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Vanished: True Stories from Families of Australian Missing Persons
They just vanished … Disappeared. Gone. Lost. No answers. Still missing.
Imagine the pain, confusion and emotional roller-coaster that families experience when a loved one goes missing. What would you do? How would your family cope?
This is a heart- wrenching collection of true stories told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one. It follows their journeys from the desperate searches in the first days, through the Police investigations and, in many cases, the heartbreak as the years roll by without any news.
These stories are just a glimpse into ten of the thousands of missing persons still out there, waiting to be found. From two young girls who might have been early victims of Ivan Milat and a woman who was last seen walking alongside a Victorial highway to a teenage boy likely murdered and fed to crocodiles in Kakadu and two Tasmanian men who disappeared under strange circumstances ... the cases are all different, but the impact on the families devastating.
Nicole Morris is the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register. She has written this book to develop awareness of the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and raise public awareness to help find those people who seem to have vanished into thin air.
Imagine the pain, confusion and emotional roller-coaster that families experience when a loved one goes missing. What would you do? How would your family cope?
This is a heart- wrenching collection of true stories told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one. It follows their journeys from the desperate searches in the first days, through the Police investigations and, in many cases, the heartbreak as the years roll by without any news.
These stories are just a glimpse into ten of the thousands of missing persons still out there, waiting to be found. From two young girls who might have been early victims of Ivan Milat and a woman who was last seen walking alongside a Victorial highway to a teenage boy likely murdered and fed to crocodiles in Kakadu and two Tasmanian men who disappeared under strange circumstances ... the cases are all different, but the impact on the families devastating.
Nicole Morris is the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register. She has written this book to develop awareness of the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and raise public awareness to help find those people who seem to have vanished into thin air.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
44 people are currently reading
5857 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 8, 2023
“Around 52,000 people go missing each year in Australia, and there are 52,000 reasons why.”
Nicole Morris founded the Australian Missing Persons Register in 2005, seeing the need for an internet resource to help find the missing. Vanished is a collection of stories that place the reader alongside their families.
These stories lingered in my mind. I found myself researching the cases away from the book – such is Nicole’s ability to impact the reader. She has a wonderful gift to bring these people to life, make us feel like we know them, and to place us in the shoes of loved ones left behind. Many stories are puzzling; others spine-chilling, while some feel close to being solved. They are all heartbreaking.
Thanks to Nicole’s warmth, it never feels exploitive. She writes with a sensitivity that shows respect for victims and families, making them more than just faces on a missing persons poster. You soon gain an understanding of the unique grief involved with a missing person. Certain things feature regularly: survivor’s guilt, naming children after missing siblings, staying in family homes, issues with legal affairs and lack of closure.
“When they talk about him it’s in a mixture of past and present tense, evidence of the limbo in which they live all the time.”
Vanished could’ve been a depressing read – yet it’s an inspiring one. The families know unimaginable pain, yet display strength and resilience across these pages. The lengths family members went to was astounding. While all powerful tales, some felt particularly close to home – such as the Jason Mazurek and Billy Steffen Hobart disappearances.
The closing chapter was different to others – it had a resolution, albeit a sad one. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself caught up in Mark Leicester’s story – lump in throat, heart pounding as it unfolded. Mark’s story triggered many emotions – it mirrored that of my cousin, Timmy. May they both rest in peace.
We are all brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, or parents – just like those in this book. It’s maybe why these stories resonate so much. The missing persons and their families are us. Their stories will ensure you give loved ones an extra hug or an “I love you.”
Vanished is true crime at its most compassionate and heartfelt best. It has the potential to change lives and solve crimes. With so many people going missing each year, I can easily see another book in future. If so, sign me up, because Nicole is not only a compassionate, kind-hearted person, but a great writer and advocate too.
I’ll always remember the names of those featured in this book. My thoughts are with them and their families:
Kay Docherty, Toni Cavanagh, Jamie Herdman, Jason Mazurek, Lisa Govan, Norman Lawson, James Crocker, Marcia Ryan, Billy Steffen, Richard Leape, and Mark Leicester.
“Every missing person needs a voice.”
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Many thanks to Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Morris founded the Australian Missing Persons Register in 2005, seeing the need for an internet resource to help find the missing. Vanished is a collection of stories that place the reader alongside their families.
These stories lingered in my mind. I found myself researching the cases away from the book – such is Nicole’s ability to impact the reader. She has a wonderful gift to bring these people to life, make us feel like we know them, and to place us in the shoes of loved ones left behind. Many stories are puzzling; others spine-chilling, while some feel close to being solved. They are all heartbreaking.
Thanks to Nicole’s warmth, it never feels exploitive. She writes with a sensitivity that shows respect for victims and families, making them more than just faces on a missing persons poster. You soon gain an understanding of the unique grief involved with a missing person. Certain things feature regularly: survivor’s guilt, naming children after missing siblings, staying in family homes, issues with legal affairs and lack of closure.
“When they talk about him it’s in a mixture of past and present tense, evidence of the limbo in which they live all the time.”
Vanished could’ve been a depressing read – yet it’s an inspiring one. The families know unimaginable pain, yet display strength and resilience across these pages. The lengths family members went to was astounding. While all powerful tales, some felt particularly close to home – such as the Jason Mazurek and Billy Steffen Hobart disappearances.
The closing chapter was different to others – it had a resolution, albeit a sad one. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself caught up in Mark Leicester’s story – lump in throat, heart pounding as it unfolded. Mark’s story triggered many emotions – it mirrored that of my cousin, Timmy. May they both rest in peace.
We are all brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, or parents – just like those in this book. It’s maybe why these stories resonate so much. The missing persons and their families are us. Their stories will ensure you give loved ones an extra hug or an “I love you.”
Vanished is true crime at its most compassionate and heartfelt best. It has the potential to change lives and solve crimes. With so many people going missing each year, I can easily see another book in future. If so, sign me up, because Nicole is not only a compassionate, kind-hearted person, but a great writer and advocate too.
I’ll always remember the names of those featured in this book. My thoughts are with them and their families:
Kay Docherty, Toni Cavanagh, Jamie Herdman, Jason Mazurek, Lisa Govan, Norman Lawson, James Crocker, Marcia Ryan, Billy Steffen, Richard Leape, and Mark Leicester.
“Every missing person needs a voice.”
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Many thanks to Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2023
Such sad reading; as I was reading about the first case- friends Kay and Toni I was like this has no resolution..and obviously it doesn’t. The book does a great service in demonstrating that! Their families have no resolution. These poor persons have vanished. I think Nicole Morris has done a great service in giving these missing people’s siblings a voice, it must be so hard to have lost a brother or a sister and at one point one sibling says they wonder whether everyone had ‘tried to work out if they were part of the reason’…it was a really sad read, but I’m so grateful I got the opportunity; thank you big sky publishing and Nicole Morris.
May 30, 2023
Vanished
A big thank you to author Nicole Morris for reaching out and sending me an advanced copy of ‘Vanished’. I won’t be giving a star rating for this one because I feel that it is irrelevant, all 10 of these individuals stories are so important and so are the tens of thousands of stories of other missing people around the country.
While ‘Vanished’ is a heavy read it is an important one. The way Nicole wrote this book and paid a tremendous amount of respect to these individuals and their families stories is incredibly important and well told. I could feel myself getting more and more emotional imagining what it would be like to not know where your loved one was.
I feel that I simply cannot do justice to the book in this review. However, what I can do is urge you all to read this book and shed some light on these stories, visit the Australian Missing Persons Register and calling crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information.
Nicole communicates with families who have asked for her help in publicising their missing loved one on the Australian Missing Persons Register, after reading a snippet of one of these conversations in this book I can honestly say that Nicole comes across as genuinely caring, concerned and helpful and I cannot imagine the comfort and appreciation she brings to these families.
Thank you again, It was a privilege to be asked to read this advanced copy and share in these stories.
A big thank you to author Nicole Morris for reaching out and sending me an advanced copy of ‘Vanished’. I won’t be giving a star rating for this one because I feel that it is irrelevant, all 10 of these individuals stories are so important and so are the tens of thousands of stories of other missing people around the country.
While ‘Vanished’ is a heavy read it is an important one. The way Nicole wrote this book and paid a tremendous amount of respect to these individuals and their families stories is incredibly important and well told. I could feel myself getting more and more emotional imagining what it would be like to not know where your loved one was.
I feel that I simply cannot do justice to the book in this review. However, what I can do is urge you all to read this book and shed some light on these stories, visit the Australian Missing Persons Register and calling crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information.
Nicole communicates with families who have asked for her help in publicising their missing loved one on the Australian Missing Persons Register, after reading a snippet of one of these conversations in this book I can honestly say that Nicole comes across as genuinely caring, concerned and helpful and I cannot imagine the comfort and appreciation she brings to these families.
Thank you again, It was a privilege to be asked to read this advanced copy and share in these stories.
June 12, 2023
Thank you for bringing attention to a few of the thousands of long term missing persons in Australia. It's heart breaking to read about the impact on the families of those missing, not knowing what or why and left feeling guilty and somewhat helpless. As the book says, somebody out there knows something and I hope for the missing and their families that they find their answers some day.
Read
June 15, 2023In 2005 Nicole Morris founded the Australian Missing Persons register, an internet resource to help find missing people in Australia.
http://www.australianmissingpersonsre... (your browser may come up with a security alert because the site is missing the encryption layer).
A valuable part of that website is the FAQ - http://www.australianmissingpersonsre... which provides important information if you have somebody who is missing.
The book, VANISHED, came from the stories of people included on the site - although the statement:
“Around 52,000 people go missing each year in Australia, and there are 52,000 reasons why.”
does make you wonder how difficult the process must have been to select the cases that are highlighted here.
Released in June 2023 by Big Sky Publishing, the book tells the story, in Nicole's words, of the impact of the disappearances, as well as the known details. It describes the consequences of people simply vanishing for, in particular, the parents, siblings, children and extended family. From questioning their failure to find their loved ones, to what they believe they didn't see / do / understand in the lead up to and post the disappearance there is so much sadness, regret and guilt - a lot of which isn't mitigated by their overwhelming lack of responsibility. In some cases the disappearances were instantaneous, a brother that was there one minute, vanished the next. Two teenage girls doing what all teenage girls do, who disappeared in an instance.
All of these stories are compassionately told by Morris, taking care with relatives feelings and sensitivities, pointing out frustrations and doubts, without heading into sensationalist territory. It was, although, very sobering to see the lack of police action, time and time again. From the old "well teenagers will be teenagers" (inexcusable) to the difficulties of dealing with mentally ill, uncooperative adults (understandable but nonetheless very difficult to process), that's the message that really slated home to this reader in particular. In the years where we know killers like Ivan Milat and others were active, to think that perhaps a bit of digging around in some missing teenager cases, might have found something that could have prevented even more loss, well it's tricky to deal with, easy to question.
Needless to say, this is difficult reading and will be particularly difficult for people with disappearance in their own lives. Morris is careful in the way she treats people's stories though - there's nothing in here that feels exploitative or as already said, sensationalist. It's a telling of the outcomes, and a plea for awareness - of the cases she's highlighted and so many more into the bargain. It was particularly pleasing to see that police attitudes and procedures seem to have improved somewhat in recent years, although there is always more that could be done to support families, right down to listening to those that know when they say something is wrong - this is out of character.
A rating from this reader doesn't feel at all appropriate. It's a book worth reading, a good reminder of the reality of 52,000 yearly disappearances, and the number of those that remain lost to this day.
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
http://www.australianmissingpersonsre... (your browser may come up with a security alert because the site is missing the encryption layer).
A valuable part of that website is the FAQ - http://www.australianmissingpersonsre... which provides important information if you have somebody who is missing.
The book, VANISHED, came from the stories of people included on the site - although the statement:
“Around 52,000 people go missing each year in Australia, and there are 52,000 reasons why.”
does make you wonder how difficult the process must have been to select the cases that are highlighted here.
Released in June 2023 by Big Sky Publishing, the book tells the story, in Nicole's words, of the impact of the disappearances, as well as the known details. It describes the consequences of people simply vanishing for, in particular, the parents, siblings, children and extended family. From questioning their failure to find their loved ones, to what they believe they didn't see / do / understand in the lead up to and post the disappearance there is so much sadness, regret and guilt - a lot of which isn't mitigated by their overwhelming lack of responsibility. In some cases the disappearances were instantaneous, a brother that was there one minute, vanished the next. Two teenage girls doing what all teenage girls do, who disappeared in an instance.
All of these stories are compassionately told by Morris, taking care with relatives feelings and sensitivities, pointing out frustrations and doubts, without heading into sensationalist territory. It was, although, very sobering to see the lack of police action, time and time again. From the old "well teenagers will be teenagers" (inexcusable) to the difficulties of dealing with mentally ill, uncooperative adults (understandable but nonetheless very difficult to process), that's the message that really slated home to this reader in particular. In the years where we know killers like Ivan Milat and others were active, to think that perhaps a bit of digging around in some missing teenager cases, might have found something that could have prevented even more loss, well it's tricky to deal with, easy to question.
Needless to say, this is difficult reading and will be particularly difficult for people with disappearance in their own lives. Morris is careful in the way she treats people's stories though - there's nothing in here that feels exploitative or as already said, sensationalist. It's a telling of the outcomes, and a plea for awareness - of the cases she's highlighted and so many more into the bargain. It was particularly pleasing to see that police attitudes and procedures seem to have improved somewhat in recent years, although there is always more that could be done to support families, right down to listening to those that know when they say something is wrong - this is out of character.
A rating from this reader doesn't feel at all appropriate. It's a book worth reading, a good reminder of the reality of 52,000 yearly disappearances, and the number of those that remain lost to this day.
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 5, 2023
Vanished is such a critically important book as it shines a light on one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure - a missing family member. Written with sensitivity and grace by Morris, what makes this book even more special is that the families of the missing themselves were involved, sharing their own heart-wrenching stories with the author.
July 4, 2023
Wow, Nicole Morris what a beautifully written book about a very sad and emotional topic =( this book left me crying on multiple occasions=(. I hope that good comes from this book, even if it triggers someones memories about a missing person, please report it any little information is beneficial.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2024
Although it was interesting to have an insight to the lives of those affected by having a loved one go missing, I did wonder whether or not this book may have somewhat stereotyped missing persons as unstable.
Apart from the younger missing people, most of the adults whose stories were shared seemed to have mental health problems. I couldn’t help but wonder whether this is a common theme for missing people or if it was just coincidental that their stories were chosen to be shared and that many of them had mental health problems in common.
I have no doubt having their stories shared would have been a healing experience for these families and I’m glad the author gave them the space for that, I probably wouldn’t recommend this book but it has left an effect on me and that is why I decided on 3 stars 🥰
Apart from the younger missing people, most of the adults whose stories were shared seemed to have mental health problems. I couldn’t help but wonder whether this is a common theme for missing people or if it was just coincidental that their stories were chosen to be shared and that many of them had mental health problems in common.
I have no doubt having their stories shared would have been a healing experience for these families and I’m glad the author gave them the space for that, I probably wouldn’t recommend this book but it has left an effect on me and that is why I decided on 3 stars 🥰
July 21, 2024
Gripping! Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it back down. Can’t wait for the next book to come out
March 7, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version, which was read by the author herself. Ms. Morris managed to give voice to the loved ones of the missing persons she was writing about, and I gained a new understanding of both the grief, and the guilt that these families live with on a daily basis.
I have heard a rumour that a second book is currently in the works, and I eagerly look forward to it.
I have heard a rumour that a second book is currently in the works, and I eagerly look forward to it.
October 17, 2023
Vanished by Australian author Nicole Morris is a deeply moving and insightful exploration of missing people. Nothing goes unnoticed in this thought-provoking true crime novel that will enlighten and enthral.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book may be difficult for those who have or are suffering disappearance in their own lives. My thoughts are with those lost and the families looking for them.
A large amount of us just skips over the information about missing person cases on the news because our reality doesn’t involve losing anyone we like or love. But for those people whose day starts and ends with a prayer of safe homecoming, the reality is cruel, sad, and dark.
Most missing persons cases usually end up as murders. Many of them are just people who are trying to escape their life and forge a new identity. But the most interesting cases are those with few clues and evidence to never be completely solved, the cases remain as mysteries forever.
Blending long-form journalism with true crime the Nicole Morris has a great, distinct writing voice that keeps you grounded as she explores the world of eleven missing persons in Australia. As she explores the background of these individuals, she has in-depth interviews with family members, detectives and investigators involved in their disappearance while exploring each case and circumstances.
Morris beautifully illustrates the strange, ambiguous existence her subjects experienced and, in some cases, continue to experience. I commend the families with their input and sharing their heartache and frustration. The obstacles, guilt, and grief they have faced would be so overwhelming.
Vanished will wrench your heart while it stretches your mind. The author has undertaken a large inquiry, encompassing personal investigation, historical events, true crime, untold and untellable mysteries, while never losing sight of the emotional distress at the core of every missing person's story. This is a rare book from a gifted writer: intelligent yet poignant, enlightening yet deeply disturbing.
I love true crime stories and this one is way above any other just because of the amount of detail and the way it was written. It will require some staying power, I read it in a series of chapters with breaks in between to process the heavier parts.
This unique book forces us to see the complex story behind each missing person and those they leave behind. I highly recommend.
If you know any information about a missing person, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the Australian Missing Persons Register founded by Morris in 2005.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book may be difficult for those who have or are suffering disappearance in their own lives. My thoughts are with those lost and the families looking for them.
A large amount of us just skips over the information about missing person cases on the news because our reality doesn’t involve losing anyone we like or love. But for those people whose day starts and ends with a prayer of safe homecoming, the reality is cruel, sad, and dark.
Most missing persons cases usually end up as murders. Many of them are just people who are trying to escape their life and forge a new identity. But the most interesting cases are those with few clues and evidence to never be completely solved, the cases remain as mysteries forever.
Blending long-form journalism with true crime the Nicole Morris has a great, distinct writing voice that keeps you grounded as she explores the world of eleven missing persons in Australia. As she explores the background of these individuals, she has in-depth interviews with family members, detectives and investigators involved in their disappearance while exploring each case and circumstances.
Morris beautifully illustrates the strange, ambiguous existence her subjects experienced and, in some cases, continue to experience. I commend the families with their input and sharing their heartache and frustration. The obstacles, guilt, and grief they have faced would be so overwhelming.
Vanished will wrench your heart while it stretches your mind. The author has undertaken a large inquiry, encompassing personal investigation, historical events, true crime, untold and untellable mysteries, while never losing sight of the emotional distress at the core of every missing person's story. This is a rare book from a gifted writer: intelligent yet poignant, enlightening yet deeply disturbing.
I love true crime stories and this one is way above any other just because of the amount of detail and the way it was written. It will require some staying power, I read it in a series of chapters with breaks in between to process the heavier parts.
This unique book forces us to see the complex story behind each missing person and those they leave behind. I highly recommend.
If you know any information about a missing person, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the Australian Missing Persons Register founded by Morris in 2005.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
September 20, 2023
Nicole Morris touched on a HARD subject on this book, and she did it with so much compassion and understanding. There are many stories of mission persons, and how it impacts their families. I feel a lot of the stories have a MAJOR thing in common. The police in all circumstances were very lacking in their response and assistance. While some families mentioned in the book may have had 1 or 2 police officers they felt really helped, or made them feel heard, many didn’t interact with any they felt helpful.
Morris explored the impact on the families, the obstacles trauma experienced, and the grief. She did this with so much compassion, allowing readers to completely have a insight into the families mentioned. She also explores multiple theories about each missing person, which I felt analysed the individual cases and circumstances well.
I am not normally a true crime reader, but I overall I enjoyed the book. I do feel that some chapters felt dragged out. That Morris added what felt to me fluff. While it did highlight the family members thoughts and feelings, it didn’t add much to the case. I had no larger grasp of the case or understanding in some after paragraphs of the conversations.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review this book thanks to Beauty and Lace Magazine and Big Sky Publishing
Morris explored the impact on the families, the obstacles trauma experienced, and the grief. She did this with so much compassion, allowing readers to completely have a insight into the families mentioned. She also explores multiple theories about each missing person, which I felt analysed the individual cases and circumstances well.
I am not normally a true crime reader, but I overall I enjoyed the book. I do feel that some chapters felt dragged out. That Morris added what felt to me fluff. While it did highlight the family members thoughts and feelings, it didn’t add much to the case. I had no larger grasp of the case or understanding in some after paragraphs of the conversations.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review this book thanks to Beauty and Lace Magazine and Big Sky Publishing
August 31, 2023
There’s definitely two themes that seem to run through most of these cases - police ineptitude and/or disinterest; and mental illness. Sometimes the two coincide. It wasn’t easy reading this book, due to the sheer heartache of family and friends expressed on these pages. Decades long searches, in some cases.
I didn’t give it a higher rating as I felt the editing could have been much tighter than what it was.
I didn’t give it a higher rating as I felt the editing could have been much tighter than what it was.
August 4, 2023
Hard reading, there is NO end to these families grief, having a missing family
member.. The common denominater in my eyes is the attitude of the police.. It's bad , they are not helpful they don't communicate with each other so there is NO communication with families... Makes searching for your family or friend harder than it should be..
member.. The common denominater in my eyes is the attitude of the police.. It's bad , they are not helpful they don't communicate with each other so there is NO communication with families... Makes searching for your family or friend harder than it should be..
November 21, 2024
After seeing a post about Nicole’s second book, Missing, I knew I had to start with this one before diving into her next work. This book is nothing short of heartbreaking. Having personally experienced the anguish of someone I love going missing—thankfully found only because his stepfather was in the police force—I deeply resonated with the pain and frustration this book captures.
It made me angry to read about how poorly the police can handle such cases. From my own experiences with reports and investigations, I know all too well how insensitive—or outright dismissive—they can be. Nicole perfectly conveys the devastation families feel when they’re left with unanswered questions, especially when the truth seems so close yet so out of reach.
What makes this book so remarkable is Nicole herself. Her dedication to giving these families a voice and shedding light on their struggles is utterly inspiring. The way she has written this book is exceptional—raw, heartfelt, and deeply moving. My heart goes out to every family still searching for answers, and I can only hope that Nicole’s tireless efforts bring them the justice and closure they so deserve.
It made me angry to read about how poorly the police can handle such cases. From my own experiences with reports and investigations, I know all too well how insensitive—or outright dismissive—they can be. Nicole perfectly conveys the devastation families feel when they’re left with unanswered questions, especially when the truth seems so close yet so out of reach.
What makes this book so remarkable is Nicole herself. Her dedication to giving these families a voice and shedding light on their struggles is utterly inspiring. The way she has written this book is exceptional—raw, heartfelt, and deeply moving. My heart goes out to every family still searching for answers, and I can only hope that Nicole’s tireless efforts bring them the justice and closure they so deserve.
July 16, 2024
This book captured the stories of families who are grieving for a missing loved one with a great deal of compassion and empathy. It’s awful that so many people go missing each year in Australia, leaving behind their loved ones to wonder where they are. This book plays an important role in lifting the profile of missing people.
January 9, 2025
Vanished is one of those books that sticks with you long after you've read the last page. The author Nicole Morris has written this book in such a way that you feel you know not only the missing person but their family and friends.
30,000 to 56,000 Australians go missing each year, 90% are found within a week. 3% remain missing long-term - that is for longer than 3 months. Where are these 3% of missing Australians? What happened to them?
Vanished delves into the cases of:- Kay Docherty, Toni Cavanagh, Jamie Herdman, Jason Mazurek, Lisa Govan, Norman Lawson, James Crocker, Marcia Ryan, Billy Steffen, Richard Leape, and Mark Leicester.
30,000 to 56,000 Australians go missing each year, 90% are found within a week. 3% remain missing long-term - that is for longer than 3 months. Where are these 3% of missing Australians? What happened to them?
Vanished delves into the cases of:- Kay Docherty, Toni Cavanagh, Jamie Herdman, Jason Mazurek, Lisa Govan, Norman Lawson, James Crocker, Marcia Ryan, Billy Steffen, Richard Leape, and Mark Leicester.
February 18, 2024
What a heart wrenching read. I have never thought about the legalities the families have to go through, not to mention the helplessness from the authorities. My heart aches for the families.
January 5, 2025
really enjoyed it
April 11, 2024
I couldn't begin to understand what it is like to have a family member go missing. No closure, just unanswered questions. What struck me about these stories is that the way people went missing was so varied and in some cases how quickly it happened. They were there..... but then they were gone.
It was a very interesting read.
It was a very interesting read.
July 23, 2023
Nicole Morris has chosen several missing persons cases in Australia in the hope that it will help find them or their bodies to give closure to their families. I hope she succeeds because the stories are gut wrenchingly sad. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have your sister drive off to see your parents and never be seen again.
Every story is well told with input from families and friends of the missing people - they deserve to rest in peace and their families deserve to put their loved to rest.
Every story is well told with input from families and friends of the missing people - they deserve to rest in peace and their families deserve to put their loved to rest.
July 13, 2024
What a terrible heartbreaking feeling for families who don’t know what happened to their loved ones.
Great book written by Nicole Morris
Great book written by Nicole Morris
September 9, 2023
Such a heartbreaking book.
I got emotional several times while reading it.
I got emotional several times while reading it.
January 8, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this extremely sad book. Nicole Morris has done a wonderful job relaying these missing people and their families stories, with sincerity and honour.
January 10, 2024
Such a sad but yet fantastic read - definitely highly recommended!
June 7, 2023
‘My brother is missing - can you help me?’ - The spectrum and impact of ‘gone missing’
Australian author Nicole Morris writes from the prominent stance of her position and commitment as the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, an Internet resource to help find the missing. In addition to her one-on-one work in her field of service, she now offers her findings and advice to the reading public about the tragedies of missing persons - in Australia and around the world. As Nicole introduces this collection of stories she states, ‘The stories in this book area all different, but they have common threads that seem to link them all,’ and with that lead in she shares the true events in the missing person stories of eleven people in Australia - stories that challenge credibility because of the frustration of the search attempts and tragedies involved.
Related with both careful research, photographs, and the spontaneity of the input of friends and families of the missing, these stories each place before the reader the facts regarding the ‘missing’ status along with back histories that infuse involvement in the search process, encouraging emotional commitment with each of the persons from the reader. The result - a book that reads like a well structured crime novel, except that the stories are completely real. This is a fine, thought provoking resource for understanding the conundrum of missing persons. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Australian author Nicole Morris writes from the prominent stance of her position and commitment as the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, an Internet resource to help find the missing. In addition to her one-on-one work in her field of service, she now offers her findings and advice to the reading public about the tragedies of missing persons - in Australia and around the world. As Nicole introduces this collection of stories she states, ‘The stories in this book area all different, but they have common threads that seem to link them all,’ and with that lead in she shares the true events in the missing person stories of eleven people in Australia - stories that challenge credibility because of the frustration of the search attempts and tragedies involved.
Related with both careful research, photographs, and the spontaneity of the input of friends and families of the missing, these stories each place before the reader the facts regarding the ‘missing’ status along with back histories that infuse involvement in the search process, encouraging emotional commitment with each of the persons from the reader. The result - a book that reads like a well structured crime novel, except that the stories are completely real. This is a fine, thought provoking resource for understanding the conundrum of missing persons. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
May 21, 2024
Its about true stories from familes of Australian missing persons.
I cant imagine the pain , confusion and emotional roller coaster that any families experience when there loved one goes missing ... Like what would you do ? How would your family cope ? ..
In this collection of true stories who was told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one . Their journey from desperate searches in the first days , through police investigations and in some cases, the heartbreak as the years rolls by without any news .
These ten stories are just a glimpse into thousands of missing persons that are still out there and waiting to be found . .
Goes from Two young girls who might have been an early victims of Ivan Milat and a woman who was a last seen walking alongside a Victorian Highway to a teenage boy who was likeyly murdered and fed to the crocodiles in Kakadu and two tasmanian men who disappear under strange circumstances or not so happy ending from some families .... All cases are different but have impacted families equally devastating ..
The author Nicole Morris is the founddr of Australian Missing Persons Register and have written thus book to shine a light on the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and be able to raise public awareness to help find those people who have vanished into thin air .
I cant imagine the pain , confusion and emotional roller coaster that any families experience when there loved one goes missing ... Like what would you do ? How would your family cope ? ..
In this collection of true stories who was told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one . Their journey from desperate searches in the first days , through police investigations and in some cases, the heartbreak as the years rolls by without any news .
These ten stories are just a glimpse into thousands of missing persons that are still out there and waiting to be found . .
Goes from Two young girls who might have been an early victims of Ivan Milat and a woman who was a last seen walking alongside a Victorian Highway to a teenage boy who was likeyly murdered and fed to the crocodiles in Kakadu and two tasmanian men who disappear under strange circumstances or not so happy ending from some families .... All cases are different but have impacted families equally devastating ..
The author Nicole Morris is the founddr of Australian Missing Persons Register and have written thus book to shine a light on the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and be able to raise public awareness to help find those people who have vanished into thin air .
July 23, 2023
Well written and comprehensively researched, Vanished is an emotional and compassionate account of missing persons in Australia. Each chapter covers a different case, giving a perspective from the families, the author and the police findings. The three different viewpoints allow for a thorough exploration of each case, and encourage the reader to weigh up the facts. This book differs from other cold case books in that it never feels exploitative, and is awash with empathy for the families and victims. Morris paints a portrait of each missing person, telling their story so that the reader feels they have come to know them and their family. It's also a chance to understand the oft-overlooked emotional baggage that the families carry - feelings of overwhelming grief, regret, remorse, guilt, and an ongoing lack of closure.
Too often, society's fascination with grisly or mysterious crimes are glamourised to the point of desensitisation, overlooking the incredibly traumatic and lifelong sentence of the families involved. Vanished stands out as a book that gives voice to those families and victims, and I'd recommend it as a sobering and honest counterpoint to the more sensationalised books in the true crime genre.
Too often, society's fascination with grisly or mysterious crimes are glamourised to the point of desensitisation, overlooking the incredibly traumatic and lifelong sentence of the families involved. Vanished stands out as a book that gives voice to those families and victims, and I'd recommend it as a sobering and honest counterpoint to the more sensationalised books in the true crime genre.
March 27, 2025
An emotionally intense read that deepened my understanding of the profound and enduring pain experienced by families of missing individuals and the role poor mental health has alongside our flawed mental health care system in missing persons cases.
Morris, the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, presents ten harrowing accounts that delve into the uncertainty and grief faced by the families of missing persons.
One mother's words encapsulate this anguish: "I just kept living in hope, but I've got used to that fact now. The hope is gone. I still dream about her, and I still have nightmares about her. It gets easier to cope with, but it never leaves."
Another family member expressed the torment of unresolved loss: "They look at you odd. They say why don’t you do something? I have done everything possible. It does occupy your mind, but like anything painful, you push it to one side. It’s in the bottom compartment; it comes out every so often. If I knew he was dead, I could grieve."
Morris's compassionate storytelling not only sheds light on these tragedies but also honours the resilience of those left behind. This book is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the missing and supporting their families in their quest for answers.
Morris, the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, presents ten harrowing accounts that delve into the uncertainty and grief faced by the families of missing persons.
One mother's words encapsulate this anguish: "I just kept living in hope, but I've got used to that fact now. The hope is gone. I still dream about her, and I still have nightmares about her. It gets easier to cope with, but it never leaves."
Another family member expressed the torment of unresolved loss: "They look at you odd. They say why don’t you do something? I have done everything possible. It does occupy your mind, but like anything painful, you push it to one side. It’s in the bottom compartment; it comes out every so often. If I knew he was dead, I could grieve."
Morris's compassionate storytelling not only sheds light on these tragedies but also honours the resilience of those left behind. This book is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the missing and supporting their families in their quest for answers.
August 11, 2023
I recently finished reading up Nicole Morris's book about missing persons in Australia. Morris is the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, so she knows her stuff when it comes to this subject matter.
The book is a collection of stories about eleven different people who've gone missing in Australia. What struck me was how Morris managed to find common threads in these vastly different stories. It's not just about the frustration and tragedy of the search attempts; she digs into the backstories of these individuals, making you feel a connection with each one of them. While this is a big plus for the book it also makes it quite a difficult read at times because of the reality involved.
What I liked a lot was the combination of research and real, human input. There are photographs and contributions from friends and family of the missing, which makes the stories feel all the more real. It's not just a crime novel but a look into a world that's all too real for many people.
I found myself drawn into each story, with an emotional commitment to the people involved. It's a well-structured book that doesn't just inform but also engages on a deeper level.
The book is a collection of stories about eleven different people who've gone missing in Australia. What struck me was how Morris managed to find common threads in these vastly different stories. It's not just about the frustration and tragedy of the search attempts; she digs into the backstories of these individuals, making you feel a connection with each one of them. While this is a big plus for the book it also makes it quite a difficult read at times because of the reality involved.
What I liked a lot was the combination of research and real, human input. There are photographs and contributions from friends and family of the missing, which makes the stories feel all the more real. It's not just a crime novel but a look into a world that's all too real for many people.
I found myself drawn into each story, with an emotional commitment to the people involved. It's a well-structured book that doesn't just inform but also engages on a deeper level.
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