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Ariana Jones #5
Lie in Wait
The party was supposed to be all in good fun…until a killer showed 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?
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?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
14 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
187 books1,432 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 24, 2023
Stacy Claflin once again has proven she knows how to draw her readers into her page-turning stories. Some may remember the days when cults were frequently in the news and the horror stories surrounding them. This book reminds me of that era as the author takes the reader into the life of a young woman, Bella, who is trying to escape her nightmare of a life.
Bella is lucky that she has a sister who has already broken away from the cult and she turns to her for help. But the cult is relentless in the pursuit to find Bella and bring her home to wed the man her family has chosen as her husband.
There are happy moments when Bella sees the promise of life on the outside. It is fun to see her excitement about a Halloween party…an event that could never happen in the cult. But it is terrifying to see the dark side as she, and those helping her, are targeted in the cult’s effort to bring her back.
The characters are well developed. I grew to love those fighting to keep Bella safe and dislike her family and chosen suitor who were determined to keep that from happening. This is a hard book to put down as there is always something drawing you to turn to the next page. The end clearly leads you to expect there will be another book coming in the series and the author confirms this in her notes at the end. As for me, I’ll be waiting!
I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the author with no promise requested or made of a positive review. I am happy to say that Lie In Wait lives up to the quality of writing I have learned to expect from Ms. Claflin. Any opinion expressed here is strictly my own.
Bella is lucky that she has a sister who has already broken away from the cult and she turns to her for help. But the cult is relentless in the pursuit to find Bella and bring her home to wed the man her family has chosen as her husband.
There are happy moments when Bella sees the promise of life on the outside. It is fun to see her excitement about a Halloween party…an event that could never happen in the cult. But it is terrifying to see the dark side as she, and those helping her, are targeted in the cult’s effort to bring her back.
The characters are well developed. I grew to love those fighting to keep Bella safe and dislike her family and chosen suitor who were determined to keep that from happening. This is a hard book to put down as there is always something drawing you to turn to the next page. The end clearly leads you to expect there will be another book coming in the series and the author confirms this in her notes at the end. As for me, I’ll be waiting!
I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the author with no promise requested or made of a positive review. I am happy to say that Lie In Wait lives up to the quality of writing I have learned to expect from Ms. Claflin. Any opinion expressed here is strictly my own.
October 23, 2023
🎃Ariana, a scary Halloween is obviously in store!😳
4.5🌟 stars
I am really taken by author Stacy Claflin's ability to craft a thriller with a tone of pending menace throughout. Lie in Wait had that tense, shoe-ready-to-drop, what next? atmosphere from the first chapter to the frenetic climax. It was a quick, thrilling read and made me thankful that MY Halloweens never reach this level of excitement!
Bella, the twenty year-old sister of one of Ariana's neighbors and best friends, is facing a forced marriage to a much older man orchestrated by her ultra conservative parents so she escapes to find safety and freedom in her sister Rita's home. Well that's what she's hoping for, anyway😕.
Ariana and her husband Damon get drawn into the drama all in the midst of preparations for Ariana's extravagant neighborhood Halloween party. Bella is entranced by the prospect of attending her first Halloween bash but also terrified that her dad and prospective groom are out there lying in wait for their chance to snatch her back. And her sister is making demands and trying to control her, really annoying her.
I liked the action, the suspense and Claflin's characters. Nobody's perfect, each has a weakness or fear as real people are wont to exhibit. No superheroes or perfection, just ordinary people making mistakes and some lead to BIG consequences.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
I am really taken by author Stacy Claflin's ability to craft a thriller with a tone of pending menace throughout. Lie in Wait had that tense, shoe-ready-to-drop, what next? atmosphere from the first chapter to the frenetic climax. It was a quick, thrilling read and made me thankful that MY Halloweens never reach this level of excitement!
Bella, the twenty year-old sister of one of Ariana's neighbors and best friends, is facing a forced marriage to a much older man orchestrated by her ultra conservative parents so she escapes to find safety and freedom in her sister Rita's home. Well that's what she's hoping for, anyway😕.
Ariana and her husband Damon get drawn into the drama all in the midst of preparations for Ariana's extravagant neighborhood Halloween party. Bella is entranced by the prospect of attending her first Halloween bash but also terrified that her dad and prospective groom are out there lying in wait for their chance to snatch her back. And her sister is making demands and trying to control her, really annoying her.
I liked the action, the suspense and Claflin's characters. Nobody's perfect, each has a weakness or fear as real people are wont to exhibit. No superheroes or perfection, just ordinary people making mistakes and some lead to BIG consequences.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 25, 2023
This story is another hit in my book, I love following Ari and Damon around their awesome but scary neighborhood. The crazy people bring the magic, mystery, and damage to this series! Staying in touch with Rita, Greyson, their growing family, and their pasts and future together brings a smile to my face when I think of their family, their accomplishments and the friends they have made. I enjoyed getting to know Bella, I refuse to call her Isabella, that poor young lady had a horrible childhood, not that she knew that until later in life, having parents raise and treat you like dirt and or as a servant is so unacceptable to me. So happy that Rita figured that out before it was too late - having Bella leave for good to start over somewhere else. SO looking forward to book 6, 2024 can't come fast enough.
November 12, 2023
Belle has just been bought by Ned. She is disgusted by his lascivious behavior and decides to run away. The one place she can go to is her sister’s, Rita. Rita was able to get away from the cult. She will do everything she can to protect Belle from their father and Ned. Rita ask her friends, Ariana and Damon to watch Belle. They will do everything they can to protect Belle, even at the cost to themselves. Ariana is holding a Halloween party and Elle is set on attending it. She has a taste for freedom and is not willing to give it up.
An engaging, witty, page turner, Stacy has done a great job! I love the series and am excited to read another book in it! Characters are well written and compelling.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
An engaging, witty, page turner, Stacy has done a great job! I love the series and am excited to read another book in it! Characters are well written and compelling.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
March 3, 2025
At first few chapters, the story was interesting. How Bella’s life portrayed and how she was treated by her parents. And the horrors of Neil being arranged to Bella and the way he acted like mad man.
But on the other side, as the storyboes along I hate to say that I felt annoyed and irritated with Bella and how she. is acting up throwing tuntrums just because she was not allowd to attend a freaking Halloween party? She was given protection by her sister, even Arianna and Damon; her sister’s friend and neighbors already extended their doors just this Bella girl not be wed to that effing Neil! But, she was so stubborn, hard headed, and selfish person to risk evrybody for her own whims!
Tha’s why it is a low rating for me.
But on the other side, as the storyboes along I hate to say that I felt annoyed and irritated with Bella and how she. is acting up throwing tuntrums just because she was not allowd to attend a freaking Halloween party? She was given protection by her sister, even Arianna and Damon; her sister’s friend and neighbors already extended their doors just this Bella girl not be wed to that effing Neil! But, she was so stubborn, hard headed, and selfish person to risk evrybody for her own whims!
Tha’s why it is a low rating for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
This is a perfect Halloween thriller! Ariana, Damon and the crew are back and this time it is Rita’s sister Bella who needs saving. Gripping, intense, fraught with danger and drama, we watch as Bella breaks free from the family cult and the forced marriage that her parents have thrust upon her. Hiding out with Ariana & Damon, Bella gets to experience Halloween for the very first time but will it be her last or will her dad find her and force her home? I love these characters and no matter what happens, no matter how dire things get, no matter if they fight or disagree, they have each others backs and come together to save themselves. Loved it!
October 23, 2023
Bella escaped from her overbearing parents who have sold her to the highest bidder. She was to marry someone twice her age and every bit as controlling as her parent. She ran to her sister, Rita, and eventually went to stay with Rita's neighbours and good friends, Ariana and Damon.
Her father and her supposed future husband came looking for her. As there was a party going on, no-one noticed the two strangers, except Ariana. When Bella was taken - so was Ariana, when she tried to stop them. Hopefully they would be missed and they would be rescued, before the unthinkable happened.
Her father and her supposed future husband came looking for her. As there was a party going on, no-one noticed the two strangers, except Ariana. When Bella was taken - so was Ariana, when she tried to stop them. Hopefully they would be missed and they would be rescued, before the unthinkable happened.
October 25, 2023
Fantastic new book of this series. This time it's about Bella who runs away before she's forced to marry a man twice her age. Bella happens to be Rita's little sister but I don't think we knew much about the cult her parents are in before. It's so hard to believe that such things still happen in this day and age. However she hides at her sister's house but her father shows up soon to drag her back. Fortunately she hides at Ariana and Damon's house across the street. They are planning their annual Halloween party and Bella wants to be part of it although Rita tells her to stay safe instead...
That's enough, I leave the rest for you to discover.
This is my honest review in exchange for a free advanced copy I got from the author. I love this series, book after book!
That's enough, I leave the rest for you to discover.
This is my honest review in exchange for a free advanced copy I got from the author. I love this series, book after book!
October 29, 2023
I have to admit that Bella is is headstrong and irrationally focused on experiencing freedom to thr point that the ensuing events were highly predictable; but even with the knowledge of what was going to happen, there was still so much excitement and terror that it had my heart racing for several chapters. I thoroughly enjoy reading about Ariana and her family and friends, and this book really shed light on not only Bella's life, but also Rita's past as well. Highly recommend this book, and this series!
November 25, 2023
OMG! I said on my review of the previous installment of the Ariana Jones series that it was the best one yet. I take that back. This one is! Even though the ending was a bit predictable, I was on the edge of my seat, and rapidly turning pages. It usually takes me 2-3 days to finish a book. I finished this one in one night. I've heard that the next installment comes out early next year, and I can't wait! I'm sure I will devour it as well! Each book I read by Stacy Claflin just gets better and better!
October 27, 2023
A perfect Halloween story! Especially when there's a lot of action at Ariana's favourite spooky day of the year, complete with all the decorations and costumes for her Halloween party. This one is 'over the top' with some activities that could give her friends and neighbours nightmares. One thing after another that keeps happening is what kept me turning the pages, even if some of it seemed unbelievable, but that is what makes it a good Halloween story.
November 9, 2023
Disclaimer: I read a ARC copy provided by the author.
As usual the author writes a good story. This one started out pretty predictable about what was going to happen. As usual though just as the reader has figured everything out, here comes a twist you weren't expecting. The series highlighting Arianna and Damon has been good. There's a catch at the end and I'm looking forward to the next in the series to see what's coming next.
As usual the author writes a good story. This one started out pretty predictable about what was going to happen. As usual though just as the reader has figured everything out, here comes a twist you weren't expecting. The series highlighting Arianna and Damon has been good. There's a catch at the end and I'm looking forward to the next in the series to see what's coming next.
October 25, 2023
Another great addition to this series. The storyline in this book kept the suspense going until almost the last page. The characters are like old friends that you don’t see often but when you do it’s like you never were apart. Put this book at the top of your TBR pile.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
October 28, 2023
Another great story from Stacy! Besides Arianna and Damon, she has added more wonderful characters to love and several others to dislike! In true Mercer family fashion, this book has its share of drama and turmoil. It keeps you immersed and quickly turning the pages to the climatic ending! I highly recommend you give it a read!
August 23, 2024
This was a great edition to the series. I loved bed learning Halloween and it sounds like Ariana has me beat there. They have a great Halloween party set up with the entire neighborhood showed up to enjoy the party! Sounds like great fun.
I don’t want to spoil anything. But this really did have my heart racing throughout the story! Loved this book
I don’t want to spoil anything. But this really did have my heart racing throughout the story! Loved this book
October 24, 2023
This is my first book by Stacy Claflin and I really enjoyed it. It is a not really a stand alone but you don’t need to read the other books to understand what is going on. I am going to look into the other books though.
This book has fun, suspense and a good believable story. I recommend it.
This book has fun, suspense and a good believable story. I recommend it.
October 25, 2023
Great story, the characters are well written and the intrigue is wonderful. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
October 27, 2023
Book Review
This book was wonderful , I love all these book series & can’t wait for the next one in January 24 coming with Ari & Damon ! I love their adventures & how they look out for each other & help there neighbors ! I truly recommend this book!
This book was wonderful , I love all these book series & can’t wait for the next one in January 24 coming with Ari & Damon ! I love their adventures & how they look out for each other & help there neighbors ! I truly recommend this book!
October 30, 2023
Page Turner
This book keeps you engaged from the start. Great characters who we have watched grow since the beginning of the series and wonderful new characters learning to survive. Great as a stand alone better if you’ve read the series.
This book keeps you engaged from the start. Great characters who we have watched grow since the beginning of the series and wonderful new characters learning to survive. Great as a stand alone better if you’ve read the series.
October 25, 2023
A great suspense filled story taking place at Halloween which just adds another element to the creepiness of it. This had me eagerly turning the page to see what was going to happen.
October 26, 2023
Definitely will have you intrigued and binge reading. Ariana might love Halloween but not when there’s danger that involves her friend. How will this all end. Once you start, you’ll want more.
October 30, 2023
Awesome Story
Loved this book! Such an intense and quick read! Mrs. Claflin is my favorite author and it is such a ln honor to read any of her books!
Loved this book! Such an intense and quick read! Mrs. Claflin is my favorite author and it is such a ln honor to read any of her books!
November 6, 2023
Just when I think this series can't get any scarier the author writes another book. Bella runs from her twisted parents to her sister Rita. Making the setting during Halloween made the story even spookier. Will their parents get past the guards? One scene near the end made me stop reading. I thought "are there really people like that?" Looking forward to the next in this serious.
November 29, 2023
Lie In Wait - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Ariana Jones Book 5, Lie In Wait, by Stacy Claflin sees Ariana, her closest friend Rita and Rita's younger sister Bella, in peril of their lives as the horrors of their past lives is brought sharply into focus by the so-called church, (actually a cult) and the acts of their abusive parents who belong to it.
The hunt for Bella and the bid to force her into a loveless marriage she's been sold into, after she flees, following in Rita's footsteps and is aided by Ariana and her husband Damon, comes to a head on Halloween night and is so thrilling and tense it's guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout. Grab a copy today!
Ariana Jones Book 5, Lie In Wait, by Stacy Claflin sees Ariana, her closest friend Rita and Rita's younger sister Bella, in peril of their lives as the horrors of their past lives is brought sharply into focus by the so-called church, (actually a cult) and the acts of their abusive parents who belong to it.
The hunt for Bella and the bid to force her into a loveless marriage she's been sold into, after she flees, following in Rita's footsteps and is aided by Ariana and her husband Damon, comes to a head on Halloween night and is so thrilling and tense it's guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout. Grab a copy today!
November 28, 2023
I read this book in one sitting. Once I started, it grabbed me and wouldn't let me go! Ariana and Damon's neighbour, Rita's sister, turns up afraid for her life, and they step in to save the day. Offer the girl a place to stay.
Living in a gated community is supposed to be safe, right? No one uninvited or on a do not allow entry list can't get in. Well...
I would say this is the best book in this series so far, so I'm looking forward to the next one.
Stacy Claflin hit a home run with this one!
Living in a gated community is supposed to be safe, right? No one uninvited or on a do not allow entry list can't get in. Well...
I would say this is the best book in this series so far, so I'm looking forward to the next one.
Stacy Claflin hit a home run with this one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews