Watch Your Back

Ariana Jones #1

by Stacy Claflin

Even perfect neighborhoods have deadly secrets.

Ariana and Damon moved to the gated neighborhood of Rosy Hills to leave behind their traumatic pasts. Now they have their dream jobs and are part of a tight group of friends. All of that crumbles when their neighbor Rita disappears without a trace.

Now it looks like one of their own could be a killer. Ariana and Damon must figure out who it is, or they risk never finding Rita alive. If they don’t reach her in time, they could all end up dead…

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Ebooks, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Amazon

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2022

About the author

Stacy 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/

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

A dear friend of Ariana, her husband Damon and Lia and her husband Charles is missing. The group of friends are dead-set upon finding any evidence, searching for Rita, and doing whatever they can to bring her home.

Short chapters and a storyline moving at the speed of light make for a quick read.

[Martini Dozier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very confused by this high rating. If you read at a 5th grade level this might be the book for you. Ugh
Skip it

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

his was a super fast read that I finished in probably 90 minutes. That being said, it was very surface level and I didn’t feel like I got much backstory or characterization of anyone on the book. I thought it said that it was the first book in a series but I felt like I had missed another book that introduced me to these characters.

The story centers on the disappearance of Rita and her friends Ariana and Lia trying to find her. The whole story takes place over the period of a couple of days. The twists were ok but again, there wasn’t enough background for them to be believable for me and ir felt like everyone was just jumping to conclusions. The end leaves the reader with a cliffhanger to (I assume) encourage you to pick up the next book.

Overall, a little shallow for me but definitely a fast read. It read a bit like a YA novel but will likely hold your interest if you are looking for something you can read in one sitting. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenna Bookss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fast story but written for a YA audience.

It was a super easy read because it's mostly a book with 3 word sentences and quips a teenager would make.

[Rochelle Magee · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did not see the plot twist coming, the whole story felt rushed. There was never any time to really connect to any of the characters. This book felt like it was an essay the author was required to write as opposed to a story she really wanted to tell. Any other book I read that has a cliffhanger like this one at the end, I rush to read the next book, but not this one. I don't care enough about any of the characters to read another one.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3 stars

Saw the plot twists from MILES away... guess that's what you should expect from a free Kindle novel 🤷‍♀️

BUT even though it wasn't great it left on a pretty big cliffhanger so I lowkey wanna see if the second is better...

Rtc

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Mercer's warrior daughter is back & she's relentless!😮

4.5🌟 stars
This was a really exciting, quick read for me. Pagewise it's not that brief but the tension and action kept me stuck into it without a break. A friend's suspicious disappearance has Ariana, a young married woman with a passion for teaching security to other women, guilting over her inability to keep gal pal Rita safe.

There are a couple of prime suspects and I liked that Claflin keeps the mystery of who actually has it in for Rita going through most of the story. Ariana, never one to shy away from danger, teams up with her husband Damon and a neighbor couple to stimulate police and public interest in Rita's suspected abduction. The whole story, from beginning to climax, is done and dusted within a couple of days, with lots of drama, threats and some excellent sleuthing by Ari & co.

For Claflin's Alex Mercer fans, this offshoot which takes Alex's daughter past her college years and into a happy marriage to her son-of-a-killer boyfriend Damon Jones has the same fast-paced urgency as the previous series.

Some points about Rita's background and how she provoked the initial interest and then ire of the villain could have been expanded upon. I felt like I was missing something there. But overall a great adventure read.

Will I be looking for more Ari adventures? Definitely.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Mandi Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good solid story, but the writing was a little simplistic for me, with a fair bit of repetition and some unnecessary dialogue. Having said that, worth a read. 'easy reading' I'd call it (I read most of it on a flight to Cyprus from London!)

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing first book for a new series! Ms. Claflin really knows how to write books that pull you in right from the beginning! I was so excited to read this book because I have read all the Alex Mercer books and Ariana is Alex's daughter. Because of living with a dad that was on the police force, then a detective with a blog with time of followers, because it was his search for missing children. Alex has first hand knowledge of this as his daughter is one of the children that went missing. Ariana and her husband, Damon because of their parents have saw lots of things in life. They love a great mystery. In this book we get some background information about them so people that have not read the other series won't be lost. We also meet some of their adult friends. This story is every bit as suspenseful as other books I have read by Ms. Claflin. The couple really gets mixed up in a mess and it is great everything that happens because of Ariana's curiousity. I love the relationship that Damon and Ari have, they have worked hard to overcome many obstacles! I'm really looking forward to more books in this series!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Desireè Wingate · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was…awful. It had such potential until the very end. I was hooked and excited because I thought the kidnapper was someone so obvious yet unsuspecting, but would’ve been SUCH an amazing twist. And then, it went a totally different, and weird, direction. That ending was just a dumpster fire. I’m so disappointed.

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A interesting story couldn't put it down. Read it in one day.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This can't possibly be intended for an adult audience.

[Denise Zendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young couple moves to a gated community to leave their traumatic pasts behind. They have dream jobs, and a tight circle of friends, but then one of the group goes missing, throwing their peaceful lives into turmoil. They start their own investigation because they’re afraid the police aren’t doing enough. That investigation could put them into personal jeopardy.

I wanted to like this book (interesting premise about how what goes on underneath frequently doesn’t follow the public face), but it mostly just irritated me. The writing was fine, although this did feel like romance poorly dressed in mystery clothing). I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I mostly kept reading it because I was on the treadmill and didn’t want to stop to pick another book. Don’t think I’ll read more in this series (although I might try something else by the author).

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The duration required to complete this book, despite its moderate length, significantly exceeded my expectations. My attempts to engage with the content were repeatedly interrupted by a sense of disinterest, leading to a recurring cycle of abandonment and resumption. While the potential for an engaging narrative is evident, the pacing of the book, in my opinion, lacked the necessary momentum to sustain my interest but I did finish it.

[Vicki Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast Moving Story

The suspense was good. Kept me guessing. Lots of twists and turns. However, there was a little bit of profanity which I don't like. Totally not necessary. I don't plan to continue this series.

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

*gratuit sur Amazon Canada*

Les personnages ont supposément 25 ans mais ils ont la maturité d'ado de 13 ans.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of Ariana, the daughter of Alex Mercer if you are familiar with this series. Ariana is now married to Damon and living in a secluded area together when Rita, one of her friends, gets missing. As a daughter of a cop Ariana starts the search for her but Rita's husband threatens them.

This book was as thrilling as the original Mercer series and only 4 stars because I finished reading too fast and boy that cliffhanger is mean. Can't wait for the next book!

Thanks for this ARC, I'm posting my honest review.

[Sammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable

The storyline held my attention. However, the plot was extremely predictable. I would have appreciated more back story on the main characters. It was hard to sympathize with the person abducted as there were no details given that would help you relate to her. Similarly, the friends had childhood trauma that could have been delved into further.
The writing style held me back from becoming fully immersed in the story. This was a very quick and easy read.

[Leah Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

My word. This will surely be my most detailed review on here, because I have got to explain so many reasons why I just.....did not.....like this book.

- Like other reviewers have noted, the story was so rushed and there was no time to connect with any of the characters. I noticed this book is mentioned as being kind of a spin-off of the Alex Mercer series but is a standalone introduction, but I imagine having the Alex Mercer background might have helped (maybe? who knows?).
- Exacerbating the above problem, the author does a poor job introducing the characters. Nearly 100 pages in, she writes "The Joneses [head] to their home, and the Gillons to bar hop." That was the first time the Gillon name had been used and it was so weird because it took me a second to put together who it was.
- The writing was just so weird and stilted. I guess this is supposed to be more of a YA book, but the writing doesn't need to suck. "Damon shook his head and stepped away from the window. Went to the kitchen and drank a glass of cold water." I get people can have casual writing preferences, but this choppy writing was so distracting.
- Note to the author: you do not need to refer to the bar and grill as "bar and grill" every single mention. Say restaurant. Say business. Mix it up.
- Similarly, the MC kept making sure to mention that her dad has expertise in finding missing people. Even when speaking to her husband, who definitely knows that fact. It just felt so fake, and not how people would speak to each other.
- One main character point (not a spoiler) is that Ariana and her husband do a lot of speaking and training on women's safety and self defense. Okay that's cool! There was one part where the author really could have benefited her readers, but instead just moves on. "She dug into her purse and pulled out the necessary items--they were something she always suggested her readers and listeners carry. It could save a woman's life." ------ So tell us what it is! Or don't mention it in this way!

I honestly almost DNFd at many, many points in the beginning but I really just wanted to know who was behind it all haha. I was pretty disappointed and the conclusion was - shocking - incredibly rushed, so carrying on and finishing the book didn't even save my rating.

[Valerie Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana and Damon relocate to a gated community, seeking a fresh start away from their troubled pasts. Their newfound tranquility is shattered when their neighbor, Rita, mysteriously disappears without a trace. As suspicion falls within their close-knit circle of friends, Ariana and Damon must unravel the truth before it's too late. The couple races against time to uncover the secrets lurking behind the idyllic façade of their neighborhood, knowing that failure could cost them—and others—their lives.

After reading Watch Your Back, I’m an instant fan of Stacy Claflin. This book hooked me right away with its fast-paced suspense, layered secrets, and eerie suburban setting. It left me wanting to dive straight into the other five books in the series to see how everything unfolds.

I will say, the only thing that pulled me out of the story at times was how the main characters and their friend group came across as young (mid-20s) rich kids, driving luxury cars and living in 4,000-square-foot homes within a gated community—it felt a bit unrealistic and hard to relate to. Still, the gripping twists and growing tension more than made up for it.

If you enjoy fast-paced suburban thrillers with dark secrets, mysterious disappearances, and just enough psychological tension to keep you guessing, Watch Your Back will definitely be your kind of read. Fans of authors like Freida McFadden, K.L. Slater, or Mary Kubica will feel right at home with Stacy Claflin’s twisty storytelling. It’s especially perfect for readers who love series that let you stay with the same characters across multiple books.

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even the most seemingly perfect neighborhoods harbor deadly secrets. Ariana and Damon, seeking to escape their traumatic pasts, have found solace in the gated community of Rosy Hills. With their dream jobs and a close-knit group of friends, they believe they have finally found peace. However, their idyllic lives are shattered when their neighbor, Rita, mysteriously disappears without a trace.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that one of their own may be a killer. Ariana and Damon are faced with the daunting task of uncovering the truth before it's too late. Their race against time to find Rita alive becomes a matter of life and death, as they risk becoming the next victims if they fail.

Stacy Claflin weaves a gripping and suspenseful tale. Her ability to create tension and maintain a sense of unease throughout the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. The perfect facade of Rosy Hills is gradually peeled away, revealing the dark underbelly of the neighborhood and the secrets that its residents are desperate to protect.

The book is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing until the final pages. It is proof of the author's talent and will leave you eagerly anticipating her next book.

[Rachel Auer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book lacked a lot overall, unfortunately. This is an author that chucks out a lot of books by the looks of it, so it's not shocking that there wasn't a lot of depth here.

My number 1 critique is that the eerie suspense of who kidnapped Rita was taken away in chapter one. She reveals in her narrated chapter who was chasing after her to the audience. This left no room for doubt about who kidnapped her. Now, was there a twist about others who were in on it, yes. But that twist meant nothing without the buildup. The first chapter doesn't even need to be deleted for this to occur. Rita just needs to not confirm who the person is. Just don't say his name or the relationship to her.

I also thought there was a lot of repetitiveness. People saying something someone else said. Characters thinking something then saying it. A lot could've been cut out.

Characters were not flushed out. I know there are more books and more pages in the future to get to know these characters, but it felt very surface level most of the time. I know a lot of the backstory of Damon and Ari, but it didn't feel deep.

I will not be reading any future books by this author.

[Pierrebleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing friend

A good story that kept me engaged throughout.

Ariana and Lia learn that their friends Rita is missing and despite police scepticism they keep pushing and bring in their husbands, Damon and Charles to help track down their friend. The police take up the matter when they are persuaded that it’s very much against the way Rita is to just run off and disappear. As ever the police tell Ariana & Damon and Lia & Charles to keep their noses out and they will handle everything.

Convinced that Rita’s husband, Boone, is involved in her going missing they badger him and follow him, unveiling that he is having an affair and thus possibly giving him motive to make Rita disappear.

It turns out that Rita was also having an affair but she had ceased that relationship a few days before she went missing.

It’s a twisting tale with Ariana and Lia convinced Boone is the culprit but then maybe Rita’s recently ex-boyfriend might be guilty.

I quite liked the characters but felt Ariana’s know it all and petulant personality was a bit grating.

Definitely a good read.

[Shirley Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book Watch Your Back is a first in a series with Ariana Jones. The story is about Ari and Damon moving to very nice town and buying a comfortable home in a good neighbood. When Ari was a young girl she was kidnapped but later found safe but terrible traumatized. Then Damon who knew Ari back then came from a very bad family life where his father wound up murdering his mother. Ari's father then became a father to Damon. Since moving to their new town Ari and Damon made a lot friends, one in particular was Rita, who owned and ran a very popular Mexican restaurant. Then one night after closing Rita suddenly disappeared. So in jumps Ari and her other friend Lia decide it's up to them to find Rita who the police thinks sees just taking a break from her rocky marriage. Of course Damon and Lia's husband Charles help out too. The ladies are sure Rita's husband is involved in her disappearance.

[Misty’s Corner Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, fast-paced story in the post-Alex Mercer book series. His daughter Ari, and now-husband Damon, are adults living on their own in a different city when one of their friends goes missing. Ari and Damon, along with their friends, use the lessons learned from their traumatic pasts and Ari’s dad’s cop teachings to help solve the case of their missing friend.

I finished this book relatively fast and was engrossed in the storyline the entire time. I went with four stars instead of five because there were parts that were either highly predictable or else a bit overplayed. However, this did not detract much from my overall enjoyment. I’m excitedly looking forward to book two in the series!

[Cidney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ariana and Damon and their friends Lia and Charles and their other friend Rita and her awful husband Boone all live in a small gated community, and then one morning Rita goes missing and her husband doesn't seem to be at all bothered. In the end neither was I. It didn't seem a very long book nor did it have a strong story to tell, I think I read it and then skim read it in over an hour. It wasn't a great read but the girls had to be applauded for keeping on searching for their friend, Charles was useless and Damon apparently had a serial killer for a father and spent his time pushing back the urge to do away with Boone for lack of interest in his wife's disappearance. There was a reason for that, and I wasn't at all bothered why.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved catching up with Ari n Damon, now married adults, living close but away from her loving parents! New home, working together from home helping others, sharing life with friends n neighbors Charles the screen writer, his wife Lia n best friends with Ari, along with other best friend n owner of neighborhood bar n grill, Rita.
Of course, there’s trouble in the neighborhood when Rita is kidnapped, with little clues available, until Lia n Ari go through Rita’s office. Great storyline, amazing characters, could not put this story down, read in 1 sitting. SO looking forward to next book, baby story, details on what’s found under foundation n more!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex only got to see his daughter (Ariana) a few times a year. They both enjoyed these visits. On one visit Ariana talked her Dad to go to the one place for Halloween. They had fun. Alex turned his back for a second and Ariana was gone. He run after the van but could not catch it. He called the police. Alex was determined to find his daughter and to prove he loved her and was not a dead beat Dad. After the bad things started happening to friends and family. Alex started his own investigation.Some people accused of being at fault for the kidnapping. Alex kept receiving text messages from a blocked number. Was this the kidnapper? How comes he knew so much that Alex was doing to find him.

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a woman named Rita who is kidnapped one night.

Rita’s friends, Ariana, Lia and their husbands, attempt to find out what happened to Rita by considering possible suspects and chasing leads.

Rita’s husband, Boone, doesn’t seem to care about finding his wife until they suspect she might be dead.

The incident with Rita triggers Ariana’s own traumatic life as an adolescent, but she pushes through her pain to help out her friend.

I did find the story to be a little repetitive with not much happening at the start, other than a lot of reflections from Rita’s friends. Despite that, it was an entertaining read.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Ariana Jones series by Stacy Clafin. Ariana and Damon move into the gated community of Rosy Hills to escape their past and start a new life. They make friends and find their dream jobs. When their neighbor Rita disappears without a trace. Ariana and Damon become targets while conducting an investigation into Rita’s disappearance which uncovers dangerous secrets and criminal activities at Rosy Hills. As Ariana and Damon dig deeper they stumble upon information that the people behind the crimes will keep it hidden at all costs. I really enjoyed this fantastic thrilling mystery and suspense novel.