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Johnston & Fletcher #1
What She Missed
A missing child, a murky past, and a race against time - buckle up for a thrilling ride in this novel by the bestselling author of Twelve Years Gone and The Moscow Brief.
The story takes place in the small town of Highmill, New York, where the tight-knit community is thrown into chaos after the disappearance of five-year-old Bella, daughter of K9 officer Logan Fletcher.
Dr. Skye Johnston, a psychologist trying to escape her own past, is called to the scene to help with the investigation. But as she delves deeper into the case, she realizes she may be in over her head.
As Skye and Logan uncover more clues, they realize that Bella's disappearance may be connected to a much larger and more sinister plot - one that puts them both in grave danger.
Fans of suspenseful thrillers will love this book, and if you enjoyed "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, you won't be able to put this one down.
Don't miss out on this gripping page-turner – join the adventure now!
Dr. Skye Johnston, a psychologist trying to escape her own past, is called to the scene to help with the investigation. But as she delves deeper into the case, she realizes she may be in over her head.
As Skye and Logan uncover more clues, they realize that Bella's disappearance may be connected to a much larger and more sinister plot - one that puts them both in grave danger.
Fans of suspenseful thrillers will love this book, and if you enjoyed "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, you won't be able to put this one down.
Don't miss out on this gripping page-turner – join the adventure now!
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2024
755 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 5, 2024
This is a Mystery Suspense/Thriller, and this is the first book in the A Johnston and Fletcher series. This is a fast paced book that will pull you into the storyline. There is a ton of action and drama that will keep you wanting to keep reading. You really get to know all the characters, and I really liked all the characters. I cannot wait for the second book in this series, so I can be with these characters again. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
May 10, 2024
Amazing story!
The author sets the scene perfectly. It’s so vivid I checked to see if rain was dripping down my back. We are instantly drawn into this unimaginable situation where hope is dim and terror is on the verge of being overwhelming. Yet they press on because a five year old’s life is at stake and this is just the beginning.
We are taken into a story that is so eerie because it’s so realistic. A missing child sets of a chain of events that are unforeseeable and yet they all make sense within the story. I was chilled, scared, driven, terrified and exhilarated by this book. If this is the start of the partnership between Fletcher and Johnston I cannot wait to see what’s in store next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author sets the scene perfectly. It’s so vivid I checked to see if rain was dripping down my back. We are instantly drawn into this unimaginable situation where hope is dim and terror is on the verge of being overwhelming. Yet they press on because a five year old’s life is at stake and this is just the beginning.
We are taken into a story that is so eerie because it’s so realistic. A missing child sets of a chain of events that are unforeseeable and yet they all make sense within the story. I was chilled, scared, driven, terrified and exhilarated by this book. If this is the start of the partnership between Fletcher and Johnston I cannot wait to see what’s in store next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 17, 2025K9 officer Logan Fletcher and psychologist Dr. Skye Johnson team up to rescue Fletcher’s missing daughter, Bella, then must solve the mystery of the dead man found in the cave where Bella was found. An interesting read. Both Fletcher and Johnson have potential as continuing characters in the series. The storyline becomes a bit predictable at times. There are no big surprises here. Still, I could be persuaded to move on to the next book in the series. 3.5 stars.
March 28, 2025
Nice Predictable Read
The storyline is good with well developed characters. I especially liked Riggs and although it was a bit predictable, it was still a good read.
The storyline is good with well developed characters. I especially liked Riggs and although it was a bit predictable, it was still a good read.
April 1, 2025
a cops wife died so he is caring for his 5 yr old daughter alone. he gets out of the shower and she is gone. his dog cant track, its raining
he calls other cops but no one is looking for her
they bring in a psychologist woman who he thinks is a waste of time. she goes in the girls room and finds a picture the girl drew. that led them to the cave where she was with the man 'who was sleeping'. he was dead but the girl didnt know it
they took the girl home and found the man was shot several times in the face and later found out he had a spiral fracture to his arm , torture
the psychologist didnt want anything to do with the case but when she followed up with the little girl who is doing just fine , the cop dad convinced her to help
her sister is calling her, their parents are dead and she wants nothing to do with her sister. she doesnt answer
mean while there is a architect who is not getting along with his boss. and he is dating a woman in construction, but she likes this other construction man better. there is just something off with the architect . but she hasnt been able to get ahold of the other man, hes been missing for 24 hrs. she tells the psychologist and she knows thats the dead man in the cave but cant tell anyone. the architect is upset he cant find the woman he is dating and gets mad wanting to know where she is
he killed her boyfriend and kidnapped her, keeping her locked up on his boat
he was attacking the psychologist but she pressed her remote and the cop showed up. the police dog she was afraid of saved her
they put together he had kidnapped the woman and went to his boat and saved her. he was arrested
she had a nice dinner at his house as thank you and her sister showed up at the door and thats how it ended! i hope i get to read the rest of the series, it was really good!
he calls other cops but no one is looking for her
they bring in a psychologist woman who he thinks is a waste of time. she goes in the girls room and finds a picture the girl drew. that led them to the cave where she was with the man 'who was sleeping'. he was dead but the girl didnt know it
they took the girl home and found the man was shot several times in the face and later found out he had a spiral fracture to his arm , torture
the psychologist didnt want anything to do with the case but when she followed up with the little girl who is doing just fine , the cop dad convinced her to help
her sister is calling her, their parents are dead and she wants nothing to do with her sister. she doesnt answer
mean while there is a architect who is not getting along with his boss. and he is dating a woman in construction, but she likes this other construction man better. there is just something off with the architect . but she hasnt been able to get ahold of the other man, hes been missing for 24 hrs. she tells the psychologist and she knows thats the dead man in the cave but cant tell anyone. the architect is upset he cant find the woman he is dating and gets mad wanting to know where she is
he killed her boyfriend and kidnapped her, keeping her locked up on his boat
he was attacking the psychologist but she pressed her remote and the cop showed up. the police dog she was afraid of saved her
they put together he had kidnapped the woman and went to his boat and saved her. he was arrested
she had a nice dinner at his house as thank you and her sister showed up at the door and thats how it ended! i hope i get to read the rest of the series, it was really good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
Lost child initiates collaboration between a policeman and a psychologist - 4.5 stars
Terror from realizing that a child has wandered off into a strong rainstorm builds into a gripping story about relationships. Dr. Skye Johnson is called out on a stormy night to help Logan Fletcher search for his missing five-year-old daughter.
Relationships, ending and starting, are a major part of this quick-moving tale. The most significant new relationship is between Logan, the community's 8-year policeman, and Skye, a local clinical psychologist. A relationship in decline is in full view as two professionals in real estate development have different ideas about their futures.
Fortunately, the search for a missing child concluded successfully. However, Bella, the no longer missing child noticed a sleeping man in the cave in which she took shelter; this provided the rest of the story. Police work has many rules of evidence and probable cause; intuition is not justification for checking out a suspect. Similarly, patient's sessions with a clinician are supposed to be private.
Over the course of a couple of days, the rules needed to be bent to open up a search for a person who committed a major crime. Following the clues was easy for the reader as the facts unfolded. Keeping client confidentiality was a top priority until patient safety became an issue.
Fortunately, the budding relationship between Logan and Skye did not become the focus of the story. I expect that the reader will have a chance to observe the relationship flourish in future thrillers set in a rural community of upstate New York. I'm looking forward to the sequel(s).
Terror from realizing that a child has wandered off into a strong rainstorm builds into a gripping story about relationships. Dr. Skye Johnson is called out on a stormy night to help Logan Fletcher search for his missing five-year-old daughter.
Relationships, ending and starting, are a major part of this quick-moving tale. The most significant new relationship is between Logan, the community's 8-year policeman, and Skye, a local clinical psychologist. A relationship in decline is in full view as two professionals in real estate development have different ideas about their futures.
Fortunately, the search for a missing child concluded successfully. However, Bella, the no longer missing child noticed a sleeping man in the cave in which she took shelter; this provided the rest of the story. Police work has many rules of evidence and probable cause; intuition is not justification for checking out a suspect. Similarly, patient's sessions with a clinician are supposed to be private.
Over the course of a couple of days, the rules needed to be bent to open up a search for a person who committed a major crime. Following the clues was easy for the reader as the facts unfolded. Keeping client confidentiality was a top priority until patient safety became an issue.
Fortunately, the budding relationship between Logan and Skye did not become the focus of the story. I expect that the reader will have a chance to observe the relationship flourish in future thrillers set in a rural community of upstate New York. I'm looking forward to the sequel(s).
April 27, 2024
Absolutely gripping!
This author is well-known for compelling stories packed with suspense, action, and jaw-dropping situations that keep you clutching the book in a death grip as you feverishly flip pages to find out what will happen next. Having read this first book of a brand new series, I can say with absolute confidence that the Johnston and Fletcher thrillers promise to rival the best of any thrillers out there. The characters are engaging and easy to become invested in right from the start and they only become more fascinating as the story progresses and we learn more about them, their pasts, their traumas, and their commitment to their respective professions. The book begins with a missing child, a horrific storm, and a father on the very edge of a total meltdown. As dramatic and emotional as that is, this is only the introduction to the main characters and what follows is a chilling and absolutely gripping tale of murder, madness, and the pursuit of a killer capable of appalling violence. I am looking forward to many more adventures with these intrepid characters, especially Riggs, a K9 police officer that is an absolute scene-stealer.
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
This author is well-known for compelling stories packed with suspense, action, and jaw-dropping situations that keep you clutching the book in a death grip as you feverishly flip pages to find out what will happen next. Having read this first book of a brand new series, I can say with absolute confidence that the Johnston and Fletcher thrillers promise to rival the best of any thrillers out there. The characters are engaging and easy to become invested in right from the start and they only become more fascinating as the story progresses and we learn more about them, their pasts, their traumas, and their commitment to their respective professions. The book begins with a missing child, a horrific storm, and a father on the very edge of a total meltdown. As dramatic and emotional as that is, this is only the introduction to the main characters and what follows is a chilling and absolutely gripping tale of murder, madness, and the pursuit of a killer capable of appalling violence. I am looking forward to many more adventures with these intrepid characters, especially Riggs, a K9 police officer that is an absolute scene-stealer.
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
May 15, 2024
Logan Fletcher cannot find his five-year-old daughter, Bella. He calls the Highmill, NY police department, where he is a K9 officer. His request for assistance brings him in contact with Dr. Skye Johnston, a clinical psychologist. Skye finds a drawing by Bella in her room, which Logan realizes is a picture of a cave behind his property.
In the driving rain, they find a cold, alert Bella. They want to take her home, but she refuses until the sleeping man in the cave wakes up. Logan finds the man, who has been shot multiple times. They get Bella home and discover that the dead man is Ian Dunn.
The search for the killer leads Logan and Skye on a chase that puts Skye right in the middle of it. She is confronted by the killer but is saved when Riggs, the K9 partner with Logan, shows up at the right time. Through insights provided by Skye, Logan and the department find and capture the killer.
The book ends with Skye meeting her sister, whom she doesn’t want to deal with.
The book is entertaining, with good plot twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the driving rain, they find a cold, alert Bella. They want to take her home, but she refuses until the sleeping man in the cave wakes up. Logan finds the man, who has been shot multiple times. They get Bella home and discover that the dead man is Ian Dunn.
The search for the killer leads Logan and Skye on a chase that puts Skye right in the middle of it. She is confronted by the killer but is saved when Riggs, the K9 partner with Logan, shows up at the right time. Through insights provided by Skye, Logan and the department find and capture the killer.
The book ends with Skye meeting her sister, whom she doesn’t want to deal with.
The book is entertaining, with good plot twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2024
What She Missed by KJ Kalis
A Johnston & Fletcher Thriller Book One
Dr. Skye Johnston is a psychologist. When Chief Zara Walsh of Highmill PD in Upstate New York has a dispatcher call Skye to go out on this rainy night, it pushes her out of her comfort zone. She and Zara don’t get along, and Skye doesn’t usually work with the police unless one of her patients is in trouble. The night turned her life upside down…again.
Officer Logan Fletcher is a widower with a young daughter. When Bella goes missing, he’s all father and no cop. Plus, his boss thinks a psychologist can help find his daughter.
The story takes some twists and turns from the original missing Bella. Page-turning, and I always appreciate the different POVs of the characters. I can’t wait for more in this series. Riggs, the K9 officer, also adds a lot to the story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
A Johnston & Fletcher Thriller Book One
Dr. Skye Johnston is a psychologist. When Chief Zara Walsh of Highmill PD in Upstate New York has a dispatcher call Skye to go out on this rainy night, it pushes her out of her comfort zone. She and Zara don’t get along, and Skye doesn’t usually work with the police unless one of her patients is in trouble. The night turned her life upside down…again.
Officer Logan Fletcher is a widower with a young daughter. When Bella goes missing, he’s all father and no cop. Plus, his boss thinks a psychologist can help find his daughter.
The story takes some twists and turns from the original missing Bella. Page-turning, and I always appreciate the different POVs of the characters. I can’t wait for more in this series. Riggs, the K9 officer, also adds a lot to the story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
May 11, 2024
K-9 Officer, Logan Fletcher is frantic. His 5 year old daughter, Bella, is missing. Dr. Skye Johnston, a psychologist is called to the scene to help with the investigation. It is raining and his K-9 has trouble trying to find clues that are washed away. This book is amazing, once you start, you are drawn in, grabbed and never let go until the ending. With so many twists and turns, they search for Bella, only to find her in a cave with a dead man. Wow! From here we are taken on so many twists and turns and red-herrings, you are on the edge of your seat. The characters are well written and the symbiotic relationship between Logan and Skye works well. This is an amazing, thrilling roller coaster ride until the end that keeps you turning pages. I highly recommend this book and am happy to see it is only the beginning of a series. I can't wait to see where Johnston and Fletcher go from here. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 24, 2024
This book starts out at a blinding speed. Logan gets out of the shower to find his five year old daughter missing. He frantically searches the house and she is no where to be found. It's raining and cold outside and he is terrified that something has happened to her. He takes his partner dog Riggs and tries to use him to search for her. But the rain has washed away any signs of her.
You are pulled into this book and held all the way to the end. You get to know the characters as the book moves forward. You will not want to put this book down until you have finished. Then you will want more stories from these characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You are pulled into this book and held all the way to the end. You get to know the characters as the book moves forward. You will not want to put this book down until you have finished. Then you will want more stories from these characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
Skye is requested to help finding a 5 year old who is missing from home and after finding the girl, Bella, she starts to develop a friendship and working relationship with her father, Police Officer Fletcher. They'll also work together in another case involving the assassination of a man who is in a relationship with Skye's patient. The story will have a lot of twists and turns till the deranged killer is aprehended. Skye, however, is far from free of problems, she has yet to face her sister who is back in town. Good storyline, well-written and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2025
Missing Child leads to Murder
What She Missed by KJ Kalis is an interesting and well plotted murder mystery solved by
Both a police officer and psychologist! Skye Johnston meets Officer Logan when his young daughter has disappeared during a torrential rainstorm.
This encounter leads to the discovery of a Murder victim. Together Skye and Logan track down the murderer in a very informative narrative.
This book is more a character study than most mysteries attempt. It is very absorbing in its details about basic psychology and law enforcement.
Well written and a page turner. I recommend it!
What She Missed by KJ Kalis is an interesting and well plotted murder mystery solved by
Both a police officer and psychologist! Skye Johnston meets Officer Logan when his young daughter has disappeared during a torrential rainstorm.
This encounter leads to the discovery of a Murder victim. Together Skye and Logan track down the murderer in a very informative narrative.
This book is more a character study than most mysteries attempt. It is very absorbing in its details about basic psychology and law enforcement.
Well written and a page turner. I recommend it!
May 6, 2024
Having read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past, I expected this one to live up to my expectations. It did not disappoint except that I had hoped the ending would be more of a surprise. The perpetrator was revealed fairly early in the book. That doesn’t really diminish from my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
This book is part thriller and part police procedural. It does both well. I am looking forward to more of this series and from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is part thriller and part police procedural. It does both well. I am looking forward to more of this series and from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
When the five-year-old daughter of a K9 officer vanishes from a small town, a local therapist is brought in to assist with the case. After a tense search, the child is found—but the mystery is far from over. When a shocking murder occurs, the therapist is called back in, only to realize that the deeper she gets, the more dangerous the situation becomes. With a compelling cast of characters, relentless action, and a gripping mix of intrigue and mystery, this well-crafted thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. A must-read for fans of suspense!
June 30, 2025
Outstanding
This captivating book is an ideal companion for a leisurely weekend, especially when rain patters against the window, creating the perfect atmosphere for immersive reading. The narrative is so engaging that readers will find themselves completely absorbed, struggling to put the book down. While not a traditional mystery novel, the story offers a compelling psychological exploration that keeps readers thoroughly intrigued and emotionally invested throughout its pages.
This captivating book is an ideal companion for a leisurely weekend, especially when rain patters against the window, creating the perfect atmosphere for immersive reading. The narrative is so engaging that readers will find themselves completely absorbed, struggling to put the book down. While not a traditional mystery novel, the story offers a compelling psychological exploration that keeps readers thoroughly intrigued and emotionally invested throughout its pages.
May 6, 2024
What on earth could a police officer with a K-9 partner have in common with a psychologist? Perhaps nothing until they started working together to find a lost child and solve a murder.
Dr. Skye Johnston had her own counseling service and there was little she had not heard from a client. However, helping in a murder investigation was new, even to her. Logan Fletcher and his K-9 Riggs, felt her help was important in solving this crime. And thus a new partnership began…
An early copy of this Johnston & Fletcher thriller was received through BDM, LLC and BookSprout. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Dr. Skye Johnston had her own counseling service and there was little she had not heard from a client. However, helping in a murder investigation was new, even to her. Logan Fletcher and his K-9 Riggs, felt her help was important in solving this crime. And thus a new partnership began…
An early copy of this Johnston & Fletcher thriller was received through BDM, LLC and BookSprout. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
May 21, 2024
The daughter of a K9 officer is missing and may be kidnapped. He, Logan, along with the help from a local psychologist, Skye, finally locate her but this leads to a dead body. There are plenty of twists and turns as the duo unravels the murder mystery and tracks down a deranged killer. This is an interesting thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
An unusual, but interesting, beginning that results in the discovery of "the body".
A good read, without blasphemy, but with a number of grammatical errors! Do modern fiction writers never use a proofreader?! I, too, am an author (non-fiction),and would never publish a book without it having been proofread by at least two others!
This is also NOT a "series, but a serial. I do wish that authors would understand the difference.
A good read, without blasphemy, but with a number of grammatical errors! Do modern fiction writers never use a proofreader?! I, too, am an author (non-fiction),and would never publish a book without it having been proofread by at least two others!
This is also NOT a "series, but a serial. I do wish that authors would understand the difference.
December 19, 2025
This book is the perfect escape moving into the holidays. K.J. Kalias know how to pull the reader into her stories.
A handsome policeman widower with a young child who goes missing is what pulls you into this book.
A beautiful young psychologist is called to analyze the screen. Time is running out during this rainy, cold day and finding his little daughter is more than he can handle.
A great fast paced book.
A handsome policeman widower with a young child who goes missing is what pulls you into this book.
A beautiful young psychologist is called to analyze the screen. Time is running out during this rainy, cold day and finding his little daughter is more than he can handle.
A great fast paced book.
April 21, 2024
A thriller that catches your attention from the first page. A missing daughter of a police officer in a rainstorm. Skye is asked as a consultant psychologist to assist in hunting the girl. They find her in a cave with a dead body. A suspense filled novel that you will want to keep reading. I am anxiously waiting for the second in this series.
May 13, 2024
When your dad goes missing and no one is sure what happened, you suspect that it is related to your worst enemy. What you find out is there is a lot more behind the disappearance and every time you think you know what to do, you find out that there is more twists than you ever expected. And what an ending. Cannot wait to see where the next book heads.
May 19, 2024
A thrill from the first page to the last page. Excellent character development and I absolutely love Riggs the police dog. Logan Fletcher is the local police officer in a very small town and Skye Johnson is a psychologist that often works with the police department. Quite the tangled into weaving, plot that is truly intriguing. Skye is a strong woman, intelligent and often stubborn. Where is Bella?
November 19, 2024
Makes you wonder
Mental disorders run the gambit in all kinds of people, all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds and all kinds of education levels. Even the brightest of us can have troubles. Most times the cause is unknown and the subject is not aware. Good light placed on mental health.
Mental disorders run the gambit in all kinds of people, all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds and all kinds of education levels. Even the brightest of us can have troubles. Most times the cause is unknown and the subject is not aware. Good light placed on mental health.
February 15, 2025
A K-9's behavior.
A young girl missing brings Logan and Skye together for the first time. They slowly learn how the work together and previous trauma in their lives. A missing girl, A murder, and a kidnapping are all involved. I had a small problem getting involved with this story, but it did improve throughout the book.
A young girl missing brings Logan and Skye together for the first time. They slowly learn how the work together and previous trauma in their lives. A missing girl, A murder, and a kidnapping are all involved. I had a small problem getting involved with this story, but it did improve throughout the book.
April 22, 2024
I got so engrossed in this book that I read it in a day. The story is fascinating and full of twists, while the action is non-stop. Many well written characters and it is going to be very interesting to see them develop as the series proceeds.
May 7, 2024
An interesting new series in which a psychiatrist teams up with a K9 Police Officer to investigate a murder. The plot takes some unpredictable twists but is a good read that I enjoyed. I look forward to reading the next in the series and to see how the relationship between Skye and Logan develops.
March 11, 2025
What she missed
Not a bad book, A psychologist hooks up with a small town cop to try to solve a grisly murder. The book starts out a little slow with perhaps a little too much description but the story does pick up and come to a satisfying climax.
Not a bad book, A psychologist hooks up with a small town cop to try to solve a grisly murder. The book starts out a little slow with perhaps a little too much description but the story does pick up and come to a satisfying climax.
March 15, 2025
Loved the story
KJ Kalis is a superb storyteller. This clean, suspenseful storyline kept me reading to see how Logan and Skye's characters developed. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
KJ Kalis is a superb storyteller. This clean, suspenseful storyline kept me reading to see how Logan and Skye's characters developed. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
September 30, 2025
The story opens with a tense search for a missing child and when she is finally found there is also an unexpected dead body as well. This is a well written book with good characters and most espcially Riggs who helps things along!
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