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Alex Mercer #4
Against All Odds
Betrayals. Secrets. Tragedy.
It started as a day like any other for Alex Mercer. Then he heard the news. Something that only happens in other places is happening in his hometown.
Just a few miles away at his daughter’s middle school, a shooter is on the loose. Alex does what every other parent in town does—he races to the school to find out if his loved ones are safe.
His world falls apart around him, and he can’t turn to his best friend because they’re both dealing with scathing terror.
As the motive behind the shooting comes to light, secrets and betrayals spiral out of control.
Will Alex give into old temptations in the face of the current situation, or will he be able to move past everything and help those he loves the most?
It started as a day like any other for Alex Mercer. Then he heard the news. Something that only happens in other places is happening in his hometown.
Just a few miles away at his daughter’s middle school, a shooter is on the loose. Alex does what every other parent in town does—he races to the school to find out if his loved ones are safe.
His world falls apart around him, and he can’t turn to his best friend because they’re both dealing with scathing terror.
As the motive behind the shooting comes to light, secrets and betrayals spiral out of control.
Will Alex give into old temptations in the face of the current situation, or will he be able to move past everything and help those he loves the most?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2018
368 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
187 books1,432 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 16, 2023
These books got me though and 8 hour job!
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
April 7, 2018
😱Edge of your seat suspense; will they rescue their loved ones in time?!
April 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍I loved it! This series built around two central families with extraordinarily bad luck is well-written, fast-paced and heavy on dark suspense, angst and plot twists.
In this latest suspenseful novel in the series, Nick, the divorced police chief whose teenage daughter goes missing, is, IMO, the more likable and relatable of the two male heroes. However, that's not to say he doesn't make mistakes and, somehow, his main misstep in this story ends up hurting a significant someone more than him. He also has to deal with his ex, who has come back to town and becomes less appealing with her every appearance!
Alex Mercer, the eponymous hero of the series, still has not quite got his act together and cracks creep into his new resolve to make up for past mistakes and create a better life with fiancee Zoey, his baby momma and their daughter Arianna. He seems more than a little lost and ineffectual in this story, understandable, I suppose, with his fiancee in life threatening danger. Although I felt for him, he was not his most appealing in this situation where his loved ones rather than he are in danger.
To a great extent, the female characters are the real heroes in Against All Odds. Officer Genevieve Foster, Nick's daughter Ava and Zoey, even Alex's heavily pregnant sister Macy, show true grit and brave it out, not waiting for their men to take care of things. Go, girl power!
Yes, this story starts with a terrible armed invasion of a school. Some may want to skip this story because of that, or at least hold off reading it until they can put some distance between the recent real life tragedy and the fictionalized one. However, within a day or two of the rash of attacks in Paris several years ago, I randomly picked up a Daniel Silva book with an all too eerily similar plot. It made the novel all the more moving and relevant as I heard in-depth reports on the real life Paris attacks.
If you have not yet figured it out, I love the Alex Mercer series and devoured these pages right through to the book's troubling, promise-of-future-difficulties, conclusion. I am so looking forward to their future adventures!:-)
I read a complimentary copy of the book provided by the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍I loved it! This series built around two central families with extraordinarily bad luck is well-written, fast-paced and heavy on dark suspense, angst and plot twists.
In this latest suspenseful novel in the series, Nick, the divorced police chief whose teenage daughter goes missing, is, IMO, the more likable and relatable of the two male heroes. However, that's not to say he doesn't make mistakes and, somehow, his main misstep in this story ends up hurting a significant someone more than him. He also has to deal with his ex, who has come back to town and becomes less appealing with her every appearance!
Alex Mercer, the eponymous hero of the series, still has not quite got his act together and cracks creep into his new resolve to make up for past mistakes and create a better life with fiancee Zoey, his baby momma and their daughter Arianna. He seems more than a little lost and ineffectual in this story, understandable, I suppose, with his fiancee in life threatening danger. Although I felt for him, he was not his most appealing in this situation where his loved ones rather than he are in danger.
To a great extent, the female characters are the real heroes in Against All Odds. Officer Genevieve Foster, Nick's daughter Ava and Zoey, even Alex's heavily pregnant sister Macy, show true grit and brave it out, not waiting for their men to take care of things. Go, girl power!
Yes, this story starts with a terrible armed invasion of a school. Some may want to skip this story because of that, or at least hold off reading it until they can put some distance between the recent real life tragedy and the fictionalized one. However, within a day or two of the rash of attacks in Paris several years ago, I randomly picked up a Daniel Silva book with an all too eerily similar plot. It made the novel all the more moving and relevant as I heard in-depth reports on the real life Paris attacks.
If you have not yet figured it out, I love the Alex Mercer series and devoured these pages right through to the book's troubling, promise-of-future-difficulties, conclusion. I am so looking forward to their future adventures!:-)
I read a complimentary copy of the book provided by the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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*
April 14, 2018
What happens to an otherwise sane person to make them go so completely overboard about another? How can an emotion like love become so twisted? This book pulls you in from the opening scene. A school shooting. Adults killed. Middle School kids terrorized. Only two people are missing - Nick the police captain's daughter Ava & Nick Mercer's fiancé Zoey. Ms. Claflin sucks you into the story so deep that your emotions are intertwined with the story. My heart was racing along with the story! As with the other books in the series, the story is self contained within it but there is one thread leading to the next. It can be read as a stand alone.
April 7, 2018
WOWZERS! I was soooo looking forward to this book and it didn't let me down. This time around we get to learn more about some of the other characters that surround Alex. I enjoyed getting to know about Nick, Zoey and Ava some more as they came to the front of this Alex Mercer story. As usual this story had some great twists and turns and kept me riveted to every page wanting to get to the end. Then I got to the end and of course I wanted it to keep going! I love a cliffhanger and this book has one, boy oh boy its going to be interesting to see where the story goes next.........AWESOME story
April 12, 2018
Another great hit. Alex, zoey, nick, and all the kids surround d by a school shooing. What a horrible ordeal to have to go thou, but Nick being captain of police and his daughter Ava missing, puts him off the case fo obvious reasons. Foster being his sidekick in the department makes for an interesting partnership. Corrine, Nicks is x wife moving back to town and all that goes with that. You just have to read this story. I started and couldn’t put it down, this will keep you on the edge of your seat and up all night long because you can’t stop reading!
May 11, 2018
Another great Alex Mercer book. I can’t wait until number 5.
July 5, 2018
Great characters
Fast enjoyable read. I keep wanting to stay with the charActers and their lives as the different stories go on.
Fast enjoyable read. I keep wanting to stay with the charActers and their lives as the different stories go on.
April 6, 2018
The town is in chaos, shots have been fired in the middle school leaving several adults dead. But by the time the police get there, the suspect is missing. All the children are accounted for, except for Nick's daughter, Ava and Alex's fiance, Zoey, who happened to be in the school at the time. Both of them are too close to the case to be able to be active participants, but that doesn't mean that they won't move mountains to find the ones they love.
While Claflin delivers the edge of your seat suspense you've come to expect out of the Alex Mercer series, this was my least favorite of the books. First, because of the subject material, I feel like the release date should have been pushed back considering recent events going on in America. Secondly, throughout the book, Alex comes across as insanely selfish. His sister Macy is alone, and going into labor, and I understand Alex is hurting and worried about Zoey, but he's the only one that can help. Yet he keeps pleading with his father to pass the job off, running through the list of everyone possible. Later on in the book, he is obsessing about Zoey, going back mentally to the days when they had first met. In all his worries, he never once thinks to check on his daughter. I know she's sick and not aware of what has happened at the school, I also know that Zoey's parent's have custody of her, but he goes on about "the love of his life" with no mention of his daughter. Considering his daughter had been through so much in previous books, it would have been nice to see him check on her. But instead, he came across as too self-absorbed.
I think if he had protested less to help his sister when she really needed it, and put some effort into his daughter, the book would have been so much better, and I feel it's an easy fix to do.
While Claflin delivers the edge of your seat suspense you've come to expect out of the Alex Mercer series, this was my least favorite of the books. First, because of the subject material, I feel like the release date should have been pushed back considering recent events going on in America. Secondly, throughout the book, Alex comes across as insanely selfish. His sister Macy is alone, and going into labor, and I understand Alex is hurting and worried about Zoey, but he's the only one that can help. Yet he keeps pleading with his father to pass the job off, running through the list of everyone possible. Later on in the book, he is obsessing about Zoey, going back mentally to the days when they had first met. In all his worries, he never once thinks to check on his daughter. I know she's sick and not aware of what has happened at the school, I also know that Zoey's parent's have custody of her, but he goes on about "the love of his life" with no mention of his daughter. Considering his daughter had been through so much in previous books, it would have been nice to see him check on her. But instead, he came across as too self-absorbed.
I think if he had protested less to help his sister when she really needed it, and put some effort into his daughter, the book would have been so much better, and I feel it's an easy fix to do.
March 11, 2023
I enjoy the majority of Ms. Claflin’s works.
This one is my least favorite by far (in a series or as a standalone) as it should have been marketed as Women’s Fiction, or even Romantic Suspense, as this is where the focus of the story is so far, instead of mystery and suspense.
On top of the relationship between the Captain and the much younger officer being inappropriate and possibly destroying both of their careers.
It finally got to the point after there were chapters (as in multiple) devoted to relationship drama.
I gave up on this book.
I honestly don’t care about the age difference. I know many couples with 10 – 20 years difference in ages including my own parents.
I’ll probably pick up in the next one.
It’s obvious that she’s working to put them together in a permanent relationship.
But it totally destroyed the storyline for me.
This one is my least favorite by far (in a series or as a standalone) as it should have been marketed as Women’s Fiction, or even Romantic Suspense, as this is where the focus of the story is so far, instead of mystery and suspense.
On top of the relationship between the Captain and the much younger officer being inappropriate and possibly destroying both of their careers.
It finally got to the point after there were chapters (as in multiple) devoted to relationship drama.
I gave up on this book.
I honestly don’t care about the age difference. I know many couples with 10 – 20 years difference in ages including my own parents.
I’ll probably pick up in the next one.
It’s obvious that she’s working to put them together in a permanent relationship.
But it totally destroyed the storyline for me.
June 7, 2018
Oh wow! This was a thrilling story and even if this is the forth book of the series, it's not getting a bit boring. Stacy sure has the characters developed well and you'll be surprised what new things you'll learn about the main characters you learned to love. Alex Mercer was involved in more drama a man can deal with, yet in this book he has to find his fiance Zoey kidnapped by a guy who shoot people at the local school. I don't want to spoil anything so I just say that I didn't expect the reason behind the kidnapping nor anything else Nick found out. Go and read this book, it will blow you away! Thank you Stacy for letting me review!
April 8, 2018
Amazing!!
Never have I read a fiction book that touched so many emotions. The fear, the tears, the joy. Stacy Claflin is an awesome author, from the first book of hers I read, I was hooked...and immediately read everything else of hers. Her books never fail to deliver, and you go through all emotions reading her books. I never want them to end...and when they do, I cant wait for the next book. No matter what genre you read, Stacy has them all covered! Don't miss this author, or this series...or any of her books! Thank You Stacy for all the sleepless nights I have had to finish your books, they have all been so worth it! I have to say, she is truly my most favorite author!
Never have I read a fiction book that touched so many emotions. The fear, the tears, the joy. Stacy Claflin is an awesome author, from the first book of hers I read, I was hooked...and immediately read everything else of hers. Her books never fail to deliver, and you go through all emotions reading her books. I never want them to end...and when they do, I cant wait for the next book. No matter what genre you read, Stacy has them all covered! Don't miss this author, or this series...or any of her books! Thank You Stacy for all the sleepless nights I have had to finish your books, they have all been so worth it! I have to say, she is truly my most favorite author!
April 9, 2018
Another nail biting Alex Mercer book.
When I first started reading it it seemed a little slow but then it got really interesting and I didn't want to put it down. The twist at the end really was surprising. I suspected Corrine was more involved but to the extent she was. The book was action packed!
Thank you Stacy for allowing me to review it. I look forward to reading the next Alex Mercer book.
When I first started reading it it seemed a little slow but then it got really interesting and I didn't want to put it down. The twist at the end really was surprising. I suspected Corrine was more involved but to the extent she was. The book was action packed!
Thank you Stacy for allowing me to review it. I look forward to reading the next Alex Mercer book.
July 31, 2020
The cabin in the woods
I really this series. I love the characters in the books. Audible really brings them to life. There is a lot going on with this family and friends. I loved what they named the baby. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. I would recommend this series to anyone. I find it captivating yet relaxing. Off to the next book in this series.
I really this series. I love the characters in the books. Audible really brings them to life. There is a lot going on with this family and friends. I loved what they named the baby. I don't tell what is in the books I read.That is for you to read and find out. I would recommend this series to anyone. I find it captivating yet relaxing. Off to the next book in this series.
October 6, 2022
I find it almost impossible to believe that this book is as highly rated as it is.
The writing is pedestrian, the story meanders, and I quit counting the number of eye rolls I made at completely implausible plots lines. Further, the ending was jarringly abrupt. If was an attempt to get me to pick up the next book, the mediocrity of this one was enough to ensure that.
The only good thing about this book is it was mercifully short.
The writing is pedestrian, the story meanders, and I quit counting the number of eye rolls I made at completely implausible plots lines. Further, the ending was jarringly abrupt. If was an attempt to get me to pick up the next book, the mediocrity of this one was enough to ensure that.
The only good thing about this book is it was mercifully short.
April 20, 2018
Against All Odds is the 4th book in the Alex Mercer Thriller series by Stacy Claflin.
This was an intense book! There is a shooting at the middle school and Alex and Nick both are searching for loved ones. There are twists and turns and ups and downs and an ending that has me anxiously waiting for the next book.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was an intense book! There is a shooting at the middle school and Alex and Nick both are searching for loved ones. There are twists and turns and ups and downs and an ending that has me anxiously waiting for the next book.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 11, 2018
Alex's family is being threatened again. His fiancee, Zoey, is missing after a shooting and bombing of the middle school. And so is Ava, the police chief's daughter.
Well written with a great plot, characters, and non-stop action!
I received a complimentary copy and freely give my honest review.
Well written with a great plot, characters, and non-stop action!
I received a complimentary copy and freely give my honest review.
April 14, 2018
There is a shooting at the school. Alex can't find Zoey and the police chief's daughter is missing too. Can it be happening again, Alex see's the last kidnapper in the crowd, but no one believes him. But it seems there is someone who knows more than she is letting on, can Zoey and Ava be found before it is too late?
April 9, 2018
A shooting in the middle school. Ava, Nick’s daughter, and Zoey, Alex’s fiancé are missing. Will they find them in time? A gripping thriller that will keep you reading until the end.
May 30, 2018
Read On
Great book. Love the series. Waiting for her next book in the series. Can t pit tje book down. Thriller
Great book. Love the series. Waiting for her next book in the series. Can t pit tje book down. Thriller
May 14, 2020
Great book, love this series!
March 24, 2021
Great mystery!
I enjoyed this book very much. I could see myself in my minds eye being there. I recommend this book!
I enjoyed this book very much. I could see myself in my minds eye being there. I recommend this book!
June 2, 2021
Really enjoy the whole series.
October 30, 2021
loved it
This one started like the others. A surprising twist or two. The ending was like none of the others. Can’t wait to start the next book.
This one started like the others. A surprising twist or two. The ending was like none of the others. Can’t wait to start the next book.
October 11, 2024
Another good installment. Cliffhanger really got me. Can't wait to see what happens next. Decent narration.
March 8, 2025
Fast paced the romance between Nick and Genevieve felt like it came to fast. The ending still felt a tad bit rushed. I do appreciate how delicately and respectfully it deals with sexual assault.
March 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this story.
After a school shooting 2 people were missing. This is a story of finding them and why.
After a school shooting 2 people were missing. This is a story of finding them and why.
April 18, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Some suspense it is, my o my. Every time you think there can't be more - e voilà - another twist, another turn and another secret being out of the way. A very thrilling story - although I liked the previous book more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews