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Alex Mercer #6
Tainted Love
A mommy blogger gone bad…Jess McAdams dotes on her four children and gives advice and suggestions to parents all around the world. No one would ever question her love and devotion to her children, let alone suspect her of murdering one.
But Alex Mercer does.
Alex has plenty of experience investigating crimes involving missing kids. So when he senses something is wrong, he trusts his instincts.
He receives a tip that Jess has suddenly stopped posting about one of her children. It’s almost as if he never existed, except her old blog posts show otherwise. The deeper Alex digs, the more twisted and sinister things look...
His only chance at finding the proof he needs is by using resources he's been denied. But Alex will stop at nothing until he finds the mommy blogger and saves the children he knows are in danger—even at the risk of losing his dream job—because he knows he's right.
And with young lives on the line, there's a lot more at stake than his career.
But Alex Mercer does.
Alex has plenty of experience investigating crimes involving missing kids. So when he senses something is wrong, he trusts his instincts.
He receives a tip that Jess has suddenly stopped posting about one of her children. It’s almost as if he never existed, except her old blog posts show otherwise. The deeper Alex digs, the more twisted and sinister things look...
His only chance at finding the proof he needs is by using resources he's been denied. But Alex will stop at nothing until he finds the mommy blogger and saves the children he knows are in danger—even at the risk of losing his dream job—because he knows he's right.
And with young lives on the line, there's a lot more at stake than his career.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
228 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
187 books1,432 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 21, 2021
Stacy claflin is such a talented author. This series is by far by favorite thriller series. I love how Alex has grown,he is my favorite character. I love the man he has become and I can't wait to see what he perseveres through next.
March 11, 2019
Alex Mercer series:
Tainted Love #6 - Another kickin' thriller. Well written and well thought out, this book hooks the reader into the pages making it difficult to put down. Ava got on my nerves somewhat but she had to be that way for the story to roll along. While the past comes to haunt Nick and family, Alex is working on a missing boy trying to find the mommy blogger that claims the boy is hers. All the storylines mesh well together and Ms. Claflin's descriptions leave clear pictures of the world she has done such a good job over the past six books. While this is a rollercoaster of a ride, the story is clean and pleasure to read. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Girl In Trouble #1 - What a Thriller! A well written thriller, with believable characters, that grabs you and doesn't let go until you finish the book. The 11-year-old girl is amazing in her handling of the horrible situation. I contacted the author to do reviews and she graciously sent me this book. No vulgar language or sex. 5*
Turn Back Time #2 - Another thrilling book. A well written thriller that takes place six months after A Girl In Trouble ends. More heartache is in store for the family in this well written book with its well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. While TBT can be read by itself, the book AGIT should be read first. This is one of many books I have read by the author and she written many 5 star books; she doesn't disappoint the reader. 5*
Little Lies #3 - A well written, suspense filled, action packed novel filled with the characters from the Gone Saga, set ten years later. The well though out plot, along with the developed characters and their realistic dialog, immerses the reader in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint the reader with this book. 5*
Against All Odds #4 - More woes for Alex and family and friends in a fast paced, intriguing suspense. Our favorite characters are still their interesting, evolving selves; the dialog is still realistic and intelligent; and the well thought out plot keeps the reader immersed in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint with her well written Alex Mercer series, which gives the best enjoyment by reading sequentially. No vulgar language or sex. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Don't Forget Me #5 - More woes, again! A well written, suspense filled visit with the Mercers and family. I wondered if the past would return to bite them again. Once started, like the rest of this series, it's hard to put the book down. The storylines are well thought out; the characters are evolving more with each book; and the dialog is realistic, believable. This is a dark subject and Ms. Claflin has done another wonderful job with her vivid descriptions, characters and twisting plot. A standalone, but these books should be read sequential for best value and entertainment. Ms. Claflin sheds a little information about past events in all the books of this series, as needed, but the books should be read to get the whole story. This series immerses the reader in the Mercer world and each has been difficult to put down before the last page. 5*
Alex Mercer series: End
Tainted Love #6 - Another kickin' thriller. Well written and well thought out, this book hooks the reader into the pages making it difficult to put down. Ava got on my nerves somewhat but she had to be that way for the story to roll along. While the past comes to haunt Nick and family, Alex is working on a missing boy trying to find the mommy blogger that claims the boy is hers. All the storylines mesh well together and Ms. Claflin's descriptions leave clear pictures of the world she has done such a good job over the past six books. While this is a rollercoaster of a ride, the story is clean and pleasure to read. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Girl In Trouble #1 - What a Thriller! A well written thriller, with believable characters, that grabs you and doesn't let go until you finish the book. The 11-year-old girl is amazing in her handling of the horrible situation. I contacted the author to do reviews and she graciously sent me this book. No vulgar language or sex. 5*
Turn Back Time #2 - Another thrilling book. A well written thriller that takes place six months after A Girl In Trouble ends. More heartache is in store for the family in this well written book with its well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. While TBT can be read by itself, the book AGIT should be read first. This is one of many books I have read by the author and she written many 5 star books; she doesn't disappoint the reader. 5*
Little Lies #3 - A well written, suspense filled, action packed novel filled with the characters from the Gone Saga, set ten years later. The well though out plot, along with the developed characters and their realistic dialog, immerses the reader in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint the reader with this book. 5*
Against All Odds #4 - More woes for Alex and family and friends in a fast paced, intriguing suspense. Our favorite characters are still their interesting, evolving selves; the dialog is still realistic and intelligent; and the well thought out plot keeps the reader immersed in the story. Ms. Claflin doesn't disappoint with her well written Alex Mercer series, which gives the best enjoyment by reading sequentially. No vulgar language or sex. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Don't Forget Me #5 - More woes, again! A well written, suspense filled visit with the Mercers and family. I wondered if the past would return to bite them again. Once started, like the rest of this series, it's hard to put the book down. The storylines are well thought out; the characters are evolving more with each book; and the dialog is realistic, believable. This is a dark subject and Ms. Claflin has done another wonderful job with her vivid descriptions, characters and twisting plot. A standalone, but these books should be read sequential for best value and entertainment. Ms. Claflin sheds a little information about past events in all the books of this series, as needed, but the books should be read to get the whole story. This series immerses the reader in the Mercer world and each has been difficult to put down before the last page. 5*
Alex Mercer series: End
March 9, 2019
Kids and wannabe moms do the darndest things!😲👶😟
👍4.5 🌟stars
Another hold on to your seat suspenseful drama with police chief Nick Fleshman and rookie cop Alex Mercer's families embroiled. Two dramas play out in this well-written thriller, one involving a single woman desperate for children and the other a young man fixated on Nick's teenage daughter Ava. There are happy and trying family moments interspersed in the story but the heavy drama and looming danger are what keeps me glued to the book. This was a quick read, partly because I could not put it down until I learned everyone's fate.
This was not the usual 5 🌟stars rating I give author Stacy Claflin's Alex Mercer thrillers because I felt one of the two central plotlines built up tension for an explosive climax but actually ended on a bit of a fizzle. The ride was great, the destination not so much. Apart from that, I loved it!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👍4.5 🌟stars
Another hold on to your seat suspenseful drama with police chief Nick Fleshman and rookie cop Alex Mercer's families embroiled. Two dramas play out in this well-written thriller, one involving a single woman desperate for children and the other a young man fixated on Nick's teenage daughter Ava. There are happy and trying family moments interspersed in the story but the heavy drama and looming danger are what keeps me glued to the book. This was a quick read, partly because I could not put it down until I learned everyone's fate.
This was not the usual 5 🌟stars rating I give author Stacy Claflin's Alex Mercer thrillers because I felt one of the two central plotlines built up tension for an explosive climax but actually ended on a bit of a fizzle. The ride was great, the destination not so much. Apart from that, I loved it!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 8, 2019
LOVED!!! This is not a standalone, you will need to have read the previous book at least to understand the who, what, where :)
This was a bit different to all the other Alex Mercer stories. This time Alex is sleuthing online to try and work out something that just isn't quiet right with a mommy blogger. An insight into the scary side of modern day online life sharing.
But that's not all that's going. There's more happening with the rest of the characters we've grown to know and love. Alex and Zoey's family has grown following on from Zoeys pregnancy in the last book. Captain Nick Fleshman and his family and love life are also involved with the continuing story flow on from the last book.
This kept me enthralled from the start and I struggled to put the book down at all. Full of mystery and suspense.
This was a bit different to all the other Alex Mercer stories. This time Alex is sleuthing online to try and work out something that just isn't quiet right with a mommy blogger. An insight into the scary side of modern day online life sharing.
But that's not all that's going. There's more happening with the rest of the characters we've grown to know and love. Alex and Zoey's family has grown following on from Zoeys pregnancy in the last book. Captain Nick Fleshman and his family and love life are also involved with the continuing story flow on from the last book.
This kept me enthralled from the start and I struggled to put the book down at all. Full of mystery and suspense.
March 12, 2019
Tainted Love by Stacy Claflin is book number 6 in the Alex Mercer Thriller series and is a 5 star read.
Alex Mercer is a police officer and also runs a blog helping to look for missing children. When he receives an email asking him to look into a mommy blogger who has had one child disappear off her blog, Alex gets right on it but he has little information to go on which makes it difficult but he won’t let it go easily.
With this being book 6 in the series it brings up things that happened in previous books and since this was my first Alex Mercer book I felt a little lost at points so I will be going back to the start, I don’t think you need to read the other books to enjoy this one but I think it might make it more enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Alex Mercer is a police officer and also runs a blog helping to look for missing children. When he receives an email asking him to look into a mommy blogger who has had one child disappear off her blog, Alex gets right on it but he has little information to go on which makes it difficult but he won’t let it go easily.
With this being book 6 in the series it brings up things that happened in previous books and since this was my first Alex Mercer book I felt a little lost at points so I will be going back to the start, I don’t think you need to read the other books to enjoy this one but I think it might make it more enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 21, 2019
I love this series, I have missed a couple of the books along the way, but I still love the series. I started this one late last night and just finished reading it. Alex is one of my favorite characters from any series. He loves his family and friends. He tries to help people. In this book, he helps his friend, police chief Nick, look for his abducted daughter. He also gets information about a mommy blogger who stopped posting about one of her children. He finds other questionable things on her blog and sets out to find out the truth. This is a really good book. It moves at a nice pace and held my interest. I recommend this book, as well as the series. Stacy Claflin is one of my favorite authors.
I received an advanced reviewer copy and my review is my own.
I received an advanced reviewer copy and my review is my own.
May 14, 2023
Nick's daughter Ava is getting text messages from her half brother letting her know he is coming for a visit. She's not happy about it as he tried to molest her several months earlier and his dad had kidnapped her.
Meanwhile, Alex is now on the police force, and his blog is still active.
He is contacted by someone who's concerned about a blogger who suddenly stopped talking about one of her children. Looking into it, Alex notices several weird things and contacts her on her blog.
He can spread his concerns on his blog, but until he has some kind of proof of wrongdoing he is not allowed to use official resources.
So now, Nick and Alex are both trying to protect Ava, and find a person possible of killing one of her kids. The outcome on this one surprises everyone involved.
Meanwhile, Alex is now on the police force, and his blog is still active.
He is contacted by someone who's concerned about a blogger who suddenly stopped talking about one of her children. Looking into it, Alex notices several weird things and contacts her on her blog.
He can spread his concerns on his blog, but until he has some kind of proof of wrongdoing he is not allowed to use official resources.
So now, Nick and Alex are both trying to protect Ava, and find a person possible of killing one of her kids. The outcome on this one surprises everyone involved.
March 13, 2019
Stacy Claflin has become one of my go to writers for thrillers. Her characters are realistic & likable. Starting this book with the child kidnapping grabbed my attention immediately & had me invested in the conclusion of the story. Having Mason show back up & this “mommy” operating at the same time was risky but the two plot lines managed to flow side by side without them getting confusing. With the subject matter of both plots, it was easy to get emotionally involved & panic. I loved this story!
March 21, 2019
Tainted Love is the new book out of the Alex Mercer Thriller series and the story doesn't disappoint. Jessica is a mommy blogger with 4 kids and Alex got a message from another blogger pointing out that one kid is no longer mentioned. Alex searches her blog for details and texts her asking about the missing boy, even creating a trending hashtag. While Jess blocks every hater, Alex doesn't let go of her so easily but he has to deal with Mason being back in his friend Nick's life. Mason is Ava's half brother, Nick's oldest daughter and madly in love with her. Hope this is enough to get you interested in reading this book 😉
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2019
Tainted Love is the 6th book in the Alex Mercer Thriller series by Stacy Claflin.
This series keeps getting better and better with each book. I read it in one sitting.
As usual, there is plenty of drama and suspense in this book. Alex is alerted to a possible missing child on his blog and then someone from the past shows up and causes trouble for Nick and his family.
It was nice to see Alex and Nick having some happy moments with everything they’ve gone through.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This series keeps getting better and better with each book. I read it in one sitting.
As usual, there is plenty of drama and suspense in this book. Alex is alerted to a possible missing child on his blog and then someone from the past shows up and causes trouble for Nick and his family.
It was nice to see Alex and Nick having some happy moments with everything they’ve gone through.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
March 15, 2019
I agree with the other reviewers. Another Alex Mercer thriller that grabs your attention from the beginning. I did get annoyed with Ava but in the end she prevailed. The other mystery line was interesting. A new angle on a subject that probably happens more than we realize in real life. Glad it was resolved. The only thing I was disappointed with is that I have to wait until the next book to see Nick and Genevieve get married.
All in all another good book. Hard to put down.
All in all another good book. Hard to put down.
August 9, 2020
Mason
This was a good read. I've become attached to the families and characters. Audible brings them to life.To think a fake pregnancy could lead to what it did. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. I would recommend this series to anyone. I find it thrilling yet relaxing. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have. Off to the next book in series.
This was a good read. I've become attached to the families and characters. Audible brings them to life.To think a fake pregnancy could lead to what it did. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. I would recommend this series to anyone. I find it thrilling yet relaxing. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have. Off to the next book in series.
March 8, 2019
Loved it! This book is full of suspense. The characters are well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly. The editing was clean with very few grammatical errors or misspelled words. This series main characters follow each book but each has different storylines. Can't wait for the next one.
March 16, 2019
Another great hit!
Not quite as gripping a read as the others in this series but still worth every bit as detailed. Claflin creates characters and story lines with so much detail you seem to be able to reach out and touch the contents of the book. This book was a long time coming and I am looking forward to additional books this year. A good read for people of all ages.
Not quite as gripping a read as the others in this series but still worth every bit as detailed. Claflin creates characters and story lines with so much detail you seem to be able to reach out and touch the contents of the book. This book was a long time coming and I am looking forward to additional books this year. A good read for people of all ages.
March 10, 2019
I enjoyed this, the 6th book in the Alex Mercer Thriller series. I was a bit confused not having read books 2 through 5, but there was enough skillfully woven backstory that it filled in the gaps.
Once again, the author has come up with a brilliant book!
Once again, the author has come up with a brilliant book!
March 12, 2019
A very good thriller. It was kind of scary since a kidnapper and a delusional young man were part of the story, both separate. The investigations and blogs were well done into bringing closure. I received a complimentary copy and this review is voluntary.
March 21, 2019
Another amazing installment to this fabulous series. A thrilling ride from start to finish, keeping you breathless until the end. Love how far Alex has come from book one and the relationships he has built around him. Can't wait for the next one :)
June 5, 2019
Twist and turn
This 6th book in the series left me hoping there is more coming. So many new stories to spin off of things in this book/series that leaves you wanting. I guess we will have to wait and see.
This 6th book in the series left me hoping there is more coming. So many new stories to spin off of things in this book/series that leaves you wanting. I guess we will have to wait and see.
March 12, 2019
What a gripping story. A mother who dotes on her four kids, or does she. Only Alex seems to feel something is wrong. Impossible to put down.
March 14, 2019
Mason is back and hunting Ava. Alex is trying to uncover a suspicious mom blogger. Nick is thinking about marrying Geneve. A rollercoaster of action, emotions and feelings. A great reading.
May 9, 2019
Amazing, intense!
This series hasnt slowed down one bit! Fast paced, exciting. Characters you can understand and relate to. Real families. Can not get enough of this author!!
This series hasnt slowed down one bit! Fast paced, exciting. Characters you can understand and relate to. Real families. Can not get enough of this author!!
May 11, 2019
Love this author and this series
This was the last book in the series and I think the author did a wonderful job tying everything together
This was the last book in the series and I think the author did a wonderful job tying everything together
February 17, 2021
A story that just keeps you hooked
Love that u get to follow on with characters in each book.Can't put it down! Love love love this series
Love that u get to follow on with characters in each book.Can't put it down! Love love love this series
November 11, 2021
I loved this book just as much as I loved her other books!
March 31, 2023
These books got me though and 8 hour job!
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
November 23, 2021
As is the great thing with most of these books in this series even though you know who did it you still have so many questions and so many twists making it very interesting and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews