Stacy Claflin's Blog
November 14, 2025
Girl in Trouble: The story that almost never was
The story behind the Alex Mercer series is an interesting one because I didn’t set out to write it! It’s a spin-off from my Gone Trilogy, and Alex (who is the main character in the Alex Mercer series…shocker! 
) was a side character who I didn’t plan to even be a very big part of that series. But as I wrote that book, he grew on me and become more of the story. By the time I was done with the trilogy, I knew I wanted to give Alex his own series!
When I first stepped into Alex Mercer’s world (not his sister’s), I had no idea I was about to create one of the most intense, emotionally charged thrill rides of my career.
Alex isn’t your typical hero. He’s messy. He doubts himself. He’s made choices that haunt him. But he also loves fiercely—so fiercely that when his daughter disappears, something inside him snaps awake. And watching him evolve from broken to unstoppable… that lit me up as a writer in a way I’ll never forget.
The hook that grabbed me (and never let go) was this chilling question: What would you do if the one good thing you’d ever done was suddenly taken from you?
From the moment a girl’s body is dumped in the opening scene, muttered over by a man determined to “get it right this time,” you know you’re stepping into darkness. And the second Ariana goes missing… everything accelerates. The clock, the stakes, the secrets, and especially the danger.
Writing this book felt like sprinting toward midnight with Alex at my side, piecing together decades-old cold cases, chasing clues that twist back on themselves, and barreling straight toward a killer who’s been perfecting his ritual for thirty years. And the wildest part? Alex, the guy everyone wrote off, becomes the one person who might stop the cycle.
That raw, flawed, desperate, and hopeful transformation is why I love this book so much. It’s why readers still message me about it years later. It’s why the Alex Mercer series grew into one of my biggest.
And if you haven’t stepped into it yet?
This is your moment.
Because Girl in Trouble isn’t just a thriller. It’s a breathless race against time. It’s a father’s redemption arc on fire. It’s a mystery threaded with heartbreak, suspense, and the relentless question: Can love outpace evil when the clock is running out?
If you’re ready for a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go… start here.
May 22, 2025
Find your next thriller read
Dive into the captivating world of Stacy Claflin! Use this guide to discover which of her psychological and domestic thrillers perfectly match your favorite themes and nail-biting tropes.
Explore by Dominant ThemesStacy Claflin masterfully weaves compelling themes into her narratives, exploring the darker facets of human nature and the secrets hidden beneath the surface. Find the books that resonate with your deepest interests.
Family Secrets & Hidden Pasts Unraveling long-buried family secrets with devastating present-day consequences.
Recommended Reads: Brannon House Series (e.g., The Perfect Death, Family Secrets) Recluse Island Series (e.g., The Father’s Secret, The Corpse’s Secret) Standalone: Don’t Trust Her Alex Mercer Thrillers: Little Lies
Psychological Manipulation & Identity Crisis Protagonists whose sense of reality or self is eroded by mind games and deception.
Recommended Reads: Gone Saga (e.g., Gone, Held) Standalone: Don’t Trust Her Brannon House: Grave Memories
Kidnapping & Missing Persons Central conflicts involving abductions, desperate searches, and high stakes.
Recommended Reads: Alex Mercer Thrillers (e.g., Girl in Trouble, Careless Whisper, Lady in Red) Gone Saga (e.g., Gone, Held, Over) Standalone: Lies Never Sleep
Domestic Discord & Fragility of Home Seemingly safe home environments transformed into sources of terror and danger.
Recommended Reads: Brannon House Series Ariana Jones Series Recluse Island Series Gone Saga: Dean’s List
Justice & Survival Protagonists driven by a fierce desire for justice or self-preservation against overwhelming odds.
Recommended Reads: Alex Mercer Thrillers Gone Saga The Watcher Series Discover by Signature TropesStacy Claflin’s thrillers are known for their consistent use of narrative devices that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Find your favorite storytelling techniques here!
Page-Turner Pacing & Suspense Relentless pacing and narratives that are impossible to put down.
You’ll Enjoy: All Stacy Claflin Thrillers! (A consistent hallmark of her writing) Especially: Girl in Trouble, The Perfect Death, Gone
Unexpected Twists & Turns Mastery in misdirection and shocking reveals that keep readers guessing.
You’ll Enjoy: Consistently found across all her series and standalones. Notable: Don’t Trust Her, Lies Never Sleep, Lost and Found
Child in Peril A powerful emotional hook, elevating stakes and protagonist motivation.
You’ll Enjoy: Alex Mercer Thrillers (e.g., Girl in Trouble, Danger Zone, Never Surrender) Gone Saga (e.g., Gone, Held, Over)
Unreliable Perceptions/Reality Slipping Exploration of protagonists’ challenged grasp on reality, adding psychological depth.
You’ll Enjoy: Gone Saga: Gone Standalone: Don’t Trust Her Brannon House: Sleepwalker
Strong, Relatable Characters Engaging characters who foster emotional investment despite extreme circumstances.
You’ll Enjoy: Consistently praised across all her series and standalones. Readers often highlight Alex Mercer, Kenzi Brannon, and Fleur Bardot. Why Readers Love Stacy ClaflinHer books consistently deliver:
Consistent delivery of **suspense and twists** **Relatable and complex characters** facing extraordinary circumstances Deep **psychological and domestic themes** **Fast-paced, engaging narratives** that are hard to put down Ready to get lost in a thrilling read? Pick a theme or trope and start your journey!
© 2025 Reader’s Guide. Data compiled from analysis of Stacy Claflin’s thriller works and reader feedback.
May 21, 2025
Stacy Claflin: Thriller Book Insights
An in-depth look at the market presence, thematic drivers, and reader engagement strategies of USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin, a significant voice in psychological and domestic thrillers.
Market Presence & OutputStacy Claflin has established a formidable market presence, demonstrated by her status as a USA Today bestselling author. Her prolific output is a key indicator of her market activity and reader demand.
Total Published Works:
95+
Novels and counting, showcasing consistent content delivery.
The donut chart illustrates Claflin’s primary genre concentration, highlighting the significant dedication to psychological and domestic thrillers which form the cornerstone of her brand and market appeal. This specialization allows for deep cultivation of a loyal reader base within this niche.
Author Profile & Unique ApproachClaflin’s unique approach to thriller writing is deeply rooted in her academic background and personal interests. She holds a degree in Psychology with a specialization in “Abnormal Behavior,” which directly informs her character development and plot construction. This academic foundation, combined with a lifelong fascination with true crime, allows her to explore the darker facets of human nature with authenticity and depth.
Psychological AcumenDegree in Psychology, focus on “Abnormal Behavior,” provides a nuanced understanding of character motivations and psychological states, lending credibility and depth to her narratives.
True Crime InfluenceChildhood interest in programs like “Unsolved Mysteries” reflects a deep-seated engagement with criminal psychology and suspense mechanics, shaping her storytelling style.
This combination of academic insight and genre passion equips Claflin to craft narratives that are not only thrilling but also intellectually engaging, resonating with readers who appreciate a sophisticated exploration of the human psyche under duress.
Core Content Appeal: Dominant ThemesClaflin’s thrillers consistently explore a set of potent themes that resonate deeply with her target audience, forming the core of her market appeal. These themes often touch upon universal fears and anxieties, making her stories both captivating and relatable.
Family Secrets Hidden Pasts Psychological Manipulation Identity Crisis Kidnapping & Missing Persons Domestic Discord Fragility of Home Justice & SurvivalThe recurrence of these themes across her body of work creates a cohesive brand identity. For instance, the “unraveling of family secrets” is a powerful narrative engine in series like Brannon House, while “psychological manipulation” is central to the Gone Saga. The theme of “kidnapping” frequently serves as an inciting incident, immediately raising stakes and emotional investment. This thematic consistency ensures readers know what to expect in terms of emotional and psychological depth, fostering loyalty and anticipation for new releases.
Narrative Blueprint: Signature Tropes & Series Strategies Key Narrative Tropes Page-Turner Pacing: Universally praised for relentless pacing and narratives that are difficult to put down. Unexpected Twists: Mastery in misdirection and shocking reveals that keep readers guessing. Child in Peril: A powerful emotional hook, elevating stakes and protagonist motivation (e.g., Alex Mercer series, Gone Saga). Unreliable Perceptions: Exploration of protagonists’ challenged grasp on reality, adding psychological depth. Strong, Relatable Characters: Despite extreme circumstances, characters are engaging and foster emotional investment.These tropes are consistently employed, forming a recognizable and appealing narrative signature that satisfies reader expectations for the thriller genre while delivering unique psychological nuances.
Strategic Series InterconnectivityClaflin employs a strategic approach to series development, often creating interconnected universes that reward long-time readers and deepen engagement. This “Claflinverse” allows for extended character arcs and a richer, more expansive fictional world.
Alex Mercer Thrillers → Ariana Jones Series(Features Alex’s daughter)
This interconnectivity, such as Ariana Mercer from the Alex Mercer series becoming the protagonist of the Ariana Jones series, fosters a loyal fanbase eager to explore all facets of her interconnected narratives. Similarly, the evolution of “The Gone Trilogy” into the broader “Gone Saga” indicates a successful expansion of popular core concepts.
Reader Sentiment Analysis: Engagement & PreferencesAnalysis of reader feedback reveals high levels of engagement and consistent appreciation for specific elements of Claflin’s writing. These insights highlight key drivers of her market success.
The bar chart above quantifies key factors driving reader engagement, based on recurring sentiments in reviews. “Suspense & Pacing” and “Unexpected Twists” consistently rank high, indicating Claflin’s mastery in delivering core thriller elements. The significant appreciation for “Character Depth” and “Psychological Themes” underscores the success of her nuanced approach, differentiating her in a crowded market. Readers frequently report being “on the edge of their seat” and find her books “impossible to put down,” attesting to the immersive quality of her narratives.
Product Line Analysis: Spotlight on Key SeriesClaflin’s extensive catalog is organized into several distinct series, each functioning as a successful “product line” catering to specific reader preferences within the thriller genre. These series demonstrate thematic consistency and evolving character arcs.
Series Name Primary Protagonist(s) Central Conflict/Focus Alex Mercer Thrillers (12 books) Alex Mercer Missing persons, kidnappings, criminal conspiracies, personal stakes Brannon House (8 books) Kenzi & Ember Brannon Family secrets, haunted mansion, inherited trauma, psychological dread Gone Saga (5 books) Macy Mercer, Lydia Harris, Rusty Caldwell Kidnapping, psychological manipulation, hidden identities, serial crime The Watcher (3 books) Fleur Bardot True crime investigation, cults, small-town secrets, personal danger Ariana Jones (6 books) Ariana & Damon Jones Neighborhood secrets, disappearances, murder, family legaciesThis structured approach to series writing allows for deep exploration of characters and themes, building sustained reader interest and creating multiple entry points for new readers into Claflin’s work. Standalone thrillers further diversify her offerings, appealing to readers seeking self-contained narratives.
Strategic Positioning: Unique Value & Market OpportunitiesClaflin’s strategic market positioning is built upon her unique authorial strengths and offers clear opportunities for continued growth and reader engagement.
Key Strengths (Unique Value Proposition) Psychological Depth: Background in psychology provides authentic and nuanced exploration of character minds and motivations. Mastery of Suspense: Consistent delivery of page-turning pace and unexpected twists meets core genre expectations effectively. Relatable Characters: Ability to create engaging characters who resonate with readers despite extraordinary circumstances. Domestic & Familial Themes: Focus on secrets and dangers within intimate settings taps into universal anxieties and appeals to domestic thriller fans. Prolific Output & Series Management: Consistent new releases and well-managed series maintain reader interest and loyalty. Market Opportunities Expansion of Interconnected Universe: Further developing the “Claflinverse” can deepen existing reader loyalty and attract new readers through cross-series discovery. Spin-off Potential: Strong secondary characters and unresolved threads in existing series offer rich material for spin-offs, as hoped for by readers. Adaptation Potential: The cinematic quality of her plots and strong character arcs could translate well to other media (e.g., TV series, film). Targeted Marketing to Psychology Enthusiasts: Leveraging her psychology background in marketing could attract readers interested in the psychological aspects of crime and human behavior.By capitalizing on these strengths and exploring identified opportunities, Claflin is well-positioned for sustained success and continued expansion of her readership base within the competitive thriller market.
© 2025 Market Insights Report. Data derived from analysis of Stacy Claflin’s published works and reader reception.
This infographic is for illustrative analytical purposes.
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Cover Reveal: The Secret Keeper’s Daughter
I always thought the worst thing about my life was shoveling manure. Turns out, I was wrong.
My mother’s dying words reveal a devastating truth: I’m half-fae. Before I can even process this, my stepfather announces he’s sold me off to a cruel stranger.
So I run.
Into the woods, where fae lurk in the shadows, waiting. The only person I trust is Harek, my best friend. Yet even he has been keeping secrets. Can I trust anyone at all?
Each step deeper into fae territory brings me closer to the truth about my father, the mysterious fae who abandoned me. He’s the key to understanding the strange power awakening inside me—power that sets my palm ablaze with an eerie orange light. But finding him means stepping into a world where halflings like me are hunted and despised, where ancient magic stirs in the darkness, and where every choice could be my last.
As the line between friend and foe blurs, and my feelings for Harek turn into something I’m not ready to face, I begin to wonder: What if the truth about who I am is the very thing that destroys me?
Pre-Order Today:February 19, 2025
Dive into Thrilling Reads
If you love edge-of-your-seat suspense, psychological mind games, and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried, then you’re in the right place. My thrillers (ranging from psychological to crime to domestic) are designed to keep you turning pages late into the night, your heart racing and your mind spinning. Whether you crave psychological thrillers, eerie mysteries, or action-packed investigations, I have a series just for you…
The Watcher Series: Dark Psychological ThrillersWhat if someone was always watching? In the Watcher series, no one is safe from the gaze of a hidden predator. These psychological thrillers are packed with mind-twisting suspense, deadly secrets, and shocking revelations.
Books in the Series: Her Last Breath, Secrets We Hide, No Safe Place 
Perfect for fans of: Psychological thrillers, chilling suspense, and gripping mysteries
Some houses keep their secrets locked behind closed doors. In the Brannon House series, an old mansion harbors generations of dark secrets, betrayals, and supernatural whispers. If you love eerie atmospheres, spine-chilling mysteries, and family legacies steeped in danger, this series is for you.
Books in the Series: The Perfect Death, Family Secrets, The Darkest Garden, Shattered Pieces, Grave Memories, Drowning Silence 
Perfect for fans of: Haunted house thrillers, Gothic suspense, and unraveling deep family mysteries
A child vanishes. A race against time begins. In the Gone series, every second counts as desperate parents and relentless investigators work to uncover the truth before it’s too late. These intense thrillers will keep you breathless until the very last page.
Books in the Series: Gone, Held, Over plus side stories Dean’s List and No Return
Perfect for fans of: Kidnapping thrillers, high-stakes investigations, and relentless suspense
Meet Alex Mercer—a man with a dark past and a relentless drive for justice. When his daughter is kidnapped, he will stop at nothing to bring her home. The Alex Mercer series is full of fast-paced action, heart-wrenching twists, and a protagonist who never backs down.
Books in the Series: Girl in Trouble & More 
Perfect for fans of: Action-packed thrillers, determined heroes, and high-stakes investigations
Ariana Jones never expected to be drawn into a world of danger, but when the truth is at stake, she can’t walk away. This series delivers fast-paced suspense, deadly twists, and a protagonist who refuses to be silenced.
Books in the Series: Watch Your Back, Don’t Look Now, Without a Trace, Never Letting Go, Lie in Wait, No Way Out 
Perfect for fans of: Strong female leads, pulse-pounding suspense, and intricate mysteries
An island with a dark history. A hotel full of secrets. In the Recluse Island series, danger lurks beneath the surface, and the truth might just cost you your life. If you love atmospheric thrillers with a hint of mystery, you won’t be able to resist these books.
Books in the Series: The Hotel’s Secret, The Father’s Secret, The Corpse’s Secret 
Perfect for fans of: Isolated mysteries, eerie settings, and suspenseful storytelling
Looking for a thriller that will leave you breathless in just one read? My standalone thrillers deliver shocking twists, dark secrets, and stories that will stay with you long after the final page.
Books Include: Don’t Trust Her, Lies Never Sleep, Lost and Found 
Perfect for fans of: Psychological thrillers, gripping suspense, and shocking reveals
Which series will you dive into first?
January 15, 2025
Character Casting
Character “casting” is who I would pick to act the role of one my book characters. It’s a lot of fun to share these with readers and hear their reactions. Most of the time, they say they can really see it. Others say it helps them picture the characters.
If you enjoy these, bookmark this page because I plan to update it often! You can also follow me on social media where I will likely post first.
Click the images to learn more about the books:
Pets!
November 6, 2024
Signed Paperback Giveaway!
Enter below to win 1 signed paperback along with bookish stickers and a bookmark!
I thought I was chasing a mystery. Instead, I walked into a nightmare.
As a true crime podcaster, moving into the notorious “murder house” felt like the ultimate scoop. I returned to my quiet hometown, desperate for answers and a story that could launch my career. My goal? To uncover the truth behind the brutal death of Caroline, a young wife. But each new clue drags me deeper into a deadly web of secrets this town is desperate to keep hidden.
A missing locket. Hostile neighbors. Whispers of a sinister cult.
The more I dig, the more I realize the nightmare isn’t just about Caroline—it’s personal. My sister’s past is tangled in this dark mystery, and someone is watching my every step. As I navigate treacherous lies and unexpected allies, I can’t shake the feeling that someone close to me knows more than they’re letting on.
Now, with danger closing in, I have to decide: how far will I go for the truth? Because in this town, asking questions could lead to my last breath.
★★★★★ “There are some serious twists and turns in this, which fans of Stacy Claflin will know to expect. This is a great start to a new series.”
★★★★★ “I think this is my favorite so far of all the books by Stacy Claflin.”
★★★★★ “This book is amazing! It drew me in from the start and had me hooked!”
★★★★★ “Good grief, how can this get anymore tense, frightening, or jaw-dropping?”
★★★★★ “Wow another amazing book from Stacy Claflin! It drew me in right from the first page!”
a Rafflecopter giveawayDecember 13, 2023
Now Available: Grave Memories (A Brannon House Thriller)
The Brannon House stands as a deceptive facade, its past horrors refusing to dissipate into the shadows.
Ember Brannon is inexplicably drawn to an old gravestone bearing her own name, its forgotten presence casting an unsettling pall over her family’s ancestral home. As she becomes fixated on the stone and the long-forgotten life it represents, Ember’s reality begins to unravel. Vivid dreams transport her to a time shrouded in mystery, the tragic demise of her namesake becomes an obsession she won’t release.
Obsessions have their price. Ember awakens with muddy feet, evidence of nocturnal wanderings she can’t remember. The discovery of a hidden diary, chronicling the life of the other Ember, triggers a relentless spiral into fascination and compulsion. Her loved ones try to stop her, but she pushes everyone away.
Within the opulent halls of the Brannon House, Ember hurtles toward an impending breaking point. Is she fated to echo the tragedies that haunt her lineage, becoming another ghost within the estate’s dark history? Or will she find the strength to confront the enigma she’s become, and the danger that now stalks her every move?
In this psychological thriller, the legacy of the Brannon House tightens its grip, pushing Ember to the brink of sanity. As her world teeters on the edge of collapse, she must navigate the thin line between legacy and lunacy.
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ExcerptMany years ago…
The wind whisked the grass, the eerie rustle cutting the silence. It also blew the smoke all the way from the big house to the stables.
She crouched all the lower, trying to hold her breath. Listening for his footsteps, his favorite tune to whistle, anything.
A horse neighed not far away.
She jumped, nearly falling to the ground, but managed to catch herself. It was hard to balance with the long skirt, not to mention with her newly expanded belly—a feature she had been trying to hide. Needed to hide. It wouldn’t be possible much longer.
Not that it mattered.
He knew. Somehow Jedidiah had figured it out, despite her efforts to keep the secret.
Crash!
She tensed and pressed herself into the little corner where she hid. Tried to meld with the wall. It would be the only way to remain concealed.
Once Jed found her, her life would be over. He’d already warned her to stay away from the love of her life. The only thing he cared about was keeping the family name.
It was all that mattered to any of the Brannon men. Some of the women too.
Not her.
She only wanted the freedom to live her life as she saw fit—to love who she wanted and make her own decisions. And she had—for a brief moment. She’d loved gloriously and totally. Unfortunately, that decision would get either her or the one she loved killed. She’d come to the stables to find him, to warn him.
But Jed was, as always, one step ahead of her.
He thought he had more authority over her than Papa did. Because he cared more about controlling others than falling in love, he focused on her. On making her life miserable at every turn.
Now he knew the one thing that could destroy her.
Her breathing grew shakier.
Jed would find her in here.
She’d come to warn the love of her life—she didn’t even dare to think his name. Jed seemed to have the powers to read her very thoughts.
Clink!
That was closer. Too close for comfort.
She nearly cried out. Barely managed to cover her mouth to keep the sound from escaping.
“I know you’re in here!” Jed’s voice wasn’t far away.
His heavy footsteps grew louder.
If he found her, he would beat her hard enough to rid her of her condition.
Then he’d kill the one she loved.
She needed to get away before she lost everything, including her own life and the one she carried inside her.
Thump, thump, thump.
There was only one other way out of the stable since Jed was coming from the main entrance.
It was a risk.
But it was also the only chance she had, small as it was.
She pressed herself against the wall, held her breath, and took a moment to build her courage.
The footsteps had stopped for a moment.
Jed was listening for her.
She froze in place, afraid to even blink. The stable was so quiet, any sound could be heard.
Anything.
Her heart pounded so loudly, he had to be able to hear it. It felt strong enough to shake the floor beneath. She tried not to breathe, but that didn’t work. Plus, she couldn’t go without air for long.
She would almost take hearing his footsteps over the silence. Then at least she would know where he was.
Not knowing was worse than knowing.
It was hard to hear anything over her heart and trying to keep her ragged breaths quiet.
She needed to get free. Run away. Never return to the cursed Brannon house. It made people go crazy. Especially the women—though that was no fault of the structure itself.
No, it was the men. They knew what they were doing, and they loved seeing their women lose their sanity.
The stories went back generations, chronicling all the women who lost their minds. The men always had the upper hand. It was true to this day. The reason she was hiding for her life.
Thump.
She squeezed her eyes shut. Couldn’t bear to see what was coming. Needed to get away. Couldn’t budge.
Thump, thump.
It was about to be the moment of truth. Jed would drag her back to the house and tell their father everything. He would end her life.
Another footstep. This one was close.
Breathing sounded.
It wasn’t her.
Shaking, she opened her eyes. Nearly fainted.
It was Abel.
Not Jed.
Her body turned to rubber.
“Where have you been hiding?” Abel pulled her up and wrapped her in his arms.
“He… Jed knows.”
“Everything?”
“Enough.”
“We have to run! You aren’t safe.”
She blinked back tears. “Neither are you!”
He wrapped his hand around hers and led her through the stables.
Jed was nowhere in sight. Neither was Papa or any of his other faithful followers.
Abel tugged on her hand, and they broke out into a run. The Brannon family property spanned on for what seemed like forever. They might never be able to escape, to get away from her brother and father.
Neither would bat an eye at killing the both of them.
She and Abel ran for the woods. Her feet caught on her skirt, so she had to hike it up.
If Papa and Jed were near the house, the trees would provide distance for the time being. At least they wouldn’t be out in the open. Not yet.
Then it was a matter of staying hidden.
They only had to make it a little farther.
“Found them!” Jed’s voice rang through the air like a shotgun.
Mouth dry, she glanced over her shoulder.
Her brother held a rifle.
Aimed it right at them. The maniacal gleam in his eye chilled her blood.
Then he fired.
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The post Now Available: Grave Memories (A Brannon House Thriller) first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
December 6, 2023
Now Available: Lie in Wait (An Ariana Jones Thriller)
The party is supposed to be all in good fun…until a killer shows up uninvited.
Halloween has been Ariana’s favorite holiday since she was little, and this year is no different. As she plans a huge neighborhood bash, things take a drastic turn when her friend Bella shows up, scared for her life.
Ariana and Damon never turn away someone in trouble, but this time it might put them in harm’s way. They do their best to keep Bella hidden, but the unhinged murderer won’t give up his search. And he’s getting closer.
Bella promised she would stay away from the Halloween party, but the festivities prove too much of a temptation. Surely nobody would recognize her if she wore a mask… Except the killer would know her anywhere, in any disguise.
Will Ariana and Damon be able to protect their friend and save their own lives?
AVAILABLE AT:Direct | Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | Other
The post Now Available: Lie in Wait (An Ariana Jones Thriller) first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
October 5, 2023
New Release! Don’t Trust Her: a twisty suspense thriller!
Limited-time release price of 99c! Grab it now or borrow in Kindle Unlimited!
Am I losing my mind, or does someone want me to think I am?
After a traumatic childhood shadowed by an institutionalized brother, I’ve finally created a picture-perfect life with my doting husband and four beautiful children. But behind the white picket fence, darkness looms.
Strangers claim to see me in places I wasn’t, doing things I would never do. Can I even trust my own mind with a family history of mental instability? As I race for answers, my life spirals out of control.
I suspect someone is plotting to steal my very identity. Then a shocking family secret points to a cruel deception that could shatter everything I know.
Who is behind this relentless game of deceit? The truth could destroy all I’ve built.
I must confront the sinister forces threatening my family, whatever the cost might be… even if it means my sanity.
Or my life itself.
ExcerptThe smell of bleach nearly knocks me over as I walk through the school’s main door. I let it slam behind me, too busy covering my mouth as I cough. My nose burns and my eyes water. Someone must’ve emptied an entire bottle right here.
“Sorry!” Emily waves at me from behind the counter as she tucks some braided hair behind her ear. “Our new hire accidentally spilled bleach a few minutes ago.”
I clear my throat and blink away the tears. “It isn’t that bad.”
She glances at her computer screen. “Did you forget something, Angelina?”
“Forget something? I’m here to pick up my kids.”
Emily stares at me. “You already got Sophie and Owen.”
The fumes must be getting to her head. Clearly I haven’t picked up my children, or they’d be with me. I haven’t seen them since I dropped them off this morning. “Maybe your new hire accidentally marked them as signed out. I assure you, I didn’t get them.”
“There was no mistake. I checked them out personally.”
My lungs deflate. I can’t find my voice.
This can’t be happening.
“Are you okay, Mrs. London?”
I lean against the counter for support. Manage to force words past a lump in my throat. “Are you saying Owen and Sophie aren’t here?”
Her eyes widen, and she looks at me like she’s worried I might flip my lid.
She isn’t wrong—if she allowed someone to leave with my babies.
“Well?” I stare her down.
Emily swallows. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but you were here twenty minutes ago and took them with you.”
I take a deep breath and struggle to remain calm. “If that happened, don’t you think I’d remember? I’m going to get them myself.”
Emily leaps from her chair. “I should get Jennifer.”
“Do you think the manager knows where my children are? Because if she does, please get her. I’d love nothing more than to speak with her.”
“Stay right there. Don’t move.” She stares at me, obviously waiting for me to agree. Does she think I’m going to set the building on fire?
“Okay.”
She gives me a side-eye glance before scurrying around the corner and into the office behind the reception desk. The blinds aren’t properly closed, so I can see her and the manager talking. Emily points in my direction.
Jennifer glances at me then picks up the phone.
What’s going on? Is she calling security on me? Has the receptionist convinced her I’ve lost my mind?
They’re going to lose their license if they sent my children home with the wrong person. How could Emily think I picked them up? The woman has clearly lost her marbles.
Based on the way they keep looking at me, they think I have.
Jennifer starts speaking into the receiver.
This is too much. I can’t stand around waiting another moment. I need to see Owen and Sophie’s classrooms for myself. For all I know, they’re still in there.
I want nothing more than to wrap my arms around them and tell them how much I love them.
Jennifer glances my way one more time.
That’s it. I’ve had enough.
I bolt down the hall to my son’s pre-kindergarten classroom, press my nose against the window, peer through the glass. The room is bustling, full of kids who are reading, drawing, playing. One little girl works on a puzzle at a table. A boy sits in the corner, building a tower with blocks.
Owen isn’t in there. I double-check. Triple-check.
My baby isn’t in his class.
Acid churns in my stomach. I wish I hadn’t had that shrimp sandwich for lunch. More than that, I wish I really had picked up my kids twenty minutes ago.
I need to check Sophie’s classroom, not that she’s likely to be there. If Owen’s gone, then she must be, too.
My heart pounds so loudly, I can’t hear anything else.
Whoever took them will pay. I’ll see to that personally.
Jennifer and Emily cut off my path. I’m determined to get past them. The classroom for the three-year-olds is on the other side of the reception desk. Must get there.
“Please calm down.” Jennifer holds up a hand.
“I need to see Sophie’s class.”
“She isn’t there. You picked her up.”
“No, I did not.” I narrow my eyes. “Move out of my way.”
Jennifer doesn’t budge. “I can’t do that, I’m sorry. Would you like to come into my office so we can try to figure out what happened?”
I know exactly what happened. These people let a stranger walk out of here with my children, and now we’re wasting valuable time.
We should be looking for them!
The post New Release! Don’t Trust Her: a twisty suspense thriller! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
