This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but it did not take much time to put relationships together in my mind so that I could easily follow the story and understand how they motivate each character. In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I have purchased the earlier books and pre-ordered the next one!

While I enjoy some suspense, I’m not one to love a book that has me constantly holding my breath about dangerous situations, so I enjoyed the friendships and family relationships. And even the family background brings surprises to keep you, the reader, on your toes. Still, I found parts of the story made me smile.

Without a Trace is not a long book and I read it pretty quickly. The author breathes life into her characters, knows when to briefly pull back from a tense scene, and simply how to tell a good story.

If you enjoy a good thriller, then I encourage you to read this installment of the Ariana Jones series. ( )