Into the Fire

The 7 She Saw by Elle Gray is Book 1 in the Blake Wilder FBI Mystery Thriller Series. 

FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder has been known to butt heads with the authorities after some of the hostile city law enforcement receptions she's received, but they soon learn there's nothing they can do to keep her from doing her job. When she discovers that there's an incredible amount of unsolved murders in the smaller seaside city of Briar Glen, Washington, she asks if she can take a trip to investigate the abnormal number. Bringing her data to prove her point, she secures the trip from her Seattle FBI Field Office boss with the caveat to behave herself. 

After arriving at her less than fancy motel, she strips the bed sheets and unpacks her own bedding for her stay there before walking the streets to get a feel for the people and the attitude of the quaint little city. When she walks into the police station, she goes directly to the cop manning the reception desk and asks to meet with Sheriff Morris. She gets the usual cold shoulder after identifying herself but is directed to his office. 

Sheriff Morris pretends to welcome her as he eats his breakfast burrito, but as she explains why she's there in his office in his city, she accentuates the enormity of the circumstances which caused her to start an investigation – doing her best to remain calm and insert him into the case. At first, he gives her the typical attitude, but he warms out of it after listening to her explanation. It turns out to be a productive meeting. 

The next day he arrives at her room unexpectedly to pick her up to investigate the body of a female found on the beach. When they get there, the Medical Examiner (Dr. Carville) is there, making notes and taking pictures. The gruesome evidence of what's been done to this young woman is sickening. 

Thus begins the reinforcement of the reason Blake came to Briar Glen. It's good to have the sheriff onboard, wanting to find out exactly what's happening, but as the information stalls and suspicions and tempers flare, Blake calls for her partner's (FBI Special Agent Astra) assistance after okaying it with her boss. When Astra arrives, she's swept up into the files of the murders past and present, and between the two of them patterns become more visible. 

This is a fascinating mystery always adding a new hint about the culprits of these murders and the wicked delusions they embrace. Some interesting characters with peripheral roles enhance the story and lead readers to all kinds of speculation. 

Elle's good at creating strong female leads. Blake and Astra are two of a kind when it comes to investigations but are opposite personalities that complement each other well. Besides being partners, they're best friends. Again, this is a good first book in the series with a satisfying conclusion to the case but leaving the reader with a cliffhanger regarding Blake's personal history. 

Father, thank you for the talents and gifts you provide. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Again, I ask that you bless Elle with everything she needs to write the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.