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Detective Ava Locke #0.5
Vanished
How far would you go to save a life?
Homicide detective Ava Locke is good at what she does. But more importantly, she’s committed. An insomniac with a dark, yet blurry past, she works tirelessly to make the world a little bit better. But little does she know that everything is about to change.
When Ava’s Chief calls upon her and her partner Carl to take on an urgent case, Ava must go undercover to try and solve it. But she soon finds that there is more to the case than she had ever thought, and it begins to bring up some harrowing memories she was happier to forget...
As a dangerous and unstable man kidnaps girls from all over the city, Ava and Carl are in a race against time, not only to save the lives of the missing girls, but of Ava herself.
Author Clara Lewis offers an enthralling and thrilling detective story in, “Vanished”. With a female detective as the lead in this captivating short story, audiences will enjoy the refreshing and tantalizing storyline, and readers will find this book lingering in their minds well beyond the last page. For fans of fast-paced, whip-smart detective stories, this is a novella you won’t want to miss.
Homicide detective Ava Locke is good at what she does. But more importantly, she’s committed. An insomniac with a dark, yet blurry past, she works tirelessly to make the world a little bit better. But little does she know that everything is about to change.
When Ava’s Chief calls upon her and her partner Carl to take on an urgent case, Ava must go undercover to try and solve it. But she soon finds that there is more to the case than she had ever thought, and it begins to bring up some harrowing memories she was happier to forget...
As a dangerous and unstable man kidnaps girls from all over the city, Ava and Carl are in a race against time, not only to save the lives of the missing girls, but of Ava herself.
Author Clara Lewis offers an enthralling and thrilling detective story in, “Vanished”. With a female detective as the lead in this captivating short story, audiences will enjoy the refreshing and tantalizing storyline, and readers will find this book lingering in their minds well beyond the last page. For fans of fast-paced, whip-smart detective stories, this is a novella you won’t want to miss.
78 pages, ebook
First published May 7, 2021
74 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Clara Lewis
67 books52 followersAuthor Clara Lewis has always been an avid fan of mysteries. As a child, she devoured the “Nancy Drew” and “Hardy Boys” series’s, which inspired her desire to write her own mystery thrillers. Though Clara’s journey took her in several different directions, she eventually published her debut series early in 2021.
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 7, 2021
Homicide Detective Ava Locke and her partner are tasked with an investigation into the disappearance of several girls. After finding new clues, no motives, no bodies, Ava comes up with a plan ....
She's going undercover ..... but it's not going as smoothly as she thought. Even though his face is covered and he's altered his voice, Ava knows exactly who he is. And he's not afraid to kill to keep his identity a secret.
This is a novella, a prequel to the Ava Locke series. A short read, it's packs a wallop with lots of action. Ava is a great series character, deftly drawn, warts and all. She's tough, totally committed to her job, and she still maintains a sense of humor, as she shows it in her relationship with her partner and team members. It's fast paced, but comes with a cliff hanger that leads to the compelling first book of the series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She's going undercover ..... but it's not going as smoothly as she thought. Even though his face is covered and he's altered his voice, Ava knows exactly who he is. And he's not afraid to kill to keep his identity a secret.
This is a novella, a prequel to the Ava Locke series. A short read, it's packs a wallop with lots of action. Ava is a great series character, deftly drawn, warts and all. She's tough, totally committed to her job, and she still maintains a sense of humor, as she shows it in her relationship with her partner and team members. It's fast paced, but comes with a cliff hanger that leads to the compelling first book of the series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 24, 2022
Disappearing Clues
Detective Ava Locke is a go-getter in a station of do-nothing detectives. When she walks in to work early Monday morning, she finds only an empty room and desks piled high with unsolved cases.
Wandering over to detective Murphy's desk, she spots the tell tale shininess of a new case folder. Knowing that Murphy hasn't laid eyes on it yet, she grabs it and goes to her desk to read the file.
After the precinct fills up, Ava is deep into the case note and doesn't hear Murphy slid up behind her and grab the file, scaring her badly. They both laugh and wrangle over the case. Murphy finally agreed to swap it for another case she has.
Suddenly, Ava and Carl, her partner, are called into the Chief's office. He assigns them an urgent matter concerning a series of missing girls. Ava decides that the only way they'll get anywhere, is if she goes undercover. The Chief expressly forbids her, but after pursuing their only witness and finding him bloody, bruised and terrified in the park, she goes ahead with her plan to try luring the kidnapper by herself.
This is where circumstances get frightening. Ava's life is on the line and no one knows where she is. She recognizes the kidnapper too late to help herself or the other girls.
What I liked about the ending was that there were so many possible outcomes, I was kept guessing until the close of the book. And, even better, there is still a HUGE issue unresolved and now I'll have to read the next book in the series. Great start.
Detective Ava Locke is a go-getter in a station of do-nothing detectives. When she walks in to work early Monday morning, she finds only an empty room and desks piled high with unsolved cases.
Wandering over to detective Murphy's desk, she spots the tell tale shininess of a new case folder. Knowing that Murphy hasn't laid eyes on it yet, she grabs it and goes to her desk to read the file.
After the precinct fills up, Ava is deep into the case note and doesn't hear Murphy slid up behind her and grab the file, scaring her badly. They both laugh and wrangle over the case. Murphy finally agreed to swap it for another case she has.
Suddenly, Ava and Carl, her partner, are called into the Chief's office. He assigns them an urgent matter concerning a series of missing girls. Ava decides that the only way they'll get anywhere, is if she goes undercover. The Chief expressly forbids her, but after pursuing their only witness and finding him bloody, bruised and terrified in the park, she goes ahead with her plan to try luring the kidnapper by herself.
This is where circumstances get frightening. Ava's life is on the line and no one knows where she is. She recognizes the kidnapper too late to help herself or the other girls.
What I liked about the ending was that there were so many possible outcomes, I was kept guessing until the close of the book. And, even better, there is still a HUGE issue unresolved and now I'll have to read the next book in the series. Great start.
June 15, 2021
a suspenseful story. Ava Locke is a detective and becomes involved in a case of missing girls. She convinces the Chief to allow her to pass as a missing girl. However; things backfire and she is taken by the kidnapper. Somehow he seems familiar to her but will she have the time to figure it out and get help? Well worth reading.
June 14, 2021
This is an interesting novella which is the start of a new series. It was a fast-paced story with a surprising twist in it.
I received a digital ARC for this book for an honest review.
I received a digital ARC for this book for an honest review.
January 31, 2022
Girls are missing from all over the city. Detective Ava Locke has been assigned the case to shut down the maniac behind the disappearances.
I'm afraid I didn't click with Ava. She felt too much like a loose cannon - I could see her as a PI, perhaps. Since Vanished is the introduction to a series, time will tell if she grows as a character.
I'm afraid I didn't click with Ava. She felt too much like a loose cannon - I could see her as a PI, perhaps. Since Vanished is the introduction to a series, time will tell if she grows as a character.
November 28, 2024
I love being made aware of a new author to me and introduced to a new set of characters within a crime fiction series.
Carla Lewis writes with energy in this action focused drama. Her main protagonist is Detective Ava Locke who fills the story throughout with her determination and crime fighting focus. She shows she will not accept failure; enjoys the plaudits of others but above all feels empathy for victims even to the point of putting her own life on the line.
There is enough here to make the reader want to continue this exciting journey with a true crime fighting woman and follow her exploits through both good and hard times.
In some respects there are some rough edges here. These will need to be smoothed over in future encounters. While she appears to be a little reckless and doesn’t always think through situations logically you cannot fault her drive and passion.
It is not for me to be picky in this first outing but I was screaming at her to restrain the perpetrator once they had been overpowered. This oversight should have cost her life but happily she lives to ‘fight’ on and I for one will follow her into further cases as the series unfolds.
Carla Lewis writes with energy in this action focused drama. Her main protagonist is Detective Ava Locke who fills the story throughout with her determination and crime fighting focus. She shows she will not accept failure; enjoys the plaudits of others but above all feels empathy for victims even to the point of putting her own life on the line.
There is enough here to make the reader want to continue this exciting journey with a true crime fighting woman and follow her exploits through both good and hard times.
In some respects there are some rough edges here. These will need to be smoothed over in future encounters. While she appears to be a little reckless and doesn’t always think through situations logically you cannot fault her drive and passion.
It is not for me to be picky in this first outing but I was screaming at her to restrain the perpetrator once they had been overpowered. This oversight should have cost her life but happily she lives to ‘fight’ on and I for one will follow her into further cases as the series unfolds.
September 11, 2021
An Absorbing Detective Story
This is my first time reading this author’s work. It is a well-written, page-turning, fast-paced detective narrative with multi-faceted likable, and some shady characters, good dialogue, and distinctive locations. Detectives Ava Locke and Carl Weathers are partners. The caring and never-back-down detectives are in harmony when it comes to investigating and solving crimes, compared to some of the other officers who seem to take a lazy position when it comes to examining cases. When Ava and Carl receive a kidnapping case, the story moves forward, exposing some twists and turns, secrets and lies, deceit, turmoil, and how wealth decides which case is more important, leading up to a shocker that will leave you on the edge of your seat. What I liked about the story is the trustworthy respect that Ava and Carl have for each other, even though they are from different generations. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ava and Carl.
This is my first time reading this author’s work. It is a well-written, page-turning, fast-paced detective narrative with multi-faceted likable, and some shady characters, good dialogue, and distinctive locations. Detectives Ava Locke and Carl Weathers are partners. The caring and never-back-down detectives are in harmony when it comes to investigating and solving crimes, compared to some of the other officers who seem to take a lazy position when it comes to examining cases. When Ava and Carl receive a kidnapping case, the story moves forward, exposing some twists and turns, secrets and lies, deceit, turmoil, and how wealth decides which case is more important, leading up to a shocker that will leave you on the edge of your seat. What I liked about the story is the trustworthy respect that Ava and Carl have for each other, even though they are from different generations. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ava and Carl.
November 10, 2021
Vanished
Detective Ava Locke (Prequel)
by Clara Lewis
Vanished is the prequel to the Detective Ava Locke series, a well-written and engaging introduction to the Ava Locke series. A fast-paced short story with surprising twists and turns. The characters are well-written, strong, clever, and intriguing, only adds to the storyline. Readers will have a tough time putting this prequel down and may even rush into the rest of the series, which I look forward to reading.
Clara Lewis is an amazing author, with a talent for engaging the readers from the very start of the book. I love this author and look forward to reading more of her work. These are my own personal thought and feelings about this author and the prequel to a new series. Both receiving 5-star rating.
Detective Ava Locke (Prequel)
by Clara Lewis
Vanished is the prequel to the Detective Ava Locke series, a well-written and engaging introduction to the Ava Locke series. A fast-paced short story with surprising twists and turns. The characters are well-written, strong, clever, and intriguing, only adds to the storyline. Readers will have a tough time putting this prequel down and may even rush into the rest of the series, which I look forward to reading.
Clara Lewis is an amazing author, with a talent for engaging the readers from the very start of the book. I love this author and look forward to reading more of her work. These are my own personal thought and feelings about this author and the prequel to a new series. Both receiving 5-star rating.
December 25, 2021
I am always thrilled to read another novel by Clara Lewis. The way she writes is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It is both descriptive and has great world building (important for a fantasy) but also is interesting filled with mystery/suspense throughout so that you aren't bored (you can tell there's more to the story than we know). I was reading as fast as I could (especially toward the end), and even though it's a pretty long book, I was disappointed when it was over. I wanted more!! But the ending is amazing as is the rest of the book and totally throws you for a twist. I received the novel through StoryOrigin. This review is honest and my own opinion
June 12, 2022
Vanished is a prequel to a police procedural series centered on policewoman Ava Locke in a mid-sized city called Valenworth. I had the vague impression that this imaginary city is in the northeastern to the Mideastern US. I really missed the traveling effect that a strongly identified background can give us. There is no sense of time or place, and though the story is well-scripted, there are several glaring mistakes involving police procedures that gave me pause. On the other hand, I like what she did with the covers on this series - a woman weaving her way through the canyons of downtown. Same cover on all of the series, with titles in different colors.
All that aside, I look forward to reading one of Clara Lewis' actual novels. As this is an ARC, I am hoping it was simply overlooked during editing.
Reviewed on June 11, 2022, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile.
All that aside, I look forward to reading one of Clara Lewis' actual novels. As this is an ARC, I am hoping it was simply overlooked during editing.
Reviewed on June 11, 2022, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile.
January 19, 2022
Ava Locke is a top notch detective with an eye for the truth. She asks go undercover for an assignment. Young girls are missing, and no one has a clue, literally, where they ended up. There are no bodies just supposition. She wants to pose as a young girl to see if the individual who is taking these girls will take her. You are introduced to Ava Locke in this fast paced novella which is fully action packed and full of suspense. You will be pulled into this story from the beginning, and you will not be satisfied until you read the last page. The last page will set you up to read the next book in this series! This is a short book jam packed with goodies!
April 29, 2022
This is the prequel to a series. Ava is a detective. She pretty much does what she wants because she's good at what she does. Young girls of affluent families are being kidnapped. Ave proposes going under cover as a teen to be abducted. The Chief of police says absolutely not. He's bringing in the FBI. Well Ava gets kidnapped. There areva few small things that don't make sense in this story. Overall the story is ok and a quick read. I have read this author's work before and it's good. Maybe trying to write a shoter story that would be better off as a full novel is hard to do. I will read the first story in the series and then decide. Give it a try see what you think.
December 6, 2024
Detective Ava Locke and her partner, Charl is given a priority case by the chief. Young girls is being kidnapped and the only witness that they could dig up is a drunk living on the streets. Then Ava got an idea...to go undercover and hopefully be kidnapped so that she can rescue them. Will Ava succeed? With a twist here and there it's a mystery worth reading. It will entertain long after the last page is read. As a prequel to Clara Lewis's series Detective Ava Locke and book 1, Blackout, it's a must read for mystery fans all over the world. Thank you, Clara Lewis for the privilege of reading the book.
April 30, 2025
What a thoroughly enjoyable fast-paced thriller Vanished by Clara Lewis the short story prequel to the Detective Ava Locke series is.
Two girls go missing and the are no clues, Ava against her chiefs orders goes under cover to find answers.
Things don't go as Ava planned when she sees a third girl Ellie about to be kidnapped and she also gets captured.
How can Ava find a way of escape and get these girls and herself out alive.
This is an incredible and suspenseful crime thriller, that caught my attention from the beginning, and had me wanting to read more in this series, so I bought a copy of book one Blackout.
I recommend this exciting thriller highly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Two girls go missing and the are no clues, Ava against her chiefs orders goes under cover to find answers.
Things don't go as Ava planned when she sees a third girl Ellie about to be kidnapped and she also gets captured.
How can Ava find a way of escape and get these girls and herself out alive.
This is an incredible and suspenseful crime thriller, that caught my attention from the beginning, and had me wanting to read more in this series, so I bought a copy of book one Blackout.
I recommend this exciting thriller highly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 14, 2021
This is a prequel to the Detective Ava Locke series and if the rest of the books are as good as this, they will be a hit. This short story gets us to know how Detective Locke is and the way she wants to fight crime. She’s not afraid of anything and when several girls go missing in her town she’s determined to find out what is going on. The characters are well written and the story is good. It appears that Detective Locke is out to get the crimables and I’ll be right there with her reading her fight on crime. Great start of a series.
May 18, 2022
Ava is determined she will stay on a case she’s been told to leave. Two girls have gone missing/kidnapped. A drunken man saw something & nearly loses his life because he was trying to help. Ava goes as a decoy & tries to stop a young girl from getting the lift from this man. She gets taken too! When they arrive at the farm they are virtually thrown down into a cellar. Ava is glad to find the other girls are there, very scared. Ava realises that she knows the man & is horrified when she realises who it is.
January 14, 2023
Detective Ava Locke seems like an interesting kind of a police detective but this prequel seems to follow another possible book about the same detectives pursuing another serial killer called Chain Mail. The case in this book involves the kidnapping of two girls but no sooner is Ava assigned then she is pulled off the case to give it to the FBI. But the case ramps up quickly, since this a very short book. Surprisingly ending. And beginning to another case. Not sure if I will read more of the books. Kind of left me feeling unsatisfied.
March 5, 2023
A clean story of a female detective determined to find who was kidnapping runaway teenage girls. Ava is fearless, determined and also impulsive. Personally, however, I find it difficult to imagine a woman successfully pitting herself against such evil and usually much stronger, ruthless characters.
Of course, I root for her success, clever intelligence and fearless execution of rescue. However, inspite of my support of the female fatale, I am truthfully doubting the possibility of her existence!
Of course, I root for her success, clever intelligence and fearless execution of rescue. However, inspite of my support of the female fatale, I am truthfully doubting the possibility of her existence!
May 27, 2021
Ava Locke is a detective. She was on the lookout for a juicy case and got one. She and her partner Carl were to find some missing girls. Ava goes undercover and gets trapped by the kidnapper. Ava was fast thinking and I loved seeing how she tried to figure out how to save the girls and escape. Twist at the end! Loved it. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
July 29, 2021
Got to read this as part of Clara`s ARC group but it is my honest review.
It is only a novella, mainly to introduce you to Ava Locke, a smart detective, way smarter than some of her colleagues and she goes undercover to find the criminal who is kidnapping girls. She needs to find them before he (or she!) progresses to murder.
A good story, we'll written with good characters but I must admit I did guess the I'D of the culprit. I'll still read more though as I did enjoy it and can recommend it.
It is only a novella, mainly to introduce you to Ava Locke, a smart detective, way smarter than some of her colleagues and she goes undercover to find the criminal who is kidnapping girls. She needs to find them before he (or she!) progresses to murder.
A good story, we'll written with good characters but I must admit I did guess the I'D of the culprit. I'll still read more though as I did enjoy it and can recommend it.
August 31, 2021
Ava is the one that takes the hard cases and gets results. Her partner Carl is ready to retire with his knew problem, always has Ava’s back.
A drunk tells of a missing girl, she didn’t want to go, but forced her into the van. The chief gave her this folder empty for no witnesses. Deciding to go undercover and find out about the four girls, if even alive. She doesn’t keep quiet and always thinking how to get out, and how did they know who she was Good beginning to series
A drunk tells of a missing girl, she didn’t want to go, but forced her into the van. The chief gave her this folder empty for no witnesses. Deciding to go undercover and find out about the four girls, if even alive. She doesn’t keep quiet and always thinking how to get out, and how did they know who she was Good beginning to series
January 6, 2022
This is a prequel is about a female detective trying to solve a case of young women being kidnapped. It is intriguing, easy-to-read and engaging. However, the story doesn’t make sense; it has holes, and isn’t realistic with various contrived events. And the tone often seems off. The writing could be more polished, and finally the lead isn’t especially likeable.
This is my honest review, though I did receive a free copy, which I appreciate.
This is my honest review, though I did receive a free copy, which I appreciate.
July 10, 2022
Vanished
I liked this story about Detective Ava Locke. She is a wonderful character and is strong willed. I highly recommend this thrilling story of how she solved a case before the FBI could move in and take it away from her. It does end in a cliffhanger when her injuries caused amnesia and she gets a new partner. It is an exciting thriller so makes me want to continue the series. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I liked this story about Detective Ava Locke. She is a wonderful character and is strong willed. I highly recommend this thrilling story of how she solved a case before the FBI could move in and take it away from her. It does end in a cliffhanger when her injuries caused amnesia and she gets a new partner. It is an exciting thriller so makes me want to continue the series. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 16, 2021
This story has non-stop action as Detective Arla Baker goes undercover and is swept up in a kidnapping. The story is well written with characters that are flawed but believable. It is a short but intense read that left me wanting more. I would highly recommend it. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 24, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 31, 2021
Sorry, but I should have read this before I read Blackout. Both books were ARCS and I didn’t check which one came first. Since I already know the ending, lets get started with the beginning!!! Ava is getting mixed up in things again – AND bloody!!! But even Ava couldn’t believe who was behind things!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
June 1, 2021
Detective Ava is always on the hunt for a good case, but when her Captain tells her she needs to give up a case of missing girls to the FBI, Ava sticks to her instincts!
It's a quick read and will have you on the edge of your seat! If you like a good mystery this book is for you.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review!
It's a quick read and will have you on the edge of your seat! If you like a good mystery this book is for you.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review!
July 5, 2021
Twists and Turns
A police detective with an attitude and a chip on her shoulder lands in hot water.
Has she finally gone to far? Will she, and those she's trying to free get out? WHO IS HE??
Cliffhanger!...
Looking forward to the conclusion of this story..
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am giving you my honest opinion.
A police detective with an attitude and a chip on her shoulder lands in hot water.
Has she finally gone to far? Will she, and those she's trying to free get out? WHO IS HE??
Cliffhanger!...
Looking forward to the conclusion of this story..
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am giving you my honest opinion.
July 9, 2021
At first I felt this book left out too many details. There were too many chunks of time missing; but, this improved around Chapter 6. Very descriptive and surprising ending. Of course, it left me wanting more! Overall, very good read.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am providing my honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am providing my honest review.
August 16, 2021
I love a strong female protagonist. Ava is just that. She doesn’t compete with the men at her precinct. She just does her job and does it well. In this prequel, she is up against a man who is kidnapping young girls. She goes undercover to help find them. It’s an exciting page turner. I received an ARC of this ebook. I’m leaving my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews