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Alex Mercer #2
Turn Back Time
A dangerous cult disbanded years ago. Now they’re back, and they want revenge.
Alex Mercer spends his spare time operating a blog for missing children—a pastime inspired by his daughter’s recent disappearance. Another relative goes missing. As he follows up on leads coming into his site, the police department is inundated with a rash of missing persons cases. The incidents seem unrelated until evidence ties the cases to a dilapidated apartment building known for its unsavory clientele. Suspicion falls on a disbanded cult. The same cult Alex’s own relatives had managed to escape from and bring down a decade earlier.
The cult leaders, recently released or escaped from prison, reassemble their members and mandate a new mission to capture and kill all those responsible for the breakdown of their community. After another loved one disappears, Alex is ready to rescue the missing people from certain death. But will he get there in time?
Turn Back Time is the second book in a series of exciting standalone novels spun off from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. If you like heart-pounding suspense, page-turning action, and characters you’ll never forget, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s engrossing series.
Alex Mercer spends his spare time operating a blog for missing children—a pastime inspired by his daughter’s recent disappearance. Another relative goes missing. As he follows up on leads coming into his site, the police department is inundated with a rash of missing persons cases. The incidents seem unrelated until evidence ties the cases to a dilapidated apartment building known for its unsavory clientele. Suspicion falls on a disbanded cult. The same cult Alex’s own relatives had managed to escape from and bring down a decade earlier.
The cult leaders, recently released or escaped from prison, reassemble their members and mandate a new mission to capture and kill all those responsible for the breakdown of their community. After another loved one disappears, Alex is ready to rescue the missing people from certain death. But will he get there in time?
Turn Back Time is the second book in a series of exciting standalone novels spun off from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. If you like heart-pounding suspense, page-turning action, and characters you’ll never forget, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s engrossing series.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2017
707 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
169 books1,408 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 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 13, 2017
One of the scariest books, I've ever read. I was too afraid to leave the room, after reading it. The scariest stories are the ones, that could really happen... to anyone.
There is this spooky and really dangerous cult, that was disbanded, years ago, when leaders went to prison. Now the are out.
Alex Mercer runs blog for missing children. After a relative goes missing, he posts about that to. He has really good detective skills and has a vital part in uncovering what is happening.
Scary good book.
I just regret I didn't read previous books first. It is good book to read as a stand alone, but I wished I knew a bit more about what happened before.
There is this spooky and really dangerous cult, that was disbanded, years ago, when leaders went to prison. Now the are out.
Alex Mercer runs blog for missing children. After a relative goes missing, he posts about that to. He has really good detective skills and has a vital part in uncovering what is happening.
Scary good book.
I just regret I didn't read previous books first. It is good book to read as a stand alone, but I wished I knew a bit more about what happened before.
June 22, 2018
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*
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*
July 11, 2017
An excellent and riveting page-turner that had me gripping my seat. I haven't flown through a book this quickly in quite a while. The characters were well-rounded and easy to relate to. I found myself quickly invested in what would happen to each one, from the main characters to the background characters. Claflin has crafted a fantastic tale that had me glued to my kindle each and every chance I got.
"Turn Back Time" is a standalone tale, so even though I had not yet read the first in the Alex Mercer series or any of the Gone series, I was easily able to keep up with the plot. In fact, the details she included in this novel about her previous books were a great enticement to go back and read the other books related to "Turn Back Time"!
The portrayal of anxiety and panic in the characters clearly suffering from PTSD after their experiences in a cult and with being kidnapped were spot on, thorough, and so well-written that I had sweaty palms reading about their experiences. As someone suffering from anxiety and PTSD in real life, the accurate portrayal of these issues for a character is a huge check in the positive column. Not only does it lend credibility to the story and further the plot appropriately, but it helps to give people who have never experienced these problems personally an up close and personal view of just how debilitating these conditions can be.
The process that law enforcement went through and families went through in relation to the kidnappings and the missing persons cases was well-researched and well thought out, making the book incredibly realistic as a reader. I was truly drawn into the family drama, which was a smooth and easy read. Nothing seemed out of place or unrealistic about the way the story's main conflict was handled, which made the book all that more easy for me to speed through as I raced to find out what happened to Lottie and the rest of the characters.
I would definitely recommend this novel, and Claflin overall as an author. I am excited to read more of her work, and read more about Alex Mercer and his family!
"Turn Back Time" is a standalone tale, so even though I had not yet read the first in the Alex Mercer series or any of the Gone series, I was easily able to keep up with the plot. In fact, the details she included in this novel about her previous books were a great enticement to go back and read the other books related to "Turn Back Time"!
The portrayal of anxiety and panic in the characters clearly suffering from PTSD after their experiences in a cult and with being kidnapped were spot on, thorough, and so well-written that I had sweaty palms reading about their experiences. As someone suffering from anxiety and PTSD in real life, the accurate portrayal of these issues for a character is a huge check in the positive column. Not only does it lend credibility to the story and further the plot appropriately, but it helps to give people who have never experienced these problems personally an up close and personal view of just how debilitating these conditions can be.
The process that law enforcement went through and families went through in relation to the kidnappings and the missing persons cases was well-researched and well thought out, making the book incredibly realistic as a reader. I was truly drawn into the family drama, which was a smooth and easy read. Nothing seemed out of place or unrealistic about the way the story's main conflict was handled, which made the book all that more easy for me to speed through as I raced to find out what happened to Lottie and the rest of the characters.
I would definitely recommend this novel, and Claflin overall as an author. I am excited to read more of her work, and read more about Alex Mercer and his family!
July 16, 2017
Another riveting tale from Stacy Claflin! Alex Mercer is trying to get his life in order after his daughter had been kidnapped & rescued. He wants to make something of himself before he tries to get together with Zoey, his daughter's mother again. He is acting as his father's assistant & has a blog that he has created about missing persons. Who knew the next missing person he blogged about would be his sister's mother-in-law. Would they find her in time? Is the same person or group beyond the rash of missing persons?
Ms. Claflin has a knack for creating a thriller that grabs your attention from the beginning & keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The characters are well developed & realistic. There is a sense of strength, resiliency & family woven throughout the story. The characters use these as encouragement to continue to be strong, fight & look for a way out. The idea behind this story of a cult kidnapping former members & taking them for judgement is something that seems realistic in today's world & makes this story even more horrifying. Make sure your doors are locked & the lights are blazing before you start this one! I guarantee you it will have you jumping at shadows & shaking at ordinary noises.
Ms. Claflin has a knack for creating a thriller that grabs your attention from the beginning & keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The characters are well developed & realistic. There is a sense of strength, resiliency & family woven throughout the story. The characters use these as encouragement to continue to be strong, fight & look for a way out. The idea behind this story of a cult kidnapping former members & taking them for judgement is something that seems realistic in today's world & makes this story even more horrifying. Make sure your doors are locked & the lights are blazing before you start this one! I guarantee you it will have you jumping at shadows & shaking at ordinary noises.
July 12, 2017
Turn Back Time brings back some of my favorite Stacy Claflin characters. Alex, Zoey, Macy, and Luke. They are no longer teenagers and have lived a heck of a life. Macy was kidnapped and taken to a cult when she was a teenager. Luke and Zoey’s daughter was kidnapped also. Now Luke’s mother has been kidnapped. It seems this family just can’t get away from the cult.
What I continue to take away from this series is the strength of family. The character’s families never lose hope, never give up, and never quit hoping for happiness. They all manage to find happiness with many HUGE bumps in the path. They also never waver in their support of each other. In this book Luke’s mother is kidnapped and the rest of the characters and their families never doubt that she will be home safe and work together to find her.
This is book 2 of the Alex Mercer series, which is part of the Gone series. I recommend at least reading the Alex Mercer series in order, reading the Gone series will just give you more background on Macy’s history.
Thank you Stacy Claflin for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What I continue to take away from this series is the strength of family. The character’s families never lose hope, never give up, and never quit hoping for happiness. They all manage to find happiness with many HUGE bumps in the path. They also never waver in their support of each other. In this book Luke’s mother is kidnapped and the rest of the characters and their families never doubt that she will be home safe and work together to find her.
This is book 2 of the Alex Mercer series, which is part of the Gone series. I recommend at least reading the Alex Mercer series in order, reading the Gone series will just give you more background on Macy’s history.
Thank you Stacy Claflin for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2017
Fabulous Book!!
A nightmare for any parent is if their child go missing, having experienced that has bonded this family constellation close. When a beloved "extra" mother dissappears without a trace, and then like a veritable conundrum a myriad of other seemingly unrelated people also goes missing, but are they all subjected to the same thing? The mystery deepens and captures the imagnation in a brilliant way. Vivid characters brings the reader up to speed on the past history of this family, their bonds, and their past in a cult that this mother and a few others fled from. With such brilliance is the background delivered and the current suspence filled events unfolds, it results in a read that is all absorbing and impossible to put down even for a moment. I have stated before that the way this author convays emotions to the reader in nothing short than Divine, and the vividness of her characters are outstanding and remarkable, its no wonder that this bargains for a unforgettable read, and its as always delivered with a snitz and skill that is unforgettable,
This is the second book in this two book series.
A nightmare for any parent is if their child go missing, having experienced that has bonded this family constellation close. When a beloved "extra" mother dissappears without a trace, and then like a veritable conundrum a myriad of other seemingly unrelated people also goes missing, but are they all subjected to the same thing? The mystery deepens and captures the imagnation in a brilliant way. Vivid characters brings the reader up to speed on the past history of this family, their bonds, and their past in a cult that this mother and a few others fled from. With such brilliance is the background delivered and the current suspence filled events unfolds, it results in a read that is all absorbing and impossible to put down even for a moment. I have stated before that the way this author convays emotions to the reader in nothing short than Divine, and the vividness of her characters are outstanding and remarkable, its no wonder that this bargains for a unforgettable read, and its as always delivered with a snitz and skill that is unforgettable,
This is the second book in this two book series.
October 4, 2022
When Alex's sister's mother in law disappears. Alex and his family is working hard to find her.
All of a sudden, the police department is swamped with missing persons being reported.
While looking at pictures the victims, Macy recognizes several of them as being from the cult that had kidnapped her almost 10 years prior.
Meanwhile, Alex is doing everything he can to improve his living situation trying to get a better job. And with the Police Captain's help, he may just be able to do that.
This is book two of the Alex Mercer series.
There're developed characters, a strong plot line, and a decent amount of suspense.
All of a sudden, the police department is swamped with missing persons being reported.
While looking at pictures the victims, Macy recognizes several of them as being from the cult that had kidnapped her almost 10 years prior.
Meanwhile, Alex is doing everything he can to improve his living situation trying to get a better job. And with the Police Captain's help, he may just be able to do that.
This is book two of the Alex Mercer series.
There're developed characters, a strong plot line, and a decent amount of suspense.
October 14, 2018
Great follow up!
This was the second book in this series. Alex had seemed a mess up. But he is finally turning his life around. He has started a blog on missing people. When his sister's mother-in-law turns up missing he gets started on the searching skills he finds out where she was seen last. In his search he comes up with others missing from same place. Comes to light that the people missing was from the cult that had kidnapped his sister years ago. When his sister is kidnapped a second time it's a race to find them before it's too late.
This was the second book in this series. Alex had seemed a mess up. But he is finally turning his life around. He has started a blog on missing people. When his sister's mother-in-law turns up missing he gets started on the searching skills he finds out where she was seen last. In his search he comes up with others missing from same place. Comes to light that the people missing was from the cult that had kidnapped his sister years ago. When his sister is kidnapped a second time it's a race to find them before it's too late.
February 7, 2022
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series I was a little unsure as to how this would compare but I wasn’t to be disappointed as it was just a good. A page turner enhance by short chapters which just urged me to read the next one, then the next …. All the characters were strong with a strong storyline to go with them and something that could really happen. There was so much going on I had to concentrate which I enjoy in a book, very well written and something to get your teeth in to. I would recommend this book and will read more by this author. Thank you.
July 1, 2017
I've read the Gone series and loved them all. The first Alex Mercer book was also great. Saying that, I think this one topped all of them. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting and wanting to know what was around the next corner. I was enjoying this so much I tried to slow myself down reading as I wasn't ready for it to finish.
There's still more to this story I think and of course more to Alex's story and I can't wait for the next instalment.
There's still more to this story I think and of course more to Alex's story and I can't wait for the next instalment.
January 15, 2020
Why kidnap Lottie who wouldn't hurt a fly?!😲
A terrific thriller in all senses of the word! Tight, well written, with suspense on every page, as more and more seemingly unrelated people go missing and a decade-old nightmare returns to haunt Alex and his extended family. My first time reading one of the author's thrillers, I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
A terrific thriller in all senses of the word! Tight, well written, with suspense on every page, as more and more seemingly unrelated people go missing and a decade-old nightmare returns to haunt Alex and his extended family. My first time reading one of the author's thrillers, I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
July 21, 2020
The love of a family
I have really enjoyed this book and audible brought it to life even more. I would recommend this book and series to anyone. I love the family dynamics. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. Thank you Stacy Claflin for a well written book. I really like the characters in this series. I'm off to the next book in the series.
I have really enjoyed this book and audible brought it to life even more. I would recommend this book and series to anyone. I love the family dynamics. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. Thank you Stacy Claflin for a well written book. I really like the characters in this series. I'm off to the next book in the series.
January 4, 2024
I liked this story more than the first book. I felt the characters were more likable and it was nice learning the back story with the cult. No twists in this story. It can be read as a stand-alone, but makes more sense if you read the first in the series before this one to get some of the back story. The author refers to some of the things that happened in that book. Decent action although no real suspense. On to the next one.
July 3, 2017
I loved that while the story was still focused on Alex, it incorporated the previous supporting characters and put them into focus.
The cult is back and Alex's loved ones are getting dragged back into it. Turn Back Time is a fast-paced read, that has you screaming at Jonah and the cult and cheering on Lottie, Macy, and Luke.
The cult is back and Alex's loved ones are getting dragged back into it. Turn Back Time is a fast-paced read, that has you screaming at Jonah and the cult and cheering on Lottie, Macy, and Luke.
July 18, 2017
Macy is trying to recover emotionally from her abduction by the cult she was a part of in the past. Lukes mom Lottie has been missing for days and their lives are turned upside down. With a crazy cult leader looking to get revenge on the people who betrayed him. Rollercoaster of emotions. Really good story, I really enjoyed it from start yo finish. Definitely recommend.
August 10, 2017
Interesting but underwhelming
I enjoyed this book, but I didn't feel the same excitement as the first Mercer book. I did find her descriptions of the rituals the cult used chilling. However, the storyline regarding the leader of the cult was a little underwhelming. At times, it felt that there was something missing in the cult and the plot was flat.
I enjoyed this book, but I didn't feel the same excitement as the first Mercer book. I did find her descriptions of the rituals the cult used chilling. However, the storyline regarding the leader of the cult was a little underwhelming. At times, it felt that there was something missing in the cult and the plot was flat.
January 26, 2020
The town is having a large number of missing people with no apparent similarities. When the police figure out what is going on, will they arrive in time to rescue everyone?
It is intense and you can really feel the pain the families feel. I liked the introduction to Nick’s
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
It is intense and you can really feel the pain the families feel. I liked the introduction to Nick’s
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 27, 2020
People go missing and they are related to the cult whose leaders Alex had put in jail in the previous book. There is a lot of action and the story is fast paced as they have to reach the cult before people start to get killed. I read the book almost non stop. It´s a great read.
I downloaded a free copy of this book from Amazon and this is my honest review.
I downloaded a free copy of this book from Amazon and this is my honest review.
April 29, 2023
I have gotten hooked on these Alex Mercer Thrillers. I am just starting book 4. I can't seem to put these books down. They are full of suspense that you don't want to put the book down. So happy that Alex & Zoey finally got together and it looks like Nick might have found him someone. Sure hope that resolves into a relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
I read the first book and was hooked so I decided to read the second but I didn’t realize that there was a first series with the sister being kidnapped so now I’m going to have to go read that one because I wanna keep reading this series but I feel like I was missing a big chunk of info going into this series.
June 30, 2017
This one hooked me and just wouldn't let me put it down!!! It's a suspenseful and action packed read that will stay with you after the final word.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 2, 2017
Captivating from beginning till ending!
With so many strong characters who went through a lot and are still not out of trouble.
We get to read the point of view of a madman and if he will succeed in bringing his perfect world to life.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
With so many strong characters who went through a lot and are still not out of trouble.
We get to read the point of view of a madman and if he will succeed in bringing his perfect world to life.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
July 4, 2017
Even without having read the first book in this series, I was able to follow along and see what Macy, Alex, Luke, and Lottie were all dealing with. There was a strong bond between family in this book which shows that family can deal with all sorts of issues. Great book.
July 15, 2017
A real page turner. The story drew me in and kept me glued to the pages. The drama was intense and the characters incredibly believable.
While I haven't read the first book in the Alex Mercer series, or the Gone series, I don't feel that I was missing anything in the storyline.
While I haven't read the first book in the Alex Mercer series, or the Gone series, I don't feel that I was missing anything in the storyline.
July 16, 2017
Loved the series slow at time but it picks up again. I think their should be a book 3 about Alex becoming a cop and getting back with Zoey, and the birth of Macy and Luke baby and Luke's mom moving on with her new guy.
July 24, 2017
Good read!!
I really liked the Alex Mercer books! I can't wait for the
Next installment! I love the way all the books intertwined with Macy's story and also Dean's List. I've also downloaded some of Stacy Claftin's other books and they're next on my list to read!
I really liked the Alex Mercer books! I can't wait for the
Next installment! I love the way all the books intertwined with Macy's story and also Dean's List. I've also downloaded some of Stacy Claftin's other books and they're next on my list to read!
September 18, 2017
A very gripping story. Alex is trying to recompose his life when he sister's mother in law disappears. Alex, Mach, Luke and Zoey are forced to face all the demons from the past again. You can't put the book down until the ends of the story.
December 26, 2017
Truly amazing
I've this author I've read a lot of her books and she never lets me down. Another brilliant book and brilliant story line. READ ALL HER BOOKS EVERYONE YOU WPNT BE DISAPPOINTED
I've this author I've read a lot of her books and she never lets me down. Another brilliant book and brilliant story line. READ ALL HER BOOKS EVERYONE YOU WPNT BE DISAPPOINTED
October 6, 2018
Really good book!
This is another great thriller written by a woman who apparently has a great imagination. It pulls you in and gets your heart racing quickly. I think Jonah's cult is a bit far fetched, but for fictional stories, this one will keep you going through the end.
This is another great thriller written by a woman who apparently has a great imagination. It pulls you in and gets your heart racing quickly. I think Jonah's cult is a bit far fetched, but for fictional stories, this one will keep you going through the end.
April 15, 2020
Great series
Love this series although they are stand alone as well. Great to get to know the characters more in depth
As you see the characters mature more and families sticking together. And always interesting twists.
Love this series although they are stand alone as well. Great to get to know the characters more in depth
As you see the characters mature more and families sticking together. And always interesting twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews