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Vanessa Michael Munroe #3.5

Vessel: A Vanessa Michael Munroe Novella

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Some people were easy to find. Others took hunting and patience. The most difficult was a target who knew she was coming, and he knew. How could he not? When you backed a predator into a corner, when you took and destroyed all that she loved, when you made a game of ruining lives and sadism for you was sport, but then you failed to kill the predator: you'd "better" know she was coming back. This was an inviolable law. She wasn't dead, and so she was coming for him. She had his face, had the name of a city. In the right hands, anything could be mined into so much more. She would find him. Kill him. Simple as that.

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First published January 1, 2014

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668 people want to read

About the author

Taylor Stevens

50 books823 followers
TAYLOR STEVENS is a critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. Her books, known for high-octane plots populated with fascinating characters in vivid boots-on-the-ground settings, have been published in over twenty languages. THE INFORMATIONIST, first in the Vanessa Michael Munroe series has also been optioned for film by James Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment.

Stevens came to writing fiction late. Born into an apocalyptic cult, separated from her family at age twelve and denied an education beyond sixth grade, she lived on three continents and in a dozen countries before she turned fourteen. In place of schooling, the majority of her adolescence was spent begging on city streets at the behest of cult leaders, or as a worker bee child caring for the many younger commune children, washing laundry, and cooking meals for hundreds at a time. In her twenties, Stevens broke free in order to follow hope and a vague idea of what possibilities lay beyond.

In addition to writing novels, Stevens shares extensively about the mechanics of storytelling, writing, overcoming adversity, and the details of her journey into publishing through email, podcast, and video tutorials.

You can find her at:
* taylorstevensbooks.com/connect.php
* taylorstevensshow.com
* patreon.com/taylorstevens
* facebook.com/taylorstevens
* twitter @taylorstevens

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5 stars
312 (27%)
4 stars
429 (37%)
3 stars
305 (26%)
2 stars
78 (6%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Woman Reading  (is away exploring).
473 reviews378 followers
October 14, 2020
3.5☆ into the mind of a vengeful predator
A woman was an object, a canvas, upon which society and culture painted labels and framed unspoken expectations, a collectively owned piece upon which shame, scorn, and punishment should be heaped if she failed to conform to the prescribed design.

Subterfuge as a woman was always more complicated because a man in a suit was a man in a suit, but a woman in a dress with a hemline two inches too short was ... in the wrong country, a corpse not quite dead.

This was not only the motivation for Vanessa Munroe (VMM) to present herself as Michael Munroe but it's what launched her hunt in this standalone novella. The Vessel covered half a year as VMM pursued vengeance for the traumatic events of the preceding novel The Doll #3.
She was the hangman's noose, the guillotine blade, the executioner's axe. That was her burden. One she could never atone for or washed off. She was a killer, just as he was a killer.

It's an investigation procedural and deadly search with bursts of violence that flanked periods of tedious research. To find a wealthy sadist, VMM criss-crossed the Northern hemisphere and donned multiple disguises. The Vessel was an interesting interlude that demonstrated VMM's inner mindset and tenacity and convinced me not to buy a yacht were I ever to receive a massive windfall.

#1 The Informationist 2.5 ☆
#2 The Innocent 3.5 ☆
#3 The Doll 4 ☆
#4 The Catch 3 ☆
#5 The Mask 3.5 ☆
Profile Image for Stephen Campbell.
Author 2 books44 followers
June 11, 2014
THE VESSEL is a fabulous book on multiple levels. As a long time reader, and fan, of the Vanessa Michael Munroe series, this book tells a classic 'Michael' story, without advancing the character narrative beyond the end of the last book in the series, THE DOLL. But for people who have yet to read anything in the series this book provides a wonderful entrée into the world a truly unique heroine. It also serves as a dark, gritty, thriller, that can be read, and enjoyed as a stand-alone. But, I expect anyone who reads this as an introduction to the Vanessa Michael Munroe series, will become hooked.

This novella shows fans of the series what happened during a period of time that was skipped through in THE DOLL. It is Michael in her purest form, and I love it! I wish there were ratings, higher than five stars available for this one. And . . . It was 99 cents! Are you kidding me? Bravo!
Profile Image for L.A. Starks.
Author 12 books733 followers
October 6, 2014
Taylor Stevens herself alerted me to this novella. It is well worth the read, especially at the price. In Stevens' chronology, this comes right before her latest book, The Catch.

I don't normally read novellas, but the fast-paced action and further character development of Vanessa Michael Munroe in this one makes it a must for Taylor Stevens, and all thriller, fans.
Profile Image for Diane S ☔.
4,901 reviews14.6k followers
July 26, 2014
Unfortunately I have already read The Catch, but this still proved a worthwhile read. Answered a few questions I had at the end of The Doll, things I had thought the author left dangling. Of course, anytime I can grab a read featuring Michael, learn more about her persona, is for me a good deal.
Profile Image for Sandy.
872 reviews245 followers
June 26, 2014
This is a short story featuring Vanessa Munroe from the author's best selling series. It cleans up a few loose ends left after "The Doll", in preparation for the release of "The Catch".
This time, it's all about Munroe. She's on a very personal mission to track down a twisted rapist/murderer. In a previous story line he forced her to help him kidnap pretty young things for his pleasure. Due to her background, she can more than relate to the fate of these girls. Unable to save them, she vowed to make him pay & that day has arrived.
Using her physical & technical skills she follows his trail across several countries, showing no mercy to those who get in her way.
There is little dialogue & no other characters of note except for her quarry. Instead, the reader hangs out in her head which can be a scary place to be. We are privy to her thoughts, feelings & regrets as she reflects on her life. Because I've read the other books, I knew I liked the character but I missed the interaction between her & the few people she trusts.
The author alludes to some of her background but I wouldn't recommend starting here if you are new to this character. Instead, pick up "The Informationist". It's a great book & you'll learn about her family, childhood & the events that shaped her into the cool, efficient killer she is today.
81 reviews
July 28, 2014
This novella took me as long to read as any one of the excellent books in this series. It was boring and slow and did not keep my interest. There were no suspense, no danger, and no real conflict. Except maybe Munroe's inner conflict. Munroe's observations about privacy in America almost made me add a star, but in the end, I just couldn't do it.

I recommend the series, but this novella should be read only by those who have already read earlier books. If this were my first experience with the series, I would not read any others. Happily, I have read them all and am looking forward to THE CATCH.
Profile Image for Michael Martz.
1,149 reviews46 followers
May 5, 2018
If you're a fan of Taylor Stevens' Vanessa Michael Munroe series, you'll enjoy this short novella. If you're not familiar with the character, start at the beginning in the set because you don't get much depth here.

I view VMM is a sort of an poly-lingual (not a word?), androgynous, chameleon-like, technically proficient version of Jason Bourne whose only allegiance is to her own personal moral code. She certainly faces lots of dangerous situations, but it helps when you can fluidly change genders and languages, you can code, and you're lethal with knives, guns, and your own body.

'The Vessel' is essentially a quest for revenge on a guy from VMM's past. He's a high level participant in the human trafficking of young girls, so not only does VMM have past history with her specific target, but the entire concept of what he's involved in gets VMM quite incensed. Her quest to find him is a long one calendar-wise, but a short one in the book since there's not a lot of detail provided. If you know the character, you know what's going on and how she operates.

Steven's writing is decent and she has a knack for writing short, propulsive sentences that push the story forward. I usually find her dialogue to be mediocre and a little overwrought and there tends to be an overly dramatic tone in the novels in this series. However, it works since the VMM character is such a strong one. If you're a Stevens fan, The Vessel is a good short read that will fill in a few blanks for you.
Profile Image for Kara-karina.
1,712 reviews258 followers
October 11, 2018
Fantastic novella, but I wasn't expecting anything but pure awesomeness from Taylor Stevens. Review coming.
3 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2014
No disappointment here

In Taylor's first novella, all questions left from the Doll were answered in true satisfaction. With a character as unique and skilled as Munroe, a commoner like me has a hard time grasping just how she does what she does! The Vessel brings it all in, giving credibility to Vanessa's skills, and raises the levels of respect for her. Additionally, this intricate examination of her mind and heart brings you closer to her on a personal level, locking in the reader's devotion to this character and therefore, this series. Each book I read from Stevens develops the setting further, and like a true storyteller, she leaves me anticipating the next chapter in Vanessa's life.

I especially liked in this novella the deeper window into Vanessa's soul. While she is no typical female, she is still a human being, and a woman. Regardless of your gender, you are drawn by the circumstances that fuel this protagonist and cheer her on every step of the way. Even the details that make you cringe bring a sense of justice and satisfaction.

Overall, I do hope more novellas like this come from Stevens, even if they go back to some areas of the Informationist. Looking forward to the Catch. I strongly recommend this entire series for any James Patterson, Tom Clancy, Suzanne Jacobs, John Grisham, even JK Rowling fans. This series is not just intrigue, it is a thorough examination of humanity, survival, and culture. Wonderful!
Profile Image for Erin.
654 reviews28 followers
July 1, 2014
The vagaries of names (ie. "The Man Who Would Know" instead of the dude's actual name or even a pseudonym) a little annoying, but otherwise a great entry in the Munroe story-verse.

I had this discussion a while back about whether Munroe is a hero and I pressed that she is a hero, except sitting somewhere between a Byronic hero and an anti-hero. She's not vigilante enough to be Batman, but she too tormented and introspective of past wrongs to really be Wolverine. She has no interest in saving the whole world and she doesn't go out looking to bring the bad guys to "justice", but she's not going to turn her back on an innocent being horribly treated in front of her (mostly; not without a good reason and some guilt anyway).

This between-the-books story pushed her a little further toward Batman. Not so far as to say she's fighting for some "greater good," but any satisfaction she takes in revenge against those who've wronged her just adds to her internal tally of all the bad she's done.
Profile Image for Zade.
492 reviews49 followers
May 10, 2021
If you found the ending to The Doll a bit unsatisfying, this novella will solve that problem for you. As always, Michael Monroe is a fantastic character and the plot moves along at a tremendous pace.
Profile Image for Marsha Hubbell.
370 reviews43 followers
July 26, 2014
I have been a fan of Taylor Stevens since "The Informationist." I find Vanessa Michael Munroe a character unique and exciting in a world (both literary and real) where women are usually victims and/or in need of a male support character to get them out of fixes. Not so with Munroe.

Ms. Stevens' writing continues to improve, and her thrillers become ever more exciting, dangerous, visual and descriptive. "The Vessel" (a novella) ties up loose ends from "The Doll," third book in the series, and sets the stage for the "The Catch," just released. In "The Vessel" the reader is even more entrenched in Munroe's revenge, revelations, remorse, regret, recrimination, and most importantly, her recognition of who she is and what she's become. Her self-awareness and strength are traits I admire, while at the same time I pity the life she has chosen and the sacrifices it entails.

For fans of thrillers and kick-ass characters, Taylor Stevens delivers once again in "The Vessel."
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,151 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2014
At the end of The Doll we know that Michael takes care of business, but we didn’t know how until this story. I liked the continuation of sorts of the previous book and the novella length gave Stevens a chance to take her time with the action since there was only one storyline. It was a nice change of pace. Michael was still her badass self and countless dead bodies are left in her wake.

This is a nice way to get a taste of the series without the time commitment of a full book AND it is a good addition to the series for those that are already fans. A great series for readers of the Jack Reacher!
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,472 reviews590 followers
June 16, 2014
This novella was great to read because it tied up 'HOW?' Vanessa took care of the Dog Man after the end of the last book, "The Doll". Just another taste before the next book to come and I can't wait!

The only reason I gave it 4.5 stars, instead of 5, is because I really feel you couldn't get a clear understanding of Vanessa in this novella unless you read "The Doll".

Profile Image for Kyle  Anne Uniss.
253 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2014
What a wonderful little bite of Vanessa Michael Munroe! Really book 3.5 of the series, but like any of the others, it can stand on its own, although they are better together. If you're not sure about a KICK ASS woman action hero, read this one. It's a great stand alone book, but, once you read it, you will want to know more about Munroe.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
322 reviews
September 13, 2016
Not bad for an intro to the character of Vanessa Michael Munroe, but not as good as a full novel. If you're a reader of the series it provides a nice jumping off point for the next in the series, The Catch. If you're wondering if it's a good series for you I'd grab a copy in the bookstore and read the first 3 chapters. If you're a Jack Reacher type fan, you're gonna like her.
Profile Image for Brett Tucker.
34 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2014
Munroe is one of my favorite characters. If you are a fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher or Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salander, then you will definitely enjoy Stevens' Vanessa Michael Munroe. The Vessel fills in the gaps between the last two novels but can be read as a standalone to get a feel for Stevens' writing style. You cannot go wrong here!
Profile Image for Marie.
499 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2014
I normally won't read s novella because it's usually just a filler till the next book in the series is published. but this novella was more like a short story that tied up some loose ends from the previous book. I love anything Ms Taylor writes !
138 reviews
June 29, 2014
Kazowie! If you like mystery and suspense, you need to be reading Taylor Stevens series of books about Vanessa Michael Munroe. This is the best one so far! The plot is tight and her language is spot on--almost corresponding to the beat of your heart as you read. A must read!
Profile Image for Ann.
13 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2014
A GREAT read...Taylor's books are all awesome. The characters are facinating. This book was a great follow up to The Doll.
Profile Image for Jo.
6 reviews
June 19, 2014
A most excellent outing for Vanessa Michael Monroe, back as her reliably ruthless, damaged, interesting self.
2 reviews
April 26, 2015
Love anything Taylor Stevens. Love her character, Vanessa Michael Munroe. Can't wait to see some movies from these books! Who would play Michael?????
Profile Image for Sharon Michael.
663 reviews51 followers
August 12, 2016
Novella that gives a side-story after the last novel. As always, characterization is excellent although the action is somewhat slower paced here.
Profile Image for Karen.
205 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2018
where do I start? The author is a talented storytelling. The problems tho drive me made. If she can use 50 words to say something when one will do she does. Love her character, but major flaws are now showing. The way Munroe talks makes her seem like Austin Powers. Every time somebody has told me they blend in become invisible, I scratch my head and think no you do not. How they talk and Munroe do is mirror perfect. Then let's go to her next flaw, her inability to stay in the lives of those she has formed attachments as it is dangerous for them. Ummm did we not just show in the previous book that having them out of her life did not save them.
The previous book, awesome story let down by so many holes. Yes, of course, you would put somebody in a dark dungeon covered in filth, letting her scratch claw and pull on her restraints. News flash she would have had bruises cuts and scrapes all over rubber lined cuff or not. Easy to keep her sedated until just before delivery. Move her around in a sheepskin-lined box with oxygen pumped in. Reversal drug as you bring her aboard the boat. Now the stupidest thing of all, why oh why oh why use Munroe to move her. The ridiculous lengths they used to make her proved they could move her themselves. I had expected the guy on the boat had wanted Munroe there for some reason. I was waiting for the twist. Then nothing. Then OMG she kills the girl on the boat. Heads up here a sadist would not have left her dying, it would spoil his fun. He would have killed her or believed she could go another round. So killing her made no sense. Shall we get to the point of sabotaging a boat like that in 5 minutes to burn was a joke.
I refuse to give up and am trying to start the next book. I just loved a badass female character, it is a breath of fresh air, maybe that is why I feel so critical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
296 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars. Vanessa Michael Munroe is one of the most interesting characters in fiction. Deadly, damaged, and brilliant, Munroe is able to move through any country in the world building and shedding identities with ease. She's part solider of fortune, part agent of justice, sort of like Jason Bourne and a mercenary had a love child. I've loved all the books in this series and was really looking forward to "The Vessel," which is a novella taking place after "The Doll" and before "The Catch." Sadly, this one just didn't deliver for me. There was too much telling and not enough showing. For instance, Stevens would write: "Munroe sat running strategies in her head." Okay. But it would be way more interesting if you identified the strategies or what she was actually thinking. The plot requires you to have read "The Doll" because this is essentially Munroe's revenge on the human trafficker at the heart of that novel. My primary struggle was that this book didn't feel like a full blown novel (which is fair b/c it isn't), but it also didn't feel like a thoughtfully crafted novella or short story. Instead it felt like something caught in-between--neither fully realized as a complete story nor tightly plotted like something intentionally shorter. This made more sense when I read an interview with Stevens at the end of the book and she explained these pages were kind of leftover from "The Doll" because that book was running long. And that's how it read. I'll definitely keep reading the series--it's too good not to--but this one was a miss.
Profile Image for T.
988 reviews
May 20, 2023
Short story in between the books....Vanessa is on the hunt. It greatly disturbs her that a wealthy creep orders up young girls to abuse and mutilate, so she's on the hunt to take him down and put an end to it all.

She has to do her homework and this takes time. And travel. And resources. And subterfuge. And it takes her away from the only "home" she knows, which is less of a physical location that it is a person who understands her and her world.

She needs to put an end to the monster and knows that it may hurt or potentially even kill her.
Profile Image for D Reed Whittaker.
Author 45 books9 followers
February 28, 2019
I like the author's style, not excited by the genre - blood and guts thriller. Interesting concept, I will probably read a couple more books to make up my mind. I'm old, so my opinion is probably not relevant. When younger I read most of Ludlum's (and others) books, which I wouldn't read today. The pacing is good as is the writing. You may enjoy this, try it.
Profile Image for Jean.
57 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2018
I want to another whole book!

Definitely worth reading it could have been a little more developed with the backstory. I do like the Vanessa Michael Monroe stories she is such a emotional cripple, individual some day, sometime I hope she get some emotionalRelease or relief
Profile Image for Deb.
175 reviews
April 21, 2018
The. Story of the Dog. Man

Need I say more this is a novella the is a fast, easy yet though short it back a big punch. When the author compared Vanessa to Jack Teacher it really clicked for me. Two very bigger than life characters! Sure wish they meet one day!!!
Profile Image for Dick Ulmer.
569 reviews
November 21, 2020
A novella in which Vanesssa cleans up the unfinished story of "The Doll". She sets her sights on the rich, untouchable, man for whom the girls are being acquired. There is no chance of prosecuting him, so Michael is determined to take him out herself, and of course she succeeds.
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