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Private Justice #1
Vanished
Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.
A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away.
The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.
From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. Vanished is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.
A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away.
The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.
From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. Vanished is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
748 people are currently reading
3865 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
121 books3,009 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews
June 9, 2015
Vanished by Irene Hannon
1 star
I don’t understand why there are so many good reviews for this book. Maybe that is because most of them are by people who like other Irene Hannon books, but because this was the first book by her I read, I was unaware that, although her book is shrouded in a guise of suspense, Irene Hannon is really just a romance author.
I was really disappointed in this book because I thought the story looked really interesting and was really looking forward to reading it. And the cover is awesome! (classic case of cover fraud) I just wish it had as great of a story inside.
The first chapter was deceivingly great. It had my hopes up that this really would be a great book. This chapter is basically the scene described on the back of the book. It had mystery and intrigue, but is practically the only chapter with these elements. Well, the only chapter in the first fourth of the book, because that is as far as I got before I could not stand the book any more.
I knew this was labeled romantic suspense, but most Christian fiction mystery/suspense books are labeled that way because they contain a small element of romance. This book contained more than a small element of romance. The private investigator is instantly attracted to Moira (the protagonist) because she is a ‘knockout’ and can’t stop thinking about her. Moira similarly falls for the PI. They can’t stop noticing how attractive the other person is whenever they are together. This was very annoying! Seriously, they are meeting to go over the details of the case, and all Moira could think about was how wonderful his aftershave smells! Ugh! I was hoping the case would progress (because it has basically halted since they met) at the meeting and I do not care about what his aftershave smells like! This book is really a romance novel with a little action thrown in for flavor. Where is romance even mentioned in the synopsis?!? I cannot find it.
The dialogue was unrealistic and seemed forced, Moira’s in particular. She kept saying and explaining things to strangers that I would never bother to vocalize. And her thoughts were basically a repetition of what was just said in the conversation. Seriously, I got it the first time.
Almost all of the sentences in the book were short, and I found the paragraphs broken up awkwardly. It drove me nuts! The only good thing it did was make me realize just how important the length of sentences and placement of new paragraphs are to a story. I am sure my English teacher would be pleased.
As I said, I only made it through a quarter of the book. By that point I totally stopped caring what will happen in the mystery, and every time I picked it up I was even more turned off by the sickening and surface based romance. It’s not that I hate all romance, but I much prefer it as a side plot and one where the romance grows slowly over time.
1 star
I don’t understand why there are so many good reviews for this book. Maybe that is because most of them are by people who like other Irene Hannon books, but because this was the first book by her I read, I was unaware that, although her book is shrouded in a guise of suspense, Irene Hannon is really just a romance author.
I was really disappointed in this book because I thought the story looked really interesting and was really looking forward to reading it. And the cover is awesome! (classic case of cover fraud) I just wish it had as great of a story inside.
The first chapter was deceivingly great. It had my hopes up that this really would be a great book. This chapter is basically the scene described on the back of the book. It had mystery and intrigue, but is practically the only chapter with these elements. Well, the only chapter in the first fourth of the book, because that is as far as I got before I could not stand the book any more.
I knew this was labeled romantic suspense, but most Christian fiction mystery/suspense books are labeled that way because they contain a small element of romance. This book contained more than a small element of romance. The private investigator is instantly attracted to Moira (the protagonist) because she is a ‘knockout’ and can’t stop thinking about her. Moira similarly falls for the PI. They can’t stop noticing how attractive the other person is whenever they are together. This was very annoying! Seriously, they are meeting to go over the details of the case, and all Moira could think about was how wonderful his aftershave smells! Ugh! I was hoping the case would progress (because it has basically halted since they met) at the meeting and I do not care about what his aftershave smells like! This book is really a romance novel with a little action thrown in for flavor. Where is romance even mentioned in the synopsis?!? I cannot find it.
The dialogue was unrealistic and seemed forced, Moira’s in particular. She kept saying and explaining things to strangers that I would never bother to vocalize. And her thoughts were basically a repetition of what was just said in the conversation. Seriously, I got it the first time.
Almost all of the sentences in the book were short, and I found the paragraphs broken up awkwardly. It drove me nuts! The only good thing it did was make me realize just how important the length of sentences and placement of new paragraphs are to a story. I am sure my English teacher would be pleased.
As I said, I only made it through a quarter of the book. By that point I totally stopped caring what will happen in the mystery, and every time I picked it up I was even more turned off by the sickening and surface based romance. It’s not that I hate all romance, but I much prefer it as a side plot and one where the romance grows slowly over time.
January 28, 2022
Wow! I've heard so much about Hannon, and Vanished did not disappoint!
Moira is a genuine and relatable character, and you quickly find yourself wanting to see justice served as much as she does. Her backstory, if slightly cliche, is intriguing and draws your sympathy. Cal was also a fantastic character, with a tragic backstory that tugs hard on your heartstrings. Strangely enough, I liked his character better than Moira, and found myself relating to him more. I also loved the other characters at the Phoenix Inc agency. The camaraderie between them felt so natural, and lended a lighter tone to the story.
The mystery is well thought out and keeps your interest from page one. The villain and his motive was very good and believable - if incredibly creepy. I really enjoyed Hannon's writing style, despite the incomplete sentences that drove me nuts most of the time. I can't say I'm a huge fan of that style in general, but it seems to work in this type of story.
One of my biggest issues with this novel was the "villain backstory dump" a little over a quarter of the way through. I would have prefered that information to be relayed to me more naturally over the course of the book instead of all at once near the beginning.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel by Irene Hannon, and look forward to reading more!
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for mature themes\violence.
Moira is a genuine and relatable character, and you quickly find yourself wanting to see justice served as much as she does. Her backstory, if slightly cliche, is intriguing and draws your sympathy. Cal was also a fantastic character, with a tragic backstory that tugs hard on your heartstrings. Strangely enough, I liked his character better than Moira, and found myself relating to him more. I also loved the other characters at the Phoenix Inc agency. The camaraderie between them felt so natural, and lended a lighter tone to the story.
The mystery is well thought out and keeps your interest from page one. The villain and his motive was very good and believable - if incredibly creepy. I really enjoyed Hannon's writing style, despite the incomplete sentences that drove me nuts most of the time. I can't say I'm a huge fan of that style in general, but it seems to work in this type of story.
One of my biggest issues with this novel was the "villain backstory dump" a little over a quarter of the way through. I would have prefered that information to be relayed to me more naturally over the course of the book instead of all at once near the beginning.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel by Irene Hannon, and look forward to reading more!
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for mature themes\violence.
April 28, 2024
This is a re-read of Vanished as I read it originally in 2015.
Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes--but it's too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road. A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can't get anyone to believe her story--except maybe a handsome ex-homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case. As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want this mystery solved--and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.
Irene Hannon once again introduces the Private Justice series with a suspense-filled, riveting, page-turner. Once you start, this book will be hard to put down. Focusing on the theme of mercy killings and morality, Hannon fills this book with a grounding in faith without being "preachy." She also shows how major events early in our lives can affect our decisions later on in life.
I would have give this book a 5 but there were a few things that bothered me: 1) Both Cal and Dev's repeated use of the words "hot" and "looker" to describe Moira. Felt that didn't fit with their persona as Christians. 2) The depiction of Moira as a somewhat "helpless" female who made some less than wise decisions.
Overall, though, another great suspense read from Hannon. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Much as we might want to, we can't protect the people we love every single minute."
"In my book a hero doesn't have to be perfect. He just has to do his best."
"Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows what is best for us." (Socrates quoted in Vanished)
" 'Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.' (Plato) Your heart whispered to mine and made it whole."
Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes--but it's too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road. A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can't get anyone to believe her story--except maybe a handsome ex-homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case. As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want this mystery solved--and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.
Irene Hannon once again introduces the Private Justice series with a suspense-filled, riveting, page-turner. Once you start, this book will be hard to put down. Focusing on the theme of mercy killings and morality, Hannon fills this book with a grounding in faith without being "preachy." She also shows how major events early in our lives can affect our decisions later on in life.
I would have give this book a 5 but there were a few things that bothered me: 1) Both Cal and Dev's repeated use of the words "hot" and "looker" to describe Moira. Felt that didn't fit with their persona as Christians. 2) The depiction of Moira as a somewhat "helpless" female who made some less than wise decisions.
Overall, though, another great suspense read from Hannon. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Much as we might want to, we can't protect the people we love every single minute."
"In my book a hero doesn't have to be perfect. He just has to do his best."
"Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows what is best for us." (Socrates quoted in Vanished)
" 'Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.' (Plato) Your heart whispered to mine and made it whole."
September 25, 2019
Aaah! That was a refreshing suspense book.
The plot was magnificent, full of twists and surprises. I can’t really say what the theme of the plot was, as it’s a major spoiler, but it’s something I see a lot in TV shows but hardly ever in books. Mrs. Hannon handled it expertly, making sure to infuse the pages with the good sort of creepy vibes.
Romance, sweet romance! I liked that it was clean without the gross innuendo that is becoming all-too-popular but actually detracts from the romance. It developed into a lovely aspect of the story that felt organic rather than forced. It competed well with the medical plot for my favorite portion of the story.
The fact that private investigators were featured made me smile. I’ve loved PIs since Magnum P.I. and Sherlock Holmes, so when they’re the focus of a story, I settle in for spectacular mystery-solving vibes. This book definitely delivered!
Content: tattoos, drugs, alcohol
The plot was magnificent, full of twists and surprises. I can’t really say what the theme of the plot was, as it’s a major spoiler, but it’s something I see a lot in TV shows but hardly ever in books. Mrs. Hannon handled it expertly, making sure to infuse the pages with the good sort of creepy vibes.
Romance, sweet romance! I liked that it was clean without the gross innuendo that is becoming all-too-popular but actually detracts from the romance. It developed into a lovely aspect of the story that felt organic rather than forced. It competed well with the medical plot for my favorite portion of the story.
The fact that private investigators were featured made me smile. I’ve loved PIs since Magnum P.I. and Sherlock Holmes, so when they’re the focus of a story, I settle in for spectacular mystery-solving vibes. This book definitely delivered!
Content: tattoos, drugs, alcohol
April 30, 2022
Wow!
This book was so good. Really thought provoking as it dealt with some very controversial and relevant topics in medical practices as well as christian theology and how that can sometimes be misinterpreted with personality disorders that come from serious trauma or a traumatic event.
Great main characters with dynamic characteristics that made the book interesting. I liked the development of the male character and his back story.
I loved the mantra of the PI department and really like how there's more books in this series to follow some of the side characters that we got to know better in the latter half of the book!
Though I typically don't like reading from the antagonist perspective, in this case, it was intriguing to see his thought process and how he could function in real life, be perceived as a christian, even...almost 'think and act' as a christian, yet was the villain.
It reminded me of how the devil tempted Jesus with scripture and the caution in scripture to be vigilante as the devil can come as an angel of light. Truly thought provoking! Perhaps even crossing the line into psychological thriller, rather than mystery, but still good!
A great christian suspense novel.
This book was so good. Really thought provoking as it dealt with some very controversial and relevant topics in medical practices as well as christian theology and how that can sometimes be misinterpreted with personality disorders that come from serious trauma or a traumatic event.
Great main characters with dynamic characteristics that made the book interesting. I liked the development of the male character and his back story.
I loved the mantra of the PI department and really like how there's more books in this series to follow some of the side characters that we got to know better in the latter half of the book!
Though I typically don't like reading from the antagonist perspective, in this case, it was intriguing to see his thought process and how he could function in real life, be perceived as a christian, even...almost 'think and act' as a christian, yet was the villain.
It reminded me of how the devil tempted Jesus with scripture and the caution in scripture to be vigilante as the devil can come as an angel of light. Truly thought provoking! Perhaps even crossing the line into psychological thriller, rather than mystery, but still good!
A great christian suspense novel.
March 9, 2016
So I finally finished this book and I must say I really enjoyed reading this story. It was so exciting! This book didn't have as much action per say as the previous books I've read of hers.There was more of a mystery type of feel, which makes sense because it's about a Private Investigation office. But the story still held it's own, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
And let it be said that the villain in this book I think is the most mentally disturbed, out of all the characters Irene Hannon has written and she has written some crazies in the past, but this person takes the cake. Lol, just read the book...
Dev kinda became my favorite in this book so I'm looking forward to reading his story in book two. This is definitely a series worth checking out. ;-)
And let it be said that the villain in this book I think is the most mentally disturbed, out of all the characters Irene Hannon has written and she has written some crazies in the past, but this person takes the cake. Lol, just read the book...
Dev kinda became my favorite in this book so I'm looking forward to reading his story in book two. This is definitely a series worth checking out. ;-)
December 26, 2015
Excellent suspense, which is exactly what I've come to expect from Hannon's books. Moira can't get the strangeness of her roadside adventure out of her mind, even though the authorities clearly think it was a delusion from head trauma. As an award-winning reporter, she knows the value of fact—so she goes to top-rated PI group Phoenix for help in her research. She hardly expected to recognize a well-known doctor as someone she saw on her misadventure—and stranger circumstances soon follow. An excellent mystery.
October 16, 2019
An engaging suspense novel that kept me involved, despite circumstances forcing me to read it over the course of several days.
July 6, 2024
My first Irene Hannon book! Definitely enjoyed it. The writing style pulled me in right away and kept me engaged throughout the book. It follows a woman named Moira, who has a really strange experience where she's sure she hits a person, but the person she thinks she hit disappears. She recruits the help of a private investigator, Cal, to help her figure out what's going on. They're very surprised when things start pointing in a direction that seems hard to believe!
I really appreciated that the inner dialogue of the villain in the story had a slightly dark and creepy feel without it going so far as to feel like I was reading horror and something very dark to the point of it being spiritually uncomfortable (we are talking about Christian fiction here). I did think the characters and overall feel of the book was slightly worldly. It talked about Cal and Dev checking Moira out, calling her hot, and Moira wearing a very short black skirt etc. There was evidence that both Cal and Moira had faith, although it seemed a bit distant from their current lifestyle. I absolutely LOVED the banter back and forth between Cal and Dev, and those dynamics. And I'll be honest, I was really hoping for some action in Mexico because I really enjoy all three of the guys who make up Pheonix! (Mrs. Hannon....if you ever consider a spin off series from this one, these three guys taking high intensity and dangerous jobs like the one in Mexico would make for great reads!!!) Looking forward to reading the rest of this series and will move on to other books by this author at some point.
I really appreciated that the inner dialogue of the villain in the story had a slightly dark and creepy feel without it going so far as to feel like I was reading horror and something very dark to the point of it being spiritually uncomfortable (we are talking about Christian fiction here). I did think the characters and overall feel of the book was slightly worldly. It talked about Cal and Dev checking Moira out, calling her hot, and Moira wearing a very short black skirt etc. There was evidence that both Cal and Moira had faith, although it seemed a bit distant from their current lifestyle. I absolutely LOVED the banter back and forth between Cal and Dev, and those dynamics. And I'll be honest, I was really hoping for some action in Mexico because I really enjoy all three of the guys who make up Pheonix! (Mrs. Hannon....if you ever consider a spin off series from this one, these three guys taking high intensity and dangerous jobs like the one in Mexico would make for great reads!!!) Looking forward to reading the rest of this series and will move on to other books by this author at some point.
October 2, 2019
Another great suspense by Irene Hannon. With a grabbed-your-attention start, the reader is left wondering along with Moira what really happened on that rainy night and enjoying the journey of discovery right along with her. I loved that the hero was a PI since I have not really read any books involving PI's. The process they follow was interesting, along with tactics they used.
Even though the reader is introduces to the villain quite early on, it didn't take a way from the fun of seeing how Moira and Cal tries to build evidence in order to hand over their findings to the police. It was also interesting to read the villain's POV to make you see what makes him tick. And there is this constant feeling that something is going to go down, but you are not entirely sure what or how.
The love interest between Cal and Moira was more a side plot which I love in suspense. I prefer suspense where the main focus is on the action/nail-biting parts and the romance just there to give a bit of a breather.
All in all enjoyed this fist book so much I immediately started the second one.
Even though the reader is introduces to the villain quite early on, it didn't take a way from the fun of seeing how Moira and Cal tries to build evidence in order to hand over their findings to the police. It was also interesting to read the villain's POV to make you see what makes him tick. And there is this constant feeling that something is going to go down, but you are not entirely sure what or how.
The love interest between Cal and Moira was more a side plot which I love in suspense. I prefer suspense where the main focus is on the action/nail-biting parts and the romance just there to give a bit of a breather.
All in all enjoyed this fist book so much I immediately started the second one.
June 9, 2017
The author delivered a knockout punch in Private Justice; her first in a series. The suspense rarely took a back seat in this character-driven mystery crime thriller. I was held captive as the storyline glided effortlessly, chapter by chapter forbidding any chance for the book to be put down. The underlying lives of the main protagonists became slowly unwrapped before me and allowed a deep look inside their souls. I got to know them personally. They were no longer strangers.
Driving home one night during a rainstorm, a downpour, Moira encountered a wild-eyed woman standing in the middle of the road desperately waving her arms. She tried to avoid hitting her but there was not enough time. It all happened in the blink of an eye. The car careened out of control, struck the woman and crashed into a tree. Within seconds after the accident, while assessing her condition, a man suddenly appeared at her driver's side door. Next thing she remembered, vaguely, was regaining consciousness. What had caused that rift in time?
When the police arrived on the scene, no trace of a body had been discovered. She was told that she may have imagined it all. After all, she had lost consciousness and was most likely concussed. But she knew what she had seen.
She enlisted the aid a PI firm and got to meet tall, dark and handsome Cal. At first sight, Moira is infatuated. She's not alone in her feelings. The same can be said for him. He thought that she was a real looker. A potential romance is in the workings. And why not? They were both single.
The investigation led them to a doctor who worked in a local hospital. By all appearance, he seemed squeaky clean. A pillar of the community. It is learned that the good doctor had been financing a medical clinic in Guatemala that provided medical aid to needy children. But something didn't sit quite right. Where was all the money coming from needed to support the ongoing enormous expense of running the clinic? It was discovered that his salary alone wouldn't cut it - nowhere near. Something mighty suspicious seemed to be going on.
As they followed the clues that guided them slowly to the truth, they began to learn more about each other. And they both like what they learned. They've been alone for far too long. Maybe there was a silver lining to this cloud. They could only hope.
Driving home one night during a rainstorm, a downpour, Moira encountered a wild-eyed woman standing in the middle of the road desperately waving her arms. She tried to avoid hitting her but there was not enough time. It all happened in the blink of an eye. The car careened out of control, struck the woman and crashed into a tree. Within seconds after the accident, while assessing her condition, a man suddenly appeared at her driver's side door. Next thing she remembered, vaguely, was regaining consciousness. What had caused that rift in time?
When the police arrived on the scene, no trace of a body had been discovered. She was told that she may have imagined it all. After all, she had lost consciousness and was most likely concussed. But she knew what she had seen.
She enlisted the aid a PI firm and got to meet tall, dark and handsome Cal. At first sight, Moira is infatuated. She's not alone in her feelings. The same can be said for him. He thought that she was a real looker. A potential romance is in the workings. And why not? They were both single.
The investigation led them to a doctor who worked in a local hospital. By all appearance, he seemed squeaky clean. A pillar of the community. It is learned that the good doctor had been financing a medical clinic in Guatemala that provided medical aid to needy children. But something didn't sit quite right. Where was all the money coming from needed to support the ongoing enormous expense of running the clinic? It was discovered that his salary alone wouldn't cut it - nowhere near. Something mighty suspicious seemed to be going on.
As they followed the clues that guided them slowly to the truth, they began to learn more about each other. And they both like what they learned. They've been alone for far too long. Maybe there was a silver lining to this cloud. They could only hope.
January 9, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2VHK4DZ...
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/9/13): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
4.5 stars
This is the seventh of Irene Hannon's books I've read and it did not disappoint! Vanished started off with a bang and held my attention throughout! While I did guess a lot of what was going to happen in the story, it was still a great suspense read.
I thought the characters were great and I especially liked Cal and Dev. :) I have to say, though, I couldn't help getting a little frustrated with one of the characters because I found what he/she was doing to be very foolish.
Overall, I enjoyed Vanished very much and can hardly wait to read book two in the Private Justice series when it releases! I recommend it if you enjoy romantic suspense novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/9/13): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
4.5 stars
This is the seventh of Irene Hannon's books I've read and it did not disappoint! Vanished started off with a bang and held my attention throughout! While I did guess a lot of what was going to happen in the story, it was still a great suspense read.
I thought the characters were great and I especially liked Cal and Dev. :) I have to say, though, I couldn't help getting a little frustrated with one of the characters because I found what he/she was doing to be very foolish.
Overall, I enjoyed Vanished very much and can hardly wait to read book two in the Private Justice series when it releases! I recommend it if you enjoy romantic suspense novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
June 30, 2021
It pained me to give this a 2 star rating, as I usually enjoy anything Irene Hannon writes, but this novel fell far short of my expectations. The main problem I had with it was the CONSTANT referring to the main female character as "hot". So overused it got on my nerves. The whole storyline was just.....blah. Didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. Good thing this is not my first experience with the writings of Hannon or I would be reluctant to waste my time reading any more of her work.
September 8, 2017
A really good book! Can't wait to continue with this series.
January 9, 2013
It’s a mystery that is vanishing into the dark of night and the evidence left behind is more baffling than the crime itself.
Suspense is my guilty pleasure (I think I might have said this before, so this should come at no surprise) and I thought the novel’s back cover copy would fit the bill (er…craving) quite nicely. A dose of romance against the suspense element had great balance and worked well throughout the entire story.
The best part of this book? We knew who the villain was basically from the very beginning. I know that sounds like it wouldn’t have the “kick” you would expect in a suspenseful novel, but in putting the reader in the villain’s point of view. Knowing his name and profession and where he was in relation to our hero and heroine put a great edge to the story that I absolutely loved.
The crime of this novel is an odd one and it gave me great curiosity into what makes this villain tick. So often I can feel jipped when I’m “told” at the end of the book why the villain did what he did, but this one took us there. Great element!
Overall I was quite pleased with my latest novel find and have already passed it on for other family members to read.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review,
**Available January 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing**
Suspense is my guilty pleasure (I think I might have said this before, so this should come at no surprise) and I thought the novel’s back cover copy would fit the bill (er…craving) quite nicely. A dose of romance against the suspense element had great balance and worked well throughout the entire story.
The best part of this book? We knew who the villain was basically from the very beginning. I know that sounds like it wouldn’t have the “kick” you would expect in a suspenseful novel, but in putting the reader in the villain’s point of view. Knowing his name and profession and where he was in relation to our hero and heroine put a great edge to the story that I absolutely loved.
The crime of this novel is an odd one and it gave me great curiosity into what makes this villain tick. So often I can feel jipped when I’m “told” at the end of the book why the villain did what he did, but this one took us there. Great element!
Overall I was quite pleased with my latest novel find and have already passed it on for other family members to read.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review,
**Available January 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing**
March 22, 2021
I read this book when it released in 2013 but that was before I joined Good Reads so I'm adding my blog review now that I've enjoyed this one a second time -- this time courtesy of my library's audio book collection. It was fun to revisit these characters and this intriguing suspense.
Review from 2013:
Complex characters create intriguing relationships that make Vanished an exceptional read. The suspense is enthralling with intricate details that gradually lead Moira and Cal closer and closer to the truth...and inevitable danger.
Hannon's pacing is impeccable. Each scene compliments the next, building steadily to a nail-biting conclusion. The romance builds steadily in a realistic way. I appreciate the time the author gave to developing Cal and Moira's relationship. I experienced the nerves, the giddy euphoria, the hesitant hope of new love right along with them.
I'm in awe of the way Hannon's mind works. The suspense details and how she threads them together kept me turning pages. This is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Amazon has just named Vanished one of the best books of the month and a top ten romance release for January. How's that for a great recommendation?
Review from 2013:
Complex characters create intriguing relationships that make Vanished an exceptional read. The suspense is enthralling with intricate details that gradually lead Moira and Cal closer and closer to the truth...and inevitable danger.
Hannon's pacing is impeccable. Each scene compliments the next, building steadily to a nail-biting conclusion. The romance builds steadily in a realistic way. I appreciate the time the author gave to developing Cal and Moira's relationship. I experienced the nerves, the giddy euphoria, the hesitant hope of new love right along with them.
I'm in awe of the way Hannon's mind works. The suspense details and how she threads them together kept me turning pages. This is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Amazon has just named Vanished one of the best books of the month and a top ten romance release for January. How's that for a great recommendation?
November 8, 2013
Finally! This book dragged on and on and on, I thought I was never going to finish. If it weren't a book club read I probably wouldn't have bothered. I admit I didn't realize this was a Christian romance, and unless they're too preachy (and this was) I don't usually have a problem with the genre. This book's biggest problem was that it was boring, boring, boring. Far too many unnecessary scenes and dialogue paired with completely uninteresting characters made Vanished a very difficult read for me. It didn't help that the heroine suddenly turned into a complete idiot in the last few chapters. I guess it was the only way to finally make something exciting happen.
November 22, 2022
I realized that years ago I read books two and three of this series, but never book one! So, I have now completed the series by listening to Vanished. I was not as fond of the narration on this book as with some of the newer books.
This was such a great story! I stayed up late listening to it because I really wanted to see how things worked out. The whole scenario that Moira ended up in and the suspense and investigation surrounding it was so interesting. And I loved, loved, loved the romance that built between Moira and Cal.
This was such a great story! I stayed up late listening to it because I really wanted to see how things worked out. The whole scenario that Moira ended up in and the suspense and investigation surrounding it was so interesting. And I loved, loved, loved the romance that built between Moira and Cal.
June 7, 2017
A good Christian thriller/mystery that was suspenseful. Moira is driving home in a torrential storm when she sees a figure in the middle of the road flagging her down. She tries to miss the person, but hears a thud as she spins out of control. When the car stops and she gets her wits somewhat about her, a dark figure in a raincoat says he saw what happened, would help the person struck and would call 911. When Moira wakes an hour later, no emergency personnel are around, and there is no sign of a person in the road. Did she hit someone? Did she imagine everything? She has to know. This is that story.
October 2, 2014
I have long enjoyed Irene Hannon's romantic suspense -- so much that I preordered this one, and with each new book I wonder if she'll be able to recapture that perfect mix of engaging story and characters I enjoy getting to know. Vanished does both of those. The heroine, Moira Harrison, gets lost in a thunderstorm and loses control of her car when someone appears in front of it. After the accident she tries to find the person she hit, but that person had vanished. As an investigative reporter, she can't let the matter go, even when the police can't find evidence she hit anyone. So she turns to a private investigator for help.
Thus launches a story. Relatively early on, we know who the bad guy is, so it seems a forgone conclusion that they'll get him. But the bad guy is a powerful figure with so much good you wonder if he could really be it. But there's plenty of bad mixed in to make me want him to get caught. Then there's the romance. The book is heavy on that ala Dee Henderson, and it's a very satisfying part of the book.��
Those who love romantic suspense that's heavier on the romance will enjoy this read. I can't wait to read the stories of the other investigators -- they are great heroes in waiting.
Thus launches a story. Relatively early on, we know who the bad guy is, so it seems a forgone conclusion that they'll get him. But the bad guy is a powerful figure with so much good you wonder if he could really be it. But there's plenty of bad mixed in to make me want him to get caught. Then there's the romance. The book is heavy on that ala Dee Henderson, and it's a very satisfying part of the book.��
Those who love romantic suspense that's heavier on the romance will enjoy this read. I can't wait to read the stories of the other investigators -- they are great heroes in waiting.
September 24, 2019
This book has all of the things I now look for in a good suspense novel... A mentally and emotionally captivating plot driven by dangerous circumstances that keep you on the edge of your seat, with compelling characters, and subtle elements of faith and romance, without any profanity, graphic violence, or sexual content.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "After that, I started laying my problems and needs before God and asking for grace and guidance and whatever other virtues he thought I needed..."
"Vanished" captured both my mind and my heart. I found this book to be thrilling, uplifting, and truly entertaining. This is the first book I've read by Irene Hannon, and I very much look forward to reading more of her suspense work!
⭐My rating: 4.5 stars
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "After that, I started laying my problems and needs before God and asking for grace and guidance and whatever other virtues he thought I needed..."
"Vanished" captured both my mind and my heart. I found this book to be thrilling, uplifting, and truly entertaining. This is the first book I've read by Irene Hannon, and I very much look forward to reading more of her suspense work!
⭐My rating: 4.5 stars
July 8, 2016
I am too lazy to write a proper review, but it was a really good book, just like all of Irene Hannon's books are. She never disappoints!!
February 1, 2021
Quite intriguing indeed!
September 8, 2021
3 1/2 stars
From the start of this story, I was intrigued by the mystery of Moira’s accident. Who was the woman in the road? Who was the good Samaritan? Being an investigative reporter made her naturally more curious than many people would be which led her to digging into the mystery when others would have just given up.
From the start of this story, I was intrigued by the mystery of Moira’s accident. Who was the woman in the road? Who was the good Samaritan? Being an investigative reporter made her naturally more curious than many people would be which led her to digging into the mystery when others would have just given up.
July 14, 2015
I was very let down with how this book turned out. I thought that I had found another one that I could actually finish, but it was not to be. Sigh.
The story started off so promising. I was reading it in bed with the air conditioner on, and it was really cold. I had lots of blankets and was pretending it was October, with the way the days are passing, I won't have to pretend long. Sigh.
Anyway, the book starts out with Moira driving in a storm on an unfamiliar road, it's dark and deserted. Moira sees someone waving frantically in the road...she ends up getting in an accident...a man comes along and promises he will call for help for her and the other person...she passes out...when she comes to, there is no help...she calls the police and tries to search the road for the person she hit, but finds nothing.
Anything that starts out like that just HAS to be a winner, and it was, but it did not stay that way.
The book went wrong when the cheeseball romance aspect was brought in. Moira hires a private detective to help her find out what happened that night. Right away they started having Cal ramble about how hot Moira was, he said it more than enough times.
As the story progressed, it started to focus too heavily on how much Moira and Cal were digging each other, it ruined some of the chapters where they were attempting to solve the mystery. I kept thinking, I don't care about Moira and Cal in this way, but it didn't do me any good.
Cal was constantly acting jealous that one of his coworkers also found Moira attractive, which bugged me. Moira and her mac and cheese also bugged me. After having her car fixed, she was broke, so she claimed she had to eat mac and cheese everyday, and set about doing so.
That made no sense to me. There are plenty of cheap soups, meats, and vegetables, and various other foods that a broke person can eat.
At any rate, the culprit is announced fairly quickly, and it becomes a waiting game for Moira and Cal to figure out who it is, and then prove it.
I thought the way Moira came to suspect someone was just ridiculous. I believe she was in another room when she heard a man's voice on the news. Instantly she felt that that was the man from the accident site.
I felt the story began to drag as they tried to prove the culprit guilty, along with constantly harping on their mutual attraction.
Too bad, because this SHOULD have been amazing.
The story started off so promising. I was reading it in bed with the air conditioner on, and it was really cold. I had lots of blankets and was pretending it was October, with the way the days are passing, I won't have to pretend long. Sigh.
Anyway, the book starts out with Moira driving in a storm on an unfamiliar road, it's dark and deserted. Moira sees someone waving frantically in the road...she ends up getting in an accident...a man comes along and promises he will call for help for her and the other person...she passes out...when she comes to, there is no help...she calls the police and tries to search the road for the person she hit, but finds nothing.
Anything that starts out like that just HAS to be a winner, and it was, but it did not stay that way.
The book went wrong when the cheeseball romance aspect was brought in. Moira hires a private detective to help her find out what happened that night. Right away they started having Cal ramble about how hot Moira was, he said it more than enough times.
As the story progressed, it started to focus too heavily on how much Moira and Cal were digging each other, it ruined some of the chapters where they were attempting to solve the mystery. I kept thinking, I don't care about Moira and Cal in this way, but it didn't do me any good.
Cal was constantly acting jealous that one of his coworkers also found Moira attractive, which bugged me. Moira and her mac and cheese also bugged me. After having her car fixed, she was broke, so she claimed she had to eat mac and cheese everyday, and set about doing so.
That made no sense to me. There are plenty of cheap soups, meats, and vegetables, and various other foods that a broke person can eat.
At any rate, the culprit is announced fairly quickly, and it becomes a waiting game for Moira and Cal to figure out who it is, and then prove it.
I thought the way Moira came to suspect someone was just ridiculous. I believe she was in another room when she heard a man's voice on the news. Instantly she felt that that was the man from the accident site.
I felt the story began to drag as they tried to prove the culprit guilty, along with constantly harping on their mutual attraction.
Too bad, because this SHOULD have been amazing.
January 16, 2013
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
I am so glad to see Irene Hannon bring out yet another wonderful suspenseful read! I thoroughly enjoyed the last three books I read by her--the Guardians of Justice series. The second book of that series is still one of my favorites! While Vanished didn't unseat Deadly Pursuit from it's perch, it still was a great suspense that will give readers hours of adventure! :-)
Moira and Cal, both, were really likable characters. Their romance was a bit fast--in my own personal opinion--but still very sweet. The mystery of the "vanishing" person was really intriguing and kept me going. And I totally loved how this series will deal with Private Investigators! I haven't read any books about PI's--lots of police men, detectives, and FBI's, but no PI's!
I did have one thing that bothered me. And I noticed it some in her previous series. When reading from the man's point of view, it kind of irked me how Cal kept referring to Moira as "hot" or a "looker" or how often he and his workers would 'check her out' (I don't think that phrase was used, but it was refered to). Maybe I'm just being odd, but I would have liked to hear terms like "beautiful" instead of "hot". It just seems cheap. And maybe Hannon was just really trying to write the scenes from a guys perspective...but, still, a Christian man--in my mind--wouldn't treat or think of women like the world does.
That might have turned into a little rant from me--sorry! But it just really bothered me in the book. Not that the whole book wasn't totally worth the read--it was! Hannon has a wonderful writing ability to throw you into the moment. And the story plot was great. It started very slow and easy, but the plot steadily grew thicker. And the twist with who the killer was and how he ticked was really good. Very unique and memorable! I'm looking forward to the next book in the Private Justice series.
I am so glad to see Irene Hannon bring out yet another wonderful suspenseful read! I thoroughly enjoyed the last three books I read by her--the Guardians of Justice series. The second book of that series is still one of my favorites! While Vanished didn't unseat Deadly Pursuit from it's perch, it still was a great suspense that will give readers hours of adventure! :-)
Moira and Cal, both, were really likable characters. Their romance was a bit fast--in my own personal opinion--but still very sweet. The mystery of the "vanishing" person was really intriguing and kept me going. And I totally loved how this series will deal with Private Investigators! I haven't read any books about PI's--lots of police men, detectives, and FBI's, but no PI's!
I did have one thing that bothered me. And I noticed it some in her previous series. When reading from the man's point of view, it kind of irked me how Cal kept referring to Moira as "hot" or a "looker" or how often he and his workers would 'check her out' (I don't think that phrase was used, but it was refered to). Maybe I'm just being odd, but I would have liked to hear terms like "beautiful" instead of "hot". It just seems cheap. And maybe Hannon was just really trying to write the scenes from a guys perspective...but, still, a Christian man--in my mind--wouldn't treat or think of women like the world does.
That might have turned into a little rant from me--sorry! But it just really bothered me in the book. Not that the whole book wasn't totally worth the read--it was! Hannon has a wonderful writing ability to throw you into the moment. And the story plot was great. It started very slow and easy, but the plot steadily grew thicker. And the twist with who the killer was and how he ticked was really good. Very unique and memorable! I'm looking forward to the next book in the Private Justice series.
February 6, 2023
Irene Hannon is an author that I was recommended and I had seen her books on my recommendation lists. This is the first book I have read by her. While the writing was good, I figured out a lot of the plot before it really happened. I’m not going to judge that her books are normally like this but for this one, I figured it out.
I wouldn’t necessarily say that this is a disappointment, I would say that it fell a little short in the beginning. The problems I had with the book are solely on me. I am particular with mysteries due to if I figure it out fast, I lose all interest in the book. I also don’t like when the villain is given away early on in the book. I do like getting their POV but I don’t like knowing who it actually is.
In this book, the “good Samaritan” is revealed early. I get that the mystery is why and what happened to the woman that vanished. This just wasn’t my full cup of tea. I did like some of it. I wasn’t a fan of the romance though. I didn’t feel the connection between the two MCs. But other than that, about the halfway point is when the story started to pick up. The “good Samaritan” reminded me in a way of a Criminal Minds episode. Especially, the ending, which really gave me that kind of vibe the BAU would investigate.
I wouldn’t necessarily say that this is a disappointment, I would say that it fell a little short in the beginning. The problems I had with the book are solely on me. I am particular with mysteries due to if I figure it out fast, I lose all interest in the book. I also don’t like when the villain is given away early on in the book. I do like getting their POV but I don’t like knowing who it actually is.
In this book, the “good Samaritan” is revealed early. I get that the mystery is why and what happened to the woman that vanished. This just wasn’t my full cup of tea. I did like some of it. I wasn’t a fan of the romance though. I didn’t feel the connection between the two MCs. But other than that, about the halfway point is when the story started to pick up. The “good Samaritan” reminded me in a way of a Criminal Minds episode. Especially, the ending, which really gave me that kind of vibe the BAU would investigate.
January 16, 2013
Moira is a reporter who focuses on facts. When she hits someone standing in the middle of the road and is left unconscious by a Good Samartian, she becomes frustrated when there's no evidence of what happened and no trace of both people she encountered that night. Determined to find out what happened that night, Moira goes to a private investigator, Cal. Will they discover love in addition to what happened that night?
Irene Hannon starts off her new series with a bang. The characters are interesting and well-developed, the action is fast-paced, and the mystery is intriguing.
I enjoyed Moira and Cal's backstories and struggles and felt that the suspense didn't override the characters as many suspense novels do.
I loved the characters of the PI firm, and I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series.
Hannon is quickly becoming one of the top Christian suspense authors, and this book is further evidence of that.
Irene Hannon starts off her new series with a bang. The characters are interesting and well-developed, the action is fast-paced, and the mystery is intriguing.
I enjoyed Moira and Cal's backstories and struggles and felt that the suspense didn't override the characters as many suspense novels do.
I loved the characters of the PI firm, and I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series.
Hannon is quickly becoming one of the top Christian suspense authors, and this book is further evidence of that.
September 21, 2023
Vanished is my first Irene Hannon novel and it did not disappoint. Suspense / thriller / romance.
During the evening of a thunderstorm, reporter Moira thinks she sees and hits a woman in the middle of the road. A good Samaritan comes to her rescue, or is he? Did Moira really see what she thought she saw? Enter our hero Cal and his team of P.I.s. Can he help solve the mystery of her fateful night?
Good suspense and romance storylines. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
During the evening of a thunderstorm, reporter Moira thinks she sees and hits a woman in the middle of the road. A good Samaritan comes to her rescue, or is he? Did Moira really see what she thought she saw? Enter our hero Cal and his team of P.I.s. Can he help solve the mystery of her fateful night?
Good suspense and romance storylines. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Even though you know almost from the beginning who the bad guy is, there is enough suspense and mystery to keep you reading as the heroine and hero try to figure out what happened and why it happened. With a little romance thrown in and a happy ending, you'll be glad you read it! :)
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