Forever Gone

by R.S. Hampton

A pulse-pounding suspense thriller about buried secrets, dangerous truths, and the price of justice.

Charleston real estate lawyer Lee Danforth has no interest in investigating the mismanagement of a local children’s ranch—until she hears the horrifying allegations of abuse and the South Carolina solicitor’s refusal to prosecute. Reluctantly drawn in, she soon realizes this case is far darker than financial fraud.

Lee has spent years burying the truth about her own seduction by Jack Marshall, the ranch’s late founder. But with an anonymous tipster feeding her damning evidence, she discovers Jack’s wife and son have embroiled the ranch in massive corruption and subjected the children to various trafficking schemes—and Jack’s death was no accident. The police do nothing as local girls disappear and another group of children is scheduled to be sold.

Pushing the solicitor for action risks exposing Lee’s past, threatening both her career and reputation. But staying silent means condemning more victims to an unthinkable fate. As the walls close in, she must protect herself or risk everything to bring down a powerful family.

Because some truths don’t just set you free—they can destroy you

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

R. S. Hampton is a former attorney turned novelist, drawing on her three decades of legal experience in the southern United States to write thrilling, fast-paced stories centered on bold, complex women. After practicing law for thirty years, she discovered creative writing as a means of channeling her energy and exploring new narratives; free from the constraints of societal norms and rules. What started as a way to unwind from the challenges of work and life evolved into a passion for crafting complex and page-turning stories.

Hampton writes fast-paced thrillers and suspense novels with a bit of grit and a touch of dark humor– blending high-stakes plots with gripping investigations and dynamic interactions. Her debut novel, Forever Gone, releases on July 1, 2025, marking her entry into the literary world with a compelling story that pulls no punches. Inspired by her lifelong love of travel, Hampton’s novels unfold across diverse and vibrant settings, where danger and intrigue are never far away.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at privilege, connections and power. There are definitely triggers like child abuse, rape, violence, grooming, exploitation and trafficking.

M.L. Danforth is a real estate lawyer with a haunting past involving Jack and Timberline Farm. When Jack dies, emotions rise to the surface. Then, a young woman finds her and tells her she’s just come from Timberline Farm and needs help.

The story was woven with attention to the slowness and time consuming process of gathering facts to investigate. Then, the team must pull it together.

There did seem to be a lot of moving parts and the story was slow in parts but it was still a good read.

[Thriller Bookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Gone pulled me in right from the first chapter. As a lawyer, I really appreciated how authentic the legal side of the story felt. The courtroom tension, the ethical questions, the power struggles, it all rang true. Lee Danforth is a strong, sharp protagonist I connected with instantly.

The book doesn’t shy away from tough themes, and the emotional weight really lingers. It's a legal thriller that’s not just smart and suspenseful, but also deeply thought-provoking. I definitely recommend checking trigger warnings, though; it’s a heavy read at times, but so worth it.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jack Marshall, the dead man, was my employer at fourteen. He progressed a year later to mentor and with a slow, careful seduction, by age seventeen, after the risk of statutory rape had passed, was my lover. Mama would have keeled over dead then if she’d known that the well-regarded Christian man she held in such high esteem seduced her precious daughter."

"It tapered off...I’m pretty sure I got too old for him."

The all too real suspenseful thriller, Forever Gone, by attorney turned impressive debut author, R.S. Hampton, opens with real estate lawyer Lee (ML) Davenport spitting in the dead face of her childhood sexual groomer at his funeral. Then things really go off the rails.

The death of Jack Marshall, owner of Timberline Farms, a children's refuge ranch, opens old wounds and leaves a trail of kidnapping, physical abuse and sex trafficking.

When a young girl escapes the ranch and begs Lee to help her prove that Jack's wife and son are behind all the above mentioned crimes, Lee knows, despite 20 years of ignoring her own abuse, she must stop these evil vile people.

What made this such an impressive page turner was the road blocks Lee faced to get to the truth. From a prosecutor refusing to investigate the claims, death threats, office spies and most of all Lee herself, facing the facts that Jack was not her lover or mentor, as she told herself, but her abuser, who left her unable to have a "normal" life.

As tensions mount to prevent another "Sale" at the farm, Lee gets help from her adoptive grandfather, the Judge, her loyal assistant and a very handsome bodyguard.

I hope this debut is the start of The Lee Danforth Mystery series. I will remember Forever Gone, A Lee Danforth Suspense Novel, for a long time.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great thriller book, it was a captivating story. It was a quick page turner for me. Be forewarned there are some triggers, sex trafficking, rape, and abuse.

Thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC book, this review is voluntary and honest.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful story with characters you get to know and root for, and classic bad guys you'll love to hate.

[Connie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her remarkable debut novel Forever Gone, attorney-turned-author Reta Hampton introduces readers to Lee Danforth — a fierce, sharp-witted heroine whose story is just beginning. Set against the richly drawn backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, this suspense thriller blends the genteel traditions of old Charleston with the dark undercurrents of child trafficking, resulting in a story that is haunting and hard to put down.
What sets this novel apart is the authenticity that pulses through every scene. Reta writes with the authority of someone who knows the legal world inside and out, and her own experience lends credibility and complexity to both the plot and her protagonist. Lee Danforth is smart, tenacious, and refreshingly real — a character you’ll root for from the first page and be eager to follow as I hear there’s more to come in her story.
With tight pacing, atmospheric detail, and a storyline that dares to confront difficult truths, this book signals the arrival of a major new voice in thriller fiction. A compelling, intelligent read from start to finish — and the best news is, Lee Danforth is just getting started.

[Joshua Waselynchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Gone was a thriller book that I couldn't stop from the beginning, I wanted to know what was going to happen. This book deals with heavy topics of child trafficking and SA, so check your trigger warnings before reading.

Lee Danforth is reluctant at first, but once she is presented inside information about children being trafficked and assaulted she cant turn it away. Especially when her connection to the farm rears it's ugly head. The solicitors office has turned a blind eye for years. And now that another girl has been kidnapped that is close to Lee, she does everything in her legal power to bring the farm down.

This story being told from a lawyers perspective was very interesting and different from a detective crime story, which made it more intriguing to find out what was going to happen.

Definitely worth checking out

Enjoyed this book, and looking forward to more from R.S. Hampton.

[morrison_is_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gritty Legal Thriller That Cuts Deep

Charleston attorney Lee Danforth is reluctant to investigate Timberland Farm—until disturbing accusations of abuse surface. The deeper she digs, the darker the truth becomes. What starts as a case of mismanagement unravels into a chilling network of corruption, trafficking, and cover-ups implicating the ranch’s powerful founders—and linking directly to Lee’s own traumatic past.

Years ago, Lee was groomed by Jack Marshall, the ranch’s revered founder. Now, with Jack dead under suspicious circumstances, and his wife and son at the helm of the ranch’s operations, Lee must confront what she endured—and what she’s willing to risk stopping the cycle of abuse. As missing girls go unnoticed and another group of children faces imminent danger, Lee is forced to choose: protect her reputation, or bring the guilty to justice, even if it costs her everything.

Forever Gone was my second ARC, and it absolutely delivered. From the first page, I was gripped by its intensity and tension. The pacing is swift, the stakes are high, and the subject matter is handled with both sensitivity and realism.

If you enjoy shows like The Lincoln Lawyer or How to Get Away with Murder, this book will likely be right up your alley. It reads like a legal drama crossed with a psychological thriller. R.S. Hampton—once a practicing attorney—writes with clear authority, but never lets legal jargon get in the way of the story. The legal elements are accessible, adding depth without slowing the pace.

There has been some feedback about readers not fully connecting with the characters, but I found that detachment fitting. Many of the characters are lawyers or traffickers—people whose roles, by necessity or design, are grounded in logic, survival, or manipulation. Lee, however, stood out. I found her real, relatable, and easy to root for. Her narrative voice, written in first-person, brought an immediacy and intimacy that kept me fully invested in her emotional arc.

The shifts in perspective also worked well—Victoria and Brad’s third-person viewpoints provided needed distance, while Lee’s first-person voice anchored the emotional centre. That said, I would have loved to see more of Glenna and Beth’s stories, perhaps told in first-person as well. Their experiences were compelling, and a deeper dive into their inner worlds could have heightened the emotional weight even more.

One character who really stood out was the Judge—an unexpected delight. And while this novel isn’t an easy read regarding the topic, it shines a light on issues we too often overlook. Human trafficking is real, and Hampton doesn't sensationalise it—she presents it with unflinching honesty. That’s what makes Forever Gone so impactful.

The final chapters had me breathless—fast-paced, emotionally charged, and deeply satisfying. This was one of those unputdownable reads that stayed with me after the final page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 from me.
I’m excited to see what R.S. Hampton writes next.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of Forever Gone.

Look out for Forever Gone, releasing on 1 July — a gripping thriller you won’t want to miss.

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Danforth is a real estate lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina who reluctantly gets drawn into investigating the mismanagement of a local children’s ranch where allegations of abuse have arisen and the solicitor refuses to prosecute. An anonymous tip feeds Lee evidence that highlight the ranch’s late founder’s wife and son as part of massive corruption and trafficking schemes with the founder’s death no accident. Lee’s push for the solicitor to take action risks exposing Lee’s own past, threatening her career, and her reputation, but staying silent condemns more victims to a terrible fate.

I’d highly recommend checking the trigger and content warnings for this book as it may be a difficult read for those sensitive to some of the topics discussed within.

FOREVER GONE marks R.S. Hampton’s debut as an author after a longstanding career as a lawyer. Her writing style is clear and concise, making for an easy read. This novel is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and I loved the hints at Southern charm as well as the veiled threats.

Lee is an interesting, well-developed, and realistic character with a difficult past. She’s self-reliant, brave, and determined. I enjoyed many of the other characters that become key to the story, including Clarice, Mac, and Judge. FOREVER GONE is told in multiple POV: Lee, Brad, Glenna, and Victoria. I would have appreciated that the chapters be titled with the change in POV, simply because I was sometimes confused by the shift in POV and wasn’t sure whose eyes I was seeing through. Nevertheless, each POV adds to the narrative, upping the ante as new details are revealed.

The plot is tightly paced with a thrilling lead up to the grand reveal. FOREVER GONE reads like a legal drama intertwined with a psychological thriller. The suspense is amplified as the story continues, reaching its pitch during the last 20-25%, leaving me feeling as though I needed to know how it would all play out immediately. The ending is well done, tying up many of the loose ends and leaving just enough for a second installment should the author choose!

I would like to thank Reedsy Discovery and the author of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stellar debut! I was sucked in from the beginning. Riveted, unable to move, the knot in my stomach growing from anxiety and unease. I flew through the pages, I could not wait to uncover all of the secrets that were circling Charleston, South Carolina and this high-profile family that could do no wrong. Religion, their sense of community, giving back, and building homes to shelter the children who have nothing and no one. What slowly begins to leak out builds until the dam could hold no more. Leaving the town with their mouths hanging open, the number of people involved and willingness to do this to children just for money is truly astonishing.

ML Danforth has lived her entire life in Charleston. She is a real estate lawyer, with an amazing group of friends, and her grandfather always have her back. ML has dark, hidden secrets from her youth. Secrets that she does not want to see the light of day. Even though she herself was groomed. She is shocked at what the children's ranch has become. It all opens with ML spitting on her lover she has not seen in twenty years and is now staring down at him, lying in a casket. His wife, Victoria, is a person you do not want to cross, and wow does she have a bone to pick with ML. From there you are flung into a chilling, suspenseful world that people do not want to get involved with.

The characters are wide ranging. There was a distinct smell rising from the book when Breaker comes onto the scene, vicious in every sense of the word. Brad the spoiled rich mama's boy who can do no wrong and has the people to help him get out of messes. ML is determined, brave, and will stop at nothing to see justice served. Her friends will do anything to help her out. I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series brings. Thank you to R.S. Hampton for sending me a copy of your book. It is fantastic.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Ghosts Don’t Stay Buried—And Neither Should the Truth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Raw. Gritty. Unshakable. I felt every page in my bones.
Forever Gone by R. S. Hampton isn't just a suspense novel—this is a reckoning. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t let you hide behind polite silence. It drags the past into the light and dares you to look it in the eye.
Lee Danforth is not your polished, trauma-free heroine. She’s bruised, she’s scarred, and she’s doing her damn best to keep the lid on a past that never really let go of her. And when that little girl escapes Timberline Farm and shows up with receipts? Whew. That lid blows clean off.
I felt Lee’s struggle like it was my own—being forced to walk back into a place that shaped her, broke her, and now dares her to fight back. I’m talking about abuse cloaked in charm, “love” that was really grooming, and a whole corrupt system that thrived on silence. I was angry. I was gutted. But I also cheered for her with every step closer to the truth.
And the suspense? Sharp. Unrelenting. Real. Hampton doesn’t just build tension—he wraps it around your neck. Every scene, every revelation feels like peeling back a bandage from an old wound only to find it still bleeding. I devoured this in one sitting because I had to know—was Jack’s death really what it seemed? Could Lee take down the whole rotten empire?
This book is for readers who crave grit over gloss, redemption that doesn’t come cheap, and women who refuse to stay silent no matter how much it costs them. It’s intense. It’s emotional. And for me? It was unforgettable.
Forever Gone isn’t just a title—it’s a war cry for survivors who choose to speak up. And I’m damn glad Lee Danforth did.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid start to what feels like a gripping new series.

Forever Gone pulled me in from the opening line—Jack is dead, finally—and never really let go.

M.L. Danforth is the kind of character I immediately connected with: sharp, damaged, self-aware, and fighting harder than she thinks she is. The early scenes at the funeral were some of my favorites—awkward, visceral, and emotionally charged. The moment she spits on Jack’s corpse? Darkly satisfying and deeply tragic all at once.

That’s pretty much the tone of the whole book: raw, complicated, and honest.

The pacing is deliberate in the beginning, building tension instead of rushing into the mystery. Once the anonymous call comes in and the Timberline Farm allegations start surfacing, the story tightens and the stakes climb fast. This isn’t just a whodunit—it’s a “what now?” for a woman reckoning with a past she’s buried so deep it’s poisoning her.

The supporting cast adds a lot to the book. Clarice is an absolute gem—the friend we all want in our corner. The Judge is wonderfully drawn, and even the villains feel three-dimensional in the worst possible ways. Hampton clearly understands the psychological nuances of grooming, power, and generational silence, and weaves that into the suspense without making it feel exploitative.

Was it a perfect book? Not quite. Some transitions felt a bit abrupt, and a couple of plot threads seem intentionally set aside for future installments. But as Book 1, it does exactly what a series opener should: tells a complete story while setting the stage for something bigger.

Overall, Forever Gone was a solid, emotionally charged read—equal parts legal thriller, domestic suspense, and personal reckoning.

[Shmuggz Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 Overall Impression
This debut is a solid read for the suspense/thriller genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience, as the author is clearly knowledgeable about the plot and storyline. The book is well executed, as I was captivated the entire read; it just falls slightly flat in a generalized trope fashion. I’d like to add a note that I lean heavily towards this genre and my opinion feels biased from genre fatigue.

✅ What I Liked
The pacing of the storyline is really what kept me going with this book. Despite its predictability, I still had that urge of “I need to know how this ends.” The scenes and tension were well built and appropriately sustained. The dialogue did the heavy lifting in this book and kept me invested.

👎 What Fell Short
I just couldn’t get that deep, emotional connection to the characters. As an emotional/psychological niche based reviewer, this is usually where a book hits me hardest. Given the plotline, I’d expected to connect with M.L. to a point of feeling like I’m right next to her. This feeling only hit in the last 25% of the book. Accomplished, but late.

💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a comfort read that sticks to genre conventions, this will hit the spot. If you were a fan of Scandal (TV Show 2012-2018), you will definitely be a fan of this book! While my overall review is rough, my final thoughts are mixed. I truly enjoyed this book, but it just didn’t give me that tingle after the last page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Gone is a bold and emotionally charged debut that dives deep into the shadows of trauma, justice, and the courage it takes to confront the past. R.S. Hampton, drawing on decades of legal experience, delivers a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller that’s as gripping as it is grounded in emotional truth.

Charleston lawyer Lee Danforth is a compelling lead—strong, complex, and deeply human. When a young girl escapes Timberline Farm and brings disturbing evidence to her door, Lee is forced to revisit a chapter of her life she’s tried to bury. What unfolds is a harrowing investigation into abuse, trafficking, and corruption, all tied to a place she once believed was safe.

Hampton’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a strong sense of pacing and atmosphere. The legal and emotional stakes are high, and the story doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—rape, exploitation, and systemic failure—but handles them with sensitivity and purpose. The suspense builds steadily, and the moral dilemmas Lee faces feel real and urgent.

Forever Gone is more than a thriller—it’s a reckoning. A story about reclaiming power, exposing truth, and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Fans of Lisa Scottoline, Karin Slaughter, and John Grisham will find much to admire in this gritty debut.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast-paced, well-written debut novel by R.S. Hampton. She seamlessly integrates her real-world experience as a lawyer to bring us an authentic and compelling main character, Charleston attorney Lee Danforth. Charleston is one of my favorite places, so I really enjoyed the setting and could easily picture the various locations the characters ended up. Although I had correctly guessed the main plot fairly early, that didn't prevent me from constantly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Hampton did a good job with the pacing and holding my interest. 

I wish we had a deeper emotional connection to the characters- they felt a bit surface-level. There's a great cast of characters, and I'm hoping the relationships will develop further in the next book because there's a lot of potential there. I did enjoy Danforth's grandfather, and I couldn't help but smile during his scenes. 

Forever Gone deals with some heavy and emotionally charged topics. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. 

R.S. Hampton's debut novel doesn't disappoint, and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to BookSirens and R.S. Hampton for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. 

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Charleston real estate lawyer Lee Danforth has no interest in a local children’s ranch scandal until chilling abuse claims surface and the solicitor refuses to act. Drawn in against her will, Lee uncovers a web of corruption, trafficking, and a suspicious death tied to the ranch’s founding family.
Haunted by her own buried past with the ranch’s founder, Lee follows a trail of anonymous tips exposing horrific crimes. As missing girls go ignored and another sale of children looms, she faces a brutal choice: protect her secrets or risk everything to stop the abuse.
Because some truths don’t just set you free—they can destroy you.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Before anything else, I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings as this book deals with serious and disturbing themes like human trafficking and child abuse. With that said, R.S. Hampton, a former Charleston attorney, masterfully blends her legal insight with a talent for suspenseful storytelling. The narrative is gripping, full of unexpected twists, and the cliffhanger chapter endings keep the tension high throughout.
This is a bold and emotionally charged story that stays with you especially as human trafficking and child abuse have become increasingly visible and urgent issues in today’s world. Hampton doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, making this novel not only compelling but deeply relevant.

[Casamaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Gone, by R.S. Hampton, is the first in a legal thriller series featuring Lee Danforth, a Charleston, South Carolina attorney who specializes in real estate law. Opening with the funeral of her one-time mentor, first boss, and the man who’d groomed and seduced her, the author sets a scene of southern social protocol that is anything but. An anonymous phone call alerts Lee that Timberlane Farm, the social services agency where she worked as a teen that houses orphans in a foster family setting, has been actively grooming the young women living there and selling them into human trafficking. A deceptive county solicitor, her former lover’s wife and treacherous son, Lee’s revered and larger than life grandfather–a retired circuit court judge—and Clarice, her office manager and confidant, all play roles in this thrilling debut novel. Hampton, a one-time Charleston attorney, not only knows her way around the law, she knows her way around plot twists, cliff-hanging chapter endings, and sharp, penetrating prose. I can’t wait for book number two.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A legal suspense thriller, Forever Gone (2025) by R. S. Hampton features Charleston real estate lawyer, Lee Danforth. A young woman approaches Lee after leaving Timberline Ranch and its programme for helping unwanted, homeless or difficult children and teenagers. Lee is all to aware of the mistreatment, given she too spent time at the ranch when younger. As Lee and her team dig deeper, they find far darker happenings that the local Sherrif and Prosecutor are unwilling to even investigate. Given some of the difficult material dealt with in the story, caution is recommended, as some readers may find the content triggering. Overall, a well-paced narrative, with interesting characters that builds in tension into a climatic confrontation with a four star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to BookSirens and the author for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.

Forever Gone is an extraordinarily dark thrill ride that your won't soon forget reading.

Lee Danforth thought when Jack Marshall died... the bizarre and complicated relationship she had with hum as a young adult could finally be left behind. But when a teen girl turns up at real estate office with dark stories at Timberline Farm- that's suppose to help teens in trouble; Lee cannot ignore history is repeating itself and once more has to confront her own nightmare to those now being caught in this dark web of sex trafficking.

Author R.S. Hampton truly paints a harrowing, realistic portrait about this dangerous reality... from the victims being manipulated to fall into torturous world to the powerful and influencal individuals abusing their status to fulfill their dark sins; and desperate to hide their malicious secrets from destroying their well crafted existence.

Highly recommended.

[Deborah Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible debut! I was completely captivated by R. S. Hampton’s novel “Forever Gone” right from the beginning. Set against the beautifully described backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, this legal thriller tackles serious issues like child trafficking, abuse, and corruption, all through the lens of one woman’s brave quest for the truth. I really appreciated R. S. Hampton’s writing style, filled with twists, action, and the gradual revelation of new evidence. The book was engaging, easy to read, and left a lasting impression on me. I found myself so engrossed that I finished it in just two days! There were unexpected surprises along the way, and I felt a thrill when I managed to guess one of the twists.

R. S. Hampton has a true talent for storytelling. So, grab your favorite coffee or tea and dive into this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[me1966 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! The cover of the book caught my attention, and then I started reading it, and reading it...

There are characters with depth, deep secrets, integrity and others who are polar opposites. This got me thinking about how people are not always who they present as, and that family isn't just about blood relationships.

The crux of the plot is human and child trafficking so can be a tough read.

I loved the legal angle to this book, how RS Hampton has so obviously walked this talk.

Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Gone is dark, uncomfortable at times, and pretty hard to put down once it gets going. Others have mentioned the trigger warnings.
I liked Lee's character straight away. She’s smart, tough and caring but also shows vulnerability when dragged back into her past. I also really enjoyed the legal angle.
The pace is a bit slow in parts, but I think that just added to the tension. The supporting characters add warmth and balance, which I appreciated. I particularly liked the Judge and Clarice. Sometimes the change of POV was a little confusing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Thanks to BookSirens for the free ARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charleston real estate lawyer Lee Danforth has spent years burying the truth about her own seduction by Jack Marshall at his ranch.
But with an anonymous tipster feeding her damning evidence, she discovers Jack’s wife and son have embroiled the ranch in massive corruption and subjected the children to various trafficking schemes and Jack’s death was no accident.
This is a real page turner from the first page which keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to read more., fast paced with tense scenes you cannot put this down.
Would highly recommend.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true page-turner. From the opening sentence, I was hooked. I’m not usually a fan of thriller novels, but RS Hamilton did a fantastic job capturing my attention. Each character is believable, real, and brought to life. RS takes us on a visual journey through her masterful dialogues and masterful depiction of a mystery that starts spinning deeper into intrigue with each chapter. The only thing missing was popcorn because the story had it all! Highly recommend.

[Angela Nagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirlwind! This book was fast paced and I loved every second of it!!! It was well written and while there weren’t many “WOW” plot twists, the action and unraveling of the case and new evidence kept my interest and made it so I didn’t want to put it down, I was hooked and everything was tied up in the end with a nice red bow and has me anxious to read more of M.L. Danforth!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was an absolute page-turner from start to finish. Cleverly written and masterfully paced, it kept me hooked well into the night—I simply couldn’t put it down. The main character was a standout: compelling and layered in a way that made every chapter more engaging than the last. I'm genuinely excited to see where the author takes the story next and will definitely be looking out for future Lee Danforth books.

[Jennifer Frame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Lee Danforth book is the first in the Danforth Series. It starts out slowly giving a chance to follow the low-key life of an estate lawyer. Lee finds herself in the midst of the grimy underworld of human trafficking in and around Charleston S.C.
And the book Very quickly becomes a fast-paced thriller.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this because of the subject matter but the storyline and characters kept me interested in the action.
Great suspense thriller. Perfect for your summer read.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Gone: A Lee Danforth Suspense Novel by R.S. Hampton, whom was a new author for me. Overall I found this to be a good read. Set in the town of Charleston, SC this book was able to keep me turning the pages from start to finish. The book could be triggering for certain people because of some of the subject matters. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best Suspense Thrillers I have read thus far this year. Thanks to Book Siren for this ARC. The Character building was great. The story line captivating, and felt like some of this or snippets could be from real life happenings. Left on a cliffhanger I believe, so we can find out the end of one characters journey. Thanks for the journey. Recommend, you won't want to put it down.

[Kimberly Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut packs a punch with timely and disturbingly familiar themes that are handled with empathy even as they are examined through an unflinching lens. R.S. Hampton delivers a top-notch plot for readers of suspense who love a novel that careens from one twist to the next. Terrific pacing and genuine intelligence leave the reader wanting the next book from this new author. This was a five-star read for me!