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Untraceable

by Shelli R. Johannes

Fiction Young AdultMysteryRomanceContemporaryFantasyThrillerAdventure
314 pages
Daily Reading Time
5min 10hrs

Book Description

A pulse-pounding chase begins when one girl discovers a deadly secret—one that could unravel her entire world. As the shocking consequences of her findings pull her deeper into a web of danger, she must navigate a maze of deception and trust, where allies become enemies and every choice could lead to disaster. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are higher than ever. With danger lurking at every corner and a fearsome adversary closing in, can she outsmart her pursuers before it's too late? What would you risk to protect the ones you love?

Quick Book Summary

"Untraceable" by Shelli R. Johannes follows Grace, a resilient and resourceful teenager, whose father mysteriously disappears. Refusing to accept the community's dismissal of the case, Grace embarks on her own investigation in the dense Appalachian wilderness. She unravels a secret that puts her—and those she loves—in imminent danger. As alliances shift and suspense intensifies, Grace must decipher whom to trust amid a swirl of deception, environmental activism, and long-hidden truths. Romantic tension heightens as she is drawn between two compelling young men, complicating her mission. Racing against time and adversaries determined to keep the secret buried, Grace is pushed to her limits and forced to confront her deepest fears, all for the sake of justice and love.

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Summary of Key Ideas

The Complexity of Trust and Betrayal

Grace’s world is turned upside down when her beloved father goes missing, igniting a desperate search for answers. While authorities are quick to label his disappearance an accident, Grace is unconvinced. Her determination leads her deep into the Appalachian wilderness—dense forests filled with both natural beauty and lurking dangers. Grace tirelessly collects clues, often clashing with adults unwilling to take her seriously. Her sharp instincts and survival skills, honed through years spent alongside her outdoorsman father, give her an edge, yet highlight her isolation in a town gripped by apathy or fear.

Environmental Protection and Moral Choices

As she delves deeper, Grace discovers layers of secrets entwined with environmental crimes threatening both wildlife and the community. The novel explores difficult moral choices as Grace confronts those who profit from destruction and must decide how far she will go to protect the forests—and the people—she loves. This journey pushes her to question right and wrong while challenging the corruption and indifference festering in her town.

Coming of Age Amidst Danger

Through every twist, the threads of trust and betrayal grow more tangled. As danger mounts, Grace realizes her sense of reality—and her relationships—are more fragile than she imagined. Allies swiftly turn into enemies, and identities she thought were fixed erupt into uncertainty. The line between friend and foe blurs at every turn, intensifying both the mystery and the psychological stakes. Each decision Grace makes has consequences, increasing both suspense and emotional resonance.

The Enduring Power of Family and Love

In the midst of danger, Grace’s character deepens. The story skillfully weaves in her coming-of-age challenges, especially as her relationships with two young men—Mo and Wyn—become more complicated. The romantic subplot heightens the tension and authenticity of her emotional journey, underscoring the theme that love can offer strength even in the darkest moments. Balancing romance with mystery, the novel underscores how vulnerability and courage are often intertwined.

Ultimately, Untraceable is a story about the enduring power of family, love, and truth. Grace’s unbreakable bond with her father—built on shared passions and mutual respect—drives her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Her journey is as much about discovering inner strength and forging her own identity as it is solving the external mystery. In the end, the narrative leaves readers questioning the cost of justice, the limits of loyalty, and what one will risk to protect the ones they love.

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