Vanished: International Tensions Reach a Breaking Point When Medical Risks and Corporate Profits Collide in This Polical Thriller

The Blackwell Files #16

by Steven F. Freeman

A ship washes ashore in the Philippines without a single crew member aboard. All residents of an alpine village disappear without a trace. Connecting the two events is the appearance of strange, metallic spheres and scorch marks in both locations.

An NSA team led by agents Alton and Mallory Blackwell discover a link between the disappearances and a group of disputed islands in the Artic...and an even more puzzling connection to the ancient city of Sodom. As tensions to lay claim to the coveted islands push the world’s superpowers toward armed confrontation, the Blackwells and their team race to uncover the truth behind the inexplicable vanishings, a truth that threatens to bring a catastrophic end to the modern world.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

About the author

Thriller/mystery author Steve Freeman is a former member of the US Army's Signal Corps, a thirty-four-year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited every continent but Antarctica. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.

He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.

Reviews

[Stephanie Mast · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this story immensely! It was intriguing and I had no idea what was going to happen next.

A ship runs aground with no one aboard, all that is left behind are strange metallic spheres, but no sign of the crew. A few months later, the residents of an entire village in the Swiss Alps disappears without a trace, cars left, groceries left on counters, dinners cooking. The same strange metallic spheres area found again. Are the two cases connected? That is what the NSA had assigned Alton and Mallory Blackwell to find out.

Their investigation with their team of scientists leads them all over the world in their search for answers of the missing people. Including a formerly desolate chain of islands in the Arctic Sea that both Norway and Russia lay claim to, but no one really owns. The Norwegians are mining there, a new substance that they say could change the world and eliminate the use of fossil fuels, but is this new substance really to be what saves us? Or will it be our downfall?

This story had action, adventure, drama, mystery, a scientific discovery for the ages. I enjoyed the writing style of the author, I was never bored, I never knew what was going to happen next, and I had no possible clue as to what happened to the missing people, I was really thrown for a loop with that one! I didn't always understand the scientific lingo, which is okay, because I like to use my imagination while reading, and I like that the author is able to do the same while writing!

I believe that this story is one of several involving the Blackwell couple who investigates for the NSA and I will definitely be checking out some of more of them in the future!

If you are a fan of mysteries that leave you in suspense and guessing up until the last second, then I recommend that you check out vanished!

I received this book as a gift.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very weak sci-fi. An ancient virus is discovered in the Arctic Circle that could be a phenomenal new source of energy. Unfortunately, when it is taken to warmer climates, it forms small metallic balls made up of the remnants of the people near it that are quickly burned out of existence. So, for example, on the top floor of a multi-story ship, a few of these metallic spheres are found rolling around. I guess the ashes of the people they are made up from sifted up from behind closed doors on different floors to compact into the neat and tidy spheres on the ship's top floor. The inhabitants of a small town in the Alps also end up as a few spherical balls.

Countries, corporations, and terrorists squabble over who will have access to this miraculous source of energy and destruction. Karma bites back hard when different groups disappear mid-air when they try to slink off with the material.

All the typical double-crossing and gunfire are included, but the premise of the book was so absurd to me that the book was a big disappointment.

[Sharron Grodzinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a strange ship is found abandoned in the Philippines and the crew has vanished, the mystery begins. Then another incident happens when the entire population of a small Alpine village also vanishes. The Blackwells are called in to solve the mystery and there the excitement begins. With twists and turns, unusual characters, lots of international intrigue, and an ending that will surprise you, you won't want to miss this book.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent fast paced thriller, reminiscent of Clive Cussler and Dan Brown books, if you ask me. There is a good blend of political and religious tension, biblical events and modern technology. This book leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat as you read to find out just what is going to happen next.

I enjoyed this highly entertaining book, and while it was the first book I’ve read from this author, it certainly will not be the last.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book can’t wait to read the rest of the Blackwells series.

[Errol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possible?

An interesting yet chilling account. Of international tension with a bit of terrorism thrown in for side thoughts of the scariest kind.