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Without A Trace
Nora Roberts

Without A Trace

Quick Answer

Read "Without A Trace" as the 4th book in the The O'Hurleys sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Skin Deep" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2022458 pp
<p>PREVIOUSLY TITLED BAKE OFF</p><p><br></p><p>Maddie Baker hasn’t seen Detective Noah Langley since he ghosted her a month ago, but now she needs his help to find a missing woman.</p><p><br></p><p>When Maddie Baker offers a self-defense course, a terrified young woman asks her for private lessons to escape a chokehold. Maddie readily agrees to meet Amy the next morning, but when she doesn’t show up, Maddie becomes concerned.</p><p><br></p><p>She enlists the help of Detective Noah Langley and his partner Lance Forrester. Since it’s not an official investigation, and the only thing they know about her is her first name, it’s not long before their hands are tied.</p><p><br></p><p>Besides, Noah has a dilemma of his own. A rash of home burglaries has taken a disturbing turn. Noah and his partner Lance feel pressed to catch the burglars before someone is physically assaulted…or worse.</p><p><br></p><p>To top things off, Maddie’s ex-boyfriend Steve is in town suddenly wanting her back. Her aunt’s dementia is worsening, and her best friend Mallory has shown up on her doorstep with news of her own.</p><p><br></p><p>Maddie’s got her hands full, so she should let her concern for the missing woman go, right? Only she’s trusting her gut, and it’s telling her something’s rotten in Cockamamie.</p>

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The O'Hurleys conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Without A Trace?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Without A Trace before Skin Deep?

No. We recommend reading Skin Deep first. Without A Trace is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Without A Trace required reading for the The O'Hurleys?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Without A Trace in the reading order?

Currently, Without A Trace is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.