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Gone Saga #5
No Return
This is a spinoff from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. It can be read as a standalone.
Family comes first. Until it kills you…
Rusty Caldwell is a lonely victim of tragedy. After losing his wife and kids to a drunk driver, he spends most nights towing drunks to keep them off the streets. His one-track existence takes a turn when he finds out his estranged sister Mandy has committed suicide.
After flying out to offer his support, Rusty learns there’s much more to the story. It turns out his sister had been cheating on her husband Chris with Travis Calloway, the rich CEO of the biggest company in town. Before Mandy died, she claimed that Travis fathered one of her children and demanded that he pay up…
Rusty and Mandy’s neighbor Laura look into Travis, only to receive death threats for their troubles. With Travis and Chris both looking guilty, Rusty better find out the truth before he’s the next one to fall.
No Return is a compelling suspense dealing with themes of loss and forgiveness. If you like gripping page-turners, twisted villains, and surprising twists and turns, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s latest chilling creation.
Family comes first. Until it kills you…
Rusty Caldwell is a lonely victim of tragedy. After losing his wife and kids to a drunk driver, he spends most nights towing drunks to keep them off the streets. His one-track existence takes a turn when he finds out his estranged sister Mandy has committed suicide.
After flying out to offer his support, Rusty learns there’s much more to the story. It turns out his sister had been cheating on her husband Chris with Travis Calloway, the rich CEO of the biggest company in town. Before Mandy died, she claimed that Travis fathered one of her children and demanded that he pay up…
Rusty and Mandy’s neighbor Laura look into Travis, only to receive death threats for their troubles. With Travis and Chris both looking guilty, Rusty better find out the truth before he’s the next one to fall.
No Return is a compelling suspense dealing with themes of loss and forgiveness. If you like gripping page-turners, twisted villains, and surprising twists and turns, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s latest chilling creation.
250 pages, ebook
First published February 6, 2016
176 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
185 books1,427 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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 21, 2024
No Return - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The assumed 'suicide' of his long-estranged sister, Mandy, begins a tangled nightmare for her brother Russell aka 'Rusty', as he's positive she was murdered.
He travels across the country to reunite with his brother-in-law Chris Oates, who's being questioned by police as chief suspect, leaving Rusty to take care of his niece, Kaylie and nephew Brady. He also meets Mandy's best friend and neighbor, Laura, to whom he feels an instant (mutual), attraction.
When the shocking truth's revealed, Rusty and Laura must fight a powerful enemy every step of the way, putting them and the family in grave danger along the way. Can justice be done?
Get your copy of Stacey Claflin's riveting, psychological revenge- thriller, No Return, bit make sure you haven't left yourself unprotected, by stocking up on snacks and hot/cold beverages, as you'll want to read it in one sitting - you'll be up all night, for sure!
The assumed 'suicide' of his long-estranged sister, Mandy, begins a tangled nightmare for her brother Russell aka 'Rusty', as he's positive she was murdered.
He travels across the country to reunite with his brother-in-law Chris Oates, who's being questioned by police as chief suspect, leaving Rusty to take care of his niece, Kaylie and nephew Brady. He also meets Mandy's best friend and neighbor, Laura, to whom he feels an instant (mutual), attraction.
When the shocking truth's revealed, Rusty and Laura must fight a powerful enemy every step of the way, putting them and the family in grave danger along the way. Can justice be done?
Get your copy of Stacey Claflin's riveting, psychological revenge- thriller, No Return, bit make sure you haven't left yourself unprotected, by stocking up on snacks and hot/cold beverages, as you'll want to read it in one sitting - you'll be up all night, for sure!
January 24, 2020
If you enjoy a book that will pull you in from the first few pages then you will want to read this story. We met the main character Rusty in the Gone Trilogy, an excellent series that you really should read!. Rusty has lost his family and so no-one else will live through the pain he did he tows people home at night if they have had too much to drink. He is one really great guy. But Rusty is hit straight to the gut when he catches sight of a news headline. His estranged sister that he hasn't seen in years has committed suicide. Rusty doesn't even think, he just catches a plane to be at the side of her husband and 2 children. When weird things start to come to life Rusty and his sister, Mandi's, best friend Laura begin to wonder if Mandi really committed suicide. This story is one of Ms. Claflin's best. As we meet Mandi's beautiful children your heart will go out to them and what they are suffering with. Rusty has so much to deal with in his own life and when it starts falling apart, you will share tears with him. There is also mystery and suspense in this story as Laura and Rusty find out things that someone doesn't want them too. Especially when secrets come out and "accidents" happen. I loved the entire book especially the ending, just beautiful. Take a chance and purchase this book you will not be disappointed.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher,, this review is totally my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher,, this review is totally my own honest opinion.
January 20, 2020
👨👧👦Family lost and family found: suspense with heart😊👍
4.5🌟stars
I really loved hero Rusty Caldwell and this tale of loss, estrangement and addiction held at bay until tragedy strikes from the other side of the country and family needs draw him out of his self-imposed isolation.
The mystery and suspense kept going throughout and Rusty is in the middle of it all. The pace was good, the characters realistically flawed and complex, and the plot kept me closely engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone story (though policeman Nick Fleshman and Alex and Alyssa Mercer pre Claflin's excellent Alex Mercer series make cameo appearances), right down to the heart-to-heart talk with nephew Brady at the end.👍👍
With a choice of prime suspects in his sister Mandy's death and anonymous threats dogging him as he tries to discover the truth of her demise, Rusty is an amateur detective with regrets, misgivings and yet a strong sense of duty to his niece and nephew and, maybe, the chance to reach for a new happiness. He's the kind of stand-up guy that puts family first and can even cook a killer meal and win over a woman who has given up on men. What a hero!😍😍
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4.5🌟stars
I really loved hero Rusty Caldwell and this tale of loss, estrangement and addiction held at bay until tragedy strikes from the other side of the country and family needs draw him out of his self-imposed isolation.
The mystery and suspense kept going throughout and Rusty is in the middle of it all. The pace was good, the characters realistically flawed and complex, and the plot kept me closely engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone story (though policeman Nick Fleshman and Alex and Alyssa Mercer pre Claflin's excellent Alex Mercer series make cameo appearances), right down to the heart-to-heart talk with nephew Brady at the end.👍👍
With a choice of prime suspects in his sister Mandy's death and anonymous threats dogging him as he tries to discover the truth of her demise, Rusty is an amateur detective with regrets, misgivings and yet a strong sense of duty to his niece and nephew and, maybe, the chance to reach for a new happiness. He's the kind of stand-up guy that puts family first and can even cook a killer meal and win over a woman who has given up on men. What a hero!😍😍
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 12, 2019
Rusty represents a terrific character that we need more of like him!I l admit!
I liked Rusty long before I read This Book Too!!! To have his own two truck business, but THEN go to the bars and take people home free of charge that were to drunk to drive because his family was killed by drunk driver. This was his way to help! And what a way to help! Wow! Kudos to Rusty! (And there is probably a real person somewhere in USA that's done this! Yes, Rusty hit a very low after the deaths of his wife, son, and daughter and I believe we can all understand that as a reason. We all handle deaths differently! I have lost a spouse and a child! They both really hurt at their times, I'll admit. HOWEVER, it was the loss of my son that about sent me over the edge...And several times!
I liked Rusty long before I read This Book Too!!! To have his own two truck business, but THEN go to the bars and take people home free of charge that were to drunk to drive because his family was killed by drunk driver. This was his way to help! And what a way to help! Wow! Kudos to Rusty! (And there is probably a real person somewhere in USA that's done this! Yes, Rusty hit a very low after the deaths of his wife, son, and daughter and I believe we can all understand that as a reason. We all handle deaths differently! I have lost a spouse and a child! They both really hurt at their times, I'll admit. HOWEVER, it was the loss of my son that about sent me over the edge...And several times!
April 30, 2019
Rusty was estranged from his sister Mandy. To find her name and suicide the headline of the newspaper, goes beyond shock for him. With hope that someday they would once again communicate. He was able to go and help his brother in law and their two children. Laura next door, fills in the blanks about the missing fifteen years since he last saw Mandy. They don’t think it is suicide, then what is it. The arguing between parents, a diary that says a child is really from an affair. A neighbor, who says the girls couldn’t get together and do anything he wanted her close to the house all the time. The police are questioning the husband for hours,
Showing that grief is hard to move pass and heal when there are questions.
A page turner, that carries you to the end.
Showing that grief is hard to move pass and heal when there are questions.
A page turner, that carries you to the end.
January 31, 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 #2 - No Return
Another worthwhile read! This book centers on Rusty, with a checkered past and estranged from his family. When his sister commits suicide, he returns to the family during this tragic time...only to begin to suspect foul play instead. Rusty needs to be careful with his niece and nephew as he seeks answers. Much is at stake: safety, family, justice, and potential love.
Book #2 - No Return
Another worthwhile read! This book centers on Rusty, with a checkered past and estranged from his family. When his sister commits suicide, he returns to the family during this tragic time...only to begin to suspect foul play instead. Rusty needs to be careful with his niece and nephew as he seeks answers. Much is at stake: safety, family, justice, and potential love.
October 17, 2023
Rusty is called away from his business when he learns of his estranged sister's suicide. Though his niece and nephew don't know him, he is determined to help them through their grief. Afterall, he has experienced this grief with the deaths of his wife and children.
Rusty arrives in Florida, but begins to suspect that his sister did not in fact commit suicide. In fact, police suspect her husband, Chris.
I enjoyed reading about Rusty's perseverance to bring justice for his sister. As well as, bringing his family back together.
Rusty arrives in Florida, but begins to suspect that his sister did not in fact commit suicide. In fact, police suspect her husband, Chris.
I enjoyed reading about Rusty's perseverance to bring justice for his sister. As well as, bringing his family back together.
July 19, 2018
Thank you Ms. Claflin...again!
She did it again! I can't believe how she can do this to me, again. Ms. Claflin, you're a genius. No Return was as great as Gone and Dean's List. Great!
Rusty experiences all of the human emotions we would ALL experience in the same situation. The character rings so true. Laura is a love. Travis was genuinely hateful. Hateful! He made my flesh crawl. Cheers to Rusty for beating Travis up. Thank you Ms. Claflin, again!
She did it again! I can't believe how she can do this to me, again. Ms. Claflin, you're a genius. No Return was as great as Gone and Dean's List. Great!
Rusty experiences all of the human emotions we would ALL experience in the same situation. The character rings so true. Laura is a love. Travis was genuinely hateful. Hateful! He made my flesh crawl. Cheers to Rusty for beating Travis up. Thank you Ms. Claflin, again!
January 26, 2020
I’ve always enjoyed this author! I grew to really like Rusty and feel for him due to what he’s been through. There’s some slow parts and then at the end I felt like it was a bit rushed. All of sudden Travis is in prison and I don’t remember reading how he even go there, so wasn’t a fan of that and how it was rushed but overall it was a pretty good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
Side story to the Gone series
This story is about Rusty, the two truck driver that hangs out in bars giving people who had too much to drink a ride home. It's a good story of how he concurs his demons.
This story is about Rusty, the two truck driver that hangs out in bars giving people who had too much to drink a ride home. It's a good story of how he concurs his demons.
May 12, 2019
Yet another amazing story
I recently found this author and I can’t stop reading her stories. This one was no different. Well written with characters that you are invested in all the way until the end.
I recently found this author and I can’t stop reading her stories. This one was no different. Well written with characters that you are invested in all the way until the end.
May 28, 2020
And again Claflin takes Rusty from Gone and creates this story as his own. Great to read the transformation he made and how he softened for his niece and nephew, and of course a women. Claflin takes you on a ride you do t want to get off. Suspenseful and gripping!
February 23, 2021
Not my favorite
A little too "sweet" for me. I felt like I was reading a book written by a teenager about an imaginary family. However, this one disappointing book will not change my reading author's books.
A little too "sweet" for me. I felt like I was reading a book written by a teenager about an imaginary family. However, this one disappointing book will not change my reading author's books.
October 12, 2023
Great book
I enjoyed all the characters. The story line kept my interest with just enough suspense to keep me wanting to read. The series was good. I would like to know Laura’s story. Keep on writing!
I enjoyed all the characters. The story line kept my interest with just enough suspense to keep me wanting to read. The series was good. I would like to know Laura’s story. Keep on writing!
June 3, 2018
Love it
Great sequel to a series. Must read book. Could not put it down perfectly written . Can not wait for the next book in the series.
Great sequel to a series. Must read book. Could not put it down perfectly written . Can not wait for the next book in the series.
August 15, 2018
A great addition to the home series, kept me interested
August 16, 2018
Awesome!!!!
Stacy Claflin nails it out of the park once again!!!!!
Loved getting to know Rusty's story. Love a happy ending
Stacy Claflin nails it out of the park once again!!!!!
Loved getting to know Rusty's story. Love a happy ending
September 26, 2018
Absolutely excellent. Can't wait for the next instalment.
March 26, 2020
Loved it. Thanks.
August 12, 2021
I liked it ! 😁 I was hoping for more of an inspirational type of story line but it was a good clean mystery and with love and family being important !
March 27, 2022
This was a great story. Well worth reading.
April 23, 2022
How much can a body take? No Return will help you understand.
A well paced tale of evil and justice with a touch of romance.
Enjoyable read.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
A well paced tale of evil and justice with a touch of romance.
Enjoyable read.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
May 3, 2022
Wow so many secrets, twists and turns. Rusty has now lost another family member. Enjoyed following the clues along with him and Laura. Things and people aren't always what we think. Great ending.
July 16, 2022
I found No Return a very moving and enjoyable suspense read.
Thank you Stacy Claflin.
Thank you Stacy Claflin.
January 14, 2023
Suspenseful, fast paced story. A mystery that needs to be solved. An amazing how did it happen and why to keep your interest. Don’t miss out.
June 13, 2023
Pretty good. A few slow parts and fairly predictable ending.
May 12, 2025
Story about family and loss
It was a good read. It was filled with sadness and love. It was easy to predict the killer but still Leroy you engaged throughout the book.
It was a good read. It was filled with sadness and love. It was easy to predict the killer but still Leroy you engaged throughout the book.
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 5, 2026Did not like authors writing in this series. Will maybe try newer books
August 8, 2022
I wanted to know more about the character Rusty, he was introduced to us in the Gone Series. I just love Rusty he is a keeper. Thanks for sharing this character with us.
January 10, 2018
Another great book - I enjoyed the Gone series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews