Review: Untraceable by S. R. Johannes

16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. 

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves (GoodReads).


Untraceable by S. R. Johannes was not what I was expecting. It was far more of a boilerplate "who is the bad guy" than I expected. If you like that kind of thing, then its time to get involved.

Originality: 7. High. As a tracker who knows a lot about state parks, poaching laws, and has friends (and enemies) who are Native American, Grace is a distinctive character. I liked her a lot.
Absurdity: 5. Her dad is missing and her mom has stopped looking after Grace. We always need to conveniently get rid of the adults so our YA heroes can frolic like twenty-somethings. Sorta ridic.
Level of Paranormal Romance: 5 for one hunky love interest who is more than he seems more than once! Fun.
Level of Harry Potterness: 2. This book didn't draw me in, but I think if you like nature/state parks (COUGH COUGH Crazy Camper) you might find more to your style here!

FTC Full Disclosure: I received a review copy from Coleman & Stott. Happy reading followed. (We do not accept or receive compensation for reviews at YAF and WS.)