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Silence of the Missing
He went into the woods…and never came out.
In 1986, thirteen-year-old Jeb Kleber vanished during his small town’s Fourth of July fireworks. His mysterious disappearance left his first love, Sammy Blake, grieving for years.
Flash forward to present day. A now middle-aged Sam Blake has a comfortable and predictable life with his husband Marc in Chicago. All that changes when a stranger arrives at Sam’s door, claiming to be the missing Jeb Kleber. The stranger knows things he couldn’t possibly know—including the hidden love the boys shared during the summer of ’86. He also wears an amethyst pendant Sam gave him shortly before he disappeared.
Could this be the real Jeb Kleber, missing for thirty-seven years? If not, who is this mysterious stranger? And what does he want after all this time? His appearance plunges Sam’s life into a nightmare of questionable identity, long-buried secrets, and perhaps even murder.
In 1986, thirteen-year-old Jeb Kleber vanished during his small town’s Fourth of July fireworks. His mysterious disappearance left his first love, Sammy Blake, grieving for years.
Flash forward to present day. A now middle-aged Sam Blake has a comfortable and predictable life with his husband Marc in Chicago. All that changes when a stranger arrives at Sam’s door, claiming to be the missing Jeb Kleber. The stranger knows things he couldn’t possibly know—including the hidden love the boys shared during the summer of ’86. He also wears an amethyst pendant Sam gave him shortly before he disappeared.
Could this be the real Jeb Kleber, missing for thirty-seven years? If not, who is this mysterious stranger? And what does he want after all this time? His appearance plunges Sam’s life into a nightmare of questionable identity, long-buried secrets, and perhaps even murder.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2023
34 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
123 books1,045 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 29, 2024
Oh my gosh, what a story! Rick R. Reed's novels always grab my attention from the first page, but dang, Silence of the Missing is one heck of a gripping tale.
The blurb does an excellent job of relaying what's at the heart of this story, but Reed infuses a haunting air of mystery as these events are revealed. Spooky, emotional, and powerful - what a pleasure!
I'm a sucker for the family drama trope, and Reed has written some beautiful scenes with Sam and his mom (both as flashbacks and in real time). Plus Jeb's backstory will tug on your heartstrings.
I applaud Rick R. Reed's skill at unveiling a drama and building the tenstion - and all of this is enhanced with David Allen Vargo's brilliant performance in the audio version of Silence of the Missing. There are marvelous sound effects, and Vargo adds so much emotion into each of the characters. It's a wonderful way to experience this novel.
an audiobook copy of Silence of the Missing was provided for the purpose of my honest revew, all opinions are my own
The blurb does an excellent job of relaying what's at the heart of this story, but Reed infuses a haunting air of mystery as these events are revealed. Spooky, emotional, and powerful - what a pleasure!
I'm a sucker for the family drama trope, and Reed has written some beautiful scenes with Sam and his mom (both as flashbacks and in real time). Plus Jeb's backstory will tug on your heartstrings.
I applaud Rick R. Reed's skill at unveiling a drama and building the tenstion - and all of this is enhanced with David Allen Vargo's brilliant performance in the audio version of Silence of the Missing. There are marvelous sound effects, and Vargo adds so much emotion into each of the characters. It's a wonderful way to experience this novel.
an audiobook copy of Silence of the Missing was provided for the purpose of my honest revew, all opinions are my own
July 16, 2023
This is a fantastic novel. I love MM themed novels that focuses more on the story line than. I could not put this down. Even though I found a little bit of a slow starter, it was still difficult to put it down. The twists and turns of the story line was so much fun to read and would definitely recommend this novel.
I was gifted this novel for an honest review by GRR.
I was gifted this novel for an honest review by GRR.
June 23, 2023
Brilliantly written story.
Lots of twists and turns.
The reader is left guessing until the end.
Classic Rick R. Reed.
Full review (WITH NO SPOILERS) can be found at -
Lots of twists and turns.
The reader is left guessing until the end.
Classic Rick R. Reed.
Full review (WITH NO SPOILERS) can be found at -
July 17, 2023
I love a great psychological thriller and this one me of the edge of my seat. Reminiscent of a roller coaster ride. Uncertain when one’s heart will stop pounding.
This one dealt with sensitive subjects. Abduction, the grief and uncertainty that follows, the pain of remembrance, young love. The way love can twist with a few ill timed words.
One can wish for happiness for them. For Sam’s mum too. The twisted lies told. The guilt felt for believing these words. Forgiving one’s self. And hope.
This one dealt with sensitive subjects. Abduction, the grief and uncertainty that follows, the pain of remembrance, young love. The way love can twist with a few ill timed words.
One can wish for happiness for them. For Sam’s mum too. The twisted lies told. The guilt felt for believing these words. Forgiving one’s self. And hope.
October 18, 2023
Holy moly what a mess 😂😂
The most unemotional, shallow, ridiculous book I've read in a while. Like what was even the point of this.
I hated it. Hated the fact that Jeb .
It was also trying to be clever with all the different povs but it was just going out of its own capabilities... honestly embarrassing.
So yeah spare yourself from this, here's everything that happens in all the "twists and turns":
.
I mean this COULD be a good book. But the writing is soooo shallow and so basic that it just is... not.
Like not at all. None of this characters has a personality, let alone a whole arc of development and trauma.
Well bye now
The most unemotional, shallow, ridiculous book I've read in a while. Like what was even the point of this.
I hated it. Hated the fact that Jeb .
It was also trying to be clever with all the different povs but it was just going out of its own capabilities... honestly embarrassing.
So yeah spare yourself from this, here's everything that happens in all the "twists and turns":
.
I mean this COULD be a good book. But the writing is soooo shallow and so basic that it just is... not.
Like not at all. None of this characters has a personality, let alone a whole arc of development and trauma.
Well bye now
October 31, 2023
Amazing book.
But look who wrote it I wouldn't have expected anything less
But look who wrote it I wouldn't have expected anything less
August 22, 2023
2.5 stars
July 15, 2023
First off, in case anyone gets the wrong idea by looking at the current GR tags - there is some romance here, but this is much more a mystery/thriller than a romance!
While the first half felt slow to me, I enjoyed this altogether. I did think the first half needed to have the slow, eerie build that it did in order for the explosive second half to pay off. There were a few interesting twists and turns - some I saw coming, some not so much. I felt so bad for Sam - he really went through a lot in this book. I did have a few unanswered questions by the end, like (seriously, don’t click on this spoiler if you plan on reading!) But perhaps some of these questions were meant to be left unanswered.
I also wish I could have connected to Sam a little bit more than I did - he didn’t have a very strong personality, and he was on his own head and thinking to himself instead of talking to others for a good chunk of the book, so it was hard to form a deep emotional connection with him. I did love
I thought this was a pretty solid thriller with an interesting plotline that mostly kept me guessing. Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
While the first half felt slow to me, I enjoyed this altogether. I did think the first half needed to have the slow, eerie build that it did in order for the explosive second half to pay off. There were a few interesting twists and turns - some I saw coming, some not so much. I felt so bad for Sam - he really went through a lot in this book. I did have a few unanswered questions by the end, like (seriously, don’t click on this spoiler if you plan on reading!) But perhaps some of these questions were meant to be left unanswered.
I also wish I could have connected to Sam a little bit more than I did - he didn’t have a very strong personality, and he was on his own head and thinking to himself instead of talking to others for a good chunk of the book, so it was hard to form a deep emotional connection with him. I did love
I thought this was a pretty solid thriller with an interesting plotline that mostly kept me guessing. Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
August 28, 2023
There were a few unexpected plot surprises in this mystery-drama. I ended up liking it more than I expected given a rather 'meh' beginning.
July 31, 2023
this was really entertaining. i enjoyed the mystery and thriller aspects of this book. i enjoyed the characters and was left with questions and curious about certain things. i enjoyed it a lot.
July 9, 2023
I'm always excited when an opportunity to read a new Rick R. Reed book presents itself. This author's prose and ability to weave a plot with both sympathetic characters and dark themes is brilliant. The Silence Of The Missing absolutely hits all those high points for me. Sam’s guilt for the way his puppy love relationship with Jeb came to an end combined with his current-day mixed feelings about his situation and his desperation to find answers to the mystery he finds himself embroiled in now make this book a great read. It's worth noting, this is not a romance, it's a well-crafted mystery/psychological thriller with relationships between LGBTQ characters.
My one tiny wish for this book, if I have one because I think this point might be wholly subjective, is for the ending to be tighter (or something?), to make me feel a more visceral reaction rather than the ‘oh OK’ moment, I felt. Others, I suspect, will celebrate the ‘life goes on’ approach but, what can I say? I love a shock ending. Still, The Silence Of The Missing is another great read from one of the best wordsmiths in this genre. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
My one tiny wish for this book, if I have one because I think this point might be wholly subjective, is for the ending to be tighter (or something?), to make me feel a more visceral reaction rather than the ‘oh OK’ moment, I felt. Others, I suspect, will celebrate the ‘life goes on’ approach but, what can I say? I love a shock ending. Still, The Silence Of The Missing is another great read from one of the best wordsmiths in this genre. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
April 24, 2024
Arc audio review
Narration = 5 stars
Story = 5 stars
TW: on page kidnapping, off page child SA and murder
Another great story from this author. Their original creativity to keep creating stories that take the reader on a wild ride of twists and turns and a rollerclaster of emotions is a wonderful gift to readers. This story had me sucked in from start to finish. There were so many twists and surprises, it definitely kept me guessing. The ending was definitely unpredictable and wonderful. All the characters were wonderful. Even the bad guys were so well written. This is a love story but there is zero intimate scenes which worked well for this story. It was more mystery focused and love built on so much more than the physical. This story will keep u on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's sad and emotional and very moving. I listened to it in 1 listen and listened to it again the very next day and was just as wonderful the 2nd time. I absolutely recommend it to anyone that likes mysteries.
There are some details that seemed unrealistic and I considered a slightly lower rank but the story was just too wonderful overall so I couldn't do that.
I am so glad I got to listen to this story. The Narration was a pleasure to listen to. He expressed all the emotions and brought the story to life. He gave each of the characters their own distinct voice that suited each of them perfectly. He went above and beyond by adding sound effects. It gave even more life to this wonderful story. I did speed it up alot but that's no big deal.
Narration = 5 stars
Story = 5 stars
TW: on page kidnapping, off page child SA and murder
Another great story from this author. Their original creativity to keep creating stories that take the reader on a wild ride of twists and turns and a rollerclaster of emotions is a wonderful gift to readers. This story had me sucked in from start to finish. There were so many twists and surprises, it definitely kept me guessing. The ending was definitely unpredictable and wonderful. All the characters were wonderful. Even the bad guys were so well written. This is a love story but there is zero intimate scenes which worked well for this story. It was more mystery focused and love built on so much more than the physical. This story will keep u on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's sad and emotional and very moving. I listened to it in 1 listen and listened to it again the very next day and was just as wonderful the 2nd time. I absolutely recommend it to anyone that likes mysteries.
There are some details that seemed unrealistic and I considered a slightly lower rank but the story was just too wonderful overall so I couldn't do that.
I am so glad I got to listen to this story. The Narration was a pleasure to listen to. He expressed all the emotions and brought the story to life. He gave each of the characters their own distinct voice that suited each of them perfectly. He went above and beyond by adding sound effects. It gave even more life to this wonderful story. I did speed it up alot but that's no big deal.
April 24, 2024
This is a compelling, suspenseful, eerie thriller about a lost boy, the first love left behind, and what happens when the lost boy returns years later...or does he? The story was an engaging and chilling mystery with enough questions, twists and turns, and secrets that I stayed up way late until the audiobook was done. I don't want to give spoilers, but potential listeners should be cautioned if they have any triggers related to missing persons, abduction, child sexual exploitation, abuse, betrayal, or murder. The characters in the book are each intricate personalities with their own secrets and fears. I found the psychological aspects intriguing as well, and there were times I wondered if some things were all in Sam's head. For awhile, I thought there might be a supernatural element involved, but it was only evil human behavior. The story got a bit convoluted toward the end, and the answers seemed a little anticlimactic to me. The story didn't end like I expected, but that's okay, and it was still a good listen.
The narration suited the story, and really gave a suspenseful and foreboding atmosphere. The vocal delivery was a little slow for my ears, and I speeded it up to 1.2x.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The narration suited the story, and really gave a suspenseful and foreboding atmosphere. The vocal delivery was a little slow for my ears, and I speeded it up to 1.2x.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
April 24, 2024
Audiobook Review 🎧 #ARC Review
Story & Characters ❤️❤️❤️❤️💞
Narration ❤️❤️❤️❤️💞
Overall ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rick R Reed knows how to spin an emotional roller coaster blending with a nail biting mystery. I really admire the way he brings out the emotional drama in an otherwise suspenseful story where we are still wondering what exactly happened to the "missing person" till the very end and just the way I prefer a mystery book to be. I loved the tug of war the characters had to bear within their lives once the person everyone thought dead came back to life, the rest of the book picks up the pieces with great care and slowly unveils the turmoil of every character that faced the new reality.
David Allen Vargo is a new narrator for me but what an introduction I got. His performance is spot on and I'm looking forward to more of his work.
***I received a free copy of this audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews, for an honest review.***
Story & Characters ❤️❤️❤️❤️💞
Narration ❤️❤️❤️❤️💞
Overall ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rick R Reed knows how to spin an emotional roller coaster blending with a nail biting mystery. I really admire the way he brings out the emotional drama in an otherwise suspenseful story where we are still wondering what exactly happened to the "missing person" till the very end and just the way I prefer a mystery book to be. I loved the tug of war the characters had to bear within their lives once the person everyone thought dead came back to life, the rest of the book picks up the pieces with great care and slowly unveils the turmoil of every character that faced the new reality.
David Allen Vargo is a new narrator for me but what an introduction I got. His performance is spot on and I'm looking forward to more of his work.
***I received a free copy of this audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews, for an honest review.***
July 11, 2023
A TWISTED MISSING MYSTERY!
“Before we belonged to anyone else, we were each other’s.” ― Elizabeth Noble, The Way We Were
“The silence of the dead says, Goodbye. “The silence of the missing says, Find me.” ― Dennis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone
Oh my word! If you like crime stories with intriguing mystery and dark gothic undertones then you will devour this book in one seating like I did!
The storyline was very intricate which depicts young love, grief and mental health struggles into adulthood with dark undertones of abduction, child slavery and drug use.
It was a very sweet yet poignant story with interesting and engaging characters with twists and turns that will keep the pages turning till the intriguing end!
Climb aboard and delve into the world of this amazing author but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest opinion on this book.
“Before we belonged to anyone else, we were each other’s.” ― Elizabeth Noble, The Way We Were
“The silence of the dead says, Goodbye. “The silence of the missing says, Find me.” ― Dennis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone
Oh my word! If you like crime stories with intriguing mystery and dark gothic undertones then you will devour this book in one seating like I did!
The storyline was very intricate which depicts young love, grief and mental health struggles into adulthood with dark undertones of abduction, child slavery and drug use.
It was a very sweet yet poignant story with interesting and engaging characters with twists and turns that will keep the pages turning till the intriguing end!
Climb aboard and delve into the world of this amazing author but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest opinion on this book.
April 25, 2024
** AUDIO Review
Fascinating and Enthralling!
This story explores the impact of extraordinary events like child disappearance on ordinary people. The engaging narrative features a beautiful narrator, highlighting the impact on everyone that experiences it, and the characters' struggle to navigate life's challenges. I really enjoyed this book and the narrators voice. David Allen Vargo is a new narrator to me, but I'm interested in listening to their other work.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
Fascinating and Enthralling!
This story explores the impact of extraordinary events like child disappearance on ordinary people. The engaging narrative features a beautiful narrator, highlighting the impact on everyone that experiences it, and the characters' struggle to navigate life's challenges. I really enjoyed this book and the narrators voice. David Allen Vargo is a new narrator to me, but I'm interested in listening to their other work.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
July 8, 2023
I could not put this book down. If I hadn't had to do real life I easily could have read this book in one day. I have become a big fan of this author mostly due to the fact that each book he writes is unique and doesn't feel formulaic. This book is mostly about Sam and events that happen in his life. I love the style of writing and seeing the story from different people's perspective. This book is more crime thriller than strictly romance. I like the change of pace and would recommend this book.
July 17, 2023
He was in love with them when they disappeared into the woods, never to be seen again. He grieved and got on with his life even marrying another man. It will all change when a stranger appears saying they are the missing boy. Are they really them? How will it all go? What will he find out? How will it affect his marriage? See just what is going to happen for them all
May 9, 2024
Awfully twisty,
needlessly cruel. Didn’t
buy new love story.
2.5 rounded up for writing
needlessly cruel. Didn’t
buy new love story.
2.5 rounded up for writing
July 31, 2024
Jeb and Sam were best friends growing up, but Jeb went missing during their Fourth of July fireworks display when they were thirteen. Almost forty years later, Sam is married and living in Chicago with his husband; they have a comfortable life. All that is shaken when someone claiming to be Jeb shows up at their door pleading with Sam to listen to his story. Knowing things that only Jeb should know, Sam is thrown and doesn't know what to do, but certain things aren't adding up.
Sam doesn't know what to make of this guy claiming to be Jeb, but when his husband goes missing, Sam starts to think his disappearance and the resurfacing of Jeb are connected. This mystery took a turn I wasn't expecting, and the author did a fantastic job of building the tension in the book. I loved the intrigue of not knowing what would happen; it was such an excellent book.
Sam doesn't know what to make of this guy claiming to be Jeb, but when his husband goes missing, Sam starts to think his disappearance and the resurfacing of Jeb are connected. This mystery took a turn I wasn't expecting, and the author did a fantastic job of building the tension in the book. I loved the intrigue of not knowing what would happen; it was such an excellent book.
August 4, 2024
I loved this book. There was so much happening and while somethings I figured out the reveals were still perfect because you felt like you knew what the character knew as well - even if they were in denial. I was left with a few questions that either were not explained or that I must have missed - but life is like that too so I’m okay with it.
October 24, 2024
Really angry at the mom who knew/suspected and could have aided the investigation. Made me also dislike the MC because he was just okay with this. It wasn't the most groundbreaking thriller I've read in terms of twists, but I still enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
This was an amazing story from the initial disappearance of the young boy Jeb and the devastating effects it has on everyone, especially the other young boy who loves him, Sam. Sam grieves, but as one does after a time, one gets on with life and for Sam, that means marriage to Marc and life as an adult. Then, suddenly there is a man on his doorstep, claiming to be Jeb and knowing things seemingly only Jeb could know and with identifying objects only Jeb should have. The blurb made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and the book itself was even better than the blurb promised. I found this one by turns, sad, creepy, scary and thought provoking. We always assume that if a missing person came back, everything would be an unmitigated joy for that person and all who know them. This book asks, what if we aren't quite sure the returnee is who they claim to be? And what about the lives all those other people have gone on and built? Just went back to this book again on audio and I have to say it was even better the second time. This is one where you notice things on a reread you missed the first time because then you just had to keep reading to find out what happened. Given time for a slow read you appreciate the author's craft even more. David Allen Vargo does a superb job narrating this story and drawing you into the characters thoughts and lives.
June 8, 2024
I was super intrigued with the blurb of the book & the book was super interesting.
This book is different to usually what I read but even so I really liked the book. I wasn’t sure what to expect but still the book was interesting and I finished in one setting.
The book is more plot driven than in romance. In fact the romance is barely there. It’s a very raw book with lot of heavy emotions.
The plot twists were interesting & the barely there hint of romance between hunter & sam was enough for me.
This book is different to usually what I read but even so I really liked the book. I wasn’t sure what to expect but still the book was interesting and I finished in one setting.
The book is more plot driven than in romance. In fact the romance is barely there. It’s a very raw book with lot of heavy emotions.
The plot twists were interesting & the barely there hint of romance between hunter & sam was enough for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2024
Thrilling
This is absolutely a thrilling story with many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. While it did start off a bit slow, it makes up for it with a great ending.
Update: The audiobook for this makes the experience even better with the great narration from David Allen Vargo.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is absolutely a thrilling story with many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. While it did start off a bit slow, it makes up for it with a great ending.
Update: The audiobook for this makes the experience even better with the great narration from David Allen Vargo.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
August 31, 2023
Deleted my original review cause it wasn't very nice ( written in the heat of the moment after finishing a book that left me a little feisty)
I didn't enjoy this book. Nuff said.
I didn't enjoy this book. Nuff said.
June 11, 2025
Absolutely L❤VED this book! 🙋🏼♂️ ❤ 📖 📚
April 11, 2024
Impressive Story & Narration🎧 Thought-Provoking!
Silence of the Missing
By: Rick R. Reed
Narrated by: David Allen Vargo
“Silence of the Missing” is a fantastic psychological crime thriller, and Rick R. Reed pulls you right in, not only grabbing your attention but keeps you thinking and needing to know what happens next, making it impossible to put the book down. It is a well-written and plotted story and I enjoyed how the timelines were presented, alternating from the present to the past, giving you a glimpse of what happened in the character’s point of view. Sammy Blake’s friend and his first love interest, Jeb Kleber, disappeared in 1986, and was never to be found. Sammy was thirteen-years-old then, but he never got over that loss or the grief from it. Sammy is Sam, a now middle-aged man married to Marc, in what he thought was a solid marriage. One day a stranger rings his bell and claims to be Jeb, has his eyes and even the pendent he gave him. Sam wonders if it is possible and gives the guy a chance to explain, everything he says sounds plausible, but he is still skeptical, especially after he disappears before they finish talking. Then his life gets turned around once again, and everything he thought he knew was not as it seemed. Reed’s descriptive details keep you alongside Sam, experiencing everything he does, including all his emotions, you can to help but feel for the man. It is best to go into the book knowing as little as possible, go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. The drama is non-stop in this fast moving, thought-provoking story, an emotional rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns.
🎧📚🎧 David Allen Vargo delivers another outstanding performance bringing the characters and story to life. He is a versatile voice artist who performs a plethora of different voices, which is great since he covers the roles of all the characters, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. You could hear how much heart he puts into his performance as he captures all the characters’ emotions making you feel every one. This entertaining storyteller is a pleasure to listen to and his performance elevates the story to another level.
Silence of the Missing
By: Rick R. Reed
Narrated by: David Allen Vargo
“Silence of the Missing” is a fantastic psychological crime thriller, and Rick R. Reed pulls you right in, not only grabbing your attention but keeps you thinking and needing to know what happens next, making it impossible to put the book down. It is a well-written and plotted story and I enjoyed how the timelines were presented, alternating from the present to the past, giving you a glimpse of what happened in the character’s point of view. Sammy Blake’s friend and his first love interest, Jeb Kleber, disappeared in 1986, and was never to be found. Sammy was thirteen-years-old then, but he never got over that loss or the grief from it. Sammy is Sam, a now middle-aged man married to Marc, in what he thought was a solid marriage. One day a stranger rings his bell and claims to be Jeb, has his eyes and even the pendent he gave him. Sam wonders if it is possible and gives the guy a chance to explain, everything he says sounds plausible, but he is still skeptical, especially after he disappears before they finish talking. Then his life gets turned around once again, and everything he thought he knew was not as it seemed. Reed’s descriptive details keep you alongside Sam, experiencing everything he does, including all his emotions, you can to help but feel for the man. It is best to go into the book knowing as little as possible, go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. The drama is non-stop in this fast moving, thought-provoking story, an emotional rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns.
🎧📚🎧 David Allen Vargo delivers another outstanding performance bringing the characters and story to life. He is a versatile voice artist who performs a plethora of different voices, which is great since he covers the roles of all the characters, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. You could hear how much heart he puts into his performance as he captures all the characters’ emotions making you feel every one. This entertaining storyteller is a pleasure to listen to and his performance elevates the story to another level.
July 8, 2023
The guy left behind: the art of coping😞
4.5🌟 stars
What an engaging, sad and somehow all too realistic story. The writing makes this an easy read while the emotional turmoil made me pause and absorb just how much grief, bewilderment and disappointment Sam, the main character, has to go through first as a young teenager and then three decades later. Author Rick R. Reed has never let me down. His stories have an emotional depth that keep bringing me back.
Sam is the main narrator, and he is the fellow left behind when loved ones suddenly disappear twice in his otherwise seemingly steady and uneventful life. The story weaves back and forth from a fateful summer on the banks of the Ohio River in 1986 to present-day Chicago and the only constants are Sam and his hard-working single parent mom Trudy. I loved how Reed keeps the suspense high about what happened to the missing, Jeb and then Marc, through most of the story.
For readers familiar with Reed's work, these settings will be familiar. A small, declining, working-class town at the junction of eastern Ohio and the West Virginia Panhandle, and the streets and beaches of Chicago. Sam has passed from one to the other but never forgets Jeb, the first boy he loved and lost in Ohio. Then a stranger arrives at his front door and a new round of mystery and abrupt loss begins. Sam has to wonder; could the 1986 disappearance and this new loss somehow be connected?
The journey to the answers is a good one, with a bit by bit, slow reveal. Maybe not unpredictable but it kept me engaged just the same. And despite the violence and predation key to the story, Reed refrains from including any graphic details: something I appreciated.
While the ending is not all sweetness and happy families, it's full of pathos and tinted with a dab of hope. Frankly, I prefer Reed's form of emotional conclusion to an unrealistically total HEA. This one gets a definite recommendation from me.
TW: child predation
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
What an engaging, sad and somehow all too realistic story. The writing makes this an easy read while the emotional turmoil made me pause and absorb just how much grief, bewilderment and disappointment Sam, the main character, has to go through first as a young teenager and then three decades later. Author Rick R. Reed has never let me down. His stories have an emotional depth that keep bringing me back.
Sam is the main narrator, and he is the fellow left behind when loved ones suddenly disappear twice in his otherwise seemingly steady and uneventful life. The story weaves back and forth from a fateful summer on the banks of the Ohio River in 1986 to present-day Chicago and the only constants are Sam and his hard-working single parent mom Trudy. I loved how Reed keeps the suspense high about what happened to the missing, Jeb and then Marc, through most of the story.
For readers familiar with Reed's work, these settings will be familiar. A small, declining, working-class town at the junction of eastern Ohio and the West Virginia Panhandle, and the streets and beaches of Chicago. Sam has passed from one to the other but never forgets Jeb, the first boy he loved and lost in Ohio. Then a stranger arrives at his front door and a new round of mystery and abrupt loss begins. Sam has to wonder; could the 1986 disappearance and this new loss somehow be connected?
The journey to the answers is a good one, with a bit by bit, slow reveal. Maybe not unpredictable but it kept me engaged just the same. And despite the violence and predation key to the story, Reed refrains from including any graphic details: something I appreciated.
While the ending is not all sweetness and happy families, it's full of pathos and tinted with a dab of hope. Frankly, I prefer Reed's form of emotional conclusion to an unrealistically total HEA. This one gets a definite recommendation from me.
TW: child predation
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 16, 2023
Another excellent book by Reed, "Silence of the Missing" had me turning the pages furiously in my quest to find the answers posited by this twisty mystery/thriller. In some ways, I might liken Reed to a gay version of Alfred Hitchcock in that he starts off with a plot twist but then just keeps ratcheting the tension up and keeps it going till the end. My only quibble was with a few of the choices the author made at the end, including an action by the main character, Sam that really didn't make a lot of sense to me, and some unanswered questions I had (like why did Marc do what he did in light of previous events).
Above all, the plot and its various twists and turns make this book what it is. Sam's best friend, Jeb, disappears when Sam is thirteen and his life is forever altered. The repercussions of this event continue in the ensuing years, and the echoes continue more than thirty years later as an event in the present day has Sam wondering if Jeb's disappearance might be linked to present day events. Reed does a masterful job gradually doling out answers to the reader, gradually unspooling events in the past and present, and showing how they're linked. Reed also does a good job with touching upon some sensitive subjects in a tasteful manner, without sensationalizing them, but isn't afraid to deal with those same subjects and the questions they entail- including how events can twist and warp people over time.
All in all, a masterful suspense book, I'd heartily recommend. There are definitely some trigger warnings but if you can get past that, you're in for one of the more suspenseful stories I've read in some time.
Above all, the plot and its various twists and turns make this book what it is. Sam's best friend, Jeb, disappears when Sam is thirteen and his life is forever altered. The repercussions of this event continue in the ensuing years, and the echoes continue more than thirty years later as an event in the present day has Sam wondering if Jeb's disappearance might be linked to present day events. Reed does a masterful job gradually doling out answers to the reader, gradually unspooling events in the past and present, and showing how they're linked. Reed also does a good job with touching upon some sensitive subjects in a tasteful manner, without sensationalizing them, but isn't afraid to deal with those same subjects and the questions they entail- including how events can twist and warp people over time.
All in all, a masterful suspense book, I'd heartily recommend. There are definitely some trigger warnings but if you can get past that, you're in for one of the more suspenseful stories I've read in some time.
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