What do you think?
Rate this book
Without a Trace
Flying runs in Charlotte Clarke's blood. As the daughter of a scenic flight owner, her life is spent soaring over Sydney's glittering harbour—until a series of devastating tragedies sends her crashing to earth. First, her beloved grandmother and father, then her boyfriend, Connor, whose seaplane vanishes without a trace.Haunted by his mysterious disappearance and convinced she’s being watched, Charlotte flees to a quiet coastal town and hits rock bottom, saved from a storm by a mysterious fisherman. But the calm is an illusion. Her paranoia peaks when she spots a man she believes is Connor, only to be told she's mistaken…As she uncovers shocking secrets about those she holds closest, Charlotte realises her life isn't the only thing at risk. The truth about her past could be deadly.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 17, 2026
A mystery thriller, Without a Trace (2026) by Susannah Glenn has a grieving hero dealing with a personal, triple tragedy. After the death of her grandmother and father (and loss of his flying business), and the disappearance of her fiancé, Charlotte Clarke returns to her family’s beachside shack, to grieve and rebuild her life. Lyla, a former childhood friend of Charlotte’s, also decides to move to the nearby town of Helene, to help her friend recover. Charlotte soon feels as though someone is watching her, and an unexpected sighting of a man causes her to think it's her fiancé, whose seaplane vanished without a trace. Narrated by three different women, this search for the truth is more a slow-burn best-friends tale. It lacks a malevolent feel, despite its dramatic climax; it's an average thriller with a three star rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
July 21, 2026
Big thanks to Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Susannah Glenn’s second release is a character driven thriller.
A fast paced, compelling and engaging mystery that explores the intricacies of friendship and relationships.
A scenic flight business owner, Charlotte Clark’s life has been loaded with misery.
She lost her beloved grandmother, her father and now her boyfriend Connor has vanished.
Her past and these incidents frequently exist in her world.
When she feels like she is being watched and sees a man she thinks is Connor, Charlotte starts to unravel secrets and her life could be in danger……
A plot that builds its tension until the truth comes out.
I enjoyed my time with these characters and while the reveal is not a surprise I did love how it all came about.
The atmosphere, the coastal town, the flying and the cast bring all the excitement for a good and exciting storyline.
I for one look forward to Susannah’s next book and also check out her debut which is a great read too.
Susannah Glenn’s second release is a character driven thriller.
A fast paced, compelling and engaging mystery that explores the intricacies of friendship and relationships.
A scenic flight business owner, Charlotte Clark’s life has been loaded with misery.
She lost her beloved grandmother, her father and now her boyfriend Connor has vanished.
Her past and these incidents frequently exist in her world.
When she feels like she is being watched and sees a man she thinks is Connor, Charlotte starts to unravel secrets and her life could be in danger……
A plot that builds its tension until the truth comes out.
I enjoyed my time with these characters and while the reveal is not a surprise I did love how it all came about.
The atmosphere, the coastal town, the flying and the cast bring all the excitement for a good and exciting storyline.
I for one look forward to Susannah’s next book and also check out her debut which is a great read too.
August 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up.
I really struggled with the characters in this novel. The plot had great potential but the execution, particularly some of the segues to new characters felt very jarring.
I did finish the book and the resolution was sound but overall I am on the fence with this one.
I really struggled with the characters in this novel. The plot had great potential but the execution, particularly some of the segues to new characters felt very jarring.
I did finish the book and the resolution was sound but overall I am on the fence with this one.
September 20, 2026
Without A Trace by Susannah Glenn
⭐️⭐️ and a half.
I really struggled with this book. It starts off strong, but three different POVs made me feel I was reading three different books at times. It was often confusing and I couldn't keep up with so much going on. It appeared the author was trying to pack in so many different themes it was exhausting keeping up. Saying this, the heavily detailed writting was boring. I don't need a highly descriptive account of someone making a cup of tea. Yawn. Plus Ive never read a book with so many cups of tea/coffee or all the pouring of drinks. Give me mystery, tension, character development and a good plot.
The ending was highly frustrating and unrealistic. Women are intelligent and have a strong intuition. This was my second book Ive read of Susannah's that paints women like a pack of idiots with wool over their eyes.
"Flying runs in Charlotte Clarke's blood. As the daughter of a scenic flight owner, her life is spent soaring over Sydney's glittering harbour-until a series of devastating tragedies sends her crashing to earth. First, the deaths of her beloved grandmother and father, then her boyfriend Connor's seaplane vanishes without a trace.
Haunted by his mysterious disappearance and convinced she's being watched, Charlotte flees to a quiet coastal town and hits rock bottom, saved from a storm by a mysterious fisherman. But the calm is an illusion. Her paranoia peaks when she spots a man she believes is Connor, only to be told she's mistaken...
As she uncovers shocking secrets about those she holds closest, Charlotte realises her life isn't the only thing at risk. The truth about her past could be deadly."
#aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiebookstagram #aussiecrimelover #aussiebookbloger
⭐️⭐️ and a half.
I really struggled with this book. It starts off strong, but three different POVs made me feel I was reading three different books at times. It was often confusing and I couldn't keep up with so much going on. It appeared the author was trying to pack in so many different themes it was exhausting keeping up. Saying this, the heavily detailed writting was boring. I don't need a highly descriptive account of someone making a cup of tea. Yawn. Plus Ive never read a book with so many cups of tea/coffee or all the pouring of drinks. Give me mystery, tension, character development and a good plot.
The ending was highly frustrating and unrealistic. Women are intelligent and have a strong intuition. This was my second book Ive read of Susannah's that paints women like a pack of idiots with wool over their eyes.
"Flying runs in Charlotte Clarke's blood. As the daughter of a scenic flight owner, her life is spent soaring over Sydney's glittering harbour-until a series of devastating tragedies sends her crashing to earth. First, the deaths of her beloved grandmother and father, then her boyfriend Connor's seaplane vanishes without a trace.
Haunted by his mysterious disappearance and convinced she's being watched, Charlotte flees to a quiet coastal town and hits rock bottom, saved from a storm by a mysterious fisherman. But the calm is an illusion. Her paranoia peaks when she spots a man she believes is Connor, only to be told she's mistaken...
As she uncovers shocking secrets about those she holds closest, Charlotte realises her life isn't the only thing at risk. The truth about her past could be deadly."
#aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiebookstagram #aussiecrimelover #aussiebookbloger
Did Not Finish
October 17, 2026DNF.
Well written and interesting story but too much of a slow burn for me.
Well written and interesting story but too much of a slow burn for me.
July 11, 2026
What a wild ride!
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Tense
Susannah Glenn has weaved an intense and interesting thriller story line and I was hooked in!
Flying has been Charlotte’s life for as long as she can remember. For so long her family has owned a scenic flight business, giving passengers views of iconic Sydney landscapes every day
However, Charlotte has been dealt unimaginable pain, having lost her grandmother, father and boyfriend in three horrible flying accidents
She has reached rock bottom and will herself never fly again. Until seeing what she believes is Connor (her lost boyfriend) in a fleeting moment. She finds a new drive to live life and possibly fly again
Meeting when kids has meant Lyla is her oldest and now dearest friend. Now a successful doctor, Lyla is concerned Charlotte isn’t looking after herself properly, and moves from Sydney to be closer to her, and help her through this tough time
While being a talent agent isn’t where Moira had dreamed her life would take her, she enjoys it non the less. Especially as her current client Daniel is a very popular and in demand chef on the brink of stardom
While the Covid pandemic put a slight pause on his career and their friendship, Moira is looking forward to reconnecting and hopefully relaunching his career
The tension is set from the epilogue, it leaps off the page.
Told from the pov of three very different women in Charlotte, Lyla & Moira, the reader is kept on their toes as we navigate each woman’s story
Family, friendship, communication, history, power and responsibilities all play a part in the narrative
Perfectly plotted, I had no idea where it was going but was loving the ride
All the main characters got under my skin, which for me is a highlight
I loved it! I loved Between Husbands and Wives too! Glenn has a wonderful ability to build a setting that has you completely immersed, first in Far North QLD in Between Husbands and Wives and this time in Coastal NSW.
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Tense
Susannah Glenn has weaved an intense and interesting thriller story line and I was hooked in!
Flying has been Charlotte’s life for as long as she can remember. For so long her family has owned a scenic flight business, giving passengers views of iconic Sydney landscapes every day
However, Charlotte has been dealt unimaginable pain, having lost her grandmother, father and boyfriend in three horrible flying accidents
She has reached rock bottom and will herself never fly again. Until seeing what she believes is Connor (her lost boyfriend) in a fleeting moment. She finds a new drive to live life and possibly fly again
Meeting when kids has meant Lyla is her oldest and now dearest friend. Now a successful doctor, Lyla is concerned Charlotte isn’t looking after herself properly, and moves from Sydney to be closer to her, and help her through this tough time
While being a talent agent isn’t where Moira had dreamed her life would take her, she enjoys it non the less. Especially as her current client Daniel is a very popular and in demand chef on the brink of stardom
While the Covid pandemic put a slight pause on his career and their friendship, Moira is looking forward to reconnecting and hopefully relaunching his career
The tension is set from the epilogue, it leaps off the page.
Told from the pov of three very different women in Charlotte, Lyla & Moira, the reader is kept on their toes as we navigate each woman’s story
Family, friendship, communication, history, power and responsibilities all play a part in the narrative
Perfectly plotted, I had no idea where it was going but was loving the ride
All the main characters got under my skin, which for me is a highlight
I loved it! I loved Between Husbands and Wives too! Glenn has a wonderful ability to build a setting that has you completely immersed, first in Far North QLD in Between Husbands and Wives and this time in Coastal NSW.
September 17, 2026
I’d probably bring this back to a 3.5 star but it was closer to 4 than 3 so will round up. Despite a really awful character which almost made me not want to continue on with the book, other characters were enjoyable. Although unrealistic, the satisfying end made up for the parts I didn’t like.
Ok I’ve come back to edit my stars… I have decided to round down rather than up as there are 4 star books that deserve those 4 more than this…
Still a 7/10 though really
Ok I’ve come back to edit my stars… I have decided to round down rather than up as there are 4 star books that deserve those 4 more than this…
Still a 7/10 though really
September 5, 2026
A phenomenal psychological thriller that you won’t want to miss….
Without a Trace is a book that you wish you could have the pleasure of reading for the very first time repeatedly, not knowing the ending, and being able to be stunned and surprised anew.
Now this one is going to be a little tricky to review, as there is much I can’t say so not to spoil it for those that are yet to read it. Anyone that has read this book will be acutely aware of what I mean.
So here goes…..
This story is extraordinary in so many ways, from the amazing plot, the variety of characters, and gorgeous landscapes and locations.
This is a slow burn but as the story unfolds the intensity builds, so to say that this gripping thriller had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath in anticipation, would be an understatement. Although I did see a couple of titbits earlier on, this didn’t detract from the pure enjoyment that I felt reading this captivating book.
I adored pilot Charlotte Clarke’s character and loved tagging along as she heads back to her grandmother’s beach shack at Reflection Bay and tries to pick up the pieces of her life and pull herself together.
As events take place around Charlotte and more information comes to light, her emotions are thrown into turmoil. Not sure if she’ll ever be able to fly again or if she can trust her instincts, Charlotte begins to question her safety and who she can trust when she senses she is constantly being watched and believes she sees Connor in the street.
Dr Lyla Mahoney, Charlotte’s best friend since primary school, Daniel the celebrity chef turned farmer, Moira an under-pressure talent agent feeling the brunt of menopause, Bette the local café owner, farm manager Jimmy, and of course Pistol, an excitable dog but a protective one, are a few of the compelling cast of characters that help make this story so entertaining.
I would be remiss not to make mention of the beautiful depictions of the coastal and rural locations, and love that there was a scene set in Newcastle, a city close to home for me.
This is one of my favourite reads and I can’t wait to see where Susannah Glenn takes us next.
#withoutatrace
#susannahglenn
#clarkecurse
#panterapress
Without a Trace is a book that you wish you could have the pleasure of reading for the very first time repeatedly, not knowing the ending, and being able to be stunned and surprised anew.
Now this one is going to be a little tricky to review, as there is much I can’t say so not to spoil it for those that are yet to read it. Anyone that has read this book will be acutely aware of what I mean.
So here goes…..
This story is extraordinary in so many ways, from the amazing plot, the variety of characters, and gorgeous landscapes and locations.
This is a slow burn but as the story unfolds the intensity builds, so to say that this gripping thriller had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath in anticipation, would be an understatement. Although I did see a couple of titbits earlier on, this didn’t detract from the pure enjoyment that I felt reading this captivating book.
I adored pilot Charlotte Clarke’s character and loved tagging along as she heads back to her grandmother’s beach shack at Reflection Bay and tries to pick up the pieces of her life and pull herself together.
As events take place around Charlotte and more information comes to light, her emotions are thrown into turmoil. Not sure if she’ll ever be able to fly again or if she can trust her instincts, Charlotte begins to question her safety and who she can trust when she senses she is constantly being watched and believes she sees Connor in the street.
Dr Lyla Mahoney, Charlotte’s best friend since primary school, Daniel the celebrity chef turned farmer, Moira an under-pressure talent agent feeling the brunt of menopause, Bette the local café owner, farm manager Jimmy, and of course Pistol, an excitable dog but a protective one, are a few of the compelling cast of characters that help make this story so entertaining.
I would be remiss not to make mention of the beautiful depictions of the coastal and rural locations, and love that there was a scene set in Newcastle, a city close to home for me.
This is one of my favourite reads and I can’t wait to see where Susannah Glenn takes us next.
#withoutatrace
#susannahglenn
#clarkecurse
#panterapress
August 14, 2026
Without a Trace is the second book by Susannah Glenn and after reading her debut novel I just had to read this one. This time we are in northern NSW where Charlotte lived. In a short space of time she has lost her father, grandmother and most recently her boyfriend Connor who disappeared while flying in one of her fathers small planes, neither his body or plane have ever been seen. It seems there is a curse around her family. Enter a stranger who saves her from possible drowning. Enter Lyla - her best friend who is a GP. She moved to Helene to open a medical practice and renew her friendship with Charlotte.
We also have Daniel, a celebrity chef and his agent Moira who is under pressure to get him to re sign with the tv show that made him famous, but Daniel has secrets he doesn’t want revealed. Even Moira is struggling to keep it all together as she gets older with her own health issues.
All this comes together with some shocking accidents and incidents. Is the Clark curse still happening or is there something even more sinister in the midst.
I read this book over a couple of days and it is just as thrilling as Susannahs first book. Highly recommended for readers of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. This author is a must read author for me.
We also have Daniel, a celebrity chef and his agent Moira who is under pressure to get him to re sign with the tv show that made him famous, but Daniel has secrets he doesn’t want revealed. Even Moira is struggling to keep it all together as she gets older with her own health issues.
All this comes together with some shocking accidents and incidents. Is the Clark curse still happening or is there something even more sinister in the midst.
I read this book over a couple of days and it is just as thrilling as Susannahs first book. Highly recommended for readers of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. This author is a must read author for me.
July 28, 2026
Without a trace is a speedy character driven psychological thriller set in a quiet coastal town north of Sydney, Helene.
Charlotte is trying to recover from the sudden shocking deaths of her grandma, father and the disappearance of her boyfriend Connor.
She retreats to Helene where she spent her summers as a child.
Here she reconnects with her childhood friend Lyla and starts to form friendships within the community.
But Charlotte has this strange sense she’s being watched and that someone is keeping secrets from her.
Delivered in multi POV and quickly the reading audience has some insight that Charlotte doesn’t.
I wasn’t racing to figure out the ending; I was waiting to see the penny drop moment for the cast.
You couldn’t help but feel on team
Charlotte, Daniel and Moira and were rooting for a good outcome.
This is a tense and intriguing drama. I loved the setting and the characters were memorable. I especially adored Moira.
Two books in and Susannah is consistently delivering atmospheric locations and terse character centric dramas!
Thanks to @panterapress and @Susannahglenn for having me along on the #withoutatrace book tour. And also for providing a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. AD-PR
Charlotte is trying to recover from the sudden shocking deaths of her grandma, father and the disappearance of her boyfriend Connor.
She retreats to Helene where she spent her summers as a child.
Here she reconnects with her childhood friend Lyla and starts to form friendships within the community.
But Charlotte has this strange sense she’s being watched and that someone is keeping secrets from her.
Delivered in multi POV and quickly the reading audience has some insight that Charlotte doesn’t.
I wasn’t racing to figure out the ending; I was waiting to see the penny drop moment for the cast.
You couldn’t help but feel on team
Charlotte, Daniel and Moira and were rooting for a good outcome.
This is a tense and intriguing drama. I loved the setting and the characters were memorable. I especially adored Moira.
Two books in and Susannah is consistently delivering atmospheric locations and terse character centric dramas!
Thanks to @panterapress and @Susannahglenn for having me along on the #withoutatrace book tour. And also for providing a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. AD-PR
September 4, 2026
Atmospheric. Twisty. Sinister.
July 24, 2026
“Sometimes, all it takes is one sentence to convince you to read a book.
“A daughter’s flight to freedom becomes a deadly descent into secrets.”
That was it. I closed the synopsis and started reading.
After Between Husbands and Wives became one of my standouts reads of 2024, I had complete faith that Susannah Glenn would deliver another compelling mystery—and she absolutely did. Without a Trace is packed with suspense, emotional tension and the kind of story that makes “just one more chapter” impossible to resist.
Read the full review over on Hundredacreofbooks.com
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/withou...
“A daughter’s flight to freedom becomes a deadly descent into secrets.”
That was it. I closed the synopsis and started reading.
After Between Husbands and Wives became one of my standouts reads of 2024, I had complete faith that Susannah Glenn would deliver another compelling mystery—and she absolutely did. Without a Trace is packed with suspense, emotional tension and the kind of story that makes “just one more chapter” impossible to resist.
Read the full review over on Hundredacreofbooks.com
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/withou...
July 31, 2026
Susannah Glenn’s second novel Without A Trace was a gripping and twisty psychological suspense which kept me guessing from start to finish. Set in the fictional NSW town of Helene, it featured a wonderfully close-knit and supportive community which had weathered its fair share of tragedy. Charlotte Clarke’s family have been an integral part of the community for many years with her grandmother Dot running a charter flight business and being a big supporter of keeping the local airfield afloat. Unfortunately both Dot and Charlotte’s father, Max, were killed in separate flying accidents. With Charlotte’s boyfriend, Connor, also disappearing while flying and now presumed dead, it seems like the Clarke’s are cursed. Haunted by his death which has been ruled a suicide, Charlotte starts to uncover secrets so shocking that they will have her questioning everything. Could digging up the past end up proving deadly?
I loved that this book was told from multiple POVs and although early on I wasn’t sure how these would be connected, Susannah soon wove them together in a seamless way. The setting for this story was perfect and I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte’s childhood spent there and her relationship with her grandmother.
There were so many little twists and turns throughout this novel and although I could sense that things were not right, I didn’t predict the full extent of the shocking secrets that were revealed. It was an absolutely wild ride as the story sped towards its dramatic conclusion with an ending that left me incredibly satisfied.
I loved that this book was told from multiple POVs and although early on I wasn’t sure how these would be connected, Susannah soon wove them together in a seamless way. The setting for this story was perfect and I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte’s childhood spent there and her relationship with her grandmother.
There were so many little twists and turns throughout this novel and although I could sense that things were not right, I didn’t predict the full extent of the shocking secrets that were revealed. It was an absolutely wild ride as the story sped towards its dramatic conclusion with an ending that left me incredibly satisfied.
July 13, 2026
I started this book and I just couldn’t finish it . The first chapter started of ok , the second chapter I just couldn’t read without thinking where is this going , every chapter had a new character and story ,I couldn’t keep up . It got boring . I even skipped a few chapters but it got worse , so I just quit .
July 31, 2026
Without a Trace by Susannah Glenn is the suspenseful Australian thriller that blends mystery, grief, and family secrets against the backdrop of coastal New South Wales.
The story follows Charlotte Clarke, whose life is upended after a series of tragic events, including the unexplained disappearance of her boyfriend, Connor, during a seaplane flight. Returning to her childhood hometown in search of answers, Charlotte soon finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew as long-buried secrets begin to surface.
The novel starts strongly, immediately creating intrigue around Connor's disappearance and Charlotte's growing unease. I also enjoyed the coastal setting, which added atmosphere without overshadowing the story, and the short chapters kept the pace moving.
One aspect I found interesting was the multiple points of view. While it occasionally took me a moment to settle into each perspective, they gradually revealed different pieces of the mystery and helped build the bigger picture. Lyla was probably the character who stood out the most for me. Her calculating nature and increasingly unsettling behaviour added an unpredictable element to the story, and I found myself curious to see how her role would unfold.
There were several twists throughout, a few felt more predictable than others. That said, the ending pulled the story together well and answered the major questions in a satisfying way. This was an enjoyable mystery with an intriguing premise, a strong sense of place, and enough suspense to keep me reading. If you enjoy Australian crime fiction with multiple perspectives, family secrets, and a steady build of tension, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to Susannah Glenn and the book tour team for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The story follows Charlotte Clarke, whose life is upended after a series of tragic events, including the unexplained disappearance of her boyfriend, Connor, during a seaplane flight. Returning to her childhood hometown in search of answers, Charlotte soon finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew as long-buried secrets begin to surface.
The novel starts strongly, immediately creating intrigue around Connor's disappearance and Charlotte's growing unease. I also enjoyed the coastal setting, which added atmosphere without overshadowing the story, and the short chapters kept the pace moving.
One aspect I found interesting was the multiple points of view. While it occasionally took me a moment to settle into each perspective, they gradually revealed different pieces of the mystery and helped build the bigger picture. Lyla was probably the character who stood out the most for me. Her calculating nature and increasingly unsettling behaviour added an unpredictable element to the story, and I found myself curious to see how her role would unfold.
There were several twists throughout, a few felt more predictable than others. That said, the ending pulled the story together well and answered the major questions in a satisfying way. This was an enjoyable mystery with an intriguing premise, a strong sense of place, and enough suspense to keep me reading. If you enjoy Australian crime fiction with multiple perspectives, family secrets, and a steady build of tension, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to Susannah Glenn and the book tour team for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
November 3, 2026
Flying runs in Charlotte Clarke's blood as the daughter of a scenic flight company owner, until a series of devastating tragedies sends her crashing to earth, with the death of her beloved father and grandmother, followed by the mysterious disappearance of her boyfriend Connor. Charlotte flees to a quiet coastal town where she is rescued from a storm by a mysterious fisherman. But the calm is an illusion, and when she spots a man she believes is Connor, Charlotte uncovers shocking secrets that prove the truth about her past could be deadly.
This was definitely a different story to what I had originally thought, but I ended up having a lot of fun reading it. For some reason, the synopsis led me to believe that we would spend a lot of time accompanying Charlotte tracking down Connor’s plane and investigating the mystery behind his disappearance. But this isn’t what the story is about at all!
I’d highly recommend jumping into this book blind and letting the plot surprise you like it did me. Some of the chapters are written in a first-person style, which helps break up the pace of the storytelling. After a while, I realised this was actually a popcorn thriller, and even though some of the chapters felt a bit Disney Villain to me, I really enjoyed the unravelling of events and where the story ended up taking me.
(Thanks to Pantera Press for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
This was definitely a different story to what I had originally thought, but I ended up having a lot of fun reading it. For some reason, the synopsis led me to believe that we would spend a lot of time accompanying Charlotte tracking down Connor’s plane and investigating the mystery behind his disappearance. But this isn’t what the story is about at all!
I’d highly recommend jumping into this book blind and letting the plot surprise you like it did me. Some of the chapters are written in a first-person style, which helps break up the pace of the storytelling. After a while, I realised this was actually a popcorn thriller, and even though some of the chapters felt a bit Disney Villain to me, I really enjoyed the unravelling of events and where the story ended up taking me.
(Thanks to Pantera Press for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
November 3, 2026
I do love a good psychological thriller/mystery to solve, and this was a different one to uncover.
Charlotte has pretty much lost everyone she loves in a very short time. First her Grandmother, then her Father and last, her boyfriend Connor, who is yet to be found.
It's all too much for her, so she moves to a quiet, coastal town that she has fond memories of. But even here, she feels overwhelmed, watched, and then she sees a man that looks just like her lost boyfriend Connor.
At least she has her best friend from childhood back.
There is a feel to this book as you are reading through, you can feel the tension, the build-up to something bigger.
There are chapters from Charlotte, and chapters from her friend Lyla.
These build to create that feeling of an atmospheric mystery.
I felt for Charlotte and the losses that kept coming and I did enjoy the book as a whole, however, I felt that some of it (mainly Lyla's chapter's) felt a little clinical.
Don't get me wrong, those chapters are still good and really do give the book important insight, I just didn't feel them the way they might have been intended.
Overall, it is a good read and one that is quick and compulsive.
Charlotte has pretty much lost everyone she loves in a very short time. First her Grandmother, then her Father and last, her boyfriend Connor, who is yet to be found.
It's all too much for her, so she moves to a quiet, coastal town that she has fond memories of. But even here, she feels overwhelmed, watched, and then she sees a man that looks just like her lost boyfriend Connor.
At least she has her best friend from childhood back.
There is a feel to this book as you are reading through, you can feel the tension, the build-up to something bigger.
There are chapters from Charlotte, and chapters from her friend Lyla.
These build to create that feeling of an atmospheric mystery.
I felt for Charlotte and the losses that kept coming and I did enjoy the book as a whole, however, I felt that some of it (mainly Lyla's chapter's) felt a little clinical.
Don't get me wrong, those chapters are still good and really do give the book important insight, I just didn't feel them the way they might have been intended.
Overall, it is a good read and one that is quick and compulsive.
September 6, 2026
Without a Trace was deliciously addictive & once it had me on board, I was buckled into my seat and prepped for any and all incoming turbulence (very unlike usual me, as I’m actually shit scared of even the most minor of mid flight bumps)
There’s plenty of baggage aboard this journey as well as what the characters are carrying internally themselves. Trauma & grief, lingering health battles after Covid, menopause & body image, stalking and the skin-crawling fear of being watched or followed, small-town dynamics & the authority we automatically give certain professions. And hovering over all of it is the rather important question of who the hell can you actually trust?
The short chapters & multiple POVs kept the pacing at a steady altitude and I truly struggled to put this down. This book is clever, layered and I absolutely flew through it!
4.5⭐️
There’s plenty of baggage aboard this journey as well as what the characters are carrying internally themselves. Trauma & grief, lingering health battles after Covid, menopause & body image, stalking and the skin-crawling fear of being watched or followed, small-town dynamics & the authority we automatically give certain professions. And hovering over all of it is the rather important question of who the hell can you actually trust?
The short chapters & multiple POVs kept the pacing at a steady altitude and I truly struggled to put this down. This book is clever, layered and I absolutely flew through it!
4.5⭐️
October 12, 2026
This book started off a bit slow but it was so good at peeling back the characters' layers and I found myself going from 'wow that's bad' to 'wow that's messed up' to 'wow that's FUCKED.' The story grew more and more intense as I read on, but I felt a bit let down by the ending. It felt like the story built itself up just to let itself down right at the end. Still, a very engaging read.
November 8, 2026
Without a Trace by Susannah Glenn follows pilot Charlotte as she escapes to a small town to recover from the grief of losing her boyfriend … without a trace. And he’s not the first person in her circle to die in a plane accident. Her grandmother and father have suffered similar fates.
Enter best friend, doctor Lyla, talent agent Moira, and celebrity chef Daniel for a story jam-packed with suspicion, strange happenings and thrills. The northern NSW setting is vividly painted, a fabulous backdrop for the drama.
I highly recommend this propelling read.
Enter best friend, doctor Lyla, talent agent Moira, and celebrity chef Daniel for a story jam-packed with suspicion, strange happenings and thrills. The northern NSW setting is vividly painted, a fabulous backdrop for the drama.
I highly recommend this propelling read.
September 24, 2026
Just like 'Between Husbands and Wives', Susannah had me hooked from the first chapter. This twisty, terrifying and fast-paced story is filled with 'far from normal' characters who surprise and delight in every chapter. The water-and-bush setting is immersive and real, and two characters in particular are beyond entertaining in their deception and antics. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Escapism at its best. Can't wait for the next instalment. Well done again, Susannah.
October 30, 2026
What a great read!
○ Set in a fictional Australian town of Helene
○ Pilot and flight business owner Charlotte's life recently has been clouded with tragedy. First her grandmother, then her father died, then her boyfriend goes missing
○ We suspect someone is dodgy very early on, but wonder what is going on and why
○ Betrayal and suspense
○ Compelling characters
○ Atmospheric and gripping mystery
My verdict: a fantastic Aussie crime story and I definitely want to read more from this author
○ Set in a fictional Australian town of Helene
○ Pilot and flight business owner Charlotte's life recently has been clouded with tragedy. First her grandmother, then her father died, then her boyfriend goes missing
○ We suspect someone is dodgy very early on, but wonder what is going on and why
○ Betrayal and suspense
○ Compelling characters
○ Atmospheric and gripping mystery
My verdict: a fantastic Aussie crime story and I definitely want to read more from this author
September 15, 2026
This was an okay easy read with an array of good characters to compliment the protaganist Charlotte.
Who needs a best friend like Layla [odd that nobody ever picked up on her pyschotic tendencies !].
Who needs a best friend like Layla [odd that nobody ever picked up on her pyschotic tendencies !].
September 30, 2026
A good read! Kept me glued to the book and unfortunately away from other tasks. :) I worked out the plot early in the book but was stilled surprised at some twists. Would certainly recommend this book.
August 2, 2026
I loved it.. great book, every bit as good as Susannahs first one! Cant wait for the next one!!
August 8, 2026
Twisty dark tale. I found if hard to engage with the characters at first, but once I did, it was compelling! Not sure how I feel about the ending.
August 19, 2026
Creepy
August 21, 2026
It really left me hanging with the cliffhanger in the middle of the book. I just had to keep reading. Definitely couldn’t put it down. Great read.
September 17, 2026
I enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews