The Disappearance: A Novel Based on a True Crime

by David H. Hanks

Georgia, 1972 . After Helen Harmon drops her three children off at school and her husband, Jerry, leaves for his job as a security guard at the state prison, she heads to her office at the Winkler Outdoor Advertising Company in Valdosta, Georgia-and is never heard from again. The Harmon family can't believe that Helen would simply vanish, but the thought of foul play is just too horrible to contemplate. Weeks and months pass, and the family comes to slowly realize that something horrendous and tragic happened the summer of 1972. Helen and Jerry's son, thirteen-year-old Harold, takes the loss especially hard. Since his father is an emotional wreck, and his older sister moves away, Harold takes on the heavy responsibility of helping his younger sister cope with the loss. But his mother's inexplicable disappearance haunts him. If he could only have the closure that every person who loses a loved one needs and wants, maybe he could somehow get on with his life. Harold grows to maturity, still longing for the mystery to be solved, even though it appears to be hopeless. But when a startling discovery is made by two brothers, it ignites a community's mandate for the truth, sending Harold on a quest to uncover the long-buried reality for himself.

Genres: True Crime

258 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2007

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just discovered that this book was on Goodreads ! I’m sorry I didn’t put it in myself. I did read The Disappearance and found it very well written, very intense and very moving… perhaps because I have a personal connection with the author. No one should ever have to experience what the Hanks family went through. I highly recommend that anyone and everyone join the author on his journey as he forges to seeks justice against the evil soul who forever changed the life of his family. I could share more but do not want to spoil ! Get your copy today. My hope is to see it come alive in the Big Screen.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting book, especially since I live so close to where this murder took place. Really had a hard time putting it down. I feel so bad for the families involved.