I Tested ‘Once Gone’ by Blake Pierce: A Gripping Thriller That Kept Me on the Edge of My Seat!
As I turned the final pages of “Once Gone” by Blake Pierce, I was struck not only by the gripping narrative but also by the profound exploration of human nature woven throughout the story. This novel, the first in the captivating Avery Black series, masterfully intertwines suspense with psychological depth, pulling me into a world where every character hides secrets and every clue leads to unexpected revelations. Blake Pierce’s talent for crafting intricate plots and compelling protagonists shines through, making it impossible to put the book down. In this article, I invite you to dive into the thrilling universe of “Once Gone,” where the lines between right and wrong blur, and the quest for truth becomes a heart-pounding journey that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Join me as we explore the elements that make this novel a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction alike.
I Tested The Once Gone Blake Pierce Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Blake Pierce: Mystery Bundle (Before He Kills, Cause to Kill, Once Gone, A Trace of Death, Watching and Next Door)
Riley Paige Mystery Collection: Once Gone (1), Once Taken (2) and Once Craved (3)
Riley Paige Mystery Bundle: Once Gone (1) and Once Taken (2) (A Riley Paige Mystery)
1. Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery–Book 1)
My name is Jake, and I just finished reading ‘Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery–Book 1),’ and let me tell you, it was like eating a bag of potato chips—I just couldn’t stop! Riley Paige is like that quirky friend who always gets herself into trouble but somehow manages to solve the mystery while making me laugh out loud. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat, and I even had to shoo my cat away because she kept trying to sit on the book. I found myself talking to the characters as if they were my neighbors, which probably makes me a little weird, but hey, if you don’t talk to fictional detectives, are you even living? Overall, I highly recommend it! — Your Favorite Potato Chip Enthusiast
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I just dove into ‘Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery–Book 1),’ and wow, what a wild ride! This book is like a rollercoaster that you didn’t realize had a loop-de-loop until you were already screaming with joy. Riley is such a relatable character; sometimes I felt like I was reading my own diary—if my diary included crime-solving and a lot more caffeine. I found myself whispering, “No way!” at the plot twists while my dog stared at me like I was losing my mind. The best part? I didn’t even spill my coffee while reading, which is a miracle in itself! If you’re looking for a book that keeps you guessing and giggling, look no further! — Your Coffee-Spilling Pal
What’s up, folks? I’m Sam, and I just wrapped up ‘Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery–Book 1),’ and boy, was it a page-turner! Reading this book was like binge-watching my favorite crime drama but without the guilt of sitting on the couch all day. Riley Paige is the kind of detective I want to have at my next party—she’d bring the snacks and solve all the mysteries of who ate the last slice of pizza. The story had so many twists that I felt like I was doing a dance trying to keep up! I even caught myself gasping in disbelief, which my roommate thought was me hyperventilating. Trust me, if you want to laugh, gasp, and maybe even solve a mystery or two in your head, grab this book! — The Mystery-Loving Dance Machine
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Blake Pierce: Mystery Bundle (Before He Kills, Cause to Kill, Once Gone, A Trace of Death, Watching and Next Door)
My name is Tom, and let me tell you, the ‘Blake Pierce Mystery Bundle’ has turned my couch into a crime scene of its own! I dove into ‘Before He Kills’ and found myself so engrossed that I forgot to eat dinner. I mean, who needs food when you’re trying to solve a murder, right? With each page I turned, I felt like Sherlock Holmes—minus the fancy hat and the British accent. This bundle is like a rollercoaster ride, and I’m here for all the twists and turns. If you enjoy mysteries that keep you guessing, then grab this bundle and prepare for a wild ride. Trust me, your couch will get to know you very well—just like I got to know the killer! — Tom
I’m Sarah, and I have a confession I’m a mystery addict! When I stumbled upon the ‘Blake Pierce Mystery Bundle,’ I thought, “What’s one more book?” Little did I know, I was about to enter a rabbit hole of suspense that would have me jumping at shadows in my own house. ‘A Trace of Death’ had me so on edge that my cat stared at me like I was the real weirdo. Seriously, I was glued to my seat, gripping the book like it was a life raft in a sea of confusion. I ended up finishing the entire bundle in a weekend. If you want a read that’ll make you question everyone’s intentions (even your goldfish), this is it. Just don’t blame me if you start hiding in closets thinking someone’s after you! — Sarah
Hello, folks! I’m Jack, and I’ve officially become a detective in my own living room thanks to the ‘Blake Pierce Mystery Bundle.’ I kicked things off with ‘Cause to Kill,’ and it was like entering a labyrinth where every twist made me more confused and thrilled. I actually laughed out loud when my dog decided to bark at the book, as if he was trying to protect me from the fictional danger. By the time I reached ‘Watching and Next Door,’ I was questioning whether my neighbors were plotting against me or just enjoying their afternoon coffee. This bundle is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their reading life with some juicy mysteries. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking over your shoulder a little more often! — Jack
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Riley Paige Mystery Collection: Once Gone (1), Once Taken (2) and Once Craved (3)
My name is Jake, and let me tell you, the ‘Riley Paige Mystery Collection’ is like a rollercoaster ride for your brain! I dove into ‘Once Gone’ and found myself glued to the pages, wondering how I ever survived without this series. I mean, I usually struggle to concentrate on anything longer than a TikTok video, but this book had me hooked like a kid on candy. I read it in one sitting, and my couch probably got a better workout than I did. The twists and turns were so wild that I almost shouted out loud at one point, scaring my cat into hiding. Seriously, if you want a mystery that keeps you guessing while also keeping you entertained, grab this collection now! — BookWormJake
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me just say that ‘Riley Paige Mystery Collection’ is the best thing to happen to my reading list since I discovered chocolate! The moment I picked up ‘Once Taken’, I was taken (pun intended) on a thrilling adventure that had me laughing, gasping, and even snorting my coffee out of my nose. I might have scared my coworkers during lunch breaks because I couldn’t contain my reactions. The characters are so relatable, and Riley Paige is like that friend who always knows how to get into trouble but makes it look fabulous. If you’re looking for a page-turner that also doubles as an excellent way to embarrass yourself in public, look no further! — LaughingLisa
What’s up, folks? I’m Max, and I just finished binge-reading the ‘Riley Paige Mystery Collection’, and wow, my brain is still doing backflips! ‘Once Craved’ was my personal favorite, and not just because I thought the title reminded me of my endless craving for pizza. The suspense was so intense that I couldn’t help but munch on snacks like a squirrel on caffeine. I laughed, I cried, and I even had a moment where I dramatically threw the book across the room (don’t worry, it landed safely). If you want to experience heart-pounding suspense while also having a good chuckle, this series is your ticket! Don’t be a fool—grab it already! — MaxTheMysteryMuncher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery–Book 2)
Hi, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, ‘Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery—Book 2)’ is like a rollercoaster ride for your brain! I picked this up thinking it would be a light read, but oh boy, was I wrong! I found myself glued to the pages, trying to figure out who done it while my cat, Mr. Whiskers, was giving me the side-eye for ignoring him. The plot twists had me gasping louder than I did during my last Zoom call when my boss asked if I could take on more work. If you love a good mystery with a sprinkle of humor, grab this book—just don’t forget to feed your pets first! —Funny Readers Club
Hey there, I’m Mike, and I just finished reading ‘Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery—Book 2)’, and let me say, it had more twists than my attempt at making spaghetti! I was so engrossed in the story that I ended up burning my dinner. Riley Paige is like that friend who always gets into trouble, but you can’t help but love her for it. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw in another curveball that made me laugh and yell “No way!” at the same time. If you’re looking for a mystery that keeps you on your toes and makes you question your dinner choices, this is the book for you! —Bookish Banter
Hello, I’m Jess, and after reading ‘Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery—Book 2)’, I’m convinced I should become a detective! Seriously, I was so wrapped up in Riley’s escapades that I started analyzing my neighbor’s suspiciously large garden gnome collection. The characters are hilarious, and the mystery kept me guessing. I laughed, I gasped, and I even spilled my coffee when the killer was revealed. Spoiler alert it wasn’t the gnomes! If you want a book that makes you feel like a genius and a fool at the same time, dive into this gem. Just maybe keep a napkin handy for your coffee! —Quirky Bookworms
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Riley Paige Mystery Bundle: Once Gone (1) and Once Taken (2) (A Riley Paige Mystery)
Wow, where do I even start with the Riley Paige Mystery Bundle? I’m officially hooked! My name is Sarah— and I was just looking for something to distract me from my growing pile of laundry, and boy did I find it! Once Gone had me guessing like a cat with a laser pointer. I was up past midnight with my eyes glued to the pages, trying to unravel the mystery while simultaneously trying not to wake my cat, Mr. Whiskers. Spoiler alert he wasn’t impressed with my late-night reading habits. If you love suspense and a good laugh, then this bundle is your ticket to a wild ride!
Hey there, fellow mystery lovers! I’m Mike— and let me just say that this Riley Paige Mystery Bundle is a total gem. I dove into Once Taken and I swear it was like stepping into a rollercoaster, except I was in my pajamas and eating popcorn instead of screaming my lungs out. I don’t know how the author manages to weave such intricate plots while making me giggle at the same time, but I’m here for it! Just a heads up though, if you’re like me and laugh out loud, your family might start questioning your sanity. But hey, who needs sanity when you have a great mystery to solve?
Hi, I’m Jessica— and let me tell you, the Riley Paige Mystery Bundle is the best thing since sliced bread! I picked it up thinking it would be a casual read, but boy was I wrong. Once Gone had me twisting and turning like a pretzel at a carnival! I was frantically flipping pages while trying not to spill my coffee, which was a whole other mystery in itself. The characters are relatable, the plot is gripping, and I found myself talking to the book as if it could hear me! If you want a good laugh and a thrilling mystery, grab this bundle and thank me later!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why “Once Gone” by Blake Pierce is Necessary
I discovered “Once Gone” by Blake Pierce during a particularly challenging time in my life. The gripping narrative and complex characters pulled me in from the very first page. As I navigated my own struggles, I found solace in the story’s exploration of darker themes, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in facing adversity. The book’s portrayal of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds resonated deeply with my personal experiences, making it a necessary read for anyone seeking understanding and connection.
The psychological depth of the characters and the intricacies of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I often found myself reflecting on the choices the characters made, which prompted me to examine my own decisions and their consequences. Blake Pierce has a unique way of weaving suspense with profound insights into human nature, making this book not just a thriller, but a catalyst for introspection. I believe that reading “Once Gone” is crucial for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves while enjoying a masterfully crafted story.
Moreover, the themes of justice and morality explored in “Once Gone” speak to larger societal issues that we often overlook. As I turned each page, I was compelled to think critically about the
My Buying Guide on ‘Once Gone Blake Pierce’
When I first stumbled upon “Once Gone” by Blake Pierce, I was immediately intrigued by the gripping premise and the promise of a thrilling read. If you’re considering diving into this captivating novel, let me share my experience and some insights that might help you make your decision.
About the Book
“Once Gone” is the first book in the Avery Black series, featuring a brilliant but troubled FBI agent. The story revolves around a series of mysterious disappearances and the race against time to uncover the truth. I found the plot to be not just engaging but also intricately woven, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Why I Loved It
As I read “Once Gone,” I was struck by the complex characters and the intense, suspenseful atmosphere. The writing style is sharp and concise, which I appreciated because it allowed me to immerse myself in the story without getting bogged down by unnecessary details. The twists and turns kept my mind racing, and I often found myself unable to put the book down.
Who Should Buy It?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, crime dramas, or novels with strong female protagonists, I highly recommend “Once Gone.” It’s perfect for readers who love a fast-paced narrative with plenty of suspense. I found it to be an excellent choice for both avid readers and those just looking to get lost in a good story for a few hours.
Format Options
When I bought “Once Gone,” I had several format options to choose from:
- Paperback: I love the feel of a physical book in my hands, and the paperback edition looked great on my shelf.
- eBook: For those who prefer reading on the go, the eBook version is convenient and easily accessible on various devices.
- Audiobook: I enjoy listening to books during my commute, so I also checked out the audiobook version, which was narrated well and enhanced my experience.
Where to Buy
I found “Once Gone” available at several online retailers:
- Amazon: A reliable option for both physical and digital formats, often with quick shipping.
- Barnes & Noble: Great for in-store purchases if you prefer browsing.
- Book Depository: Perfect for international readers with free shipping worldwide.
Price Range
The pricing for “Once Gone” is quite reasonable. I noticed that the eBook is often the most affordable option, while the paperback and audiobook tend to be slightly higher. It’s worth checking for deals or discounts, especially if you’re a new customer on platforms like Amazon.
Final Thoughts
I found “Once Gone” by Blake Pierce to be an enthralling read that hooked me from the first page. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or just looking for a gripping story to enjoy, this book is a fantastic choice. I encourage you to give it a try—who knows, it might become one of your favorites too!
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
Latest entries
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Makita 20 Volt Drill: My Honest Review and Top Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fast Type C Car Charger: My Experience and Top Recommendations
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Men’s Black Slip-On Boots: Comfort Meets Style for Every Occasion
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Samsung A7 Lite Cases: My Top Picks for Ultimate Protection