Gone by Stacy Claflin

Macy Mercer only wants a little independence. Eager to prove herself grown up, she goes to a dark, secluded park. She’s supposed to meet the boy of her dreams who she met online. But the cute fifteen year old was a fantasy, his pictures fake. She finds herself face to face with Chester Woodran, a man capable of murder.

Distraught over his own missing daughter, Chester insists that Macy replace his lost girl. He withholds food, locks Macy up, and roughs her up, demanding that she call him dad. Under duress from his constant threats and mind games, her hold on reality starts to slip. Clinging to her memories is the only way of holding onto her true identity, not believing that she is Chester’s daughter.

My Thoughts….

I was iffy about accepting this book, raising two teenage daughters I was not sure if I could handle reading about Macy being kidnapped and her family and friends having to deal with it.    Stacy Claflin not only wrote about it in a tender and heart shattering way, but in a way that made it real.

I found myself relating to the parents and how they didn’t know how to proceed with their lives.   Every time the police called I held my breath hoping that they would have a clue that would lead to putting Macy back home.  Not knowing a lot about the family’s history, I enjoyed learning about them.  Learning how there was so much distance and unhappiness before Macy’s kidnapping, yet being able to pull together and support each other in this horrific time.  I know there is more coming about this family, but I have the definite feeling that this family will come out on top and closer than ever.

Macy is courageous.   Knowing that she put herself into this position and that she needs to remember her family and how they love her, she keeps strong and takes note of all the things around her trying to help herself escape.   She also is so smart.    She works hard to realize what will keep Chester from punishing her and keep herself as safe as possible.   I admire her for holding herself together and doing what she has to. 

This is not an easy book.  It is a tough subject that Stacy Claflin handles with great care.  I am anxious for the next book in this series to be released.   Definitely pick this book up and read it.

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