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Without A Trace #1
What Sarah Saw
The only witness when a single mother mysteriously vanishes? Her three-year-old daughter. FBI agent Sam Pierce needs to question little Sarah. Yet child psychologist Jocelyn Gold will barely let him near the girl. Or herself. The tragic conclusion to a kidnapping case broke Sam and Jocelyn apart years before, and their hearts still haven't healed. But for the child's sake-and her mother's-they must join forces to uncover just what Sarah saw.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
286 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Daley
208 books494 followersMargaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 9, 2025
Unfortunately this book did not even meet my expectations. I did like the fact that two of the main characters prayed and turned to the lord for guidance in the story. It contained trauma and the ongoing effects some trauma can have. I feel like it did not bring everything together in the end. It felt like there was more than one plot and left many questions. It also felt under researched. A lot hanging on a 3 year old.
August 13, 2019
Very good suspense. I really enjoy reading books from this line. Fast-paced and a great evening read.
February 14, 2015
Without a Trace
Book 1
First of all, let me start off by explaining to those who may not be avid Love Inspired readers like me. When you have a multi-author series, as this one is, you better expect to need to read all six books to be satisfied with the story. Usually, something happens at the beginning of the first book and isn't resolved until the end of the six. Now you have no complaints because you've been warned - when you get to the end of this book and learn that there are more questions than answers...
In this story, Leah goes missing. Soon, they expect kidnapping and begin thinking that her husband's possible suicide was indeed murder. Their little girl, Sarah, is left with her uncle who single and distraught that his sister is missing. Sara is emotionally messed up from something she saw - but nobody knows exactly what that is (she's only three). There are many characters that may not seem to play a part in this story, but I'm thinking if we keep reading throughout the series, they'll all play a part.
The hero and heroine is FBI agent Sam Pierce who is called in to investigate the case, and child psychologist, Jocelyn Gold who used to date Sam and is now working as a consultant on the case. The suspense keeps the reader going from beginning to end, and the romance, though a bit frustrating at times, is good. The ending is a bit rushed though.
The ending, though rushed on the romance part, was a great cliff hanger. I was a bit surprised and saddened at the last event, and am already half-way through the second book. This is a promising series.
Book 1
First of all, let me start off by explaining to those who may not be avid Love Inspired readers like me. When you have a multi-author series, as this one is, you better expect to need to read all six books to be satisfied with the story. Usually, something happens at the beginning of the first book and isn't resolved until the end of the six. Now you have no complaints because you've been warned - when you get to the end of this book and learn that there are more questions than answers...
In this story, Leah goes missing. Soon, they expect kidnapping and begin thinking that her husband's possible suicide was indeed murder. Their little girl, Sarah, is left with her uncle who single and distraught that his sister is missing. Sara is emotionally messed up from something she saw - but nobody knows exactly what that is (she's only three). There are many characters that may not seem to play a part in this story, but I'm thinking if we keep reading throughout the series, they'll all play a part.
The hero and heroine is FBI agent Sam Pierce who is called in to investigate the case, and child psychologist, Jocelyn Gold who used to date Sam and is now working as a consultant on the case. The suspense keeps the reader going from beginning to end, and the romance, though a bit frustrating at times, is good. The ending is a bit rushed though.
The ending, though rushed on the romance part, was a great cliff hanger. I was a bit surprised and saddened at the last event, and am already half-way through the second book. This is a promising series.
January 1, 2024
Explosive start to a series with a child being the witness of a murder, and her mother missing. The romance is between the FBI agent and the local child psychologist/counselor, who previously had worked cases with him in New Orleans before a particularly difficult one affected them both.
They solve one murder and the murderer gets killed. Still can’t find the missing mother (which is apparently not going to be solved until the last book of the series.)
I enjoyed the story and had a hard time guessing what came next. All the faith content was enjoyable too, a bit more than I usually find in LIS, which was a very nice treat.
They solve one murder and the murderer gets killed. Still can’t find the missing mother (which is apparently not going to be solved until the last book of the series.)
I enjoyed the story and had a hard time guessing what came next. All the faith content was enjoyable too, a bit more than I usually find in LIS, which was a very nice treat.
September 28, 2024
Okay, it's my fault for not checking before I read, but I hate stories with loose endings. The premise was good, but the story dragged too much, leaving the mystery unsolved.
Also, there were a lot of characters, and at times, the writing was a little confusing. No scene breaks made it hard to follow, and it often appeared as if the author were writing in omniscient POV.
Doubt I'll read any more of the books. I picked this one up through Kindle Unlimited and don't care to spend money on the rest of the series. Lesson learned.
Also, there were a lot of characters, and at times, the writing was a little confusing. No scene breaks made it hard to follow, and it often appeared as if the author were writing in omniscient POV.
Doubt I'll read any more of the books. I picked this one up through Kindle Unlimited and don't care to spend money on the rest of the series. Lesson learned.
April 30, 2024
First part of the series. Jocelyn's best friend's husband has apparently committed suicide & she has disappeared, leaving their 3-year-old daughter (Sarah) with her brother. No one thought the child saw or heard anything, but Jocelyn discovers that Sarah may have seen what took place. Loomis, LA seems to be a pretty creepy town where the residents are divided between feuding families. FBI agent Sam Pierce, Jocelyn's former boyfriend arrives on the scene to try to locate Sarah's mother.
September 2, 2024
This is the first book in a series which means the author has the responsibility to inform the reader of the conflict to be solved, introduce major characters, and interest the reader in the next book of the series. I thought the story line moved slowly and didn't understand why Sam was so reluctant to share his childhood experience with Jocelyn. I'll probably try reading the next book in the series because I see some of my favorite authors have contributed to it.
December 5, 2023
Mysterious, suspense…enjoyed!
Mysterious deaths and disappearances in a small town. FBI and psychologist trying to solve and find missing persons and grow in faith while doing so. Lots of other happenings. Light romance. Very good start to series, but can be read as stand alone. I enjoyed it.
Mysterious deaths and disappearances in a small town. FBI and psychologist trying to solve and find missing persons and grow in faith while doing so. Lots of other happenings. Light romance. Very good start to series, but can be read as stand alone. I enjoyed it.
August 15, 2024
Interesting
Suspenseful story. I appreciated the struggles that both Sam and Jocelyn have with their pasts. I also loved that they found their way to each other with God's help. Excellent beginning to the series.
Suspenseful story. I appreciated the struggles that both Sam and Jocelyn have with their pasts. I also loved that they found their way to each other with God's help. Excellent beginning to the series.
November 24, 2024
I found this book to be interesting because it took place in the New Orleans area where I lived in the past. It is an earlier book by this author and I found it choppy and filled with too many characters for my reading preferences. Otherwise, it was a good Christian romantic suspense story.
September 21, 2025
What Sara Saw
I didn't like this book at all. There was no closure. No finish. You don't know if anyone was found. Who was the killer, why the person was killed. Or if it was truly a subside. Very much unfinished.
I didn't like this book at all. There was no closure. No finish. You don't know if anyone was found. Who was the killer, why the person was killed. Or if it was truly a subside. Very much unfinished.
February 11, 2019
What Sarah Saw review
What Sarah Saw is the first romantic suspense book in the Without a Trace series written by author Margaret Daley.
What Sarah Saw is the first romantic suspense book in the Without a Trace series written by author Margaret Daley.
April 22, 2020
Just HATE books like this ending!! Great story, lots of intrigue, but the ending sucks!! Our library does not have the rest of the series ... guess I should have checked firt😩
May 19, 2024
Good Book
This was a really good book. It is one that kind of keeps you on the edge of your sit. I am intrigued enough to look for book two too see where it will go.
This was a really good book. It is one that kind of keeps you on the edge of your sit. I am intrigued enough to look for book two too see where it will go.
September 26, 2024
It was good. Clean all around. I didn’t like the end.
October 3, 2024
A bit predictable, but an enjoyable read.
December 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book even though the subject was upsetting. I need to know what happens though so onto the next book.
April 20, 2025
good book
June 9, 2025
On to the next, very interested in finding out what’s going on.
August 28, 2025
I would have never read if I knew it was a cliffhanger. So I am warning others who don't like cliffhangers.
January 17, 2014
What Sarah Saw is filled with suspense, mystery, faith and romance with many twists and
thrills to keep you turning the pages.
A three year old was an eyewitness of the death of her father and the disappearance
of her mother. The only clue Sarah exhibits is a frightening reaction to a redheaded doll that she had always loved prior to the incident.
This book is the part of a continuing series called Without A Trace. The book can be read as a stand alone. There are some mysteries left unsolved for the future series but the
this book is a complete story. The characters Jocelyn and Sam show their dedication to
their jobs while resolving issues of their own fears, hopes, guilt mixed with faith.
Good read!!
thrills to keep you turning the pages.
A three year old was an eyewitness of the death of her father and the disappearance
of her mother. The only clue Sarah exhibits is a frightening reaction to a redheaded doll that she had always loved prior to the incident.
This book is the part of a continuing series called Without A Trace. The book can be read as a stand alone. There are some mysteries left unsolved for the future series but the
this book is a complete story. The characters Jocelyn and Sam show their dedication to
their jobs while resolving issues of their own fears, hopes, guilt mixed with faith.
Good read!!
November 2, 2010
Margaret Daley has crafted the perfect opening to the Without A Trace series. I decided to open the pages of What Sarah Saw in honor of Halloween (with the suspense and everything). Though it wasn't truly scary, I wasn't expecting it to be, there were thrills and twists and turns along the way. She was able to blend, what I would say is a near perfect amount of, mystery, suspense, faith, and romance. I look forward to reading Robin Caroll's Framed as it is the next book in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, sweet romance, and a bit of faith mixed in. Great job, Margaret!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, sweet romance, and a bit of faith mixed in. Great job, Margaret!!
April 17, 2012
More like 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Margaret Daley created a great opening for the "Without A Trace," this is first in the series.
I picked this book because (a) I enjoy the LoveInspired novels and (b) I gave already read the last two books of this series.
I wasn't expecting "What Sarah Saw" to be scary, but it did have a perfect combination of thrills and twists. This is a great combination of suspense, faith and romance. I am excited to read the remaining books in this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the LoveInspired novels especially if you are wanting a suspense, sweet romance, and with some faith mixed in. Great job, Margaret. Thanks for the enticing opening.
I picked this book because (a) I enjoy the LoveInspired novels and (b) I gave already read the last two books of this series.
I wasn't expecting "What Sarah Saw" to be scary, but it did have a perfect combination of thrills and twists. This is a great combination of suspense, faith and romance. I am excited to read the remaining books in this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the LoveInspired novels especially if you are wanting a suspense, sweet romance, and with some faith mixed in. Great job, Margaret. Thanks for the enticing opening.
March 1, 2009
first book in another series where each book is penned by a different author. that alone makes it a bit interesting!
and so far, so good. you start this book already in the middle of a mystery, and by the end, are deeper into two more. NONE of which have been solved before the book ends!
nothing like keeping you on the edge of your seat, huh?!
now i "just" have to track down the next book, AND, then patiently (HAHAHA!!!) await for the next 4 to actually be finished and published. oh boy!!!
and so far, so good. you start this book already in the middle of a mystery, and by the end, are deeper into two more. NONE of which have been solved before the book ends!
nothing like keeping you on the edge of your seat, huh?!
now i "just" have to track down the next book, AND, then patiently (HAHAHA!!!) await for the next 4 to actually be finished and published. oh boy!!!
November 18, 2010
First book in the Without A Trace series.
Sam and Jocelyn had worked together and started dating. Sam is an FBI agent and Jocelyn a Psychologist.
After a case went wrong they went their own ways carrying the pain with them.
A woman has gone missing, a friend of Jocelyn's. Sam is put on the case.
With failure of the case and the unspoken relationship they had they still need to find forgiveness and fortitude to work on this case together. Because they do work well together.
Looking forward to the next five books in the series.
Sam and Jocelyn had worked together and started dating. Sam is an FBI agent and Jocelyn a Psychologist.
After a case went wrong they went their own ways carrying the pain with them.
A woman has gone missing, a friend of Jocelyn's. Sam is put on the case.
With failure of the case and the unspoken relationship they had they still need to find forgiveness and fortitude to work on this case together. Because they do work well together.
Looking forward to the next five books in the series.
April 15, 2023
I thought this was an intriguing start to a new series. Apparently, the overarching mystery will be solved throughout the entire series, rather than each book featuring a new situation in Loomis.
I liked both Sam and Jocelyn, and how they were able to encourage each other, not only professionally, but in their faith as well.
I also thought the mystery surrounding Leah's disappearance, and then what followed was interesting. Ultimately, I'm left with more questions than answers, and I'm interested to see what happens next.
I liked both Sam and Jocelyn, and how they were able to encourage each other, not only professionally, but in their faith as well.
I also thought the mystery surrounding Leah's disappearance, and then what followed was interesting. Ultimately, I'm left with more questions than answers, and I'm interested to see what happens next.
December 24, 2013
Little Sarah's world just turned completely upside down. Her father, Earl, is dead and her mother, Leah is missing. FBI agent Sam and a child psychologist, Joceelyn, will try to see if she witnessed anything and maybe renew their old relationship. So Sarah is living with her Uncle Clint and for the next five books many events will happen while the case is being solved.
208 pages
208 pages
January 23, 2015
I read book 3 in this series out of turn, not knowing that it belonged in a series; so, I was privy to "spoilers" when I began to read this. Fortunately, there was plenty to hold my interest, anyway. This book does have its own stand-alone plot as well as the elements that are woven into the series as a whole.
February 10, 2015
Awesome!!!
This book kept intriguing me throughout! Interesting characters, plot, and theme. I liked the forgiving oneself theme and leaning on God to deal with burnout. Jobs can be hard and yet our passion at the same time. This book depicts that well. Thank you, Margaret Daley, for an awesome me book!!!
This book kept intriguing me throughout! Interesting characters, plot, and theme. I liked the forgiving oneself theme and leaning on God to deal with burnout. Jobs can be hard and yet our passion at the same time. This book depicts that well. Thank you, Margaret Daley, for an awesome me book!!!
July 21, 2013
I'M NOT MUCH INTO ROMANCE NOVELS BUT THIS BOOK I LOVED!!!!
MURDER, MYSTERY, & ROMANCE ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE!!! A WONDERFUL EXCITING GOOD BOOK FOR ANYONE TO READ!!! I'D RECOMEND " WHAT SARAH SAW" TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!
MURDER, MYSTERY, & ROMANCE ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE!!! A WONDERFUL EXCITING GOOD BOOK FOR ANYONE TO READ!!! I'D RECOMEND " WHAT SARAH SAW" TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews