Case 402

by Juniper M.

Josh Akin, a 13-year-old from Rhonda, North Carolina, vanishes while walking through the woods near his home. Last seen heading out to practice kicking, his disappearance sends his family into a panic, prompting his sister to call the police. As local authorities launch a frantic search, they have only 72 hours to find him alive.

As the investigation unfolds, detectives uncover disturbing clues that lead them to suspect foul play. With time running out, they intensify their efforts, racing against the clock to find Josh before it's too late. The community holds its breath as they hope for a miracle amid growing dread.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2025

Reviews

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was relentlessly intense from the very first page. Opening with a mother’s unshakable sense of dread that soon becomes every parent’s worst nightmare when Josh vanishes without a trace. What follows is a heart-pounding search led by his fierce, unyielding sister Amanda and a detective who refuses to let this case go cold. I loved how the entire town rallies together, each person driven by hope, fear, and determination, but Amanda truly stole the spotlight, she was a force, refusing to give up no matter how dark things became. The story cuts deep into the raw reality of a missing child: the suffocating heartbreak, the guilt, the endless what ifs spiraling through Laura’s mind, and the desperation of people who will do anything to bring a boy home. Despite its short length, this book delivers an astonishing amount of emotional weight and high-stakes drama, filled with vivid, compelling characters and writing that never lets you breathe. I was completely consumed, left wanting more, and thinking about it long after the final page.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intense. It starts off with mom feeling some sort of dread but isn’t sure why. Until Josh turns up missing. His sister Amanda and Detective Are bound and determined to find him. I loved how the whole town came together to try to find this boy. His sister was a rockstar. She wasn’t going to give up no matter what.
This book dives deep into what it’s like to have your child go missing, and the prime that are determined to help to make sure he comes home. I felt the heartbreak as a parent, the guilt, and the “if only” Laura had spiraling through her mind.
This book was very well written with amazing characters. Especially considering the length of this book. It packed in a of intense drama in so little pages. I wanted more. I so engrossed in this story. It was a good read.

[Ariana Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case 402 is a tense and emotional story that immediately draws you in. The disappearance of a 13-year-old boy is heartbreaking, and the sense of urgency throughout the investigation is very well done. The 72-hour time limit adds constant pressure and keeps the reader engaged as the detectives race against the clock.

I appreciated how the story focused not only on the investigation but also on the fear and desperation felt by Josh’s family and community. The unfolding clues kept the suspense high and made the situation feel realistic and unsettling. Overall, Case 402 is a gripping read that highlights how quickly hope and dread can collide in a missing child case.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review for ‘Case 402’ by Sassy Vixen.
Wow! This book had me gripped from the start!
Young Josh goes missing while training for soccer, the community comes together in search for him.
It has multiple PoV, Josh’s is haunting!
His sister’s character is so strong for her young age, it made me feel real proud of her.
The mom, wow, I can’t imagine having a mom so, weak? Smh on her character.

This novella really opens your eyes yet again on being aware of your surroundings, because kidnapping is real!
To teach our children to be aware.
I definitely want to read more of Sassy’s books!
5/5⭐️

[Alice Zombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother’s intuition is teetering on the edge of oblivion. A son’s burning passion for football/soccer has his blinkers in place unaware of danger and risks of even in the most established safe places. Can they find Josh before time runs out.
This is a story all too familiar all too painful, everyday children disappear, lost, kidnapped or runaways this had me gripped needing to know the outcome!
I highly recommend if you are enjoy suspense, drama and edge of your seat story.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. From the moment that I started reading I knew that I was going to be in for one heck of a story. This story moves along at a pace that makes for an easy and enjoyable read yet at the same time is the perfect flow for the story. This characters are relateable and you feel as though you know them and that you are there with them, no matter what. This book will not disappoint and needs to be read. There is no doubt about it.

[Ashley Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale will dig itself into your soul and not let go. The sense of urgency grips you from the first page, and this investigation of a race against time is one hundred percent captivating. I became so invested in the characters. I laughed, cried, and shook my fist at certain people's infuriating decisions.

Grab a box of tissues and don't start if you have somewhere to be, because you won't be able to put this one down!

[Samantha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can really feel the tension and fear written into the story and it makes you feel like your actually living it. Missing child but turns out there has been more than just him like WTF. Love how the book shows that not everyone in a seat of power is trustworthy even though there ment to keep you safe. Every 8 months like clockwork another child is taken so now u can't wait to see how the series will go. Warning no HEA and kind of a cliff hanger. It has multiple POVs but its written so good that they flow perfectly

[Alison Birks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you hooked from the first page.

Josh goes missing from playing soccer, the detective has 73 hrs to find him, his sister is a strong FMC she is determined to find her brother along with the detective, a community comes together to help in the search.

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