Author: Carter Quinn
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages/Word Count: 106 Pages
At a Glance: This is an amazing series that no one should miss.
Reviewed By: Lynn
Blurb: It’s only been three weeks since Henry woke up to discover his husband, Tom, had vanished. He’s still struggling to come to terms with his new reality when he receives a haunting phone call: “Henry. Help me.” It’s Tom’s voice, but Henry is afraid to believe. His world has already come crashing down around him twice in the last six months. Is Tom really alive, or is Henry losing his grip on reality again?
Review: If you haven’t read Carter Quinn’s Vanished, stop right here, do not pass Go! and do not collect $200. Turn yourself back around and go read Vanished! You can’t read Book Two one unless you’ve read the first one. That’s just how it goes. The bigger question is, why haven’t you read Vanished yet? Go. Read. It. Now.
Okay, now that that’s out of the way, OMG, this book. This is a gripping psychological thriller/mystery that takes a hold of you and doesn’t let go. An edge-of-your-seat read that makes you think you know what’s going on, then BAM, it takes another turn; a turn you never saw coming. A roller coaster ride that makes your stomach plummet, and, just as quickly, has your heart racing. Yes, it’s all that and more. As readers we have our own expectations of what we think should happen, and what we think will happen, but then at times the reality of what does happen is a letdown. With Vanished 2, it’s the total opposite. We never know what’s going to happen, so it exceeds any expectations we ever had.
I love the author’s writing, the smoothness of the storytelling. Each installment has included a beginning, middle, and end mystery, and I’m enjoying the overall story arc that ties them together. It’s brilliantly done. I’m not going to give spoilers away, but I will say this—poor Henry. I don’t know how he keeps it together… well, almost together. I felt as though he was moving underwater. Like he was in a fog with nowhere to go. I truly got the sense of his fear, sadness and frustration. I felt Henry’s emotions rolling off the page as if I were experiencing everything he was. I have to credit Mr. Quinn for letting me feel. Not many authors I read can actually do that, so kudos to you, dear sir.
I love how we are reacquainted with the same secondary characters who really play a big part in the story. I especially loved the revelation from Henry’s best friend Shaun. I didn’t see that coming. Henry’s assistant Trevor was also quite adorable, and I’m hoping we get to see more of him. I also loved the witty banter between the characters, which was put in at just the right moment, when things were getting a little too serious and heavy again. It was very much needed and appreciated.
On a final note, this is an amazing series that no one should miss. A highly recommended story.
You can buy Vanished 2 here:
Isn’t it awesome? I told him it as even better than the first one!