The Perfect Replacement

Thistler Thrillers #3

by Ava Roberts

Her daughter vanished without a trace, and everyone with the skills to find her has something to hide.

Three years of peaceful co-parenting convinced Finley that Calvin had finally changed. Then he married Willa.

Beautiful, devoted, and strangely eager to bond with Finley's daughter Campbell—Willa seems too good to be true. When Calvin starts pushing for extended custody and overseas trips, Finley's maternal instincts scream danger. But is the threat coming from Calvin, or from the woman who's replaced her in every way?

Then Campbell vanishes during a shopping trip with Willa.

Security cameras fail. Ransom demands arrive from untraceable sources. Someone with sophisticated tech skills is orchestrating everything—but who? Finley finds herself caught between her AI ex-husband's unlimited resources and his new wife's perfect facade, unable to trust either.

Every hour Campbell remains missing, the technology that was supposed to protect them becomes another weapon turned against Finley. Someone is always watching, always one step ahead—and Finley is running out of time to discover who's pulling the strings before her daughter disappears forever.

Perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose and Freida McFadden, The Perfect Replacement will keep you guessing until the final page—and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

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266 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 6, 2026

About the author

Ava Roberts is a clinical psychologist turned suspense novelist who knows that the most unsettling things often lurk just beneath the surface. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and an overactive imagination. Her books include The Vanishing Neighbor, Juniper Isle, the Thistler Thrillers series, and The Summer House Murder (2026). Visit authoravaroberts.com to learn more about Ava and her novels.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of this series, so far! The story moves swiftly, with somewhat less AI than the previous books. The characters are very well developed, and the premise and plot are intriguing. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. Full of suspense and secrets. Has Calvin really changed or is that an illusion. Their daughter disappears and she needs to get it solved before anything happens to her. Don’t miss out once it’s published.