Step into the jazzy, crime-ridden streets of 1920s New York City, where Ava Gold, a trailblazing female homicide detective, takes on serial killers with grit and groundbreaking psychological profiling. Blake Pierce’s Ava Gold Mystery series blends heart-pounding suspense with the vibrant backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, delivering a thrilling ride for fans of historical mysteries. Widowed, a single mom, and battling a male-dominated NYPD, Ava’s story is as inspiring as it is suspenseful, making every page a captivating escape into a world of speakeasies, jazz clubs, and dark secrets.
With her sharp instincts and unyielding determination, Ava Gold redefines what it means to be a detective in a time when women were barely allowed a whistle to call for help. Whether you’re a mystery buff or a history lover, this series promises twists, turns, and a heroine who’s tougher than the toughest mobster. Ready to dive into Ava’s world?
How Ava Gold Began
Blake Pierce, a USA Today bestselling author known for his Riley Paige mysteries, launched the Ava Gold series in 2021 with City of Prey. Inspired by the vibrant yet gritty atmosphere of 1920s New York, Pierce crafted Ava as a pioneering woman in law enforcement, drawing on the era’s real-life struggles for gender equality. His goal? To blend historical authenticity with psychological depth, creating a heroine who uses early profiling techniques to outsmart killers, all while navigating a chauvinistic world.
Pierce’s love for strong female leads and intricate thrillers shines through, with Ava Gold emerging as a fresh addition to his extensive catalog. The series’ inception tapped into the allure of the Roaring Twenties—think flappers, prohibition, and mafia intrigue—while grounding the narrative in Ava’s personal battles as a widow and mother, making her both relatable and revolutionary.
The Heart of Ava Gold
The Ava Gold series kicks off with City of Prey (2021), where Ava, the NYPD’s first female homicide detective, hunts a psychotic serial killer targeting young women. Her use of psychological profiling, then a mocked novelty, sets her apart as she navigates jazz clubs and dark alleys. In City of Fear (2021), Ava tackles the murder of a teenage girl, diving into high society’s dangerous underbelly. City of Bones (2021) sees her investigating a murder under the Brooklyn Bridge, while City of Vice (2022) pits her against a killer amid the 1929 Wall Street Crash.
The series’ themes revolve around resilience, empowerment, and the clash between progress and prejudice. Ava’s profiling skills highlight the dawn of criminal psychology, while the 1920s setting—speakeasies, mafia rings, and mental asylums—adds atmospheric depth. Pierce’s style is fast-paced, with twists that keep readers guessing, blending historical detail with psychological suspense. Ava’s personal stakes, from her son’s safety to her husband’s unsolved murder, add emotional weight, making each book a gripping mix of action and heart.
The vivid portrayal of New York, from Harlem’s jazz scene to Wall Street’s chaos, immerses readers in an era of change. Ava’s defiance of societal norms—whether chasing killers or challenging her sexist colleagues—makes her a standout heroine in the police procedural and historical thriller genres.
Why Ava Gold Resonates
The Ava Gold series has carved a niche among mystery fans for its bold protagonist and rich historical setting. Readers praise Ava’s tenacity and Pierce’s ability to weave authentic 1920s details into pulse-pounding plots. The series’ focus on psychological profiling, rare for its time, adds a modern twist to historical fiction, appealing to fans of shows like Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Mindhunter. Its exploration of gender barriers remains relevant, resonating with readers who cheer for underdog heroes.
Though a shorter series compared to Pierce’s other works, Ava Gold’s impact lies in its fresh take on the detective genre. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon call it “a can’t-miss” for its atmospheric storytelling and Ava’s compelling arc, ensuring its place as a beloved gem in historical mystery fiction.
- Publication Years: 2021–2022
- Number of Books: 6
- Genres: Police Procedural, Historical Thriller, Mystery
Ready to chase killers with Ava Gold? Grab City of Prey and dive into the thrilling, jazz-infused world of 1920s New York mysteries!