thank you Ms. Merriman for Gabby's journey! I truly enjoyed it.
And not as well written. Did I only be Gabby, heck yes! Did I love Lucas, oh yeah! And all the other characters too. But the last three I started noticing typos and less intensity but I still loved the series. Every book was good. Gabby pretty much annoyed me with her stubbornness and I felt bad for Lucas. She definitely messed with his heart. But he was a good man and didn't give up hope. Dustin and Alexis sorted out their issues too and they left a thread hanging in case she decides to do another book but for now this is it. I really will miss the characters. They felt real to me. I definitely will read some of her other novels too. Thank you Ms. Merriman for Gabby's journey! I truly enjoyed it.
August 3, 2025
Heartbroken Gabby must carry on working when a client brings an interesting case to her. His uncle death had been ruled as a self unaliving. However he does not think this is the case, with Gabby helps they break into his house to find out the truth. This truth leads us to discover that this is not the only case ruled as a self unaliving. How many of these are true and is a serial unaliver in their town.
This book made my heart hurt seeing Gabby and Lucas In pain as they just love each other so much and I just wanted them to fix it right away. I was happy to see Dustin step up as a brother a bit more though and support Gabby. I'm also glad we finally see Alexia's and Dustin sorting their own issues out aswell.
Well we have another evil person yet again on the lose and no doubt after Gabby 🤔 will she ever get a break.
I'm so glad Lucas opened himself up more and now fully understands what Gabby goes through every time she uses her ability. But I am happy they did sort everything out. I would have been very cross if he didn't come out of his coma as we would never have got to read them getting engaged 🥰. Yay for Gabby I literally love the two together.
This book made my heart hurt seeing Gabby and Lucas In pain as they just love each other so much and I just wanted them to fix it right away. I was happy to see Dustin step up as a brother a bit more though and support Gabby. I'm also glad we finally see Alexia's and Dustin sorting their own issues out aswell.
Well we have another evil person yet again on the lose and no doubt after Gabby 🤔 will she ever get a break.
I'm so glad Lucas opened himself up more and now fully understands what Gabby goes through every time she uses her ability. But I am happy they did sort everything out. I would have been very cross if he didn't come out of his coma as we would never have got to read them getting engaged 🥰. Yay for Gabby I literally love the two together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
Again life happens and so it has take me forever to finish these short books of Dawns! Short but so great!!! I get sucked into them I literally wanted to cry right now the fact that I am done with all seven in this series. I feel complete, I don’t feel left out. But I do want more. I loved the story of Gabby and her journey through all things possible. Ugh! Why is it over for me??
Oh well on to the next book/ series! Thank you so much Dawn for this fantastic time!!!
Oh well on to the next book/ series! Thank you so much Dawn for this fantastic time!!!
July 29, 2022
Awesome!!
I absolutely LOVE this series! Gabby is hired by the nephew of a man who has died. The nephew is positive his uncle is not a suicide. As Gabby begins to work the case, things get really crazy and Gabby finds herself in danger. I can’t wait for more of this series!
I absolutely LOVE this series! Gabby is hired by the nephew of a man who has died. The nephew is positive his uncle is not a suicide. As Gabby begins to work the case, things get really crazy and Gabby finds herself in danger. I can’t wait for more of this series!
December 8, 2022
As a whole I give this series a 4 star.
It had problems here and there... hers referred to as hims (it took me awhile to figure out if the medical examiner was a male or female in the beginning, saying a baby is still attached by the ambilical cord and then running away with said baby, wrong tenses used, etc. When the errors occure they seem to be in a pile and then smooth back out, like that area was rewritten, but not re-edited. This did not happen in a significant amount to make me want to stop reading. I also found it odd in the last book, after Gabby fought so hard to be included and being able to read a scene, she was hesitant and not wanting to read the scenes when asked?!? Like she really was just that contrary to do the opposite of what her brother wanted... it kinda left me ending on a sour note. It feels incomplete. We don't know what her future holds or if it works out.
It had problems here and there... hers referred to as hims (it took me awhile to figure out if the medical examiner was a male or female in the beginning, saying a baby is still attached by the ambilical cord and then running away with said baby, wrong tenses used, etc. When the errors occure they seem to be in a pile and then smooth back out, like that area was rewritten, but not re-edited. This did not happen in a significant amount to make me want to stop reading. I also found it odd in the last book, after Gabby fought so hard to be included and being able to read a scene, she was hesitant and not wanting to read the scenes when asked?!? Like she really was just that contrary to do the opposite of what her brother wanted... it kinda left me ending on a sour note. It feels incomplete. We don't know what her future holds or if it works out.
May 30, 2025
Loved all of the books in the message series so far, but this is the most frustrating so far. The story had me awake eagerly reading each chapter and the story line is great. Her father causes more anguish and mayhem and Gabby finds out she has 2 other siblings. But what is really frustrating is her relationship with Lucas! Her dogged determination with her gift and interfering in crime scenes is just too much for him this time. Her tattoo is leading her in a direction I didn’t expect and I feel really sad for her at the end. Without giving too much away, I hope it comes right in the next book.
Do well written these stories have me hooked every time. Can’t wait to start the next book.
Do well written these stories have me hooked every time. Can’t wait to start the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
The end?
I'm a little disappointed to read that this is the last book of the series since DM leaves us with a cliffhanger. The story was good. It could have used more proofreading and a little more research on gun suicide. I also don't believe Kalissta would be allowed to come back to work. The religious aspects used didn't bother me except that God would probably tell her not to go to bed with Lucas before marriage. (My personal belief). Anyway, I hope DM writes at least one other book to close out this one.
I'm a little disappointed to read that this is the last book of the series since DM leaves us with a cliffhanger. The story was good. It could have used more proofreading and a little more research on gun suicide. I also don't believe Kalissta would be allowed to come back to work. The religious aspects used didn't bother me except that God would probably tell her not to go to bed with Lucas before marriage. (My personal belief). Anyway, I hope DM writes at least one other book to close out this one.
January 5, 2025
This wasn’t my favorite, there were a lot of characters added in and I feel like there was a large God presence in here which I usually don’t mind but I feel as though this was the first of the series where it was very heavy and it felt unnecessary to me. It also felt as though she was ending the series with this book, but there is another one. I am going to read that just to finish out the series and hope it ends higher than it’s going because I truly love Gabby and Lucas and all of the characters.
February 5, 2025
Wonderful series
I love this series, I love the characters and the storyline is fun. Gabby is a wonderful character with so much spunk. Dawn Merriman is an excellent, amazing writer with a fun imagination. Dawn’s writing is fun, suspenseful with a twist or two that surprises you. I’m looking forward to reading Gabby having a lot more adventures and finding happiness with Lucas. All of Dawn’s characters are entertaining, interesting and fun to read. Thank you Dawn for this series, it’s excellent writing!
I love this series, I love the characters and the storyline is fun. Gabby is a wonderful character with so much spunk. Dawn Merriman is an excellent, amazing writer with a fun imagination. Dawn’s writing is fun, suspenseful with a twist or two that surprises you. I’m looking forward to reading Gabby having a lot more adventures and finding happiness with Lucas. All of Dawn’s characters are entertaining, interesting and fun to read. Thank you Dawn for this series, it’s excellent writing!
July 31, 2025
Message in the Blade #7 in the messages of murder series
Gabby, the psychic gets into more trouble in book 7. Dustin, the brother, and his partner in crime fighting, Lucas, try to stay professional while helping Gabby help them while trying to keep her safe and out of trouble. This is always a tall order especially when the news team is always around waiting to see what Gabby has stumbled into. It’s always a roller coaster ride, a tense one.
I love the characters, I love the family, I love how these books work. A great ride!
Gabby, the psychic gets into more trouble in book 7. Dustin, the brother, and his partner in crime fighting, Lucas, try to stay professional while helping Gabby help them while trying to keep her safe and out of trouble. This is always a tall order especially when the news team is always around waiting to see what Gabby has stumbled into. It’s always a roller coaster ride, a tense one.
I love the characters, I love the family, I love how these books work. A great ride!
April 19, 2025
Too much god!!!🙄
After reading each book in this series, I have noticed that the god element has gotten worse!!!😟
This last book, #7, has so much god that I feel like I am smothered in it!!!!😕
Then you never explained why god said to do some of the things he said??!! I began to wonder if it was the devil!!!😲
Actually, since some of them could sort of read minds, I wondered if her father was sending the messages!!!
Too weird!!!!!😢
After reading each book in this series, I have noticed that the god element has gotten worse!!!😟
This last book, #7, has so much god that I feel like I am smothered in it!!!!😕
Then you never explained why god said to do some of the things he said??!! I began to wonder if it was the devil!!!😲
Actually, since some of them could sort of read minds, I wondered if her father was sending the messages!!!
Too weird!!!!!😢
December 26, 2022
Beautiful and Nerve Wracking
I hope this isn't the end. I can think of several adventures and things to explore. I'm so thrilled with the character growth of all the characters who've become friends throughout the series. I enjoyed the mystery that was spun and it did great keeping me guessing. This has been a truly wonderful adventure.
I hope this isn't the end. I can think of several adventures and things to explore. I'm so thrilled with the character growth of all the characters who've become friends throughout the series. I enjoyed the mystery that was spun and it did great keeping me guessing. This has been a truly wonderful adventure.
February 24, 2023
Edge of your seat, page turner!
Gabby’s adventures in solving murders in her home town wraps up in this last book of the series. Literally from the first page to the last Dawn Merriman will have emotions all over the place, connecting so deeply that you may call out in frustration, or cry, or sigh in relief.
Gabby’s adventures in solving murders in her home town wraps up in this last book of the series. Literally from the first page to the last Dawn Merriman will have emotions all over the place, connecting so deeply that you may call out in frustration, or cry, or sigh in relief.
March 9, 2023
Fantastic last book in the series, I really do hope there is more in the future, as I have loved Gabby's adventures.
I have loved how the relationships between characters have grown and changed throughout the series. The book itself also did not disappoint. A great story with some great twists and turns along the way.
I have loved how the relationships between characters have grown and changed throughout the series. The book itself also did not disappoint. A great story with some great twists and turns along the way.
Read
March 28, 2023Terrific series, with wonderful characters, Dawn Merriman does not disappoint!
Enjoyed every moment reading these books! They are fast paced story lines that are populated by people you would like to know, and others you never want to meet in a dark ally! No drag, no down time, just great reading!
Enjoyed every moment reading these books! They are fast paced story lines that are populated by people you would like to know, and others you never want to meet in a dark ally! No drag, no down time, just great reading!
July 13, 2023
Brilliant series
I have read all the series and I have loved all .Please Dawn write some more ,I can't be left wondering what is happening with the characters.I really feel I have got to know them .So I do want to continue reading about Gabby ,Lucas and all these other wonderful people .Highly recommended series
I have read all the series and I have loved all .Please Dawn write some more ,I can't be left wondering what is happening with the characters.I really feel I have got to know them .So I do want to continue reading about Gabby ,Lucas and all these other wonderful people .Highly recommended series
May 14, 2024
In Message in the Blade by Dawn Merriman, Gabby's heart is hurting after her last brush with her murderous father. She'd throw herself into her work, but it turned out he'd been secretly sending clients her way, so she was struggling there, too. If only she could relax in the arms of her boyfriend, all would be good. Unfortunately, they'd recently broken up. When a victim's family hires her to investigate a suicide, Gabby stumbles on a series of murders--with connections to the local police.
Even as Gabby tries to make sense of her life, she selflessly helps those desperate for answers.
Even as Gabby tries to make sense of her life, she selflessly helps those desperate for answers.
August 17, 2024
A lot of fun.
Crap on a cracker, as Gabby would say.
This series is well worth reading, I flew through the last couple of books.
Gabby gets herself into lots of trouble during this series of books, and boy! does she drive everyone mad.
I had lots of fun reading this series.
Excellent binge read, I read them on kindle unlimited.
Crap on a cracker, as Gabby would say.
This series is well worth reading, I flew through the last couple of books.
Gabby gets herself into lots of trouble during this series of books, and boy! does she drive everyone mad.
I had lots of fun reading this series.
Excellent binge read, I read them on kindle unlimited.
August 23, 2025
Gabby and Lucas finally get it together, but there is a loose madman it is all mayhem and chaos as they try to figure out who dunnit and why. Dustin has accepted her, the extended family accept her, Lacey who helps out when she needs to. It's all good. They solve the murders of course and there is even a happy ending.
August 25, 2025
Obsession
Gabby encounters a killer who believes he is God and works to rid River Bend of those he thinks are less desirable and makes it look like suicides. However, the killer’s true obsession is Kalessta, another officer on the force. Unexpected twists and turns keep the story moving. On to the next book!
Gabby encounters a killer who believes he is God and works to rid River Bend of those he thinks are less desirable and makes it look like suicides. However, the killer’s true obsession is Kalessta, another officer on the force. Unexpected twists and turns keep the story moving. On to the next book!
July 30, 2022
A Great Book!!
I love this series. I picked right back up on the characters even though it’s been a while since I read the others. A very good ending with all the characters that I love.
I love this series. I picked right back up on the characters even though it’s been a while since I read the others. A very good ending with all the characters that I love.
October 24, 2022
WOW!! WHAT A SERIES!!
Decided to try a new author. So glad I did. This series has everything I like and then some. I honestly can't wait for the next adventure. Each book gets a deeper hold on you as the story line unfolds. Great read!!
Decided to try a new author. So glad I did. This series has everything I like and then some. I honestly can't wait for the next adventure. Each book gets a deeper hold on you as the story line unfolds. Great read!!
November 24, 2022
wonderful story to finish the Messages series
I’m happy with the ending of this book and also a little sad that it’s the last book in the Messages series. It was a great read and I devoured it. I highly recommend this book!!
I’m happy with the ending of this book and also a little sad that it’s the last book in the Messages series. It was a great read and I devoured it. I highly recommend this book!!
November 28, 2022
Such a great series!!
If there is ever to be more I will certainly read it. I would love to know more about Gabby and Lucas, Dustin and Alexis, and the Aniston sisters, Gabby and Dustin's half sisters.
If there is ever to be more I will certainly read it. I would love to know more about Gabby and Lucas, Dustin and Alexis, and the Aniston sisters, Gabby and Dustin's half sisters.
January 31, 2023
Increased Suicide
Gabby is once again drawn into the death of a young woman who appears to have died by suicide. One small area of town has had a large increase of suicides so Dustin and Lucas begin to examine them.
Gabby is once again drawn into the death of a young woman who appears to have died by suicide. One small area of town has had a large increase of suicides so Dustin and Lucas begin to examine them.
February 18, 2023
Fantastic Series!!!
These books are great reads! Very well written and absolutely delightful p!it's and characters that kept me on the edge of my seat! A truly great take on the psych if gift that Gabby has. I Love The happy ending she deserves so much and acceptance as well!
These books are great reads! Very well written and absolutely delightful p!it's and characters that kept me on the edge of my seat! A truly great take on the psych if gift that Gabby has. I Love The happy ending she deserves so much and acceptance as well!
April 8, 2023
Books 1-7
All 7 of these books were amazing. A little bit of romance mixed in with awesome writing that flows. An easy read that is not too graphic but still does justice to the story.
Definitely recommended
All 7 of these books were amazing. A little bit of romance mixed in with awesome writing that flows. An easy read that is not too graphic but still does justice to the story.
Definitely recommended
June 7, 2023
Gabby forever
Well like I said this is a great series, read all the books and enjoyed them all. Loved that Gabby , she sure knew how to get herself in trouble, . So y'all won't go wrong when your reading this great series.
Well like I said this is a great series, read all the books and enjoyed them all. Loved that Gabby , she sure knew how to get herself in trouble, . So y'all won't go wrong when your reading this great series.
August 26, 2023
And it's over
I'm so glad I didn't give up on Gabby. I couldn't. I had to trust that her story would end the way it was supposed to, the way she deserved. You'll laugh, cry, probably be very frustrated and sated all in one series.
I'm so glad I didn't give up on Gabby. I couldn't. I had to trust that her story would end the way it was supposed to, the way she deserved. You'll laugh, cry, probably be very frustrated and sated all in one series.
October 4, 2023
Spoiler possibly….
The ending was THE BEST ending for Gabby and it made my heart so happy!!! The near end had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I was like please no! And then everything was right. I am so glad I read this series. And hope for a love like Lucas and Gabby one day!
The ending was THE BEST ending for Gabby and it made my heart so happy!!! The near end had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I was like please no! And then everything was right. I am so glad I read this series. And hope for a love like Lucas and Gabby one day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews