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Keri Locke #5
A Trace of Hope
“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. A TRACE OF HOPE is the final book in the Keri Locke series, bringing the series to a dramatic conclusion.
In A TRACE OF HOPE (Book #5 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, is closer than she’s ever been to finding her daughter. Finally, she gets a fresh lead—and this time, she will do whatever it takes to bring her home alive.
At the same time, a new, urgent case is assigned to Keri: an 18 year old girl has gone missing after being hazed by her sorority. As the race is on to find her, Keri plunges deep into the world of pristine college campuses, and comes to realize that all is not what it seems.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, A TRACE OF HOPE is book #5 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)
--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)
From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense. A TRACE OF HOPE is the final book in the Keri Locke series, bringing the series to a dramatic conclusion.
In A TRACE OF HOPE (Book #5 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, is closer than she’s ever been to finding her daughter. Finally, she gets a fresh lead—and this time, she will do whatever it takes to bring her home alive.
At the same time, a new, urgent case is assigned to Keri: an 18 year old girl has gone missing after being hazed by her sorority. As the race is on to find her, Keri plunges deep into the world of pristine college campuses, and comes to realize that all is not what it seems.
A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, A TRACE OF HOPE is book #5 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)
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2018
564 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Blake Pierce
775 books5,846 followersBlake Pierce is author of the bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seven books (and counting). Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); and of the new KERI LOCKE mystery series.
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 13, 2020
I’m sad this series is over. It was so well written. Super intense, dark and so much suspension. Solid ending.
September 14, 2023
High Octane action and suspense (especially the the 2/3 of the book that involves whether the attempt to find/rescue her daughter before she is murdered in a sacrificial child prostitution ring is successful); and the second part of book deals with another case that ties up all the lose ends of the series and skillfully intertwines the whole series to bring it to a dramatic memorable conclusion!
This entire 5 book series is the very best of Blake Pierce! I hope the author will consider delving into these incredible characters further! Absolutely loved it!
5 GLEAMING SHINY STARS ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire 5 book series is the very best of Blake Pierce! I hope the author will consider delving into these incredible characters further! Absolutely loved it!
5 GLEAMING SHINY STARS ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2023
what a nice ending to this series.... it did drag for a while around the middle since it technically that's where the story ended so the other half felt unneeded but it was a nice add on to tie all the lose ends.
February 10, 2021
Ne sentirò la mancanza.
Voto: 4.5
Voto: 4.5
July 19, 2018
I'm sad to have come to the end of this series so far. I have really enjoyed reading them all.
I was glad the loose ends were tied up in this book and was happy with the final outcome .
All very well written and totally gripping .
I was glad the loose ends were tied up in this book and was happy with the final outcome .
All very well written and totally gripping .
May 26, 2020
Wow what an ending to the series! I’m somewhat relieved it’s over considering the content of the cases involved but still another great series from this author.
March 15, 2018
A Trace of Hope - a review by Rosemary Kenny
When Keri Locke and her partner Detective Ray Sands get news of Keri's missing daughter Evelyn, it's both thrilling and terrifying. The so-called Vista club is holding its annual auction and Evie's to be the ultimate 'lot' - sold to a rich paedophile to be raped. tortured - and then murdered!
Having previously tried and failed to rescue Evie (now missing for six years), Keri's frantic to stop the auction and make sure Evie never feels unloved, unsafe or abandoned to her fate ever again.
Where does Keri first get evidence of Evie's predicament? How does she find the Vista's location?
Who is Jackson Cave and how is he involved in what happened to Evie?
What does Keri learn from visiting 'The Ghost' - and how is he involved in the case?
Where does Keri encounter the 'Black Widower' and what is the outcome?
As time runs out, Keri's desperation grows as she must save not only Evie, but other girls who are being snatched and turning up dead. Will she make it in time to prevent having to live with the guilt of Evie's loss, without ever having had the chance to make amends and stop this evil trade?
You'll have to buy this spell-binding sizzler of a psychological thriller to find out!
When Keri Locke and her partner Detective Ray Sands get news of Keri's missing daughter Evelyn, it's both thrilling and terrifying. The so-called Vista club is holding its annual auction and Evie's to be the ultimate 'lot' - sold to a rich paedophile to be raped. tortured - and then murdered!
Having previously tried and failed to rescue Evie (now missing for six years), Keri's frantic to stop the auction and make sure Evie never feels unloved, unsafe or abandoned to her fate ever again.
Where does Keri first get evidence of Evie's predicament? How does she find the Vista's location?
Who is Jackson Cave and how is he involved in what happened to Evie?
What does Keri learn from visiting 'The Ghost' - and how is he involved in the case?
Where does Keri encounter the 'Black Widower' and what is the outcome?
As time runs out, Keri's desperation grows as she must save not only Evie, but other girls who are being snatched and turning up dead. Will she make it in time to prevent having to live with the guilt of Evie's loss, without ever having had the chance to make amends and stop this evil trade?
You'll have to buy this spell-binding sizzler of a psychological thriller to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
She got her daughter back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
Great 😊 Series....Good Ending
This the last of the Keri Locke Series was riveting and kept me on my toes. There was so much that happened in this series but of course Blake Pierce brought it all together. Don't forget that at the end of book four in this series, Susan Granger, the young girl she had rescued from the streets had told her that the word on the streets was that they were going to sacrifice the 🐖 pig's daughter so that she would stop looking for Evie. Then there's the drama of the Internal Affairs hanging over her again and if that's not enough drama she gets a missing person's case at her old college, there's a young girl who was part or pledging a sorority and she went missing. Keri and her partner have gotten closer and now have accepted that they are just not partners at work but are also a couple outside of work. This story has so much drama, mystery and lies and betrayal. Her ex husband Stephen also shows up in this the last book 📚 in the Keri Locke Series. I would say that Blake could always write another because of the way the series ended. Now I am on to another series until one of my favorite Jessie Hunt books shows up for reading. So I will not spoil the ending ☺️ just wanted to let you know it's well worth reading.
This the last of the Keri Locke Series was riveting and kept me on my toes. There was so much that happened in this series but of course Blake Pierce brought it all together. Don't forget that at the end of book four in this series, Susan Granger, the young girl she had rescued from the streets had told her that the word on the streets was that they were going to sacrifice the 🐖 pig's daughter so that she would stop looking for Evie. Then there's the drama of the Internal Affairs hanging over her again and if that's not enough drama she gets a missing person's case at her old college, there's a young girl who was part or pledging a sorority and she went missing. Keri and her partner have gotten closer and now have accepted that they are just not partners at work but are also a couple outside of work. This story has so much drama, mystery and lies and betrayal. Her ex husband Stephen also shows up in this the last book 📚 in the Keri Locke Series. I would say that Blake could always write another because of the way the series ended. Now I am on to another series until one of my favorite Jessie Hunt books shows up for reading. So I will not spoil the ending ☺️ just wanted to let you know it's well worth reading.
November 21, 2019
This entire series was fantastic. I couldn’t read the pages fast enough, nor could my kindle turn them fast enough.
There was a definitive element of surprise or multiples in every book. But, there were so many overarching story arcs that spanned the five volumes it was amazing to see how each one wrapped up. And of course, the Evie storyline. I will not say anymore for risk of a spoiler
There are times where the brutality of children is really hard to suffer through. But Blake Pierce makes the point really clear about what life is truly like for marginalized children and those who are unlucky in this world. It’s a hideous truth to swallow, but he shines a spotlight on human trafficking rings, sex slavery, pedophiles, etc.
It is necessary for the reader to suspend their belief at times throughout the five volume series as the physical beatings the detectives take and recover from overnight is completely unbelievable. In reality their in juries would have them out of the force for weeks, not overnight.
If you like a fast paced story with a great storyline and a lot of action, I completely recommend this series. I was sad when it ended.
There was a definitive element of surprise or multiples in every book. But, there were so many overarching story arcs that spanned the five volumes it was amazing to see how each one wrapped up. And of course, the Evie storyline. I will not say anymore for risk of a spoiler
There are times where the brutality of children is really hard to suffer through. But Blake Pierce makes the point really clear about what life is truly like for marginalized children and those who are unlucky in this world. It’s a hideous truth to swallow, but he shines a spotlight on human trafficking rings, sex slavery, pedophiles, etc.
It is necessary for the reader to suspend their belief at times throughout the five volume series as the physical beatings the detectives take and recover from overnight is completely unbelievable. In reality their in juries would have them out of the force for weeks, not overnight.
If you like a fast paced story with a great storyline and a lot of action, I completely recommend this series. I was sad when it ended.
March 14, 2018
A Trace of Hope ( a Keri Locke Mystery -- Book #5 by Blake Pierced
A riveting read, exceptional, so much action, so many interesting characters. Another great book by Blake Pierce. This is a hard one to put down and not read straight through because of the intensity of the stories. There is a lot going on but it flows so well. I have a hard time waiting for his next books to come out and I read them all. Enjoy!
A riveting read, exceptional, so much action, so many interesting characters. Another great book by Blake Pierce. This is a hard one to put down and not read straight through because of the intensity of the stories. There is a lot going on but it flows so well. I have a hard time waiting for his next books to come out and I read them all. Enjoy!
March 30, 2018
Loved this series!
Finally I was able to read the last book with Kerrie Locke. It ended as amazingly as it started! Just enough drama to make you wonder, but in the end, she comes out a shining star in the department. I obsessively read the first books of this series, had to pre-order the last one. I wasn't sure I was going to survive, but so,so, so worth it in the end! Definitely a series to read!
Finally I was able to read the last book with Kerrie Locke. It ended as amazingly as it started! Just enough drama to make you wonder, but in the end, she comes out a shining star in the department. I obsessively read the first books of this series, had to pre-order the last one. I wasn't sure I was going to survive, but so,so, so worth it in the end! Definitely a series to read!
March 24, 2018
Wish there was a #6!
While the final book in the series did a great job of wrapping up all the loose ends throughout the five books, it still had many unexpected plot twists and lots of suspense. Definitely gets your adrenaline going. Great series, great characters, sorry to have reached the end!!
While the final book in the series did a great job of wrapping up all the loose ends throughout the five books, it still had many unexpected plot twists and lots of suspense. Definitely gets your adrenaline going. Great series, great characters, sorry to have reached the end!!
June 22, 2018
I enjoyed this series. This last one was what I wanted it to be. But, it did seem to drag on a little far. It could have been nicely wrapped up without the last “case” extending the book. Overall, it’s well worth the time to read. I enjoy the writings of Blade Pierce and will definitely move on to one of his other series.
July 3, 2018
KERI LOCKE ties up all loose ends
With things working out as they should (don't want to spoil ending), and the bad guys dead or incarcerated, Keri has a chance to get in with her life and enjoy the good that comes from years of dedication.
Easy read, excellent plot, good police procedure and a sexy, handsome man. What more is required in a summer read?
With things working out as they should (don't want to spoil ending), and the bad guys dead or incarcerated, Keri has a chance to get in with her life and enjoy the good that comes from years of dedication.
Easy read, excellent plot, good police procedure and a sexy, handsome man. What more is required in a summer read?
December 18, 2018
Well done Blake Pierce,these are amongst the best crime series books l have read especially book 5 ,not very often do l get anxious reading ,but this time I did ,thoroughly enjoyed your writing and suspense ,l am looking forward to reading more of your books ,as a matter of fact l have just purchased a new book of yours.! Well done .!
March 21, 2019
A great series
Loved the Keri and Ray mysteries. I had the first book in the series as a freebie and enjoyed it so much I simply had to purchase the next four books. Each book has a missing persons thread running through it as Keri continues the ongoing search for her daughter. Cannot wait to read more of Blake's books.
Loved the Keri and Ray mysteries. I had the first book in the series as a freebie and enjoyed it so much I simply had to purchase the next four books. Each book has a missing persons thread running through it as Keri continues the ongoing search for her daughter. Cannot wait to read more of Blake's books.
November 30, 2018
Blake Pierce is my favorite author, so it's no surprise that I really enjoyed this book. One surprise after another, mixed with plenty of action. It was a great ending for the always-good Keri Locke series.
December 22, 2018
A perfect ending
I have enjoyed this rollercoaster emotional ride the ending was just as you hope. The characters as so well rounded and their strengths and flaws pull you into the story
I have enjoyed this rollercoaster emotional ride the ending was just as you hope. The characters as so well rounded and their strengths and flaws pull you into the story
June 22, 2019
A brilliant series
Well written and if you missed any of the other books in the series the recap is good, so good that you actually want to purchase the missing book....sad it had to end .
Well written and if you missed any of the other books in the series the recap is good, so good that you actually want to purchase the missing book....sad it had to end .
November 23, 2019
Hope achieved
These Keri Locke mystery series have been some of the best reads I have found. There was everything to keep a reader interested and entertained and hungry for the next book. Wish there was more to read. Will read more of this author’s books
These Keri Locke mystery series have been some of the best reads I have found. There was everything to keep a reader interested and entertained and hungry for the next book. Wish there was more to read. Will read more of this author’s books
November 22, 2020
The conclusion of the Keri Locke series is truly a fascinating story. I will truly miss this series.
This is how a 5 star series should end.
Everyone got something in the end. And they never got it easily.
Anyone who wants some books to read this holiday should grab Keri Locke series.
This is how a 5 star series should end.
Everyone got something in the end. And they never got it easily.
Anyone who wants some books to read this holiday should grab Keri Locke series.
November 23, 2020
Happy Endings
So glad Keri finally got happiness . This book wasnt as repetitive as the others which is a plus. I geek lime the last case could’ve been more detailed at the end. Other than that great read
So glad Keri finally got happiness . This book wasnt as repetitive as the others which is a plus. I geek lime the last case could’ve been more detailed at the end. Other than that great read
August 13, 2022
Incredible ending to a great series!
My favorite book in this series! When Detective Keri Locke gets a promising lead on finding her daughter, will it pan out? And when a sorority pledge goes missing in a hazing gone wrong, can she find the girl in time?
My favorite book in this series! When Detective Keri Locke gets a promising lead on finding her daughter, will it pan out? And when a sorority pledge goes missing in a hazing gone wrong, can she find the girl in time?
November 25, 2022
More heartache - More Trauma
An exhausting read fraught with danger and intrigue. A bit difficult to follow at times. Quite lengthy but well worth the time. Great closure of a great series. Blake Pierce really blows how to keep his readers "in the book"!
An exhausting read fraught with danger and intrigue. A bit difficult to follow at times. Quite lengthy but well worth the time. Great closure of a great series. Blake Pierce really blows how to keep his readers "in the book"!
January 19, 2025
OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
i’m a wreck i need another one rn please oh my gosh this has been like the best series ever im losing my mind
i need a whole book just about ev, keri, and ray living happily ever after
i’m a wreck i need another one rn please oh my gosh this has been like the best series ever im losing my mind
i need a whole book just about ev, keri, and ray living happily ever after
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
This is by far my favorite Blake Pierce series. It deals with the tough subject of child sex slaves and is not for the faint of heart! Read 1 through 5 to get the full story each book takes up where the last one left off.
March 15, 2018
My least favourite of the series but I still enjoyed it!
March 17, 2018
Good read
I've read most of Blake Pierce's books and the Locke series has been my favorite. Looking forward to reading more of his work.
I've read most of Blake Pierce's books and the Locke series has been my favorite. Looking forward to reading more of his work.
May 1, 2018
A good end to this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews