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Gone Before Goodbye
The police are stumped. Was she a runaway careening toward disaster or the victim of a predator preying on teenage girls?
When rebellious seventeen-year-old Lisa Grant vanishes from her New Hampshire home, her guardian, Teagan Raynes, becomes ensnared in the frantic hunt to find her. Search dogs lose the girl’s scent at Pretty Park, where another teenager disappeared three months ago. Law enforcement fears a stalker is using the park to abduct young girls. Desperate, Teagan, reluctantly puts her faith in the lead detective, the notorious Noah Cassidy.
Noah Cassidy’s reputation and job are on the line. Rumors that he attempted to kill the man found guilty of destroying his family in a boating accident have tainted him. To prove his worth, Noah devotes every minute to the case and realizes he’s up against a cunning adversary. Worse, he finds himself distracted by feelings for the attractive, gutsy Teagan. To erase her doubts about him, he must earn back his reputation and let go of his past. He knows what he has to do. He must bring Lisa
home and take down the monster who is hunting the girls of Pretty Park before it’s too late.
When rebellious seventeen-year-old Lisa Grant vanishes from her New Hampshire home, her guardian, Teagan Raynes, becomes ensnared in the frantic hunt to find her. Search dogs lose the girl’s scent at Pretty Park, where another teenager disappeared three months ago. Law enforcement fears a stalker is using the park to abduct young girls. Desperate, Teagan, reluctantly puts her faith in the lead detective, the notorious Noah Cassidy.
Noah Cassidy’s reputation and job are on the line. Rumors that he attempted to kill the man found guilty of destroying his family in a boating accident have tainted him. To prove his worth, Noah devotes every minute to the case and realizes he’s up against a cunning adversary. Worse, he finds himself distracted by feelings for the attractive, gutsy Teagan. To erase her doubts about him, he must earn back his reputation and let go of his past. He knows what he has to do. He must bring Lisa
home and take down the monster who is hunting the girls of Pretty Park before it’s too late.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
65 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2014
Gone Before Goodbye by Nora Leduc is a great romantic suspense that will keep you guessing and turning pages until the end of the book.
Lisa Grant disappears with no trace of what happened to her. Was she abducted from her home or is she a runaway? Lisa is the second girl to go missing in just a few months, and it seems highly unlikely that both of them ran away. But if they did not run, that means there is a serial kidnapper on the loose.
Teagan Raynes is Lisa’s guardian and she is devastated when Lisa disappears. She must put her trust in a detective that she has not seen in years, not since they were at a summer camp together. Back then, Teagan had a crush on the detective, who was a camp counselor. She still finds herself attracted to him, and now she must rely on him to find Lisa and bring her home.
Noah Cassidy is determined to find the kidnapper and the girls that are missing. He has suffered a tragedy in his life and he is still trying to recover from that tragedy and move on with his life. He throws himself into the investigation, doing whatever he can to solve the case. He is surprised by the attraction he feels toward Teagan and struggles to keep it professional and not a distraction from his investigation.
The characters are well developed and display many realistic traits. I found myself liking the main characters and disliking the possible suspects, and even some of Teagan’s so-called friends.
The writing style flows smoothly and this book is an easy read. The writing style is descriptive and whether I was reading about the small New Hampshire town or the threats against Teagan, I felt like I was right there watching the action. The suspense is well plotted and well crafted. The mystery and suspense are carried on throughout the entire book. There is a decent number of suspects to consider and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. That is what I look for when reading a mystery/suspense and this book did not let me down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romantic suspense. I have read other books by Nora and I have enjoyed them all. I am looking forward to the next book, because there is a bit of cliff-hanger at the end of this book. Not enough to make me feel like the book is not complete, just enough to make me want to keep reading. Treat yourself by picking up a copy of Gone Before Goodbye.
Lisa Grant disappears with no trace of what happened to her. Was she abducted from her home or is she a runaway? Lisa is the second girl to go missing in just a few months, and it seems highly unlikely that both of them ran away. But if they did not run, that means there is a serial kidnapper on the loose.
Teagan Raynes is Lisa’s guardian and she is devastated when Lisa disappears. She must put her trust in a detective that she has not seen in years, not since they were at a summer camp together. Back then, Teagan had a crush on the detective, who was a camp counselor. She still finds herself attracted to him, and now she must rely on him to find Lisa and bring her home.
Noah Cassidy is determined to find the kidnapper and the girls that are missing. He has suffered a tragedy in his life and he is still trying to recover from that tragedy and move on with his life. He throws himself into the investigation, doing whatever he can to solve the case. He is surprised by the attraction he feels toward Teagan and struggles to keep it professional and not a distraction from his investigation.
The characters are well developed and display many realistic traits. I found myself liking the main characters and disliking the possible suspects, and even some of Teagan’s so-called friends.
The writing style flows smoothly and this book is an easy read. The writing style is descriptive and whether I was reading about the small New Hampshire town or the threats against Teagan, I felt like I was right there watching the action. The suspense is well plotted and well crafted. The mystery and suspense are carried on throughout the entire book. There is a decent number of suspects to consider and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. That is what I look for when reading a mystery/suspense and this book did not let me down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romantic suspense. I have read other books by Nora and I have enjoyed them all. I am looking forward to the next book, because there is a bit of cliff-hanger at the end of this book. Not enough to make me feel like the book is not complete, just enough to make me want to keep reading. Treat yourself by picking up a copy of Gone Before Goodbye.
August 3, 2025
The main character was really hard to root for because she was very annoying. There were also a lot of holes in the plot. In the big heroic scene a savior showed up out of nowhere. Just very convenient and seemed like lazy writing.
January 28, 2015
I saw the cover for Gone Before Goodbye by Nora Leduc and didn’t need to look any further. It was talking to me, telling me ~ READ ME. So I did. :-D
Gone Before Goodbye by Nora Leduc is suspenseful and tragic from the very beginning. I knew what was coming by the blurb, but Nora kept me on my toes as I struggled to weed through the suspects and find the monster that preys on young girls. There are plenty of suspects to keep me – and you- guessing.
In the small town of Hawick Falls, Kara Linn is the first girl to go missing. Using a blog and his newspaper column, Vic Taylor, her uncle, the editor of the newspaper, struggles to keep her name in the limelight. He felt the authorities were not doing enough to find Kara.
Then Lisa Grant disappears. The monster doesn’t know it, but he stepped in it this time.
Lisa was abandoned by her parents when she was two and had come to live with Sophia. Because of her rebellious nature, the question did arise ~ could she have run away?
Teagan Raynes, her guardian, knows she did not run away. Teagan was going to adopt her, so why would she disappear now? Something terrible had to have happened. I can’t imagine the thoughts going through her mind. Feelings of guilt.
Teagan could relate to Lisa, because she had grown up on the streets with her crazy mom, until coming to her Aunt Sophia’s at seven years old. Teagan had left town to make her own way in the world, but returned to take care of Sophia when she became ill. Now that she was gone, it was up to Teagan to care for Lisa.
Teagan’s insecurities kept her from having a long term relationship with men. Her mother had taught her to trust no one and it took a long time to earn her trust. Still, she held something back. Her mother had also taught her to shoot a gun and Teagan is an expert shot with her .38 Special. Now that got my attention. I do like a strong female protagonist and I want to see her take this psycho dirtbag down.
Travis, her boyfriend had the same kind of background. Will they be drawn together or torn apart?
Detective Noah Cassidy had lost his wife and child in a boating accident. His mother left home when he was just a child and his father was a drunk. He was determined to be the opposite of his father ~ he would do right by others. Teagan liked the safe feeling she had when Noah was around. He had an air of self assurance and confidence. Their attraction was mutual, but they fought to control it.
I was happy that Nora took the time for Teagan and Noah to get to know each other in a slow growing relationship. This may be considered a spoiler, but I believe we all knew that this would happen, so I don’t think so. That is why Travis had such a short introduction. He didn’t last very long after Noah came into the picture. LOL
Matt, the priest is always around Teagan, like fleas on a dog. Noah and Matt conflicted as soon as they laid eyes on each other. I could picture the hackles rising as they faced off. Is it a territorial thing, male testosterone running AMOK, or is Noah more perceptive than the rest of us? Is there more to Matt than meets the eye? Just because he’s a priest doesn’t mean he’s a good guy. Uh oh, I got a bad feeling. Could it be him?
What’s up with Stacey? She works for Matt, but she is not a very pleasant person for being the church secretary. Is there more than meets the eye there?
Travis, Lisa’s boyfriend, was a suspect too, of course, the prime suspect.
I know it’s vandalism, but the band of Teenage Mutant Meter Feeders could do a lot worse. Or have they?
There are more characters that rotate in and out of the story, doing their part. Sometimes I can’t help but say, “What are they thinking?” “What are they doing? Well, I’ll tell you what they were doing, helping to muddy the waters as I tick off names. Could it be him? Him? Him? Her? Hmmm…
Tragedy strikes, yet we must go on. How? I cannot imagine the felling of helplessness of the ones looking for the missing. I watch a lot of crime shows, but until it happens to you, how can you know how you would react?
Can you imagine the terror of the one taken? Why me? What’s he gonna do to me?
You awake, cold and confused. In the dark, alone and so very frightened. You have nothing to do, but think. The terror builds, as you anticipate your captor’s return. What does he want? Will I live? Will I be tortured? Will I die? You scream, yell, beg, make deals with God (I will be a better person), all to no avail.
Human monsters! Depraved, psychotic, sadistic, truly evil. They revel and get off on others pain, fear and terror.
Still not sure who the bad guy is, but I think there is so much more going on with Teagan than I thought.
My only complaint ~ Teagan was a bit wimpy. Here insecurities and guilt made her seem pathetic at times. I would think her rough upbringing would have toughened her up more. I don’t like criers. I must keep in mind, that women’s tears are different than men’s, so I can overlook most of it, as long as the character comes through in the end. The most frustrating reason for me to cry is when I am very angry. Why does that happen? Does it happen to you?
Will she be able to pull out her gun and shoot someone, when and if the moment comes? What do you think?
She’s always looking around to see if see if she can spot her missing mother, though she does not actively search for her…yet.
I am loving it! Plots and subplots. Yes, the storyline was predictable, but the pacing and doubt of the killer kept the suspense and mystery at a high level. There is no cliffhanger, but there is more to come that I want to learn about.
I am very eager to see Book II.
I was given the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Gone Before Goodbye by Nora Leduc is suspenseful and tragic from the very beginning. I knew what was coming by the blurb, but Nora kept me on my toes as I struggled to weed through the suspects and find the monster that preys on young girls. There are plenty of suspects to keep me – and you- guessing.
In the small town of Hawick Falls, Kara Linn is the first girl to go missing. Using a blog and his newspaper column, Vic Taylor, her uncle, the editor of the newspaper, struggles to keep her name in the limelight. He felt the authorities were not doing enough to find Kara.
Then Lisa Grant disappears. The monster doesn’t know it, but he stepped in it this time.
Lisa was abandoned by her parents when she was two and had come to live with Sophia. Because of her rebellious nature, the question did arise ~ could she have run away?
Teagan Raynes, her guardian, knows she did not run away. Teagan was going to adopt her, so why would she disappear now? Something terrible had to have happened. I can’t imagine the thoughts going through her mind. Feelings of guilt.
Teagan could relate to Lisa, because she had grown up on the streets with her crazy mom, until coming to her Aunt Sophia’s at seven years old. Teagan had left town to make her own way in the world, but returned to take care of Sophia when she became ill. Now that she was gone, it was up to Teagan to care for Lisa.
Teagan’s insecurities kept her from having a long term relationship with men. Her mother had taught her to trust no one and it took a long time to earn her trust. Still, she held something back. Her mother had also taught her to shoot a gun and Teagan is an expert shot with her .38 Special. Now that got my attention. I do like a strong female protagonist and I want to see her take this psycho dirtbag down.
Travis, her boyfriend had the same kind of background. Will they be drawn together or torn apart?
Detective Noah Cassidy had lost his wife and child in a boating accident. His mother left home when he was just a child and his father was a drunk. He was determined to be the opposite of his father ~ he would do right by others. Teagan liked the safe feeling she had when Noah was around. He had an air of self assurance and confidence. Their attraction was mutual, but they fought to control it.
I was happy that Nora took the time for Teagan and Noah to get to know each other in a slow growing relationship. This may be considered a spoiler, but I believe we all knew that this would happen, so I don’t think so. That is why Travis had such a short introduction. He didn’t last very long after Noah came into the picture. LOL
Matt, the priest is always around Teagan, like fleas on a dog. Noah and Matt conflicted as soon as they laid eyes on each other. I could picture the hackles rising as they faced off. Is it a territorial thing, male testosterone running AMOK, or is Noah more perceptive than the rest of us? Is there more to Matt than meets the eye? Just because he’s a priest doesn’t mean he’s a good guy. Uh oh, I got a bad feeling. Could it be him?
What’s up with Stacey? She works for Matt, but she is not a very pleasant person for being the church secretary. Is there more than meets the eye there?
Travis, Lisa’s boyfriend, was a suspect too, of course, the prime suspect.
I know it’s vandalism, but the band of Teenage Mutant Meter Feeders could do a lot worse. Or have they?
There are more characters that rotate in and out of the story, doing their part. Sometimes I can’t help but say, “What are they thinking?” “What are they doing? Well, I’ll tell you what they were doing, helping to muddy the waters as I tick off names. Could it be him? Him? Him? Her? Hmmm…
Tragedy strikes, yet we must go on. How? I cannot imagine the felling of helplessness of the ones looking for the missing. I watch a lot of crime shows, but until it happens to you, how can you know how you would react?
Can you imagine the terror of the one taken? Why me? What’s he gonna do to me?
You awake, cold and confused. In the dark, alone and so very frightened. You have nothing to do, but think. The terror builds, as you anticipate your captor’s return. What does he want? Will I live? Will I be tortured? Will I die? You scream, yell, beg, make deals with God (I will be a better person), all to no avail.
Human monsters! Depraved, psychotic, sadistic, truly evil. They revel and get off on others pain, fear and terror.
Still not sure who the bad guy is, but I think there is so much more going on with Teagan than I thought.
My only complaint ~ Teagan was a bit wimpy. Here insecurities and guilt made her seem pathetic at times. I would think her rough upbringing would have toughened her up more. I don’t like criers. I must keep in mind, that women’s tears are different than men’s, so I can overlook most of it, as long as the character comes through in the end. The most frustrating reason for me to cry is when I am very angry. Why does that happen? Does it happen to you?
Will she be able to pull out her gun and shoot someone, when and if the moment comes? What do you think?
She’s always looking around to see if see if she can spot her missing mother, though she does not actively search for her…yet.
I am loving it! Plots and subplots. Yes, the storyline was predictable, but the pacing and doubt of the killer kept the suspense and mystery at a high level. There is no cliffhanger, but there is more to come that I want to learn about.
I am very eager to see Book II.
I was given the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 9, 2025
This book was a little slow going in the the beginning with a lot of detail about the characters backstories.
Once I had the relationships of the characters figured out it went a little easier. I did however figure out who perpetrator of the crime was early on in the book.
I actually read this book because of the title of the book matches a new book of the same name which is about to be released by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon.
Sorry, not sorry but no spoilers.
I will let you figure it out from scratch.
Once I had the relationships of the characters figured out it went a little easier. I did however figure out who perpetrator of the crime was early on in the book.
I actually read this book because of the title of the book matches a new book of the same name which is about to be released by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon.
Sorry, not sorry but no spoilers.
I will let you figure it out from scratch.
November 17, 2025
Ouch
I somehow managed to finish this book but am at a loss as to why I read past the first chapter. My mom always told me that if I couldn't say something nice then I shouldn't say anything.
"Anything."
I somehow managed to finish this book but am at a loss as to why I read past the first chapter. My mom always told me that if I couldn't say something nice then I shouldn't say anything.
"Anything."
Read
September 8, 2025Only read a few pages before realizing I'd been sent the wrong book. I'd ordered the same title but written by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon instead.. This particular book is not for me. DNF
September 10, 2025
This book was not well written and did not conclude well. A decent story but so predictable and the ending was.. a cliffhanger? And the next book is not written? Annoying
January 2, 2026
Very Intriguing Read!
This book kept my attention from page one! Great writer! Cant wait for the next installment! I hope she writes one! AAAAA+++++
This book kept my attention from page one! Great writer! Cant wait for the next installment! I hope she writes one! AAAAA+++++
December 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa is miffed with Teagan, her guardian. You see Lisa got grounded for sassing, but as most teens, she decides "I'll show you" and sneaks out to meet up with her beau, Travis. Instead she finds herself alone, scared, and in "Pretty Park", a place where bad things happen. In a state of fear and panic, she hops into a strangers car! Hello sunshine... stranger danger!!
Lisa's been missing for 48 hours and because of the location, it's been linked to another missing girl. Teagan is going through the motions of every day life trying to cope as well as she can, then a letter arrives... OMW! I nearly fell off my reading throne with fright!
Detective Noah Cassidy, the detective on the case, also knows heartache having lost his father, wife, and daughter in a boating accident. Rumor has it, he nearly killed the man responsible, he's been through a really rough time, he's trying to get his shattered life together again. He's determined to find the missing girls. My heart aches for Noah, not only for his loss, but for the questions and feelings of guilt that haunt haunt him.
So Noah goes by Teagan's house to document evidence for the day. I can imagine the shock and butterflies Teagan has when she expects the chief but is surprised to find Noah, her childhood crush, at her front door.
Being the bibliophile that I am, I can't help to notice her book collection as does Noah. I knew I liked this man! Bless Aunt Sophie for having library hour! Also Jogger, the rescue kitty, crawls into my heart.
It seems Teagan still holds a flame for Noah, he has quite the effect on her! But Noah isn't made of rock, and he does notice the effect she has on him. Yes he's broken, yes his reputation is on the line, yes there are girls missing that must be found, but he still is just a man made of flesh and blood, with desires and a heart that needs mending.
I'm not sure if it's Noah and judgment of priests in general or because Matt just creeps me a bit, but I feel guilty for being suspicious of a priest. I feel like I should go to confession, but there's something off about this man of the cloth, I just can't put my finger on it...
I'm starting to think that I'm loosing focus. I'm concentrating more on Noah and Teagan and the possibilities, so I get a slight case of whip lash back into reality when I get to see and feel through Lisa's eyes. She seems to be naked and in a confined space and obviously scared, but good on her for trying to keep her wits about herself and listening for clues as to where she is. What she hears sends chills down her spine as well as mine! Then her captor opens the door to her place of holding...oh my shattered nerves!
One of Teagan's friends ex boyfriends is now being connected to the priest, I told you he's dodgie! Are they working as a team... I have a little chuckle and realize I may have an addiction CSI, Bones, Criminal minds etc. At this point in time, everyone is a potential suspect!
So I get carried away in the hunt for the girls, the fear, suspicion, torture, ideas of romance, and conspiracy theories...
Honestly, my head reeling with everything, mulling through it! The end is very well played and catches you off guard as in totally!
I went from a butt jiggle "I told you so" dance to a squealing "OMW! OMW! O-M-W!"
GENIUS, PURE GENIUS!
A reminder that all now is not as it seems, and we don't always know people as well as we think!
What made this a memorable read? The way the author gives you just enough information, and the rest is up to you and your imagination! An insane ride! She proves that the mind is indeed a powerful thing!
Gone Before Goodbye started off as 4 bomb read, but the genius twist at the end, turned it into a hell yeah 5 bombs!
Reviewed by Heidi
Lisa is miffed with Teagan, her guardian. You see Lisa got grounded for sassing, but as most teens, she decides "I'll show you" and sneaks out to meet up with her beau, Travis. Instead she finds herself alone, scared, and in "Pretty Park", a place where bad things happen. In a state of fear and panic, she hops into a strangers car! Hello sunshine... stranger danger!!
Lisa's been missing for 48 hours and because of the location, it's been linked to another missing girl. Teagan is going through the motions of every day life trying to cope as well as she can, then a letter arrives... OMW! I nearly fell off my reading throne with fright!
Detective Noah Cassidy, the detective on the case, also knows heartache having lost his father, wife, and daughter in a boating accident. Rumor has it, he nearly killed the man responsible, he's been through a really rough time, he's trying to get his shattered life together again. He's determined to find the missing girls. My heart aches for Noah, not only for his loss, but for the questions and feelings of guilt that haunt haunt him.
So Noah goes by Teagan's house to document evidence for the day. I can imagine the shock and butterflies Teagan has when she expects the chief but is surprised to find Noah, her childhood crush, at her front door.
Being the bibliophile that I am, I can't help to notice her book collection as does Noah. I knew I liked this man! Bless Aunt Sophie for having library hour! Also Jogger, the rescue kitty, crawls into my heart.
It seems Teagan still holds a flame for Noah, he has quite the effect on her! But Noah isn't made of rock, and he does notice the effect she has on him. Yes he's broken, yes his reputation is on the line, yes there are girls missing that must be found, but he still is just a man made of flesh and blood, with desires and a heart that needs mending.
I'm not sure if it's Noah and judgment of priests in general or because Matt just creeps me a bit, but I feel guilty for being suspicious of a priest. I feel like I should go to confession, but there's something off about this man of the cloth, I just can't put my finger on it...
I'm starting to think that I'm loosing focus. I'm concentrating more on Noah and Teagan and the possibilities, so I get a slight case of whip lash back into reality when I get to see and feel through Lisa's eyes. She seems to be naked and in a confined space and obviously scared, but good on her for trying to keep her wits about herself and listening for clues as to where she is. What she hears sends chills down her spine as well as mine! Then her captor opens the door to her place of holding...oh my shattered nerves!
One of Teagan's friends ex boyfriends is now being connected to the priest, I told you he's dodgie! Are they working as a team... I have a little chuckle and realize I may have an addiction CSI, Bones, Criminal minds etc. At this point in time, everyone is a potential suspect!
So I get carried away in the hunt for the girls, the fear, suspicion, torture, ideas of romance, and conspiracy theories...
Honestly, my head reeling with everything, mulling through it! The end is very well played and catches you off guard as in totally!
I went from a butt jiggle "I told you so" dance to a squealing "OMW! OMW! O-M-W!"
GENIUS, PURE GENIUS!
A reminder that all now is not as it seems, and we don't always know people as well as we think!
What made this a memorable read? The way the author gives you just enough information, and the rest is up to you and your imagination! An insane ride! She proves that the mind is indeed a powerful thing!
Gone Before Goodbye started off as 4 bomb read, but the genius twist at the end, turned it into a hell yeah 5 bombs!
Reviewed by Heidi
December 19, 2014
~~~Doris's ★★★★★ Review~~~
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was very pleased and excited with the plot of this book. It has romance, mystery, intrigue, what else to you need in a sensational whodunit?
Lisa Grant is in another fight with her boyfriend, Travis. Well, who wouldn't be? He didn't pay for her hamburger and that's just wrong. Why should she pay for everything? Oh, the angst of being a teenager. Now she's not mad anymore and she needs to talk to him. That's why she sneaked out of the house and is waiting in the park in the middle of the night. So many things can go wrong in the dark....alone....and it does!!
You have to read this book! Entertaining. ..keeps you guessing all the way to the very end!! I give this book 5 stars!
~~~~~Kim's ★★★★★ Review!~~~~~
This is an excellent story! It's full of suspense I was literally biting my nails the whole way through!
The story begins with a teenager getting kidnapped, what an amazing start! We meet the teens guardian, Teagan Raynes as she goes through so many emotions wondering if Lisa has been abducted or simply run away! Teagan meets the police detective in charge of her case Noah Cassidy. Romance blooms between the two whilst we see sneak peaks of what's happening to poor Lisa.
I loved every minute of this book it flowed perfectly and there was never a dull moment. I was constantly trying to guess who the kidnapper was and changed my mind so many times! It's a definite must read I can't recommend it enough.
There was a couple of characters I absolutely hated from the start, real villains that will make you want to throw your kindle! This all added to the great mysterious plot line!
Five stars to Nora Leduc what a great story! I can't wait to read the next book!!
~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~
This author is a master at weaving suspense and mystery in a tale that hooks you in the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the end. It's a fast paced, breathtaking ride. She teases the reader in the process. One scene involved finding a missing car that was sure to hold important clues to solving the case of the kidnapped girls. So the detectives creep around the car to the trunk and throw open the trunk lid to reveal.......(holding breath here).....?.....the focus switches to a different location. So what was in the trunk? It is slowly revealed several pages later! Grrrrrr This happened several times, leaving the reader holding her breath and biting her nails!
If you love a good "who-done-it?", then you are in for a treat. The clues keep one guessing the identity of the bad man. Adding to this mix is a lovely love story. If this book is an example of the talent of this storyteller, then the series will be a blast! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I gladly award it five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was very pleased and excited with the plot of this book. It has romance, mystery, intrigue, what else to you need in a sensational whodunit?
Lisa Grant is in another fight with her boyfriend, Travis. Well, who wouldn't be? He didn't pay for her hamburger and that's just wrong. Why should she pay for everything? Oh, the angst of being a teenager. Now she's not mad anymore and she needs to talk to him. That's why she sneaked out of the house and is waiting in the park in the middle of the night. So many things can go wrong in the dark....alone....and it does!!
You have to read this book! Entertaining. ..keeps you guessing all the way to the very end!! I give this book 5 stars!
~~~~~Kim's ★★★★★ Review!~~~~~
This is an excellent story! It's full of suspense I was literally biting my nails the whole way through!
The story begins with a teenager getting kidnapped, what an amazing start! We meet the teens guardian, Teagan Raynes as she goes through so many emotions wondering if Lisa has been abducted or simply run away! Teagan meets the police detective in charge of her case Noah Cassidy. Romance blooms between the two whilst we see sneak peaks of what's happening to poor Lisa.
I loved every minute of this book it flowed perfectly and there was never a dull moment. I was constantly trying to guess who the kidnapper was and changed my mind so many times! It's a definite must read I can't recommend it enough.
There was a couple of characters I absolutely hated from the start, real villains that will make you want to throw your kindle! This all added to the great mysterious plot line!
Five stars to Nora Leduc what a great story! I can't wait to read the next book!!
~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~
This author is a master at weaving suspense and mystery in a tale that hooks you in the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the end. It's a fast paced, breathtaking ride. She teases the reader in the process. One scene involved finding a missing car that was sure to hold important clues to solving the case of the kidnapped girls. So the detectives creep around the car to the trunk and throw open the trunk lid to reveal.......(holding breath here).....?.....the focus switches to a different location. So what was in the trunk? It is slowly revealed several pages later! Grrrrrr This happened several times, leaving the reader holding her breath and biting her nails!
If you love a good "who-done-it?", then you are in for a treat. The clues keep one guessing the identity of the bad man. Adding to this mix is a lovely love story. If this book is an example of the talent of this storyteller, then the series will be a blast! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I gladly award it five stars.
November 26, 2014
Let me start by saying I got this book in return for my honest review and this is the first book I've ever read anything by Nora LeDuc. I was pleasantly surprised because I usually find myself reading period books but variety is the spice of life.
The book took right off from the start and we enter the world of a troubled teen rebelling against her guardian Teagan Raynes. Lisa Grant is 17 , in love, and of course she thinks she knows everything. Lisa sneaks out to meet up with her boyfriend in the park 2 miles from her house at night. Let the mystery begin!
Noah Cassidy has just come back to the force after a leave and put on the case of a missing girl. She is the second to have gone missing and the media is giving it a lot of attention. Primarily because the first girl who went missing has an uncle who writes for the paper.
Noah was a wonderful character IMO and for a bit of background on him... he has lost his family in a tragic accident. He basically only has his partner and his partner's wife as friends. When the door opens to his next case he and Teagan realize they knew each other years prior from a summer camp.
The romance is slow and gentle mainly because of Lisa's disappearance. Is she alive or dead? Did she just run away? Nothing for them is clear but you as a reader are aware of what has happened to Lisa and Kara Linn ( the other missing girl).
This was such a success for me because it hit so many different notes. The subject matter is touchy, as we see it happening in our world all the time, but I appreciated the delicate hand the author used. She had to give some detail so the reader was aware of what was happening with the two girls but she seemed to know how to apply the right amount without taking it too far.
She also did a great job throwing suspicion on the different characters making you suspect different ones throughout the book. Some of her characters made me want to reach in the book and choke them. People disguised as friends who would meddle and manipulate Teagan.
I give this book 4 and 1/2 stars for its suspense and mystery. I did find a few grammer issues but nothing that effects the overall message of what the author was trying to get across. The book is also a relatively clean read. A few moments of passion and caresses but the rest is left up to your own imagination. This is also left with a bit of a cliffhanger. It gets you pumped up for the next book and the author is said to be hard at work on the next in the series and no pressure Nora LeDuc but hurry up!!
December 15, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a mystery from the very beginning. I was second guessing myself as to who done it and why? The ones that I thought could have something to do with the disappearance of 2 young girls, ended up not being the right ones. The characters were all very likeable. The story followed well if a few twist and turns to keep you on your toes.
Teagan has become a foster parent to a misunderstood teen. Only Teagan does understand what its like to be unwanted. When her mother was around, they would live on the street in homeless camps until her mother left her with her aunt when she was younger to never return. Now Teagan is dealing with the fact that Lisa has disappeared without a trace. Where has she gone? What could be happening to her? Teagan will do anything to try to get Lisa back home safely.
Detective Nolan has not had the best of lives either. After his mom left when he was younger, then his father turned to alcohol, he learned early on life is not wonderful. But when life takes away his family in one accident, he is seems as a bitter mean man. He has to deal with the loss each year. Well this year he has the disappearance of 2 young girls to help him cope. As he learns more about the case, he has to deal with the feelings that he is having towards Teagan. He can not cross that line. She is his case. Sometimes when you least expect it, love blooms even in the worse of situations.
As Nolan and Teagan form a special relationship, the clues and threats continue to mount over where Lisa has gone. They are so close they don’t even know it. As the suspense mounts, you start to think everyone could be the one to have taken her. Then when it is revealed who is the true monster, that person is not who you thought they were. Will they be able to save the girls? Can Nolan and Teagan have their HEA? And where has the main suspect gone?
This was a mystery from the very beginning. I was second guessing myself as to who done it and why? The ones that I thought could have something to do with the disappearance of 2 young girls, ended up not being the right ones. The characters were all very likeable. The story followed well if a few twist and turns to keep you on your toes.
Teagan has become a foster parent to a misunderstood teen. Only Teagan does understand what its like to be unwanted. When her mother was around, they would live on the street in homeless camps until her mother left her with her aunt when she was younger to never return. Now Teagan is dealing with the fact that Lisa has disappeared without a trace. Where has she gone? What could be happening to her? Teagan will do anything to try to get Lisa back home safely.
Detective Nolan has not had the best of lives either. After his mom left when he was younger, then his father turned to alcohol, he learned early on life is not wonderful. But when life takes away his family in one accident, he is seems as a bitter mean man. He has to deal with the loss each year. Well this year he has the disappearance of 2 young girls to help him cope. As he learns more about the case, he has to deal with the feelings that he is having towards Teagan. He can not cross that line. She is his case. Sometimes when you least expect it, love blooms even in the worse of situations.
As Nolan and Teagan form a special relationship, the clues and threats continue to mount over where Lisa has gone. They are so close they don’t even know it. As the suspense mounts, you start to think everyone could be the one to have taken her. Then when it is revealed who is the true monster, that person is not who you thought they were. Will they be able to save the girls? Can Nolan and Teagan have their HEA? And where has the main suspect gone?
November 9, 2014
Good solid thriller with fleshed out recognizable everyday characters. A girl from broken down family, Lisa, goes missing. Her caretaker Teagan starts getting cryptic messages on the cellphone. Police can't be sure whether it's a case of simple runaway teenager or work of a serial kidnapper or jilted lover. The two-detective team - one of whom is Noah, cliched cop-with-a-past and Teagan's romantic interest - are flabbergasted as they try to comb through the wide variety of list of suspects: is it the pastor, teacher, boyfriend or some ex-boyfriend?
The story switches back and forth between the harrowing reality of the kidnapped girl - we get to know she is alive (for now) and being tortured -versus the frantic and painstaking search for her. We have heard and read and been shocked by stories of victims held captive for years on end, and at the cost of sounding creepy or cheap, the torture could have been a bit more descriptive, and Lisa a bit more well-rounded. After days of torture, and in one key scene, Lisa actually wishes that her boyfriend be her rescuer. I don't know of many girls who would be thinking of their boyfriends in captivity!
The story is fast-paced and ends on an incredible cliffhanger - where everything that Teagan knew to be true, turns out to be false. I cannot say more than this! Loved the Mary Magdalene post card bit. Can't wait to find out more.
It's a good read.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair, unbiased and non-reciprocal review.
The story switches back and forth between the harrowing reality of the kidnapped girl - we get to know she is alive (for now) and being tortured -versus the frantic and painstaking search for her. We have heard and read and been shocked by stories of victims held captive for years on end, and at the cost of sounding creepy or cheap, the torture could have been a bit more descriptive, and Lisa a bit more well-rounded. After days of torture, and in one key scene, Lisa actually wishes that her boyfriend be her rescuer. I don't know of many girls who would be thinking of their boyfriends in captivity!
The story is fast-paced and ends on an incredible cliffhanger - where everything that Teagan knew to be true, turns out to be false. I cannot say more than this! Loved the Mary Magdalene post card bit. Can't wait to find out more.
It's a good read.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair, unbiased and non-reciprocal review.
November 19, 2014
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian-I Dig Good Books.
3.5 stars, I can quite stretch it to 4!
When I'm reading crime/thriller books, I like to plot ahead, whodunnit/why/how etc, and this book kept me guessing. It wasnt til late on I got who was doing it, but still not why, BUT that wasn't revealed, at all, so I gotta wait for the next one for that!
Teagan deals with her foster daughter disappearing as best she can, but the detective sent to find Lisa has an unerving effect on her and Teagan falls, hook line and sinker. Detective Noah lost his family (wife, daughter and father) two years ago, and is still picking himself up. Teagan turns out to be more than a job. I liked that this is almost clean, just some kissing, its not all laid out for you, and (surprisingly, for me!) I didnt miss it.
I liked that you are kept hanging at the end! I DID!! While Noah and Teagan get a HEA and Lisa is found, the case is not fully solved, you are left with a WHAT?!?!?! moment at the end. Sometimes, I dont like cliff hangers, but here? I did. I must be weird, but I think its becasue I didnt quite see that coming, and THATS what I really like about crime/thrillers, being thrown for a loop because you just dont see the sledgehammer coming at ya!
I should like to read the next one, too.
3.5 stars, I can quite stretch it to 4!
When I'm reading crime/thriller books, I like to plot ahead, whodunnit/why/how etc, and this book kept me guessing. It wasnt til late on I got who was doing it, but still not why, BUT that wasn't revealed, at all, so I gotta wait for the next one for that!
Teagan deals with her foster daughter disappearing as best she can, but the detective sent to find Lisa has an unerving effect on her and Teagan falls, hook line and sinker. Detective Noah lost his family (wife, daughter and father) two years ago, and is still picking himself up. Teagan turns out to be more than a job. I liked that this is almost clean, just some kissing, its not all laid out for you, and (surprisingly, for me!) I didnt miss it.
I liked that you are kept hanging at the end! I DID!! While Noah and Teagan get a HEA and Lisa is found, the case is not fully solved, you are left with a WHAT?!?!?! moment at the end. Sometimes, I dont like cliff hangers, but here? I did. I must be weird, but I think its becasue I didnt quite see that coming, and THATS what I really like about crime/thrillers, being thrown for a loop because you just dont see the sledgehammer coming at ya!
I should like to read the next one, too.
December 13, 2014
I received an ARC for my honest review (Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics).
This is an excellent story! It's full of suspense I was literally biting my nails the whole way through!
The story begins with a teenager getting kidnapped, what an amazing start! We meet the teens guardian, Teagan Raynes as she goes through so many emotions wondering if Lisa has been abducted or simply run away! Teagan meets the police detective in charge of her case Noah Cassidy. Romance blooms between the two whilst we see sneak peaks of what's happening to poor Lisa.
I loved every minute of this book it flowed perfectly and there was never a dull moment. I was constantly trying to guess who the kidnapper was and changed my mind so many times! It's a definite must read I can't recommend it enough.
There was a couple of characters I absolutely hated from the start, real villains that will make you want to throw your kindle! This all added to the great mysterious plot line!
Five stars to Nora Leduc what a great story! I can't wait to read the next book!!
This is an excellent story! It's full of suspense I was literally biting my nails the whole way through!
The story begins with a teenager getting kidnapped, what an amazing start! We meet the teens guardian, Teagan Raynes as she goes through so many emotions wondering if Lisa has been abducted or simply run away! Teagan meets the police detective in charge of her case Noah Cassidy. Romance blooms between the two whilst we see sneak peaks of what's happening to poor Lisa.
I loved every minute of this book it flowed perfectly and there was never a dull moment. I was constantly trying to guess who the kidnapper was and changed my mind so many times! It's a definite must read I can't recommend it enough.
There was a couple of characters I absolutely hated from the start, real villains that will make you want to throw your kindle! This all added to the great mysterious plot line!
Five stars to Nora Leduc what a great story! I can't wait to read the next book!!
November 18, 2014
A romantic suspense that keeps the reader guessing.
After a tragic childhood and leaving behind a dream job to return to a small New Hampshire village, Teagan is guardian to troubled teen Lisa: is her disappearance on purpose or worse? Who does Teagan trust more: a priest who is also a long-time family friend or a detective she had a crush on as a 'tween camper? Noah has his own tragedies and problems, not the least of which is his growing attraction to Teagan interfering with his investigations.
Small town rituals, quirks and characters shade everyone's perception of the truth. A good fast read.
After a tragic childhood and leaving behind a dream job to return to a small New Hampshire village, Teagan is guardian to troubled teen Lisa: is her disappearance on purpose or worse? Who does Teagan trust more: a priest who is also a long-time family friend or a detective she had a crush on as a 'tween camper? Noah has his own tragedies and problems, not the least of which is his growing attraction to Teagan interfering with his investigations.
Small town rituals, quirks and characters shade everyone's perception of the truth. A good fast read.
February 5, 2015
3.5 Stars
The plot line was tightly woven and characters were developed relatively well. The story revolves around Lisa, a girl who’s gone missing, and the question of what happened to her, be it a runaway situation, or a serial killer.
The victim’s character reacts a bit strangely during one section of the book, reducing believability for me.
Overall it’s not a bad book. It just didn't excite me.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
The plot line was tightly woven and characters were developed relatively well. The story revolves around Lisa, a girl who’s gone missing, and the question of what happened to her, be it a runaway situation, or a serial killer.
The victim’s character reacts a bit strangely during one section of the book, reducing believability for me.
Overall it’s not a bad book. It just didn't excite me.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2014
Tightly woven plot line with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. LeDuc captures the flavor of small town life, and the knowledge that one doesn't always know people as well as one may think. The plot is resolved but with enough threads left hanging to leave the reader wanting more. Eager to see the sequel!
January 6, 2019
Gone Before Goodbye
Wow this book took me by surprise! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down and read it in a couple of hours. I knew who was committing the crimes and wasn’t surprised by it. I really liked Teagan but was frustrated by how easily she was manipulated. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Wow this book took me by surprise! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down and read it in a couple of hours. I knew who was committing the crimes and wasn’t surprised by it. I really liked Teagan but was frustrated by how easily she was manipulated. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
November 27, 2014
I'm not real big on big suspense books, so it was a little hard for me to get into it. but if you like that genre this book is for you, don't get me wrong I like suspense love books but to me this was more of an suspense.
was asked to read for honest review
was asked to read for honest review
December 12, 2014
No need in trying to figure out what you might think will happen in this book! Once you think you know, you have a twist that will take you in a whole different direction! It sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages! Loved it!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
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