The Vanishing Wife

Leigh Brody FBI Mystery #2

by Nichole Severn

Her friend is missing. A teen has been murdered. And Leigh will have to put everything on the line in this serene town where secrets simmer below the surface…

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody arrives at her friend Elyse’s beachfront Alabama vacation home and walks straight into a crime scene. Blood spatters the floor, and Elyse’s worried husband and reserved teenage daughter have no idea where she is.

Her boss orders her not to get involved, but Leigh is determined to find her friend. She’s trying to understand reports of Elyse’s erratic recent behaviour when the body of a fifteen-year-old girl is found on the nearby boardwalk. And the case takes a chilling turn when another girl goes missing.

What deadly game had Elyse got involved in? And how much will Leigh have to risk to find the killer terrorizing this sleepy vacation town, before it’s too late to save the vanishing girls?

A compulsively gripping and atmospheric crime thriller where nothing is as it seems. Perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Regan and A.J. Rivers.

Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author

Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.

She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

FBI Agent Leigh Brody was on medical leave when she received a message from her friend Elyse saying she needed help. So against everything she knew was right, Leigh took a flight to Gulf Shores, Alabama, heading for the beach house where Elyse and her family were having their annual vacation. Leigh met with the local detective, Henrietta Moore, who was against Leigh's attendance, but Leigh was determined - and the blood spatters confirmed that yes, there was something very wrong.

When the body of a young girl was discovered, and others had gone missing, it looked like they had a serial offender on their hands. Moore and Brody worked side by side, Moore reluctantly, and gradually Leigh could see that her friend was attempting to catch a killer as the police didn't believe her. What was she doing? Elyse was a nurse, not a cop!

The Vanishing Wife is the 2nd in the Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series by Nichole Severn and a heads up is needed for those who haven't read book 1. There are loads of spoilers for the previous story in this book. Lots of twists and turns with a fast pace and plenty of red herrings fill The Vanishing Wife with an intense last third keeping me turning the pages. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for opportunity to read and review prior to publication on September 12th 2024.

Second book in the series follows Leigh Brody as she works as an FBI criminologist. This begins as Leigh is contacted by an old friend Elyse. She's distressed and seeking help, and then she just up and vanishes. Elyse's husband is acting all wrong and then a body appears on the beach- but it's not Elyse, it's a teenage girl.

This plays out like a great episode of criminal minds with all the twists and turns of a great thriller.
3 stars, I liked it a lot, would recommend to others who love the genre.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn is highly addictive. I kept trying to close my book for the night, but the “one more chapter” motto that most readers live by kept hooking me lol. I had to stop in the middle of a scene just to take a break because of the author’s amazing cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.
Leigh and the missing wife, Elyse, had both gone through hell. I felt for them and wanted a good outcome for Elyse.
Minor grievances. First, the book wasn’t riddled with the cuss words, there were a few that I could live without.
Second, my only other complaint is the monologues at the end. Leigh and the person behind all the drama—lol no spoilers here—had long paragraphs of dialogue that sort of slowed down the climax.
This book is a second in a series. A standalone. But it intrigued me enough to go back to the start.
Lastly, I want to say the author knew her stuff when it came to cop/FBI procedures.

I received this book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review.

[Hannah's Biblioblurbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Nichole Severn, and Storm Publishing for this ARC and chance to give my honest feedback!

This is the 2nd book of the FBI Agent Leigh Brody series. In the first book Leigh is diagnosed with cancer and finds a friend in the PA, Elyse, at her gynecologist's office. Elyse comforts Leigh through one of the hardest times of her life. In this book, Leigh gets a troubling voicemail from Elyse that brings her to Gulf Shores, AL to help in any way that she can. Leigh is currently on medical leave after having surgery to remove her cancer but this does not stop her from going all in to help her friend in need. Amidst an ongoing case involving missing teen girls, Elyse is now also missing. Local Gulf Shores PD is on the case with Detective Henrietta Moore as the lead. Agent Brody inserts herself at the forefront of the investigation as she must find out what has happened to her friend.

While I did enjoy the first book, this one was unputdownable! Fast-paced and thrilling. I loved the working relationship between Detective Moore and Agent Brody. There were events/turns I did not anticipate which really kept me turning pages. It was well-written yet still easy to read and follow. It was not 100% necessary to read The Girl Who Survived first, there were references to the happenings in that book and spoilers to book 1.
I wish it had been written in 1st person from the different points of view. I also felt like some of the "big" happenings could have been pushed closer to the end of the book for more suspense to the plot. But overall really great book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one a lot more than I did. The first half of the book was good. It had me not wanting to take a break from reading; I wanted to figure out what happened next. Each chapter left with a cliffhanger. Then more towards the end once everything was being revealed, it just kind of fell off for me. I was hoping for a different outcome maybe?

I loved the first book in this series, it was a five star read for me. And I love Agent Brody. I enjoy Nichole Severn's writing and her books are fast-paced. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the third book in this series. I still recommend this series for people who love popcorn thrillers.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn is a gripping, high-stakes mystery that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. I received a copy from Storm Publishing via Netgalley.

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody arrives at her friend Elyse’s beachfront house in Alabama, only to discover a gruesome crime scene. Elyse is missing, and her family is at a loss, prompting Leigh to take control of the situation and launch her own investigation, despite her boss’s directive to stay uninvolved.

As Leigh investigates Elyse's strange behavior and the circumstances of her disappearance, the case grows more sinister when the body of a teenage girl is found nearby, followed by the disappearance of another girl. As Leigh uncovers startling truths about Elyse’s entanglement in a perilous situation, she must race against time to catch the killer before more victims fall prey.

Severn skillfully weaves together a complex and suspenseful narrative, with Leigh emerging as a determined and resourceful protagonist. The story’s tension is heightened by the eerie, seemingly peaceful town setting, which hides sinister secrets beneath its surface. With a twist-filled plot and rising stakes, The Vanishing Wife is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and psychological thrillers.

4,5/5 ⭐️

[Kate Cedras · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vanishing wife was a really fun read. It follows the story of Leigh (an FBI agent on medical leave) receiving a voicemail from her friend Elyse who disappears shortly after the call was made.

The characters in the story and their relationships made this book and the twists unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved that Leigh as the FMC was tough, resilient and determined to solve the case no matter what roadblocks came in her path.

A great book, definitely worth the read and rec for any suspense/thriller and mystery book lovers!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of The Vanishing Wife in exchange for my honest review.

Available to read/purchase 9/12/24

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife is the second book in Nichole Severn 's Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series. Leigh Brody an FBI Behavioral Analysis agent, living in Quantico VA, on medical leave, recives a voice message from her nurse and friend, Elyse Portman saying she needs help. Leigh is recovering from a hysterectomy, and during her recovery she and Elyse became close. As a result of her brother being missing for several years and her father's wrongful incarceration Leigh is a private person with no real close friends. Therefore when she receives Elyse's call she boards a plane to Gulf Shores, Alabama to help Elyse; Eylse, her husband Wesley and 14 year old daughter Ava own a vacation home in Gulf Shores. When Leigh arrives she discovers that Elyse is missing, after having an accident where she fell or was pushed from from a balcony. Elyse suffered a concussion, yet as she healed she believed she had been brutally pushed. She shared this information with Detective Henrietta Moore- even showing her the home where it happened. The resident denied anything, saying he had never seen Elyse before. Moore's priority was finding Ruby Davis, a fifteen year old been missing for almost 2 weeks; thus she failed to give much credence to Elyse's claim. That is just the backdrop of the story, more girls go missing, Detective Moore is not pleased that Leigh Brody has infiltrated her cases, add to the mix that Leigh is conducting her investigation without FBI approval and the suspense just increases exponentially. I liked the book for the most part, although at times it moved slowly and felt redundant. I struggled with the abduction and torture of her brother storyline- most likely as I have not read the fist book. All in all it was a satisfying read. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Vanishing Wife, this review reflects my honest opinion. 4 stars.

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Vanishing Wife" by Nichole Severn was a solid 3-star read! This is the second book featuring FBI agent Leigh Brody. Despite being on medical leave after surgery, she is called to Gulf Shores, Alabama, to assist Elyse, her only true friend.

The story alternates between dual timelines, following both Elyse and Leigh. It moves through a "before and after" structure as they each work on their own investigations, which eventually intertwine. However, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. At times, the pacing felt slow, and there was an overemphasis on characters "memorizing" unnecessary details, like the layout of a room or hard water stains in a shower.

Leigh teams up with Detective Moore from the local police department, who was probably my favorite character. She was strong-willed, assertive, and clearly in charge. Like the first book, there were plenty of twists, although none were quite as shocking as before. The ending, however, felt a bit off, especially given how meticulously things had been planned up until that point.

Overall, while this book didn’t quite live up to the first in the series, I’ll likely continue reading the next book in the Leigh Brody series.

Thanks to Storm Publishing, Nichole Severn, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh is on medical leave following surgery when she receives a cryptic voicemail message from her friend, Elyse, which sends her rushing to the Gulf Shores, Alabama. When she gets there, she discovers that Elyse has gone missing. Leigh manages to insert herself into the investigation even though she has no authorisation to do so. At the same time, a girl has gone missing and subsequently turns up dead. The cases present lots of twists and turns as they intertwine and Leigh and Detective Henrietta Moore have their hands full trying to unravel it all. The story takes some interesting turns with a particularly surprising flick right at the end. And never underestimate what a mother will do to protect her child!
My reason for taking a star away from what should've been a 5 star read, is that I cannot belive that Detective Moore was able to hide her relationship to one of the victims for 10 years! Even if she did manage it, it would've come out as soon as the girl went missing. That particular point bothered me throughout the story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Nichole Severn for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read quickly became a page turner, I needed answers, and yes they do come, but the journey there will put your heart in your throat.
Most of what happens here I never saw coming, there a many twists and turns, and I thought one thing and then another. Yes, there are reasons given for some of the happenings, that even now I would never have thought about.
Now this is book two in this series, and I have not read book one, but I was not lost at all in reading this book.
We are given a mother that would do anything to keep her daughter safe, and her friend an FBI agent is there for her, but will their friendship survive the evil that is lurking here? We are there for the facts as they drop, but will these two be there at the end?
If you like suspense this read has it and more!
I received this book through Net Galley and Storm Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing. Ms. Severn took me on a roller coaster of suspense in this book. Twist and turns that you will not see coming. Now I can’t wait for the third book to come out, because at the end of this book she left me speechless.

One last thing I will say that Ms. Severn shares something about this book which left me shocked. It’s scary to say the least.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really liked the first book in this series. I was looking forward to reading this next installment. FBI agent Leigh Brody's friend, Elyse is missing. She has been at her beach home for 2 weeks with her family for a vacation. One night she leaves a message for Leigh. When Leigh tries to call her back, there is no answer. Since Leigh is on medical leave, she decides to go to the beach house and check on her friend. When she gets there she discovers that Elyse is missing, and there is a puddle of blood on the floor. She discovers that Elyse had been attacked a week before, but the police could not find who had attacked her. Leigh also discovers that teen girls are missing from the area.

This story is told through 2 times: the present, and the previous weeks following up to the disappearance of Elyse.

Ok- the best way for me to approach this is with what I liked, and what I struggled with.

What I liked:
1. Leigh Brody. I really like how she is growing as a person and dealing with her childhood trauma. I also like how she approaches investigations, and notices things that seem irrelevant. She is intelligent, yet also honest in her personal struggles.
2. I liked the lead detective from the area, Detective Henrietta Moore. She is a strong female, intelligent, and carries a lot on her shoulders. She has a connection to the missing girls case.
3. The relationship/beginning of friendship between Leigh and Henrietta. At first they are at odds. However, they begin to respect each other and see that they have more in common than they thought.
4. The first third of the book. I was pulled in by the opening chapter, where Elyse comes home and has blood on her. However, she doesn't know what happened to her, where the blood comes from, or where she was. This leads into the weeks before she disappeared, and I wanted to know what happened. The author really drew me into this part of the story.

Struggles:
As the story continued, I felt it was a little far fetched. And I could not empathize with Elyse. The investigation part was strong. But the "villain" aspect seemed a bit forced. I understood the reason for the murderer to want to do what was done, but it was a bit over the top, and did not have a natural flow to it. I was really taken out of the story by this.
There is a "twist" at the end, but I had that figured out when the story started going down the path of discovery.

So, while I thoroughly enjoyed the first in this series, this was not what I was hoping for.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“The Vanishing Wife” by Nichole Severn is the second installment in the Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series, and it delivers a pulse-pounding narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This gripping crime thriller combines intricate plotting with deep character development, making it a standout in the genre.

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody is looking forward to a relaxing stay at her friend Elyse’s beachfront vacation home in Alabama. Her plans for a pleasant getaway crumble when she arrives to find Elyse missing and a teenage girl murdered. As Leigh delves into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that stretch far beyond the idyllic beach town. The case becomes even more personal when Leigh realizes that the clues might be connected to her own dark past.

Severn excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Leigh Brody is a compelling protagonist, whose sharp intellect and unwavering determination make her a formidable investigator. Her personal struggles and vulnerabilities add depth to her character, making her relatable and human. The supporting cast, including local law enforcement and potential suspects, are well-developed and add layers of complexity to the story. Each character’s motivations and secrets are gradually revealed, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Severn’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional depth. The narrative is fast-paced, with short, punchy chapters that propel the story forward. Severn’s attention to detail, particularly in the forensic and investigative aspects, adds authenticity to the plot. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the tension and drama.

“The Vanishing Wife” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the long shadows cast by past traumas. Severn delves into the psychological impact of crime on both victims and investigators, providing a nuanced portrayal of the emotional toll of Leigh’s work. The novel also examines the complexities of friendship and loyalty, as Leigh navigates her relationships while seeking justice for the victim.

“The Vanishing Wife” is a compelling and addictive crime thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Nichole Severn has crafted a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with a protagonist who is easy to root for.

Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers or new to the Leigh Brody series, this novel is sure to provide a satisfying and gripping read.

[Beau Wasserman (Depression Arc) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Vanishing Wife, the gripping second installment in Nichole Severn’s Leigh Brody FBI Mysteries series, takes readers on a thrilling ride through the shadows of deception and intrigue. With a complex plot that intertwines personal stakes and professional challenges, Severn crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page.

Leigh Brody, a determined FBI agent, returns in this installment, showcasing her tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth. Severn skillfully develops Leigh’s character, portraying her as both a fierce investigator and a woman grappling with her own past. The emotional depth of Leigh’s journey adds a compelling layer to the story, as she navigates the pressures of her career while dealing with personal demons that resonate throughout the narrative.

The plot revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a woman, sending Leigh on a complex investigation that reveals a web of secrets and lies. Severn excels at building tension, introducing twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. As Leigh delves deeper into the case, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her assumptions and put her at odds with powerful forces determined to keep the past buried.

Severn’s writing is both engaging and vivid, painting a detailed picture of the investigation and the intricate relationships among the characters. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that compels you to read on. Additionally, the interplay between the investigation and Leigh’s personal life creates a compelling balance, making the stakes feel high on both fronts.

The Vanishing Wife is not just a thrilling mystery; it also explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love. As Leigh confronts both external threats and her internal struggles, readers are treated to a layered narrative that invites reflection on the complexities of human relationships.

Overall, Nichole Severn delivers another captivating installment in the Leigh Brody FBI Mysteries series with The Vanishing Wife. Fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries will find themselves fully immersed in this suspenseful tale, eagerly anticipating what challenges Leigh will face next. This book is a testament to Severn’s ability to weave a compelling story that resonates long after the final page.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Nichole Severn and this book didn't disappoint, having read the first book in the series I was well clued up on the lead characters unbelievably hard background, it wouldn't have mattered had I not read it because the author inserts the relevant bits in this story.
Leigh Brody, agent in the FBI Behavioural Analyst Unit, is on medical leave following surgery for cancer, because of her background, Leigh has few friends but quickly made a friend of Elyse, the kind, caring person who was with her every step of the way through her traumatic surgery.
When a message from Elyse asked for Leighs help she didn't hesitate to fly to Alabama where Elyse and her family were staying at their holiday home. What Leigh didn't know was that she would walk straight in to a crime scene, Elyse's husband, Wesley was acting strangely, their fourteen year old daughter looked blank, the floor was covered in blood..........and Elyse was missing.
Local detective, Henrietta Moore, was in charge of the case and had initially rejected Leigh's interference but she back tracked when she realised that Leigh may also be able to help her trace her young niece who was also missing,
As this story unfolds, Leigh is threatened with dismissal from the FBI if she continues to work the case, more people go missing, bodies are found and the main culprit appears squeaky clean.
This story is action packed and suspense filled, it throws out red herrings right, left and centre, it twists and turns and once more agent Brody's life is in danger. I had no idea how this story was going to end and in my view that indicated a good thriller. At the end, the author cleverly drops an unexpected bombshell which leads neatly into the next book.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's been a really long time since I have read a detective type story and while they aren't my usual go to I am always up to broaden my horizons so when I was gifted this book by the publisher I decided to give it another try.  If there was any downfall to this book it would have to be the fact that this was book two in a series where I haven't read anything before hand so to say I went in with a little bit of a disadvantage is an understatement. The good thing however is while I think reading the first book would have given me some more information I don't feel that it was necessary in order to fully enjoy and appreciate this story. This book is all about our main character Leah. Things are going pretty good for her until she learns that her good friend Elyse is missing. Unable to sit and do nothing Leah takes the case into her own hands and even though she is on medical leave she is determined to bring her friend home safely. I thought that this book was going to be more of a thriller book instead of a detective mystery which isn't my usual go to however I found the characters very compelling and I couldn't wait to see what or who was behind everything in the end. There was lots of twists in this story and just enough action to really pull me in as a reader. I loved our main characer Leah. She was so determined to get to the bottom of things and she had so much depth to her character that I couldn't help but root for her. Really good job. I'm so glad that I was able to check this book out because I really enjoyed it and I don't think that I would have given it a chance because it is so out of my normal reading tastes. I do think I have to read the first one though but I can't wait to do that. Check out this book for sure you won't be disappointed.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have all of these adjectives running through my mind, and none of them seem appropriate enough to describe this gripping story.

Leigh Brody is an FBI criminologist, who I learned in the previous book in this series, is not someone that you want to battle with. You want her on your side. Her sharp mind and keen senses, as well as personal experience with a killer have made her the best at her job. This is how she arrives at her friend's beach house. She got a strange message from Elyse and knew she needed to come to her rescue. A significant amount of blood has been found in the home, which leads law enforcement to believe the worse for Elyse, but they have not found her body. Leigh can sense that Elyse's husband and daughter are hiding something, but she cannot figure out exactly what those secrets may be, at least not yet.

At this point you can find a seat on the roller coaster known as Nicole Severn, as she takes you for a wild ride filled with suppositions, blind curves, as well as shocking twists and loops that will have you screaming what is next? Though the predator is revealed early in the book this does not detract from the story that is being laid out. This is a compulsively readable book, so forget about work, sleep or anything else in your life until you finish it. Sleep is for the weak, especially when there are good books like this one to read.

You do not have to read the first book in this series, as the author does a good job of catching you up. However, I read the first book, and I would highly recommend it as well.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife was a book I burned through in about 24 hours. It sucked me in right away and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. When I started thinking about the review, however, I could see the flaws I missed in my desire to learn the truth. Is that good or bad? I can't say. It's a book I thoroughly enjoyed, but when I started reflecting on it, there were a number of things that started bothering me.

This is the second book in author Nichole Severn's Leigh Brody FBI series. I haven't read the first. I don't think you need to. It sounds like the first case dealt with a case that encompassed Leigh's family history, and the ramifications of that are felt in The Vanishing Wife. The author writes enough about it here that I didn't feel lost.

Leight Brody is on medical leave when she receives a cryptic text from her best friend, who is on vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama with her husband and daughter. Elyse says she needs Leigh's help and begs her to come to Gulf Shores. When Leigh shows up at their vacation home there, she finds out that Elyse is missing after having been assaulted several days before.

Elyse is a recent friend for Leigh, but the only one she has. Although she doesn't have any authority there, Leigh begins digging into the case. The local detective, Henrietta Moore, is focused on the case of a missing teenage girl and not on Elyse's disappearance. She's not happy to have Leigh digging into the case, and even less so when Leigh starts uncovering problems with the investigation.

To read my full review, please go to Book Review: The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn – Intriguing Twists Await

[Rachael Patera · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on medical Leave from the FBI, agent Leigh Brody, who works for the behavioral analysis unit (BAU) gets a voicemail call from her friend Elyse stating that she needs her help. Elyse and her family are spending their summer at their vacation house on the gulf shores and when Leigh gets there she finds that Elyse is missing and there is a large pool of blood on the floor. Determined to find out what happened to her friend, Leigh must work with local detectives to figure out what happened to Elyse and as she digs into the case, she finds more than she bargained for and discovers motives and deep secrets.

Even though this was the second book in the series (I didn't read the first 😬) I did not feel like I was missing out on plot points or back story. It was well established and also gave you just enough insight to understand what happened previously without sounding redundant. It flowed easily into this current story so you felt all caught up on events.

This was a really good thriller! The end was a good twist and the writing kept a good pace. The alternating timelines were the perfect way to get clues but also keep you on your toes. This book didn’t have any obvious plots that the reader was able to figure out but not the main character. Leigh was smart and while she didn’t always do things "by the book” she got results and was able to follow the clues and her intuition as an investigator to form the puzzle together.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Nichole Severn
Genre: Domestic Thriller

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife
Leigh Brody FBI Mystery #2
Nichole Severn
Leigh Brody is an FBI criminologist. We first meet Elyse in book 1. Leigh becomes friends with the PA in her gynecologist’s office. Elyse offers comfort and strength when Leigh discovers she has cancer.
Book 2: Leigh is medical leave following surgery to remove the cancer. Elyse leaves a distraught but unclear voice mail on Leigh’s cell phone. When Leigh arrives at the beachside vacation cottage in Gulf Shores, AL she finds Elyse’s husband acting strange and her teenage daughter is worried. There are blood splatters on the floor, Elyse is missing; no one seems to know where she is. Earlier Elyse reported she had been attacked but the police seemed unconcerned. The body of a fifteen-year-old is found on the boardwalk. Gulf Shores Police Department’s Detective Henrietta Moore is the lead on the case of several missing teenage girls. Her investigation leads to deceptions, secrets, and relationship problems. Leigh unexpectedly is appointed guardianship. Despite a warning from her FBI superior to stay away from the case, Leigh Is determined to find her friend and help the missing girl.
I have not read book 1 in this series but book 2 seems to stand well alone. Author Michole Severn is a brilliant writer. She manages to examine the mind of the criminal mind. The heroine is Leigh, a strong female character that demonstrates zeal for solving a crime.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickly thrust into the middle of danger and intrigue! The second book in Nichole Severn's Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series is quick to hook the reader with a crime occurring from the very beginning that has us in the midst of a hunt the minute we start reading. I really wanted a better developed catch up for the reader of what took place in the first book so we didn't have to recollect in dribbles throughout the story as an after thought. It would really set this book off as more of a standalone, and also refresh the memory of someone that read the first book as well. The core story was very interesting and held my attention, but there was a hard to follow aspect because we were constantly being taken back and forth in time from a week or so ago to present time over and over again. And on a personal pet peeve, there was mention of an inch of snow and ice being on the ground in September in Quantico ... uhmm ... no. This is my neck of the woods, and it's really quite simple to research weather in a particular area and find out those kinds of details, so to see a lazy research screw up like that really tweaks my irritation. Overall, I enjoyed the story substantially and will continue following Leigh Brody into another adventure should there be one. Fast paced, intriguing characters and an attention grabbing case!

[Kristilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn.

This book is the second in a series where Detective Leigh Brody is determined to get answers, get justice, and right wrongs.

Leigh gets a concerning call from her only close friend, Elyse, asking for help. Elyse’s message is very vague and now she’s unreachable. Elyse is vacationing at her summer home with her husband and 14 year old daughter. Leigh, being out on medical leave, rushes to help.

When Leigh arrives she finds a wall of crime scene tape, a pool of blood, and learning her friend was attacked and missing. Not only is Elyse missing but several teens girls have also gone missing. Leigh’s FBI training kicks in and she’s determined to find not only her friend but the local teen.

In her pursuit she uncovers lies, secrets, marital issues, and has to handle a suicide resulting in her becoming a guardian.

I didn’t read the first book which isn’t necessary but is often referenced in this book. The book was a little slow going at first and I feel like the end was rushed to wrap up the case. Overall the story line was good and Severn set the tone for book 3. I don’t think I’ll be revisiting the Agent Brody series but I appreciate the read.

Pub Date: September 12, 2024
🌟🌟.5

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn is book 2 in the Leigh Brody FBI mystery series. FBI criminologist Leigh Brody arrives at her friend Elyse’s beachfront Alabama vacation home and walks straight into a crime scene. Blood spatters the floor, and Elyse’s worried husband and reserved teenage daughter have no idea where she is.

Her boss orders her not to get involved, but Leigh is determined to find her friend. She’s trying to understand reports of Elyse’s erratic recent behavior when the body of a fifteen-year-old girl is found on the nearby boardwalk. And the case takes a chilling turn when another girl goes missing.

The story is told with alternating timelines with Elyse before she disappears and then after she is missing.

The story involves an emotional, tense, and twisted case. Leigh is a strong character and is determined to catch predators, no matter the cost.

The story shows what someone would do and the extreme lengths they would go to to protect their loved one. The story was fast-paced and quite a page-turner. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

#TheVanishingWife #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Vanishing Wife.

Agent Leigh Brody is recovering from surgery and on medical leave when she gets a message from her friend Elyse that something happened and she needs her help. Leigh arrives at Elyse’s vacation home to see police officers there, a pool of blood in the living room, and Elyse is missing. She convinces the detective to let her join the case to find her friend. Not long after the investigation begins a body is found but it is not Elyse instead it is a teenager who has been missing a few weeks. Is it connected to her missing friend? The more Leigh digs the more she realizes she may not know Elyse at all.

This is the second book in the Agent Leigh Brody series. I would say you should read the first book in the series before you read this book because it gives a lot of background on how Leigh and Elyse became friends. I loved both books! I could not put this book down and I did not see some of the twists coming. It also ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger so I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding psychological thriller! This is the second book in Ms Severn’s new series, and it was an incredible ride! I loved the first one, but this one was awesome. Twists, turns, surprises, constant activity, thrilling scenes, and suddenly over before I could take a breath. When I read suspense or thrillers, I try to guess what’s coming next or who the nefarious character is, but this story left me speechless. When I think I have an idea, suddenly the next scene jolts me from my detective mindset and throws all my theories out the window. I love when that happens! The lead character, Leigh Brody, is realistic, compassionate, imperfect, but loyal and dedicated to her career and protecting the innocent. This story has a quick moving, twisty plot, that draws out unexpected emotions from the reader, and keeps you glued to the book. I loved Detective Monroe’s character, and hopes she continues to pop up in this series. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I highly recommend reading this book! I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn is the second book in Leigh Brody's FBI Mystery series. This is a fast-paced and thrilling story that will make you guess what is happening.

I read this as a stand-alone and it felt fine, I didn't feel I missed some information but I believe there would be a lot to learn about Leigh as the person she is here.
This would be such an amazing episode of Criminal Minds!!!

Leigh is currently on medical leave after having surgery but when she gets a troubling voicemail from her friend Elyse she can't say no and is ready to help! By the time she arrives in Gulf Shores, Elyse is missing and unexpectedly Leigh is dragged into the missing girl case.

There is so much happening and definitely keeps readers interested. I challenged myself with this book as I am not a fan of detective/FBI stories and not a fan of series but this book worked well.
I believe that fans of the FBI series will love this book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this copy!

[Sandra M. Dethlefsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following extensive abdominal surgery, FBI criminologist Leigh Brody looks forward to a visit with her friend Elyse at her beachfront Alabama home to recuperate. She is shocked when she arrives at her home and encounters what appears to be a major crime scene. Elyse’s husband and teenage daughter greet her in their blood-spattered kitchen. Elyse is nowhere to be found. Leigh is now faced with finding out what has happened to her friend.
Leigh is on medical leave from her job, and despite her boss's prohibition on her involvement in the investigation, she moves full speed ahead, determined to find out what has happened to her friend.
Matters become complicated when the body of a fifteen-year-old girl is found on a nearby ocean boardwalk, and shortly after, another young girl goes missing. Things become complicated for Leigh when she receives reports of Elyse’s recent erratic behavior. Has Elyse somehow become involved with the killer? Leigh moves ahead quickly in a desperate attempt to save the missing girls before tragedy occurs.

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vanishing Wife was another great addition to this series! FBI criminologist Leigh Brody has been on leave recovering from surgery. She has very few people that she has let into her inner circle but her friend Elyse Portman is one of the chosen few. Elyse and Leigh met through Leigh's doctor's office. Elyse was there for Leigh through her medical procedure and now Leigh needs to be there for Elyse. The Portman family has been vacationing at their Gulf Shores home and Elyse has gone missing. She left a message for Leigh and even though Leigh is still recovering, nothing will stop her from finding her friend. As Leigh works with a local police detective, she keeps coming up with more questions than answers. When a local teenager goes missing, Leigh wonders what is really happening in this idyllic beachside community. The Vanishing Wife was a great, gritty mystery/thriller. It was told from dual POV and kept me engaged until the final page. It stands alone in the series but if you haven't read The Girl Who Survived, I recommend reading that too.

[Delilah Mahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover - 7/10
Title 6/10

The first thing I want to personally take note of here is that this book is based out of Gulf Shores, Alabama. I love that simply because I am from Alabama so it makes me want to connect on an even closer level than before. I was very impressed with the way the chapters were laid out, a consistent back-and-forth between two characters. It was once again a book that I could not picture the outcome of and that helped keep me hooked. I literally sat up until 2:00 AM just to finish this book. (It took longer to finish because life decided to get busy without asking for my permission first..)

Leigh Brody is still incredible as ever, it is amazing being able to picture how far she has to push her body physically just to be a good person and do what it right. I want to protect Leigh at all costs at this point.

The ending had be a little tore up, but I am hoping the questions I have will be answered in the third book! So with that being said…time to start this ARC!!! I cannot accurately describe my excitement for this.