Title: GIRL IN TROUBLE
Author: Stacy Claflin
ISBN: 9781544875231
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 317 / Duration: 9 hours 16 minutes
Source: Audible
He gave up his daughter years ago, but now he’ll risk his life to save hers.
Alex Mercer is no stranger to kidnappings. The emotional scars still run deep from his sister’s disappearance years earlier. His daughter Ariana remains safe long after her adoption, and he cherishes the few times a year he gets to see her. The joy is palpable when he takes her on their first one-on-one outing. At least until he pauses to answer a text and Ariana disappears…
Wracked with guilt and determined to find answers, Alex teams up with an unlikely ally at the police department. As the clues reveal a pattern of missing girls, the kidnapping case becomes a race against time to save Ariana. What cost is Alex willing to pay to keep his daughter alive?
Official Summary
25 July 2024
This book was an accidental find on Audible. In “Girl in Trouble,” Stacy Claflin delivers a gripping tale that dives deep into the heart of a parent’s worst nightmare. Alex Mercer, a man haunted by past traumas, finds himself plunged into fresh despair when his daughter, Ariana, goes missing during a rare outing together. This book is a brilliant blend of suspense, emotional turmoil, and relentless determination.
The story begins with a seemingly ordinary yet touching moment: Alex cherishes a rare visit with his daughter. Claflin’s writing immediately immerses you in Alex’s joy, making the subsequent terror of Ariana’s disappearance all the more impactful. The moment Alex looks away, just for a second, only to find Ariana gone, is both gut-wrenching and relatable, setting the stage for a tense and emotional journey.
Alex Mercer is a character that resonates deeply. His backstory of losing his sister to a kidnapping adds layers to his persona, making his frantic search for Ariana not just about saving his daughter but also confronting old demons. The raw guilt and desperation he feels are intense, pulling you into his frantic mindset. Claflin’s portrayal of a father’s anguish and determination is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The plot thickens as Alex teams up with a police department ally, a collaboration that brings unexpected dynamics and insights into the investigation. The evolving relationship between Alex and his ally adds a compelling layer to the narrative, highlighting themes of trust, redemption, and the lengths to which one will go for loved ones.
The pacing is impeccable, keeping you on edge as clues unfold and the pattern of missing girls becomes clearer. The urgency to find Ariana intensifies with each chapter, making the book hard to put down. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, ensuring that the suspense remains high until the very end.
This story isn’t just a thrilling mystery; it’s a profound exploration of a father’s love and the indomitable spirit that drives him. Stacy Claflin has created a tale that is as emotionally engaging as it is suspenseful, leaving you contemplating the depths of parental love and the resilience of the human spirit long after the last page is turned.
This book is a must-read for fans of suspense and emotional drama. Claflin’s ability to weave a tale of fear, hope, and unwavering determination makes this book a standout in its genre. Alex Mercer’s journey will stay with you, a testament to the power of love and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Also by Stacy Claflin
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Macy Mercer only wants a little independence. Eager to prove herself grown up, she goes to a dark, secluded park. She’s supposed to meet the boy of her dreams who she met online. But the cute fifteen year old was a fantasy, his pictures fake. She finds herself face to face with Chester Woodran, a man capable of murder.
Distraught over his own missing daughter, Chester insists that Macy replace his lost girl. He withholds food, locks Macy up, and roughs her up, demanding that she call him dad. Under duress from his constant threats and mind games, her hold on reality starts to slip. Clinging to her memories is the only way of holding onto her true identity, not believing that she is Chester’s daughter. Otherwise, she may never see her family again.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it’s her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy’s three-dimensional heroines shine through.
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review! I absolutely loved *Girl in Trouble* and was thrilled to discover that it’s the first book in a series. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the books. Have you read them? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below! Until next time… Happy Reading!
