What do you think?
Rate this book
Gone Saga #4
Dean's List
Dean's List is a USA Today bestselling title.
Every marriage has secrets. Some are deadly.
Lydia Harris knows her marriage to Dean has problems, but when she finds a box of news clippings he took great pains to conceal, the problems go from disappointing to dangerous. Nation-wide murders... in cities where he has traveled. She doesn't want to believe him capable of such violence, so she searches for clues to explain the hidden clippings.
As the evidence begins to mount, Lydia is torn. Dean seems to be trying to rekindle their lost spark, and she yearns for what they'd once had. But can she look past her own feelings to uncover the truth, or will she be next on his list?
Dean's List is a nail-biting psychological thriller penned by bestselling author, Stacy Claflin. Pick up your copy today!
Every marriage has secrets. Some are deadly.
Lydia Harris knows her marriage to Dean has problems, but when she finds a box of news clippings he took great pains to conceal, the problems go from disappointing to dangerous. Nation-wide murders... in cities where he has traveled. She doesn't want to believe him capable of such violence, so she searches for clues to explain the hidden clippings.
As the evidence begins to mount, Lydia is torn. Dean seems to be trying to rekindle their lost spark, and she yearns for what they'd once had. But can she look past her own feelings to uncover the truth, or will she be next on his list?
Dean's List is a nail-biting psychological thriller penned by bestselling author, Stacy Claflin. Pick up your copy today!
206 pages, ebook
First published May 7, 2015
398 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
185 books1,426 followersStacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 6, 2017
3.5 - worth the read if you like the Gone series
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I did not think I liked the character of Lydia by her characterization in the Gone series but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really love how the author has pieced together back stories and woven the characters together in the different books. Very well done. Solid 3.5. My biggest gripe - the entire series needs better editing for missing words, typos, etc. That is a huge peeve of mine as I don't understand how a book gets published without thorough proofreading. It should be easy to catch these mistakes.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I did not think I liked the character of Lydia by her characterization in the Gone series but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really love how the author has pieced together back stories and woven the characters together in the different books. Very well done. Solid 3.5. My biggest gripe - the entire series needs better editing for missing words, typos, etc. That is a huge peeve of mine as I don't understand how a book gets published without thorough proofreading. It should be easy to catch these mistakes.
November 23, 2019
I love stacy claflin! I read this book in 24 hrs it was so good. It was very riveting and I cant wait to read another one of her books.
April 8, 2021
Very repetitive to previous Alex Mercer stories even though it's not an Alex mercer story the line the store is exactly the same
November 26, 2016
Very good
I really enjoyed this book. Difficult to put it down. I love that Stacy developed a character from Gone and yet it is a stand alone book that can be read without reading the others. But, the Gone trilogy is such a good story you can't go wrong buying it. I'm anxious to start NO RETURN and get to know Rusty who appeared in the Gone series. Also looking forward to reading about Luke. Keep up the good writing Stacy!
I really enjoyed this book. Difficult to put it down. I love that Stacy developed a character from Gone and yet it is a stand alone book that can be read without reading the others. But, the Gone trilogy is such a good story you can't go wrong buying it. I'm anxious to start NO RETURN and get to know Rusty who appeared in the Gone series. Also looking forward to reading about Luke. Keep up the good writing Stacy!
March 25, 2019
This is a “spin-off” from the Gone series and the main character is much more likable in this story than she was in Gone. The story wasn’t quite as captivating but still a quick and easy, entertaining read.
September 23, 2017
What would you do if you found a box of newspaper clippings that report the murders of several women hidden in your closet. This is exactly what Lydia Harris finds when cleaning up spilled perfume. The dates on the clippings coincidence with dates that her husband, Dean, was in those cities on business. She attempts to dig up more details about the murders, especially those that may implicate Dean. Since he travels so much, she has always believed he is having affairs, but could he really be a murderer?
I usually enjoy reading Stacy Claflin's books, but this was just not my cup of tea. I don't read romantic suspense often. I found the characters to be self-absorbed, childish, and not very good friends, even though they have all been friends for several years. The more I read of the book, the less I liked the characters. They are all keeping secrets from each other, and some are very important secrets, that one of the friends, who is hiding a huge secret, holds over the others' heads. One of the husbands says something that exactly caught what I was thinking: "What's going on in this neighborhood? So much cheating and deception."
The book really didn't give any background in the beginning, so it takes a while to figure out why Lydia would immediately suspect Dean of being a killer. Another thing is that it is supposed to be a spin-off of the Gone trilogy, which I did enjoy, but other than being set in the same neighborhood, and possibly a few of the same characters, it really doesn't have much to do with the Mercer family.
Though I didn't really enjoy the book, someone else might, if they like a fairly quick read with not a lot of development. If you like romantic suspense, you should certainly give this a try.
I voluntarily read a review copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
I usually enjoy reading Stacy Claflin's books, but this was just not my cup of tea. I don't read romantic suspense often. I found the characters to be self-absorbed, childish, and not very good friends, even though they have all been friends for several years. The more I read of the book, the less I liked the characters. They are all keeping secrets from each other, and some are very important secrets, that one of the friends, who is hiding a huge secret, holds over the others' heads. One of the husbands says something that exactly caught what I was thinking: "What's going on in this neighborhood? So much cheating and deception."
The book really didn't give any background in the beginning, so it takes a while to figure out why Lydia would immediately suspect Dean of being a killer. Another thing is that it is supposed to be a spin-off of the Gone trilogy, which I did enjoy, but other than being set in the same neighborhood, and possibly a few of the same characters, it really doesn't have much to do with the Mercer family.
Though I didn't really enjoy the book, someone else might, if they like a fairly quick read with not a lot of development. If you like romantic suspense, you should certainly give this a try.
I voluntarily read a review copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
January 19, 2020
😥Good, suspenseful thriller😧
I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot built around a woman fearing the secrets her husband has been keeping. The suspense keeps building to a high action end.
Lydia's comfortable suburban life crumbling apart thanks to a spilled perfume bottle gave good thrills as secrets kept tumbling out of the woodwork. Lydia is a bit naive and fumbles about a bit in her attempts to dig out the dirt on her husband's suspicious activities. She is in turns super cautious about covering up her activities and then totally oblivious of the trails she's leaving. I liked the realism of her mistakes as her panic and urgency leaves her vulnerable to discovery.
It's a good standalone story. My only issues are with the sudden ending and the lack of complexity to the characters. I felt the denouement could have been longer and the characters, particularly Dean and Lydia, needed more backstory.
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot built around a woman fearing the secrets her husband has been keeping. The suspense keeps building to a high action end.
Lydia's comfortable suburban life crumbling apart thanks to a spilled perfume bottle gave good thrills as secrets kept tumbling out of the woodwork. Lydia is a bit naive and fumbles about a bit in her attempts to dig out the dirt on her husband's suspicious activities. She is in turns super cautious about covering up her activities and then totally oblivious of the trails she's leaving. I liked the realism of her mistakes as her panic and urgency leaves her vulnerable to discovery.
It's a good standalone story. My only issues are with the sudden ending and the lack of complexity to the characters. I felt the denouement could have been longer and the characters, particularly Dean and Lydia, needed more backstory.
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 24, 2020
I really don't understand some of these reviews, maybe I am niave but I thought this story was amazing. I couldn't put it down, even though I had other things I should be doing, (like taking my Christmas tree down) I just had to see what was going to happen next. Ms. Claflin has such a vivid imagination to come up with the scary ideas that she does. I was petrified that something was going to happen to the main characters and I had to be ready to give them a heads up lol just kidding but I was that invested in the story. If you have enjoyed the other books by this author then you will not be disappointed especially if you would like to know more about the characters in the GONE TRILOGY. We find out more about Lydia's husband Dean and why she wasn't faithful to him. We definitely learn more about Dean. Also returning are Lydia's best friends Bri, Savannah and Cara and wow some big secrets they each are hiding. Loved it!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. I am leaving a review because I enjoyed this book and wanted to share my
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. I am leaving a review because I enjoyed this book and wanted to share my
February 10, 2023
Warning ⚠️ : This review contains spoilers!
This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Rich and spoiled society women going to the beach all day long, drinking and doing nothing in life but sleeping with other people’s husbands, getting impregnated by your best friend’s husband and continuing the affair because you think your husband is gross?! One of the main characters suspects her husband is a serial killer and he probably “gets off” and feels powerful but having sex with her, even though he hasn’t touched her in months and she enjoys it?! This is very messed up. Her friends are constantly trying to set her up with another man, even though she is still married. She doesn’t tell law enforcement that she has proof that her husband is probably a serial killer and she’s afraid of him, and she stays. So weird. So, no, this book is definitely not one I would recommend. Quite the opposite.
This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Rich and spoiled society women going to the beach all day long, drinking and doing nothing in life but sleeping with other people’s husbands, getting impregnated by your best friend’s husband and continuing the affair because you think your husband is gross?! One of the main characters suspects her husband is a serial killer and he probably “gets off” and feels powerful but having sex with her, even though he hasn’t touched her in months and she enjoys it?! This is very messed up. Her friends are constantly trying to set her up with another man, even though she is still married. She doesn’t tell law enforcement that she has proof that her husband is probably a serial killer and she’s afraid of him, and she stays. So weird. So, no, this book is definitely not one I would recommend. Quite the opposite.
May 6, 2017
The overview of this book stated the reader did not have to have read the previous three books in order for this one to make sense. It is a stand alone. This was a great warning, because I do not have to read the previous three books in this series now. Nor any after this one. I finished the book more out of curiosity than an inability to put it down. What could have been a SUPER climax turned out to be pretty bland. A bunch of rich, pampered condominium women who panic over a broken nail was my reaction. Lydia is interesting, but I couldn't get into her because she seemed to light-headed most of the book. We didn't really learn a lot about Dean, and this would have made the book more rounded.
June 13, 2017
I was given a copy to read for an honest review.
I need to preface it by saying I had not read the other books in the series. So the characters were all new to me.
I found that I was disappointed with the actions of the lead character and I would compare the ladies in the story to a reality TV show of real housewives that are spoiled and self centered. The infidelity that is throughout the book was a bit disturbing, but it goes with the story. There was parts at the end that I was yelling at one of the characters what the heck does he think he is doing. But overall it kept my attention and I could visualize the story. I found myself judging the characters alot! So I guess that shows I was involved so a good read.
I need to preface it by saying I had not read the other books in the series. So the characters were all new to me.
I found that I was disappointed with the actions of the lead character and I would compare the ladies in the story to a reality TV show of real housewives that are spoiled and self centered. The infidelity that is throughout the book was a bit disturbing, but it goes with the story. There was parts at the end that I was yelling at one of the characters what the heck does he think he is doing. But overall it kept my attention and I could visualize the story. I found myself judging the characters alot! So I guess that shows I was involved so a good read.
June 22, 2018
Gone - What a book! Another well written, suspense filled novel about a kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl and the efforts that went into the search for her. From the beginning of the book, the words just flowed quickly and the reader just can't put down the book on this horrible topic. Unfortunately, there's two more books before the end of the story. 5*
Dean's List - Dean's List - A well written, suspense story about Lydia and Dean, two characters from another novel Gone, and is set a year later. There is adultery, a control freak, a possible serial killer and the lives a gaggle of friends share facing intrigue and suspense. Most of the characters are from the Gone Trilogy neighborhood. I contacted the author to review her book. 5*
Dean's List - Dean's List - A well written, suspense story about Lydia and Dean, two characters from another novel Gone, and is set a year later. There is adultery, a control freak, a possible serial killer and the lives a gaggle of friends share facing intrigue and suspense. Most of the characters are from the Gone Trilogy neighborhood. I contacted the author to review her book. 5*
February 1, 2020
I'm setting up this review a little differently because the bundle contains two books. Please note that I've real all of the Gone books in the series, and while these two are standalones and spinoffs, they contribute to a better understanding of these main characters.
Book #1 - Dean's List
I really enjoyed this book A LOT! It is told through the perspective of Lydia, who is in a troubled marriage. As the husband and wife try to reconnect, Lydia makes discoveries that alarm her greatly about her husband. As she digs deeper, she uncovers coincidences that further increase her fears. She can't trust anyone, even her "friends". Unfortunately, her inquiries leave bread crumbs that lead directly to her. Watch out!
Book #1 - Dean's List
I really enjoyed this book A LOT! It is told through the perspective of Lydia, who is in a troubled marriage. As the husband and wife try to reconnect, Lydia makes discoveries that alarm her greatly about her husband. As she digs deeper, she uncovers coincidences that further increase her fears. She can't trust anyone, even her "friends". Unfortunately, her inquiries leave bread crumbs that lead directly to her. Watch out!
Read
January 7, 2025Book Review: Dean's List by Stacy Claflin
In the fourth installment of the Gone Saga, Dean's List, Stacy Claflin delivers a narrative that pleasantly surprised the reviewer, who found the book more enjoyable than anticipated. A standout aspect of this book is the character of Lydia, who was initially disliked in previous installments. However, in this story, Lydia's character development takes center stage, leading to a surprisingly positive reception from readers.
Claflin adeptly weaves in back stories and connects characters across the different books in the series, creating a richer and more cohesive narrative. This integration adds depth to the storyline and allows readers to appreciate the character growth that has taken place throughout the series.
Despite its strengths, the book is not without its flaws. The main criticism centers around the need for better editing. The reviewer noted issues such as missing words and typos, which detracted from the overall reading experience.
Ultimately, while it has its imperfections, the engaging character development and effective storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to the Gone Saga, especially for those who have followed the series thus far. Claflin's ability to surprise readers with character growth and interconnectedness keeps the narrative fresh and entertaining.
In the fourth installment of the Gone Saga, Dean's List, Stacy Claflin delivers a narrative that pleasantly surprised the reviewer, who found the book more enjoyable than anticipated. A standout aspect of this book is the character of Lydia, who was initially disliked in previous installments. However, in this story, Lydia's character development takes center stage, leading to a surprisingly positive reception from readers.
Claflin adeptly weaves in back stories and connects characters across the different books in the series, creating a richer and more cohesive narrative. This integration adds depth to the storyline and allows readers to appreciate the character growth that has taken place throughout the series.
Despite its strengths, the book is not without its flaws. The main criticism centers around the need for better editing. The reviewer noted issues such as missing words and typos, which detracted from the overall reading experience.
Ultimately, while it has its imperfections, the engaging character development and effective storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to the Gone Saga, especially for those who have followed the series thus far. Claflin's ability to surprise readers with character growth and interconnectedness keeps the narrative fresh and entertaining.
June 9, 2017
Lydia Harris is trapped in a cold marriage. Ever since they'd discovered the fertility problems, her husband has been traveling more for work & hasn't touched her. She knows he's been having affairs. Because of an accident, Lydia discovers Dean's secret. What should she do?
Stacy Claflin does a good job of developing realistic & believable characters. She's taken a character that I didn't like in Gone & has made her more sympathetic. The interactions between Cara & Lydia remind me of the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for". What you see in appearance may not be the truth. Even though this book is part of the Gone series, you can read this as a stand alone.
Stacy Claflin does a good job of developing realistic & believable characters. She's taken a character that I didn't like in Gone & has made her more sympathetic. The interactions between Cara & Lydia remind me of the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for". What you see in appearance may not be the truth. Even though this book is part of the Gone series, you can read this as a stand alone.
July 2, 2018
I couldn't swipe the pages fast enough.
Stacy, thank you, thank you, thank you. Dean's List came to me at a time when I was wondering if I worried if I was losing my appetite for reading. Being an avid reader all of my life I just couldn't give up on reading. I finished Dean's List in a day. I couldn't swipe the pages fast enough. I had to know what happened next. Riveting. Heart stopping. Characters I became devoted to. Even the antagonist, Dean. What came next? Did he or didn't he? Psychology developed. Addictive. Can't wait to read the Gone trilogy. Buying it now.
Stacy, thank you, thank you, thank you. Dean's List came to me at a time when I was wondering if I worried if I was losing my appetite for reading. Being an avid reader all of my life I just couldn't give up on reading. I finished Dean's List in a day. I couldn't swipe the pages fast enough. I had to know what happened next. Riveting. Heart stopping. Characters I became devoted to. Even the antagonist, Dean. What came next? Did he or didn't he? Psychology developed. Addictive. Can't wait to read the Gone trilogy. Buying it now.
February 28, 2023
I had really high expectations for this book because I loved the Gone series. However, this did not live up. This is not categorized as Young Adult, but the writing had this feel. The writing was very simple and repetitive.
Lydia Harris and her husband Dean are married in name only. Dean travels for work 95% of the time, and Lydia lives the life of a "kept-woman." One day as Lydia is getting ready for the day, she discovers a group of newspaper articles that lead her to believe her husband is a serial murderer when he is away on "business." How can she find out the truth without endangering herself?
Lydia Harris and her husband Dean are married in name only. Dean travels for work 95% of the time, and Lydia lives the life of a "kept-woman." One day as Lydia is getting ready for the day, she discovers a group of newspaper articles that lead her to believe her husband is a serial murderer when he is away on "business." How can she find out the truth without endangering herself?
September 28, 2017
If you enjoyed the television show "Desperate Housewives", you will like this book. Not my cup of tea! Too much drama, too much sleeping around, too much distrust among/between friends and spouses. This is the first book I have read by this author. I plan on reading another in a different genre to give the author benefit of the doubt. It kept me awake at night just from the 'busyness' of the characters. I did finish reading the book because I wanted to be fair to the author. I have not read, nor do I plan to read the other books in this series.
June 6, 2017
This is the first I have anything by this author. I received a copy and volunteered to review. I have ambivalent feelings about this book. There is mystery, suspense which always works for me. I felt like some of it was repetitive, although I do understand the constant questioning and then some was rushed. I think I needed the book to be longer so all the characters had more depth. I would definitely try another book by this author.
August 10, 2017
Spine-tingling intense storyline
This was an interesting story. I enjoyed how the author took a pampered wife and turned her into a woman with a mission. It showed how strong and defiant the wife is against a very intimidating and obsessive husband when she feels that he has become more of a monster than she already feels that he is. It gave me chills whenever Dean came home. I enjoyed the plot twists, especially at the end.
If you like thrillers, I definitely recommend this one.
July 14, 2018
I haven’t read anything else by this author, but I don’t plan to either. This book had a plot that was difficult to believe and characters that weren’t developed. Everything was flat for me. It would be almost impossible, I think, to believe based solely on a box of hidden newspaper clippings, that your husband is a serial killer. There was nothing to support that presumption although I kept waiting for it. It could have been a great story if the author had added another 100 pages....
February 12, 2019
Those Cowboys in the background will get cha every time! 😄 👍
5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 for COWBOYS!!! (I'm partial though)
GREAT READ, with twists and turns, and a shock at the end!
Hard to put down, I wouldn't have, but I HAD to go to work!
## I've read a number of books by this author now! I am really enjoying all of her different stories. They are lively, attention getting and keeping, great characters, p!of and story full of twist and turns, and of life events too. GREAT 📚 BOOKS!!
5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 for COWBOYS!!! (I'm partial though)
GREAT READ, with twists and turns, and a shock at the end!
Hard to put down, I wouldn't have, but I HAD to go to work!
## I've read a number of books by this author now! I am really enjoying all of her different stories. They are lively, attention getting and keeping, great characters, p!of and story full of twist and turns, and of life events too. GREAT 📚 BOOKS!!
March 7, 2019
This book allowed me to see some insight into Lydia who I was introduced to in the gone series. We are able to see what her life is like with her husband Dean who is away a lot on business. She knows that things are not perfect and haven’t been for quite some time but what she discovers he has been doing is so much worse then she thought.
A great story and a page turner. I would recommend this book even if you have not read the Gone series yet.
A great story and a page turner. I would recommend this book even if you have not read the Gone series yet.
March 23, 2019
Good Thriller
I was interested from the beginning with story. About halfway thru I lost interest because it felt like the story was going nowhere. I stopped reading maybe at the 3/4's mark. After a few months I decided to try reading it again. The last quarter finally started to engage my interest right to the end. I liked the book but I am just not into reading long story lines with no action.
I was interested from the beginning with story. About halfway thru I lost interest because it felt like the story was going nowhere. I stopped reading maybe at the 3/4's mark. After a few months I decided to try reading it again. The last quarter finally started to engage my interest right to the end. I liked the book but I am just not into reading long story lines with no action.
July 30, 2019
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I just felt that the story as a whole was a little bit on the Eh, side. It didn't such me in until literally the last two chapters. I also spotted a lot of errors, which made it a bit difficult to read and get a full understand of what each character was saying. So i give this book 3 out of 5 stars. Because i didn't love it, but i also didn't hate it. It was just ok.
March 24, 2020
Lydia has it all. Looks, a beautiful home, clothes, shoes. She wants for nothing. Except a husband.
Oh, she's married, but Dean is not around much anymore. And, when he is home...well that's another story.
Thank God for her friends. Because all the lies and cheating are just too much. A neighborhood filled with it. And Lydia's one of them. Can she make it right and win back her husband? Will she want to after what she's found out? Well, that IS the other story.
Oh, she's married, but Dean is not around much anymore. And, when he is home...well that's another story.
Thank God for her friends. Because all the lies and cheating are just too much. A neighborhood filled with it. And Lydia's one of them. Can she make it right and win back her husband? Will she want to after what she's found out? Well, that IS the other story.
June 5, 2017
Absolutely enjoyed this suspenseful page turner read. At the start I thought Lydia was a bit weak and annoying but once I got into the book a bit further I liked her character. Great plot but the only thing that I felt let down about was the ending. I just thought it could have been a bit more to it. Still really liked this though.
June 30, 2017
Received this book for my personal opinion and i have to say it is a Perfect addition to the gone trilogy. You can learn so much about about the characters .
No matter what book she writes this amazing women it just gets better every time. The thrills and suspense the twists and turns are amazing!! Will read it again definitely.
No matter what book she writes this amazing women it just gets better every time. The thrills and suspense the twists and turns are amazing!! Will read it again definitely.
February 27, 2018
Good idea, not well written
The plot was interesting but the main characters were so one dimensional, shallow and completely unrelatable and while the idea was good, the story had no depth. It reads like a bad YA novel. And the number of typos in this book was embarrassing.
The plot was interesting but the main characters were so one dimensional, shallow and completely unrelatable and while the idea was good, the story had no depth. It reads like a bad YA novel. And the number of typos in this book was embarrassing.
July 29, 2018
One of the worst books I’ve read in ages. Shallow female characters with no moral compasses, tedious insipid dialogue and a ridiculous plot made me sad for any woman who identified with any of this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews