Henry Cooley has good friends and a good life. He’s secure in his job and his relationship. He and Tom, the love of his life, are about to celebrate their twenty-first anniversary as a couple. Their son, CJ, is in his second year at Cal Arts. Henry's only problems are his growing dissatisfaction with his job and the fact that Tom's parents still hate him, even after all these years. At least those are his only problems until the morning he wakes up to discover Tom has vanished.
Carter Quinn was born and raised in a very small Western Kansas town where cattle vastly outnumber humans. In the 90s he read enough depressing gay fiction to give up on it. He discovered M/M in 2010 and started writing again. Now he's told Corporate America to kiss his books. Carter recently left the Denver area, meaning he is entirely too far from his beloved Colorado Avalanche.
2.5 stars. Review posted October 22, 2014 Update Oct 29, 2014: the author sent me a message; please scroll down.
Rating clarification Minus a half star for the WTF ending.
3.99 euro for 98 pages Maybe you should mull it over before you decide to spend so much money for a short story.
I chose Vanished based on the promising blurb and the high average rating. Plus, I loved the beautiful cover. As it was, I liked the writing but as a whole the book didn't convince me. There wasn't enough meat to the bone; not much happens and the plot couldn't really engage me till I reached the final 20 %. At this stage, Vanished was much more interesting, though didn't quite manage to save the book for me. Also, the flashbacks were not all to my liking, esp. It was way too sappy and cheesy.
Tom disappears and we see how Henry/Hank is dealing with the situation. As the story progresses, we finally witness what this is all about: Henry's
The ending:
What in the ever lovin' fuck? You can't leave me high and dry. Besides, I don't want to play a little guessing game (yep, gotcha, I did that already) because I friggin' needed to know what happened.
Vanished was too much of a lackluster for me but don't let my opinion put you off. As usual, I'm the odd one out there. Gotta shrug it off. On to the next (hopefully better) read.
***************************************
This is part of the author's message:
In case no one told you, Vanished is book 1 in a trilogy. The Goodreads software kept kicking me out when I tried to add that info, but they did it manually for me.
I'm going to check out the sequel. :) ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
OMG!…..OMG!……….HOLY CRAP!! I haven’t…… I have never………I just can’t……it’s been a long time since I have read something that has packed a punch like this and all that in 78 pages – WOW!
I mean it was like “freaking amazeballs” to coin a phrase from my fellow blogger Macky. This book blew me away and still has a firm grip on my nerves and heart-strings 24 hrs later. This book just won’t let me go.
It begins with Henry and Tom living their Happy Ever After. They’ve made it and the story starts where most romances leave off. Henry Cooley and Tom MacKinnon have everything any couple would wish for. They have been together for 21 years, have jobs, although not their dream jobs anymore but it gives them a comfortable lifestyle. They also have an adopted son they love, adore and our extremely proud of. They are also still very much in love with each other after all these years. Sheer domestic bliss! May sound a little schmaltzy and I’m sure that even these two would have had their disagreements but nothing that was ever bad enough to pull them asunder. This we all learn through Henry’s reflecting on his past. Everyone’s perfect couple. Geez, I could just feel the love these two guys had for each other. You could almost cry for joy at the pair of them. A rare thing indeed and a real fairy tale HEA. Wonderful!
Henry wakes up one Monday morning with a serious hangover after heavily hitting the booze the night before to find that Tom is already up and gone for his morning run. Nothing unusual here, routine as normal. Anyway, Henry goes to work even though they would normally go together after having breakfast, but Henry reckons Tom’s run must have taken him longer than normal due to the evening before and after 21 years together doesn’t really make anything of it, leaves a note for him and sets off to work. I mean who wouldn’t? However, in a nutshell Henry never hears from Tom again.
Carter builds up the suspense and angst with such skill that without thinking anything too bad at the beginning, as anyone in a solid relationship would know, you might be forgiven in thinking, “Oh, Tom will turn up!” But time starts to tick by and when the preliminary attempts to contact Tom fail by doing the normal things like trying to reach him on his cell phone or at the office. You start to make the usual logical explanations to yourself why you haven’t heard anything and start telling yourself to stop being so silly, while trying to push away that little irksome feeling of panic in the back of your mind. I’m sure some of us have been there at some stage in our lives, if it’s only been for a couple of hours or half a day. You know the feeling, “Damn it, where can he be?” However, after 48 hours and no life sign then you can really fall apart as Henry does and has every right to do so. He calls upon his best friend Shaun in his hour of need, but several things left me feeling that I really didn’t trust this guy one bit. Later I could have hugged him and then at the end I was left once again with a huge question mark over his friendship with Henry.
Oh shit! This IS everyone’s own personal nightmare and Carter takes you on this hell ride with him into your worst fears about such a situation experienced through the eyes of Henry. I just couldn’t put the book down and blew my bed time curfew. A good job it was only a short story otherwise I seriously would have been in danger of being awake for the rest of the night. I was having palpitations of pure angst at only the thought of what Henry was going through. It really is I reckon one of the worst nightmare scenarios anyone could find themselves in. While I was reading I kept glancing at my husband of 11 years now, partner for 14, only thinking to myself, fuck, fuck, what if this was my hubby? Would I behave like Henry? The only answer I could give myself was ~ YES, like totally!!!!
Then comes a revelation a turn of events that I never in my wildest dreams expected. I was left crying rivers! Henry’s sense of loss for me was all consuming, as if a part of him has died with Tom’s disappearance. I was snivelling everywhere, could hardly read through the tears in my eyes and could have bought shares in Kleenex Tissues. Reduced to a complete emotional wreck! My hubby was looking at me as though I had lost the plot and he really would have been right! GAWD, Henry’s anguish, his heart-break, his torment, his suffering, and written in such a way that anyone who could read this and not reach for a tissue to wipe away a tear can’t have a single emotional bone left in their body. Because although it may set out to be a mystery, it definitely packs a punch in the grief department and that feeling was the main theme for me, I was an emotional mess. But then…… But then…….. comes the end of the story WTF!!!! I tell you if the next part of this story isn’t published soon I’ll be setting up camp on Carter’s front lawn and staying put until it has been written.
It’s a very rare thing when I book reduces me to such emotions that I just feel the urge to persuade anyone and everyone to read it. I think you can probably tell by my review, so I apologise if I may be a little incoherent on this occasion, this book has left me totally awed. To think that this was all packed into 78 pages of pure, unadulterated, literary emotion is absolutely incredible! All I can say is READ THIS BOOK! I beg you. If you have nothing else planned for two hours then sit down undisturbed, take the phone off the hook, tissues at hand or at best a glass of wine and some comfort chocolate, buckle up and be prepared to be taken on an emotional ride that will stay with you for a long time.
Holy fuck! I'd forgotten how griping this story was. And now I get to read the sequel! I'm so fucking happy and now realize why I was so bummed at the end of this book. FUCK! Mind fuck!
Fucking cliffhanger! Will rate and review at the completion of the series.
Vanished is a mystery romance. And I loooove the genre!
This one pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end. I have many theories and suggestions, but I had absolutely no idea what was going on. What was it? A romantic mystery? An amnesia drama? A spy thriller? A heart-wrenched romance? A paranormal novel?...No,definitely a mystery romance...These thoughts were running through my head during reading.
And then came the ending...And for me, it was the final WTF in a numerous number of WTFs along the last 80% of the book. And because the story has kept me on the edge of my seat, it's no wonder that with the last sentence I fell from my chair. WHAAAT THE FUCK?!
Having read and enjoyed the novel, I would though recommend to wait for the next sequel to come out - there is a big fat CLIFFHANGER at the end.
Break out the tissues on this one and get someone to hug you after! This was an awesome read, short emotional and heartbreaking....and a cliffy...oh damn, oh damn! Don't make me wait long....please!!
When you have a great life, a wonderful marriage with the love of your life, what happens when your worse nightmare comes true? Henry Cooley finds out in this nail biting, roller coaster, scare your pants off story.
Wow, just wow! This grabbed me and refused to let me go. Oh and grab that box of tissues, you'll need it. Kudos to Carter Quinn for an amazing tour de force.
I don't often read a book twice, but I had to read this one again. One of the very best I've read all year!
Outstanding!! 5 million stars. I'm so sorry for your loss Carter, but thank you for putting into words what I go through every time hubby is significantly late...and yes, I know I shouldn't and you'd think after 30 years I'd be used to it BUT you never get used it. The wondering, the waiting and hoping for contact, the second guessing and the panicking...and that twist at the end?? Unbelievable. I cannot wait for the sequel.
Bought the story on the strength of JR's review. Thanks JR
OMG... This novella left me speechless. It's beyond words how Carter managed to write a story wonderful like this on only 80 pages.
Vanished is emotional and heartbreaking, sad and just brilliant written. I'm in love! It's is one of those books you just can't guess what is coming next. I tried it a few times and I was sooooo wrong.
The ending made me want to jump out of my skin, I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the last meaningful words... so Carter, please don't let us poor buggers wait too long for the sequel! I have my theories but I need to know what happens to Henry! Pretty please?
This a good little bit of psychological mystery. It's very short and... I can't say anything else without spoiling. Be warned of a very satisfying cliffie!
4.5 stars!! Great story and very well written. I couldn't put it down! It would appear that this is going to be a series (at least I hope so!). Can't wait to see what happens in the next one!!
On the edge of seat, biting my nails, trying to remember to breathe, while reading this clever, intelligent, emotional mystery. I am truly awed, blown away.
And then comes the dumb epilogue with one of those, what do you call it?
abrupt endings, marketing tools, I'm insecure no one will buy my future books so I need to leave my loyal readers dangling, you want an ending, that'l be 5 more bucks. Oh- I remember now. CLIFF-HANGER
5 stars for this brilliant story. Please treat yourself. Minus 1 star for stupido epilogue. Don't read it! it adds nothing.
Holy hell, how did Carter Quinn manage to pack so much story into 80 pages? It gripped me from the start and didn't turn me loose. And I think it still has a hold of my heart. And the cliffhanger ending!!!! I think I need a hug.
I cannot imagine (and I don't even want to try) what it would be like to wake up one morning and have my husband be missing. And have nothing make sense. Poor Henry. Poor Tom.
I can't wait to read more. Please? Don't let that be the end of the story.
I'm glad I trusted my past self that this was good! I'd completely forgotten everything so it was like reading it for the first time all over again, except this time I can read the rest of the trilogy 😊
2014 review:
I don't want to say too much about this book, so I'll leave it at this: it's emotional, it messes with your head, and it's amazing! I loved it.
Note: If you can't handle open endings and require everything to be wrapped up with a tidy bow, then hold off reading until the next book is out.
This beautifully written story really captivated me, with the combination of the backstory of Tom and Henry's life together and their deep love for one another and the mystery/suspense that is so deliciously woven throughout. The twist was well-done and as I got to the end, I found myself questioning every last character and their intentions. 4.5 stars and I started on the second book about 30 seconds after finishing the first.
Ooooh this was good, full of twists and turns. Henry gradually comes to realise that Tom, his partner of 21 years, has vanished from their life. Continues in book two, let me at it!
'It was almost like I was trapped inside a dream. Nothing seemed real, normal. This couldn't possibly be my life. Any minute, I would wake up in bed next to Tom and this would all fade away.'
Слава небесам, что вторая книга уже есть! Проклятье на оба ваших дома, что нету проды проды! Продолжение ТАКИХ текстов нельзя ждать! Нервов никаких не хватит. И что теперь делать? *вздыхает*
This is a great start to a new series. I have loved all of Carter Quinn's stories and this is no exception. I am always delighted and surprised by the depth of character and emotions he is able to draw out in his writing. All his books have a unique style and flow specific to the story. I received this today as I had preordered it and have already finished it. I hope part two won't be far off! If you haven't read his book "Out of the Blackness" do it now. Seriously. Right. Now. It is one of the best books I have ever read.
Reseño los tres libros. El primero es muy original e intrigante porque no sabes qué creer de todo lo que estás leyendo. El segundo mantiene la intriga bastante bien pero empiezas a ver por dónde van a ir los tiros. El tercero no es tan irreal que estropea todo lo conseguido en los dos anteriores. Además, el protagonista no me cae bien en todo el libro. Le dejo 3* a todos pero el primero es de más y el último de menos. Hago la media como en el cole!
I’m a huge fan of Carter Quinn’s writing and was really looking forward to read this story. The author himself said it was not a romance, it was something a little different. Well, I’m all for a little something different.
First, let me reiterate this is not your typical romance. To sum it up the only way I can imagine is that it’s a story of deep rooted love built over twenty-one years. When Henry realizes Tom is missing, you feel the intensity of his anguish. I give kudos to the author for writing words that put you in the character’s shoes, actually making you feel what the character is feeling. There is so much packed into this novella that the author makes every word count. It was a very emotional read.
There isn’t too much I can say without giving away the plot, but I will say this, I can read the darkest of the dark stories out there and be fine with it. They don’t affect me like they do other people. Maybe it’s because I don’t have any triggers and don’t usually associate myself with many characters. I feel for them, surely, but I can separate myself from the story. The closest exception to that habit is when a long established couple is threatened in some way. Vanished just hits home for me. I can totally identify with Henry, that kicked-in-the-gut feeling of maybe losing your significant other forever. You’re living a nightmare, and that’s exactly what Henry is going through while he’s searching and wondering where his husband could be.
When the truth comes to light and I finally realized where this story was headed, I was truly devastated. The strength of the characters, every clever twist and turn, the total mindf**k… I wasn’t ready for it to end. There have been only two other books that left me an emotional wreck for days afterwards, Vanished is the third. Was it worth it? Oh my god, yes!
Does this story have a HEA? Kinda sorta. Is Henry happy? Well, not right now. Will he move forward and deal? Only time will tell.
Overall, this is one book that I definitely recommend for all.