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Victim? Runaway? Or Criminal?
Detective Lyn Kramer is busy training Jud Hughes, a new detective on the force, when Gary Farnsworth shows up to report his wife missing. As the interview progresses, Lyn realizes the missing woman is none other than her own twin sister, Melissa. Lyn and Melissa have not seen each other since their parents died twenty-five years ago, when the girls were split up to live with two sets of warring grandparents. Lyn and Jud find mutual respect and a growing camaraderie as the investigation into Melissa’s disappearance deepens. Tensions reach a peak when the two detectives discover a trail of crimes linked to the missing woman’s family. Will Melissa be found? And if so, will Lyn have it in her to put her twin sister behind bars? For a free ebook copy download at http://book.annjonesbooks.com/ or https://books.noisetrade.com/annjones.... Free Hope you enjoy!

191 pages, ebook

First published July 8, 2017

9 people are currently reading
307 people want to read

About the author

Ann Jones

2 books460 followers
Inspired by so many wonderful authors, I have always had an unquenchable desire to read and write books. I am a lifelong bookworm and avid adventurer. I have fun living in Washington where the scenic landscapes are the perfect setting for weaving new tales.

https://www.pastemagazine.com/noisetr... pick up a free copy of my book 📚💖

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,371 followers
January 1, 2018
Why This Book
I connected with the author a few months ago and liked the summary of her book. While it was free, I downloaded it, knowing I liked mystery series and would want to give it a try. In a quest to close on all open items on my TBR before January 2018 finishes, I read this one on a plane ride home from a Christmas trip to visit family. And I'm glad I did; it's got lots of potential.

Plot, Characters & Setting
Detective Lyn Kramer, ~32ish, works in a small town training her newest junior detective, who happens to be a few years older than her. There's a spark between them, but she's ignoring it while she's trying to end another dead-end relationship. When a missing persons case is dropped on her at the last minute, she gets quite a surprise as the woman is her dead ringer. We later learn it's her twin sister, and they were separated at a young age when their parents died of a drug overdose. There's a lot more going on in this story, connected to her family's past in the mob, and her grandfather's hatred for his in-laws. As Lyn searches for her sister, she confronts a past that tormented her family, slowly learning the truth of what happened all those years ago.

Approach & Style
This is a novella, on the shorter side of the scale, but it's a good entry point for a new series. It gives the reader an opportunity over a ~2 hour period to decide if the characters, setting and voice work for their personal style. I read on my iPad through Kindle Reader.

Thoughts
Besides the author being an absolutely wonderful person from a few chats we've had, the book series is quite promising. I was engaged by the plot and the mystery. I liked the family drama aspects of the story. I found the relationships quite curious, especially how Lyn treats her current boyfriend (or he treats her - yikes!) and what could happen with Jud, her new partner. The writing is clean and easy to digest, presents a picture, but lets you add your own imagination to some of the setting. The suspense factor began building in various chapters. For a debut, I think this could turn into something that I look forward to reading as each new book is launched. Kudos to Ann Jones for delivering a strong first book that has all the elements of a fine mystery series.

There were a few areas that were a bit vague or open-ended, and the full background seems to be missing (no pun intended!) a few important details, but I'm not going to question it right now... as sometimes that's the point in a mystery series. You can't reveal everything all at once, so those details will pop up when necessary in future books, I suspect. Twins makes things fun. A girl raised by her grandfather will add a different layer to the story. And Lyn has edge... so this was a good read for me.

Summary
I will definitely continue with this series. For a debut, it has a lot of promise to deliver quality stories with memorable characters. We've gotten a small flavor for a handful and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I’m Jay, an author who lives in NYC. My debut novel, Watching Glass Shatter, can be purchased on Amazon. I write A LOT. I read A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll find the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge – words and humor. You can also find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Profile Image for Angie Dokos.
Author 4 books231 followers
March 23, 2018
Great story. This author has a lot of potential. I look forward to reading more of her work. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. It's not super-fast paced, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. And having twins in the story just makes it that much more intriguing for me. There were a few unanswered, or kind of vague details, but hopefully they'll come out as the series progresses. I can't believe they lived in the same small town and didn't know it. It's hard to believe everyone didn't realize right away that they were sisters, especially Lyn's boss and Melissa's husband, but that is why they call it fiction. :) I can't wait to see how they deal with the uncle and cousins, and Lyn's ex! I also look forward to watching her relationship with Jud develop; although, one of them may have to change jobs for that to work. Either way, I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lena .
92 reviews46 followers
November 14, 2017
Let me begin by saying this is a very short read. It's also very fast paced and there's a lot going on! But this fast style went well with the overall story. It's just an uncomplicated read that you will definitely enjoy if you like your mysteries short and action filled.

I loved the fact that there also was a bit of romance going on. I can imagine some people would find this a bit too much. But I actually liked that there was so much going on at the same time. It made it even more fast paced

Sometimes it could have used some more details and explanations as to why certain things were happening. When Lyn and her partner questioned people about the woman who disappeared it felt like they only asked 2 questions and were on their way again. It felt a bit messy, as if they weren't really caring for the woman to be found. We also didn't get a huge amount of answers about the childhood situations that the two girls where in. But I think there will be other books in this series, so I'm guessing more answers will be given in the next books.

If you write a book that's really small obviously you need to cut in some parts. It was completely filled with action and because of that sometimes the details or emotions where a bit lost. I'm the kind of person that gets easily frustrated with missing details and I'm glad that I can say it didn't really bother me so much in this book than it would have in most other books. It's written really well and because it goes so fast you don't really have "time" to look for more.

The characters weren't incredible, they weren't bad. But I feel like they were a bit standard. They didn't have much depth, but they weren't badly written either. It wouldn't be bad if there was a little bit more development in the next books.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this series will go to in the next books!

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Profile Image for Abbi Adams.
Author 10 books109 followers
June 19, 2019
A really fun, light mystery read that will keep you turning the pages :D
I love Karate Girl and Comfort Guy, watching their relationship grow a little at a time. It was perfectly done.
The mystery isn't very complex, so I wouldn't recommend it if that's all you want. This is a book you would want to read for the characters :)
I'm really looking forward to the next book, especially since this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger! :D
Profile Image for Leah Lozano.
Author 1 book11 followers
April 16, 2018
An easy read and a great book! Ann Jones’ writing style keeps you well immersed in the depths of her story. I easily connected with the characters and found myself moved by them. I read book one straight through, already have book two and am delighted to hear there is a third! Keep writing, Ann!
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews163 followers
July 18, 2017
This is a great action packed read! I was caught up in the book from the beginning until the end. Twins separated while young girls live very different lives. They are brought into each other's lives again when one goes missing. What an emotional and suspenseful story that pulls on the heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you, Ann Jones to allowing me to read your new book.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,681 reviews
September 4, 2018
I loved the start of this book where a husband walks into his local Police office and reports to Lyn Kramer that his wife is missing.......but he cant get his words out properly as Lyn is the doppleganger of his missing wife!
And the story goes from there, its more of an extended short story than a full novel and there is a lot of info and back story packed into it
An easy to read style of writing that encouraged me to read on and finish quickly
The story itself is interesting and kinda shocking, there may be a couple of flaws in the story but these are overcome later on and are righted!
An enjoyable and viable story that I think leads to more and will be interesting to follow up what happens ( cant say anymore on the plot or else will give it away )
8/10 4 stars
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,397 reviews80 followers
December 21, 2017
I received a copy of this novel for free from the author via a giveaway. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.

This is a completely new author for me and it wasn't until I read some reviews on here that I realised Missing is the author's debut novel, which makes it all the more exceptional for that reason alone. Extremely well written, with engaging characters and a fast paced plot that holds your attention from the first sentence and drags you along on a thrilling, action packed adventure.
At times it was a little lacking in descriptive content and back story, but as a debut work and what looks to be the first of a new series, this leaves the avenue wide open for the author to add depth to unexplored questions in the following books of the series.
I won't rehash the synopsis as the outline is there in the blurb and I generally hate giving spoilers away. I will say that I have already chosen a few characters as favourites - Jud, who comes across as the young stud muffin but seems to be wise beyond his years, and Pops because I can just visualise the crusty old bugger. I'd like to see some more character depth with Lyn, which I'm sure will develop with time - at the moment, while passionate, she seems a bit "flighty" for a seasoned cop. Oh! And what an antagonist we have in Allen. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for him and the rest of his feral family.
All in all, an exciting start to a new mystery series that I can't wait to explore.
791 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2017
Interesting reading about 2 sisters who were separated. Now one is missing and the other is a polie detective. Some romance but overall I enjoyed the book and of course happy end.
133 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Was hooked into the story from page 1, line 1, word 1.
A good detective novel which includes mystery and intrigue and some lovely lead characters. I couldn’t put this book down. As soon as I had finished it I went online to find the second in the series hitch I am now about to immerse myself in. Well done Ann Jones, keep them coming
Profile Image for Yara.
99 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2020
This review was originally posted at my blog: oadara.tumblr.com

A few weeks ago, after I wrote my book recommendation author Ann Jones @annjonesbooks contacted me (she’s super nice!) and told me about her debut novel, which you can download for free at this site.  

So, in the spirit of expanding my reading horizons, I decided to read her mystery novel (novella?) Missing (Lyn Kramer Mystery #1). The book follows Detective Lyn Kramer and her partner Detective Jud Hughes, who she’s currently training, as they investigate a missing person’s case in their small hometown in Kentucky. The case gets complicated when events of Lyn’s past might be directly connected with the missing person and the reason they might be missing.

The story is pretty standard for a mystery but I thought it was done well, it had good pacing, clean writing, focused storyline, and most importantly for me, the characters were relatable. The character development, especially with Lyn, is interesting because it relates to the case but also because of her relationship with Jud, which has some romantic elements. The story gives you a nice mix of mystery, romance, and family dynamics. This being Ann’s first book I think she did a great job.

I will say that I thought the ending was a bit abrupt because where the story breaks isn’t really a cliffhanger. It sort of just ends.

However, this being as series I imagine that the second book will pick right up where the first ended.

Thankfully, the second book is out so I’ll be able to tell you how the story continues.
501 reviews20 followers
August 13, 2018
This is the first novel in what appears to be a police procedural series featuring a female detective. While I found this book to be on the short side, it did set up the series quite nicely as it introduces what seems to be a complex and troubled history for the main character with lots of potential for future conflicts and revelations.

For me, the characters were particularly strong: they seemed very human, for the most part. (There's one character who seems a little too perfect to me, but it's possible that a future installment will reveal more - I'm hoping for more development there). I especially liked that the main characters all had obvious flaws.

The plot moved along at a very good clip. I think it would have benefited from a longer, more detailed treatment, though. There were a couple of small details that were not explained as it pertained to the disappearance. In addition, the denouement just seemed a bit neat to me - I think there are ways to have complicated matters that would have added dimension to the story.

This was, overall, an enjoyable read, and it sets up future installments very nicely.

I received a copy of this novel through Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
541 reviews76 followers
July 26, 2017
This is a mystery/thriller and the first book of this author, but I'm sure there will be more. The story focuses on a school teacher Melissa Farnsworth's disappearance, and a young detective Melinda is called into investigate the missing person case. The husband of the missing woman keeps staring at the detective because there's such an uncanny resemblance between her and his wife. We soon learn the missing woman is the detective's twin sister who was separated from her as a child. Melinda knows of course that she can't let her superiors learn of this for she knows they will take off the case, but she desperately wants to find her sister Melissa who she doesn't know if she's been kidnapped, killed or what. I really enjoyed this book. Ann Jones characters were realistic, my favorite ones being Lyn and Jud who have such good chemistry together, but I would agree with what another reviewer said, I could easily see there being a sequel to this book. Check it out.
Profile Image for Kristi Lewis.
190 reviews12 followers
September 4, 2018
Lyn Kramer has been contacted to investigate a woman, Melissa that has been reported missing. Jud is assisting Lyn on the case. Lyn has been asked to step aside from the case once she discovers that Melissa is her twin sister. Lyn is more determined than ever to find out where Melissa is. There are family secrets that are buried deep. There is also a very disturbing reason that Melissa went missing. Gary her husband can't understand how Melissa would leave her family without explanation. Ann Jones weaves a suspenseful, thought provoking story. It is filled with twists and turns. I couldn't put in down once I started reading it. I'm looking for to reading Trapping the 2nd book in the Lyn Kramer Mystery series.
Profile Image for Tammy.
646 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2017
First time reading from the author.
I thought the story was good. It had a couple of sad spots in the story. The story had you wondering what happened to Melissa. I got to see two sides of family, one nice, and one so bad, they all need to be locked up for a long time. Lyn’s boyfriend, now a ex needs to be locked up as well. He turned out creepy to me. Lyn a detective and her partner does everything they can to find what happen to her.
The author starts throwing info at me and then it seems the mystery is all coming together. Now I am sitting at the edge of my seat going come on! Save her! Hurry up! Tears start to roll down as Melissa seems to be giving up. Now I am really yelling at them to hurry it up. Time is running out guys. That was a very good ending. I hope to read more from the author.

Got for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with me.
Profile Image for Anita Rodgers.
Author 19 books56 followers
August 9, 2017
An entertaining quick read which might make you burn dinner

Missing is an intriguing mystery from debut crime novelist Ann Jones. Her main character Lyn Kramer is a no-nonsense detective who has no trouble clearing cases, getting the job done, and calling it a day. And since she is so good at it, believes herself to be impervious to the crimes she investigates. Until it becomes personal.

A simple missing persons case turns into a waking nightmare for Kramer, when it turns out it’s her twin sister who is missing. Because of a terrible painful past, and a long separation between the sisters, the case stirs up memories, Kramer would prefer to repress but is helpless to do so. And a very thin veil behind which the family skeletons hide is about to be drawn aside.

With the help of her green yet surprisingly empathetic partner, Jud, and a few resistant witnesses can Lyn save her sister, and by doing so, save herself? Or will she just crack under the pressure?

I’m afraid you’ll have to read the novel to find out.


Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 105 books366 followers
September 30, 2017
Readers get to meet Lyn Kramer, a detective training her partner Jud Hughes. When Gary Farnsworth come in to report his wife is missing, Lyn, Jud and Gary notice the resemblance between the missing woman and Lyn. Maybe that is because Lyn and Melissa are identical twins who were separated twenty five years ago when their parents died. Lyn knows she has to find her twin and reconnect, but how? This is a really good mystery with just the right amount of twists and background story for readers to enjoy.
171 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
It was very well written with a great story line.
I just wish it had been longer.
A recommended read..
Profile Image for Callie Walker.
9 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2018
This book is a quick read with a simple yet engaging plot. The characters are real and I instantly bought the sequel because I missed them as soon as I reached the end of "Missing."
Profile Image for Frank DeMoro.
8 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2018
Very intriguing read, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. The last few chapters were very tense and exciting and loved the plot! Can't wait to read "Trapping"
Profile Image for Rachael.
61 reviews
October 13, 2017
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. This in no way influences my opinion.

Missing follows a detective, Melinda (Lyn), who is working on a missing persons case with her partner Jud. As soon as Lyn sees the picture of the missing woman, she instantly and easily recognizes her, because it is her twin sister, Melissa. Lyn has not spoken or seen her sister since they were separated at a young age and she had no idea that Melissa was living in the same city as herself. Melissa was sent to one set of their grandparents and Lyn was sent to the other when their parents died from a drug overdose. Lyn and Jud set out to find Melissa and in the process Lyn discovers some more information on her past and her family.

I'll start out by saying that this book had me interested from the beginning. As soon as I read that Melissa and Lyn were twins, I was instantly questioning how this book was going to turn out. At the start, I felt that Lyn was not concerned about her sister at all. She didn't seem upset or frantic. She was just acting as if Melissa had no relation to her at all. I understand that she did not want to be thrown from the case for having a personal relationship from Melissa but she really did not show any kind of feelings about her twin sister being missing. It was also a little odd that after all these years, Lyn and Melissa had no contact or any attempts at contact. Lyn had no idea that Melissa lived in the same city as her or that she has a husband and two kids.

The romance between Lyn and Jud is cute but it seemed very predictable. At one point in the book, I was actually questioning if Melissa's husband, Gary, was involved because he lied to the police about calling Melissa's work to see if she showed up. But we never did get any clarification on why he ended up lying to the police.

Overall, this book caught my attention and I thought it was a decent quick read. The Kindle version is 191 pages but on my iBooks it showed up as 359 but it was still a very fast and quick read. I would recommend this to my friends who like mystery and I will definitely pick up the next book to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Amanda "Coffin Critiques".
165 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2020
I was nicely surprised by this novel. I didn’t expect so much of a connection from these characters and the plot was pretty suspenseful. I was intrigued quickly due to the author moving at a decent pace with build. I found her pace to keep you enticed in what was happening while waiting for more but also not moving so quickly you don’t have a chance to embrace her characters’ personalities. I enjoyed the background of this story line and it’s ability to maintain a level of realism while also not getting too dark. I teetered on a 3/3.5 rating but eventually felt this book deserved 4 stars. I genuinely did find myself enjoying this book, it’s the kind you can sit with for a few hours and just get wrapped up in and it ends with a feeling of openness that makes you want to read the next one right away. It’s fun, and at times a little flirty and the hope the author presents is a nice theme to match. Overall, it really all worked together, which is why I decided on 4 stars but I do think it could have gotten a little deeper. But since it’s the first of a series, I think the potential was very strong and the writing itself was well done. It was fun and quick and I would recommend to someone looking for a light suspense thriller that doesn’t delve into the darkness of characters, which I think makes it stand out.
Profile Image for Vicky Quenault.
282 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book, but it was a little soft for me. There was no real build up of suspense or mystery, the romantic sub plot was a bit adolescent and the character development definitely needs work.
I guess I just expected a little more grit in a story where the protagonist is a detective.
Overall, its a nice light read, and some of the characters have huge potential, especially Kelsey.
If you want something thats easy to read and has a light touch with the darker aspects of life this is a good pick.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
1 review
Want to read
January 24, 2018
What an excellent story! Ann Jones' descriptions with deep insights of police culture make me think at times that the author herself is a detective and that the case was real. I couldn't put down the book until I finished, feeling the human emotion of Detective Lyn Kramer when her twin sister, Melisa, was missing.
Profile Image for L. Costevelos.
Author 1 book53 followers
December 20, 2018
Just finished reading this book in one sitting and I really enjoyed it, I can’t wait to see what’s coming next. All In all it was a fantastic read with promising characters and a great last few chapters packed full of tension!
Profile Image for crazipotmom.
198 reviews15 followers
November 28, 2018
very good book from Ann Jones I am looking forward to reading the second one in this series I can't wait to see what happens next 👊
Profile Image for Cecelia J..
Author 2 books5 followers
December 12, 2017
This is a well-crafted and splendidly written must read novel. The mystery suspense keeps one thinking and working with the story line. The story line is unique. It is a lovely clean book with a sprinkle of romantic promise. Grammar is first-class. I am waiting for this author to write her next book so I can read it. With her exceptional skills, she will go along way in the world of writing.
Profile Image for Tamra Delasalle Padgett.
377 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2017
Twin sisters separated after their parents deaths are made to live apart with each set of grandparents, never to see each other again until now. Melinda and Melissa get to meet again when Melissa is forced to be involved with her drug dealing family cousins or else her family will come to harm. Melinda became a detective and is working the case of her missing sister. Ann Jones is a wonderful writer and author and her writing kept me reading every word until the last page of the book. Missing is full of mystery, suspense and family reuniting and is a must read for everyone. Make sure to add this book to your library and look for more work by Ann Jones.
Profile Image for Tamara.
Author 9 books13 followers
June 6, 2019
Missing is the debut novel by Ann Jones.

The story is about Detective Lyn Kramer. When her estranged sister; Melissa, is reported missing Lyn does everything she can to keep her connection to the case under wraps while figuring out what happened. Her family’s history comes back to haunt her as she recalls the loss of their parents and the events that lead to the girl’s separation.

The story has a very solid foundation. The characters have a rich back story and are well rounded. Their motivations are both believable and understandable. At its heart it’s a story about family, both the good and the bad with their flaws and virtues given equal treatment by the narrative.

Where the story is lacking to me is only in the research of policies that affect the case. One example would be Lyn’s superiors not knowing about her having a sister since it would have come up in the background investigation, they do on routine hiring.

Despite the minor oversight it is a good story. It follows through on its promises and resolves the story in a way that is satisfying while it seamlessly sets up for the next book in the series to begin on a strong note.

Overall, it’s a nice afternoon read. I am excited to see where this author goes in the future. With the right editor and agent backing Ms. Jones she could be the next major criminal investigation writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

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