Missing and/or Dead: A Provocative Novel About Kidnapping, Revenge, and Murder

Detective Jackson Mystery #18

by L.J. Sellers

A brutalized young woman is dropped at the ER, but her captivity was so traumatizing she’s terrified to talk about it. Fearing she’s part of a kidnap spree, Detective Jackson launches an investigation into several missing women. But shortly after, Eugene’s mayor is shot dead in her home, and the taskforce must prioritize the high-profile murder.

While they analyze the shocking crime scene, an obvious suspect surfaces, and the case seems open-and-shut. Yet, as they dig deeper into the mayor’s life, they uncover more suspects and a bitter brother, a cheating wife, and dangerous debts.

The chaos just keeps coming—more bodies turn up, and a friend of the taskforce goes missing. Jackson and his team work around the clock, then finally catch a break when the Extractors share important information.

Can they find the psychopath and end his reign of terror in time to save the missing women?

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

I write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.

I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.

Reviews

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.There was a lot going on in this book, so while at first it was slightly confusing having a number of characters giving you there perspective, it soon came together nicely and everything made sense. I read a lot of cozy mysteries with amateur sleuths solving the crimes, so it was nice to join a well oiled police procedural team and I think this is one of the better teams out there. I even like Jackson and Evan's home life and the way they make it work. The team is working two cases in this book and I am struggling to find a way to explain without giving anything away. It was so well written and connected in such a way that it kept me up reading late into the night. I can't wait for the next book.
When a young woman is dropped off at the hospital, Jackson and his team is assigned the case. The young woman is unable or too frightened to talk and they don't have much to go. Expect the news that she might not be the only missing person. When she disappears from the hospital, the team will have to find the connection between the three missing girls to find them but he when a high profile murder occurs the team is stretched thin as they try to find the missing girls and catcher a killer. The case gets even more personal when a reporter and friend goes missing. Can Jackson's team follow the evidence before it's too late?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to see another Jackson Mystery Thriller!!! It was great! I couldn't put it down. I loved the new characters and hope to see them again. There's got to be a bigger backstory to Rox and her step-dad. Love where the story is taking Evans and Jackson. I've missed all of the characters in this book and I'm happy to fall into their stories again.

[Derrick Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this very exciting novel with a captivating police investigation to find a serial killer. From the start when a young girl is admitted to ER covered bruises to the climatic end. I can't be a spoiler!!! This novel is well researched in Police procedure. True to life. A great book, one of the best I have read. I highly recommend this book, you won't be able to put it down....

[C.A. Scrimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for Detective Jackson and/or Extractor fans

As a fan of both Jackson and Rox I loved this book.
A great fusion of detective Jackson and the Extractors.
Gripping storyline with a few twists to keep you interested.
The plots seemed so far apart with murder, kidnap and missing persons but came together for a satisfying finish

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific series

This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story with multiple cases happening at the same time, but are they connected? Detective Jackson and the team will have to work together to figure out what's going on.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.

[Lara Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent new addition to the Jackson series! We get to know our favorite characters a bit more with each book. The mystery to be solved is always intriguing and keeps you coming back for more! I love LJ Seller's writing and character building. Read it today!

[Jane M Schryer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming

The is a mediocre novel. The author seems to be far too immersed in politics and has a bias and distorted take on the current Administration. This book suffered from that lack of focus.

[Te'Shica Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick read

I've read all 18 books so you get interested in the characters. It was good read kept you on the edge of your seat.

[Sandra Rifflart · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s great to be with familiar characters

Super series. This is very fast paced and thoroughly engrossing. It’s nice to see Jackson happy and family life on an even keel