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ALL SHE WANTS IS JUSTICE...

Who killed Emily Wallace's best friend ten years ago? Emily is certain it was Clint Austin, the town bad boy. As the key witness, Emily ensured Clint was convicted and sentenced for the crime. When he is released on parole, Emily is determined that he never forget what he has done.

HE WILL HAVE HIS REVENGE...

Clint Austin served ten years for a crime he did not commit. No one or nothing is going to stand in his way of finding the truth and clearing his name--not even the naive young girl he once loved from afar.

When the fire between them blazes out of control, will either one survive? Or will the real killer strike again?

*This book was previously published as Traceless by Debra Webb from St. Martins Press

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2007

127 people are currently reading
821 people want to read

About the author

Debra Webb

542 books2,314 followers
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

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5 stars
241 (34%)
4 stars
252 (36%)
3 stars
150 (21%)
2 stars
42 (6%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews962 followers
September 28, 2010
Depressing story with unlikeable characters.

This was listed in a romance magazine as "romantic suspense" which I find erroneous. I would call it a murder mystery with some suspense. There was only a tiny amount of romance in this book. I don't care for murder mysteries, so my rating is low. Fans of murder mysteries might enjoy it. I did not. For about the first two-thirds of the book, I was angry and frustrated with the plot and characters. Too many people in a small town were cowards and would not stand up against meanness and cruelty. I was depressed and sad at what Clint (who was innocent) went through during his 10 years in jail. A number of people knew he was innocent but participated in sending him to jail. Not one person who knew the truth was honorable and willing to tell the truth. It makes one lose faith in humanity. I also did not like Emily, the female protagonist. She was a wimp. She refused to face logic. She was a witness, but due to her emotional instability was unable to fairly communicate what she saw. She was constantly emotionally unstable, even as new evidence arose, she would not want to think about it. I don't enjoy reading about people like her. By the end of the book, the murders and blackmailing are solved and there is a happy ending for the couple. But, the small positives at the end were not enough to make reading the rest of the book worthwhile.

Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: about six. Setting: current day Pine bluff, Alabama. Copyright: 2007. Genre: murder mystery suspense (with a touch of romance).
Profile Image for Cassidy.
4 reviews
August 6, 2012
I was sifting through reviews after I'd finished this book and one thing people fail to mention is what a poor ending it has. Sure the couple have their happy ever after, but they allow the lies and corruption that drove their town and their lives to destruction to continue. I admit they were stuck between a rock and a hard place, what with the incriminating tape the police had, but I have never read about heroes who just let that stop them.


Despite this, I did enjoy the suspense in this novel. However, Emily was an unlikeable character and the romance between her and Clint didn't play out as sweet as it should have.
Profile Image for Jo Ann Reinhold.
424 reviews44 followers
November 19, 2018
At 19 Clint Austin was convicted of murdering Emily Wallace's best friend. It was her testimony that sealed his fate and sent the cocky town bad boy to one of the worst prisons in the southeast. But after 10 long brutal years, he is free. The parole board has decided that 10 years for a crime with little or no evidence was long enough and now Clint is out to find out who took his life from him, and he wants his revenge
Emily is in shock, she knew what she saw so how could they let him out? She is determined to find a way to put him back where he belongs..or does he... she wants justice for her friend but are things really how she thinks they are?
Both are out to find the truth but as the tensions rise and the lies are exposed will either of them survive?
This book IS Debra Webb. The clock ticking edgy suspense with the strong, well-developed characters and intense chemistry it is s exactly what you expect when you pick up one of her books.
This is a book I totally recommend!
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,732 reviews187 followers
November 18, 2018
The toxicity of small towns—where everyone it seems, is guilty of one thing or another—and the massive cover-up is the focus of ‘Clint’, as Debra Webb unravels the poison that people have been living with the past decade, since the murder of Heather Baker.

Finally getting parole after a decade in prison, Clint Austin’s release stirs up Pine Bluff’s anger and ruffles more than a few feathers and brings all the dirty secrets to light that most people need to see buried. Rough-hewn, cynically bitter but determined to clear his name, Clint bulldozes his way through a hometown hell-bent on getting him back in jail where they think he belongs,

I couldn’t figure out how the pieces added up somehow: there are affairs, rumours of cheating, ruthless ambitions, a corrupt police force, sideways glances that hide so many things, and dialogues that bring you to the brink of some kind of breakthrough but don’t reveal much more. A bunch of red-herrings in the multiple POVs that Webb provides certainly contribute to the confusion and the continual guessing.

That it involves a bunch of adults (still living in the same town) trying to cover their high-school depravities however, makes this feel more petty than the usual high-octane and high-level crime stories because of the subject matter and circumstances.

Nonetheless, I’ve always liked Webb’s writing and ‘Clint’ is yet another reminder why I do. Gritty, emotion-laden and full of suspense, Webb spins a web (pun intended?) of mystery that’s easy to get caught up in from the first chapter onwards, with a vivid picture of the wrongly accused man who’d wasted 10 years of his life. The complicated relationship between Clint and his unlikely enemy-turned-accomplice Emily Wallace was as intriguing—and almost forbiddingly hot—as it was unexpected, and I grew to admire Emily’s steely core as the story progressed.

I did wish however, for a conclusion that didn’t skip the HEA that Clint/Emily had ‘off-stage’ so to speak; their alliance throughout the book lasted a mere week and in that short time, I felt like I’d missed out on their enemies-to-lovers tale which did deserve a little more drawn-out attention than what was given in any case. The gripe aside, ‘Clint’—as a re-release of the story formerly known as 'Traceless’ all those years ago—is like re-discovering an old friend: it’s a reminder of the older but solid and classic romantic suspense titles (when RS was at its peak) of which I couldn’t get enough.
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,335 reviews46 followers
April 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this suspense/mystery/romance. Clint was sent to jail ten years ago at the age of nineteen for a murder he knew he didn't commit. Emily found him sitting next to her dead friend Heather, in Emily's bedroom, blood everywhere and she was the prosecutor's key witness. Now Clint's just been released and has returned home to the house his mother left him, set just outside of the biased, southern small town they grew up in. Everyone hates him and many of his former friends decide to run him out of town, but Clint's now hard and tough and he won't go easily.

Clint is determined to somehow find out what really happened, but he can't do that without Emily's cooperation. Em has recently come back home to visit her parents, (she left a short while after the murder). She's obsessed with trying to send Clint back to prison, so she follows him around in her car, hoping to catch him violating his parole. The two of them secretly 'liked' each other as teens, but never actually had a relationship, apart from one brief encounter a few days before the murder.

There are lots of twists and turns and red herrings, because so many characters could actually be Heather's killer. There are multiple points of view from many of the towns people, which took a bit of wrapping my head around to start with, but I got used to it and it made everything more interesting. Each third person POV has it's own chapter, some quite short, so it's easy to follow. (A bit like watching a movie). All points of view make this a very layered mystery, because some of them are from anonymous characters. Then of course, another murder happens...

This is primarily Clint's and Emily's story and there is a slow burn romance with some steamy scenes that are well written, but not overly descriptive, as this book is all about the back story. It kept me interested and I needed to know 'who did it'. I sort of figured some of it out in the second half, but I didn't guess everything. The plot was well thought out and I look forward to reading more from this author. 4.5 stars.
1,134 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2020
Clint Austin served 10 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Now that he is paroled he wants to find the real killer. When people are murdered he is the first person they look at. Will he be railroaded again or will he be able to find the killer first before he is the next to die.

Fast paced and full of suspense and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Romantic suspense and mystery,
Profile Image for Saadia.
476 reviews
January 11, 2012
Actually, I liked the book better than I anticipated, this being my first time reading a Debra Webb story.

I thought it was very well written, in good English, with a tight pace, suspense and believable characters in a small town setting. Obviously the buried past rears its head and starts wreaking havoc as wrongfully convicted and returning townie Clint tries to rattle a few cages. Emily is the young woman who discovered the body of her best girlfriend in her own bedroom, with Clint beside it and her testimony was crucial in sending him to prison.

The town police tries its best to keep the citizenry on track but fails. Two more murders and arson attempts erupt. Who are the bad guys (or gals, hint, hint...)?

One question came to mind: why did Sid Fairgate decide to tell Emily about Clint's alibi? He claimed that a previous negotiation failed to live to his expectations but that is not likely. He did it just because he wanted to be a good citizen and his conscience bothered him? to stir the waters and see what would happen? His statement shatters Emily's belief in Clint's guilt and sends her on a path of no return for the truth. Things start happening fast after that.

Note: the hero and heroine finally consummate their long-standing unquenchable physical attraction in the middle of the novel, in a very explicit and psychologically purging scene.
Profile Image for Frank.
33 reviews
April 24, 2009
A convicted murderer gets out on parole and returns to the small town the crime took place. His reasoning...He's innocent. Nobody in this town wants Clint (The murderer) to come back, but he has his own agenda...The truth!...It seems that everyone in this town is in on dirty little secrets that set the stage for an unorthodox investigation by a convicted murderer and the best friend of the murdered girl.

I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Celeste.
260 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2009
Traceless was a very quick entertaining read for me and my very first Debra Webb book. Which, is great, because I love finding new authors to read and enjoy!

The story really gets your emotions going right off the bat. I seriously wanted to scream at and/or hit someone for Clint from the very beginning! He and Emily's relationship seemed very sweet and I'd been anticipating their HEA all through the book. It did not disappoint! :)
Profile Image for Joyce Stewart Reviews.
566 reviews44 followers
March 2, 2019
CLINT (Dark and Dangerous Romantic Suspense Book 1)
By Debra Webb

A gripping read that had me hooked right from the first page until the last!

Clint has been paroled from prison after serving 10 years for a murder he did not commit. Now he is back in his small hometown in Alabama determined to find out who the real killer is and clear his name. He is also out for revenge over losing 10 years of his life in a very brutal prison. Many people in the town already know who the real killer is but rather let Clint take the fall for it.

Emily a girl Clint once loved is certain it was Clint Austin, the town bad boy who killed her best friend . After all she was the key witness who "claimed" she saw him murder her best friend. It was not until really bad things happen to Clint that she started to really seek the truth. Will either of them be able to find the real killer ? Or will the killer strike again ?

This was such a very entertaining story full the suspense. There is no doubt that this story had an action-packed plot wrote by a very talented author. For thoes of you that have kindle unlimited you can read it for free right now.

As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads
& Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
Profile Image for Nancy.
170 reviews64 followers
December 11, 2018
What a great way to start a new series with "Clint"! This book is a real page turner. Once you start reading it, you will be amazed at all that Clint has had to endure during his 10 years in prison. He was convicted of murdering Emily Wallace's best friend. Her testimony sealed his fate and sent the once bad boy to prison. After dreaming of his release it finally becomes a reality for him, he is free.

Revenge is the one thing that got him through his sentence and he wants to find the true murderer. He is returning to the small town that falsely accused him of murder and the very person who was the main witness in his trial has returned to town. All of the townspeople are angry and out to get him. Now Emily is here and after seeing him she is in shock and does not understand why he is free. She wants justice for her friend, everyone thinks she is crazy as she begins to question the lack of real evidence against him....Did she make a mistake?

As attempts are made on Clint's home, vechile and other confrontations by unknown townspeople she is beginning to think that just maybe he might be innocent. They join forces to seek out the truth but are they willing to pay the price that it demands to answer these questions??

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense at its best. I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,226 reviews76 followers
November 30, 2018
This is edgy, dark, romantic suspense at its very best! Clint has been paroled from prison after serving ten years for a crime he didn’t commit. Emily is determined to send him back to prison where she is convinced that he belongs. After all, she witnessed his killing her best friend Heather. Since both main characters are seeking justice, you would expect them to join forces at some time. But they are on opposite sides of the justice issue. It takes some really horrific events happening to Clint before Emily starts to seek the truth. Many of the townspeople in the small Alabama town already know the truth, but they are content to let Clint take the fall for the murder. As the book races to a stunning conclusion, lies are exposed and the truth finally comes out. This is Debra Webb using her talent, drawing the reader into the web of suspense and keeping you there until the satisfying ending.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book from Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review, so the reviews expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Dasha.
1,559 reviews21 followers
abandonados
September 20, 2021
Bueno. Lo he vuelto a intentar con un libro de esta escritora.
Nop. No es para mí. Es que parece que Debra Webb elige los clichés que más odio, ya no solo de la novela romántica si no de la literatura en general, y los incluye en cada saga escrita por ella que he intentado leer.

No voy a entrar en detalles porque es una cuestión de gustos personales y, además, son clichés de los que me quejo tan a menudo que a estas alturas es innecesario enumerarlos 🙄

Una lástima porque los primeros capítulos me estaban gustando bastante.
No soy tan masoquista como para seguir leyendo a esta escritora (ya veremos si es verdad 😂).
Profile Image for Michelle.
536 reviews
December 11, 2018
Clint Austin has just been released from prison for serving a sentence for a crime he didn't commit. He returns to his hometown to try to clear his name. The one person who can help him do that is the one who put him in jail. Emily is determined to catch Clint making a mistake so he can be put back in jail. As both of them are trying to find out the truth on what really happened the night Emily's best friend was murdered, the real killer is starting to get nervous and many of the town's secrets are starting to come out. A great fast page turner that grips you from start to finish.
Profile Image for Beverly.
272 reviews47 followers
November 26, 2018
Wow

I didn't guess the ending at all. So we'll done I felt so bad for Clint at times I wanted to hug him and Em I felt for her and her loss and her bed to the truth Nd vengeance and I wanted to shout at the injustice while turning pages to find out who done it and what was the real truth so good! Highly recommend
891 reviews13 followers
November 18, 2018

Clint
Debra Webb
So many twists and turns that leaves your mind boggled! You think you have it figured out and then you doubt your decision. Heart breaks for Clint and Emily.
A gripping tale of too many lies, too many secrets, too many lives changed forever.
Can’t put it down until the end.
Profile Image for Joyce Westmoreland.
185 reviews16 followers
September 2, 2019
I truly enjoyed Clint. Clint had so much to offer and the chemistry between the characters is amazing. Clint is another hit for Debra Webb. Debra never lets her fans down. She is a wonderful storyteller.
237 reviews
October 12, 2019
Just couldn’t push through

While this book seemed to have all the ingredients for a good read, I found myself watching the percentage as I read and just finally couldn’t continue. The story just too much in the beginning and wasn’t going anywhere.
Profile Image for Terry Taggart.
5 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2019
Good book. Kept me up late to finish it. Good job.

I like mystery s I can't figure out. Did not see the ending coming. Wonder what comes next. Another book?
475 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2019
OVERSEXED!!!

At first I couldn't figure out why she was going into such graphic details about the characters sex lives. It soon made sense.
206 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2019
A man gets out of prison and bodies pile up. Steamy sex scenes and bad language.
1,073 reviews
May 16, 2021
easy light summer reading. Liked that I didn't have it all figured out until the ending although the solution probably realistic but unsatisfactory
930 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2023
Always a thrilling read,thanks for entertaining me Debra Webb,I appreciate you 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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