Review of Disappearance

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 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.

******
Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Laney K · Post by **Laney K** » 27 Dec 2023, 15:19

A thriller novel about those in witness protection being killed off sounds like an engaging book that is right up my alley!

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 27 Dec 2023, 23:42

Wow, Cara, you have sold me this book with your amazing review. I want to learn more about the witness protection program and enjoy a well-written mystery story at the same time. It looks like this book will do the trick. I am adding it to my bookshelves. Ciao for now!

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 28 Dec 2023, 12:18

Laney K wrote: ↑27 Dec 2023, 15:19 A thriller novel about those in witness protection being killed off sounds like an engaging book that is right up my alley!

Oh Laney, I think it IS right up your alley! Hope you find the time to read it! Thanks as always for taking the time to read my reviews and leave a comment! I appreciate you! Until next time...

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 28 Dec 2023, 12:36

The story sounds like an episode of a crime show I used to watch. Fun and exciting at the same time. I loved the way you presented it, Cara. Great work, excellent review.

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 28 Dec 2023, 20:18

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

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

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.

******
Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

It is a crime and suspense story full of intrigue. I will keep this book in mind for future reading. I loved your review, it is very complete, thank you very much

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 29 Dec 2023, 09:45

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑27 Dec 2023, 23:42 Wow, Cara, you have sold me this book with your amazing review. I want to learn more about the witness protection program and enjoy a well-written mystery story at the same time. It looks like this book will do the trick. I am adding it to my bookshelves. Ciao for now!

Gerry, this was a fun book to read! I was so glad the editing was on par; it really let me enjoy the story and immerse myself more in it. I can't even remember the last time I heard the word WITSEC, so the material felt quite fresh to me. I'm always impressed with an author when their writing can make me enjoy the "bad guy." This author managed it well. I didn't feel that way at first; however, by the end, I was kind of rooting for him

I hope you get the chance to take this book for a ride. I think you will enjoy it if a good mystery is in your literary wheelhouse! Thank you so much for always stopping by to read my reviews and leave me comments. I appreciate you! Until next time...

Runan · Post by **Runan** » 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.

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 30 Dec 2023, 08:00

Sarah Zain wrote: ↑28 Dec 2023, 12:36 The story sounds like an episode of a crime show I used to watch. Fun and exciting at the same time. I loved the way you presented it, Cara. Great work, excellent review.

Sarah, it does kind of have a tv series vibe to it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my reviews and always leave such kind comments! Until next time...

Susan Ledezma · Post by **Susan Ledezma** » 30 Dec 2023, 17:01

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

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

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.

******
Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

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!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 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!

Rob Carr · Post by **Rob Carr** » 31 Dec 2023, 00:45

Sounds like a really enjoyable read. Thanks for the descriptive review!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 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!

Korir Kipchumba Victor · Post by **Korir Kipchumba Victor** » 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!

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 03 Jan 2024, 14:54

Bettny Andrade wrote: ↑28 Dec 2023, 20:18
It is a crime and suspense story full of intrigue. I will keep this book in mind for future reading. I loved your review, it is very complete, thank you very much

Bettny, thanks so much for taking the time to read my reviews and always leaving me a quick and kind comment! I'm glad this is a book you might consider reading in the future! Again, thanks so much. Until next time...