Review of Disappearance

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 14:57

Runan wrote: ↑29 Dec 2023, 17:02 I associate witnesses' as flag bearers' of justice. But from your review, I can deduce that there's something uneasy lurking behind those innocent faces. Paul and Harry have to find out whether it's an inside or outside job. That's definitely onerous. Your mention of 'unexpected fondness' for the villain trapped my interest in this book. It raises several questions for me as to whether the villain is an unsung hero or if he is charismatic. I look forward to reading this book. I loved your review, Cara.

Runan, I think your view of these witnesses is indeed common, as is your deduction that there is more to this story! I don't want to give away any details, but let's just say, "Everyone is getting away with murder" in a sense! I hope you get a chance to read this one! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review and leave me some thoughtful comments! I appreciate you! Until next time...

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 15:00

Susan Ledezma wrote: ↑30 Dec 2023, 17:01
This book sounds thrilling. I'm curious to see how the mystery plays out. I love books that keep me at the edge of my seat, and this definitely feels like one of those suspenseful novels that will keep me at the edge of my seat the entire time that I'm reading it. Thank you so much for the wonderful review!

Susan, thanks so much for dropping by to read my review and also for leaving me some comments! If you like good suspense, this would fit the bill! Again, thank you! Until next time...

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 15:03

Amy Luman wrote: ↑30 Dec 2023, 17:11 I am so glad to hear that this is a book worth reading. I look at it almost every time I go past and have seriously considered it on several occasions. The cover is what draw me to it, but I have always wondered about the intricacies of the witness program. I’ll bet that the seeming insecurity makes the others that are enrolled uneasy. I’m glad to see that someone else sometimes likes the killer. It’s nice to know that I am not alone. Thanks!

Amy, yes, this one is worth reading! It's got a low-key cover and title that might not do it all the justice it deserves. I know the insecurities you speak of would definitely make me feel uneasy if I were in the program! Oooooh, a fellow fan of the killer! You are absolutely not alone!

Thanks for always taking the time to read my reviews and leave me fun comments! I appreciate you! Until next time...

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 15:04

Rob Carr wrote: ↑31 Dec 2023, 00:45 Sounds like a really enjoyable read. Thanks for the descriptive review!

Rob, it definitely was enjoyable! Sometimes, it takes a few books to get one you genuinely enjoy to the fullest! Thanks for your continued support of my reviews and comments! Until next time...

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 15:07

Alice Heritage wrote: ↑02 Jan 2024, 07:45 This is clearly a gripping thriller with a slightly different take on how the assassin is revealed and can win the empathy of readers. Your review makes it sound fascinating - thank you so much!

Alice, it indeed was a fascinating thriller! I hope you get a chance to take it for a ride if it is in your literary propensity! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my reviews and leaving me your sentiments! Until next time...

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 15:09

Korir Kipchumba Victor wrote: ↑03 Jan 2024, 03:19 I can't imagine how scared some of the witnesses may have been. It goes to show that some of them put their very life on the line in pursuit of justice. This sounds like a very wonderful plot for an interesting book. I am adding this to my want to read list. Thank you for a detailed review!

Korir, you make a great observation about how frightening being a witness might be, as well as what they could suffer in the future! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review and may also read it! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review and leave me your thoughts! Until next time...

Claudia Angelucci · Post by **Claudia Angelucci** » 03 Jan 2024, 16:30

Cara Wilding wrote: ↑19 Dec 2023, 20:34 [Following is a volunteer review of "Disappearance" by Julien Ayotte.]

5 out of 5 stars
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The two bullets in Larry Morgan's head were suspicious. The two bullets in Fred Simpson's head were problematic, setting the stage for an unparalleled dilemma for the United States Federal Witness Security Program, famously referred to as WITSEC. With more than 8,000 witnesses, the program had maintained its witness pool for 40 years, but suddenly, they were being summarily executed at an alarming rate.

Paul O'Malley, the head of the U.S. Marshals Service, calls on retired FBI Agent Harry Esten to help staunch the flow of bodies. Harry had previously played a crucial role in placing Larry in the program two decades ago. The search for the killer intensifies after a third witness comes dangerously close to being murdered. Paul and Harry have the critical task of determining whether insiders or outsiders compromised the WITSEC system. The duo never seem to catch a break when it comes to the cunning assassin who always manages to outsmart them. Curiously, the demise of these particular witnesses suggests that their innocence may not be as straightforward as it seems!

Julien Ayotte skillfully introduces a plethora of characters, locations, and events in meticulously structured chapters in Disappearance. The timelines were consistently well-defined, allowing for a seamless reading experience. The reader is able to uncover the identity of the assassin and the mastermind before the law enforcement characters, providing a unique perspective on the unraveling of the mystery. Underneath the surface, there also lingers a constant inquiry into the true identities of the witnesses, intensifying the gripping suspense.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the author subtly managed to make me develop an unexpected fondness for the killer in this book! The chase was filled with excitement, and the assassin's character brought to mind the clever disguises and maneuvers of Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie "Catch Me If You Can." The ingenious unveiling of the connection between the assassin and the mastermind, the cloak-and-dagger feel, and the unexpected twist at the end made the entire reading experience truly enjoyable.

The book is wonderfully edited, with minimal errors, allowing the reader to immerse themselves and savor this delightful work fully. The cover and title were quite fitting and enticing. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this book, and it deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars! I highly recommend this book to those who appreciate the mystery and crime thriller genres. It is ideal for those who relish the thrill of escalating suspense and enjoy unraveling intricate subplots. The outcomes of this book are clever and will surely leave you pleasantly surprised.

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Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

That sounds like a great read. I just checked out the book for my father-in-law, who is a fan of the genre. I like the idea of reading a book and getting to like the killer. Well done, Cara; that was an amazing review—clear and smooth!

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 16:55

Claudia Angelucci wrote: ↑03 Jan 2024, 16:30
That sounds like a great read. I just checked out the book for my father-in-law, who is a fan of the genre. I like the idea of reading a book and getting to like the killer. Well done, Cara; that was an amazing review—clear and smooth!

Claudia, I am thrilled to hear you checked this book out for your father-in-law! I hope he enjoys it as much as I did

It looks like there is at least one more person out there enamored by a well-developed killer

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review and share with me how you've shared it! Until next time...

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 03 Jan 2024, 23:22

This is why I love OBC (and your reviews Cara) as I'm constantly being introduced to books that are right up my alley but that I wouldn't have discovered without you. I'm adding this one to the top of my 'must read' list. A 5 star rating from you is all I need to confirm that this is the book for me, thanks as always.

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 04 Jan 2024, 19:04

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑03 Jan 2024, 23:22 This is why I love OBC (and your reviews Cara) as I'm constantly being introduced to books that are right up my alley but that I wouldn't have discovered without you. I'm adding this one to the top of my 'must read' list. A 5 star rating from you is all I need to confirm that this is the book for me, thanks as always.

Stephen, your comments just made my day! Thank you! I do exactly the same thing with a handful of you

so I'm always grateful to you as well...if you guys think it's good...I'm usually sold! I think you will like this book; it's fun to read and fun to watch everything unravel! Thank you for stopping by, reading my review, and really - for the constant support! I so appreciate you! Until next time...

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 04 Jan 2024, 22:09

Cara Wilding wrote: ↑04 Jan 2024, 19:04
Stephen, your comments just made my day! Thank you! I do exactly the same thing with a handful of you so I'm always grateful to you as well...if you guys think it's good...I'm usually sold! I think you will like this book; it's fun to read and fun to watch everything unravel! Thank you for stopping by, reading my review, and really - for the constant support! I so appreciate you! Until next time...

Right back at ya, my friend!

Post by **Mari Thompson** » 05 Jan 2024, 10:41

Sounds interesting. My favorite author of crime fiction is Patricia Cornwell.

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 05 Jan 2024, 12:14

Mari Thompson wrote: ↑05 Jan 2024, 10:41 Sounds interesting. My favorite author of crime fiction is Patricia Cornwell.

Mari, thanks so much for stopping by to read my review and leave me a comment! I am a big fan of Patricia Cornwell, too! Like James Patterson's (another of my favorites), her books seem to be easily found in airports, and I'm always picking up something to read on my flights! If you like her, I think this book might appeal to you! Again, appreciate you leaving a quick comment! Until next time...