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Vanished
Get swept up in this fast-paced and unputdownable thriller from bestselling author Ruby Speechley, perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, J D Kirk and Freida McFadden 📚 ☀️ I glanced away for a second, and she was gone. ☀️
It was supposed to be a relaxing day at the beach. An escape from everything that’s been going on recently.
Bonnie was right there beside me. In her yellow swimming costume.
And then, in a split second, she wasn’t.
My heart plummets and I call out. I try to tell myself this happens. It’s a busy day in a popular sun spot. She’ll soon be back in my arms.
But deep down I know that’s not true. This whole week I’ve known I’m in danger. The threats. The notes. The multiple warnings.
But my child?
I may not be perfect but I never thought they’d take it out on Bonnie. My poor defenceless baby.
As I scan the shoreline for a glimpse of my precious little one, I steel myself.
I will do anything to get my daughter back.
Praise for Ruby ‘Secrets, lies and betrayal, this book has the lot! It kept me up way later than I intended racing through to the end and what an ending it was!’ Rona Halsall
'immensely readable and hugely entertaining - so compelling that I read it in a matter of hours' Fiona Mitchell
'A very tense situational thriller that had me guessing right up to the end. I loved it!' Dawn Goodwin
'A page-turning thriller with a shocking and original conclusion. Mesmerising.' Catherine Cooper
'A great take on the missing child narrative and a total page turner - I simply HAD to know what had happened.' S E Lynes
'A twisty page-turner of a novel that kept me guessing until the very end!' Mandy Byatt
'A brilliant read. Such an anxiety-inducing, suspenseful domestic thriller!' Alice Hunter
'A compelling and original page-turner!' Roz Watkins
'A talent to watch' Sam Blake
'...any parents' worst nightmare, a twisty domestic thriller with an ending that will take your breath away' S. A. Harris
‘A fantastic, fast-paced novel with at its heart the strained relationship between a loving mother and her wayward teenage son. Unpredictable and unputdownable.’ Diane Jeffrey
It was supposed to be a relaxing day at the beach. An escape from everything that’s been going on recently.
Bonnie was right there beside me. In her yellow swimming costume.
And then, in a split second, she wasn’t.
My heart plummets and I call out. I try to tell myself this happens. It’s a busy day in a popular sun spot. She’ll soon be back in my arms.
But deep down I know that’s not true. This whole week I’ve known I’m in danger. The threats. The notes. The multiple warnings.
But my child?
I may not be perfect but I never thought they’d take it out on Bonnie. My poor defenceless baby.
As I scan the shoreline for a glimpse of my precious little one, I steel myself.
I will do anything to get my daughter back.
Praise for Ruby ‘Secrets, lies and betrayal, this book has the lot! It kept me up way later than I intended racing through to the end and what an ending it was!’ Rona Halsall
'immensely readable and hugely entertaining - so compelling that I read it in a matter of hours' Fiona Mitchell
'A very tense situational thriller that had me guessing right up to the end. I loved it!' Dawn Goodwin
'A page-turning thriller with a shocking and original conclusion. Mesmerising.' Catherine Cooper
'A great take on the missing child narrative and a total page turner - I simply HAD to know what had happened.' S E Lynes
'A twisty page-turner of a novel that kept me guessing until the very end!' Mandy Byatt
'A brilliant read. Such an anxiety-inducing, suspenseful domestic thriller!' Alice Hunter
'A compelling and original page-turner!' Roz Watkins
'A talent to watch' Sam Blake
'...any parents' worst nightmare, a twisty domestic thriller with an ending that will take your breath away' S. A. Harris
‘A fantastic, fast-paced novel with at its heart the strained relationship between a loving mother and her wayward teenage son. Unpredictable and unputdownable.’ Diane Jeffrey
232 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2026
About the author
Ruby Speechley
16 books178 followersRuby Speechley is a psychological thriller writer. Her debut novel, Someone Else’s Baby, was published by Hera Books on 25 July 2019.
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 23, 2026
3.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ July 15, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 281 (p+ 63 dated/timed chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 46 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Paterson
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, kidnapped child, past secrets
Mel's 4 year old daughter, Bonnie, went missing while they were at the beach. Has a random person taken her? Maybe Bonnie's estranged father? Or was she just so eager to play at the beach that she wandered off?
Mostly told in the present day, we also, go back a few days before the kidnapping, the day before and 11 years in the past. Could a secret from Mel's past be the reason behind Bonnie's disappearance? Obviously. Usually when we get a past timeline it's connected. I don't think that's a spoiler, that's just psychological reader facts.
Overall, it did get a bit repetitive, but it was steadily paced and had my momma heart pumping.
Narration notes:
The emotions were on point and she sounded properly frantic when need be. Some of her side characters voices were grating, but I'm overall impressed with the narration.
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ July 15, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 281 (p+ 63 dated/timed chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 46 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Paterson
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, kidnapped child, past secrets
Mel's 4 year old daughter, Bonnie, went missing while they were at the beach. Has a random person taken her? Maybe Bonnie's estranged father? Or was she just so eager to play at the beach that she wandered off?
Mostly told in the present day, we also, go back a few days before the kidnapping, the day before and 11 years in the past. Could a secret from Mel's past be the reason behind Bonnie's disappearance? Obviously. Usually when we get a past timeline it's connected. I don't think that's a spoiler, that's just psychological reader facts.
Overall, it did get a bit repetitive, but it was steadily paced and had my momma heart pumping.
Narration notes:
The emotions were on point and she sounded properly frantic when need be. Some of her side characters voices were grating, but I'm overall impressed with the narration.
June 27, 2026
This is my third book from the author, and my favourite, so far.
Ruby Speechley sure knows how to keep the reader engaged, from beginning to end, and this was a strong plot, with lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought there couldn’t be any more surprises…BANG!!!
I’m totally impressed with the way this story turns out, bringing everything together for a fantastic ending. I’m not going to explain the story, as the synopsis says it all, but I was engaged throughout, and whizzed through it. I should point out, that this story is at times heartbreaking, and touches on some historical sexual abuse.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes twisty, psychological thrillers.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 15 July 2026
Ruby Speechley sure knows how to keep the reader engaged, from beginning to end, and this was a strong plot, with lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought there couldn’t be any more surprises…BANG!!!
I’m totally impressed with the way this story turns out, bringing everything together for a fantastic ending. I’m not going to explain the story, as the synopsis says it all, but I was engaged throughout, and whizzed through it. I should point out, that this story is at times heartbreaking, and touches on some historical sexual abuse.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes twisty, psychological thrillers.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 15 July 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book hooked me within the first couple of pages and never really let go.
As a mother, this story hit me hard. The thought of a child being taken is every parent's worst nightmare, and that emotional connection made me even more invested in finding out what really happened.
One thing I loved about this book was that I spent the entire time trying to figure out who was involved and how everything fit together. While you may think you know who the villain is early on, the author does a great job of holding back the full truth until the very end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another piece of the puzzle made me question my theory.
The pacing worked really well for me. There were a few slower moments, but they felt intentional rather than dragging. Instead of losing my interest, those quieter sections built anticipation and made the bigger moments hit even harder.
The characters were easy to connect with. Some I immediately liked, while others were impossible to root for, which made the story even more engaging.
My only reason for not giving this a full 5 stars is the ending. After such a strong buildup, everything wrapped up very quickly. I wanted a little more time with the aftermath because I wasn't quite ready for it to end. Thankfully, the epilogue added some extra closure and helped soften that abrupt feeling.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and emotionally engaging thriller that kept me guessing from beginning to end. If you enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the final reveal, this one is definitely worth picking up.
As a mother, this story hit me hard. The thought of a child being taken is every parent's worst nightmare, and that emotional connection made me even more invested in finding out what really happened.
One thing I loved about this book was that I spent the entire time trying to figure out who was involved and how everything fit together. While you may think you know who the villain is early on, the author does a great job of holding back the full truth until the very end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another piece of the puzzle made me question my theory.
The pacing worked really well for me. There were a few slower moments, but they felt intentional rather than dragging. Instead of losing my interest, those quieter sections built anticipation and made the bigger moments hit even harder.
The characters were easy to connect with. Some I immediately liked, while others were impossible to root for, which made the story even more engaging.
My only reason for not giving this a full 5 stars is the ending. After such a strong buildup, everything wrapped up very quickly. I wanted a little more time with the aftermath because I wasn't quite ready for it to end. Thankfully, the epilogue added some extra closure and helped soften that abrupt feeling.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and emotionally engaging thriller that kept me guessing from beginning to end. If you enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the final reveal, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was supposed to be a relaxing day at the beach. An escape from everything that's been going on recently. Bonnie was right there beside me in her yellow swimming costume. and then, in a split second, she wasn't. My heart plummets as I call out. I try to tell myself this happens. It's a busy day in a popular sun spot. She'll soon be back in my arms. But deep down I know that's not true. The whole week I've known I'm in danger. The threats. The notes. The multiple warnings. But my child? I may not be perfect but I never thought they'd take it out on Bonnie. My poor defenceless baby. As I scan the shoreline for a glimpse of my precious little one, I steel myself. I will do anything to get my daughter back.
This is every mother's worst nightmare. Mel is at the beach with her daughter Bonnie. One minute Bonnie is there, the next, she has vanished.
I was racing through the pages with many questions running around in my head at the same time. What at first looks like a child's disappearance, turns into mush, much more. There was lots going on. The story can be a little repetitive, the pace was steady, and I was fully invested, needing to know what the hell was going on. This is a quick read.
Published 15th July 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RubySpeechley for my ARC of #Vanished in exchange for an honest review.
This is every mother's worst nightmare. Mel is at the beach with her daughter Bonnie. One minute Bonnie is there, the next, she has vanished.
I was racing through the pages with many questions running around in my head at the same time. What at first looks like a child's disappearance, turns into mush, much more. There was lots going on. The story can be a little repetitive, the pace was steady, and I was fully invested, needing to know what the hell was going on. This is a quick read.
Published 15th July 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RubySpeechley for my ARC of #Vanished in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a decent read and was tense throughout. I did find it a little bit repetitive, though. It centers on Mel, whose daughter Bonnie goes missing at the beach one day., What follows is a game of cat and mouse, interspersed with things that happened in Mel's past that got her to the current point in time.
I didn't really connect with Mel and found her inner narrative exhausting and sometimes annoying. While I understand that past issues caused her current anxieties, I felt like she kept telling us over and over again her concerns and plans for her daughter and I would have rather just seen it through her actions. I could have used a little more insight into the trauma in her childhood- the author gives more detail as the book goes on, but there were still some questions left unanswered. The ending of the book was high in stress and though I definitely had to suspend my disbelief, I enjoyed the chain of events that got us there. There were some predictable twists but also some good surprises.
Overall, this was a decent read, though I do think it would be better if it was shortened up a bit and focused a little more on actions versus thoughts. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't really connect with Mel and found her inner narrative exhausting and sometimes annoying. While I understand that past issues caused her current anxieties, I felt like she kept telling us over and over again her concerns and plans for her daughter and I would have rather just seen it through her actions. I could have used a little more insight into the trauma in her childhood- the author gives more detail as the book goes on, but there were still some questions left unanswered. The ending of the book was high in stress and though I definitely had to suspend my disbelief, I enjoyed the chain of events that got us there. There were some predictable twists but also some good surprises.
Overall, this was a decent read, though I do think it would be better if it was shortened up a bit and focused a little more on actions versus thoughts. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars rounded uo to 4 for goodreads
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"She's standing right there. I look away for one second... and she's gone."
Mel has just arrived at the beach with her daughter, Bonnie, who can't wait to splash in the sea. But when Mel looks away for just a moment to grab Bonnie's armbands, she turns back to find her daughter has vanished. Has Bonnie wandered off, or has someone taken her?
This was a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages. While there were a few slower moments, they helped build the tension and develop the story, making the twists more impactful. Ruby Speechley did a great job of keeping me guessing about what had happened to Bonnie and who was behind her disappearance.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was the ending. Once the truth was revealed, it felt a little rushed, and I would have liked a bit more time for everything to unfold.
Overall, this was a tense, suspenseful read with plenty of twists, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"She's standing right there. I look away for one second... and she's gone."
Mel has just arrived at the beach with her daughter, Bonnie, who can't wait to splash in the sea. But when Mel looks away for just a moment to grab Bonnie's armbands, she turns back to find her daughter has vanished. Has Bonnie wandered off, or has someone taken her?
This was a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages. While there were a few slower moments, they helped build the tension and develop the story, making the twists more impactful. Ruby Speechley did a great job of keeping me guessing about what had happened to Bonnie and who was behind her disappearance.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was the ending. Once the truth was revealed, it felt a little rushed, and I would have liked a bit more time for everything to unfold.
Overall, this was a tense, suspenseful read with plenty of twists, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers.
July 16, 2026
As a mom, this idea immediately got to me. Looking away from your four-year-old for a split second at the beach, only to turn back and find them gone? My heart dropped right along with Mel's. That's every parent's worst nightmare.
I really enjoyed the three timelines. They slowly peeled back the layers of the characters without making the story feel confusing, and I liked watching Mel's past unfold piece by piece. The mystery of who took Bonnie, and more importantly, why, kept me turning the pages. That said... can we talk about the husband? 😂 The longer Bonnie was missing, the more frustrated I became with him. I know people process trauma differently, but when your child has vanished, I need a little more urgency than going to bed at 6 p.m. I wanted to shake him more than once! The ending wasn't what I expected at all. I had my suspects, complete with motives and backstories, so when the truth finally came out, my reaction was more, "Huh... okay, that’s a way to go with it." It wasn't unbelievable or over-the-top—it was simply different from where I thought the story was heading. Overall, this was a solid read that balanced emotional tension with a compelling mystery.
I really enjoyed the three timelines. They slowly peeled back the layers of the characters without making the story feel confusing, and I liked watching Mel's past unfold piece by piece. The mystery of who took Bonnie, and more importantly, why, kept me turning the pages. That said... can we talk about the husband? 😂 The longer Bonnie was missing, the more frustrated I became with him. I know people process trauma differently, but when your child has vanished, I need a little more urgency than going to bed at 6 p.m. I wanted to shake him more than once! The ending wasn't what I expected at all. I had my suspects, complete with motives and backstories, so when the truth finally came out, my reaction was more, "Huh... okay, that’s a way to go with it." It wasn't unbelievable or over-the-top—it was simply different from where I thought the story was heading. Overall, this was a solid read that balanced emotional tension with a compelling mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow!!!! I didn’t see any of that coming at all. What should have been a simple child disappearance turned into so much more. Secrets from your past never stay hidden. They always come out one way or another. Where to start? How about characters. Don’t even get me started on who to trust and who not to. There were so many shifty people in this one. Next up is the plot. Like I said before this story turned into so much more than a vanishing child. There was so much going on. I couldn’t put this one down. I had to find out what happened next and fast. Lastly, that shocking ending. It was wrapped up so nicely with a giant bow on top. It all finally made sense. Everything was connected and I loved that. This author is one of my favorites. I just love all her books. I highly recommend her and I can’t wait for her next one to come out. Let’s see how she will top this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruby Speechley has a writing style that keeps me turning the pages, and after enjoying both Stolen and They Have My Baby, I was looking forward to Vanished. While I found the story entertaining enough to keep reading, the premise felt familiar and not particularly fresh. It also shared a very similar tone to some of Speechley’s previous books, which made it feel a little less memorable for me.
One of my biggest frustrations was the dialogue, which often felt repetitive and slowed the pacing. I also never became as immersed in the suspense as I had hoped. That said, Speechley knows how to tell a story, and I was still invested enough to see how everything would unfold.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
One of my biggest frustrations was the dialogue, which often felt repetitive and slowed the pacing. I also never became as immersed in the suspense as I had hoped. That said, Speechley knows how to tell a story, and I was still invested enough to see how everything would unfold.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mel's day out at the beach quickly turns into every parent's worst nightmare, when she takes her eyes of Bonnie for a second and she vanishes.
This book jumps between the present day and the days previous where lots of strange things happen in Mel's and her new parter Liam's lives.
After no luck in the search for her daughter, Mel begins to wonder whether her estranged dad has taken her away or whether the people from her past she has been in hiding from have finally caught up with her.
I really enjoyed this book, such a quick read and I was gripped for the very first chapter. I actually lost sleep because i found myself just needing that one more chapter...... the ending defintley took a turn, I was gobsmacked.
This book jumps between the present day and the days previous where lots of strange things happen in Mel's and her new parter Liam's lives.
After no luck in the search for her daughter, Mel begins to wonder whether her estranged dad has taken her away or whether the people from her past she has been in hiding from have finally caught up with her.
I really enjoyed this book, such a quick read and I was gripped for the very first chapter. I actually lost sleep because i found myself just needing that one more chapter...... the ending defintley took a turn, I was gobsmacked.
July 7, 2026
Definitely some good aspects and some tense action in this book which drives you to find out what happened. The core story, a missing child, is very evocative as every parent’s worst nightmare scenario. The fact that it happens in the blink of an eye is even more relatable and chilling as you get the feel that this could happen to anyone. As the story pans out, however, there was a push over the realms of believability, even given a fair dash of poetic license. The baddies were almost a bit comedic and cartoon like in their overstated characters and I didn’t really gel with the overly complex and coincidental backstories. That said it was a decent read, if you don’t take it too seriously but not quite for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of an advanced copy from Netgalley.
What a great, twisty, thrilling novel!
Great pace throughout throughout the book, and I'm always a fan of duel timelines. (Not large gaps in time.) There were some slower points, but these helped build up the story line and still kept me engaged as a reader, needing to keep the details of the overall story. The book continued to move a good pace.
The ending had a good curve ball - just enough to keep it twisted, but on the realistic side (my favorite kinds.)
I think this will be a great book that alot of thriller fans will enjoy, and I would definitely check out more from this author.
What a great, twisty, thrilling novel!
Great pace throughout throughout the book, and I'm always a fan of duel timelines. (Not large gaps in time.) There were some slower points, but these helped build up the story line and still kept me engaged as a reader, needing to keep the details of the overall story. The book continued to move a good pace.
The ending had a good curve ball - just enough to keep it twisted, but on the realistic side (my favorite kinds.)
I think this will be a great book that alot of thriller fans will enjoy, and I would definitely check out more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From the moment Bonnie disappeared on what should have been a normal beach day, I was completely invested and needed to know what had happened.
I really felt for Bonnie’s mam and the panic, guilt and determination she went through trying to get her daughter back. As more came out about the threats and warnings leading up to it, I kept changing my mind about who could be trusted.
This was one of those books where I kept saying “one more chapter” and suddenly hours had passed. Full of tension, emotional moments and enough twists to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
I really felt for Bonnie’s mam and the panic, guilt and determination she went through trying to get her daughter back. As more came out about the threats and warnings leading up to it, I kept changing my mind about who could be trusted.
This was one of those books where I kept saying “one more chapter” and suddenly hours had passed. Full of tension, emotional moments and enough twists to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where is Bonnie? When Bonnie vanishes from the beach one day we are taken on the journey of who would’ve done something to her and why?
This story is a dual timeline of the past and present that weaves past interactions with present to give us a thrilling conclusion. But how far in the past do we have to go before getting answers.
I enjoyed this quick page turner! Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC copy to read and review.
This story is a dual timeline of the past and present that weaves past interactions with present to give us a thrilling conclusion. But how far in the past do we have to go before getting answers.
I enjoyed this quick page turner! Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Turned my back for a minute...... yes this is how long it took for Bonnie to vanish!
The book pulled me in from the first chapter. I got panicked, wondering who the heck would take a child, and so few people noticed!
Tense and emotional, this is a book of revenge and how the past can catch up to a person.
Ruby Speechley never disappoints with her books.
I recommend
4/5 stars
The book pulled me in from the first chapter. I got panicked, wondering who the heck would take a child, and so few people noticed!
Tense and emotional, this is a book of revenge and how the past can catch up to a person.
Ruby Speechley never disappoints with her books.
I recommend
4/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another brilliant book by Ruby Speechley. Again it had you totally hooked from the start to the finish. She's definitely one to have a look at her books as each one ive read ive loved. Thank you Netgallery for letting me read this early.
August 5, 2026
This book had me gripped from the beginning, needed to read to find the ending out
August 17, 2026
🎧 I was interested in the plot for most of the book, but then the end/twist lost me a bit
July 18, 2026
Vanished by Ruby Speechley opens with every parent's worst nightmare. While enjoying what should have been a relaxing day at the beach with her boyfriend Liam and young daughter Bonnie, Mel's world is shattered when Bonnie disappears in the blink of an eye. As the desperate search begins, Mel is forced to confront a series of disturbing threats and unsettling secrets, leaving her questioning whether Bonnie's disappearance was a tragic accident or something far more sinister. With tension mounting at every turn, the story becomes a gripping race against time.
This is a fantastic psychological thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. The plot is incredibly strong, packed with the surprises, twists, turns and cleverly placed red herrings that Ruby Speechley does so well. Definitely one of those "just one more chapter" books that played absolute havoc with my sleep pattern because I simply couldn't put it down. The pacing is excellent, the suspense never lets up, and the constant sense of unease kept me hooked right through to the final pages.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Ruby Speechley's previous thrillers, I went into this one with high expectations and it absolutely did not disappoint. If you enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this is one I would highly recommend.
Content warning: This novel contains references to historic child sexual abuse, which some readers may find distressing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
This is a fantastic psychological thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. The plot is incredibly strong, packed with the surprises, twists, turns and cleverly placed red herrings that Ruby Speechley does so well. Definitely one of those "just one more chapter" books that played absolute havoc with my sleep pattern because I simply couldn't put it down. The pacing is excellent, the suspense never lets up, and the constant sense of unease kept me hooked right through to the final pages.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Ruby Speechley's previous thrillers, I went into this one with high expectations and it absolutely did not disappoint. If you enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this is one I would highly recommend.
Content warning: This novel contains references to historic child sexual abuse, which some readers may find distressing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
July 28, 2026
Vanished by Ruby Speechley is a fast-paced, tense page-turner. What starts as every parent’s worst nightmare, a protagonist’s four-year-old daughter disappearing from a crowded beach, it quickly unravels into a story of revenge, guilt, obsession, buried secrets, and the consequences of the past. While a few reveals required suspending disbelief, the tension never let up. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller that keeps the suspense high from beginning to end, this is a solid choice.
July 29, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. A real page turner, i was hooked! Ruby Speechley books have a wsy of doing that to me.
July 30, 2026
Audio. Interesting story. But ending gets confusing
July 19, 2026
Vanished
by Ruby Speechley
Pub Date: Jul 15 2026
Vanished is a highly entertaining psychological thriller that leans beautifully into dark domestic secrets and parental panic. The story hits the ground running when the protagonist, Mel, looks away for a single second at the beach, only to find her four-year-old daughter, Bonnie, has completely disappeared.
The author, Ruby Speechley does a fantastic job building a claustrophobic atmosphere. The inclusion of ominous threats and prior warnings makes you suspect absolutely everyone, even characters who seem like "green flags." My only slight critique is that figuring out who to trust took a bit of time, as the side-plot involving her secret past felt a little convoluted at times. However, the jaw-dropping final act completely tied everything together flawlessly. A fantastic, high-stakes read!
I'd like to thank #Vanished #NetGalley & #BoldwoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this fantastic read!
by Ruby Speechley
Pub Date: Jul 15 2026
Vanished is a highly entertaining psychological thriller that leans beautifully into dark domestic secrets and parental panic. The story hits the ground running when the protagonist, Mel, looks away for a single second at the beach, only to find her four-year-old daughter, Bonnie, has completely disappeared.
The author, Ruby Speechley does a fantastic job building a claustrophobic atmosphere. The inclusion of ominous threats and prior warnings makes you suspect absolutely everyone, even characters who seem like "green flags." My only slight critique is that figuring out who to trust took a bit of time, as the side-plot involving her secret past felt a little convoluted at times. However, the jaw-dropping final act completely tied everything together flawlessly. A fantastic, high-stakes read!
I'd like to thank #Vanished #NetGalley & #BoldwoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this fantastic read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vanished by Ruby Speechley is a gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. With plenty of suspense, unexpected twists, and an underlying sense of dread, it was one of those books that kept me saying, "Just one more chapter."
The story does a fantastic job of building tension from the outset. As the mystery unfolds, every new revelation raises even more questions, making it nearly impossible to predict who could be trusted or what had really happened. I loved how the suspense was driven by both the investigation and the emotional stakes, giving the story depth beyond the central mystery.
The protagonist was easy to connect with, and I found myself completely invested in her search for answers. Speechley captures the fear, desperation, and uncertainty of not knowing the truth in a way that feels authentic and emotionally compelling. Even when I questioned some of the characters' decisions, they felt believable given the circumstances they found themselves in.
The pacing is one of the book's strongest features. The short chapters and frequent cliffhangers kept the momentum going, making it a very quick and addictive read. While I guessed one of the twists before the reveal, there were enough surprises along the way to keep me engaged until the end.
The ending tied everything together well, providing satisfying answers while maintaining the emotional impact of the story. Although a few plot points required a little suspension of disbelief, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Overall, Vanished is an entertaining and fast-paced psychological thriller that delivers plenty of tension, family drama, and shocking secrets. If you enjoy domestic suspense with emotional stakes, unreliable characters, and twists that keep you turning the pages, this is definitely one worth picking up.
The story does a fantastic job of building tension from the outset. As the mystery unfolds, every new revelation raises even more questions, making it nearly impossible to predict who could be trusted or what had really happened. I loved how the suspense was driven by both the investigation and the emotional stakes, giving the story depth beyond the central mystery.
The protagonist was easy to connect with, and I found myself completely invested in her search for answers. Speechley captures the fear, desperation, and uncertainty of not knowing the truth in a way that feels authentic and emotionally compelling. Even when I questioned some of the characters' decisions, they felt believable given the circumstances they found themselves in.
The pacing is one of the book's strongest features. The short chapters and frequent cliffhangers kept the momentum going, making it a very quick and addictive read. While I guessed one of the twists before the reveal, there were enough surprises along the way to keep me engaged until the end.
The ending tied everything together well, providing satisfying answers while maintaining the emotional impact of the story. Although a few plot points required a little suspension of disbelief, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Overall, Vanished is an entertaining and fast-paced psychological thriller that delivers plenty of tension, family drama, and shocking secrets. If you enjoy domestic suspense with emotional stakes, unreliable characters, and twists that keep you turning the pages, this is definitely one worth picking up.
July 19, 2026
This is the story of a day out that ends horribly wrong. Mel, Liam and Bonnie are on the beach. Bonnie is desperate to get to the water and play. Mel is getting things ready to take her down, and when she turns around, Bonnie has vanished.
The story is a frantic and desperate search for Bonnie, but it also has another story entwined with it. It is the story of Mel and her friends as they grew up; there is a secret, and no one else knows about it. It is dark and tragic, and adds to the unsettling nature of this story.
The author has tackled some serious subjects in this book, and I think she has done it well. Making things a part of the story rather than glamorising or being too vivid about what happened in the past. It is a story of the past and the present and what happens as a result.
The author keeps the tension and suspense throughout and divulges little titbits of information at appropriate times. It is a fast-paced story as it is well laid out. It is a crime and thriller story that has a strong psychological thriller vibe to it and one I would definitely recommend.
The story is a frantic and desperate search for Bonnie, but it also has another story entwined with it. It is the story of Mel and her friends as they grew up; there is a secret, and no one else knows about it. It is dark and tragic, and adds to the unsettling nature of this story.
The author has tackled some serious subjects in this book, and I think she has done it well. Making things a part of the story rather than glamorising or being too vivid about what happened in the past. It is a story of the past and the present and what happens as a result.
The author keeps the tension and suspense throughout and divulges little titbits of information at appropriate times. It is a fast-paced story as it is well laid out. It is a crime and thriller story that has a strong psychological thriller vibe to it and one I would definitely recommend.
July 20, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie and her partner arrive at the beach with her 4 year old daughter for a fun family weekend getaway but things quickly go south because while Melanie is briefly distracted, her daughter disappears and after a lengthy search it appears that she was kidnapped.
This was a quick read but it wasn't this author's best in my opinion. It started out well and I was pretty interested but there kept being references to something Mel did in her past and of course we get no details on it until we get the full dump. And when we found out what that past secret was, it wasn't as juicy as I had hoped.
Melanie and her partner arrive at the beach with her 4 year old daughter for a fun family weekend getaway but things quickly go south because while Melanie is briefly distracted, her daughter disappears and after a lengthy search it appears that she was kidnapped.
This was a quick read but it wasn't this author's best in my opinion. It started out well and I was pretty interested but there kept being references to something Mel did in her past and of course we get no details on it until we get the full dump. And when we found out what that past secret was, it wasn't as juicy as I had hoped.
July 28, 2026
Vanished
Couldn't put this book down, it's very well written. I thought the boyfriend was involved to start with. Well done
Couldn't put this book down, it's very well written. I thought the boyfriend was involved to start with. Well done
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2026
Started a little slow, and I thought was just every mother's nightmare. WOW! Incredible twist!!
July 16, 2026
Vanished (Kindle Edition) by Ruby Speechley is an exciting roller coaster thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mel, Riz and Roxy two sistera, whose story moves back and forth eleven years, when they were fourteen to the present, eleven years later.
Mel's four year old daughter Bonnie goes missing on a beach day our with Mel and her partner Liam. Prior to their outing their home has been vandalised, Liam's car has been bumped into and damaged, threatening notes have been delivered and they do not know who is behind it all.
Bonnie's biological Father Toby and Liam are both unaware of Mel's secret past but all is about to be revealed in the grand finale.
I loved the way Ruby Speechley describes the utter torment that Mel has to suffer when Bonnie goes missing, also the menacing tacticts of people who desperately want revenge for the sins of the past.
Mel, Riz and Roxy two sistera, whose story moves back and forth eleven years, when they were fourteen to the present, eleven years later.
Mel's four year old daughter Bonnie goes missing on a beach day our with Mel and her partner Liam. Prior to their outing their home has been vandalised, Liam's car has been bumped into and damaged, threatening notes have been delivered and they do not know who is behind it all.
Bonnie's biological Father Toby and Liam are both unaware of Mel's secret past but all is about to be revealed in the grand finale.
I loved the way Ruby Speechley describes the utter torment that Mel has to suffer when Bonnie goes missing, also the menacing tacticts of people who desperately want revenge for the sins of the past.
July 16, 2026
From the moment Bonnie disappeared on what should have been a normal beach day, I was completely invested and needed to know what had happened.
I really felt for Bonnie's mam and the panic, guilt and determination she went through trying to get her daughter back. As more came out about the threats and warnings leading up to it, I kept changing my mind about who could be trusted.
This was one of those books where I kept saying "one more chapter" and suddenly hours had passed. Full of tension, emotional moments and enough twists to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
I really felt for Bonnie's mam and the panic, guilt and determination she went through trying to get her daughter back. As more came out about the threats and warnings leading up to it, I kept changing my mind about who could be trusted.
This was one of those books where I kept saying "one more chapter" and suddenly hours had passed. Full of tension, emotional moments and enough twists to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
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