Without a Trace

Ariana Jones #3

by Stacy Claflin

How many secrets can one gated community hide?

Ariana and Damon have just started to rebuild their lives when more bones are found in their tight-knit neighborhood. These have nothing to do with the remains found earlier.

That means one thing — another killer is roaming free.

The police are investigating, but Ariana’s friend Maya has discovered startling clues that she can’t tell them. But when Ariana’s own family is in crisis, she can’t worry about what might be unraveling all around them… until the mystery proves too much to ignore and the only way to peace is to find answers.

A neighbor is lying about something. Ariana must hurry to get to the bottom of it before another life ends up on the line.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series nearly as much as the Alex Mercer series!! Ariana and Damon never seem to be able to avoid trouble and even in a lovely community where they have settled, a box of human remains is found by one of their friends. It’s full of mystery, suspense and intrigue and even a secret about the twins is bought to light which causes a little discord. I think Damon really shone in this book as he helps Zander work through his predicament which leaves Ariana to solve a 32 year old mystery with Maya. More secrets come to light and there’s some links to the past and there’s twists and turns that I did not see coming and I will admit I read this in one sitting, it’s that gripping. I am very much looking forward to book four!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but it did not take much time to put relationships together in my mind so that I could easily follow the story and understand how they motivate each character. In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I have also purchased the earlier books and pre-ordered the next one!

While I enjoy some suspense, I’m not one to love a book that has me constantly holding my breath about dangerous situations, so I enjoyed the friendships and family relationships. And even the family background brings surprises to keep you, the reader, on your toes. Still, I found parts of the story made me smile.

Without a Trace is not a long book and I read it pretty quickly. The author breathes life into her characters, knows when to briefly pull back from a tense scene, and simply how to tell a good story.

If you enjoy a good thriller, then I encourage you to read this installment of the Ariana Jones series.

[Vickie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

👫Great beginning leads to a mystery Ariana can't resist!🔍

The happy date turned tragic start to the book hooked me; the investigation into a girl's sudden disappearance after decades have passed kept me reading.

I like this young husband and wife team that just seems fated to perch on the edge of trouble. Ariana and Damon Jones seem so normal and well-adjusted despite their unusually danger-filled childhoods. The book fleshes out their character and gives their skills and generous nature a good chance to shine.

I could totally sympathize with Ariana's attempts to stay on track, focused on her p.i. studies, when family disputes and a friend repeatedly begging for help keep distracting her. But it can't be said that Ariana is not a good friend because she's willing to set aside her own priorities to assist her friend. Plus, she can justify it as good practical experience for her future as a private investigator.

As for Damon, the author gave him a very traumatic background as the son of a killer. I thought the way he uses his own feelings and history to help Ariana's half- brother recover from a disturbing revelation about his own parents was really generous and brilliant. Not a comfortable thing for Damon to do but it seems he'd do just about anything to support Ariana and her family.

This was a quick, enjoyable read. My one quibble: I never learned the reason the teenagers and Angela's family were targeted. It did not affect the outcome but I would have preferred an explanation.

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the entire series and have loved it. This one was prob my least favorite, not much mystery, sitting on the edge of my seat, can't wait to turn the page to find out what's next.
My favorite part(s) of the book was definitely the time, compassion and thoughtfulness of Damon. The way he took Zander under his wing, the talks, understanding, joking, food, etc. shows how important family is to him and blood isn't always family. Another part of Damon and how he wanted to help Mr. Mason after what Damon revealed after the picture and note was found. Yes, they did have a scare with Jerry, but even then, Damon delivered and didn't give up on his promise.
I related with Zander and the family "secret" to the point that I found out I had a sister; I was in my 50's. Not lies, but I understand how Zander felt betrayed.
I am looking forward and crossing all fingers for the next book and if Rita and Grayson's wedding actually takes place and they become the family she is hoping for and deserves.

[Stephanie Zammit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 and i just can't get enough of this series. For me, Damon was the star of the show for how he selflessly helped Zander and I loved how the Mercer family showed up and was included in this book as I am a big fan of the Alex Mercer series.. Ariana seems to be heading into private investigation more and more with each book (with a BIG push from their twin friends) andf with all the twists and turns and mysteries in her life I think it's a perfect choice of career for her since she can never seem to get away from trouble. The mystery had a heartwrenching backstory but the ending makes up for it!

[Katt Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so torn with deciding how many stars to give this book. In parts, the story was so well put together, it flowed seamlessly. In other parts, it became a bit hard to follow because it jumped from one topic or character to another and it was difficult to keep up. However, I loved the suspense towards the end of the book. I'd say about three quarters of the way through the book, it became impossible to put down because I desperately wanted to know how it ended, and the ending was not at all what I expected! If you need me, I'll be reading "Never Letting Go", the next installment in the Ariana Jones series. I just recently discovered Stacy Claflin's work, and I have quickly become a fan.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a trace was a quick read. Angela is in an interracial relationship which some people doesn't approve of. She's forced to run away after her boyfriend was shot, to prevent her family.

That was 30 years ago but the past is going to make Ariana and Damon's life turbulent once again although they moved into this neighborhood to avoid drama.

I love this series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Stacy gave me an advanced ebook of this story, thank you so much. Your books never disappoint!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The protagonists in this story seem to be magnets for murder. This series is good for a light read that keeps a fast pace. The main characters are a group of friends That always have a crisis in the wings. There is always a crisis looming and a dead body or bones to be found. The mystery in this particular story is an. Interesting one that draws from the past. Entertaining light read.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Denise Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter grips you immediately. What starts as a young love date soon turns tragic. Arianna, who is training to become a PI, gets involved in the case of a person who has been missing for decades. Arianna and her husband Damon can not seem to escape turmoil, but they handle it wonderfully. I love these young sleuths! The nice mysterious ending has me ready for book 4! Highly recommend!

[Cyndi Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, but this time Damon and Ariana aren't necessarily the "main characters". Now their friend Maya has involved them in an unsolved cold case, and finding the answers definitely revealed secrets that were hidden. This wasn't the most action-packed or thrilling of the books of the series, but sometimes even the main characters need a break! I still found it to be an excellent read, and look forward to the next book in the series!

[Krystal Beiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! This neighborhood went from happy and oblivious to a graveyard full of investigators overnight. Ariana and Damon think they can do it all and leave nothing to the police. 🤦‍♀️.

Maya swoops in and thinks she’s clever and going to fool Ryan and his wife even though she looks just like her sister?!?

I downloaded the next book but I probably won’t get to it right away… I didn’t get a MUST CONTINUE feeling.

[Melanie Robertson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Each book has topped the previous ones. The characters are strong, well-written, and likeable.

Ariana and Damon have a lot of baggage to carry with them from their childhoods, but they seem to be able to set that aside and deal with whatever life throws at them.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy this series, as you can't ever be sure how things are going to turn out. When bones are found in the yard of Ariana's neighbour, she feels that she has enough going on in her own family to get involved. Her friend is working for the guy who owns the property and convinces her to help solve the mystery When all is said and done, the answers are closer to home than they would like.

[Tonya Bryant Gillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series with Ariana and Damon, their strong relationship is great. I love how they are great friends to all their friends.

This was a great read and I really didn’t know what to think of Mr. Mason, he kept me guessing right up to the end!

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but it wasn't as suspenseful as I've come to expect. I feel I also read this a lot quicker than previous books. I liked how the missing girl and her family had ties to Damon's father. The story also set up the next book nicely with Rita and Grayson.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great story. Ariana puts her sleuthing skills to use as her friend comes upon a decades old mystery. It get entwined with Damon's past. It's funny how a chance meeting helps a father in the future.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long ago secret revealed and another crime to solve. Ariana just wants to earn her PI license not be pulled into another murder case. The beginning is one of the best that I have read in a long time. So much happening in this book. There is sadness as well as closure. The ending was a great set up for book 4.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana and Damon are trying to rebuild their lives together. Unfortunately there isn’t quiet in the neighborhood. A murder, a killer on the loose, how will this all turn out. Plenty of suspense, action and definitely danger. Will Ariana solve the case in time. Another reason to stay up.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional

Another fantastic adventure in Adriana and Damon’s complicated life. Wonderful characters and setting continues to be intriguing with a lot of unexpected twists and turns

[Anne Chinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!

I loved this book! I've also read the first two in the series. I can't wait to read the next one. Stacy Claflin sure knows how to keep the story going. I couldn't put any of the three books down. I think I read all three in about two days! Wonderful writing!!

[Paperbacksandcrackedspines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love stacy and how she wfites her books 😍ariana Jones books are easy reads and keeps you wanting more

[Megan Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these books are so addictive!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that weaves together a new story & events from the last two books about Damian & Ariana. A new community & new home does not seem to protect them from the past. Stacy knows how to write a book that is hard to put down once you start reading it and she leaves you wanting to read more.