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The Girl Who Ran Away #1
Buried in Lies
Somewhere in all the lies, the truth must be hiding...
Ava Garcia was a normal student – until the day Ty Foster walked into Sunvail High school and killed eight students, including Ava's best friend. Except things don't quite add up. Mysterious disappearances, unexplained accidents, and a seemingly invisible man follow behind the tragedy, leaving Ava wondering what is going on.
Able to remember only flashes of what happened on that day, unable to stomach the lies of the principal, the sheriff, and the mayor, and weighed down under the burden of survivor's guilt, Ava can't help herself – she has to know the truth. And she won't stop until she finds it...
From author Robert J. Crane comes the first tale in a new series set in his multi-million selling Girl in the Box universe.
Ava Garcia was a normal student – until the day Ty Foster walked into Sunvail High school and killed eight students, including Ava's best friend. Except things don't quite add up. Mysterious disappearances, unexplained accidents, and a seemingly invisible man follow behind the tragedy, leaving Ava wondering what is going on.
Able to remember only flashes of what happened on that day, unable to stomach the lies of the principal, the sheriff, and the mayor, and weighed down under the burden of survivor's guilt, Ava can't help herself – she has to know the truth. And she won't stop until she finds it...
From author Robert J. Crane comes the first tale in a new series set in his multi-million selling Girl in the Box universe.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2023
215 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
135 books1,174 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 2, 2025
Such A Brilliant Start To A New Series!!
Like many other readers what made me pick this book to read is the fact that the setting is the same as The Girl In (/Out) Of The Box which features Sienna Nealon. So you know going into this novel that there is meta human involvement somewhere.
The location is an average “Small Town America” Ava Garcia is 17 and basic introvert. She attends the local high school, a tragedy strikes the school but her memories of it are sketchy at best. Mostly what she recalls is her best friend LL telling her to run, as well as Ty Foster telling her the same, to run.
The authorities are pinning everything on Ty Foster, a school shooting that ended with him turning the gun on himself. Amongst the dead is her best, or rather only friend LL. Sometime after the “incident” Ava woke up in the desert outside of town, unsure how she got there.
What she does know is that things don’t add up, there are far too many discrepancies and coincidences but she does want to find out regardless of what uncomfortable truths it uncovers.
This book was an absolute blast to read, the excitement of reading a new book set in the world of meta humans was amazing. I burned through this book quickly and am definitely keen to read more. On a human level it shows just how cruel the court of public opinion really is. Showing “mob mentality” at its visceral worst.
Like many other readers what made me pick this book to read is the fact that the setting is the same as The Girl In (/Out) Of The Box which features Sienna Nealon. So you know going into this novel that there is meta human involvement somewhere.
The location is an average “Small Town America” Ava Garcia is 17 and basic introvert. She attends the local high school, a tragedy strikes the school but her memories of it are sketchy at best. Mostly what she recalls is her best friend LL telling her to run, as well as Ty Foster telling her the same, to run.
The authorities are pinning everything on Ty Foster, a school shooting that ended with him turning the gun on himself. Amongst the dead is her best, or rather only friend LL. Sometime after the “incident” Ava woke up in the desert outside of town, unsure how she got there.
What she does know is that things don’t add up, there are far too many discrepancies and coincidences but she does want to find out regardless of what uncomfortable truths it uncovers.
This book was an absolute blast to read, the excitement of reading a new book set in the world of meta humans was amazing. I burned through this book quickly and am definitely keen to read more. On a human level it shows just how cruel the court of public opinion really is. Showing “mob mentality” at its visceral worst.
October 3, 2023
Everybody Lies
First book in a new series and already I cannot wait for the rest to be released. So many hints, mysteries, and (as the title suggests) lies. Who can Ava trust? What will she find out if she can remember what happened that traumatic day? The stage is set and I cannot wait for the secrets to be revealed.
In a way I would say that this book has a similar dystopian feel to many of my favorite young adult series with the exception that school shootings are an unfortunately relatable and very real horror.
If you haven’t read any other Robert Crane books you may be left feeling like there are a whole lot of unanswered questions. I have no doubt those answers will come in time and in unimaginable ways. I am beyond excited to see where this newest adventure leads. And having the bonus of being a Girl in the Box series cross over? Fangirl dreams come true.
First book in a new series and already I cannot wait for the rest to be released. So many hints, mysteries, and (as the title suggests) lies. Who can Ava trust? What will she find out if she can remember what happened that traumatic day? The stage is set and I cannot wait for the secrets to be revealed.
In a way I would say that this book has a similar dystopian feel to many of my favorite young adult series with the exception that school shootings are an unfortunately relatable and very real horror.
If you haven’t read any other Robert Crane books you may be left feeling like there are a whole lot of unanswered questions. I have no doubt those answers will come in time and in unimaginable ways. I am beyond excited to see where this newest adventure leads. And having the bonus of being a Girl in the Box series cross over? Fangirl dreams come true.
October 11, 2023
This book was amazing. Putting it down was near impossible. I read it in TWO DAYS! Right out of the gate it reeled you in. There was no lag time or slow period. Just like Ava from the book, you are thrown right into the thick of things. It keeps you on the edge of your seat & has you holding your breath. A few times I was holding back tears. There was an ache in my chest for the MC. I wouldn’t want to be 17 again for anything! Character development was great. You knew the MC’s personality & mannerisms by the 2nd chapter. Then you watched her grow throughout the book. As well as the supporting characters. May we all “live not by lies”. Ours or others.
October 2, 2023
Robert J Crane brings another winner forth with “Buried In Lies”. A 17 year old girl runs away from an apparent high school shooting she can not remember. As she recovers her wits, she discovers her hurting feet are bare covered in dust. Thus, begins an odyssey Ava Garcia finds herself with new talents in a mystery surrounding a small Arizona town where not everyone is what they appear to be or who can be trusted. The reader is left begging for more. 5 Stars worthy of your time. Another tale ready for the big screen.
October 10, 2023
A great beginning to a spinoff series
I love that this series starts with a young girl who appears to find she has superpowers after a tragic school event she can't quite remember.
Ava has all the qualities of a shy, sweet teen who also has all the teenage angst, flaws, and a heart that makes her so lovable to the reader.
Robert J. Crane has kept my interest in the girl in a box series through over 50 books. I am huge fan and highly recommend this spinoff series.
I love that this series starts with a young girl who appears to find she has superpowers after a tragic school event she can't quite remember.
Ava has all the qualities of a shy, sweet teen who also has all the teenage angst, flaws, and a heart that makes her so lovable to the reader.
Robert J. Crane has kept my interest in the girl in a box series through over 50 books. I am huge fan and highly recommend this spinoff series.
January 24, 2024
Great Read!
My guess is that if you like, or love Sienna Nealon (The Girl In The Box); Then you'll get into this one too!
you
Ava is only 17, but finds out she has powers she didn't have before. Powers that manifest after a tragic event. Now what once was a small town where nothing happened, Ava finds that she's no longer the only meta in town. Can't wait for the next book to come out. This was just as hard to put down as the Sienna Nealon series.
My guess is that if you like, or love Sienna Nealon (The Girl In The Box); Then you'll get into this one too!
you
Ava is only 17, but finds out she has powers she didn't have before. Powers that manifest after a tragic event. Now what once was a small town where nothing happened, Ava finds that she's no longer the only meta in town. Can't wait for the next book to come out. This was just as hard to put down as the Sienna Nealon series.
February 1, 2024
another great adventure
Honestly, I should have known better. I’ve been waiting.. and waiting… and waiting for the next Girl in the Box book after 50plus books now! And of course, Crane sucked me in to this adventure, with only 1 book finished! I wish I had the patience to wait for the series to conclude, as I read an average of one book a day. Of course, I’ll await the next with bated breath!
Honestly, I should have known better. I’ve been waiting.. and waiting… and waiting for the next Girl in the Box book after 50plus books now! And of course, Crane sucked me in to this adventure, with only 1 book finished! I wish I had the patience to wait for the series to conclude, as I read an average of one book a day. Of course, I’ll await the next with bated breath!
October 3, 2023
Robert does it again
I tore through this book in a day, I was riveted from beginning to end.
The characters are so well crafted that I can see them (which is unlike me!).
If you haven't yet read the girl in the box series, you really should. Set in a different universe, this storyline carries on/?precedes those and looks like it is going to keep me going fir quite a while
I tore through this book in a day, I was riveted from beginning to end.
The characters are so well crafted that I can see them (which is unlike me!).
If you haven't yet read the girl in the box series, you really should. Set in a different universe, this storyline carries on/?precedes those and looks like it is going to keep me going fir quite a while
October 8, 2023
5 Stars for Crane’s new series
Robert Crane does not disappoint with this new series set in the metahuman world of his Girl in the Box series. Love this new character and how she changes throughout the book. If you love Sienna, you’ll enjoy Ava. Cannot wait to see how her character develops in the next book.
Robert Crane does not disappoint with this new series set in the metahuman world of his Girl in the Box series. Love this new character and how she changes throughout the book. If you love Sienna, you’ll enjoy Ava. Cannot wait to see how her character develops in the next book.
October 14, 2023
Looks Like Sierra Might Have Competition
I have really enjoyed the Girl in the Box series that Robert Crane has authored. Gave this one a read and the story line is good but the characters are not fleshed out enough for me. It did keep my interest and if I can get the second one with Kindle Unlimited I will read it also.
I have really enjoyed the Girl in the Box series that Robert Crane has authored. Gave this one a read and the story line is good but the characters are not fleshed out enough for me. It did keep my interest and if I can get the second one with Kindle Unlimited I will read it also.
October 31, 2023
R.J.C does it again. Like Patterson just creates great characters
Took me a little while trying to figure out the timeline since it’s in the Sienna-verse. But he lets you know. A great novel my only gripe is the abrupt ending. And the feeling of wanting, needing more. Hopefully this series will get the recognition and is a great seller. I can’t wait to see how this goes.
Took me a little while trying to figure out the timeline since it’s in the Sienna-verse. But he lets you know. A great novel my only gripe is the abrupt ending. And the feeling of wanting, needing more. Hopefully this series will get the recognition and is a great seller. I can’t wait to see how this goes.
December 29, 2023
Sloooow
This wasn't as fast paced as the Siena series where I was pulled in immediately!
I also hate books where the main character spends 80% of the book in their head. It feels like padding after awhile.
If I've got time I'll check out book 2 but it needs to pick up the pace & have some fun. Siena wasn't miserable all the time. This book was a downer with little action.
This wasn't as fast paced as the Siena series where I was pulled in immediately!
I also hate books where the main character spends 80% of the book in their head. It feels like padding after awhile.
If I've got time I'll check out book 2 but it needs to pick up the pace & have some fun. Siena wasn't miserable all the time. This book was a downer with little action.
August 11, 2025
Mysterious start to a new series.
If you like adventure and excitement along with a mystery, this book is for you. The girl who ran away is as exciting as the girl in the box series. Set in the same world makes it an interesting mystery. Who will show up in these pages? Who is the invisible person?
If you like adventure and excitement along with a mystery, this book is for you. The girl who ran away is as exciting as the girl in the box series. Set in the same world makes it an interesting mystery. Who will show up in these pages? Who is the invisible person?
October 4, 2023
Excellent start to a new series
As a fan of Mr Crane's previous series's of books i was looking forward to a new read. I have to say i was not disappointed and eagerly awaiting the next book to come out
As a fan of Mr Crane's previous series's of books i was looking forward to a new read. I have to say i was not disappointed and eagerly awaiting the next book to come out
October 4, 2023
Another hit series begins
This was a great start to another series. You really get to either like, love or hate some of the characters as you get to know them. Looking forward to book 2.
This was a great start to another series. You really get to either like, love or hate some of the characters as you get to know them. Looking forward to book 2.
October 5, 2023
It's a page turner...
Immediately draws you into the story. The book is a perfect sci-fi mystery. I can't wait for the next book. I hope we get to find out more about what Ava can do, why she's lost her memory, and who can be trusted.
Immediately draws you into the story. The book is a perfect sci-fi mystery. I can't wait for the next book. I hope we get to find out more about what Ava can do, why she's lost her memory, and who can be trusted.
October 6, 2023
Great story
Loved the story line and the main character , Ava ! It had kept me glued to the book! Very well written and suspenseful! Loved the read!!!!! Looking forward to the next book!!
Loved the story line and the main character , Ava ! It had kept me glued to the book! Very well written and suspenseful! Loved the read!!!!! Looking forward to the next book!!
October 7, 2023
another gut puncher
Oh wow, just when I thought nothing could beat Girl in the Box series, Mr. Crane bowls me over again! Cannot believe the twists in this new series. Waiting for the next books in both series just became painful!
Oh wow, just when I thought nothing could beat Girl in the Box series, Mr. Crane bowls me over again! Cannot believe the twists in this new series. Waiting for the next books in both series just became painful!
November 1, 2023
Lies are what you decide.
This book is amazing. Can't wait for the second one.
Ava has found herself in a web that she's not even aware of.
Will she figure out the clues or will she fall for all the lies?
This book is amazing. Can't wait for the second one.
Ava has found herself in a web that she's not even aware of.
Will she figure out the clues or will she fall for all the lies?
January 5, 2024
Slow start
I found it to have a bit of a slow start. Got better, but then it all of a sudden it ended. Just like The Girl In the Box series, I wasn’t ready for it to end. Next book, please!
I found it to have a bit of a slow start. Got better, but then it all of a sudden it ended. Just like The Girl In the Box series, I wasn’t ready for it to end. Next book, please!
October 8, 2023
Very good
I loved the book and want more..I like th the characters and flow of the book. Can't wait for the next book.
I loved the book and want more..I like th the characters and flow of the book. Can't wait for the next book.
October 13, 2023
Interesting
Slow start and a bit of muddy water until halfway through. I am looking forward to the mystery unraveling. Very sad and scary in parts
Slow start and a bit of muddy water until halfway through. I am looking forward to the mystery unraveling. Very sad and scary in parts
October 17, 2023
enjoyable
I enjoy all of Robert Cranes books. I’ll be waiting for more of this character. I have read all of the girl in the box series and love them.
I enjoy all of Robert Cranes books. I’ll be waiting for more of this character. I have read all of the girl in the box series and love them.
October 23, 2023
Interesting
Another book from Robert,drew me straight into the story from the very first as have his others.Looking forward to reading this series as I have the Girl in the Box.
Another book from Robert,drew me straight into the story from the very first as have his others.Looking forward to reading this series as I have the Girl in the Box.
December 3, 2023
Interesting twist
Keeps you hooked once you get into it, you will struggle to put it down. Lots of mystery in this little town.
Keeps you hooked once you get into it, you will struggle to put it down. Lots of mystery in this little town.
January 15, 2024
Then you Robert J Crane you another meta human series!
Another awesome meta human series! Yay! This first book is a good beginning 😊 I can't wait until book 2 is available.
Another awesome meta human series! Yay! This first book is a good beginning 😊 I can't wait until book 2 is available.
February 9, 2024
A good start....
An interesting take on the metahuman outbreak in the Sienna Nealon books. Hard to put down and looking forward to the next book.
An interesting take on the metahuman outbreak in the Sienna Nealon books. Hard to put down and looking forward to the next book.
February 24, 2024
still wondering …
There is a lot going on behind the written words and I am anxious to find out how the story will progress. I will be following this series.
There is a lot going on behind the written words and I am anxious to find out how the story will progress. I will be following this series.
February 26, 2024
Great news series
Brilliant start to a new series great characters and very well paced couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one.
Brilliant start to a new series great characters and very well paced couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one.
could-not-finish
June 17, 2024Did not finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews