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Alex Mercer #1
Girl in Trouble
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?
Girl in Trouble is the first book in a series of thrilling stand-alone novels spun off from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. If you like heart-pounding suspense, page-turning action, and characters you’ll never forget, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s engrossing new series.
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?
Girl in Trouble is the first book in a series of thrilling stand-alone novels spun off from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. If you like heart-pounding suspense, page-turning action, and characters you’ll never forget, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s engrossing new series.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2017
12874 people are currently reading
6897 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
185 books1,427 followersStacy 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.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
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.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
May 3, 2023
3,5 stars. Very interesting twist although everything was a bit over the top. Nice drive in the plot, and characters with enough personality to make them believable.
July 20, 2017
I just couldn't get into the way the book was written. I stopped at the grocery store incident, which was ridiculous. He yells at the guy at the end of the isle, and proceeds to run to him. It goes on for several sentences, with him repeatedly trying to catch the man, even though the man is casually walking. Seriously, we've all been to a grocery store, this is just unrealistic.
The reactions from the parents seems odd. The town was supposed to be small enough for everyone to know each other, yet that fact wasn't reflected in the characters and situations.
While the plot line might be interesting, I won't be finishing the book.
The reactions from the parents seems odd. The town was supposed to be small enough for everyone to know each other, yet that fact wasn't reflected in the characters and situations.
While the plot line might be interesting, I won't be finishing the book.
April 26, 2021
Intriguing
Well written and entertaining. As I began this book, my thought was geez another kidnapping story and as I read I got pulled further into it. This writer describes each character so detailed I was able to feel what they were going through emotionally more than only visualize. The young kidnapped girl is so intelligent and her actions and attempts to get away from her kidnapper were unexpected. The ending has an interesting twist. I received this book at no cost from the author and this is my honest review.
Well written and entertaining. As I began this book, my thought was geez another kidnapping story and as I read I got pulled further into it. This writer describes each character so detailed I was able to feel what they were going through emotionally more than only visualize. The young kidnapped girl is so intelligent and her actions and attempts to get away from her kidnapper were unexpected. The ending has an interesting twist. I received this book at no cost from the author and this is my honest review.
April 19, 2019
Alex Mercer is introduced as a self-loathing, self-proclaimed deadbeat but what allows the reader to see through this persona is the glaring mutual love between Alex and his daughter Ariana. When Ariana is kidnapped, Alex steps up and goes above and beyond to find his daughter, against popular opinion that blames him for his daughter’s disappearance. Assisted, surprisingly, by the local Police Captain, Alex is unwavering in his pursuit. However, what should have been a fast-paced, stimulating plot was bogged down somewhat by the author getting caught up in the psyche of some of the secondary characters. Still, a good read and I will continue with the Alex Mercer series.
July 18, 2020
I didn't like the climax very much. It seems that the climax is done such a way to justify the grocery scene, which comes right at the beginning of the story. The story would have been better if such imperfections had been avoided. Overall, this is an enjoyable book.
December 28, 2018
3-ish....free via book; not sure I’ll stick with the series but I WANT to...
July 25, 2019
A fast-paced thriller and fun summer read. Wow, what a ride!
June 24, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. Sadly though, the writing felt choppy to me and I felt like I was missing details - so much so that I had to stop reading. I couldn't even make it 1/4 of the way into it before deciding to put it down.
June 22, 2018
Girl In Trouble #1 - What a Thriller! A well written thriller, with believable characters, that grabs you and doesn't let go until you finish the book. The 11-year-old girl is amazing in her handling of the horrible situation. I contacted the author to do reviews and she graciously sent me this book. No vulgar language or sex. 5*
Turn Back Time #2 - Another thrilling book. A well written thriller that takes place six months after A Girl In Trouble ends. More heartache is in store for the family in this well written book with its well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. While TBT can be read by itself, the book AGIT should be read first. This is one of many books I have read by the author and she written many 5 star books; she doesn't disappoint the reader. 5*
Little Lies #3 - A well written, suspense filled, action packed novel filled with the characters from the Gone Saga, set ten years later. The well though out plot, along with the developed characters and their realistic dialog, immerses the reader in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint the reader with this book. 5*
Against All Odds #4 - More woes for Alex and family and friends in a fast paced, intriguing suspense. Our favorite characters are still their interesting, evolving selves; the dialog is still realistic and intelligent; and the well thought out plot keeps the reader immersed in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint with her well written Alex Mercer series, which gives the best enjoyment by reading sequentially. No vulgar language or sex. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Turn Back Time #2 - Another thrilling book. A well written thriller that takes place six months after A Girl In Trouble ends. More heartache is in store for the family in this well written book with its well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. While TBT can be read by itself, the book AGIT should be read first. This is one of many books I have read by the author and she written many 5 star books; she doesn't disappoint the reader. 5*
Little Lies #3 - A well written, suspense filled, action packed novel filled with the characters from the Gone Saga, set ten years later. The well though out plot, along with the developed characters and their realistic dialog, immerses the reader in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint the reader with this book. 5*
Against All Odds #4 - More woes for Alex and family and friends in a fast paced, intriguing suspense. Our favorite characters are still their interesting, evolving selves; the dialog is still realistic and intelligent; and the well thought out plot keeps the reader immersed in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint with her well written Alex Mercer series, which gives the best enjoyment by reading sequentially. No vulgar language or sex. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
March 7, 2019
Ahhh!!! I loved the Gone trilogy and now my introduction to the Alex Mercer series has me just as hooked. Loved every second of it!
March 29, 2019
Just awful. Terrible writing, characters are completely unbelievable, it's like the author has never heard actual dialogue before. Absolute chore to finish. At least half the book I kept waiting for the characters to realize they were dreaming, because it was that unbelievable. Like the time an intruder is breaking into a character's bedroom, and she THROWS HER CELLPHONE AT HIM. And then she thinks, oh, that was a mistake, maybe I should have used that to call the police? Yeah, ya think??? The twist was so painfully obvious it was laughable. And the author thinks the FBI is so bumbling and clueless that a 25 year old drunk can do a better job. The entire thing was offensive to decent literature.
May 28, 2018
Poor
This book was pretty rubbish. It was predictable and the ending was a real anti climax. I didn’t particularly like many of the characters. Read it to the end simply because I paid for it otherwise would have abandoned it half way through. The FBI were a pointless addition and looked clueless, bit of a stretch to believe they’d be that bad at their jobs... I would not recommend this book.
This book was pretty rubbish. It was predictable and the ending was a real anti climax. I didn’t particularly like many of the characters. Read it to the end simply because I paid for it otherwise would have abandoned it half way through. The FBI were a pointless addition and looked clueless, bit of a stretch to believe they’d be that bad at their jobs... I would not recommend this book.
September 14, 2019
It was painful to get through this book. The story concept itself was not to bad but the writing seemed amateurish; especially considering the number of books this author has written. I won’t bother with more of her books.
July 15, 2019
Could be better, but still, it is an enjoyable read.
August 7, 2020
Alex Mercer hasn't had much of a relationship with his daughter. He and his girlfriend Zoey gave her up to be raised by Zoey's parents as the then-teenagers weren't ready to raise their daughter. On his latest visit, he takes her to a kid's play place, where she's lured off by a mysterious man. Alex sees the kidnapping but can't stop it, leading to a frantic search for his daughter before the serial killer that has her kills her on Halloween.
This book is intense. It's like a really great episode of Criminal Minds. Called a 'deadbeat dad,' Alex is vilified on social media and becomes a suspect in his daughter's abduction. All the while he's doing everything he can to find her, even breaking into the house of the man he thinks kidnapped her. Girl in Trouble is a thrill ride, and a great find for a free Kindle book.
This book is intense. It's like a really great episode of Criminal Minds. Called a 'deadbeat dad,' Alex is vilified on social media and becomes a suspect in his daughter's abduction. All the while he's doing everything he can to find her, even breaking into the house of the man he thinks kidnapped her. Girl in Trouble is a thrill ride, and a great find for a free Kindle book.
August 31, 2020
This book is a good example for how a thriller should be written. Though stretchy at times with repetitive actions and sentences, the writing never gets boring. The deep rooted connection between a father and his daughter has been beautifully portrayed even though the characters met very less in the story plot. The supporting characters too had a justified screen space in the plot.
I didn’t feel the eleven year old Ariana was credible, her logic and thinking was way beyond her years. But it kept me reading to the end.
The backstory or the motive of the antagonist had been logically justified too. A definite recommended book to read.
I didn’t feel the eleven year old Ariana was credible, her logic and thinking was way beyond her years. But it kept me reading to the end.
The backstory or the motive of the antagonist had been logically justified too. A definite recommended book to read.
August 29, 2020
Much enjoyable story.
May 7, 2022
Alex Mercer had a crappy life with a dead-end job. The only thing he can look forward to was his daughter’s Halloween party. But the past can never be forgotten.
The perfect daddy/daughter night at the Fun Zone Arcade turns into a nightmare when a man kidnaps his daughter. The events leading up to this point was rather slow and the lengthy narrative was predictable. You just knew where the girl was headed when she stepped into the parking lot. Then afterwards, there’s a lot of time spent on Alex’s panic and blind search for the girl. It was fine, but just slow.
Story was well-written overall with a sense of allure. The whole thing keeps at the same steady, slow pace throughout the book. It’s a decent thriller read, but just needed to be quicker.
The perfect daddy/daughter night at the Fun Zone Arcade turns into a nightmare when a man kidnaps his daughter. The events leading up to this point was rather slow and the lengthy narrative was predictable. You just knew where the girl was headed when she stepped into the parking lot. Then afterwards, there’s a lot of time spent on Alex’s panic and blind search for the girl. It was fine, but just slow.
Story was well-written overall with a sense of allure. The whole thing keeps at the same steady, slow pace throughout the book. It’s a decent thriller read, but just needed to be quicker.
September 6, 2018
Plot did not make sense
The storyline did not make sense. Would have given a zero rating. Why would you not rescue your child if you knew who kidnapped them? Just dumb
The storyline did not make sense. Would have given a zero rating. Why would you not rescue your child if you knew who kidnapped them? Just dumb
September 18, 2018
I couldn’t finish reading this one. I’m extremely tolerant of not so good books but this... I just couldn’t do it. 🤷🏻♀️
July 25, 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.
https://featzreviews.com/girl-in-trou...
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.
https://featzreviews.com/girl-in-trou...
August 24, 2019
Enjoyed reading this. Although the ending is predictable I found myself in a page turner just to get to the end. Would make a good beach read as it is fast paced.
April 20, 2023
I really want to give my honest review on this one. A lot of people are knocking the grocery store part. But it's been times people have tried to get my attention and I have had an ear piece on listening to a book and not hearing them or honestly didn't pay attention. This book was pretty good. Yes, it was kind of long. But wow. I never thought Lloyd and Flynn would be twins. But for Flynn to know his brother was a killer is disgusting. I'm going to try my hand at book two.. but I'm definitely going to say this book I would suggest. Well, the audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2018
I just couldn’t get into this book. The writing felt very (for want of a better word) simple. It felt like something that was written for a school project. The conversation didn’t seem to flow and there were scenes that just kept going.
The story was set to be compelling but for me it just fell flat. I can’t believe that the captain would have let the father get so involved in finding/ chasing up leads. And most of all I really couldn’t like the mother Zoey. Her attitude was eventually explained but I spent most of the time thinking she needed to get over herself. I liked Alex but felt that the story was left open about why he broke up with Zoey and what caused him to ‘drop out’ of life and move away. Then by the end of the book he’s lost his job and moved back in with his parents???
I really wanted to like this book. I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them just unfortunately not this one.
The story was set to be compelling but for me it just fell flat. I can’t believe that the captain would have let the father get so involved in finding/ chasing up leads. And most of all I really couldn’t like the mother Zoey. Her attitude was eventually explained but I spent most of the time thinking she needed to get over herself. I liked Alex but felt that the story was left open about why he broke up with Zoey and what caused him to ‘drop out’ of life and move away. Then by the end of the book he’s lost his job and moved back in with his parents???
I really wanted to like this book. I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them just unfortunately not this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2018
I am not sure if my lack of enthusiasm for this book is from binge reading 5 King books and 5 Koontz books in the past three months, or the writing is really that terrible. Listening to a male character go on ad nauseam about "what a loser" he is it something I usually expect from a female character in a cozy mystery. I also find the relationship between Mercer and the police captain highly implausible for several reasons I am not going to argue here.
The plot was good, the characters are somewhat likable, but I felt like I was reading a book written for and by a young adult. Some of the language and writing just left me feeling meh.
After I had enough, I read the last two chapters and then skimmed the missed chapters and called it a day.
The plot was good, the characters are somewhat likable, but I felt like I was reading a book written for and by a young adult. Some of the language and writing just left me feeling meh.
After I had enough, I read the last two chapters and then skimmed the missed chapters and called it a day.
Want to read
April 19, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2018)!💝
July 24, 2018
Simply cannot read this book. Finished about 10% and didn't care about characters. Writing unusually sophmoric. On to other reads.
November 19, 2018
No to Alex Mercer
Another book I could not finish. I usually don't like to not finish a book but this was one I definitely had to give up
Another book I could not finish. I usually don't like to not finish a book but this was one I definitely had to give up
March 26, 2019
INTENSE!
Wow! What a book! It had me feeling all kinds of emotions,had me biting my nails and had me on the edge of my seat squirming. I did not want to stop reading. A MUST READ!
Wow! What a book! It had me feeling all kinds of emotions,had me biting my nails and had me on the edge of my seat squirming. I did not want to stop reading. A MUST READ!
April 29, 2019
I did not finish this book. Any author who writes a character who is laughing and drinking beer with the lead detective 24 hours after his daughter is kidnapped is not an author for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews