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People Don't Just Disappear
A BRAND NEW utterly gripping thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of Andrea Mara and Department Q. ‘Is he your little boy?'
‘No. No. He is not my boy. He’s your boy.’
When Bronagh opens her front door to find a child on her doorstep, crying for his mother, she follows him without question.
Twenty-four hours later, Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal returns to their home in Derry to discover the house empty. Bronagh has vanished.
At first, the police don’t take Mal seriously, but as the hours since Bronagh’s disappearance tick past, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a case of extreme ghosting. Something is wrong. Very wrong.
Because people don’t just vanish, and Bronagh may be in more danger than Mal could ever imagine.
Just where is Bronagh? And can they find her before it’s too late?
Praise for Claire
‘So skilfully and masterfully told, I was absolutely involved in these women's lives. It's just absolutely brilliant’ – JOHN MARRS
‘A lesson in story-telling... five stars from me’ – ANITA WALLER
'A brilliantly gripping, intense and highly addictive page turner that kept me guessing until the end. Loved it!' – DANIELLE RAMSAY
‘A story that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very last word’ – DIANE SAXON
'I absolutely loved it... heartbreakingly good' – VALERIE KEOGH
'Compelling, absorbing and totally addictive... a brilliant page-turner that hooks you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end' – bestselling author, NATASHA BOYDELL
'I was hooked from the beginning… I literally couldn’t put it down.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I was hooked from the very word go, and I genuinely spent 90% of the novel trying to puzzle together the pieces we had so carefully been given.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Was gripped from the beginning to the end! Absolutely loved this book.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Had me gripped from the first chapter until the very last. One of my favourite reads so far this year!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Gripping... pulls you in from the beginning and holds your attention until the very end. Suspenseful, thrilling, hard to put down.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I devoured this book as I didn't want to put it down... the plot twists had me shocked!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Absolutely tore through this book in one sitting!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️
‘No. No. He is not my boy. He’s your boy.’
When Bronagh opens her front door to find a child on her doorstep, crying for his mother, she follows him without question.
Twenty-four hours later, Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal returns to their home in Derry to discover the house empty. Bronagh has vanished.
At first, the police don’t take Mal seriously, but as the hours since Bronagh’s disappearance tick past, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a case of extreme ghosting. Something is wrong. Very wrong.
Because people don’t just vanish, and Bronagh may be in more danger than Mal could ever imagine.
Just where is Bronagh? And can they find her before it’s too late?
Praise for Claire
‘So skilfully and masterfully told, I was absolutely involved in these women's lives. It's just absolutely brilliant’ – JOHN MARRS
‘A lesson in story-telling... five stars from me’ – ANITA WALLER
'A brilliantly gripping, intense and highly addictive page turner that kept me guessing until the end. Loved it!' – DANIELLE RAMSAY
‘A story that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very last word’ – DIANE SAXON
'I absolutely loved it... heartbreakingly good' – VALERIE KEOGH
'Compelling, absorbing and totally addictive... a brilliant page-turner that hooks you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end' – bestselling author, NATASHA BOYDELL
'I was hooked from the beginning… I literally couldn’t put it down.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I was hooked from the very word go, and I genuinely spent 90% of the novel trying to puzzle together the pieces we had so carefully been given.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Was gripped from the beginning to the end! Absolutely loved this book.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Had me gripped from the first chapter until the very last. One of my favourite reads so far this year!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Gripping... pulls you in from the beginning and holds your attention until the very end. Suspenseful, thrilling, hard to put down.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I devoured this book as I didn't want to put it down... the plot twists had me shocked!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Absolutely tore through this book in one sitting!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2025
124 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 29, 2025
Gripping, tense, mysterious, and shocking! People Don't Just Disappear is the first book which I have read by Claire Allan, and I will be reading more of this author's books in the future! I enjoyed the mystery, the tension, the characters, and the plot.
Bronagh answered her door to find a little boy crying on her doorstep. He wants his mother and Bronagh goes with him to help him find her. Her boyfriend Mal returns from a business trip Twenty-four hours later and can't find her. A neighbor informs him that she saw their front door open and she went over to close it for them but has not seen his girlfriend. Where is she? Who was the lost little boy???
Mal is beyond worried and freaked out. It is not like Bronagh to leave without saying anything. Their relationship is solid. She is not ghosting him. The police don't take him seriously until a journalist decides to investigate Bronagh's disappearance. Then things get interesting.
People Don't Just Disappear proved to be a fast read which kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages!!!! I enjoyed the tension, suspense, and dread in this book. There is danger lurking around every other corner, and I had my fingers crossed and hoped that someone - anyone would find Bronagh before it was too late!!!!!! I thought that Claire Allan did a great job of taking readers into the heads of her characters. I felt their reactions were believable, and I felt their fear, anxiety, and worry jumping off the pages.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, shocking, and tense!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Bronagh answered her door to find a little boy crying on her doorstep. He wants his mother and Bronagh goes with him to help him find her. Her boyfriend Mal returns from a business trip Twenty-four hours later and can't find her. A neighbor informs him that she saw their front door open and she went over to close it for them but has not seen his girlfriend. Where is she? Who was the lost little boy???
Mal is beyond worried and freaked out. It is not like Bronagh to leave without saying anything. Their relationship is solid. She is not ghosting him. The police don't take him seriously until a journalist decides to investigate Bronagh's disappearance. Then things get interesting.
People Don't Just Disappear proved to be a fast read which kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages!!!! I enjoyed the tension, suspense, and dread in this book. There is danger lurking around every other corner, and I had my fingers crossed and hoped that someone - anyone would find Bronagh before it was too late!!!!!! I thought that Claire Allan did a great job of taking readers into the heads of her characters. I felt their reactions were believable, and I felt their fear, anxiety, and worry jumping off the pages.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, shocking, and tense!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 8, 2025
This book starts off with a woman named Bronagh coming home from work. She’s just about to get into the shower when someone starts knocking at her door. She runs to see who it is, and is shocked to see a filthy little boy crying for his Mumma. He grabs her hand and she follows him…then disappears.
Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal is in London on business, but becomes worried when she wouldn’t answer her phone or respond to emails. It is unlike her to ignore message and calls, so he’s quite relieved when he gets home and her car is in the driveway. That relief is short-lived though, when he sees her purse and phone are also there, the shower is still running, but Bronagh is nowhere to be found.
He calls Shelley, his cousin and Bronagh’s best friend, then calls the police when she has no idea where Bronagh could be. The police blow him off, so he starts digging on his own. Their elderly neighbor says she hadn’t seen Bronagh in over a day, but that she did notice their front door was wide open and she closed it for them. That’s when Mal knows something really bad has happened. Through the help of a journalist, they finally get the police involved and they find doorbell footage of Bronagh running with the boy, but then they run out of frame.
The questions then become more complicated - who is the little boy, and why was Bronagh following him? Why did she leave the shower on and the front door open? The police always look to the significant other first; did Mal have anything to do with her disappearance? You’ll find out the answers in chapters about Bronagh, and it’s GOOD! This was an extremely suspenseful page turner and quick read that I’m giving four stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Claire Allen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 29, 2025.)
Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal is in London on business, but becomes worried when she wouldn’t answer her phone or respond to emails. It is unlike her to ignore message and calls, so he’s quite relieved when he gets home and her car is in the driveway. That relief is short-lived though, when he sees her purse and phone are also there, the shower is still running, but Bronagh is nowhere to be found.
He calls Shelley, his cousin and Bronagh’s best friend, then calls the police when she has no idea where Bronagh could be. The police blow him off, so he starts digging on his own. Their elderly neighbor says she hadn’t seen Bronagh in over a day, but that she did notice their front door was wide open and she closed it for them. That’s when Mal knows something really bad has happened. Through the help of a journalist, they finally get the police involved and they find doorbell footage of Bronagh running with the boy, but then they run out of frame.
The questions then become more complicated - who is the little boy, and why was Bronagh following him? Why did she leave the shower on and the front door open? The police always look to the significant other first; did Mal have anything to do with her disappearance? You’ll find out the answers in chapters about Bronagh, and it’s GOOD! This was an extremely suspenseful page turner and quick read that I’m giving four stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Claire Allen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 29, 2025.)
November 9, 2025
Claire Allan is one of my goes to authors and with the blurb and title of this book I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
Bronagh has just come home from work and is just about to have a shower before she starts packing for upcoming holiday with her boyfriend Mal. When she gets a knock on the door to find a small about 6 years old crying Mumma as she opens the door. The little boy is quite dirty and a little thin. He grabs her hand, so Bronagh decides to follow him in the direction of the wood. But the Bronagh disappears.
The following day, Mal comes home after being in London to find the flat empty, the shower sill running but Bronagh is no where to be seen. Mal contacts the Police but at first, they don’t do anything until he meet investigative journo Ingrid who with her help and Police find out what happened to Bronagh.
This is another fabulous read from Claire Allan. It is dark and twisty and kept me guessing until the small hours of the morning. I loved it. 5 stars from me.
Bronagh has just come home from work and is just about to have a shower before she starts packing for upcoming holiday with her boyfriend Mal. When she gets a knock on the door to find a small about 6 years old crying Mumma as she opens the door. The little boy is quite dirty and a little thin. He grabs her hand, so Bronagh decides to follow him in the direction of the wood. But the Bronagh disappears.
The following day, Mal comes home after being in London to find the flat empty, the shower sill running but Bronagh is no where to be seen. Mal contacts the Police but at first, they don’t do anything until he meet investigative journo Ingrid who with her help and Police find out what happened to Bronagh.
This is another fabulous read from Claire Allan. It is dark and twisty and kept me guessing until the small hours of the morning. I loved it. 5 stars from me.
December 3, 2025
It’s always exciting to read a book from an author you’ve never read before, especially when it’s a goodie. This had me wondering who it could be, and the reason for it right from beginning to end.
Bronagh is just about to get in the shower when there is a knock on the door. When she opens it, she finds a filthy looking little boy, in a panic, calling just one word “mumma”, and beckoning Bronagh to follow him. She rushes out of the house, leaving the door ajar, and her coat and phone inside…
Mal, comes home from a work trip to find that his girlfriend is not home, and her coat and phone have been left behind, and the shower still running. When he contacts the police, they basically fob him off, not taking him seriously. It’s only by luck, that he and his cousin Shelley, meet an investigative reporter called Ingrid, outside the police station. With her help, and eventually the police’, they search for answers, as to what has happened to Bronagh, and why she has suddenly disappeared without a trace.
This was suspenseful, gripping, and heartbreaking at times, and Claire Allan, has woven a great little page turner…I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: NOW!
Bronagh is just about to get in the shower when there is a knock on the door. When she opens it, she finds a filthy looking little boy, in a panic, calling just one word “mumma”, and beckoning Bronagh to follow him. She rushes out of the house, leaving the door ajar, and her coat and phone inside…
Mal, comes home from a work trip to find that his girlfriend is not home, and her coat and phone have been left behind, and the shower still running. When he contacts the police, they basically fob him off, not taking him seriously. It’s only by luck, that he and his cousin Shelley, meet an investigative reporter called Ingrid, outside the police station. With her help, and eventually the police’, they search for answers, as to what has happened to Bronagh, and why she has suddenly disappeared without a trace.
This was suspenseful, gripping, and heartbreaking at times, and Claire Allan, has woven a great little page turner…I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: NOW!
November 30, 2025
Review to follow nearer publication date.
I really enjoyed this book, having previously read other Claire Allan novels I was excited to read this one.
The story grabbed me from the off and I couldn’t imagine why this had happened to Bronagh. The story is quite unique and the pressure builds nicely. I couldn’t read it quickly enough. Once I realised what was happening I was shocked. An excellent book that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I really enjoyed this book, having previously read other Claire Allan novels I was excited to read this one.
The story grabbed me from the off and I couldn’t imagine why this had happened to Bronagh. The story is quite unique and the pressure builds nicely. I couldn’t read it quickly enough. Once I realised what was happening I was shocked. An excellent book that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 16, 2025
People Don’t Just Disappear by Claire Allen is aboutBronagh and Mal a young couple living in northern Ireland. she’s arriving home after getting her nails painted in preparation for their trip to Spain something they both been looking so forward to. When Mal gets home however she is nowhere to be found. All her belongings are still in the home including her cell phone this is when he calls her best friend and his cousin Shelly. They phoned the local constabulary and their told a car would arrive soon but no car is ever seen. This is when they go there in person and seems to get just as ignored. While outside catching some air he approaches a woman who looks like she either works there or is important enough to Help and her name is Ingrid. It turns out meeting the journalist Ingrid was a fortuitous action for Mal. because it isn’t long before their Johnny oned the spot ready to search for the missing woman and despite their initial slip up seems to be giving it their all. The only problem is Branagh has no enemies nor does she have children so why is it this man is insisting this little boy is her son and even the little boy is insisting it as well. There’s a woman there named Anna who she tries to help free her but for reason’s of Anna’s own refuses to and tells her just to comply and do what he says something the independent Branagh cannot bring herself to do and will suffer for it. Meanwhile the detectives are investigating everything even the accident and trauma the couple went through the year before. Who could have her and will Mal ever see her again? this was a really good read and one that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. It really talks about every little thing the cops look at when investigating a crime or a missing person and it also discusses mental illnesses that has many rippling effects. I thought this was a brilliant book well put together there were times I really wanted her to just comply and not rock the boat but then again I am not the author and I believe anything else would’ve lessened the book because I really enjoyed it. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#ClaireAllen, #PeopleDon’tJustDisappear,
December 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | People don’t just disappear! Or do they?? Bronagh’s mysterious disappearance peaked my interest early in the story. When a little boy shows up on her doorstep distraught & in tears, she is compelled to help! I’m sure she has no idea that this act of kindness would lead to her being kidnapped. When her boyfriend Mal returns from a business trip and notices she’s missing, his search begins and he’s faced with obstacles he can’t imagine.
I enjoyed the tension building that took place in this story! I had no idea what was happening nor the motive behind Bronagh’s disappearance, which added to the layer of suspense. Overall, a well written and enjoyable read! Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 11.29.25
I enjoyed the tension building that took place in this story! I had no idea what was happening nor the motive behind Bronagh’s disappearance, which added to the layer of suspense. Overall, a well written and enjoyable read! Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 11.29.25
November 15, 2025
This was a good story with a unique plot. Bronagh answers the door to a little boy asking for her help and the rest is a suspense filled roller coaster ride of a story. You get her perspective as well as that of her boyfriend Mal, who tries to convince the police that something is very wrong.
I thought all the main characters were believable in this one and there is some good suspense as you try to figure out what is really going on. The story also moves at a fast pace and isn’t repetitive. When the villain was revealed it all made total sense, though I hadn’t quite gotten there on my own. I liked the end and thought it tied up everything nicely.
Overall, this was a fun read with a cool premise and I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought all the main characters were believable in this one and there is some good suspense as you try to figure out what is really going on. The story also moves at a fast pace and isn’t repetitive. When the villain was revealed it all made total sense, though I hadn’t quite gotten there on my own. I liked the end and thought it tied up everything nicely.
Overall, this was a fun read with a cool premise and I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
4 stars for me.
Bronagh trying to help a small boy that end up on her doorstep,his mum is hurt and she rush to help.This is the last thing she remembers before waking up in strange house,and she's there now held against her will.She hopes her boyfriend Mal will know something happen once he's back from buisness trip,but will she survive this captivity with dangerous man who's very violent?
Who is this man and what he wants?
This book was a fast read,could not put it down until I know what will happen.I liked Bronagh,even in impossible situation she was thinking about the boy and her defiance was unbeatable.I also liked Mal,his love and worry for Bronagh was genuine and his flaws and struggles real.The tension was high and the ending perfect.My first thriller book by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Bronagh trying to help a small boy that end up on her doorstep,his mum is hurt and she rush to help.This is the last thing she remembers before waking up in strange house,and she's there now held against her will.She hopes her boyfriend Mal will know something happen once he's back from buisness trip,but will she survive this captivity with dangerous man who's very violent?
Who is this man and what he wants?
This book was a fast read,could not put it down until I know what will happen.I liked Bronagh,even in impossible situation she was thinking about the boy and her defiance was unbeatable.I also liked Mal,his love and worry for Bronagh was genuine and his flaws and struggles real.The tension was high and the ending perfect.My first thriller book by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
October 20, 2025
I was immediately drawn in by the premise of this book, a little boy appearing at Bronagh's front door crying for his mother...Bronagh understandably going with him trying to figure out what is going on....then Mal, Bronagh's partner coming home to find her missing.
This sets the book up for an enthralling, intriguing storyline and I did enjoy it.
However, I one minor quibble with the book in general and please don't read on if you want to avoid spoilers..........
The book is called People Don't Just Disappear with the tagline 'did she leave.....or was she taken?' I mean in Chapter 2, she is hit over the head and wakes up, tied up with a strange man keeping her captive in an unknown place. I am not Sherlock Holmes but I am going to going with 'she was taken'.
This sets the book up for an enthralling, intriguing storyline and I did enjoy it.
However, I one minor quibble with the book in general and please don't read on if you want to avoid spoilers..........
The book is called People Don't Just Disappear with the tagline 'did she leave.....or was she taken?' I mean in Chapter 2, she is hit over the head and wakes up, tied up with a strange man keeping her captive in an unknown place. I am not Sherlock Holmes but I am going to going with 'she was taken'.
December 12, 2025
Narrated by Allie Croker. Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 11-29-25
When Mal returns from the conference to his home in Derry, he discover the house empty and his girlfriend Bronagh missing. Mal and Bronagh were due to go to their holiday, so Mal can not understand why his girlfriend left so suddenly, leaving her phone, wallet and all her belongings behind. Just where is Bronagh? The police don't think that something has happened to her but they start searching. Can they find her before it’s too late?
Reader already knows from the synopsis that Bronagh followed some little boy who knocked on her door. After that she vanished. For me this story was boring, confusing, and all the jumping between different perspectives, made difficult to hook up with any of the characters. It was okay story but I didn't like that it lacked suspense, it was very strange and disjointed story.
I also didn't enjoy the performance. Sometimes it was difficult to understand what narrator was saying due to her accent, and she was kinda monotone. Like she was bored by what she was reading...
Release date: 11-29-25
When Mal returns from the conference to his home in Derry, he discover the house empty and his girlfriend Bronagh missing. Mal and Bronagh were due to go to their holiday, so Mal can not understand why his girlfriend left so suddenly, leaving her phone, wallet and all her belongings behind. Just where is Bronagh? The police don't think that something has happened to her but they start searching. Can they find her before it’s too late?
Reader already knows from the synopsis that Bronagh followed some little boy who knocked on her door. After that she vanished. For me this story was boring, confusing, and all the jumping between different perspectives, made difficult to hook up with any of the characters. It was okay story but I didn't like that it lacked suspense, it was very strange and disjointed story.
I also didn't enjoy the performance. Sometimes it was difficult to understand what narrator was saying due to her accent, and she was kinda monotone. Like she was bored by what she was reading...
December 30, 2025
Overall, I found this book very slow but I got through it, so that's good.
Mal was a hit like a soggy sock, I didn't like hima t all and felt the story would have literally been exactly the same without any of his chapters. Same with Ingrid, I didn't see the point of her or her pov. At this point, it felt like a novella stretched out to meet a novel word count by adding "meanwhile back at the ranch".
Mal was a hit like a soggy sock, I didn't like hima t all and felt the story would have literally been exactly the same without any of his chapters. Same with Ingrid, I didn't see the point of her or her pov. At this point, it felt like a novella stretched out to meet a novel word count by adding "meanwhile back at the ranch".
November 29, 2025
As soon as I had finished reading the prologue I knew without a doubt that this was 100% my type of read.
A completely gripping read that had my head in a spin at times. Bronagh has just arrived home and all she wants to do is take a hot shower and chill . She and her boyfriend Mal are off on holidays the following day and she is so looking forward to their much needed break away together. However a ring on her front doorbell is about to change everything . Claire Allan has yet again written another unputdownable thriller that will reel you in from the very start. The characters are well developed and it was great to be reacquainted with journalist Ingrid Devlin. Each chapter is told from the perspective of the three main characters, Bronagh, Mal and Ingrid. I found the chapters based on Bronagh’s ordeal particularly harrowing and the author has described everything so well. A fast paced read that had all the feels for me.
A completely gripping read that had my head in a spin at times. Bronagh has just arrived home and all she wants to do is take a hot shower and chill . She and her boyfriend Mal are off on holidays the following day and she is so looking forward to their much needed break away together. However a ring on her front doorbell is about to change everything . Claire Allan has yet again written another unputdownable thriller that will reel you in from the very start. The characters are well developed and it was great to be reacquainted with journalist Ingrid Devlin. Each chapter is told from the perspective of the three main characters, Bronagh, Mal and Ingrid. I found the chapters based on Bronagh’s ordeal particularly harrowing and the author has described everything so well. A fast paced read that had all the feels for me.
October 27, 2025
People Don’t Just Disappear
By: Claire Allan
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: November 29, 2025
This story is riveting, scary and made my head spin.
Bronagh is hoping for a quiet night, but when her doorbell rings and a child is standing there crying for his mother, she knows she has to help.
When Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal gets home he realizes Bronagh is NOT home and all her belongings including her purse and phone are at the house. Something is amiss. He gets the police involved, but he is not taken too seriously.
Soon what we discover is Bronagh is definitely in danger and this boy is just part of the mystery.
I will be looking for more of this authors work, because this psychological thriller had me hooked. You never have any idea what is really going on in peoples lives….
By: Claire Allan
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: November 29, 2025
This story is riveting, scary and made my head spin.
Bronagh is hoping for a quiet night, but when her doorbell rings and a child is standing there crying for his mother, she knows she has to help.
When Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal gets home he realizes Bronagh is NOT home and all her belongings including her purse and phone are at the house. Something is amiss. He gets the police involved, but he is not taken too seriously.
Soon what we discover is Bronagh is definitely in danger and this boy is just part of the mystery.
I will be looking for more of this authors work, because this psychological thriller had me hooked. You never have any idea what is really going on in peoples lives….
November 4, 2025
Bronagh is living her best life. She’s in a happy relationship with Mal, she has a great job & career, and she’s off pampering herself. Suddenly a young and distraught boy knocks on her door and leads her to a car where a woman is clearly in trouble. But Bronagh is knocked unconscious and disappears. Mal is distraught and feels the PSNI aren’t taking his Missing girlfriend’s case seriously . This brings him to the attention of Ingrid, a journalist, with a focus on how the police service is failing women when it comes to violence. But as Ingrid digs she discovers Mal is harbouring secrets. What role does Bronagh play in this? Who is this little boy and the man who has taken her. And how does Mals past feature? A gripping story told from 3x POV. Recommend. Thanks to author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review
November 28, 2025
This is a quick read that features Bronagh who hears a child screaming and is suddenly pulled into a strange car! Now in captivity, she has no idea why or where she is. But investigative journalist, Ingrid is on the case and determined to figure out what's going on. This one kept me reading long into the night but was well worth it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
October 23, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. (Book Version: Ebook)
Intense! I liked the mystery. It would have been a quick read if not for the degree of violence against women and the child abuse in this story. Not for me, but probably a gripping read for those who have less sensitivity to such subjects.
Intense! I liked the mystery. It would have been a quick read if not for the degree of violence against women and the child abuse in this story. Not for me, but probably a gripping read for those who have less sensitivity to such subjects.
November 29, 2025
People Don’t Just Disappear is an absolutely gripping thriller that held me from the opening page until the final lines of the epilogue. Claire Allan begins with a chilling and unforgettable premise. A young boy appears on Bronagh’s doorstep in distress. She follows him to try to help and by the time her partner Mal returns home she has vanished without a trace. What follows is a tense and emotional search for the truth told through multiple perspectives that bring the mystery to life in a vivid and unsettling way.
The pacing is fast and relentless which made the book almost impossible to put down. I loved how the shifting narratives allowed me to see the unfolding events from different angles. It made the story feel richer and more immersive and it deepened the emotional impact of every revelation. Bronagh’s chapters were particularly affecting. They carried a quiet strength and a sharp vulnerability that made them some of the most powerful moments in the novel.
Claire Allan does not shy away from the stark reality of violence against women. Although the story is fictional the author roots it in the very real and disturbing statistics surrounding this issue. She also raises important questions about how these cases are approached in the real world. This layer of truth made the story even more haunting and gave it emotional weight far beyond the central mystery.
The novel deals with dark themes and the darker side of human nature but it does so with care and intention. The tension is constant and at times intense enough that I found myself pacing while reading. I felt every emotion Bronagh experienced. I felt every moment of fear and hope and despair as the story built to its heart pounding conclusion.
People Don’t Just Disappear is a quick and addictive thriller that delivers everything it promises. It is emotional compelling and completely absorbing. A five star read for me and one I will be recommending widely.
The pacing is fast and relentless which made the book almost impossible to put down. I loved how the shifting narratives allowed me to see the unfolding events from different angles. It made the story feel richer and more immersive and it deepened the emotional impact of every revelation. Bronagh’s chapters were particularly affecting. They carried a quiet strength and a sharp vulnerability that made them some of the most powerful moments in the novel.
Claire Allan does not shy away from the stark reality of violence against women. Although the story is fictional the author roots it in the very real and disturbing statistics surrounding this issue. She also raises important questions about how these cases are approached in the real world. This layer of truth made the story even more haunting and gave it emotional weight far beyond the central mystery.
The novel deals with dark themes and the darker side of human nature but it does so with care and intention. The tension is constant and at times intense enough that I found myself pacing while reading. I felt every emotion Bronagh experienced. I felt every moment of fear and hope and despair as the story built to its heart pounding conclusion.
People Don’t Just Disappear is a quick and addictive thriller that delivers everything it promises. It is emotional compelling and completely absorbing. A five star read for me and one I will be recommending widely.
October 20, 2025
There’s something about a good disappearance story that instantly pulls me in—and People Don’t Just Disappear had me hooked from the start. It’s one of those twisty thrillers where you can feel something’s off from page one, and you can’t help but keep turning the pages to figure out what really happened.
People Don’t Just Disappear is a gripping thriller about Bronagh, who vanishes after helping a lost child. When her boyfriend comes home to find her missing, he realizes something dark is going on—and finding her won’t be easy.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the darker side of human nature, so I loved the mix of disappearance and deception in this book just as much as the themes of love and loyalty that run through it. These elements gave the story real depth—showing how easily trust can be broken and how far people will go for the ones they care about. I also really liked the flawed, realistic characters, each shaped by their secrets and choices. Their imperfections made the story feel more authentic and emotionally charged, keeping me invested.
All in all, this was an addictive, well-written thriller that kept me guessing until the end. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic psychological suspense with emotional depth and fans of authors like Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell.
A big thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for this thrilling ARC in exchange for my honest review.
People Don’t Just Disappear is a gripping thriller about Bronagh, who vanishes after helping a lost child. When her boyfriend comes home to find her missing, he realizes something dark is going on—and finding her won’t be easy.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the darker side of human nature, so I loved the mix of disappearance and deception in this book just as much as the themes of love and loyalty that run through it. These elements gave the story real depth—showing how easily trust can be broken and how far people will go for the ones they care about. I also really liked the flawed, realistic characters, each shaped by their secrets and choices. Their imperfections made the story feel more authentic and emotionally charged, keeping me invested.
All in all, this was an addictive, well-written thriller that kept me guessing until the end. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic psychological suspense with emotional depth and fans of authors like Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell.
A big thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for this thrilling ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2025
I love that I can spot a great thriller cover from afar now and this one (apart from being my favourite colour) really grabbed my attention and intrigued me.
I haven't read anything from this author before so wasn't sure what to expect - but I was completely hooked from the beginning.
Pulling at our heartstrings with Bronagh being approached by a child - this really madee think about what I would do in a similar situation and for all the thinking you'd do things differently, it's really hard to know what would happen in that split second that it happens.
I liked the multi pov chapters used here to build tension and keep me hooked in before the story reveals itself fully.
This had me on edge from the start and whizzing through those pages to try and work out what was really going on.
Some of the content is quite tough to read, so do check this out before reading.
I think this was well written and fitted within the storyline making it a memorable read.
This was a great first read and I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author soon.
I haven't read anything from this author before so wasn't sure what to expect - but I was completely hooked from the beginning.
Pulling at our heartstrings with Bronagh being approached by a child - this really madee think about what I would do in a similar situation and for all the thinking you'd do things differently, it's really hard to know what would happen in that split second that it happens.
I liked the multi pov chapters used here to build tension and keep me hooked in before the story reveals itself fully.
This had me on edge from the start and whizzing through those pages to try and work out what was really going on.
Some of the content is quite tough to read, so do check this out before reading.
I think this was well written and fitted within the storyline making it a memorable read.
This was a great first read and I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author soon.
January 3, 2026
I liked this book a lot, but I didn't love it. It was a difficult book to read. The things that were happening to the protagonist Bronagh were extraordinarily hard, so very very terrifying.
So sorry for poor Zachary/Oisin.
There was an excellent balance of 'show & tell', an immense impact about violence against women both controlling and coercive behaviour.
I only gave it 3 stars but I had to use my Kindle dictionary way more than I'm comfortable doing for unusual use of words like "allyship" "femicide" "patriarchal" "remands" and phrases like 'villain shtick' and 'doomscrolling'.
This is the second book by Claire Allan that I've read. I disliked "Her Name Was Rose" - this book was much better and a little easier to understand.
I would recommend this book to everyone, as long as you don't mind being big-time scared.
So sorry for poor Zachary/Oisin.
There was an excellent balance of 'show & tell', an immense impact about violence against women both controlling and coercive behaviour.
I only gave it 3 stars but I had to use my Kindle dictionary way more than I'm comfortable doing for unusual use of words like "allyship" "femicide" "patriarchal" "remands" and phrases like 'villain shtick' and 'doomscrolling'.
This is the second book by Claire Allan that I've read. I disliked "Her Name Was Rose" - this book was much better and a little easier to understand.
I would recommend this book to everyone, as long as you don't mind being big-time scared.
November 20, 2025
I was so excited for Claire Allen’s latest release, and it absolutely did not disappoint!
The story begins immediately when Bronagh, preparing for a holiday with her boyfriend Mal, is confronted by a distressed child begging for help. What follows is a relentlessly fast-paced and utterly gripping tale that refused to let me put it down.
Allen's narrative is eloquent, perfectly illustrating the sheer despair, helplessness, and utter terror that both Bronagh and Mal endure.
The atmosphere was so well illustrated I could almost see the horror Bronagh was facing as I read, and the ending was tied up as neatly as a pair of Birkenstock sandals wrapped in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
The story begins immediately when Bronagh, preparing for a holiday with her boyfriend Mal, is confronted by a distressed child begging for help. What follows is a relentlessly fast-paced and utterly gripping tale that refused to let me put it down.
Allen's narrative is eloquent, perfectly illustrating the sheer despair, helplessness, and utter terror that both Bronagh and Mal endure.
The atmosphere was so well illustrated I could almost see the horror Bronagh was facing as I read, and the ending was tied up as neatly as a pair of Birkenstock sandals wrapped in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
November 28, 2025
It was a perfect read but it wasn’t outstanding
Blurb
No. No. He is not my boy. He’s your boy.’
When Bronagh opens her front door to find a child on her doorstep, crying for his mother, she follows him without question.
Twenty-four hours later, Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal returns to their home in Derry to discover the house empty. Bronagh has vanished.
At first, the police don’t take Mal seriously, but as the hours since Bronagh’s disappearance tick past, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a case of extreme ghosting. Something is wrong. Very wrong.
Because people don’t just vanish, and Bronagh may be in more danger than Mal could ever imagine.
Just where is Bronagh? And can they find her before it’s too late?
Blurb
No. No. He is not my boy. He’s your boy.’
When Bronagh opens her front door to find a child on her doorstep, crying for his mother, she follows him without question.
Twenty-four hours later, Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal returns to their home in Derry to discover the house empty. Bronagh has vanished.
At first, the police don’t take Mal seriously, but as the hours since Bronagh’s disappearance tick past, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a case of extreme ghosting. Something is wrong. Very wrong.
Because people don’t just vanish, and Bronagh may be in more danger than Mal could ever imagine.
Just where is Bronagh? And can they find her before it’s too late?
October 31, 2025
This was nonstop action, I needed to know what happened to Bronagh! Who took her and why, where is she? Her boyfriend, Mal, comes home and feels something is wrong. His frustration is amped up when police does not take him seriously. This is suspenseful and a good read. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.
October 20, 2025
A gripping psychological thriller. I would not have expected it to go that way after the knock on the door. Really enjoyed the different characters POV’s.
November 4, 2025
People Don’t Just Disappear is a compelling psychological thriller centered around Bronagh, who mysteriously vanishes after encountering a distressed child on her doorstep. Her boyfriend Mal returns home to find her gone, it quickly becomes clear that something far more sinister is at play—and uncovering the truth will be anything but simple.
Ingrid Devlin, an investigative journalist and non-fiction author makes contact with Mal and becomes involved in trying to find Bronagh, her presence adding a great deal of vital depth to the story. Her focus on domestic violence and the systemic mistreatment of women, echoes the disturbing belief that perpetrators often justify their actions by blaming their victims. Bronagh’s harrowing experience, her fear, and the brutal reality she faces, along with her internal struggle over the consequences of her choices for others, reflect the painful truths Ingrid seeks to expose.
The character dynamics are captivating. Bronagh, her husband Mal, and her best friend Shelley are all intricately portrayed. Mal’s imperfections cast a shadow over both past and present events, is he somehow involved? Bronagh’s pursuit of escape, while empowering, risks collateral damage to another vulnerable woman, prompting reflection on whether doing what’s right always means following the rules.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Ingrid Devlin, an investigative journalist and non-fiction author makes contact with Mal and becomes involved in trying to find Bronagh, her presence adding a great deal of vital depth to the story. Her focus on domestic violence and the systemic mistreatment of women, echoes the disturbing belief that perpetrators often justify their actions by blaming their victims. Bronagh’s harrowing experience, her fear, and the brutal reality she faces, along with her internal struggle over the consequences of her choices for others, reflect the painful truths Ingrid seeks to expose.
The character dynamics are captivating. Bronagh, her husband Mal, and her best friend Shelley are all intricately portrayed. Mal’s imperfections cast a shadow over both past and present events, is he somehow involved? Bronagh’s pursuit of escape, while empowering, risks collateral damage to another vulnerable woman, prompting reflection on whether doing what’s right always means following the rules.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 2025
Enjoyed this thriller. It kept me interested. Suspenseful. Overall good book. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
November 23, 2025
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of Claire Allan's previous books so didn't want to give up a chance to read her next outing and I wasn't disappointed.
Whilst this was a difficult book to read due to the subject matter of violence against women and controlling, coercive behaviour, it was still a riveting read that I was totally invested in. The characters are great and it's told from the perspective of Bronagh, Mal and Ingrid Devlin, a journalist; I found the sections detailing Bronagh's experiences were particularly difficult to read but I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Claire Allan creates so much atmosphere and the tension is palpable so much so that I found myself holding my breath at times not wanting to read on but wanting to read on!!
Although this is a challenging read at times, it's perfect for those who enjoy their thrillers a little darker and it's perfect to dive into on these dark, winter nights when there is little on the TV!
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this difficult but riveting book.
Whilst this was a difficult book to read due to the subject matter of violence against women and controlling, coercive behaviour, it was still a riveting read that I was totally invested in. The characters are great and it's told from the perspective of Bronagh, Mal and Ingrid Devlin, a journalist; I found the sections detailing Bronagh's experiences were particularly difficult to read but I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Claire Allan creates so much atmosphere and the tension is palpable so much so that I found myself holding my breath at times not wanting to read on but wanting to read on!!
Although this is a challenging read at times, it's perfect for those who enjoy their thrillers a little darker and it's perfect to dive into on these dark, winter nights when there is little on the TV!
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this difficult but riveting book.
November 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to Netgalley and boldwood books for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
People Don’t Just Disappear by Claire Allan is a tense, fast-moving thriller that hooked me from the first chapter. The setup is immediately gripping: a young boy turns up on Bronagh’s doorstep, crying for his mother and then, Bronagh herself is gone. From there, the story unfolds through multiple POVs, which worked really well for me. Each perspective added a new layer, and the constant shift kept me fully engaged and guessing.
Allan does an excellent job building suspense and planting just enough doubt to keep you turning the pages. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust, and I appreciated how she maintained that uncertainty throughout.
My only real letdown was the ultimate explanation for why Bronagh was kidnapped. It felt a bit too far-fetched compared to the grounded, tense setup. It didn’t ruin the story, but it did pull me out of the moment at a key point.
Overall, though, it’s an addictive, twisty read with strong pacing and compelling voices. If you enjoy multi-POV thrillers and stories where the tension never quite lets up, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley and boldwood books for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
People Don’t Just Disappear by Claire Allan is a tense, fast-moving thriller that hooked me from the first chapter. The setup is immediately gripping: a young boy turns up on Bronagh’s doorstep, crying for his mother and then, Bronagh herself is gone. From there, the story unfolds through multiple POVs, which worked really well for me. Each perspective added a new layer, and the constant shift kept me fully engaged and guessing.
Allan does an excellent job building suspense and planting just enough doubt to keep you turning the pages. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust, and I appreciated how she maintained that uncertainty throughout.
My only real letdown was the ultimate explanation for why Bronagh was kidnapped. It felt a bit too far-fetched compared to the grounded, tense setup. It didn’t ruin the story, but it did pull me out of the moment at a key point.
Overall, though, it’s an addictive, twisty read with strong pacing and compelling voices. If you enjoy multi-POV thrillers and stories where the tension never quite lets up, this one is worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 31, 2025this was a pretty standard psychological thriller. i enjoyed the beginning set up, it being tense and intriguing, whilst also introducing us to the characters nicely.
however i did find that once the story settled a little, the tension and atmosphere required for this kind of thriller really lessen. and once certain prior events were mentioned about the characters, it made the ending blindingly obvious.
worth a read if ur needing a lil palette cleanser.
thank u to Boldwood Books (and netgally) for the arc.
however i did find that once the story settled a little, the tension and atmosphere required for this kind of thriller really lessen. and once certain prior events were mentioned about the characters, it made the ending blindingly obvious.
worth a read if ur needing a lil palette cleanser.
thank u to Boldwood Books (and netgally) for the arc.
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