“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn’t let go.”–Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.In A TRACE OF MURDER (Book #2 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, remains haunted by the … remains haunted by the abduction of her own daughter. Encouraged by the new lead that has landed, the first in years, she pursues it with all that she has, determined to find her daughter and bring her back alive.
Yet Keri, at the same time, receives a phone call from a frantic husband, a famed Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, who reports that his wife has been missing for two days. A wealthy socialite with no enemies and little reason to leave her life, he fears the worst has become of his wife.
Keri takes on the case, assigned a new partner whom she hates, as Ray still recovers in the hospital. Her investigation leads her deep into the elite Beverly Hills world of the idle rich, to encounters with lonely housewives, and those with shopping-addicted, empty lives. Keri, in over her head in this world, becomes increasingly puzzled by the conflicting signals: did this woman, with a stalker and a lurid, secret past, run away, or was she abducted?
Or did something far more sinister happen?
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, A TRACE OF MURDER is book #2 in a riveting new series—and a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”
–Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)
Book #3 in the Keri Locke series will be available soon.
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This is my first read in this series and I read book two. It probably would help to read book one, but the author does a great job of introducing the cast. So this is fine as a stand alone book.
Keri and her partner Ray have taken down an evil guy and both ended up in the hospital but Keri is now home. Still bruised and battered she is handed the case of a missing wife. Teamed with an older partner while Ray heals, she starts investigating.
Now it seems Keri is divorced and still looking for Evie, her young daughter grabbed right in front of her eyes. Years later, she has not given up. And while on this missing wife case, she keeps looking for clues to her missing daughter.
Is the wife really missing, a run away, or even worth the man power being spent on the case. The husband is a powerful doctor and demands she be found. There is realistic use of searching cameras, friends, relatives in the hunt.
It is an interesting read and moves along…but I am tired of personal crusades….cop solving crime while still looking for someone or something….but that is not a reason to pick on this book. Keri approaches the case her own way and it is a good read.
Couldn’t put this book down. Stayed up late as it’s such a page turner
The first “free” book lured me in & hooked me. This is a great, suspenseful series that could easily be true. I’ve really enjoyed reading these book & highly recommend them to anyone who likes a good murder mystery.
The story was fantastic, the characters engaging but what I love most is that this book deals with the very real issue of human trafficking. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
Great read! I wonder how many books I need to read in the series to find out if she will ever find her daughter?
This book keeps you wanting to read more and more. Telling yourself,”just one more chapter” until the sun is coming up. Love these books!
Well developed characters with a strong female lead.
Loved it and highly recommend this whole series!
Blake Pierce books are consistently good with great characters and always keeps your interest. My favorite author!!
I have read the first novels in four Blake Pierce mystery series: Riley Paige, Mackenzie White, Avery Black, Keri Locke. I enjoyed the Keri Locke books the most, and found “A Trace of Murder” (Keri Locke #2) to be the best yet that I have read. Pierce’s writing flows easily, his protagonists colorful, interesting, just enough off-beat, he is a master story-teller.
If it wasn’t for one persistent detective would the truth ever be known. The twists and turns keep you guessing as to the outcome. Very good read and very enjoyable.
Great read, very intriguing. Couldn’t put it down.
This is the second novel in a series of four. There are many references to events that occurred in the first book in the series, but they are brief and not distracting. Like the first book in the series, this book felt unfinished to me.
I like his books but it would be nice if they were more then 175 to 200 pages long. I can spend the same money and get an actual novel length book. Thats why I’ve stopped buying his books.
Mystery keeps you in suspense. A great read..
Great read!
Captivating read, keeps you on edge.
Good but the series gets predictable
Loved this book, want to read next one TRACE OF VICE! Totally recommend
An ok read, but I really can’t recall if I liked it or not. I will go through it again.
author created strong characters and story line kept me engaged