Review by Mounce574 -- Disappearance by Julien Ayotte

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 01 Dec 2019, 23:25

[Following is a volunteer review of "Disappearance" by Julien Ayotte.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Imagine going about your normal life routine that has been almost carefree for 20 years. To the community, you are just a regular citizen but you have a secret, if revealed, that could end your life. The Witness Protection Program is supposed to give you the opportunity to live a regular life in a safe unknown location. In the book Disappearance by Julien Ayotte, the safety of the program fails as witnesses are being executed by an assassin.

I found this book kept my attention on every page. Ayotte developed every character in a manner that made me feel as though I could be the "proverbial fly on the wall." The intended main protagonists are U.S marshal Paul O'Malley and his, now retired, partner Harry Esten, I couldn't help but root for the other team because of the details depicting the experiences each one was going through. To prevent revealing any "spoilers" I really can't say more than this is a book of "cat and mouse" as law enforcement tries to catch up to the assassin to prevent more lives being lost and the Witness Protection Program reputation disintegrated.

I only noticed a few errors but they didn't distract from the overall storyline. There are several instances of profanity throughout the book and the detailed descriptions that make the book so captivating might disturb younger people and anyone that may have an aversion to any type of violence in their life.

I am rating this thriller a 4 out of 4. The extensive details of each character were not overbearing and the way Ayotte maintained the events throughout made the story easy to follow. I found that the twists and suspense made it hard to put this book down. To be very honest, I read this book more than once and it has become a permanent part of my personal library.

There was only one part of this action-packed thriller that I found difficult to comprehend. There is mention of a list of many names mentioned at the beginning of the book and at no time did I find mention of it again. I'm not sure if the author meant to use that piece as a way to increase interest or if that detail could be considered a possible sequel to this book? If somebody tried speed reading, this could be overlooked. I don't like loose ended stories unless they are written intentionally to preface a series.

Overall, I was happy to have the opportunity to review this book and I suggest that anyone who likes a book that draws you in on every page with colorful character personalities and intense interactions should read Disappearance. Julien Ayotte is a very talented writer and I sincerely hope to read more books by her.

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Disappearance
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María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 02 Jun 2022, 18:28

I don't like loose ends either, but once I've been warned I guess I can overlook the list, and just enjoy! I love thrillers and, to be honest, I've always been curious about the Witness Protection Program and how these people cope with new identities and all.
Thank you!

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 04 Jun 2022, 20:45

I participate in the Attorney General's Address Confidentiality Program. What happens is they assign a number and a PO box in the state capital for all mail. When I turn on utilities and enroll anything needing an address, I have a card I show them, and they scan it. It gives an encoded number that prevents my physical address from being seen. I have no identity apart from the #4629. I don't exist in DMV records either. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, but my records are sealed unless I am present and have my citizen ID to present. Witness protection is supposed to be more involved in erasing identity. I cannot give my family or friends my address. I was enrolled into the program from the domestic incident with my ex that involved him getting probation for shooting with attempt to kill, domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and resisting police.

Cheryl Erickson · Post by **Cheryl Erickson** » 13 Aug 2022, 20:03

Disappearance sounds like a book that I would really love to read. I love it when I get so enthralled with a book that I don't want to put the book down. I wonder who is the weak link in the Witness Protection Program. I can't wait to see what happens and I hope they catch that assassin! Terrific job on this book review!

Post by **Christell Lindeque** » 16 Aug 2022, 08:24

You had me at the first paragraph you wrote in this review! The plot sounds amazing and because it keeps the reader engaged throughout the book is a quality I love. Great review. Definitely a book I would like to read.

Vinay Penubothu · Post by **Vinay Penubothu** » 05 Mar 2024, 14:39

Thank you for your detailed review! Your insights have piqued my interest, and I'm excited to dive into the book. Your review convinced me it's a must-read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - they've inspired me to explore further