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Without A Trace #2
Framed!
The prime suspect in her brother's murder: Max Pershing. He's the man Ava Renault has secretly loved since girlhood--against her controlling mother's wishes. The wealthy Pershings have a longstanding feud with the even wealthier Renaults. Still, Ava believes that Max is innocent...believes it strongly enough to give him her heart. But if he's not the killer, then who set him up? Who's the real murderer?
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
52 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Robin Caroll
55 books453 followers“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 1, 2015
Boring book. I totally disliked Ava.
November 24, 2017
Plot: 3.5/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
May 16, 2023
I thought this was an interesting continuation to the 'happenings' in Loomis. We 'meet' Ava briefly in Jocelyn and Sam's story, but I really came to like her in this story. I also really liked Max, and their relationship was very believable, especially given what had happened early on in their separation more than a decade prior.
I also really appreciated the stronger faith element in this book, especially Ava's questioning of her feelings for Max when she realised he no longer held to the faith of their childhood. It was clear that she did not want to go against what God wanted for her.
As with the first story of this series, I'm left with more questions than answers about what's going on with the murders. Though, I suppose that as we find out who DIDN'T do it, we get closer to 'whodunnit'.
I also really appreciated the stronger faith element in this book, especially Ava's questioning of her feelings for Max when she realised he no longer held to the faith of their childhood. It was clear that she did not want to go against what God wanted for her.
As with the first story of this series, I'm left with more questions than answers about what's going on with the murders. Though, I suppose that as we find out who DIDN'T do it, we get closer to 'whodunnit'.
January 2, 2024
Another good installment in the series with a serial killer and the two town matriarchs determined to cause trouble for everyone else in town on top of the murders. In this one, high school sweethearts are thrown back together by her brother's death and by planning for the town's best-mother pageant. There's a dash of Romeo and Juliet to their story as they were carefully broken up by their mothers' lies to each other, but now they realize perhaps they didn't have a real reason to quit trusting each other in the past. But how can they make it all work out with the way life has been going in Loomis this spring?
December 6, 2023
suspense! light romance! wonderful!
I’m loving this series. Each book can be read as stand alone, but there is a continuing story too. The different authors are all very good. The only thing that would make this one better is to use something to separate the points of view when they change. Loved it!
I’m loving this series. Each book can be read as stand alone, but there is a continuing story too. The different authors are all very good. The only thing that would make this one better is to use something to separate the points of view when they change. Loved it!
January 26, 2018
Awesome read. I have long enjoyed Robin Caroll's books, but have never read any of her Love Inspired Suspense novels. Bad thing is now I want to read the rest in this series, especially since the identity of the murderer wasn't revealed
July 24, 2023
There is no trace of Nancy Drew here, no clues, no evidence just a bad case of stand by your man with no reason to do so. The plot is virtually nonexistent the romance is boring and the lead characters are cardboard cut outs with no character development. D Grade romance.
August 25, 2024
A rough road
Max and Ava loved each other when they were young. But their mothers couldn't stand them together. Misunderstanding ensued. Now years later, there is even more to come between them. But the HEA was worth the wait.
Max and Ava loved each other when they were young. But their mothers couldn't stand them together. Misunderstanding ensued. Now years later, there is even more to come between them. But the HEA was worth the wait.
February 11, 2019
Framed review
Framed is the second fast paced romantic suspense book in the Without a Trace series written by author Robin Caroll.
Framed is the second fast paced romantic suspense book in the Without a Trace series written by author Robin Caroll.
July 3, 2024
Good book! I want to read the rest of the series!
December 20, 2024
Enjoyable read but we still don't know what happened.
June 15, 2025
Good……on to the third book!
December 15, 2011
there was a box of books that were left behind on planes when i was checking my baggage. it looked good.
now quite sure what Love INSPIRED ROMANCE is...i'm thinking maybe religious...not too sure.
only on chapter 3, but so far so good.
i finished the book up last night.
there were a few awkward phrases, but they might just be awkward to me, having never been to Louisiana...
really only one typo i found...
at the top of the page, Ava is talking about the Halloway wedding, and then at the bottom of that same page, she says something along the lines of she can't wait to be Mrs Holloway...
-but really, that was the only typo i picked up on in the entire book, which is amazing!
the book was a little bit religious, not so much in your face and we're going to try to shove our views down your throat. i think it was done just right, in the right amounts. it was obvious that religion was extremely important to the main character Ava, but it was done in a way that didn't feel too "preachy"
i suspected as the framer, from about the mid-way mark, but i just couldn't see them being the killer...
the more the story went on, the stronger my suspicions grew.
the reason i gave this book 3 stars was because i felt jilted at the end. i needed more.
we all go in to this story knowing that Max Pershing didn't kill Ava's Brother Dylan, and if we didn't, you can tell by the parts that are from his point of view...so there's no surprise when that's revealed to the detectives near the end. the only thing that is actually revealed is who framed him.
Nothing on the killer.
Nothing on Dylan's last words
Nothing on who Sarah Farley's real father is, and is she's related to Ava.
Nothing on whether Leah Farley was murdered or the murderer.
i think that there should have been a chapter following the epilogue in which they find
i needed something more.
maybe even a second book, or a companion novella to tie up all those loose ends and give us some answers...
now quite sure what Love INSPIRED ROMANCE is...i'm thinking maybe religious...not too sure.
only on chapter 3, but so far so good.
i finished the book up last night.
there were a few awkward phrases, but they might just be awkward to me, having never been to Louisiana...
really only one typo i found...
at the top of the page, Ava is talking about the Halloway wedding, and then at the bottom of that same page, she says something along the lines of she can't wait to be Mrs Holloway...
-but really, that was the only typo i picked up on in the entire book, which is amazing!
the book was a little bit religious, not so much in your face and we're going to try to shove our views down your throat. i think it was done just right, in the right amounts. it was obvious that religion was extremely important to the main character Ava, but it was done in a way that didn't feel too "preachy"
i suspected as the framer, from about the mid-way mark, but i just couldn't see them being the killer...
the more the story went on, the stronger my suspicions grew.
the reason i gave this book 3 stars was because i felt jilted at the end. i needed more.
we all go in to this story knowing that Max Pershing didn't kill Ava's Brother Dylan, and if we didn't, you can tell by the parts that are from his point of view...so there's no surprise when that's revealed to the detectives near the end. the only thing that is actually revealed is who framed him.
Nothing on the killer.
Nothing on Dylan's last words
Nothing on who Sarah Farley's real father is, and is she's related to Ava.
Nothing on whether Leah Farley was murdered or the murderer.
i think that there should have been a chapter following the epilogue in which they find
i needed something more.
maybe even a second book, or a companion novella to tie up all those loose ends and give us some answers...
February 15, 2015
Without a Trace
Book 2
First off, let me say that it's sad these books are getting bad reviews because the reader doesn't understand these are books in a continuing series and nothing much will be resolved until the VERY LAST BOOK. I think these books are excellent, so when reading the negative reviews, remember that the reader probably doesn't have all the facts (I'm not blaming the readers...I was confused for some time when I first started reading the LI line).
****May contain spoilers*****
In this book, we meet a really nice guy named Max. Nothing seems amiss in the beginning, but when something shocking happens and he finds himself being accused of murder, Max's character becomes even better...The author did so great with his under pressure routine. I thought when Sam was questioning him and he kept his mouth shut that showed strong self-control. I guarantee you that murder charge risk or not, I would NOT have been able to keep from speaking!!!
Sam's character was featured in the first book. I really, really liked him but his actions in this book made me so mad at him. He made a point to change me around at the end of the book - he has to be two different people: the sweet, loving Sam who's marrying Jocelyn; and the hard-nosed, arrogant FBI agent who shows no mercy. Thinking on it now, I've gained a new respect - the authors did a really good job at showing that Sam is a mere human and has flaws. I can imagine his fiancee was none too happy with him if she found out ;-)...
Anyways, this was a really sweet book. I liked the romance and how everything was revealed. I kept thinking I knew "Who" it was, but I kept telling myself no way. I was shocked to discover...Well, anyway, let's just say I was shocked and leave it at that...
This book ends with a wedding between Sam and Jocelyn and a shoe found. But don't get to used to these two being married. In the next book, they are merely engaged again (Can't say who to blame, but bad detail to overlook...)
Book 2
First off, let me say that it's sad these books are getting bad reviews because the reader doesn't understand these are books in a continuing series and nothing much will be resolved until the VERY LAST BOOK. I think these books are excellent, so when reading the negative reviews, remember that the reader probably doesn't have all the facts (I'm not blaming the readers...I was confused for some time when I first started reading the LI line).
****May contain spoilers*****
In this book, we meet a really nice guy named Max. Nothing seems amiss in the beginning, but when something shocking happens and he finds himself being accused of murder, Max's character becomes even better...The author did so great with his under pressure routine. I thought when Sam was questioning him and he kept his mouth shut that showed strong self-control. I guarantee you that murder charge risk or not, I would NOT have been able to keep from speaking!!!
Sam's character was featured in the first book. I really, really liked him but his actions in this book made me so mad at him. He made a point to change me around at the end of the book - he has to be two different people: the sweet, loving Sam who's marrying Jocelyn; and the hard-nosed, arrogant FBI agent who shows no mercy. Thinking on it now, I've gained a new respect - the authors did a really good job at showing that Sam is a mere human and has flaws. I can imagine his fiancee was none too happy with him if she found out ;-)...
Anyways, this was a really sweet book. I liked the romance and how everything was revealed. I kept thinking I knew "Who" it was, but I kept telling myself no way. I was shocked to discover...Well, anyway, let's just say I was shocked and leave it at that...
This book ends with a wedding between Sam and Jocelyn and a shoe found. But don't get to used to these two being married. In the next book, they are merely engaged again (Can't say who to blame, but bad detail to overlook...)
May 10, 2012
More like 31/2 stars. This is the 2nd book in the LoveInspired 'Without A Trace' series. There are six in this series. "Framed" is kind of like a modern day Romeo & Juliet - two people in love but their families have a long history of feuding. Ava Renault has been in love with Max Pershing since she was a young girl. Leah, a young mother who went missing after her husband was murdered still remains missing with no trace as to where she has gone or even if she is still alive.
The prime suspect in her (Ava) brother's murder is Max. He of course is the man Ava has secretly loved all these years despite her mother's controlling wishes. The wealthy Pershings have a longstanding feud with the even wealthier Renaults. Despite all that, Ava believes in Max's is innocence, so much so that she gives him her heart. But if he's not the killer, who set him up? Who's the "real" murderer?
The prime suspect in her (Ava) brother's murder is Max. He of course is the man Ava has secretly loved all these years despite her mother's controlling wishes. The wealthy Pershings have a longstanding feud with the even wealthier Renaults. Despite all that, Ava believes in Max's is innocence, so much so that she gives him her heart. But if he's not the killer, who set him up? Who's the "real" murderer?
November 19, 2010
Second book in the Without a Trace series.
Max Pershing and Ava Renault are on divided sides as far as you can get. Their families have been feuding so long that the citizens of Loomis choose whose side they are on.
Max & Ava shared a love in high school that their families would not allow to continue. Fifteen years later they are thrown together in a project for the town.
There is still an investigation of 3 murders and one missing person who is assumed dead. One of the dead is Ava's brother, Dylan, and Max is being accused of murdering him.
It seems their love will be forever doomed.
Robin did a great job on this book as always.
Max Pershing and Ava Renault are on divided sides as far as you can get. Their families have been feuding so long that the citizens of Loomis choose whose side they are on.
Max & Ava shared a love in high school that their families would not allow to continue. Fifteen years later they are thrown together in a project for the town.
There is still an investigation of 3 murders and one missing person who is assumed dead. One of the dead is Ava's brother, Dylan, and Max is being accused of murdering him.
It seems their love will be forever doomed.
Robin did a great job on this book as always.
March 4, 2009
Two feuding rich families, one of which has a daughter in love with the son of the other.
This book isn't quite holding my interest. It's not a bad read. I guess there just isn't enough of a grasping subject in it though. So far, I'm giving it a two star. We'll see where we'll go from here.
Although I guessed the one who framed the innocent, the murderer itself was never solved. How unusual.
This book isn't quite holding my interest. It's not a bad read. I guess there just isn't enough of a grasping subject in it though. So far, I'm giving it a two star. We'll see where we'll go from here.
Although I guessed the one who framed the innocent, the murderer itself was never solved. How unusual.
December 24, 2013
Another death and rumor has it that Dylan is Sarah's biological father. Leah, Sarah's mother, is still missing. The town has a multi-generational feud between the Pershings and the Renaults that now has accused Max as the murderer. But his high school love, Ava (and Dylan's sister) will try to prove he is innocent.
January 23, 2015
I read book 3 in this series out of turn, not knowing that it belonged in a series; so, I was privy to "spoilers" when I began to read this. Fortunately, there was plenty to hold my interest, anyway. This book does have its own stand-alone plot as well as the elements that are woven into the series as a whole.
February 15, 2015
Tremendous!!!
This book is so relatable! The trust in the Lord with all thine heart theme is interwoven throughout and makes it so good. Everyone gets accused of something they haven't done and has to trust the Lord at some point in their life. Thank you, Robin, for writing a book that brings God's message of trusting him in bad times in such an interesting way!
This book is so relatable! The trust in the Lord with all thine heart theme is interwoven throughout and makes it so good. Everyone gets accused of something they haven't done and has to trust the Lord at some point in their life. Thank you, Robin, for writing a book that brings God's message of trusting him in bad times in such an interesting way!
June 21, 2011
It was pretty good. Great family dysfunction. Would love to find out more about the rivalry that goes back generations and why Charla is such a battleax. can't wait to find out more!
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June 18, 2010Framed!: Without a Trace, Book 2 (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #136) by Robin Caroll (2009)
May 21, 2012
Book 2 Without A Trace
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews