Review of Disappearance
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John Owen
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Review of Disappearance
[Following is a volunteer review of "Disappearance" by Julien Ayotte.]
"Disappearance" is a gripping tale that weaves together the lives of individuals entangled in the complexities of the witness protection program, personal vendettas, and the pursuit of redemption and justice. The story unfolds across various settings, from the quiet towns in Wyoming to the bustling streets of New Hampshire and the tranquil beaches of Roatan, Honduras, as some characters seek second chances while others are determined to settle old scores. I'll give a brief overview of what the book is about while giving my thoughts about it in the upcoming paragraphs.
The story begins with the chilling assassination of Larry Morgan, formerly Lucky Larry Beneducci, a man under witness protection in Cottonwood, Arizona. His murder sets off a chain of events that expose the vulnerabilities and challenges within the witness protection program, as well as the personal demons and desires of those it aims to protect. We are then introduced to several key characters: Harry Esten, a dedicated investigator; Regina Roberts, a woman under witness protection in Rock Springs, Wyoming, whose life is threatened at a rodeo; Oscar Pell, also known as "Phantom," a professional assassin with a complex personal life; and Cliff Mead, a former U.S. Marshal consumed by a personal vendetta against those he perceives as unworthy of witness protection.
As the narrative unfolds, the lives of these characters intersect in unexpected ways, revealing hidden pasts, deep-seated motivations, and the consequences of choices made under duress. The investigation into the breach of witness protection leads to intense confrontations and near misses in capturing the assassin. The story explores Oscar Pell's journey from a cold-blooded assassin to a man seeking a new beginning, and his relationship with Becky, his wife, is tested as they navigate the dangers of his past life and the possibility of a future free from violence. Their escape to Roatan, Honduras, facilitated by the enigmatic Lou, promises a fresh start, but not without challenges and sacrifices. As the investigation into the targeting of those under witness protection continues, a new character comes into play: Cliff Mead. Could he be the killer? If he is, what are his motivations? If he isn't, who is the assassin then? Find out in the book.
I think "Disappearance" is an interesting and multifaceted narrative. It explores themes of identity, redemption, vengeance, and the search for justice. The storytelling is well done overall, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I like how the story masterfully builds suspense and tension, and I was glued to the end to know who was targeting those in witness protection. I followed all the clues, and it was amazing running into twists several times. I also like how the multiple storylines converge in a satisfying manner, and the descriptive settings, from quiet towns to exotic locales like Roatan, Honduras, are blended seamlessly into the narrative.
I can't think of anything negative to say about the book. It was a really entertaining read, and I can say the time I spent reading it was well spent. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars, having no reservations about it. There are hardly any errors, and the editing was professionally done.
******
Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Disappearance" is a gripping tale that weaves together the lives of individuals entangled in the complexities of the witness protection program, personal vendettas, and the pursuit of redemption and justice. The story unfolds across various settings, from the quiet towns in Wyoming to the bustling streets of New Hampshire and the tranquil beaches of Roatan, Honduras, as some characters seek second chances while others are determined to settle old scores. I'll give a brief overview of what the book is about while giving my thoughts about it in the upcoming paragraphs.
The story begins with the chilling assassination of Larry Morgan, formerly Lucky Larry Beneducci, a man under witness protection in Cottonwood, Arizona. His murder sets off a chain of events that expose the vulnerabilities and challenges within the witness protection program, as well as the personal demons and desires of those it aims to protect. We are then introduced to several key characters: Harry Esten, a dedicated investigator; Regina Roberts, a woman under witness protection in Rock Springs, Wyoming, whose life is threatened at a rodeo; Oscar Pell, also known as "Phantom," a professional assassin with a complex personal life; and Cliff Mead, a former U.S. Marshal consumed by a personal vendetta against those he perceives as unworthy of witness protection.
As the narrative unfolds, the lives of these characters intersect in unexpected ways, revealing hidden pasts, deep-seated motivations, and the consequences of choices made under duress. The investigation into the breach of witness protection leads to intense confrontations and near misses in capturing the assassin. The story explores Oscar Pell's journey from a cold-blooded assassin to a man seeking a new beginning, and his relationship with Becky, his wife, is tested as they navigate the dangers of his past life and the possibility of a future free from violence. Their escape to Roatan, Honduras, facilitated by the enigmatic Lou, promises a fresh start, but not without challenges and sacrifices. As the investigation into the targeting of those under witness protection continues, a new character comes into play: Cliff Mead. Could he be the killer? If he is, what are his motivations? If he isn't, who is the assassin then? Find out in the book.
I think "Disappearance" is an interesting and multifaceted narrative. It explores themes of identity, redemption, vengeance, and the search for justice. The storytelling is well done overall, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I like how the story masterfully builds suspense and tension, and I was glued to the end to know who was targeting those in witness protection. I followed all the clues, and it was amazing running into twists several times. I also like how the multiple storylines converge in a satisfying manner, and the descriptive settings, from quiet towns to exotic locales like Roatan, Honduras, are blended seamlessly into the narrative.
I can't think of anything negative to say about the book. It was a really entertaining read, and I can say the time I spent reading it was well spent. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars, having no reservations about it. There are hardly any errors, and the editing was professionally done.
******
Disappearance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Harmony in chaos. It's all a matter of perspective.
