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Rachel Scott #4
Deceptive Measures
When professional missing-persons investigator Rachel Scott receives an anonymous tip that her own missing daughter, Mallory, is alive and living with a family in Atlanta, she wastes no time in pursuing the lead. When she arrives to find a house that has been hastily abandoned, she begins to suspect just how frighteningly organized the plot behind her daughter’s kidnapping really is.
Meanwhile, back home in Miami, Rachel’s colleague Stacy Case is investigating an illegal child-adoption ring that could be connected to Mallory’s disappearance. But just as Stacy is on the verge of blowing the case wide open, she disappears. With Stacy missing and Rachel in Atlanta, Rachel’s team at Florida Omni Search must hunt down the ringleaders before Mallory is gone for good.
In the heart-pounding fourth installment in the Rachel Scott series, the stakes have never been higher.
Meanwhile, back home in Miami, Rachel’s colleague Stacy Case is investigating an illegal child-adoption ring that could be connected to Mallory’s disappearance. But just as Stacy is on the verge of blowing the case wide open, she disappears. With Stacy missing and Rachel in Atlanta, Rachel’s team at Florida Omni Search must hunt down the ringleaders before Mallory is gone for good.
In the heart-pounding fourth installment in the Rachel Scott series, the stakes have never been higher.
- GenresMystery
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
60 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hohenstein
49 books127 followersTraci Hohenstein lives in NW Florida and divides her time between being a beachbum and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 1, 2016
I am trying to make some dent in my read for reviews whilst my back is bad, so as per normal for me I am way behind.
This was an OK book, its a suspense mystery that has all the elements of a good read.
Rachel Scott's daughter Mallory was kidnapped 6 years ago, there has been a lead that seems to appertain to an illegal adoption ring. Stacey is Rachel's friend, the one who uncovered this 'ring' of illegal adoptions, so working together [and they need to work fast] brings them into all kinds of dangers.
I enjoyed what I read, it flowed well and although its not an outstanding book for me it was a good enjoyable 'lets sit down and have a read' book.
Its really well written.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing via Net Galley and of course to the author.
May 17, 2023
The final twists and turns
Following the mystery of who kidnapped a young girl, illegal adoptions, a scuzzy bunch of thugs and one evil person. It has been a tough series of books. Be ready to have your emotions tested in this conclusion to the hunt for Mallory
Following the mystery of who kidnapped a young girl, illegal adoptions, a scuzzy bunch of thugs and one evil person. It has been a tough series of books. Be ready to have your emotions tested in this conclusion to the hunt for Mallory
February 7, 2016
I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads Giveaway program. I give this book 3 and 1/2 stars(rounded up to 4) out of 5 stars. It is the 4th book in the Rachel Scott series. Rachel is the head of a private agency specializing in locating kidnapped children. She started this effort in the process of looking for her own kidnapped child, six years prior to the period in this book. The characters are well written and the plot moves along well. She is still looking for her kidnapped daughter Mallory and it is the main focus of the book. It read ok as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the books in order.
I downgraded it to 3.5 stars because on p. 79, a private detective and retired DEA agent helping Rachel look for Mallory uses his DEA badge to get into a gated community. Retired Federal law enforcement officers do not get to use their badges in this manner. When I retired(not from DEA), I was required to turn in my badge. It was sent to a machine shop, cut in half and then the 2 halves were fitted together in a block of clear hard plastic. I got it back about 4 months after retirement. I imagine the author considers this artistic license, but I think that it goes too far. If the author added the word "replica" to describe the badge, then the book would be accurate.
Update Feb 7,2016. My wife liked this book and asked me to buy any of the first three if they came up on a Amazon flash sale. Today they are $1.99 each and I bought all 3.
I downgraded it to 3.5 stars because on p. 79, a private detective and retired DEA agent helping Rachel look for Mallory uses his DEA badge to get into a gated community. Retired Federal law enforcement officers do not get to use their badges in this manner. When I retired(not from DEA), I was required to turn in my badge. It was sent to a machine shop, cut in half and then the 2 halves were fitted together in a block of clear hard plastic. I got it back about 4 months after retirement. I imagine the author considers this artistic license, but I think that it goes too far. If the author added the word "replica" to describe the badge, then the book would be accurate.
Update Feb 7,2016. My wife liked this book and asked me to buy any of the first three if they came up on a Amazon flash sale. Today they are $1.99 each and I bought all 3.
March 22, 2015
i received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion
July 8, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When professional missing-persons investigator Rachel Scott receives an anonymous tip that her own missing daughter, Mallory, is alive and living with a family in Atlanta, she wastes no time in pursuing the lead. When she arrives to find a house that has been hastily abandoned, she begins to suspect just how frighteningly organized the plot behind her daughter’s kidnapping really is.
Meanwhile, back home in Miami, Rachel’s colleague Stacy Case is investigating an illegal child-adoption ring that could be connected to Mallory’s disappearance. But just as Stacy is on the verge of blowing the case wide open, she disappears. With Stacy missing and Rachel in Atlanta, Rachel’s team at Florida Omni Search must hunt down the ringleaders before Mallory is gone for good.
This book is the fourth in the Rachel Scott series, based around a private agency that investigates missing children. At the same time, she is investigating the disappearance of her daughter, Mallory.
This was quite the surprising read. I didn't go in with any expectations but having read a number of missing children novels, I am always a bit cautious as they can be overwrought and not easy to read. Not the case here - the author has nailed both the mystery aspect of Stacy's disappearance and the pain and desperation of Rachel in trying to find her daughter after six years...
Rachel, Stacy and Red are a great cast - strong, brave characters who will stop at nothing to get the job done. The plot - although not particularly new - is written well and provides plenty of twists & turns - enough to keep the crime enthusiasts happy.
Two things dropped the overall story for me - Stacy's narrative disappeared when her character did. Stacy was an interesting character and to take her voice away kinda dropped the overall urgency, in my opinion. Secondly, this book never felt like it was going to solve the case of Mallory - which again took away any sense of suspense or intrigue.
Overall, a very good mystery with some excellent characters. Definitely want to go back and find the earlier novels - for sure!
Paul
ARH
When professional missing-persons investigator Rachel Scott receives an anonymous tip that her own missing daughter, Mallory, is alive and living with a family in Atlanta, she wastes no time in pursuing the lead. When she arrives to find a house that has been hastily abandoned, she begins to suspect just how frighteningly organized the plot behind her daughter’s kidnapping really is.
Meanwhile, back home in Miami, Rachel’s colleague Stacy Case is investigating an illegal child-adoption ring that could be connected to Mallory’s disappearance. But just as Stacy is on the verge of blowing the case wide open, she disappears. With Stacy missing and Rachel in Atlanta, Rachel’s team at Florida Omni Search must hunt down the ringleaders before Mallory is gone for good.
This book is the fourth in the Rachel Scott series, based around a private agency that investigates missing children. At the same time, she is investigating the disappearance of her daughter, Mallory.
This was quite the surprising read. I didn't go in with any expectations but having read a number of missing children novels, I am always a bit cautious as they can be overwrought and not easy to read. Not the case here - the author has nailed both the mystery aspect of Stacy's disappearance and the pain and desperation of Rachel in trying to find her daughter after six years...
Rachel, Stacy and Red are a great cast - strong, brave characters who will stop at nothing to get the job done. The plot - although not particularly new - is written well and provides plenty of twists & turns - enough to keep the crime enthusiasts happy.
Two things dropped the overall story for me - Stacy's narrative disappeared when her character did. Stacy was an interesting character and to take her voice away kinda dropped the overall urgency, in my opinion. Secondly, this book never felt like it was going to solve the case of Mallory - which again took away any sense of suspense or intrigue.
Overall, a very good mystery with some excellent characters. Definitely want to go back and find the earlier novels - for sure!
Paul
ARH
March 15, 2025
Truly a thriller
This was only they second book of Mrs. Hohenstein's that I have read. I accidentally found 'Cut & Run' on my Kendle and decided to read it. It was a thriller also and it left things hanging for Rachael Scott in finding her daughter. I just had to know if she was ever found. I bought 'Deceptive Measures' hoping it was the book that brought closure to Mallory's abduction and I was correct. I thought Mrs. H's writing was much better and the story line more exciting and intriguing then with 'Cut & Run'. I will certainly read another of her books and I hope she just keeps getting better.
This was only they second book of Mrs. Hohenstein's that I have read. I accidentally found 'Cut & Run' on my Kendle and decided to read it. It was a thriller also and it left things hanging for Rachael Scott in finding her daughter. I just had to know if she was ever found. I bought 'Deceptive Measures' hoping it was the book that brought closure to Mallory's abduction and I was correct. I thought Mrs. H's writing was much better and the story line more exciting and intriguing then with 'Cut & Run'. I will certainly read another of her books and I hope she just keeps getting better.
July 10, 2020
Never Disappointed
I’ve been on this journey since the beginning and I’ve read some of the books twice. I’m always engaged with the action and Rachel, Stacey, Red, Mike, Janine and the crew are always into something when they’re rescuing someone.
I’ve been on this journey since the beginning and I’ve read some of the books twice. I’m always engaged with the action and Rachel, Stacey, Red, Mike, Janine and the crew are always into something when they’re rescuing someone.
June 8, 2025
The End
I hated to read the last sentence of this book! It means the series is over… no more Rachel Scott! The whole series was great but this last book was the best ever!
I hated to read the last sentence of this book! It means the series is over… no more Rachel Scott! The whole series was great but this last book was the best ever!
February 1, 2015
Rachel Scott finally seems to have a legitimate lead on the whereabouts of her daughter Mallory, who was kidnapped six years ago. Rachel has no time to celebrate, however, because time could be running out to find Mallory. In addition, Rachel’s friend and colleague, Stacy Case, was following up on a lead on an illegal adoption ring, which could be related to Mallory’s disappearance, when she herself vanishes. Rachel feels guilty for the danger Stacy could be in, but must trust her co-worker Red to lead the search for Stacy while she pursues her chance to be reunited with Mallory. The resources of Rachel’s team at Florida’s Omnis Search are stretched thin and the danger increases as they work together to try to find both Stacy and Mallory before it’s too late.
I have read and enjoyed each the prior books in the Rachel Scott series. Rachel is always searching for her missing daughter, Mallory, but started an organization to locate other missing persons. The stories are well-told and action-packed. Although this book is comparable in length to the prior books in this series, there seems to be less substance in this book. It starts out so exciting. The first chapter has Rachel’s colleague Stacy commenting on the fact that “twenty-three hundred people were reported missing every single day in this country…” The chapter ends with Stacy saying, “I became one of those missing twenty-three hundred people.” Unfortunately, after that, we don’t get much more of Stacy’s first person narrative and that storyline moves to the background. It’s mentioned and very much a part of the main plot of the book, but the reader no longer got to experience the events with Stacy first hand, so it lost some of the sense of urgency.
“Deceptive Measures” is still a suspenseful, enjoyable book. I like almost all of the main characters of the book. Rachel, Stacy, and Rachel’s associate Red are all strong characters. They are brave and determined to help those in need, even if it requires unconventional means that put themselves in danger. I like Rachel and former DEA agent Mike Mancini as a couple. However, I’m glad their romance, while always present, doesn’t take center-stage since that would have diminished the importance of the searches for Stacy and Mallory. Rachel is relatable and realistic as a woman determined to find her missing daughter. The only note of falseness which took me out of the moment was when Rachel was following a promising lead to finding her daughter and she is wondering how she is being treated. It’s one thing for Rachel to wonder if she Mallory is being fed healthy food and what her interests are, but to wonder if Mallory’s TV and video time are being limited is ridiculous when she doesn’t know what other horrors her daughter could be experiencing.
The book is exciting and the plot definitely takes some unexpected turns. Without spoiling the story, I will say that I enjoyed the ending, but found it a bit of a letdown. There are too many things explained in a short epilogue at the end of the book instead of playing out for the reader as they occurred. After the book ended, I was left wondering how some things would turn out. In spite of the way the ending is handled, I enjoyed this fast-moving installment in an excellent series. Fans of the old television series, “Without a Trace” will enjoy the Rachel Scott books. There is enough background information provided that a new reader could follow the plot and enjoy the story. However, I think the book had added suspense for me since I had read the three prior books in the series and gotten to know Rachel better through the previous installments.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Thomas & Mercer Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read and enjoyed each the prior books in the Rachel Scott series. Rachel is always searching for her missing daughter, Mallory, but started an organization to locate other missing persons. The stories are well-told and action-packed. Although this book is comparable in length to the prior books in this series, there seems to be less substance in this book. It starts out so exciting. The first chapter has Rachel’s colleague Stacy commenting on the fact that “twenty-three hundred people were reported missing every single day in this country…” The chapter ends with Stacy saying, “I became one of those missing twenty-three hundred people.” Unfortunately, after that, we don’t get much more of Stacy’s first person narrative and that storyline moves to the background. It’s mentioned and very much a part of the main plot of the book, but the reader no longer got to experience the events with Stacy first hand, so it lost some of the sense of urgency.
“Deceptive Measures” is still a suspenseful, enjoyable book. I like almost all of the main characters of the book. Rachel, Stacy, and Rachel’s associate Red are all strong characters. They are brave and determined to help those in need, even if it requires unconventional means that put themselves in danger. I like Rachel and former DEA agent Mike Mancini as a couple. However, I’m glad their romance, while always present, doesn’t take center-stage since that would have diminished the importance of the searches for Stacy and Mallory. Rachel is relatable and realistic as a woman determined to find her missing daughter. The only note of falseness which took me out of the moment was when Rachel was following a promising lead to finding her daughter and she is wondering how she is being treated. It’s one thing for Rachel to wonder if she Mallory is being fed healthy food and what her interests are, but to wonder if Mallory’s TV and video time are being limited is ridiculous when she doesn’t know what other horrors her daughter could be experiencing.
The book is exciting and the plot definitely takes some unexpected turns. Without spoiling the story, I will say that I enjoyed the ending, but found it a bit of a letdown. There are too many things explained in a short epilogue at the end of the book instead of playing out for the reader as they occurred. After the book ended, I was left wondering how some things would turn out. In spite of the way the ending is handled, I enjoyed this fast-moving installment in an excellent series. Fans of the old television series, “Without a Trace” will enjoy the Rachel Scott books. There is enough background information provided that a new reader could follow the plot and enjoy the story. However, I think the book had added suspense for me since I had read the three prior books in the series and gotten to know Rachel better through the previous installments.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Thomas & Mercer Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2017
Finally Mallory...
I enjoyed this final Rachel Scott book. The story raps up amazingly. I hope that we can see more Rachel Scott books in the future
I enjoyed this final Rachel Scott book. The story raps up amazingly. I hope that we can see more Rachel Scott books in the future
February 24, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this as I have read all the others in the series and have enjoyed them.
Rachel Scott runs her own search and rescue service called Omni Search that she set up after her own daughter Mallory disappeared at the age of 2. Every book since then has had Rachel looking into different missing persons cases but always has her own search for Mallory as a side story. This book starts with her friend and colleague Stacy looking into an illegal adoption agency that may have something to do with Rachel's daughters disappearance. But before she can report back with her findings Stacy herself goes missing. This part of the story then seems to take a backseat to Rachel and her team searching for Mallory. This time they seem so close-are they be about to make their biggest breakthrough yet?
These books are nice easy reading and although they can be read as stand alone novels I think there is more enjoyment if you have followed Rachel from her very first case. The relationships between the team are well explored but again for more of a back story I feel this should be read after the other full length adventures. This isn't my favourite of the series but was fast paced and enjoyable and hopefully not the last time we meet Rachel and her team.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
Rachel Scott runs her own search and rescue service called Omni Search that she set up after her own daughter Mallory disappeared at the age of 2. Every book since then has had Rachel looking into different missing persons cases but always has her own search for Mallory as a side story. This book starts with her friend and colleague Stacy looking into an illegal adoption agency that may have something to do with Rachel's daughters disappearance. But before she can report back with her findings Stacy herself goes missing. This part of the story then seems to take a backseat to Rachel and her team searching for Mallory. This time they seem so close-are they be about to make their biggest breakthrough yet?
These books are nice easy reading and although they can be read as stand alone novels I think there is more enjoyment if you have followed Rachel from her very first case. The relationships between the team are well explored but again for more of a back story I feel this should be read after the other full length adventures. This isn't my favourite of the series but was fast paced and enjoyable and hopefully not the last time we meet Rachel and her team.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
March 3, 2015
This is an exciting entry in this series, but it is far from perfect. The biggest problem is with the lead character, who is not all that likeable despite the heartbreak of the case she's investigating. The ambiguous ending implies more to come, but the resolution to the series story arc suggests otherwise. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
February 26, 2015
Traci Hohenstein
Book 4
Deceptive Measures.
This is book 4 of the series with Rachel Scott as a private investigator running Florida Omni Search. Rachel has had a tip off that Mallory her daughter who had been kidnapped 6 years earlier. The story follows Florida Omni Search in there quest to reunite Rachel with her daughter.
5stars. 26 February 2015.
Book 4
Deceptive Measures.
This is book 4 of the series with Rachel Scott as a private investigator running Florida Omni Search. Rachel has had a tip off that Mallory her daughter who had been kidnapped 6 years earlier. The story follows Florida Omni Search in there quest to reunite Rachel with her daughter.
5stars. 26 February 2015.
March 6, 2015
Deceptive Measures review
It seems like I have been waiting forever for this book. Deceptive Measures was definitely worth the wait. It is the fourth book in the Rachel Scott series written by author Traci Hohenstein.
It seems like I have been waiting forever for this book. Deceptive Measures was definitely worth the wait. It is the fourth book in the Rachel Scott series written by author Traci Hohenstein.
April 8, 2016
Number 4 with excitement galore!
Having read the first three in this series, I could hardly wait to complete the series! Loved the characters and the story! I do hope a fifth one is to follow!
Having read the first three in this series, I could hardly wait to complete the series! Loved the characters and the story! I do hope a fifth one is to follow!
August 13, 2016
Enjoyed the book, the story line had closure. Even if there are no other books in this series, would like to read more from this author, like her writing style.
July 24, 2015
What a perfect way to end the series! I loved every minute.
February 22, 2015
Wonderful story interweaving the lives of three girls over a span of about 30 years. However, the storytelling covers only a fewonths.
September 1, 2015
Very enjoyable read. I did not read the books prior and I hope that I did not miss anything pertinent but I do hope to read them all. I received this book free from a Goodreads Giveaway.
March 30, 2015
Great Book!!
A very clean, suspenseful story. I enjoyed reading it. Interesting characters keeps the twists and turns flowing, had a hard time putting it down.
A very clean, suspenseful story. I enjoyed reading it. Interesting characters keeps the twists and turns flowing, had a hard time putting it down.
March 30, 2015
Homework
I don't want to do this part. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I don't want to do this part. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
May 27, 2015
Good story
I liked the main characters. It's every parents worst nightmare. I guess no one could ever imagine it happening to them. Kept me reading.
I liked the main characters. It's every parents worst nightmare. I guess no one could ever imagine it happening to them. Kept me reading.
November 14, 2015
Finally a great ending!
Great read and finality to a series! Enjoyed this book very much. I'd recommend this book to everyone who reads.
Great read and finality to a series! Enjoyed this book very much. I'd recommend this book to everyone who reads.
January 11, 2016
Deceptive Measures
The transitions were not very good! But I thought it was a good plot! I liked it a lot! Yes
The transitions were not very good! But I thought it was a good plot! I liked it a lot! Yes
March 17, 2016
Deceptive Measures
This is the fourth and last book in this series. I really enjoyed this series. It was a great thriller. I recommend this series.
This is the fourth and last book in this series. I really enjoyed this series. It was a great thriller. I recommend this series.
May 3, 2016
the fourth book in this series - I not think she is a great writer and the characterization is poor but there is pace in the narrative
March 15, 2015
gripping and exciting as usual. a nice happy ending
April 11, 2015
Great book to read, I really enjoyed reading it
April 11, 2017
Great book
I loved the determination in her! She was willing to walk through fire to find her Daughter! Just a great out come and positive friends to help along the way!!!
I loved the determination in her! She was willing to walk through fire to find her Daughter! Just a great out come and positive friends to help along the way!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews