Without Hope (A Dakota Steele FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 5‪)‬

MMA champ-turned-FBI Special Agent and BAU specialist Dakota Steele is as tough as they come—with brilliance to match, able to crack serial killer cases no one else can. But when Dakota pursues her next case into the world of medieval re-enactment enthusiasts, she is up against a myriad of traps and suspects—and everything is deadlier than it seems. 



“The plot has many twists and turns, but it is the ending, which I did not see coming at all, that totally defines this book as one of the most riveting that I have read in years.”

—Reader review for Not Like Us



WITHOUT HOPE is book #5 in a new series by critically-acclaimed and #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Ava Strong.


In this world of theater, a killer is picking off innocent lives one by one, using the backdrop as his own stage. Dakota must enter this insular subculture, and in a world of kings and queens, of rogues and knights, she will have to hold her own.


But not all weapons are pretend. And Dakota just may discover an ambush where she least expected it.



A complex psychological crime thriller full of twists and turns and packed with heart-pounding suspense, the DAKOTA STEELE mystery series will make you fall in love with a brilliant new female protagonist and keep you turning pages late into the night.


Future books in the series will be available soon.


“This is a chilling, suspenseful page turner that just might leave you scared at night!”

—Reader review for Not Like Us


“Very intriguing, kept me turning page after page… Lots of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Cannot wait for the next in this series!”

—Reader review for Not Like Us


“A roller coaster ride of events… Can’t put down until you finish it!”

—Reader review for Not Like Us


“Excellent read with very realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in… Couldn't put it down!”

—Reader review for The Death Code


“An excellent read, lots of twists and turns, with a surprising ending, leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series! Well done!”

—Reader review for The Death Code


“Well worth the read. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!”

—Reader review for The Death Code


“Quickly became a story I couldn’t put down! I highly recommend this book!”

—Reader review for His Other Wife


“I really enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot design and characterization... I didn't want to put the book down and the ending was a total surprise.”

—Reader review for His Other Wife


“The characters are extremely well developed… There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. An extremely well written story.”

—Reader review for His Other Wife


“One of the best books I have ever read… The ending was perfect and surprising. Ava Strong is an amazing writer.”

—Reader review for His Other Wife


“Holy cow, what a rollercoaster… Many times I absolutely KNEW who the killer was—only to be proven wrong each time. I was completely surprised by the ending. I have to say, I am thrilled that this is the first in a series. My only complaint is that the next one isn't out yet. I need it!”

—Reader review for His Other Wife


“An incredible, intense, spellbinding, enjoyable story. It will keep you captivated until the end.”

—Reader review for His Other Wife