“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn’t let go.”–Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)“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 … 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)
Women are turning up dead in the rural outskirts of Virginia, killed in grotesque ways, and when the FBI is called in, they are stumped. A serial killer is out there, his frequency increasing, and they know there is only one agent good enough to crack this case: Special Agent Riley Paige.
Riley is on paid leave herself, recovering from her encounter with her last serial killer, and, fragile as she is, the FBI is reluctant to tap her brilliant mind. Yet Riley, needing to battle her own demons, comes on board, and her hunt leads her through the disturbing subculture of doll collectors, into the homes of broken families, and into the darkest canals of the killer’s mind. As Riley peels back the layers, she realizes she is up against a killer more twisted than she could have imagined. In a frantic race against time, she finds herself pushed to her limit, her job on the line, her own family in danger, and her fragile psyche collapsing.
Yet once Riley Paige takes on a case, she will not quit. It obsesses her, leading her to the darkest corners of her own mind, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. After a series of unexpected twists, her instincts lead her to a shocking climax that even Riley could not have imagined.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE GONE marks the debut of a riveting new series—and a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
Book #2 in the Riley Paige series is also now available!
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Loved it!
It was an okay story but not the kind of book that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Lots of twists and turns, keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Very good book, kept me up reading till the wee hours. Too good to put down.
I like the characters. The female detective was a realistic person. The story hooked me and I couldn’t put it down, as I just had to get to the end!
If think it is a good book and have a great story
FBI Agent Riley Paige is called to investigate a series of deaths. Bodies of women are turning up, each killed in monstrous ways.
Riley is on paid leave …having survived two attacks by serial killers. The FBI isn’t sure of her mental state, but she’s the best they got. She’s one of the few who seem to be able to get into the head of the killer. As her investigation progresses she realizes she’s up against a killer more twisted than anyone could have imagined.
This case will have her doubting her abilities, and her sanity. She may lose her job, her family, maybe even her life.
After having read the prequel to this series, I couldn’t wait to get started on the series. The characters are great. Riley is smart, ambitious, and can be stubborn when she knows she is right. Bob is the perfect partner … he knows she is smarter than he, and has this amazing ability to read crime scenes.
The story is well-written with some twists and turns and plenty of suspects. There is a small cliff-hanger, but the second book in this series , ONCE TAKEN, is already available … no waiting to see what happens next.
Many thanks to the author / Kobo Writing Life / Netgalley for the digital copy of ONCE GONE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Not one of my favorites. The author quickly skips from one scene to another. Not enough detail. But it is a good story.
We have all met characters, police detectives who are “consumed” by their dedication, and stubborn once caught in the case that tests their skills. This character fits that bill, but more resourceful and “consumed” by the case. Fun read, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
excellent, thrilled to have a new author to follow, much like a John Sandford novel, keeps you hurrying back to see what’s next.
Absolutely loved this book. Loved it so much I’m excited about reading the whole series and his other works.
Loved this book
I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, think it is my favorite from this author.
An enjoyable page turner beginning with the first page. Great character development; one can almost feel the drama and tension as the story progresses.
which book comes first?
A good read but didn’t hold my attention to the end.
Well written, interesting characters
I found this was a very good book. I felt the author did a great job in suckin` you into the story.
This book captivates you from the first sentence!
I wouldn’t say wonderful characters, but good characters. It was an enjoyable read.