Vanished | Book Review

 Review of Theo Baxter's Vanished

• Title -Vanished
• Author – Theo Baxter
• Year published – 20th August, 2023
• Pages - 358
• Genre – Psychological Thriller
• Format - eBook
• Buy the book  - https://mybook.to/vanished-zbt

Maggie knows someone wants to hurt her daughter. So why will no one help? Single mother Maggie Conner struggles to raise her young daughter, Isabel, in a household ruled by her own abusive father.

Terrified for Isabel’s safety, Maggie realises that neither her cold, distant mother nor anyone else in town seem willing to help them.

Then Isabel starts to disappear for long periods, returning with no idea of where she has been or why.

And when Maggie tries to get outside help, doctors and psychologists seem strangely reluctant to get involved in Isabel’s case. Is someone threatening them so they’ll stay away?

Desperate to save her daughter, Maggie searches for answers. But the more she digs, the more she is forced to confront the secrets buried deep in her own past.

As Maggie’s whole world begins to unravel, can she find the strength to face the terrifying truth?

 In a dysfunctional household, a larger-than-life father doubles as a narcissist, while a mother silently endures the abuse. Maggie and her daughter, Isabel, reside with them. Maggie is thrust into the task of refurbishing their sizable house, amidst the ongoing turmoil. These circumstances take a toll on Maggie, affecting her both physically and mentally.

This is my initial encounter with this author's work, and I must express my appreciation for the narrative style. Right from the opening page, an aversion to the father, Joseph Conner, is cultivated. His verbal and physical abuse affects everyone at home, with Helena Connor, her mother, bearing the brunt of it. Isabel, a charming 8-year-old, adds a touch of innocence to the scenario. Maggie appears trapped in her role as caretaker for both her parents and her inability to fulfill normal maternal duties becomes evident, even in times of serious illness. Joseph's restrictions confine her and she yearns for a reason to escape with Isabel.

Lana and Mary stand out as characters who offer sympathy to Maggie, each in their own unique way. The character development remains consistent and unwavering throughout the narrative.

Although I had a sense of where the story might lead, the conclusion was very different from my expectations. The plot possesses intricate layers, akin to a roller-coaster ride. Unforeseen twists and turns keep the reader engaged. Ultimately, the narrative unveils a plethora of secrets, leaving one to contemplate the series of events.

All in all, the plot is cleverly crafted, provoking numerous inquiries and ensuring swift page-turning. I can only describe it as compelling, thrilling, and intricate. A 4/5 star read.

Theo Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there was crime all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

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This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon. 

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