The Perfect Murder

Jessie Hunt #21

by Blake Pierce

When a celebrity professor at an elite college in Los Angeles is found strangled, Jessie is called in to wade through his hidden life and abundance of secrets. Many people, it seemed, had reason to want him dead. But the true killer may be the most unlikely of all.

The college community is shocked when the unthinkable happens: a famous, untouchable professor has been found murdered on campus. From harassed students to aggrieved colleagues, his list of secret enemies is long. Too long.

The deeper Jessie digs, the more she realizes that nothing is as it seems.

And that this killer may just strike again.

A fast-paced psychological suspense thriller with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding suspense, THE JESSIE HUNT series is a riveting new series that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2022

About the author

Blake 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.

Reviews

[Tomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hannah is just annoying. Jessie is the only person who can solve a crime, but she does it by bending every law. And every one else is out to get her or further their own career. So, pretty much the same plot as the the other 20 books.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

[Dr. Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually the first Jessie Hunt book I read. I listened to it as a standalone novel because I needed a palate cleanser from the Riley Paige novels which became so tiresome and formulaic that I needed a break. Since I went through the Zoe Prime series and enjoyed it, I decided to give Jessie Hunt a chance.

I don't know why I started with this book as my entry into the series. I suspect it was accidental because of the sheer volume of Blake Pierce books. Since I was going to spend an entire day at the laundromat to wash all of the household mattress covers, down blankets, curtains, area rugs, etc for the new year, I simply grabbed the first book I saw that wasn't about Riley Paige.

Somehow when I chose this book, I thought it was the start of a new series and eventually discovered that there was a lot of backstory I had missed, especially about how Hannah had ended up in the mental health center. But it was intriguing enough that I continued reading. It worked well as a standalone.

I found Jessie Hunt infinitely more likeable than Riley Paige and the series' supporting characters had more substance and it served the plot better that everyone didn't immediately defer to Jessie's wishes. I eventually read all of the previous books in order then reread this one for continuity. I wanted to see if there was a possibility of solving the mystery with the power of hindsight. The answer was no.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS: I wouldn't classify this series as mysteries, per se. Hannah's subplot comes closest to employing the elements of a mystery. It includes some clues and even red herrings but ultimately there is not enough information given to solve the case until the exposition is presented. In the main plot, there is no foreshadowing, clues, or insight that allow readers to extrapolate the resolution before its ultimate conclusion in real time.

The potential suspects are not introduced ahead of time and then they are almost immediately exonerated. The culprit is not presented or even mentioned until the very end. So, this is more a police procedural than a mystery. The reader is just going along for the ride, there is nothing to deduce. I prefer a challenging mystery but I can still appreciate a procedural.

However, I have some bones of contention about Blake Pierce's series. I am an actual Behavioral Scientist, I have terminal degrees and three decades of experience. Although, I am primarily an academic and have never worked with any law enforcement agency, I have consulted with defense attorneys to profile potential jury members who might be sympathetic to the defense's case. I won't even bring up the inconsistencies in the higher education plot, I accept them for the sake of the plot. But Jessie Hunt is supposed to be a criminal profiler and a criminal profiler's main role is investigative and behavioral analysis, they are not field agents. In reality, Jessie should be working more with Jemel and Beth in research than with actual homicide detectives. Jessie never actually compiles profiles of suspected criminals. A profiler composes these reports as a guide for actual investigators. She has no investigative or law enforcement experience. Her only role should be in an advisory capacity. She routinely breaks the law under the auspices that since she is not an actual law enforcement officer, she is exempt from their policies or even basic laws. In reality, the evidence Jessie gathers would immediately be thrown out in a criminal court. Since she is only a civilian consultant, she would not be allowed to carry a sidearm. Which is good because in almost EVERY novel, Jessie loses possession of her gun during conflicts with suspects. She even relinquishes her gun during hostage situations, this is against almost every law enforcement agency policy in existence. A convicted murderer would not even be considered for parole in two years unless the governor grants a pardon. Blake Pierce expects a lot of suspension of disbelief from her audience. Sometimes, Blake takes advantage of this so egregiously, it borders on "idiot plot" tropes. But it's entertainment and if you lose sight of that, it will leave you frustrated and completely dissatisfied.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Hernandez and Jessie Hunt have another case to solve but this time it's at the college where she is Professor, only she has decided to resign and become profiler full time because of the perks that Captain Decker has offered her. What happens when a top professor at a prestigious college is found dead in his office? The line on the left is a mile long with people who want him dead. The line on the right will probably join them before it’s over. He has clout and power which is a powerful thing when he’s bringing in money to the college. Even though we are focused on the case, there is the inevitability of Andy Robinson the woman who tried to kill her getting a pardon because those that are high up want her too, because of her assistance with the LAPD. If worrying about Andy getting out isn't enough, we have what is going on with her sister Hannah at Seasons. It is one rollercoaster of a ride with Jessie Hunt and her fiancé' Ryan Hernandez. Always love me a Jessie Hunt Thriller by Blake Pierce. I highly recommend this book and this series.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie and her partner and fiancee Dect Hernandez are asked to solve a murder on the campus where Jessie has been teaching because 'she knows the college'. The professor that's found murdered is a big deal, famous world wide and beloved by all. Or is he? As Jessie and Dect Hernandez start to look into his back story many disturbing facts come to light and many people have a reason to want to see the professor dead - but who actually done it?
I found the other story of Jessie's little sister - who is in a psychiatric live in facility - solving the "suicide" of a patient at the facility very clever if a little far fetched at what she was able to get away with to find the clues she needed.
And will the wedding ever take place?!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie has to hunt a killer in the very same school where she is teaching, she had never met the deceased but she knew of him as he was always on tv and was a famous person. The information she was able to get about him was too perfect until it was not, and things only started to get worse and worse. Under a lot of pressure, she finds the culprit and is able to put him behind bars. At the same time, she has to deal with her sister's problems, her upcoming marriage, and return to BAU. Lots of action, intrigue, and mystery!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Claudio Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a while i will something about this series. It had been a while that i find a repetitive ring: Jesse and Ryan catch the wrong killer and then she had a kind of revelation and they finally find the real killer. I really like this series, just yesterday i bought the book 22 but i sincerely hope the "leit motiv" of the books will change. I also hope the author will stop to do a mini description of the characters in every book. I mean it is 21 books i am reading Kat Gentry has her nice scar going from the eye to the cheek, that she has been a ranger in the army and bla bla bla... it starts to be a bit boring actually considering that you can find that on several characters

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t want to give up on Jesse hunt, but can we just have a wedding? I feel like the stories are dragging on. She solves crimes, Ryan is an amazing partner, but the plots seem very contrived. I definitely did not expect the ending to this book, and I feel like we went on a circuitous trail to get there. But it was entertaining for a few hours. Thrilled to see that Hannah is making progress.
The whole situation with the nemesis Andrea, I don’t know what to think. How does she have minions working outside of the prison. Makes me wonder what’s going on in the real world.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I guess I misjudged you."

Nothing is EVER what it seems! In life, or in the Jessie Hunt series!

I have given up trying to guess "who Dun it!" Because I know I'm going to be way off, and the old school joke "the butler did it" has never applied once!

At least not in any Blake Pierce novels I have ever read! 😂

Also, can I just say how happy and relieved I am that my gut instinct about one of the characters was correct! "To my inner self who ALWAYS second guesses myself, I say, ... I TOLD YOU SO!"

🤣😂🤣

Alright. Let's start Book #22

[Toni H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A professor at an elite college is found strangled to death. Jessie Hunt is assigned to the case. As she investigates the case she discovers that the professor has been known to harass his students, have several affairs, upset his colleagues and nothing ever happens to him. So the list of suspects involve several people which makes Jessie’s job harder. However with Jessie, she realizes the more digs into the case, the more puzzles appear. But she will eventually solve the case.

[Angela Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m literally only still reading this series to see what happens with Hannah & the crazy lady .. it’s good but the murder mysteries are mediocre at best .. it’s the back stories that have me seeing it through !!

[Ann Nuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple plots continue with Blake Pierce!

I've been such a Jessie Hunt addict for years. Pierce brings Jessie and her whole family evolving through this series! It's like they are members of our community. Thrilling and addicting to follow.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Jessie Hunt story

[Rebecca Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah

Another great installment! Love how Hannah is really coming into her own! Enjoy watching her work through her struggles and overcome her setbacks!

[Morgan Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as all of her other books!! Jessie Hunt is my absolute favorite series.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Murder is #21 in a series of 24 novels featuring Jessie Hunt, LAPD criminal profiler. This novel is a fine addition to the series and highly recommended. Top-notch page-turner.

[Courtney Freet · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are all good. Quick and easy and make great audio books esp if u have a commute

[Michele Backstrom]

Excellent continuation of prior characters with plot twists.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. One of the better ones in the series.

[Cristina Volpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veramente bella la storia gialla e la storia personale.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG17
Talk of swxual abuse

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t want to give up on Jessie Hunt, but can we just have a wedding already? I feel like the stories are dragging on and starting to get repetitive. Hannah is getting on my nerves.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series of books! Easy reads and enjoyable.

[Amy Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific installment to a great series!!!!!!!!!!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love seeing Hannah’s character grow and Jessie back into her profiler role. These books are always great reads, short, intense, with plenty of action.

[Marsha Badertscher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the book. However, the narrator Mayes it very difficult to listen to. The reader reads part of the sentence fast…then pauses. It’s terrible.

[Kelly Dayhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to this series. Love to see the progress Hannah is making.

[JAE Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do for your child?

[Debbie Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie & Ryan are sent to investigate the death of a celebrity professor who works at the same college as Jessie. There are so many twists and turns to find this killer! Also, Hannah, Jessie's sister, has a private investigation she started after finding one of her friends dead in the hospital they are in. Hannah knows her friend would not kill herself! This book has lots going on and things get heated! Another Excellent read from the Jessie Hunt series!