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A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series #7
Little Girl Lost
When the seventeen-year-old star of the high school softball team vanishes from a small town, the victim’s estranged older sister, Bridget Dubois, returns home in order to find her. The only problem is that Bridget has a reputation, and the locals aren’t pleased by her reappearance. Without anyone to help her, Bridget must find a way to reconnect with her younger sister before time runs out.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
1576 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Clarke
219 books274 followersAlexandria Clarke is a writer, cat lover, and all-around optimist. She loves to immerse her readers in mystery and intrigue, meaningful friendships, and the worlds of characters who learn by doing. When she's not writing, Alex enjoys playing guitar, watching Wynonna Earp, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida with her partner and their four pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 5, 2017
Be warned: this isn’t a story—it’s just a prequel to a serialization.
The author offers this prequel free, but the product description does not state that this novel is inconclusive, structured with sequential installments. Clarke may as well have ended it with ellipses because it literally stops mid scene. Readers deserve to understand the necessity of purchasing the next to read a full story. At least one hopes that the next has a satisfactory ending.
Trilogies often use overarching plot arcs and end in midst of the key peril, but they close a subplot with a resolution that entices the reader to read the next installment. This book doesn’t do that. It could be a three-volume serialization—meaning it’s one story sliced into three fascicles—that Clarke markets as individual novels, which they aren’t.
World traveler Bridget Dubois returns home to North Carolina after learning that her younger sister is missing. As the search for her kidnapped sister intensifies, Bridget must confront her skeletons and play a deadly game, orchestrated by a vengeful psychopath. But Bridget and her sister inherited an unusual trait that could undermine the kidnapper’s plans.
Clarke’s writing is strong overall but without a satisfactory resolution to anything—even a subplot or a character arc—it’s an unsatisfying read. This 145-page novella drags in places. Many of the characters are under-developed, presumably to enhance them in subsequent books. The plot may be original and engaging, but it’s impossible to tell because it’s incomplete. Since Clarke chose to market this book as a standalone in the product description it must be reviewed as such. Two stars are generous based on the lack of structure, pacing, and flow.
The author offers this prequel free, but the product description does not state that this novel is inconclusive, structured with sequential installments. Clarke may as well have ended it with ellipses because it literally stops mid scene. Readers deserve to understand the necessity of purchasing the next to read a full story. At least one hopes that the next has a satisfactory ending.
Trilogies often use overarching plot arcs and end in midst of the key peril, but they close a subplot with a resolution that entices the reader to read the next installment. This book doesn’t do that. It could be a three-volume serialization—meaning it’s one story sliced into three fascicles—that Clarke markets as individual novels, which they aren’t.
World traveler Bridget Dubois returns home to North Carolina after learning that her younger sister is missing. As the search for her kidnapped sister intensifies, Bridget must confront her skeletons and play a deadly game, orchestrated by a vengeful psychopath. But Bridget and her sister inherited an unusual trait that could undermine the kidnapper’s plans.
Clarke’s writing is strong overall but without a satisfactory resolution to anything—even a subplot or a character arc—it’s an unsatisfying read. This 145-page novella drags in places. Many of the characters are under-developed, presumably to enhance them in subsequent books. The plot may be original and engaging, but it’s impossible to tell because it’s incomplete. Since Clarke chose to market this book as a standalone in the product description it must be reviewed as such. Two stars are generous based on the lack of structure, pacing, and flow.
March 29, 2018
I went into the story knowing it was the 1st part of a 3-part serial series so was fully expecting the cliffhanger ending. Do agree with some of the other readers that it should've just been combined into one complete story but the rest of the series are available on KU so I can't complain.
Bridget was sort of a mess. She had no regard for other people and didn't make the best decisions. But the love she had for her sister Holly and the devotion to find out what happened to her made Bridget more relatable/likable.
There's still a lot more to this story, including the slight supernatural twist that appeared towards the end, and more to explore about the characters but this "prequel" did exactly what it was supposed to - drew me in and made me want to read more.
Bridget was sort of a mess. She had no regard for other people and didn't make the best decisions. But the love she had for her sister Holly and the devotion to find out what happened to her made Bridget more relatable/likable.
There's still a lot more to this story, including the slight supernatural twist that appeared towards the end, and more to explore about the characters but this "prequel" did exactly what it was supposed to - drew me in and made me want to read more.
December 9, 2017
One must assume that this second book is the mid-point fascicle of a three-volume serialization, a publishing tactic that fell out of favour in the late 1800's because the format frustrated readers. In the Victorian Era, they marketed serializations accurately, rather than advertising each section as a complete novel. The product descriptions should not promote these novels as standalone. Readers have the right to understand the necessity of reading all three of this triple-decker.
As with book 0, there is no climax or resolution to anything and the key characters don’t move forward. As with book 0, this novella doesn’t have an open-ended or cliffhanger conclusion, it ends abruptly in the middle of a scene.
There's nothing to say about the plot or the characters: Bridget continues to search ineffectively for her missing sister while her past continues to haunt her. The mid-point reversal is lackluster because of the fragmented structure. The plot is incomplete, character arcs dangle, and the story floats like a soap opera. What makes this extra frustrating is that Clarke can write. Her voice is strong and she does a decent job showing plot points rather than telling them. Her imagery is solid and her dialogue is natural. But redundant backstory drags the pace and the exaggerated melodrama incites a suspension of belief that deflects from the suspense. Because this is a mid-point fascicle, foreshadowing doesn't support the revelations and character motivation is lacking.
Since this novel is advertised as a stand-alone, two stars is generous based on the story's incomplete plot, undefined character development, disjointed structure, backstory information dumps, and dragging pace.
As with book 0, there is no climax or resolution to anything and the key characters don’t move forward. As with book 0, this novella doesn’t have an open-ended or cliffhanger conclusion, it ends abruptly in the middle of a scene.
There's nothing to say about the plot or the characters: Bridget continues to search ineffectively for her missing sister while her past continues to haunt her. The mid-point reversal is lackluster because of the fragmented structure. The plot is incomplete, character arcs dangle, and the story floats like a soap opera. What makes this extra frustrating is that Clarke can write. Her voice is strong and she does a decent job showing plot points rather than telling them. Her imagery is solid and her dialogue is natural. But redundant backstory drags the pace and the exaggerated melodrama incites a suspension of belief that deflects from the suspense. Because this is a mid-point fascicle, foreshadowing doesn't support the revelations and character motivation is lacking.
Since this novel is advertised as a stand-alone, two stars is generous based on the story's incomplete plot, undefined character development, disjointed structure, backstory information dumps, and dragging pace.
October 13, 2017
Cheap trick
This was a good book right up to the last page where the author abruptly ended it with a cheap trick, a cliffhanger forcing the reader to purchase another book for the rest of the story.
This was a good book right up to the last page where the author abruptly ended it with a cheap trick, a cliffhanger forcing the reader to purchase another book for the rest of the story.
October 14, 2017
I should have guessed the story would go on in another book, but I didn't. I stayed up late to finish the book, and I was deeply disappointed with the cliff hanger ending.
April 9, 2019
Huh
Enjoyable writing style. Bridget takes a while to start gathering clues. In previous short mysteries that has bothered me. LGL 0 has characters and world building dynamic enough that I would have been happy with a returning-to-my-hometown-after-a-decade story.
That said, there are character inconsistencies that pile up:
1. Autumn's reactions to Bridget are confusing. Bridget hadn't stepped foot in her hometown in 10 years. When she left, she did it without warning or word to anyone. Autumn wasn't even sure she'd come back for Holly's disappearance. A&B haven't spoken before this for five years. Yet, reunited, they call each other their best friend. Autumn later admits she wants Bridget to be her baby's godmother. In what world is this plausible?
2. Mac, a cop, meets Bridget quickly into the story. She's only been working in this town for a year. She's about the same age as Bridget. She is not working on Holly's case. Yet she works with Bridget on gathering evidence as her friend. The friend she made three days before. The one she has no reason to trust or give loyalty to. Mac even says out loud that hiding evidence from the police is crap, that working with them solves cases faster. Still, she witholds evidence. Again, how is this plausible?
Not an inconsistency, but a comment on the formatting: I started with LGL 1, realized I had no idea what was going on and backtracked to 0 for clues. 0 is clearly the first in the series. Why is it not marketed as 1?
I liked it enough to keep going so off we go.
Enjoyable writing style. Bridget takes a while to start gathering clues. In previous short mysteries that has bothered me. LGL 0 has characters and world building dynamic enough that I would have been happy with a returning-to-my-hometown-after-a-decade story.
That said, there are character inconsistencies that pile up:
1. Autumn's reactions to Bridget are confusing. Bridget hadn't stepped foot in her hometown in 10 years. When she left, she did it without warning or word to anyone. Autumn wasn't even sure she'd come back for Holly's disappearance. A&B haven't spoken before this for five years. Yet, reunited, they call each other their best friend. Autumn later admits she wants Bridget to be her baby's godmother. In what world is this plausible?
2. Mac, a cop, meets Bridget quickly into the story. She's only been working in this town for a year. She's about the same age as Bridget. She is not working on Holly's case. Yet she works with Bridget on gathering evidence as her friend. The friend she made three days before. The one she has no reason to trust or give loyalty to. Mac even says out loud that hiding evidence from the police is crap, that working with them solves cases faster. Still, she witholds evidence. Again, how is this plausible?
Not an inconsistency, but a comment on the formatting: I started with LGL 1, realized I had no idea what was going on and backtracked to 0 for clues. 0 is clearly the first in the series. Why is it not marketed as 1?
I liked it enough to keep going so off we go.
November 5, 2017
Good book, but a cliffhanger....
November 11, 2017
This story leaves you wanting more and you have to get the next book to find out what happens next.
November 16, 2017
A story with no ending
I will never read another book by this author. To leave a story the way she did should never happen. To leave a reader wanting more stories by an author is something I look for when I read but to stop where she did is cruel. I won't pay money for the next story to find out what happened.
I will never read another book by this author. To leave a story the way she did should never happen. To leave a reader wanting more stories by an author is something I look for when I read but to stop where she did is cruel. I won't pay money for the next story to find out what happened.
November 6, 2017
Grabbed me then discovered it is not a stand alone book. Dislike having to plow through many books to find a resolution. Pet peeve of mine... Discontinued reading...
November 27, 2017
Belle Dame, NC. Bridget “Bee” Dubois (26, daughter/sister, narrator, JV SB), Holly Dubois (17, daughter/sister, Belle Dame HS Wolfpack; VB, SB) parents had died.
1-day Holly disappeared.
Foster parents: Bill Miller, & Emily Miller sure didn’t keep a very good eye on her.
Bridget is not getting any clues in her investigation.
The Outskirts (musical group) were playing at the Pit.
Will Holly be found?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
1-day Holly disappeared.
Foster parents: Bill Miller, & Emily Miller sure didn’t keep a very good eye on her.
Bridget is not getting any clues in her investigation.
The Outskirts (musical group) were playing at the Pit.
Will Holly be found?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 9, 2017
Picked up from first book cliffhanger. Had already guessed in last book who the bad guys were. Pretty easy to figure out. Was given easy clues. The saga carries on every one is in in the middle of a dangerous situation and unfortunately the book ends in a major cliffhanger and the isn’t another book to continue the saga. How disappointing? The only reason I gave it three Stars! The story is great but you can’t leave us hanging without some idea of what happens in the future to this family and town.
October 17, 2017
I gave three stars to the first book, because of the cliff hanger ending. I am giving this book 5 stars, because it is the ending to the whole story.
The story kept me reading one page after another. It is a very good mystery, with a lot of heart stopping action. Bridget and Holly have a connection to each other, that helps them contact the other, when they are in need of help.
I would suggest reading book 1 with the idea, that it is only half of the book, and then you won't get disappointed.
The story kept me reading one page after another. It is a very good mystery, with a lot of heart stopping action. Bridget and Holly have a connection to each other, that helps them contact the other, when they are in need of help.
I would suggest reading book 1 with the idea, that it is only half of the book, and then you won't get disappointed.
October 12, 2017
Cliff Hangers
I don’t like cliff hangers . Each story should stand alone . Sequels with the same character are fine . But each book should have a ending. So the r Adler can identify with it. It’s not like a weekly tv show.
I don’t like cliff hangers . Each story should stand alone . Sequels with the same character are fine . But each book should have a ending. So the r Adler can identify with it. It’s not like a weekly tv show.
September 11, 2019
Okaaaaaaaaay it wasn't that good but I hate cliffhangers so I shall be on to the last book and then bid the series goodbye forever. My iPad battery and time could've been wasted on something much more better welp.
January 8, 2020
Page turner.
Very well written. The story and the characters keep you glued to the pages. The leading lady is gutsy and sensitive all at the same time and the villain is, well, read the book!!!
Very well written. The story and the characters keep you glued to the pages. The leading lady is gutsy and sensitive all at the same time and the villain is, well, read the book!!!
December 8, 2017
At first I thought this was a book with characters too young for me to enjoy, so I skipped to another book. Then I decided to read a little more just to see if I wanted to finish it. Two days later and I finished the book. It was pretty good. Then when it really started to interest me,it stops, with a note from the author saying there is a book to follow it. I don't know why, but this always makes me mad. I feel I should have been told that before I started
the first book. Now I may read the next one, I haven't decided yet. I already had books I planned to read. The book was good, but maybe not. I will start the next one soon and then I will let you know. I have to say I wasn't crazy about the main character, what a thoughtless, self involved little person she was. Enough from me, sorry, I don't usually ramble on, but I usually either like a book, or not.
the first book. Now I may read the next one, I haven't decided yet. I already had books I planned to read. The book was good, but maybe not. I will start the next one soon and then I will let you know. I have to say I wasn't crazy about the main character, what a thoughtless, self involved little person she was. Enough from me, sorry, I don't usually ramble on, but I usually either like a book, or not.
October 20, 2018
Great prequel to the series. Bridget, a star athlete in HS turns 16 and loses her parents when the family, which also consists of Bridget kid sister Holly get broadsided by semi and die when on their way to Bridget surprise birthday party. Fast foward Bridget is an adrenaline junkie travelling the world when she gets news that her sister is missing and Bridget must go home to the town that she turned upside down during her hellion phase after the funeral. Story has best female and male friend, Autumn and Emmett who both love Bridget who she has abandoned. Story also introduces a sort of extrasensory aspect when Bridget gets head-rushes and out of body awareness where she can hear her sister. Captured my attention and interested in finding out more, so I will continue with the series.
February 13, 2022
Just disappointed!
In the beginning of this i thought this would be a great book, by the middle i was sorely disappointed! I make this as i am 3/4 through. A girl has a missing sister who she speaks with clairvoyantly. (Strange) Bridget, the girl looking for her sister Holly happens to get a police car handed to her. She then impersonates said officer to an undercover CIA agent working a kidnapping case. Taylor, CIA agent tells Bridget she knows who she is and it’s not a cop. That is all I’m going to write, but as i said….sorely disappointed! Btw, Taylor and Bridget begin working together like its just natural.
In the beginning of this i thought this would be a great book, by the middle i was sorely disappointed! I make this as i am 3/4 through. A girl has a missing sister who she speaks with clairvoyantly. (Strange) Bridget, the girl looking for her sister Holly happens to get a police car handed to her. She then impersonates said officer to an undercover CIA agent working a kidnapping case. Taylor, CIA agent tells Bridget she knows who she is and it’s not a cop. That is all I’m going to write, but as i said….sorely disappointed! Btw, Taylor and Bridget begin working together like its just natural.
July 5, 2020
Excellent mystery
All young women should read this. It's about Human Trafficking and just how easy it is to be taken. More than 80% of these girls don't make it out alive. It's a fact. The fact that this is not a MANDATORY CLASS for both male\females is parents putting their head's up their butts!
I'm an old Southern American female who is from the South, but was born in to a military family in the 60's. PROTECT your children, talk openly with them or be prepared to meet the ME to identify your child if you are lucky. Most of the bodies are never found.
All young women should read this. It's about Human Trafficking and just how easy it is to be taken. More than 80% of these girls don't make it out alive. It's a fact. The fact that this is not a MANDATORY CLASS for both male\females is parents putting their head's up their butts!
I'm an old Southern American female who is from the South, but was born in to a military family in the 60's. PROTECT your children, talk openly with them or be prepared to meet the ME to identify your child if you are lucky. Most of the bodies are never found.
October 29, 2021
Little Girl Lost (A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery #7) was a great read by Alexandria Clarke. Bridget Dubois returns to her hometown ten years after her parents death. Holly, her younger sister, is missing and she's determined to discover where she is. Bridget start's to hear Holly's voice in her head and she now knows she is the only person who can find Holly. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
November 10, 2024
Great kidnapping mystery
Alexandria Clarke did a great job at writing this story. The plot had a storyline that ran from the U.S. to Paris and back again. The writer had kept it interesting right from the beginning to end with non-stop action. I would recommend this book to anyone who is up for a good mystery. I have just seen previous reviews from 2017, and I do not know if Alexandria changed her and expanded her story but it was not left as a cliffhanger.
Alexandria Clarke did a great job at writing this story. The plot had a storyline that ran from the U.S. to Paris and back again. The writer had kept it interesting right from the beginning to end with non-stop action. I would recommend this book to anyone who is up for a good mystery. I have just seen previous reviews from 2017, and I do not know if Alexandria changed her and expanded her story but it was not left as a cliffhanger.
October 20, 2017
Talk about ramping up the suspense -- hold on!
This is a short novella length book which leads to Book 1 of a continuing story about the missing younger sister of the main character. This may be a short book, but it's not short on content!
Well written! As the anticipation and suspense build in this book, there is no resisting the pull to open and read the next one!
This is a short novella length book which leads to Book 1 of a continuing story about the missing younger sister of the main character. This may be a short book, but it's not short on content!
Well written! As the anticipation and suspense build in this book, there is no resisting the pull to open and read the next one!
November 9, 2017
Quite a cliffhanger. It was an enjoyable read. A young woman comes back home to find out what happened to her missing sister, Holly. It caught my attention right away. Note that this is listed as Book 0. I did not know that it would leave you hanging at the end. It was the only thing that disturbed me about the book.
December 4, 2017
I fell in love with the stories by Alexandria Clarke while reading Witch Myth and from then on the books just keep getting better and better. This book is a clear favorite so far and I cant wait to read what happens next. From when I first started reading I’ve been sneaking little moments between the chaos of everyday life to keep reading this book that I dont want to put down.
August 12, 2020
Much improved!
I have read this entire series so far. This was by far the best written with the least mistakes. The story was engaging. There were twists and turns but they made sense. There was not a lot of back and forth which was pleasant. The characters were likable and kept you wanting more. I am hoping it just keeps getting better.
I have read this entire series so far. This was by far the best written with the least mistakes. The story was engaging. There were twists and turns but they made sense. There was not a lot of back and forth which was pleasant. The characters were likable and kept you wanting more. I am hoping it just keeps getting better.
January 26, 2022
I listened to this book. The narrator was not great. I am not sure American English is her first language because she miss pronounces a lot of words and her reading was very robotic.
The story is good, but be prepared for the cliffhanger ending. I think I have it figured out, but hope I have some surprises in the next book. It is an interesting story.
The story is good, but be prepared for the cliffhanger ending. I think I have it figured out, but hope I have some surprises in the next book. It is an interesting story.
October 9, 2017
Good start
About her missing sister . she goes back home after traveling for years out of the country after leaving their foster home so she could look for her sister. Just the start of the story.
About her missing sister . she goes back home after traveling for years out of the country after leaving their foster home so she could look for her sister. Just the start of the story.
October 9, 2017
Excellent Book. Smooth story flow. Characters are creative and active throughout book. Hard to put book down. Storyline captures your attention and pulls at your heartstrings. Believable story. Glad there was a second book already written since this one ended in a major cliffhanger.
February 16, 2018
This was an okay book. The ending has a huge cliff hanger so must continue reading this series to find out what happens. I would recommend this book as long as you continue on otherwise you will never know the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews