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The Disappearing Season
A slow-burn suspense that builds to a breathtaking thriller.
A kindergarten teacher’s escape to Far North Queensland turns deadly when her ex tracks her down just as Australia’s largest-ever cyclone smashes onto shore. A thrilling, suspenseful tale of vulnerability and strength.
In the dripping heat of a rainforest town in Far North Queensland, Georgia Wright has finally exhaled. Her new life, nannying for a dysfunctional but endearing family, is the perfect escape from her bleak past. Until the text messages start. Georgia won’t go back to him. Not this time. Not ever. But staying means putting this family at risk. As a storm brews within her conscience, a deadly cyclone builds offshore – a foreshadowing of a betrayal as cruel as the oppressive wet season. Now Georgia’s new-found family bonds are unravelling as she faces her vengeful ex and the fury of Cyclone Yasi.
If you liked Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train", Jane Harper's "The Dry" or Nancy Price's "Sleeping with the Enemy", you'll enjoy this domestic suspense set in the tropics of Far North Queensland.
A kindergarten teacher’s escape to Far North Queensland turns deadly when her ex tracks her down just as Australia’s largest-ever cyclone smashes onto shore. A thrilling, suspenseful tale of vulnerability and strength.
In the dripping heat of a rainforest town in Far North Queensland, Georgia Wright has finally exhaled. Her new life, nannying for a dysfunctional but endearing family, is the perfect escape from her bleak past. Until the text messages start. Georgia won’t go back to him. Not this time. Not ever. But staying means putting this family at risk. As a storm brews within her conscience, a deadly cyclone builds offshore – a foreshadowing of a betrayal as cruel as the oppressive wet season. Now Georgia’s new-found family bonds are unravelling as she faces her vengeful ex and the fury of Cyclone Yasi.
If you liked Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train", Jane Harper's "The Dry" or Nancy Price's "Sleeping with the Enemy", you'll enjoy this domestic suspense set in the tropics of Far North Queensland.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2024
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 28, 2024
Georgia Wright is running away. She is determined to escape her emotionally controlling boyfriend and start a new life. Aided by her sister Katie, she gets on a plane and ends up in a remote town in North Queensland. She lands a nanny job for a local highflying uptight businessman Daniel Moretti, looking after his ten-year-old daughter, Reilly – who is not a bad kid, but struggling with the emotional issues as a child of divorced parents.
Daniel’s ex-wife Cynthia is suitably dislikeable, using the child as a means of controlling her ex-husband and sneering her way through the story in a very satisfying way. Daniel loves his daughter but is constantly in business mode and isn’t as available as much as he should be.
The housekeeper, Margie, is a caring but no-nonsense woman in her early fifties, running the house with military precision. But she welcomes Georgia with open arms and is the best source of information from Reilly’s mum Cynthia who is a ‘cow’, to Reilly who is ‘deep waters like her Dad but watch what you say around her. She has big ears.’
Throughout the story, flashbacks occur to Georgia’s previous life and the pictures of her past life become increasingly more disturbing. This is a clever technique by author Cienna Collins, mirroring the way controlling relationships embed themselves over time until it is almost too late to leave. Almost.
Georgia is a down-to-earth, slightly awkward young woman who, having found the strength to leave, isn’t going back to being someone’s doormat. Soon after starting her job, she discovers Daniel has a health issue which could be of concern but does bring them closer together, Georgia works hard to win over Reilly although it isn’t easy. Previous Nannies haven’t tried to help the 10-year-old have a childhood, and it's nice to watch the developing relationship between Georgia and Reilly. The drama from the ex-wife Cynthia is enjoyable, after all, you've got to have a villain. And in this story, there are a couple of villains, which makes it all the more interesting. Georgia’s ex does rear his dastardly head but I’m not going to divulge details, suffice to say there are some heart-stopping moments. And there is a nice twist at the end.
The Disappearing Season is a page-turner. A well-paced story with drama, humour and a bit of romance. Highly recommended.
Daniel’s ex-wife Cynthia is suitably dislikeable, using the child as a means of controlling her ex-husband and sneering her way through the story in a very satisfying way. Daniel loves his daughter but is constantly in business mode and isn’t as available as much as he should be.
The housekeeper, Margie, is a caring but no-nonsense woman in her early fifties, running the house with military precision. But she welcomes Georgia with open arms and is the best source of information from Reilly’s mum Cynthia who is a ‘cow’, to Reilly who is ‘deep waters like her Dad but watch what you say around her. She has big ears.’
Throughout the story, flashbacks occur to Georgia’s previous life and the pictures of her past life become increasingly more disturbing. This is a clever technique by author Cienna Collins, mirroring the way controlling relationships embed themselves over time until it is almost too late to leave. Almost.
Georgia is a down-to-earth, slightly awkward young woman who, having found the strength to leave, isn’t going back to being someone’s doormat. Soon after starting her job, she discovers Daniel has a health issue which could be of concern but does bring them closer together, Georgia works hard to win over Reilly although it isn’t easy. Previous Nannies haven’t tried to help the 10-year-old have a childhood, and it's nice to watch the developing relationship between Georgia and Reilly. The drama from the ex-wife Cynthia is enjoyable, after all, you've got to have a villain. And in this story, there are a couple of villains, which makes it all the more interesting. Georgia’s ex does rear his dastardly head but I’m not going to divulge details, suffice to say there are some heart-stopping moments. And there is a nice twist at the end.
The Disappearing Season is a page-turner. A well-paced story with drama, humour and a bit of romance. Highly recommended.
October 21, 2024
A steamy - literally - suspenseful story set in Far North Queensland. The protagonist Georgia, a kindergarten teacher, is running for her life from her ex fiance. He, Andreas, is a narcissist, a violent controller and a thug.
With the collusion of her sister Kate, Georgia flies from Melbourne to Cairns with nothing much more than the clothes she's wearing. She has to find a job and lands one as a nanny. She will be the nanny to 10 year old Reilly and will live-in with her charge, and the girl's father, the mysterious Daniel Moretti. Their house is high on a hill overlooking the Pacific ocean and is a luxe abode. Georgia has no housework or cooking to do, that's taken care of by the housekeeper, Margie.
A monster cyclone develops and threatens the area.
There's a great opening. Dread is already in the air with the description of the climate and oppressiveness, and the undercurrent of DV and control. There are helpful descriptions to assist the reader with the different types of control, but it's subtle, not a prescriptive list.
I enjoyed the shift from present to past in the chapters.
I thought the writing was clever, and it was always accessible. I loved the use of onomatopoeia. The earthy elements of timber and stone were a constant: the entry door, Daniel’s eyes, chipping away at rock, Andreas undermining Georgia’s bedrock. I also liked the digs at consumerism.
Cienna Collins describes fragility, and the worrying hovering feeling of impermanence. Yet she also describes the tangible: the environment and activities such as snorkelling with aplomb - and humour.
On top of all that, it was a page-turner! I was up until far too late one night because I wanted to finish it! I really look forward to the sequel.
With the collusion of her sister Kate, Georgia flies from Melbourne to Cairns with nothing much more than the clothes she's wearing. She has to find a job and lands one as a nanny. She will be the nanny to 10 year old Reilly and will live-in with her charge, and the girl's father, the mysterious Daniel Moretti. Their house is high on a hill overlooking the Pacific ocean and is a luxe abode. Georgia has no housework or cooking to do, that's taken care of by the housekeeper, Margie.
A monster cyclone develops and threatens the area.
There's a great opening. Dread is already in the air with the description of the climate and oppressiveness, and the undercurrent of DV and control. There are helpful descriptions to assist the reader with the different types of control, but it's subtle, not a prescriptive list.
I enjoyed the shift from present to past in the chapters.
I thought the writing was clever, and it was always accessible. I loved the use of onomatopoeia. The earthy elements of timber and stone were a constant: the entry door, Daniel’s eyes, chipping away at rock, Andreas undermining Georgia’s bedrock. I also liked the digs at consumerism.
Cienna Collins describes fragility, and the worrying hovering feeling of impermanence. Yet she also describes the tangible: the environment and activities such as snorkelling with aplomb - and humour.
On top of all that, it was a page-turner! I was up until far too late one night because I wanted to finish it! I really look forward to the sequel.
October 20, 2024
This is a complete story with no holes or irregularities in the plot. The characters are very believable (unfortunately) and the locations are razor-accurate to life.
It is a compulsive read from the first page to the last.
A great read!
It is a compulsive read from the first page to the last.
A great read!
November 4, 2024
A high paced novel that kept me turning the pages quickly. The setting in Far North Queensland with all its wildness added a tension to this novel as the protagonist tries to from her ex and reinvent her life. Well done Cienna! Lovers of domestic thrillers will love this one.
October 4, 2024
Awesome book. It holds your attention the whole way through with a great storyline, and has you questioning who has caused the problems for the main character. Tied in with a storyline which is all too prevalent in today's society and then a massive cyclone, this book will leave you hardpressed to put it down until you have finished. Well done Cienna and maybe there can be a sequel to this one at some stage?? Would love to know what happens to the characters in a few years time.
October 3, 2024
Mary Higgins Clark meets Far North Queensland! Georgia is a young woman escaping her abuser, while inadvertently inviting another into her life. Now, the threat of violence involves a child that she's come to care about as well. A cyclone isn't the only twist in this tale, which will keep you turning the pages until the breathtaking climax.
October 4, 2024
I found this book captivating! Lots of twists that kept me puzzled wanting to see how the story ends! It didn’t disappoint! I would definitely recommend it to read!!!
October 23, 2024
OH MY GOODNESSSSSS! This was brilliant. The story of a woman escaping her abuser and how she finds herself, new friends, a family and freedom. Mix this with tragedy, a decent dose of karma, a devastating cyclone and lots of suspense and you have this incredible story. This is an Australian novel based near Cairns in Far North Queensland. I can’t fault this book. I was hooked from the beginning and I enjoyed the entire story.
I am thankful and happy that I had the opportunity and pleasure to read this advance copy.
I am thankful and happy that I had the opportunity and pleasure to read this advance copy.
October 12, 2024
Cienna Collins' "The Disappearing Season" is a captivating tale of escape, resilience, and new beginnings. Georgia, fleeing an abusive relationship in Melbourne, finds an opportunity to reinvent herself in a small town in Far North Queensland. As she navigates her new life as a nanny for a wealthy, newly-divorced father, she grapples with deep-seated trust issues and the threat of her ex-partner's reappearance, which creates a constant undercurrent of suspense and tension.
I loved Cienna Collins' vivid writing style and was quickly immersed in Georgia's world, exploring themes of fear, courage, vulnerability, and the power of human connection. The unexpected twists and turns kept the story engaging from start to finish, and the ending cleverly invited me to draw my own conclusion while hinting at the potential for a sequel.
If you enjoy a thriller with well-developed characters, a touch of mystery and a hint of romance, "The Disappearing Season" is a must-read.
I loved Cienna Collins' vivid writing style and was quickly immersed in Georgia's world, exploring themes of fear, courage, vulnerability, and the power of human connection. The unexpected twists and turns kept the story engaging from start to finish, and the ending cleverly invited me to draw my own conclusion while hinting at the potential for a sequel.
If you enjoy a thriller with well-developed characters, a touch of mystery and a hint of romance, "The Disappearing Season" is a must-read.
October 15, 2024
Any one who has experienced the fear, guilt and shame that being in an abusive relationship brings, will empathise with Georgia Wright whose well planned escape from Melbourne to FNQ goes haywire.
When a local recruiter sends her to a “cushy” nanny job in an idyllic tropical location by the beach, all starts well….a helpful housekeeper, a smart, ten year old girl having trouble dealing with her parent’s split and a dishy employer who works away a lot and has a mysterious medical condition.
When it appears that she is receiving text messages from her ex, fear and suspicion descends. Is someone betraying her trust and putting her life and others at risk? Added to the mix, a whopper of a cyclone is looming….Yasi. Those of us who lived up north during this time saw the devastation wreaked upon certain communities and the long lasting effects on infrastructure, psyches and the natural environment. Can Georgia protect herself and those she has come to care about from the danger that swirls around her.
This is a ripper of a novel, fast paced and with a few twists and turns. The ending is heart stopping and I would actually love a follow up novel to see what happens next! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a local recruiter sends her to a “cushy” nanny job in an idyllic tropical location by the beach, all starts well….a helpful housekeeper, a smart, ten year old girl having trouble dealing with her parent’s split and a dishy employer who works away a lot and has a mysterious medical condition.
When it appears that she is receiving text messages from her ex, fear and suspicion descends. Is someone betraying her trust and putting her life and others at risk? Added to the mix, a whopper of a cyclone is looming….Yasi. Those of us who lived up north during this time saw the devastation wreaked upon certain communities and the long lasting effects on infrastructure, psyches and the natural environment. Can Georgia protect herself and those she has come to care about from the danger that swirls around her.
This is a ripper of a novel, fast paced and with a few twists and turns. The ending is heart stopping and I would actually love a follow up novel to see what happens next! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2024
I was amazed by how completely swept up I was by The Disappearing Season - haven't put the rest of life on hold like that for years! While the story always keeps its authentic feel, the pace never slackens as Georgia, on the run from her violent partner Andreas, struggles with an abrupt transition to north Queensland and tries to find the right balance in new relationships between openness and reticence, knowing that Andreas will be hunting down clues to where she is hiding. The tension rises to pitch point when Cyclone Yasi's destruction is mirrored in unpalatable revelations as Georgia's past and present lives collide.
October 13, 2024
Loved The Disappearing Season, couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. The suspense kept my attention and kept me wanting to read on and know what was going to happen and who really was to blame for it all. Loved watching the relationship between Georgia & Reilly grow throughout the book.
If you are a DV survivor in anyway, please read the trigger warnings. Loved the storyline and loved being able to read something by an Aussie Author!
If you are a DV survivor in anyway, please read the trigger warnings. Loved the storyline and loved being able to read something by an Aussie Author!
November 4, 2024
What a wild ride of a story! Though The Disappearing Season was a little bit slow to start, once it had properly started, Georgia's story was hard to look away from. The struggles that Georgia faced on a daily basis - from the weather, from her past, from her present - were incredibly gripping. I was rooting for her right to the end of the book.
October 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was suspenseful, well-paced, and multi-faceted, with just a few red herrings thrown in so you wouldn't know who all the real baddies were until the very end. There were tears, there were laughs, there was hope.
October 24, 2024
Excellent book, had me hooked from the first page. There were a twists and turns that kept me guessing about what was actually going on. I enjoyed the writing style and the pace of the book. I would definitely read more from Cienna Collins.
October 15, 2024
Set against the backdrop of Cyclone Yasi, "The Disappearing Season" is a dramatic look at dealing with trauma and embracing new opportunities.
Georgia moves to Far North Queensland to escape an abusive relationship and becomes a nanny for the Moretti family, where she bonds with Daniel, his daughter Reilly, and their housekeeper Margie.
One of the highlights of this novel is the chapter structure: the present-day chapters in FNQ alternate with the "Andreas" chapters. These short sections detail - from Georgia's POV - the extent of Andreas' narcissism and control over her. These sections gradually unfold until Georgia has the courage to move on. These alternating chapters also gives the story a nice rhythm.
But it's the Yasi scenes that really make an impact. They build slowly - with the Category level increasing and news reports getting more urgent - until the cyclone hits.
The cyclone's impact feel terrifyingly real and will resonate with Queensland readers especially.
One part I appreciated was the
Georgia moves to Far North Queensland to escape an abusive relationship and becomes a nanny for the Moretti family, where she bonds with Daniel, his daughter Reilly, and their housekeeper Margie.
One of the highlights of this novel is the chapter structure: the present-day chapters in FNQ alternate with the "Andreas" chapters. These short sections detail - from Georgia's POV - the extent of Andreas' narcissism and control over her. These sections gradually unfold until Georgia has the courage to move on. These alternating chapters also gives the story a nice rhythm.
But it's the Yasi scenes that really make an impact. They build slowly - with the Category level increasing and news reports getting more urgent - until the cyclone hits.
The cyclone's impact feel terrifyingly real and will resonate with Queensland readers especially.
One part I appreciated was the
October 23, 2024
‘The Disappearing Season’ is a story that leaves a lasting mark, a tale so real that the reader is left with the memory of a lived experience. Cienna Collins takes an intricate phrase here, a colourful word there, and with a dab of the pen somehow brings each scene to vivid life – a rare talent.
This novel is a masterly portrayal of domestic violence and its consequences, the lasting hurt it causes and the ripple effect it can have on the most innocent and vulnerable.
This novel is a masterly portrayal of domestic violence and its consequences, the lasting hurt it causes and the ripple effect it can have on the most innocent and vulnerable.
November 5, 2024
Suspenseful storyline with a twist you will never see coming! The story kept getting better and better as it went on. Would have added another dimension to the story if Andreas’ viewpoint was also added in as another POV. Well written and descriptions were top notch.
January 26, 2025
A great read. I could feel the suspense of the impending cyclone and the menace of the violent ex-lover creeping up on me. A very easy read with just the right amount of desciptive threads woven throughout.
October 10, 2024
I’m only now just recovering enough to write a few words about this gripping and thrilling novel by Cienna Collins.
With the aid of her sister, Georgia Wright escapes the clutches of violent and controlling Andreas to Far North Queensland. There she manages to start a new life as a nanny to young Reilly whose father, kind-hearted Daniel has a few issues of his own. Together with housekeeper Margie the family quickly embraces her.
Georgia handles the dynamics of the household, a spiteful ex-wife and makes friends with Nayla. However, Andreas has other ideas about letting her go and when a full-scale cyclone looms things get very interesting.
Collins cleverly alternates the chapters with background snippets about Georgia’s life with Andreas and this creates a slow building tension from the beginning. Like Georgia, we the reader are never quite settled and relaxed with her new life. The relationships she builds with Daniel, Reilly and Margie are touching and engaging. Indeed, all the characters are well drawn. We are also privileged to be in Georgia's head feeling every bit of her uncertainty and insecurity making sure we never entirely relax.
The description of the tropics is vivid and I felt like I was there or maybe since I was in chilly Melbourne, I just wished I was there.
“The day’s torrid heat is yet to kick in and lift the overnight rain from the shrubs, drops large and glassy on russet and emerald leaves.”
The second half of the book is a heart-racer when things quickly spiral out of control as Georgia's races to survive in the middle of a violent and deadly tropical cyclone.
The writing is beautiful and this page-turner never lets you be. An excellent read and highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy and I leave this honest review voluntarily.
With the aid of her sister, Georgia Wright escapes the clutches of violent and controlling Andreas to Far North Queensland. There she manages to start a new life as a nanny to young Reilly whose father, kind-hearted Daniel has a few issues of his own. Together with housekeeper Margie the family quickly embraces her.
Georgia handles the dynamics of the household, a spiteful ex-wife and makes friends with Nayla. However, Andreas has other ideas about letting her go and when a full-scale cyclone looms things get very interesting.
Collins cleverly alternates the chapters with background snippets about Georgia’s life with Andreas and this creates a slow building tension from the beginning. Like Georgia, we the reader are never quite settled and relaxed with her new life. The relationships she builds with Daniel, Reilly and Margie are touching and engaging. Indeed, all the characters are well drawn. We are also privileged to be in Georgia's head feeling every bit of her uncertainty and insecurity making sure we never entirely relax.
The description of the tropics is vivid and I felt like I was there or maybe since I was in chilly Melbourne, I just wished I was there.
“The day’s torrid heat is yet to kick in and lift the overnight rain from the shrubs, drops large and glassy on russet and emerald leaves.”
The second half of the book is a heart-racer when things quickly spiral out of control as Georgia's races to survive in the middle of a violent and deadly tropical cyclone.
The writing is beautiful and this page-turner never lets you be. An excellent read and highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy and I leave this honest review voluntarily.
October 22, 2024
Take Georgia, an attractive young woman fleeing from her abusive partner, landing in tropical north Queensland, taking refuge as a nanny to a ten-year-old living with her father and a housekeeper—a dream job that is haunted by memories of her ex and fears of his finding her—a boss who is attractive, wealthy, with a mysterious affliction, stir it all and add Cyclone Yasi, and you have a deep, edgy plot with vivid characters and setting and a page-turning story.
Things I take away from this book: the horror of being trapped in an abusive relationship, the torture of trying to leave it, failing again and again, and perhaps having to go through a life and death struggle to end it. There are no winners in this, and every woman, child and man who goes through it knows there are no simple answers. The importance of love, caring, and honesty. And the simplicity of goodness. This last is brought home to me in Georgia’s reflection after the storm. She wakes to ‘the honeyed smell of the sprig of bright-yellow ylang-ylang on my pillow. Something good and innocent survived the storm.’
No punches are pulled in this story, and there is much damage. But at the end, there is the possibility of healing and growing again.
This is not Cienna Collins’ first book, and I’m sure there will be more. This book establishes her as a master of domestic noir.
October 26, 2024
Cienna Collins has masterfully combined some very real and personal experiences into this almost unbelievably suspenseful domestic noir...
The characters in the Queensland community in which protagonist Georgia finds herself after fleeing domestic violence are complex and relatable - readers, religious or not, will likely pray for happy outcomes for each of them.
The story provides - besides the suspense - some extremely relevant and contemporary social commentary, but absolutely nothing 'preachy' nor inapplicable to real life - only hints of some answers to life's little 'What if?' questions.
The Disappearing Season will leave an indelible impression, just as Cyclone Yasi did - a maelstrom of emotion and a ripping good read! (...for readers who like stories from Candace Fox and similar...)
[An ARC epub version of this book was provided for my voluntary, unbiased and unpaid review - I'm very happy to have been able to read this one!]
The characters in the Queensland community in which protagonist Georgia finds herself after fleeing domestic violence are complex and relatable - readers, religious or not, will likely pray for happy outcomes for each of them.
The story provides - besides the suspense - some extremely relevant and contemporary social commentary, but absolutely nothing 'preachy' nor inapplicable to real life - only hints of some answers to life's little 'What if?' questions.
The Disappearing Season will leave an indelible impression, just as Cyclone Yasi did - a maelstrom of emotion and a ripping good read! (...for readers who like stories from Candace Fox and similar...)
[An ARC epub version of this book was provided for my voluntary, unbiased and unpaid review - I'm very happy to have been able to read this one!]
October 31, 2024
The Disappearing Season by Australian author, Cienna Collins, is a gripping and suspense filled novel.
Georgia flees from her violent, abusive partner to take refuge in anonymity in Far North Queensland, Australia. She starts to build a new life while constantly watching her back and trying to cope with the trauma of domestic violence. Georgia is working as a Nanny, building new friendships, and a potential romantic interest with her boss, while living with the constant fear that her ex-partner will locate her. Meanwhile, a massive cyclone brews off the coast and is about to make landfall at a precarious time for Georgia.
Cienna’s descriptive writing immerses you into the environment of Far North Queensland and cleverly builds tension with the detail of the threatening cyclone, with the vivid descriptions making you feel like you are present with the characters.
The development of the plot through the flashback chapters about Georgia’s abusive partner are a highlight of this novel. These chapters paint a picture of how domestic violence unfolds, the reasons people stay in abusive relationships, and the complexities and risks of leaving the abuser.
An ending that will stay with me! Hoping there will be a sequel to this novel.
Georgia flees from her violent, abusive partner to take refuge in anonymity in Far North Queensland, Australia. She starts to build a new life while constantly watching her back and trying to cope with the trauma of domestic violence. Georgia is working as a Nanny, building new friendships, and a potential romantic interest with her boss, while living with the constant fear that her ex-partner will locate her. Meanwhile, a massive cyclone brews off the coast and is about to make landfall at a precarious time for Georgia.
Cienna’s descriptive writing immerses you into the environment of Far North Queensland and cleverly builds tension with the detail of the threatening cyclone, with the vivid descriptions making you feel like you are present with the characters.
The development of the plot through the flashback chapters about Georgia’s abusive partner are a highlight of this novel. These chapters paint a picture of how domestic violence unfolds, the reasons people stay in abusive relationships, and the complexities and risks of leaving the abuser.
An ending that will stay with me! Hoping there will be a sequel to this novel.
November 18, 2024
The Disappearing Season by Cienna Collins follows Georgia Wright, on the run from an abusive ex, as she re-establishes her life in Far North Queensland. She slowly blossoms in her new job as a nanny, despite the eccentricities of her new boss and her young charge, but all the while, she’s waiting for the past to catch up to her.
I loved Cienna’s vivid depiction of the beach town – its palm trees, pubs and quirky personalities posing a great counterpoint to the underlying threats of stingrays, crocodiles and cyclones. Her new family had a similar juxtaposition of warmth and prickles.
The underlying current of tension kept me turning the page, hoping Georgia would be able to withstand the inevitable confrontation to come. The buildup and climax were brilliantly done.
I can’t wait to see what Cienna does next.
I loved Cienna’s vivid depiction of the beach town – its palm trees, pubs and quirky personalities posing a great counterpoint to the underlying threats of stingrays, crocodiles and cyclones. Her new family had a similar juxtaposition of warmth and prickles.
The underlying current of tension kept me turning the page, hoping Georgia would be able to withstand the inevitable confrontation to come. The buildup and climax were brilliantly done.
I can’t wait to see what Cienna does next.
October 8, 2024
This book was a slow burn for me but I was soon drawn in by the mounting suspense. It’s hard not to become invested in the story of Georgia, a Melbourne woman trying to escape her violent ex partner by changing her identity and finding work as a nanny in the tropical north. She struggles to leave her trauma behind while supporting a family with their own scars. Worlds collide and the tension builds as Cyclone Yasi approaches the Queensland Coast, Georgia’s angry ex hunts her down, and she realises no one in her new life can be trusted. Georgia has to fight for her life and protect the little girl in her charge, as Cyclone Yasi hits hard. I enjoyed the details about the effects of Yasi, and the unusual slowly growing romance between Georgia and her boss.
November 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much. I like the slow building of suspense and was hoping for the best while expecting the worst for Georgia. The build up to the arrival of Cyclone Yasi added another element to the story.
There was a good mix of characters and personalities and I enjoyed the inclusion of characters like Davy and Bertie. Having visited the area, I think characters like these are realistic.
Georgia's brief flashbacks were very well done.
There were a number of typos in the copy I read, which I found distracting. At times there was half a word missing and that interrupted the good flow of the story sometimes.
Based on this book, I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a good mix of characters and personalities and I enjoyed the inclusion of characters like Davy and Bertie. Having visited the area, I think characters like these are realistic.
Georgia's brief flashbacks were very well done.
There were a number of typos in the copy I read, which I found distracting. At times there was half a word missing and that interrupted the good flow of the story sometimes.
Based on this book, I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2024
A very powerful read about a young woman who is trying to escape her brutal ex. She is a nanny for a family who she is helping when the messages start again but worse is to come in the form of a deadly cyclone. Now she needs to made a decision of what to do as she cannot bear to bring even more danger to this family. Follow her as she struggles to decide what is the best thing to do for them all
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it made me feel for everyone involved in this situation
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it made me feel for everyone involved in this situation
April 20, 2025
I devoured Disappearing Season in just six days. I simply couldn’t put it down. The author draws you into Georgie’s world, making you experience every bit of her confusion, vulnerability, pain, and anger — and her strength. The writing is incredibly vivid; having spent time in the tropics of Australia, I could practically smell the thick, humid air surrounding me as I read. A powerful, immersive read.
October 28, 2024
This book held my interest from the very first page. I read it in 2 sittings, a total of 7 hours.
The suspense did not let up. A well written book, with a handful of characters, where the story keeps moving forward, where the words paint a perfect picture in your mind as to what is taking place.
I highly recommend this book.
Cienna Collins, congratulations on a brilliant story.
The suspense did not let up. A well written book, with a handful of characters, where the story keeps moving forward, where the words paint a perfect picture in your mind as to what is taking place.
I highly recommend this book.
Cienna Collins, congratulations on a brilliant story.
November 2, 2024
This book was an exceptional read! The storytelling made me believe I was there in the middle of everything. Georgia was a brave woman who fought so hard for safety only to be betrayed by someone she considered a friend. In the end, it all worked out.
Hard to put down! Definitely recommend this book.
I was given an advanced copy from Hidden Gems Books.
Hard to put down! Definitely recommend this book.
I was given an advanced copy from Hidden Gems Books.
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