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Cassie McGraw #4
Never Really Gone
Cassie McGraw is back, and just as tough as ever. When she’s approached by a woman whose husband and children had been declared dead more than a year earlier, after a terrible fire that took all of their lives, and asked to find proof that they were actually alive, she was stunned. When the only reason the woman could give for believing that they were alive was the fact that she had been having prophetic dreams all her life, and had dreamed of the children repeatedly, Cassie was actually intrigued. When it turned out that the reason the grieving mother had come to Cassie was because she had once dreamed about her on the exact date when Cassie had suffered her terrible injuries, she was blown away.
Doubting that there was really any hope she could find anything to ease the woman’s grief, Cassie began working the case, but then she found evidence that the children and their father actually might be alive. Their father had apparently come up with an elaborate plan to make it appear they were dead, and some warped attempt to have the children all to himself. This was a case that would take Cassie to places she had never been, and put everything she loves at risk, but the potential for some sort of a happy ending was too great to pass up.
Doubting that there was really any hope she could find anything to ease the woman’s grief, Cassie began working the case, but then she found evidence that the children and their father actually might be alive. Their father had apparently come up with an elaborate plan to make it appear they were dead, and some warped attempt to have the children all to himself. This was a case that would take Cassie to places she had never been, and put everything she loves at risk, but the potential for some sort of a happy ending was too great to pass up.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2020
396 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
David Archer
195 books507 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 5, 2023
Favorite out of the series! LOVED the plot!
May 30, 2020
Finally! Archer gives us a 4th Cassie McGraw Story when we thought there'd never be one!
David Archer is a writer another reader suggested I try when I remarked how much I enjoyed reading Mark Dawson's novels. They said I'd like him and they thought his writings were better. I still prefer Dawson, but saying that I've read every book Archer has published. All 20+. His Cassie McGraw series were my first. I was so blown away by her first story it impacted me emotionally. Didn't even want to try his others but seeing there were only three about Cassie, well you get the picture. Finale, many years later we finally have an additional Cassie McGraw story and it is quite a tale! She's still with Dex, still an abuse counselor saving many women from abusive relationships and rescuing mAny children of abuse. Then Maggie walks in tells her husband and children are dead but she's dreamed they were still alive. These premonition dreams apparently run in her family and even though they were legally declared dead a year ago, burned beyond recognition she tells Cassie she dreamed she was the only one who could find them and offers her $100,000 on the spot just to try to prove they are still alive. She even dreamed of details about Cassie that would make it apparent the dream was about her. How many PI, women abuse counselors burned entirely down the left side of their bodies are there anyhow? Her burned half she says gives her the appearance of being Freddie Krueger's (of Nightmare on Elm Street fame), half sister, Freda. Cassie does have a sense of humor and a strength to her unlike any character you've read.
David Archer is a writer another reader suggested I try when I remarked how much I enjoyed reading Mark Dawson's novels. They said I'd like him and they thought his writings were better. I still prefer Dawson, but saying that I've read every book Archer has published. All 20+. His Cassie McGraw series were my first. I was so blown away by her first story it impacted me emotionally. Didn't even want to try his others but seeing there were only three about Cassie, well you get the picture. Finale, many years later we finally have an additional Cassie McGraw story and it is quite a tale! She's still with Dex, still an abuse counselor saving many women from abusive relationships and rescuing mAny children of abuse. Then Maggie walks in tells her husband and children are dead but she's dreamed they were still alive. These premonition dreams apparently run in her family and even though they were legally declared dead a year ago, burned beyond recognition she tells Cassie she dreamed she was the only one who could find them and offers her $100,000 on the spot just to try to prove they are still alive. She even dreamed of details about Cassie that would make it apparent the dream was about her. How many PI, women abuse counselors burned entirely down the left side of their bodies are there anyhow? Her burned half she says gives her the appearance of being Freddie Krueger's (of Nightmare on Elm Street fame), half sister, Freda. Cassie does have a sense of humor and a strength to her unlike any character you've read.
October 4, 2020
The family grows.
Cassie puts her PI hat on to find a husband & two children who have gone missing. The family RV was found shortly after, burnt out and the remains of three bodies matching gender and age are found inside identification is not possible through DNA as the burn was too hot.
The mother believes her husband are still alive and in hiding. She hires Cassie to find them, making her believe the children have been kidnapped by their father & are at risk.
With Alfie's help, the cues point to the possible location of the family. When Cassie & Dex arrive , they make positive identification and go to seek the assistance of the local sheriff. The deputy disputes their story, having been informed the husband and children are in FBI witness protection by an agent.
Cassie & Sex smell a rat as the US Marshalls run that programme, the deputy puts them in cell and awaits the arrival of the agent. Cassie makes a phone call & the real FOB turn up before the bogus one. They all head out to get the family, who have packed up & left Arriving back in town they find the deputy dead.
The FBI take over the case, but undeterred Cassie continues her search.
After other shootings, including fatalities occur and the truth about the mother emerge.
Very good book, well worth a read. Freda, Cassie's scary alter ego serves her well.
Cassie puts her PI hat on to find a husband & two children who have gone missing. The family RV was found shortly after, burnt out and the remains of three bodies matching gender and age are found inside identification is not possible through DNA as the burn was too hot.
The mother believes her husband are still alive and in hiding. She hires Cassie to find them, making her believe the children have been kidnapped by their father & are at risk.
With Alfie's help, the cues point to the possible location of the family. When Cassie & Dex arrive , they make positive identification and go to seek the assistance of the local sheriff. The deputy disputes their story, having been informed the husband and children are in FBI witness protection by an agent.
Cassie & Sex smell a rat as the US Marshalls run that programme, the deputy puts them in cell and awaits the arrival of the agent. Cassie makes a phone call & the real FOB turn up before the bogus one. They all head out to get the family, who have packed up & left Arriving back in town they find the deputy dead.
The FBI take over the case, but undeterred Cassie continues her search.
After other shootings, including fatalities occur and the truth about the mother emerge.
Very good book, well worth a read. Freda, Cassie's scary alter ego serves her well.
October 19, 2023
I listened to all of these books. Had I been reading instead, I never would have made it, but these stories were a total guilty pleasure, like diving deep into a really bad TV show you just can't stop watching.
Cassie is just so unbelievably stupid! In the first book, she's too dumb to realize that her psycho cop of a fiancee could find her easily and ends up getting her best friend killed while getting badly burned herself. Everyone tells her it's not her fault, but YES IT FUCKING IS!
Over the course of the next two books, she seems to be a little less stupid, but still not nearly as clever and everyone says she is (they must all be stupid too). The author spends a lot of time describing Cassie's scars, so I had a little trouble believing anyone would actually be attracted to her, but whatever. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. And I like Dex, much better than I like Cassie (although I couldn't get rid of the cringy image of her trying to give him a sexy look).
By the 4th book, her idiocy takes off in a major way and she gets some people killed because asking a question or two is too challenging for her tiny brain. Again, everyone tells her it's not her fault. Again, they are all wrong. This one is entirely her fault, and at this point, she really should know better.
Cassie is just so unbelievably stupid! In the first book, she's too dumb to realize that her psycho cop of a fiancee could find her easily and ends up getting her best friend killed while getting badly burned herself. Everyone tells her it's not her fault, but YES IT FUCKING IS!
Over the course of the next two books, she seems to be a little less stupid, but still not nearly as clever and everyone says she is (they must all be stupid too). The author spends a lot of time describing Cassie's scars, so I had a little trouble believing anyone would actually be attracted to her, but whatever. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. And I like Dex, much better than I like Cassie (although I couldn't get rid of the cringy image of her trying to give him a sexy look).
By the 4th book, her idiocy takes off in a major way and she gets some people killed because asking a question or two is too challenging for her tiny brain. Again, everyone tells her it's not her fault. Again, they are all wrong. This one is entirely her fault, and at this point, she really should know better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
This four book series is a MUST READ!
For everyone ( be they male,female or children ) involved, affected/enduring Domestic violence) .
With clever plots , great attention to detail and totally gripping.
It bought back memories and a clearer understanding and l have a very happy life years later😉.
I have given details of this series to a Domestic Abuse organisation here in England, in the hope that it could be helpful for those who believe that they can change the perpetrators horrid ways...It doesn't work you have to seek help from the right people/ organisations! Once again another great and memorable story David Archer👌
For everyone ( be they male,female or children ) involved, affected/enduring Domestic violence) .
With clever plots , great attention to detail and totally gripping.
It bought back memories and a clearer understanding and l have a very happy life years later😉.
I have given details of this series to a Domestic Abuse organisation here in England, in the hope that it could be helpful for those who believe that they can change the perpetrators horrid ways...It doesn't work you have to seek help from the right people/ organisations! Once again another great and memorable story David Archer👌
March 10, 2024
Although this series started off a little shaky for me, it ended with a bang. This was my absolute favorite book in the series. Cassie and Dex have been well developed as characters. Once again they work together to help others. The twist on the mom looking for her family she thought was dead was good. Great ending to that case and to the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but works so much better if read in order for the whole series. I wish there were more books in the series. I'd love to see how things develop for Cassie, Dex and all those they have as friends. The first 2 were free on Audible and I'm glad I bought the last two. Well work the cost!
May 17, 2020
Cassie McGraw - A Flawed, Brilliant Woman
In “Never Really Gone” Cassie and Dex are asked to track down and return a woman’s children who have been declared dead for over one year.
David Archer has taken, what could have been written in a simple, linear way, and turned it into a remarkable story with more twists and turns the a downhill snowboarder.
“Never Really Gone” combines a great story with amazing characters in a fascinating journey. I highly recommend Book 4 in the ‘Cassie McGraw’ series.
In “Never Really Gone” Cassie and Dex are asked to track down and return a woman’s children who have been declared dead for over one year.
David Archer has taken, what could have been written in a simple, linear way, and turned it into a remarkable story with more twists and turns the a downhill snowboarder.
“Never Really Gone” combines a great story with amazing characters in a fascinating journey. I highly recommend Book 4 in the ‘Cassie McGraw’ series.
October 30, 2020
The Best Yet!
This story included all the elements that make this series and the main character, Cassie McGraw, terrific. The plot was different, surprising, interesting, and exciting and it included the right mix of storyline and character development! Mr. Archer also found a tremendous balance in making the main characters, Cassie and Dex, realistic, compassionate and wonderfully 'down to earth'! I certainly look forward to their continuing adventures with their new family! Brought tears to this ol' fart Reader!
This story included all the elements that make this series and the main character, Cassie McGraw, terrific. The plot was different, surprising, interesting, and exciting and it included the right mix of storyline and character development! Mr. Archer also found a tremendous balance in making the main characters, Cassie and Dex, realistic, compassionate and wonderfully 'down to earth'! I certainly look forward to their continuing adventures with their new family! Brought tears to this ol' fart Reader!
September 10, 2021
Love this amazing series!
Just read the first three books starring Cassie McGraw. So when I saw there was a new book, I bought it immediately. Cassie was hired to find two children. The twists and turns were so exciting, the pages just kept turning! I read this in just a few hours but I am sure I will remember Dex, Cassie, Alfie and all the other characters for a long time. Really hope a new adventure shows up soon.
Just read the first three books starring Cassie McGraw. So when I saw there was a new book, I bought it immediately. Cassie was hired to find two children. The twists and turns were so exciting, the pages just kept turning! I read this in just a few hours but I am sure I will remember Dex, Cassie, Alfie and all the other characters for a long time. Really hope a new adventure shows up soon.
May 17, 2020
Another Archer winner
To say I’m a great fan of this author is an understatement. I love each of his series and Cassie is terrific. This story takes us on a thrilling ride with Dex and Cassie chasing bad guys and gals all over the place with new characters that will become part of the series. Loved it!
To say I’m a great fan of this author is an understatement. I love each of his series and Cassie is terrific. This story takes us on a thrilling ride with Dex and Cassie chasing bad guys and gals all over the place with new characters that will become part of the series. Loved it!
May 21, 2020
Amazing read
Another great thriller about Cassie McGraw helping out abused women. Being a private eye helps and this time she got much more then she bargained for. I am not a fan of all the books this author writes, ut this is his best series, great characters and smooth plot twists. Loved it
Another great thriller about Cassie McGraw helping out abused women. Being a private eye helps and this time she got much more then she bargained for. I am not a fan of all the books this author writes, ut this is his best series, great characters and smooth plot twists. Loved it
May 30, 2020
A Message Book
If Mr. Archer wasn't such good writer, I would not have finished the book. I'm generally of the opinion that in message books, the message is the most important part of the book. Not so with this. It was actually a good story, that I enjoyed.
For those interested, the message is spousal abuse.
If Mr. Archer wasn't such good writer, I would not have finished the book. I'm generally of the opinion that in message books, the message is the most important part of the book. Not so with this. It was actually a good story, that I enjoyed.
For those interested, the message is spousal abuse.
June 21, 2020
Improbable but Wonderful Heroine
The Cassie McGraw series is a great page-turning read. For those who like good writing, no profanity or obscenity, start the series now! Cassie is scarred horribly but has an upbeat attitude and a strong sense of morality and justice. I can't wait for the next adventure to start.
The Cassie McGraw series is a great page-turning read. For those who like good writing, no profanity or obscenity, start the series now! Cassie is scarred horribly but has an upbeat attitude and a strong sense of morality and justice. I can't wait for the next adventure to start.
November 20, 2020
To me this plot was not realistic, for Cassie as a PI. check both parents out before assuming the father was the bad guy. It was like who were the real FBI and who was telling the truth, had.more of a comedy feel to it for me. Like Cassie of running out and doing something before thinking.
Enjoy the other books by the author.
Enjoy the other books by the author.
December 21, 2020
Best thriller Books!
This was a thriller for sure! I've read every one of David Archer's series and can tell you I couldn't put them down, nor could I wait till the next book was downloaded.I highly recommend all of his books. I look forward to the next book, the next in each series!
This was a thriller for sure! I've read every one of David Archer's series and can tell you I couldn't put them down, nor could I wait till the next book was downloaded.I highly recommend all of his books. I look forward to the next book, the next in each series!
January 18, 2022
Cassie McGraw
I enjoyed reading this book so much I had bought the first three and I just had to buy the fourth one. It was very exciting I couldn't put the book down.
I invite anyone who love to read mystery books to get this set of books you will enjoy them as much as I did.
Thank you Mr. David Archer
I enjoyed reading this book so much I had bought the first three and I just had to buy the fourth one. It was very exciting I couldn't put the book down.
I invite anyone who love to read mystery books to get this set of books you will enjoy them as much as I did.
Thank you Mr. David Archer
January 18, 2022
What can I say!
This series is excellent. Having both Cassie and Dex be burn survivors made them strong people who now want to help others. Their love and compassion let them empathize with people who need help to get out of abusive situations and encourage them on their journey to a better life.
This series is excellent. Having both Cassie and Dex be burn survivors made them strong people who now want to help others. Their love and compassion let them empathize with people who need help to get out of abusive situations and encourage them on their journey to a better life.
May 19, 2020
Heartwarming Murder mystery
Dex and Cassie make for an interesting couple. Cassie is a private investigator plus an abuse counselor and specialist. Dec is an auto mechanic who also restores vintage vehicles. Together they solve a perplexing mystery.
Dex and Cassie make for an interesting couple. Cassie is a private investigator plus an abuse counselor and specialist. Dec is an auto mechanic who also restores vintage vehicles. Together they solve a perplexing mystery.
May 20, 2020
Cassie is amazing
Fun read with many twists and turns. Cassie and Dex spin their lives together and yet each has different styles. Quite a ride through this adventure. Anxious to read the next one.
Fun read with many twists and turns. Cassie and Dex spin their lives together and yet each has different styles. Quite a ride through this adventure. Anxious to read the next one.
May 22, 2020
I could read about Cassie McGraw for the rest of my life and never get bored! Mr Archer's stories are so wonderfully FULL and complete, it's all I'd need! Will there be another Cassie McGraw book??? Please??????
May 25, 2020
Great story
Loved the series great ending enough adventure to keep you reading! On another note someone should do spell check it does distract when I'm reading when words are spelled wrong
Loved the series great ending enough adventure to keep you reading! On another note someone should do spell check it does distract when I'm reading when words are spelled wrong
May 28, 2020
A cracking read!
From page one to the end of this book I was hooked. The characters of Cassie and Dex are so believable and a match made in heaven. I really look forward to the next Cassie McGraw book. Well done.
From page one to the end of this book I was hooked. The characters of Cassie and Dex are so believable and a match made in heaven. I really look forward to the next Cassie McGraw book. Well done.
August 6, 2020
Not as good as the other series
It took a while to get into the story, the plot dragged a bit. Cassie and Dex set out to find a husband and his 2 children who were supposedly dead. The mother insists they are alive and hires Cassie to find out the real story.
It took a while to get into the story, the plot dragged a bit. Cassie and Dex set out to find a husband and his 2 children who were supposedly dead. The mother insists they are alive and hires Cassie to find out the real story.
October 14, 2020
I love everything David Archer writes I read most of the other series. Just started to read the Cassie McGraw series recently. I really enjoyed this book. I am going to request that my library carry this author
October 17, 2020
Awesome!!!!
As always a well developed story and characters! Love all characters, old and new and all events that transpired! Can't wait for the next book and for Critter's reaction to the new set up!!!!!😍👍
As always a well developed story and characters! Love all characters, old and new and all events that transpired! Can't wait for the next book and for Critter's reaction to the new set up!!!!!😍👍
December 30, 2020
Topsy Turvy
Thank you for this exciting story that ended very differently than how it started. The storyline was fast-moving and thrilling. The characters were exceptional. It only proves that you don't know what a person's motive is really about until they reveal it. I enjoyed reading your work.
Thank you for this exciting story that ended very differently than how it started. The storyline was fast-moving and thrilling. The characters were exceptional. It only proves that you don't know what a person's motive is really about until they reveal it. I enjoyed reading your work.
March 16, 2021
Never Really Gone
This character ( Cassie Tate) would make a tremendous Netflix Series, she's part Wonder Woman, part Nancy Drew. The author understands Childhood Trauma and Abuse , and how that can ruin or destroy lives.
This character ( Cassie Tate) would make a tremendous Netflix Series, she's part Wonder Woman, part Nancy Drew. The author understands Childhood Trauma and Abuse , and how that can ruin or destroy lives.
March 20, 2021
I have enjoyed all of the Cassie McGraw books, and this was no exception. I liked the major change in Cassie's path in life and that I did not see it coming. Th only thing I don't like about Archer's characters is that they seem to watch more TV than any action figures I have ever read about.
June 16, 2021
Entertaining and all around excellent read
From cover to cover, if online books have covers, I was entertained with action, humor, love, and always wanting more when I sat it down or came to the end. Thanks David for sharing your talents with us.
From cover to cover, if online books have covers, I was entertained with action, humor, love, and always wanting more when I sat it down or came to the end. Thanks David for sharing your talents with us.
February 5, 2022
Read this book.
Everything I have read written by Mr Archer I have thoroughly enjoyed. I especially like that there is no nasty language of action in his books. They are enjoyable and fast moving. So, if you enjoy reading as I do, you should read this book
Everything I have read written by Mr Archer I have thoroughly enjoyed. I especially like that there is no nasty language of action in his books. They are enjoyable and fast moving. So, if you enjoy reading as I do, you should read this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews