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Missing
A Perfect Vacation. A Perfect Nightmare.
Megan Hamilton is boring. At least that's what her fiancé tells her right before he dumps her for another woman.
Still healing from the break-up, introverted Megan reluctantly agrees to join her mother on a luxurious cruise to Mexico to rebuild her shattered world.
Meeting the charming Nate Talbert and embarking on a whirlwind ship romance convinces Megan that her luck is finally changing. However, appearances can be deceiving, and the handsome stranger is hiding a terrible secret. Megan quickly discovers the truth is far more disturbing than she ever imagined when she's trapped in a terrifying world from which she might never break free.
What was supposed to be her perfect vacation is about to become her worst nightmare.
Megan Hamilton is boring. At least that's what her fiancé tells her right before he dumps her for another woman.
Still healing from the break-up, introverted Megan reluctantly agrees to join her mother on a luxurious cruise to Mexico to rebuild her shattered world.
Meeting the charming Nate Talbert and embarking on a whirlwind ship romance convinces Megan that her luck is finally changing. However, appearances can be deceiving, and the handsome stranger is hiding a terrible secret. Megan quickly discovers the truth is far more disturbing than she ever imagined when she's trapped in a terrifying world from which she might never break free.
What was supposed to be her perfect vacation is about to become her worst nightmare.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2024
285 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Christy Cooper-Burnett
7 books237 followersChristy Cooper-Burnett is a best-selling author based in southern California with a degree in Administration of Justice. She has one grown son who inspired her to write her award-winning debut novel, No Way Home.
She began her writing career later in life, but once she started she couldn't stop. Her work focuses on creating relatable stories and characters that transcend genres and encourage readers to imagine what they would do if thrown into the unique, imaginative situations her trademark strong female protagonists end up in.
Christy's novels have received numerous book awards including the California Author Project, PenCraft Awards, the Indies Today Book Awards, International Book Awards, Literary Titan Gold Medal Award, Maxy Award, Reader’s Favorite Five Star award, and recognition as one of Indies Today’s top five time travel novels.
Her new release RUN, due out July 4, 2024 has received critical acclaim from reviewers as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.
You can learn more about Christy or contact her to subscribe to her mailing list for news, book deals, and upcoming events at
https://www.christycooperburnettbooks...
She began her writing career later in life, but once she started she couldn't stop. Her work focuses on creating relatable stories and characters that transcend genres and encourage readers to imagine what they would do if thrown into the unique, imaginative situations her trademark strong female protagonists end up in.
Christy's novels have received numerous book awards including the California Author Project, PenCraft Awards, the Indies Today Book Awards, International Book Awards, Literary Titan Gold Medal Award, Maxy Award, Reader’s Favorite Five Star award, and recognition as one of Indies Today’s top five time travel novels.
Her new release RUN, due out July 4, 2024 has received critical acclaim from reviewers as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.
You can learn more about Christy or contact her to subscribe to her mailing list for news, book deals, and upcoming events at
https://www.christycooperburnettbooks...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 15, 2025
I’m going to be honest, I was about to dnf this book when I was a bit past halfway because I though it was going to go in a xenophobic direction that I’ve seen way too many books and movies got towards too but I’m glad I reached the point of the great twist. That twist added a layer of intrigue and tension that elevated the story, and I also think it was written well into the story and didn’t feel forced nor too OTT.
This book is the definition of a quick, popcorn read. It’s fast-paced, dramatic, and engaging; the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon when you have nothing to do and just want to relax. The story felt very much like a Lifetime movie, and I mean that in the best way possible.
The writing itself is straightforward and easy to follow, which makes it accessible and keeps the pace moving. While the characters and plot might not be especially deep or complex, they’re compelling enough.
This book is the definition of a quick, popcorn read. It’s fast-paced, dramatic, and engaging; the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon when you have nothing to do and just want to relax. The story felt very much like a Lifetime movie, and I mean that in the best way possible.
The writing itself is straightforward and easy to follow, which makes it accessible and keeps the pace moving. While the characters and plot might not be especially deep or complex, they’re compelling enough.
November 22, 2024
I am usually not drawn to this genre – but I love being surprised.
This book had everything – great characters, outstanding plot and a twist I hadn’t seen coming which kept me hanging on until the end. Without the prologue, I might not have been enthusiastic to finish the story. I didn’t particularly like Brian and his fiancé! But once the story took off, I couldn’t put it down. The writing was spectacular and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had everything – great characters, outstanding plot and a twist I hadn’t seen coming which kept me hanging on until the end. Without the prologue, I might not have been enthusiastic to finish the story. I didn’t particularly like Brian and his fiancé! But once the story took off, I couldn’t put it down. The writing was spectacular and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
The prologue starts with her abduction and then jumps back. The story here is a light hearted romance gone bad. Megan is dumped by her finance and her Mom persuades her to go on a cruise with her and her friend, sharing a cabin with her Mom.
Once they are on the cruise, things get interesting and you see a new side of Megan. I like that she (and her mother) never gave up. There are some major surprises but a happy ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once they are on the cruise, things get interesting and you see a new side of Megan. I like that she (and her mother) never gave up. There are some major surprises but a happy ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2024
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I tore through this book at a rate of knots (pun intended). A 'forget' cruise gifted by her mum to Megan after a heartbreaking break-up turns out be something never to be forgotten.
The book is told from both Megan and her mother Michelle's perspective, adding so much emotion and desperation. The plot demonstrated the power of a mother's love and instinct to protect, at the same time delivering lessons about the terrible acts of trafficking. We see Megan discovering her own determination to survive and her transformation is totally believable.
This was a fast, enjoyable as well as educating story and is ideal for a bit of escapism.
One part of the ending did puzzle me a little but it didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I tore through this book at a rate of knots (pun intended). A 'forget' cruise gifted by her mum to Megan after a heartbreaking break-up turns out be something never to be forgotten.
The book is told from both Megan and her mother Michelle's perspective, adding so much emotion and desperation. The plot demonstrated the power of a mother's love and instinct to protect, at the same time delivering lessons about the terrible acts of trafficking. We see Megan discovering her own determination to survive and her transformation is totally believable.
This was a fast, enjoyable as well as educating story and is ideal for a bit of escapism.
One part of the ending did puzzle me a little but it didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
November 15, 2024
I finished reading Missing and can practically promise with every fiber of my being that I'll never set foot on a cruise ship again! Cooper-Burnett’s novel brought the reality of human trafficking to light, and the fact that a person can be kidnapped so quickly and easily is terrifying.
December 17, 2024
Just finished reading this book, and wow… okay:
This book is about Megan, a woman who was recently dumped by her fiancé 3 months before the wedding, the reason: she's boring and fearful of everything. Sure, maybe Megan doesn't enjoy skydiving or whitewater raft, and she takes many precautions for everything she does, but that does not make her boring and fearful of everything… does it? After the breakup, Megan is convinced to go on a one-week cruise vacation with her mother and her mother's best friend, to forget about the breakup and try to move on. Unfortunately, no one expected that going to the "cruise to forget" would actually end up with Megan being kidnapped and about to be sold into sex trafficking. Now is up to Megan and her very protective mother to do something about that before she goes missing forever.
As soon as I read a description of the book, I knew it would be my type of book, and I was right. This book was catching from the start, and I couldn't wait to get to (what I thought would be) the most exciting part: Megan on the cruise, about to be kidnapped. I wanted to read it all as soon as possible, so no wonder I finished this book in less than a day!
The book, as I mentioned, captures you from the start, the chapters are short and the book plot doesn't drag out— it's quite fast-paced, which is what made my reading quite enjoyable—, there's dual POVs! And there are many plot twists, some I saw coming and some I didn't.
The other POV really caught me off guard and was a nice surprise!
I love how well Megan and her mother know each other, and how protective and caring they are for the other.
I will admit it, I'm not ashamed: I found the man who kidnapped Megan attractive from the start—which of course was the idea—, but him being the kidnapper made him even more attractive to me… and he might have been one of the reasons that made me want to read the book in the first place. But, he became less attractive to me towards the end, though I still enjoyed every time he was mentioned.
This book was quite a roller-coaster.
I do think that the writing could be better, but hey, it did not stop me from enjoying this book!
So, here I am… leaving this review voluntarily after receiving an advance review copy for free.
Don't be afraid to give this book a chance!
This book is about Megan, a woman who was recently dumped by her fiancé 3 months before the wedding, the reason: she's boring and fearful of everything. Sure, maybe Megan doesn't enjoy skydiving or whitewater raft, and she takes many precautions for everything she does, but that does not make her boring and fearful of everything… does it? After the breakup, Megan is convinced to go on a one-week cruise vacation with her mother and her mother's best friend, to forget about the breakup and try to move on. Unfortunately, no one expected that going to the "cruise to forget" would actually end up with Megan being kidnapped and about to be sold into sex trafficking. Now is up to Megan and her very protective mother to do something about that before she goes missing forever.
As soon as I read a description of the book, I knew it would be my type of book, and I was right. This book was catching from the start, and I couldn't wait to get to (what I thought would be) the most exciting part: Megan on the cruise, about to be kidnapped. I wanted to read it all as soon as possible, so no wonder I finished this book in less than a day!
The book, as I mentioned, captures you from the start, the chapters are short and the book plot doesn't drag out— it's quite fast-paced, which is what made my reading quite enjoyable—, there's dual POVs! And there are many plot twists, some I saw coming and some I didn't.
The other POV really caught me off guard and was a nice surprise!
I love how well Megan and her mother know each other, and how protective and caring they are for the other.
I will admit it, I'm not ashamed: I found the man who kidnapped Megan attractive from the start—which of course was the idea—, but him being the kidnapper made him even more attractive to me… and he might have been one of the reasons that made me want to read the book in the first place. But, he became less attractive to me towards the end, though I still enjoyed every time he was mentioned.
This book was quite a roller-coaster.
I do think that the writing could be better, but hey, it did not stop me from enjoying this book!
So, here I am… leaving this review voluntarily after receiving an advance review copy for free.
Don't be afraid to give this book a chance!
December 5, 2024
This was a nice surprise for me because I was on the edge of my seat from dusk until dawn, wondering how this suspenseful tale of a daughter and her mom, along with her mother’s best friend, on a cruise from the innards of idiocy and danger would work for me since it isn’t a typical genre I would read. The characters amazed me, especially the tenacious mother-daughter duo who persevered despite the horrors they faced. The plot was fascinating, and the characters believable, but how could the mother have been so stupid about her best friend’s criminal activities? How did the mother not question how her best friend could afford to take two cruises a month? But Christy Cooper-Burnett pulled off a sometimes-unbelievable tale with grand style and some spellbinding edge-of-your-seat thrills that kept me reading all night long. So put on the kettle, grab some snacks, and you will enjoy this book if you like suspense and one plot twist after another. Hookey yes. Infuriating characters, yes, but a book that was entertaining and well-written. Five stars, hands down.
I want to thank Book Sirens, the author, and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this free ARC. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
I want to thank Book Sirens, the author, and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this free ARC. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
November 2, 2024
Missing is a very quick read about a young woman on a cruise with her mother who gets abducted to be sold into sex trafficking. The narrators alternate between Megan and her mother, which helps provide different perspectives once Megan is abducted.
Overall, it was entertaining but there were several parts that were too convenient - overheard information, confessions, etc. I think the author could have imparted this info to both the reader and the characters in a less obvious way. Megan is also made to be a very anxious person but she doesn't come across as such for the majority of the book.
The conclusion is also a bit too pondering. I think the author could tighten it up a bit.
Missing sheds light on the international issue of sex trafficking, so hopefully it will educate more people. I personally didn't know the statistics for cruise line involvement.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, it was entertaining but there were several parts that were too convenient - overheard information, confessions, etc. I think the author could have imparted this info to both the reader and the characters in a less obvious way. Megan is also made to be a very anxious person but she doesn't come across as such for the majority of the book.
The conclusion is also a bit too pondering. I think the author could tighten it up a bit.
Missing sheds light on the international issue of sex trafficking, so hopefully it will educate more people. I personally didn't know the statistics for cruise line involvement.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2024
The cruise was supposed to be a relaxing getaway from the recent stresses in her life, but turned into a nightmare for Megan when she was kidnapped by sex traffickers on the ship. Her mother is forced to organize the search and rescue on her own when an indifferent crew refuses to help find Megan. The story alternates between the viewpoints of the mother and daughter, highlighting the desperation each faces as time is running out. Mother and daughter are forced to break all the rules in order to survive in this fast paced thriller filled with themes of betrayal and redemption. If you’re looking to escape from the real world for a few hours, grab a copy of this novel.
January 7, 2025
I really liked the premise of this book and enjoyed the pacing of it. There were a couple of twists that I saw coming but I still enjoyed how they played out.
I personally felt like some of the ending could have been fleshed out a bit more as it was wrapped up quite quickly but only because I would have liked to have read more about some of the other characters involved.
For me, the very final few paragraphs, although light hearted and well intended, seemed a little out of place and potentially unnecessary.
Overall, I found it an easy read and captivating enough that I read it in one sitting.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
I personally felt like some of the ending could have been fleshed out a bit more as it was wrapped up quite quickly but only because I would have liked to have read more about some of the other characters involved.
For me, the very final few paragraphs, although light hearted and well intended, seemed a little out of place and potentially unnecessary.
Overall, I found it an easy read and captivating enough that I read it in one sitting.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
December 26, 2024
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Megan and her mother, Michelle, are two incredibly tough women.
They go on a cruise together, along with Rochelle (mom’s friend), and things go unbelievably wrong. The story is told from Megan and Michelle’s viewpoint which added a lot of depth to the story. We got to see what they were both going through.
The characters were interesting, even the ones I didn’t like. I did guess that someone had a part in what happened before it was revealed.
Even though this is a work of fiction, it reinforced my decision to never go on a cruise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They go on a cruise together, along with Rochelle (mom’s friend), and things go unbelievably wrong. The story is told from Megan and Michelle’s viewpoint which added a lot of depth to the story. We got to see what they were both going through.
The characters were interesting, even the ones I didn’t like. I did guess that someone had a part in what happened before it was revealed.
Even though this is a work of fiction, it reinforced my decision to never go on a cruise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2024
The level of greed that fueled this operation was disgusting and made me heartsick. Greed has no conscience or morals. Greed begets more greed. These kinds of stories always leave me feeling empty. I felt less so because of the ending and resolution. Trafficking is such a far reaching crime that affects more than the victims. It has a ripple effect which is far reaching. I was happy the author included therapy at the end. It can help one move forward in life and process it all. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
September 13, 2025
sUCH A GOOD BOOK
Just enough excitement to make you wanna keep reading. and gave HOPE to even some of us who are quiet and maybe a little boring that if things got dangerous, we could step up to the plate and shave ourselves, and we could overpower evil and bad guys if we had to. it gave me hope that even if you don’t carry a gun, you have a chance to escape danger. The book was an easy read and a fast read, and I love books with happy satisfying, complete endings.. thank you very much for such a fun book to read
Just enough excitement to make you wanna keep reading. and gave HOPE to even some of us who are quiet and maybe a little boring that if things got dangerous, we could step up to the plate and shave ourselves, and we could overpower evil and bad guys if we had to. it gave me hope that even if you don’t carry a gun, you have a chance to escape danger. The book was an easy read and a fast read, and I love books with happy satisfying, complete endings.. thank you very much for such a fun book to read
November 6, 2024
This was a quick, enjoyable read. I would say it's light hearted, although there are some very serious, real-world issues involved. This is a beach/by the pool read as there are too many convenient events which wrap things up and with the main character growing in a positive way. The 'twist' was obvious - I knew it right away when the mother's friend was preoccupied with her phone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2024
I love a good cruise but this is absolutely one I wouldn't want to experience.
Missing is easy to get into, the prologue starts with her abduction which immediately makes you wonder how and why. I don't want to give any spoilers but I was very surprised with the why and how deeply imbedded the situation was and especially the head honcho!
Thank you BookSirens and Christy Cooper-Burnett for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
Missing is easy to get into, the prologue starts with her abduction which immediately makes you wonder how and why. I don't want to give any spoilers but I was very surprised with the why and how deeply imbedded the situation was and especially the head honcho!
Thank you BookSirens and Christy Cooper-Burnett for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
December 6, 2024
This was a good, quick read.
The storyline was interesting. I had never heard of, or thought about, human/sex trafficking on cruise lines. I would have liked more detail about that.
I wasn't really a fan of Megan's mother in the beginning, but admired her tenacity later in the story.
I feel that the story was wrapped up too neatly and easily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The storyline was interesting. I had never heard of, or thought about, human/sex trafficking on cruise lines. I would have liked more detail about that.
I wasn't really a fan of Megan's mother in the beginning, but admired her tenacity later in the story.
I feel that the story was wrapped up too neatly and easily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2025
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Megan is reported missing on a cruise and her Mom must unravel the mystery of what happened.
Whilst I enjoyed the plot of this book, I did struggle with some of the narrative. It felt as if the writer was telling the audience everything and the dialogue was at times, amateurish. I enjoyed the overall storyline, despite being obvious and the eventual conclusions.
Megan is reported missing on a cruise and her Mom must unravel the mystery of what happened.
Whilst I enjoyed the plot of this book, I did struggle with some of the narrative. It felt as if the writer was telling the audience everything and the dialogue was at times, amateurish. I enjoyed the overall storyline, despite being obvious and the eventual conclusions.
February 2, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. This was a quick, entertaining read about a vacation gone really wrong. The twists were pretty predictable, but it was fast-paced and easy to read. I wouldn't call it a light read because of the trafficking plot, but it was fun in a way and held my attention. It was the kind of book that made me feel like I was reading a Lifetime movie.
I read an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All comments are my own.
I read an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All comments are my own.
September 25, 2025
Really good story
This book was an easy read, covering some subjects that were very un appealing and tragic. A mother encourages her daughter to go on vacation with her, to go on a cruise to Mexico. The daughter has just broken up with her boyfriend or rather he just broke up with her and is going to marry someone else.So they go on a cruise together with the mother, the mother’s best friend and the daughter.
This book was an easy read, covering some subjects that were very un appealing and tragic. A mother encourages her daughter to go on vacation with her, to go on a cruise to Mexico. The daughter has just broken up with her boyfriend or rather he just broke up with her and is going to marry someone else.So they go on a cruise together with the mother, the mother’s best friend and the daughter.
November 22, 2024
Fast paced, jaw dropping, family tragedy. I wouldn't call it a mystery or thriller but a book that has you question a few things and engages your mind. There was one relationship in the book that I would have loved more of a backstory. Details to understand the why.
Highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! Definitely hooked me pretty quickly. I will say I figured out where it was going early on, but not to the extent it went. Not to give any spoilers, but it goes to show you may never truly know someone. Also love the strong female figures created in this - the good and the bad. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2024
Imagine your worst nightmare coming true, when you’re just trying to relax on vacation! Cooper-Burnett creates the perfect scenario, but the players and actions involved are completely unexpected. The writing itself is detailed and the plot adventurous, I enjoyed this one and would recommend for a light mystery that keeps you involved.
I received an arc from BookSirens for an honest review.
I received an arc from BookSirens for an honest review.
September 17, 2025
Immature Woman
What didn't make this book plausible for me was how immature the main character was in this book. Sure, she finally became gutsy at the end, but in today's world the immature version would be eaten alive. I mainly skimmed through this book, because there was too much unnecessary detail.
What didn't make this book plausible for me was how immature the main character was in this book. Sure, she finally became gutsy at the end, but in today's world the immature version would be eaten alive. I mainly skimmed through this book, because there was too much unnecessary detail.
September 24, 2025
5 out of 5 stars!!
I throughly enjoyed reading this book..the writer kept the reader pulled in to the story because it is relatable to reality people do disappear everyday into human trafficking the ending was perfect I most definitely recommend reading this am looking forward to read more writing of Christy Cooper-Burnett
I throughly enjoyed reading this book..the writer kept the reader pulled in to the story because it is relatable to reality people do disappear everyday into human trafficking the ending was perfect I most definitely recommend reading this am looking forward to read more writing of Christy Cooper-Burnett
October 25, 2024
Convinced that danger is lurking everywhere she goes, introverted Megan must conquer her fear of the unknown in order to avoid a brutal future as a trafficked woman. You’ll think twice about booking your next getaway after reading this harrowing tale of a perfect vacation gone horribly wrong!
November 8, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. This was not a revolutionary storyline, and I figured out 'whodunnit' very quickly, but it was still a fun, quick read. I was terrified of cruise ships before reading this book and I'm no less scared of them now!
December 12, 2024
A luxury cruise to Mexico with her mother and her mother's best friend forces recently jilted Megan way out of her comfort zone. Spending time with a good-looking man she meets on board might be just what she needs to mend her broken heart, provided she can survive the voyage! Highly recommended!
December 17, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. This book was truly a nail biter but I enjoyed every word. I will NEVER go on a cruise now because of this book but I do look forward to reading more from this author.
December 28, 2024
I think this book provides really important insight into human trafficking and how very tragically rampant it still is all throughout our world. I was glued to it as it was fast paced and I kept needing to know what will happen. The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking but overall good read.
September 16, 2025
New to me Author, now a favorite!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down, and felt as if I held my breath throughout. I'll be one-clicking another book from this Author soon after posting this review.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down, and felt as if I held my breath throughout. I'll be one-clicking another book from this Author soon after posting this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews