Chased

by Clair M. Poulson

Siblings Jett and Karri Farrow are struggling with life in their aunt and uncle’s home, but at least they’re together—until Jett suddenly disappears. No one will tell Karri what happened, so she takes matters into her own she’ll find Jett herself. After hitchhiking as far as Las Vegas, her search has proven fruitless. She needs a job if she’s going to continue her quest to find her brother. Unfortunately, the job she takes may just destroy her.

For two years, Karri lives a half-life in her work for a criminal organization. When she finally sees a chance to escape, she takes it. Her boss won’t let her go easily, but with the help of Detective Dwight Kerrigan, she might stand a chance. Together, they steal out of town in a bid to evade her former employer. Over their weeks on the run, Dwight and Karri are offered an unexpected chance at love. But even as they find the silver linings in their situation, the danger is far from gone. They’re being tracked, and they won’t be safe until they face the threat head on.

Genres: Suspense, Mystery, Audiobook

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Clair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.

He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.

In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.

Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.

Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.

Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled with the first part of this story and the subject matter is difficult to read about. Overall I like the characters but if Karri would have said “it is all my fault” one more time, I probably would have screamed right out loud. All that being said, I was sucked into the story and the suspense and complexities (maybe too many complexities). This author is always a bit of a risk and this book is no exception but if you have generally liked this author’s past books, you will like this one.

[Terri Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5. Yikes! That book was a wild ride— completely unbelievable, but full of action!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Las Vegas cartel won’t let Kerri go, after a failed attempt to get away, she is badly beaten and left for dead. Two friends find her and she is on the run along with them across the United States as “ enforcers” from the cartel are close behind. Kerrigan, a detective, takes on the position to safely get Kerri, Janie, and Rob away from danger. There are lots of close calls as the plot thickens. There is some graphic violence.

[Katie Browning · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so painful. I DNF’d it, which is rare for me. I made it half way through. I don’t know how this book was ever approved—the writing is terrible and the plot is so predictable.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed. I have really enjoyed several books by this author, but this one was ROUGH. The plot was compelling enough that I needed to finish it, but the dialogue was stilted. The writing in general was really condescending, and I felt like things were being over explained.

I, the reader, had just "watched" the person get beaten up, etc on the previous page, and did not need to "hear" this character explain it to another person on the phone, using everyone's names and relationships to each other over and over. All in all, a painful read, with very little relationship development between any characters. We were told that various characters were becoming close friends, crushes, etc, but with zero emotional impact.

[Ann Topham · Rating 4 out of 5]

When their parents are killed in an automobile accident, Karri and Jett are sent to live with their uncle and aunt, halfway across the country. They are treated as slaves and punished for things they did not do. Then Jett disappeared and Family Services are led to believe he is a runaway. Kerri sets out to find him, believing he has been kidnapped or sold, and is headed to Las Vegas Vegas or Los Angeles.
Karri hasn’t been able to find Jett and gets involved with a criminal organization, where she fears for her safety. The rest of the story tells of her escape from the organization.

[Bonnie Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Suspense

I bought this book because I had received another one of Clair M. Poulson's books for Christmas and really enjoyed reading it. That one was Brush Fire. This one my husband gave me for Valentine's Day. This one was a well written, suspense. I enjoyed how suspenseful this book was! The characters were well developed and there was definitely bad guys to root against and some great good guys to root for. Most definitely a book worth reading!

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way too much going on

If you need a book that will make you appreciate your cartel-less life, this is the book for you! If you love stilted, stiff speaking-this is a great book! I had a hard time going to sleep, because it seemed like one bad situation after another with no significant breaks. It was a very difficult read. Then lots of people die and things get wrapped up quickly after. I appreciated the happy ending!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part during character development I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep going. The life of the main character is difficult. As the story progresses I become increasingly interested in how things would turn out. I was happy with the balance of tragedy and happiness. Overall it was a good story.

[Mauralie Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of lot of action it starts in no and they are it is a police officer trying to save a young girl from drug dealers they are being chase in all of the western United States they end in Utah where the young police is from good end.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

Absolutely love Clair M Poulson books. Always keep us reading, thrilling and exciting. He begins with a mystery and you have to read through the exciting book to solve the mystery.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

As usual Polson has skillfully written a novel that keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end. The characters are easy to care about, the action is intense, and the conclusion doesn't leave the reader hanging or disappointed.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart-pounding, emotional journey of survival, resilience, and unexpected love. The story follows Karri Farrow, a young woman desperate to find her missing brother, Jett. Her search leads her into the clutches of a dangerous criminal organization, where she spends two years trapped in a life she never wanted. When she finally seizes a chance to escape, her boss won’t let her go without a fight.

Enter Detective Dwight Kerrigan, who becomes her unexpected ally in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Together, they flee town, hoping to outrun those who would rather see Karri silenced than free. As tension mounts, so does the bond between Karri and Dwight, adding a compelling layer of romance to the relentless suspense.

The novel expertly balances action, emotional depth, and character growth. Karri is determined and courageous, and Dwight’s presence provides security and heart to the story. Their relationship develops naturally amid the danger.

The tension throughout the story is gripping with a satisfying mix of suspense and romance. "Chased" is a thrilling read that keeps you hooked until the very end.

I listened to the audiobook using Deseret Bookshelf.

[Shae Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I am impressed that Clair was able to orchestrate so many characters and literally close the book on all of them! In this book that was a major feat! Fast paced, on the edge but not over, and full of good stuff. With a background in women's self-defense though, I wouldn't put too much stock in his eye-poking technique...

[LaRee Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love

I love the detailed story! There are several plots, but the author never leaves me confused by them and brings everything to a successful conclusion. I love Clair Poulson!

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a complex story plot, with a huge case of characters.
Clair Poulson does a stunning job if keeping the reader on their toes and having the unexpected happen.
Loved this book and could not put it down.
Now I have finished I can take my life off hold.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

plenty of excitement

In the beginning this book is slow and sort of mundane. Maybe purposefully. Eventually it picks up and gets eventful and exciting. Almost too much so. It does, however, have a happy ending.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful book indeed

I couldn’t put the book down. It was fast action and a great read. I highly recommend this suspenseful book. Clair Poulson doesn’t let me down with each book I read

[Wayne Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

filled with intrigue that captures you immediately!

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a clean read that captures you engulfs you immediately! Just read it!

[Tonya Bryner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clair Poulsen does good suspense. He also does rather cheesy romance, though this wasn’t too bad till the last few chapters. Overall, I’ll take his contemporary LDS books over anyone else’s.

[Hap Cluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poulson Does it Again

Twists & turns. Ins & outs. Hard to believe Poulson could create so many things that happen to great characters. Can't wait for the next one.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby. Very intense book. Many twist and turns. Hard to think of so many really bad people out there.

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty predictable, but still a fun listen.

[Dawn Chamberlin weisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

I love how I start reading his books and then feel like I know the characters. I even had difficulty putting this book down!

[Jazzw Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when they think it’s over, surprise! Non stop action, all the way through. All loose ends tied up, which isn’t always the case.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally felt like this was a slower read in the beginning. It picked up after the police came into play. It was still a good book.

[Krista Rick’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great LDS mystery book. Clean, predictable and safe to read.

[Alison Jenks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super cheesy and the story was flat. There was no drawing you into the story. It was told almost as facts.

[Janel Neel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I am never disappointed when I read a book from this author. I would encourage everyone to read this book. Very suspensful.