When She Vanished

by Kaitlynn Flint

Margaret didn’t think she’d ever return to Louisiana, especially not with her teenage daughter. But because of a pact she made with her childhood friends she once called sisters, she had to go back to Belles Parish. The past haunted and mocked her the moment she stepped foot on the Abel Plantation. Secrets and mysteries hung in the air like Spanish moss, and it even began to creep up on her daughter, Jane. Jane had always known her mother was hiding something from her, but she didn’t know exactly what it was until she arrived in the small town. Gossip was common in the South, but Jane almost didn’t believe the crude rumors of witchcraft. Margaret tried to keep Jane safe from the strange and unusual world she lived in, but no matter how hard she tried, the truth was bound to surface.

302 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2024

About the author

I am a writer, freelancer, and traveler born on the East Coast. My debut novel was published when I was sixteen, and since then, I have never looked back. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @kait_the_writer.

Reviews

[Brianna Brinkley]

The author did a wonderful job on this book. Once I picked it up to start reading, I was fully hooked. The storyline was amazing, and the attention to detail was great! I truly cannot wait for more of this series and to see where the story goes.

[Olivia Bennett]

I’ve been reading long string of epic fantasy books lately and this was a delightful palate cleanser. The vibe/atmosphere was strong with this one and that was something I really enjoyed: the muggy heat, the swamp smell, the sweet tea and southern drawl.

My only real complaint is that the omniscient POV felt a lot like head-hopping, so that was jarring and got confusing sometimes. I feel like because of that, I wasn’t truly able to sink into any character’s head, which I think is part of the fun of reading.

The way that Flint plays with time is also interesting. At first that too was confusing but I eventually caught on, and it was done well to develop character, theme, and atmosphere. Overall, I recommend this page-turner!

[Brittney Kristina]

I had the absolute PLEASURE of editing this book and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Kaitlynn has such a way of bringing scenery to life. From sweet, southern charm to moody, gothic horror, she can do it all within the same chapter. This book will continuously keep you on your toes, and simultaneously wrap you up in a warm, cozy hug. The perfect summertime read. Or whenever read.

[mady]

This was the first book I have read in years that felt fresh. Flint's writing invites you to get lost in Belles Parish Louisiana and be apart of the team that will find Vivian Banks. The pacing- spot on. The characters- well developed and well thought out.

It's clear how much time and thought went into the development of this novel, and its successors. Each chapter was written to deliberately keep the reader guessing and the pages turning, and Flint's hard work payed off immensely. Had time allowed I could have read this book cover to cover in one sitting. The balance of family drama friendship lore, and straight out mystery made this such a fun book to read.

But the tip of the iceberg, the cherry on top, the final flourish that made When She Vanished the novel it is was the setting. The novel takes place in Belles Parish Louisiana, a small town surrounded by hot muggy swamp air. Jane and her mother, Margaret, visiting for the summer stay in the Able Plantation. A beautiful mansion haunted with the past's secrets.

I could go on for pages about how great of a book this is, but rather than doing so I encourage you to pick it up yourself...get lost in the swamp of Belles Parish <<3

[Marissa Anne]

I normally don’t read books about witches and magic but this one👀👀

The characters are so well-rounded and real. The description of the scenes are vivid and beautiful. The fear, anticipation, and mystery flows off the page. I lovvvveedd it and am now trying not to be impatient about the wait till the next book.

One thing I will say, I was thrown off a little bit when I started reading by the frequent point-of-view changes. It changes within scenes and I soon got a hang of it and didn’t mind it, but it definitely took a minute.

Lastly, I think everyone needs a Bobbie Jo to their Jane in their life.

[Daphne Paige]

4.25/5 ⭐

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! I've never read a Southern witchcraft book before, but I am obsessed with witches and have been anticipating Kaitlynn Flint's new book since I found out about it. I am soooooo happy I picked it up. I've been using it as a little treat to encourage myself to get through finals week. "Finish this assignment...and you can read a chapter."

It's a refreshing, atmospheric novel with witty characters, a mysterious premise, and humorous moments sprinkled throughout that had me cackling to myself. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up!

[Gwyneth]

I haven’t read a good fiction book that isn’t cliche or cheesy in quite sometime! But this book is definitely it, not once did I feel like I’ve read this before or the ideas are repetitive. I CANNOT WAIT! for the other books to come out! This book just leaves me wanting the next part of the story, very hard to put down and comeback to reality while reading this book!
10/10 would highly recommend!

[Myra Flint]

I didn’t know what to expect when reading this book however, I was pleasantly surprised the way it was written. The story unfolds in such a magical way that it reads more like a screenplay for a really good movie about the south and some extraordinary women. I highly recommend it…

[Stacy Allman]

Very well written. Love the details. Each chapter ending made me want to keep reading to the next. Characters are well developed, story flows great, and the setting is described as if you’re there in person. Highly recommend and cannot wait until book two!

[Grace Willow]

The haunted southern vibes are peak ✨