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1-800-Where-R-You #3 & 4
Vanished: Safe House / Sanctuary
Ever since Jessica Mastriani was struck by lightning, she's had the ability to find missing people. But her amazing new power came at a cost: national fame and a crushing responsibility that Jess never asked for. The only way she knows how to get back her old life is to lie and say she’s lost her gift.
But when Jess’s classmates start to disappear, she's accused of being involved. Jess’s only chance to clear her name is to use her powers. But this will only bring back all the old nightmares: the press, the FBI, everyone who seems to want a piece of her . . . including the guy she once gave her heart to. Time is running out, and it seems as if Jess is the only one who can save her friends. But even if she succeeds, will there be anyone to save her?
Book Details:
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2011
64 people are currently reading
1912 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
279 books35.4k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 12, 2020
This was the series that got me into reading when I was 12-13 years old. And, so even if the older me would have simply liked it, maybe not loved it, but as the series that gave me sleepless nights and first ever emotional attachment to characters, this will always hold a special place in my heart.
PS: The reason could be Robb and Jess too. 🙈
PS: The reason could be Robb and Jess too. 🙈
April 17, 2011
I am a huge fan of Meg Cabot in general, and of this series in particular. Jess Mastriani is probably my favorite fictional heroine. She's sassy. smart and not afraid to throw a punch when the occasion calls for it - although she is working on that anger management thing. These books crackle with wit and humor, yet the mysteries are fully developed and intriguing. Don't miss them.
SAFE HOUSE
It's not really Jess Mastriani's fault that she didn't know Amber Mackey was dead. After spending most of the summer herding musical prodigies and Camp Wawasee, Jess spent the last two weeks before school started with her best friend's family at the Michigan dunes. How could she have heard that her classmate had been found strangled to death at a local hangout in the limestone quarry? If Amber's death is shocking to Jess, she is even more stunned to find out that most of her classmates at Ernie Pyle High School blame her for the tragedy. First of all, as far as most of the world knows, Jess has lost her psychic ability to find people (gained after being struck by lightning the previous spring). More importantly, how could she have found Amber when she didn't even know she was missing?
When Jess' old friends (and with friends like these, who needs enemies) Special Agents Johnson and Smith take a sudden interest in Amber's football quarterback boyfriend, Mark Leskowski, he and Jess do some bonding over their mutual dislike for federal law enforcement. When another cheerleader goes missing, the rest of the pompon wavers turn to Jess for help. If she can just figure out a way to find the missing girl without tipping the Feds to the fact that she still has her powers, Jess will be able to exonerate Mark, placate the cheerleaders, and assure herself a place with the in-crowd.
This third book in Meg Cabot's 1-800-Where-R-You series is just as good as, if not better than, the two that preceded it. Jess is a scrappy heroine, fiercely loyal to her family and friends and lovable despite her tendency to throw punches first and ask questions later. The story is a solid, quick-paced mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing throughout. The real strength of this book though, as with any Meg Cabot novel, is the dialogue. Sharp and funny, Jess's voice leaps off the page. Makes sure you have book four of this series, Sanctuary, on hand. You'll want to get started as soon as you finish this one.
SANCTUARY
Jess Mastriani, 'Lightning Girl' and heroine of three previous novels (When Lightning Strikes, Code Name Cassandra and Safe House) is back - and this time she's facing a truly evil foe. After thwarting a murderer at her own Ernie Pyle High School, Jess knows she's not going to be able to keep the Feds off her back for much longer. Even though they can't have any tangible proof, it's a given that the FBI agents who seem to haunt her every step know that Jess has been lying about losing her freaky psychic powers. Still, it's hard to lay low when danger waltzes into your own neighborhood.
Nate Thompson and his sister are the only African-American students at Ernie Pyle, but Nate doesn't seem to have any problem fitting in. There has certainly been nothing to suggest that Nate has made enemies. Nate, who happens to be Jess's neighbor, goes missing on Thanksgiving evening, but since he's just a little late coming home with some whipped cream, Jess figures she doesn't have to do 'the woo-woo thing' to find him. Then Nate turns up dead in a cornfield with a strange symbol carved into his chest and Jess feels both horrified and horribly guilty. Could she have saved Nate if she had tried to use her psychic powers as soon as she knew he was late getting home?
When the local synagogue is burned and a twelve-year-old Jewish boy turns up missing, it becomes starkly obvious that something very ugly is happening in Jess's hometown. If the crimes are connected, and how could they not be, then Jess has got to find Seth Blumenthal before the hatred and violence escalate even further.
The 1-800-Where-R-You series (of which this is the fourth book), is classic Meg Cabot. The heroine is sharp and feisty and the supporting cast is memorable. It is possible to read any of these books as a stand alone but you'll enjoy them so much more if you read them in order.
SAFE HOUSE
It's not really Jess Mastriani's fault that she didn't know Amber Mackey was dead. After spending most of the summer herding musical prodigies and Camp Wawasee, Jess spent the last two weeks before school started with her best friend's family at the Michigan dunes. How could she have heard that her classmate had been found strangled to death at a local hangout in the limestone quarry? If Amber's death is shocking to Jess, she is even more stunned to find out that most of her classmates at Ernie Pyle High School blame her for the tragedy. First of all, as far as most of the world knows, Jess has lost her psychic ability to find people (gained after being struck by lightning the previous spring). More importantly, how could she have found Amber when she didn't even know she was missing?
When Jess' old friends (and with friends like these, who needs enemies) Special Agents Johnson and Smith take a sudden interest in Amber's football quarterback boyfriend, Mark Leskowski, he and Jess do some bonding over their mutual dislike for federal law enforcement. When another cheerleader goes missing, the rest of the pompon wavers turn to Jess for help. If she can just figure out a way to find the missing girl without tipping the Feds to the fact that she still has her powers, Jess will be able to exonerate Mark, placate the cheerleaders, and assure herself a place with the in-crowd.
This third book in Meg Cabot's 1-800-Where-R-You series is just as good as, if not better than, the two that preceded it. Jess is a scrappy heroine, fiercely loyal to her family and friends and lovable despite her tendency to throw punches first and ask questions later. The story is a solid, quick-paced mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing throughout. The real strength of this book though, as with any Meg Cabot novel, is the dialogue. Sharp and funny, Jess's voice leaps off the page. Makes sure you have book four of this series, Sanctuary, on hand. You'll want to get started as soon as you finish this one.
SANCTUARY
Jess Mastriani, 'Lightning Girl' and heroine of three previous novels (When Lightning Strikes, Code Name Cassandra and Safe House) is back - and this time she's facing a truly evil foe. After thwarting a murderer at her own Ernie Pyle High School, Jess knows she's not going to be able to keep the Feds off her back for much longer. Even though they can't have any tangible proof, it's a given that the FBI agents who seem to haunt her every step know that Jess has been lying about losing her freaky psychic powers. Still, it's hard to lay low when danger waltzes into your own neighborhood.
Nate Thompson and his sister are the only African-American students at Ernie Pyle, but Nate doesn't seem to have any problem fitting in. There has certainly been nothing to suggest that Nate has made enemies. Nate, who happens to be Jess's neighbor, goes missing on Thanksgiving evening, but since he's just a little late coming home with some whipped cream, Jess figures she doesn't have to do 'the woo-woo thing' to find him. Then Nate turns up dead in a cornfield with a strange symbol carved into his chest and Jess feels both horrified and horribly guilty. Could she have saved Nate if she had tried to use her psychic powers as soon as she knew he was late getting home?
When the local synagogue is burned and a twelve-year-old Jewish boy turns up missing, it becomes starkly obvious that something very ugly is happening in Jess's hometown. If the crimes are connected, and how could they not be, then Jess has got to find Seth Blumenthal before the hatred and violence escalate even further.
The 1-800-Where-R-You series (of which this is the fourth book), is classic Meg Cabot. The heroine is sharp and feisty and the supporting cast is memorable. It is possible to read any of these books as a stand alone but you'll enjoy them so much more if you read them in order.
April 21, 2011
The Good Stuff
* Jessica is one of my favorite literary characters. She's spunky, snarky, funny, and a huge heart
* Love her relationship with her friends and family is is very true and honest
* Great storyline in both books - funny, exciting with lots of twists and turns and funny as hell quips by Jess
* A little more dark (nothing too dark tho) than the first two stories, which gives it a bit more of an edge
* Just go get a copy of this (and Vanished Books One and Two) you will fall in love with them
* The relationship between Jess and her brother Douglas is so wonderfully written
* Love the scenes between Jess and Rob - hilarious
* Nice moral lesson snuck in so you barely notice, sign of a gifted author
* I know I am repeating myself but the dialogue is awesome! She could write for Whedon
* You lose yourself in the story and feel sorta sad when you finish the book
* I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first, but you really don't have to
The Not so Good Stuff
* Jessica's mom is a bit of a b***h -- I just can't seem to like her
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Who would strangle a cheerleader, and dump her body at the bottom of a limestone quarry? I can certainly understand wanting to strangle a cheerleader. Our school harbors some of the meanest cheerleaders in North America. Seriously. It's like you have to pass a test proving you have no human compassion whatsoever just to get on the squad."
"Hey, I know its uncool to be scoping on boys at the same time as I was trying to solve a murder. But Nancy Drew still had time to date Ned Nickerson, didn't she, in between solving all those mysteries? Except of course, Ned wasn't on probation."
"I mean, sex is a big enough step in any relationship without doing it in an old barn. Um, no thank you. I am willing to wait until the moment is right - such as prom night."
"Can you imagine having that blowhard in your living room the day after your brother got murdered? That has to be one of those circles of hell Dante was going on about. We are doing Inferno in English. Well, everyone else is. I am mainly playing Tetris on my Nintendo DS in the back row with the sound off."
"Not because I had anything to say to him. What can one say to someone like him? He is never going to realize that we were right and he was wrong. People like Jim Henderson are incapable of changing their ways. They are going to believe in their half-assed opinions until the day they die, and nothing and no one is ever going to convince them that those beliefs might be mistaken."
What I Learned
* That I wished I was as cool and fun as Jess when I was a teen - she's such a little spitfire
* I have to read more Meg Cabot YA stuff
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect for YA's and even preteens as there is nothing really objectionable
* Not for those who need angst y dark stories, this is light fun. Really reminds me of Buffy
* Fans of Kiersten White will enjoy
* Adults will enjoy just as much as Jess is hard not to love
5 Dewey's
Canadian Book Signing Alert: Meg Cabot will be at Chapters Queensway on Thursday May 12th at 7PM -
I borrowed this from Natasha and did not have to review, just loved it so much and wanted you guys to go out and get it
* Jessica is one of my favorite literary characters. She's spunky, snarky, funny, and a huge heart
* Love her relationship with her friends and family is is very true and honest
* Great storyline in both books - funny, exciting with lots of twists and turns and funny as hell quips by Jess
* A little more dark (nothing too dark tho) than the first two stories, which gives it a bit more of an edge
* Just go get a copy of this (and Vanished Books One and Two) you will fall in love with them
* The relationship between Jess and her brother Douglas is so wonderfully written
* Love the scenes between Jess and Rob - hilarious
* Nice moral lesson snuck in so you barely notice, sign of a gifted author
* I know I am repeating myself but the dialogue is awesome! She could write for Whedon
* You lose yourself in the story and feel sorta sad when you finish the book
* I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first, but you really don't have to
The Not so Good Stuff
* Jessica's mom is a bit of a b***h -- I just can't seem to like her
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Who would strangle a cheerleader, and dump her body at the bottom of a limestone quarry? I can certainly understand wanting to strangle a cheerleader. Our school harbors some of the meanest cheerleaders in North America. Seriously. It's like you have to pass a test proving you have no human compassion whatsoever just to get on the squad."
"Hey, I know its uncool to be scoping on boys at the same time as I was trying to solve a murder. But Nancy Drew still had time to date Ned Nickerson, didn't she, in between solving all those mysteries? Except of course, Ned wasn't on probation."
"I mean, sex is a big enough step in any relationship without doing it in an old barn. Um, no thank you. I am willing to wait until the moment is right - such as prom night."
"Can you imagine having that blowhard in your living room the day after your brother got murdered? That has to be one of those circles of hell Dante was going on about. We are doing Inferno in English. Well, everyone else is. I am mainly playing Tetris on my Nintendo DS in the back row with the sound off."
"Not because I had anything to say to him. What can one say to someone like him? He is never going to realize that we were right and he was wrong. People like Jim Henderson are incapable of changing their ways. They are going to believe in their half-assed opinions until the day they die, and nothing and no one is ever going to convince them that those beliefs might be mistaken."
What I Learned
* That I wished I was as cool and fun as Jess when I was a teen - she's such a little spitfire
* I have to read more Meg Cabot YA stuff
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect for YA's and even preteens as there is nothing really objectionable
* Not for those who need angst y dark stories, this is light fun. Really reminds me of Buffy
* Fans of Kiersten White will enjoy
* Adults will enjoy just as much as Jess is hard not to love
5 Dewey's
Canadian Book Signing Alert: Meg Cabot will be at Chapters Queensway on Thursday May 12th at 7PM -
I borrowed this from Natasha and did not have to review, just loved it so much and wanted you guys to go out and get it
May 16, 2013
This is a GREAT series. Like, hats off to Meg Cabot.
Plot/Overall Impression
The plot kept me very much in the book, similar to Code Name Cassandra & When Lightning Strikes. These plots were more involved, more dangerous than the first two, and the ending of Sanctuary kept me ON MY TOES IT WAS SO GOOD. I was very much into this book and would sit down and read 100 pages at a time, which is saying something for me. (I'm not a slow reader but I can't sit down and read a ton of pages in one sitting without losing interest, regardless of the book!). The book was well thought out and great. Great read. The ENDINGS to both books were FANTASTIC. Like, best endings, but they are major cliffhangers, and I'm pissed at Cabot for ending Sanctuary the way she did. I just ordered the last book in the series of Amazon. That's how you know it's good:)
Characters
Rob is SO dreamy, and I love how he calls Jessica "Mastriani". I don't know about anyone else, but I love being called by my last name. I may just be a weirdo. I probably am. Okay.
ANYWAY, Rob & Jessica's relationship took several steps forward and I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS COUPLE, as dysfunctional and weird as they are. Rob tries so hard not to be into Jessica but fails and I kind of love that.
Jessica is a GREAT character & I think she is a subset of myself. She's so funny, sarcastic, kick-ass, I don't give a @*$( what anyone thinks of me EXCEPT Rob. I aspire to be like her. Jessica's mom STILL pisses me off & makes me sincerely mad how shallow she is, however, Cabot did a great job because this is so REALISTIC. I've met tons of JEssica's moms in my lifetime.
Jsssica's dad is awesome. And Douglas. Period.
Overall, I LOVED this book, again, I couldn't even wait for the 5th book to become available at my library, I ordered it on Amazon & I'm super psyched for when I get it in the mail. Cabot is hands down one of my favorite authors, and after this series, I'm going to look more into her Adult series:)
Plot/Overall Impression
The plot kept me very much in the book, similar to Code Name Cassandra & When Lightning Strikes. These plots were more involved, more dangerous than the first two, and the ending of Sanctuary kept me ON MY TOES IT WAS SO GOOD. I was very much into this book and would sit down and read 100 pages at a time, which is saying something for me. (I'm not a slow reader but I can't sit down and read a ton of pages in one sitting without losing interest, regardless of the book!). The book was well thought out and great. Great read. The ENDINGS to both books were FANTASTIC. Like, best endings, but they are major cliffhangers, and I'm pissed at Cabot for ending Sanctuary the way she did. I just ordered the last book in the series of Amazon. That's how you know it's good:)
Characters
Rob is SO dreamy, and I love how he calls Jessica "Mastriani". I don't know about anyone else, but I love being called by my last name. I may just be a weirdo. I probably am. Okay.
ANYWAY, Rob & Jessica's relationship took several steps forward and I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS COUPLE, as dysfunctional and weird as they are. Rob tries so hard not to be into Jessica but fails and I kind of love that.
Jessica is a GREAT character & I think she is a subset of myself. She's so funny, sarcastic, kick-ass, I don't give a @*$( what anyone thinks of me EXCEPT Rob. I aspire to be like her. Jessica's mom STILL pisses me off & makes me sincerely mad how shallow she is, however, Cabot did a great job because this is so REALISTIC. I've met tons of JEssica's moms in my lifetime.
Jsssica's dad is awesome. And Douglas. Period.
Overall, I LOVED this book, again, I couldn't even wait for the 5th book to become available at my library, I ordered it on Amazon & I'm super psyched for when I get it in the mail. Cabot is hands down one of my favorite authors, and after this series, I'm going to look more into her Adult series:)
February 2, 2012
Book 3: Safe House
Safe House is the third installment in the Vanished/1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series. Jess gets home from a vacation to fins that the head cheerleader is dead? Why? How? Before they have any time to answer any of these questions, another girl turns up missing. Will they be able to save her? Will they be able to find out who? This is a fast paced book that has a good plot and an oddly charming main character.
Book 4: Sanctuary
Sanctuary is the fourth book in the Vanished/1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series. People are labeled in this Indiana town. The Grits, the Townies. But somebody takes it to the extreme. There is a new African American family in the town. And the young son is killed as a warning. Why does this bother Jess? Can she stop these people?
I would certainly recommend this read for fans of the series. Also for all teenage girl and women.
Safe House is the third installment in the Vanished/1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series. Jess gets home from a vacation to fins that the head cheerleader is dead? Why? How? Before they have any time to answer any of these questions, another girl turns up missing. Will they be able to save her? Will they be able to find out who? This is a fast paced book that has a good plot and an oddly charming main character.
Book 4: Sanctuary
Sanctuary is the fourth book in the Vanished/1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series. People are labeled in this Indiana town. The Grits, the Townies. But somebody takes it to the extreme. There is a new African American family in the town. And the young son is killed as a warning. Why does this bother Jess? Can she stop these people?
I would certainly recommend this read for fans of the series. Also for all teenage girl and women.
August 2, 2018
Again, this story is nothing short of sassy and witty remarks from our gem, Jess. And not to mention, the action that is so perfectly sprinkled throughout the book. Definitely need to read for this great series!
February 20, 2016
Sabe o quê a pessoa faz quando fica três dias sem internet? Isto mesmo, ela arranja muito tempo para ler... E eu tive TANTO tempo, que terminei uma série que estava parada (sem motivo algum) na minha estante a muuuito tempo.
Sem sombra de dúvidas, "Desaparecidos" é uma das minhas series favoritas da Meg Cabot. Ouso até a dizer que a Jess é uma protagonista muito mais badass que a Suze de A Mediadora (e vocês sabem que eu AMO A Mediadora). Por isso foi super gostoso passar os últimos dias lendo este pequeno calhamaço...
Falando dos livros em separado, apesar de ter adorado "Esconderijo Perfeito", esta foi a trama mais "fraca" do volume. Quero dizer, toda a trama que envolve o assassinato de uma líder de torcida da escola da Jess foi muito boa... Mas eu já suspeitava do assassino e só queria esfregar a verdade na cara da protagonista para ela enxergar o que estava claro.
*4 Estrelas*
Em contrapartida, "Santuário" se tornou um dos meus favoritos! A Meg fala de tantos assuntos importantes, como racismo e xenofobia e intolerância religiosa e pré conceitos, que mesmo se a história não fosse repleta de momentos incríveis e cheios de ação já seria um cinco estrelas!
*5 Estrelas*
Enfim... Série finalizada e muito mais do quê recomendada!
Sem sombra de dúvidas, "Desaparecidos" é uma das minhas series favoritas da Meg Cabot. Ouso até a dizer que a Jess é uma protagonista muito mais badass que a Suze de A Mediadora (e vocês sabem que eu AMO A Mediadora). Por isso foi super gostoso passar os últimos dias lendo este pequeno calhamaço...
Falando dos livros em separado, apesar de ter adorado "Esconderijo Perfeito", esta foi a trama mais "fraca" do volume. Quero dizer, toda a trama que envolve o assassinato de uma líder de torcida da escola da Jess foi muito boa... Mas eu já suspeitava do assassino e só queria esfregar a verdade na cara da protagonista para ela enxergar o que estava claro.
*4 Estrelas*
Em contrapartida, "Santuário" se tornou um dos meus favoritos! A Meg fala de tantos assuntos importantes, como racismo e xenofobia e intolerância religiosa e pré conceitos, que mesmo se a história não fosse repleta de momentos incríveis e cheios de ação já seria um cinco estrelas!
*5 Estrelas*
Enfim... Série finalizada e muito mais do quê recomendada!
September 25, 2018
2.5 stars
I liked Safe House, but Sanctuary seemed way too far fetched and predictable. I was hoping that the “obvious suspect” wouldn’t be the killer/kidnapper, but no. No red herrings here. No twists and turns. Also, I found it a little ridiculous that the FBI and police wouldn’t know enough to suspect that the people who kidnapped the boy might have guns and weapons. They seemed shocked that it turned into a shootout. If someone has been kidnapped, what do you expect? That they’re just going to hand the kid over without a fuss?
I still don’t like Rob all that much, but I like him a little more than I did in the beginning.
I think the second book in the series is my favorite so far. We’ll see how everything is resolved in book 5.
I liked Safe House, but Sanctuary seemed way too far fetched and predictable. I was hoping that the “obvious suspect” wouldn’t be the killer/kidnapper, but no. No red herrings here. No twists and turns. Also, I found it a little ridiculous that the FBI and police wouldn’t know enough to suspect that the people who kidnapped the boy might have guns and weapons. They seemed shocked that it turned into a shootout. If someone has been kidnapped, what do you expect? That they’re just going to hand the kid over without a fuss?
I still don’t like Rob all that much, but I like him a little more than I did in the beginning.
I think the second book in the series is my favorite so far. We’ll see how everything is resolved in book 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this series. It’s a fun read. Don’t take it too seriously just sit back and enjoy the ride, on the back of a motorcycle
September 26, 2022
This one was much better.
Significantly less body shaming & significantly more tackling of social issues.
Significantly less body shaming & significantly more tackling of social issues.
July 19, 2018
I didn't love these two stories as much as I loved the first two, but I still enjoyed them enough to make sure I ordered the last book, which should be here any time now.
November 6, 2025
📚#34-35 in My Meg Cabot Read Through
This was kind of a rough read for me personally. As I've said before, supernatural is very much not my genre but I kind usually get into it after some time like with The Mediator. However, I feel that this series became more frustrating with these two installments (which I've read as the omnibus Vanished). And that's for one main reason: Jessica Mastriani.
In Safe House, Jess returns to school from summer break to learn that a classmate, Amber Mackey, has been murdered. Jess, of course, becomes more and more involved with the case and eventually figures out everything. In Sanctuary, Jess's neighbor is killed on Thanksgiving. Jess becomes involved again and discovers the dark underbelly of her small town.
First, I want to say that neither of the plots for these two books are bad or uninteresting. My main issue is with Jess. I didn't find her all that likable in the first two entries to be honest, but she slowly became downright unlikable in these two books. She really comes off as ignorant a lot of the time throughout the entire series, but becomes more glaringly obvious here. Jess seemingly thinks it's okay to punch someone because they're annoying. [I'd want to punch that person to, but that doesn't make it right!] She also just barrels into highly dangerous situations without fully understanding them.
Furthermore, Jess and Rob's relationship just gets annoying. She's basically pining over this guy who's pushing her away most of the time. However, by Sanctuary, it is a real relationship at least and I still like Rob for being level-headed. In this book, Jess seems embarrassed by their relationship...? While she really wasn't embarrassed, I found some of her behavior just weird for some girl who is practically obsessed with Rob.
One more complaint: Ruth is elitist snob. I don't find anything about her particularly likable. At least, there's less mention about her weight and she barely appears in Sanctuary.
For the most part, I find a lot of the other characters likable, especially Jess's brother Douglas. I loved seeing his progress in these two books. I also liked the elevation of Claire Lippman from random side character to full supporting character. I will be reading the next entry of course. There's only one book left anyway. Crossing my fingers that Jess doesn't annoy me further.
This was kind of a rough read for me personally. As I've said before, supernatural is very much not my genre but I kind usually get into it after some time like with The Mediator. However, I feel that this series became more frustrating with these two installments (which I've read as the omnibus Vanished). And that's for one main reason: Jessica Mastriani.
In Safe House, Jess returns to school from summer break to learn that a classmate, Amber Mackey, has been murdered. Jess, of course, becomes more and more involved with the case and eventually figures out everything. In Sanctuary, Jess's neighbor is killed on Thanksgiving. Jess becomes involved again and discovers the dark underbelly of her small town.
First, I want to say that neither of the plots for these two books are bad or uninteresting. My main issue is with Jess. I didn't find her all that likable in the first two entries to be honest, but she slowly became downright unlikable in these two books. She really comes off as ignorant a lot of the time throughout the entire series, but becomes more glaringly obvious here. Jess seemingly thinks it's okay to punch someone because they're annoying. [I'd want to punch that person to, but that doesn't make it right!] She also just barrels into highly dangerous situations without fully understanding them.
Furthermore, Jess and Rob's relationship just gets annoying. She's basically pining over this guy who's pushing her away most of the time. However, by Sanctuary, it is a real relationship at least and I still like Rob for being level-headed. In this book, Jess seems embarrassed by their relationship...? While she really wasn't embarrassed, I found some of her behavior just weird for some girl who is practically obsessed with Rob.
One more complaint: Ruth is elitist snob. I don't find anything about her particularly likable. At least, there's less mention about her weight and she barely appears in Sanctuary.
For the most part, I find a lot of the other characters likable, especially Jess's brother Douglas. I loved seeing his progress in these two books. I also liked the elevation of Claire Lippman from random side character to full supporting character. I will be reading the next entry of course. There's only one book left anyway. Crossing my fingers that Jess doesn't annoy me further.
May 5, 2017
I love the main characters trope of being a badass. She is an overall good person who rough houses not for herself but for the sake of others, and of course to remind people that karma is the name of her fist and she isn't afraid to smash it in your face. She does whatever it takes to make things happen, to help people, and to get what she wants.
It was great watching her mentally mature considering the first books consist of her always getting into fights, being a tomboy and mostly thinking of herself(with the exception of Douglas, she always thought of her brother which was hella sweet) and she slowly transitions into "oh i want to dress more feminine to impress this guy I like, I'm trying to control my anger and not fight anymore, and I do things to help other people rather than just myself."
I think the only downside of this whole story I did not like was the romance involved. Don't get me wrong(spoiler alert, spoilers will be striked out)I could care less about the age difference. My problem is the reversal of 'no means no'. When a girl says no to a guy, but the guy keeps persisting, calling himself her boyfriend, and finding every excuse to drive by her house to glimpse at her or to talk to her... that's not considered romantic, it's considered creepy. So why should this be an exception if the girl is behaving this way towards the guy? He said no on multiple occassions but her being 'maddllyyyy' in love with him persisted and continued to try and get with him.
(spoiler alert some more)I don't like that they got together in the end. I liked the idea of her respecting him not wanting to date her. I like that they overcame this whole "Cuz youre a townie and I'm a grit' thing because that shouldn't stop a relationship, friendly or romantic. but the fact that he was not interested does not mean to try and MAKE him interested. and yes he slowly fell in love with her for other reasons but I just feel like it was cringy this turned into a cliche story of "the girl insists so why not".
All in all, great book. I've only ever read two series of Meg Cabot's, I'm noticing a pattern of main characters being this young, tough, brown haired white skinned rich family heroine who just doesn't fit in/has something about them that no one else does. Who knows though, as writers we all insert a piece of ourselves into our works. Maybe she's implying something. <3
It was great watching her mentally mature considering the first books consist of her always getting into fights, being a tomboy and mostly thinking of herself(with the exception of Douglas, she always thought of her brother which was hella sweet) and she slowly transitions into "oh i want to dress more feminine to impress this guy I like, I'm trying to control my anger and not fight anymore, and I do things to help other people rather than just myself."
I think the only downside of this whole story I did not like was the romance involved. Don't get me wrong(spoiler alert, spoilers will be striked out)
(spoiler alert some more)I don't like that they got together in the end. I liked the idea of her respecting him not wanting to date her. I like that they overcame this whole "Cuz youre a townie and I'm a grit' thing because that shouldn't stop a relationship, friendly or romantic. but the fact that he was not interested does not mean to try and MAKE him interested. and yes he slowly fell in love with her for other reasons but I just feel like it was cringy this turned into a cliche story of "the girl insists so why not".
All in all, great book. I've only ever read two series of Meg Cabot's, I'm noticing a pattern of main characters being this young, tough, brown haired white skinned rich family heroine who just doesn't fit in/has something about them that no one else does. Who knows though, as writers we all insert a piece of ourselves into our works. Maybe she's implying something. <3
February 25, 2018
Both these books had a great storyline loved it but seemed to long even though there are 2 books in one I feel it could have still been shorter.. I feel like the proofreaders should have been paying attention to the mistakes throughout these books and it got to immature in some parts... recommend to 15 and up does have some cuss words but overall not many, like a lot of other teen books I have encountered.. Cute and was fun to read..Jess was most definitely the best Sassy character I have seen in a while loved her..Gina Clabo
October 6, 2020
Bravo Meg Cabot. Loved how easy these were to read. Jess Mastriani is the girl we all wish we could embody, beating to her own drum unabashed. I know I’m reading these decades late, but I hope they received the clout they deserve.
December 5, 2020
Much like the first two books in the series, Safe House and Sanctuary were two easy and entertaining reads. Classic young adult style, they were just what I needed to get me through the summer of 2020.
April 20, 2021
This book brought all the same characters that you got to know in the first book. You got to learn more about some of them and that was fun.
There were some spots in the plot that could have been explained better.
Overall it was a good book.
There were some spots in the plot that could have been explained better.
Overall it was a good book.
February 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this series. I wish there were more
Read
June 1, 2021Enjoyed them as a YA
September 27, 2021
was really really really good
April 22, 2022
I loved this book. I recommend it to all who enjoy young adult fiction.
July 15, 2022
love this whole series
December 14, 2022
Perfect. Just perfect. The ending was GOLD. Can’t wait to buy the last volume.
July 3, 2023
LOVE IT!!!
I love this series by Meg Cabot, it's entertaining, funny with loveable characters. Jess makes me laugh so bad, I like the banter between her and the others.
I love this series by Meg Cabot, it's entertaining, funny with loveable characters. Jess makes me laugh so bad, I like the banter between her and the others.
February 5, 2024
I continue to love my reread of this series. Meg Cabot writes YA perfection.
August 14, 2024
Omgs I'm hooked
August 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this second part of the Vanished series! The author has fast action, interesting characters, and situations that both teens and adults can enjoy!
November 4, 2019
Safe house: Upon return from summer vacation, Jessica is once again in the spotlight. being blamed for something in which she had no control of, she is set out on a personal mission to find the person responsible and also to learn the truth.
Sanctuary: the town that Jessica lives in, is in total shock when her neighbor's son was kidnapped and murdered, Jess, somehow stumbled up on the crime scene and saw a symbol that was craved in the chest of the dead boy. Then another boy was kidnapped, and a Jewish synagogue was burned down, with the town in shock and with the help of Rob and his motorcycle friends, they infiltrated an local militant compound in order to rescue the boy and learn the truth behind this groups attacks.
Sanctuary: the town that Jessica lives in, is in total shock when her neighbor's son was kidnapped and murdered, Jess, somehow stumbled up on the crime scene and saw a symbol that was craved in the chest of the dead boy. Then another boy was kidnapped, and a Jewish synagogue was burned down, with the town in shock and with the help of Rob and his motorcycle friends, they infiltrated an local militant compound in order to rescue the boy and learn the truth behind this groups attacks.
May 20, 2023
The best part of the series. Get's way more intense and focuses on real themes.
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