Vanishing Act

Jamie Richmond Mystery #2

by Mark Love

Jamie Richmond is still discovering her way in the romantic relationship with the mysterious Malone when her best friend Linda Davis comes home. The beautiful Linda suddenly finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance of her own with an older man, Dr. Vincent Schulte. But not everything is all champagne and flowers for Linda. She suddenly realizes she's become the target of a stalker. The problem escalates. Jamie is determined to protect her friend, but even she is at a loss when Linda suddenly disappears one cold, snowy day. The police are searching for clues. Despite Malone's attempts to keep Jamie on the sidelines, she is driven to find out what happened to Linda and where she could be. Despite her best intentions, Jamie has once again put herself in danger while trying to unravel the mystery.

Genres: Romance

204 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2013

About the author

Mark Love lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption were always prevalent. A former freelance reporter, Love honed his writing skills covering features and hard news.

Love is the author of three Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, "Devious", "Vanishing Act" and "Fleeing Beauty". "Chasing Favors" and the novella "Stealing Haven".

He also writes the Jefferson Chene mystery series, which includes "Why 319?", "Your Turn to Die" and "The Wayward Path".

Love also wrote the novel "Rules of Desperation" which is a standalone mystery/thriller.

His latest work is the novella "Part-Time Criminal" was published in 2025.

Love resides in west Michigan with his wife, Kim. He enjoys a wide variety of music, books, cooking and the great outdoors. Love is currently working on his next novel.

Reviews

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the relationship between the best friends in this story. Jamie and Linda have a true friendship and are there for each other. The first half of the book does a great job of introducing many different people that could end up being the person to take Linda. The last part of the book is full of action it is hard to put down. I look forward to reading more of these characters.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot line showed some possibilities; but unfortunately, the story meandered around aimlessly and ultimately went nowhere.

Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie’s friend, Linda, vanishes without a trace. Jamie moves heaven and earth to find Linda, but she may be too late. Can Jamie track down Linda’s kidnapper and save her best friend or has Jamie walked right into a stalker’s trap?

Vanishing Act is a riveting mystery I couldn’t put down. Jamie is one of my favorite mystery sleuths and she’s up to her hips in danger. The descriptive narration is flawless and draws the reader into the story. The mystery unfolds slowly with a peppering of subtle clues. The investigation is a winding road of false leads and dead ends. The tension is high as time ticks away. The characters, though, are what makes Vanishing Act an unputdownable read.

If you love intelligent stalker mysteries with a strong female leading character, you’ll want to read Vanishing Act. Mark Love continues to write addictive, realistic mysteries. Vanishing Act reads like a story ripped from the headlines. Well done, Mark Love.

I look forward to more from Jamie and Malone.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Nebulous · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Vanishing Act" is the second book of the Jamie Richmond series. In this book, readers have an opportunity to view the curious and fiery protagonist in a different light. We get to know more about Linda Davis, Jamie's best friend, who returns home. Their banter is well written throughout the book through simple scenes such as a coffee catch up or heading to the gym. Another interesting and memorable sub-plot was Linda's romance with Dr. Vincent Schulte. Amidst the sense of normalcy and going through the motions, Linda has become a target of a stalker. Full of twists and turns, the big bang moment of Linda suddenly disappearing sets an engaging chain of events. Jamie is determined to find her best friend and the final few chapters hold your attention. The vivid imagery present by Mark Love will keep you at the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading the next mystery of the Richmond series. A 4 star read.

A thank you to Mark Love for giving me a copy of this book. This honest review is left voluntarily.

[Nancy Brutsche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanishing Act

This Jamie Richmond book 2 is as good as the 1st book. Mark love is a amazing writer. I can't wait to read book 3

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if the author were trying to add suspense to the book, attempting to set up several possible culprits or just wasn't sure where he was headed, but Vanishing Act isn't a vanishing act until the last fourth of the book. It rambled so long I almost put it down a couple of times before finishing, however I am glad I finished. If the first half (or more) of the book had been like the last part of the book it would have merited more than the three stars I gave it. The actual vanishing act was full of suspense and excitement.

I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.