Close By (A Kari Blackhorse Suspense Thriller—Book One)

Blake Pierce

Jun 2025 · A Kari Blackhorse Suspense Thriller Book 1 · Blake Pierce

About this ebook

“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery.”

—Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)

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Across the sun-scorched Arizona desert, Navajo tribal Detective Kari Blackhorse must confront a series of murders shrouded in ceremonial precision. Caught between modern law enforcement and ancestral traditions, Kari's heritage becomes her guide through a labyrinth of mystical clues as she hunts for a truth more complex –and a killer more sinister— than any she has faced before.

As the body count rises, Kari must challenge her own beliefs to decipher whether the killer is grounded in ancient evil—or flesh and blood.

CLOSE BY is the first book in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 7,000 five star ratings and reviews.

The Kari Blackhorse series will keep you riveted, turning pages late into the night in this fast paced mystery series. Packed with shocking twists and featuring a brave and brilliant heroine, it offers a fresh take on the mystery genre—and a thriller that will keep you wanting more.

Fans of Lisa Regan, Robert Dugoni, and Kendra Elliot are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series are also available!

“An edge of your seat thriller in a new series that keeps you turning pages! ...So many twists, turns and red herrings… I can't wait to see what happens next.”

—Reader review (Her Last Wish)

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“A strong, complex story about two FBI agents trying to stop a serial killer. If you want an author to capture your attention and have you guessing, yet trying to put the pieces together, Pierce is your author!”

—Reader review (Her Last Wish)

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“A typical Blake Pierce twisting, turning, roller coaster ride suspense thriller. Will have you turning the pages to the last sentence of the last chapter!!!”

—Reader review (City of Prey)

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“Right from the start we have an unusual protagonist that I haven't seen done in this genre before. The action is nonstop… A very atmospheric novel that will keep you turning pages well into the wee hours.”

—Reader review (City of Prey)

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“Everything that I look for in a book… a great plot, interesting characters, and grabs your interest right away. The book moves along at a breakneck pace and stays that way until the end. Now on go I to book two!”

—Reader review (Girl, Alone)

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“Exciting, heart pounding, edge of your seat book… a must read for mystery and suspense readers!”

—Reader review (Girl, Alone)

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Ratings and reviews

Close By - a review by Rosemary Kenny. Blake Pierce's new series A Kari Blackhorse Suspense Thriller, opens with the innocent-sounding Close By. Tribal Police Detectives Kari and partner Ben Tsosie are called in to investigate a strange death near a sacred Apache monument. Will Kari's Navajo heritage or her logical, former FBI approach, serve her better?Close By will grip you firmly by the imagination, keep you guessing whodunit - and wanting more. Grab yourself a copy today!

I almost gave up after the prologue, but I'm glad I didn't. This is a very good story, although it gets a bit long winded at times. My advice to any prospective reader is to ignore the prologue and start at chapter one. You won't be missing anything.

what a great read. I really felt for the characters. The story progressed well and I liked how the story would be leading towards something and then BANG off in another direction.

About the author

Blake Pierce is the USA Today bestselling author of the RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes twenty-three books. Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising fourteen books; of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising six books; of the KERI LOCKE mystery series, comprising five books; of the MAKING OF RILEY PAIGE mystery series, comprising six books; of the KATE WISE mystery series, comprising thirteen books; of the CHLOE FINE psychological suspense mystery, comprising six books; of the JESSIE HUNT psychological suspense thriller series, comprising forty-six books (and counting); of the AU PAIR psychological suspense thriller series, comprising three books; of the ZOE PRIME mystery series, comprising six books; of the ADELE SHARP mystery series, comprising sixteen books, of the EUROPEAN VOYAGE cozy mystery series, comprising six books; of the LAURA FROST FBI suspense thriller, comprising eleven books; of the ELLA DARK FBI suspense thriller, comprising thirty-one books (and counting); of the A YEAR IN EUROPE cozy mystery series, comprising nine books, of the AVA GOLD mystery series, comprising six books; of the RACHEL GIFT mystery series, comprising twenty-three books; of the VALERIE LAW mystery series, comprising nine books; of the PAIGE KING mystery series, comprising eight books; of the MAY MOORE mystery series, comprising eleven books; of the CORA SHIELDS mystery series, comprising eight books; of the NICKY LYONS mystery series, comprising eight books, of the CAMI LARK mystery series, comprising ten books; of the AMBER YOUNG mystery series, comprising eight books; of the DAISY FORTUNE mystery series, comprising five books; of the FIONA RED mystery series, comprising thirteen books; of the FAITH BOLD mystery series, comprising twenty books (and counting); of the JULIETTE HART mystery series, comprising five books; of the MORGAN CROSS mystery series, comprising eighteen books; of the FINN WRIGHT mystery series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the SHEILA STONE suspense thriller series, comprising fourteen books; of the RACHEL BLACKWOOD suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the THE GOVERNESS psychological suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the JENNA GRAVES mystery series, comprising twelve books (and counting); of the ALISON PAYNE suspense thriller series, comprising twelve books (and counting); of the new ISLA RIVERS suspense thriller series, comprising twelve books (and counting); and of the new KARI BLACKHORSE suspense thriller series, comprising twelve books (and counting). An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.