Watch Them Disappear

Detective Gina Harte #19

by Carla Kovach

A completely nail-biting and absolutely gripping crime thriller

The house where she lives alone lies dark and empty, her bed still perfectly made. Her car waits in the carpark, her phone unanswered. Mindy Carson has vanished into thin air…When Ursula leaves work for the evening, she’s shocked to see her friend’s car still parked nearby. Happy-go-lucky dog groomer Mindy left for home ages ago. Something is desperately wrong. On the window is an unmistakable smear of blood.

As police visit Mindy’s home on the outskirts of town, everything looks in order, until they notice the small red light in the corner of her bedroom. Then another, and another. There are cameras watching her every move…Unpacking Mindy’s life piece by piece, police start to wonder whether Ursula knows more than she’s letting on. Had she found out about her husband’s secret messages to Mindy? Who was the person behind the cameras, watching Mindy’s most private moments? And was the local teenager making Mindy’s life hell really the last person to see her?

When the body of a young woman is found in a local park, police fear they are too late to save Mindy. And when another person is reported missing, it’s clear she isn’t the only one being watched. Does the killer have another victim in their sights? And can they catch them before another life disappears forever?

Prepare to be absolutely hooked by the latest nail-biting thriller from bestselling author Carla Kovach. Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and Karin Slaughter.

Genres: Procedural

324 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2026

About the author

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.

Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).

Reviews

[Gary]

When happy-go-lucky dog groomer Mindy Carson vanishes into thin air, it’s her friend Ursula who first notices something is horribly wrong. Mindy’s car is still parked near work long after she should have been home, and there is a disturbing smear of blood on the window.

When the police visit Mindy’s dark, empty house, everything appears to be in perfect order—until they notice tiny red lights flickering in the corners of her bedroom. Mindy was being watched, every single move recorded. As the investigation unpacks her life, uncomfortable questions emerge: Does Ursula know more than she’s letting on about her husband’s secret messages to Mindy? Who was controlling the cameras? And did a local teenager harassing Mindy have something to do with her disappearance? When a body turns up in a local park and another person goes missing, the police realize they are in a race against time to catch a stalker before more lives disappear forever.

This was a really strong story that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The plot moves along nicely, and the addition of the hidden cameras and stalking element gives the investigation an extra layer of tension that keeps you turning the pages. Having read several novels in this police procedural series over time, I’ve had varying degrees of success with individual titles, but I found this book to be one of the better ones. The recurring cast of characters remains interesting, and their dynamics make for a really comfortable, engaging read for returning fans. Carla Kovach delivers a solid, well-constructed police procedural here. The storyline flows well, the suspense is maintained throughout, and it feels like a standout instalment for the team.

Watch Them Disappear is a tense, intriguing police procedural that stands out as one of the stronger books in the series. If you enjoy a solid detective investigation mixed with a creepy, suspenseful mystery, this is definitely worth picking up. A solid four stars!

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich]

Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovach is the 19th in the Detective Gina Harte series.


Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



I really enjoyed this book. I like how Gina seems to be moving on from Briggs. I think it was time, and yet....her thoughts were somewhat repetitive as to how he was feeling - not sure if that was intentional, or if the author forgot that she had written that a number of times.

The book centered on the dark web, and how easy it is for someone to be groomed, and not just the young.  It was really interesting.  There were a lot of characters, and therefore suspects, so the suspense built as each one was investigated.  I like how the chapters were from Gina's point of view, that of one of the victims,  and that of the unknown perpetrator.

The author took a chance and one of our beloved characters does not survive.  The author created a very close-knit team, so I think they will struggle moving forward.  Gina, in particular, will be taking this hard.  Gina has always felt responsible for every team member, so I am wondering if she will feel guilt.  But she is  strong woman, and it looks like she has a strong a loving new partner, so perhaps things will be okay.

I'm looking forward to seeing how book 20 deals with the loss.


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Sheryl Browne]

OMG! I had to put this book down to breathe! What a plot! And the research! Fascinating, and all so scarily imaginable. The author’s characterisation is impeccable. My heart was palpitating with tension and fear for some of the characters. I’m actually not joking when I say I had to put the book down for a second while I digested what was happening before diving into the next chapter. Watch Them Disappear is a brilliant crime thriller with real people at the heart of it and a must read for any crime fiction reader who loves a meaty, twisty plot. Anyone thinking about reading crime thriller, grab this. You won’t be disappointed. Just brilliant. Needless to say, I would highly recommend it. Well done, Carla Kovach! As a side note, while signing in to leave this review, my laptop (one I don’t use much) asked me whether I wanted to select light mode or dark mode? What? Eek. My camera is off!

[Sue Plant]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

this book is frightening and a warning for everyone that uses the internet.... this could happen to you....

Ursula finally managed to leave her work after trying to avoid the scrots that were hanging around.... they knew she had reported them to the police and they went out of their way to intimidate.... so when she arrived at her car she was surprised to see mindys car there... her assistant had left over an hour ago and her pet rabbit was just sat by the car in its cage...thats how ursula knew something was wrong....

she rang the police and waited....

DI harte is worried and its not long until they have a body... everyone is out in force and the little clues just arent adding up....

ohhh man this one is a tense one but it leaves you grasping for the book if you put it down for even a minute.... and i loved the authors warning about covering up all cameras linked to the internet you just dont know who is watching...better safe than sorry....

cant wait to read the next book in this series and its great to see that harte has moved on in her personal life

[Christine]

4.25 stars
I've read several of the prior books in this procedural thriller series, and this is one of my favorites. Each book stands well on its own, and it's easy to connect with DI Gina Harte and the rest of the detectives. The case in this book is intense. It involves voyeurism and the dark web and is sometimes sad and sometimes disturbing. It's a suspenseful book and also a cautionary tale of being careful who you trust, especially on the Internet, and in treating others the way you want to be treated.

I love Gina and the rest of the team and was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Gina has been through a lot in her life, too, so she is very understanding of what some of the victims have gone through and is determined to print the perpetrators to justice. Those following this series won't want to miss this one and new readers will also enjoy the book.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Bookouture and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Holly]

At book 19, these characters become close to you. So when the author decides to rip your heart out, well, you aren’t happy about it. So thanks Carla! Somebody is always watching. When that person decides to take matters into their own hands to make people pay for bad things, Gina and the gang have a new case. Exhilarating till the end, because not knowing where this story will take you will leave you gasping.

[Carla]

Watch Them Disappear is the 19th book in the Detective Gina Harte series, but it can be read as a standalone story. In this book, Gina is sent to a Pet Grooming business when the owner, Ursula, reports her friend and co-worker missing. She left work with her rabbit, and an hour later her car was still there, her rabbit on the ground beside the car, her phone smashed and blood on the window. The police check the surrounding area, but Mindy is nowhere to be found. Time is not on their side, as she is probably injured and depending on that injury, may not have long to live. When the police go to her house, they find cameras hidden around her small home. Who was taping her, and who was watching? When a body of a young woman is found in the park, they are now dealing with murder, as it is Mindy's murder. Then, another person, this time a young man goes missing. Are these crimes associated with one another?

This was a very different crime from the ones I have read about. It seems that someone is taping people using their own computers, then forcing them to watch activities where people are harmed and even killed. One of those is Mindy. When a teenager gets involved and his sister is in danger, he tries to get out, but the videos of him pleasuring himself will be released to the world and all his contacts. Does he know who the man behind the camera is? Another murder and more missing persons. Gina and her team are closing in, but they keep hitting dead ends. I was on the edge of my seat worried about the young people involved, and whether they would become the next victim. I didn't know what the reason or motive was for these killings and they seemed so random. This story is centered around the Dark Web, which is a scary place, and not somewhere I would venture. It also has catfishing which is how the young people get pulled in. Most of the story is told from Gina's POV, but we do hear from the culprit and one of the victims in a few chapters. It makes it feel a little bit creepier. Being a police officer means you are in danger of being hurt or not surviving and one of the characters I loved doesn't survive this book, which brought a few tears to my eyes. Although Gina is strong, she almost breaks, which makes her more human. I enjoyed this book, even if it ended on a sad note. If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers, then I definitely recommend Watch Them Disappear, or any of the books in the Detective Gina Harte series.

[Jennifer]

I loved it!! The Detective Gina Harte Series is definitely one of my favorites. It's hard to believe this was book nineteen. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put the book down because I had to know who was behind the murders. I knew it was definitely related to what happened in the prologue. I knew there had to be a connection between the people being killed. Why would someone want to watch the content on OpenMeSmiler? There are sick people out there. All the people who loved engaging on the website got a surprise at the end. So much effort was put into getting revenge. Can people change? I would hope so but not everyone does and they remain the same mean girl/boy from high school. There were so many twists and turns. I was suspicious of so many people. The book kept me guessing until the very end. I was definitely shocked when everything was finally revealed. I loved how much Harry missed Mrs. O while she was in France doing a baking course. He loved his wife so much. While she was gone everyone missed her baking. I knew something terrible was going to happen. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I definitely recommend the book and the previous ones in the series. This was a great mystery/thriller. I loved the characters, writing style and story. I can't wait to find out what's next for Det. Gina Harte. I really wanted it to work out with DCI Chris Briggs and Gina. Maybe it's for the best since they always had to keep their relationship a secret. Maybe they will find their way back to each other, but first Briggs needs to forgive Gina and let go of his anger toward her. Gina does seem happy with Brodie. She deserves to find love after enduring the years of abuse from her husband. Will the next book be about Hannah and Gina? Sooner or later Hannah is going to find out the truth about her dad, although she probably will not believe it and blame her mom. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly)]

Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovach is a very highly recommended investigative thriller. This procedural hits on some timely topics. Even though this is the 19th novel in the Detective Gina Harte series it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

When Ursula leaves her pet grooming business for the day she is more concerned about the group of unruly teens that seem to take over the street. The leader of the miscreants even threatens her on this day. Then she sees the car of her employee, Mindy, still parked outside even though she left an hour earlier. What Ursula finds at the car is a smashed phone, blood on the windshield, and Mindy's pet bunny sitting outside in it's basket. She immediately calls the police. DCI Gina Harte and her team respond and quickly determine that Mindy has been kidnapped. They also discover a video and email from OpenMeSmiler threatening blackmail sent to Mindy just before she left.

During this same time period Brian, 18, is on the dark web and being pulled into joining OpenMeSmiler, which shows viewers secret camera footage from unsuspecting people. What he doesn't discover until it is too late is that watching it also means whoever is behind OpenMeSmiler has complete control of your computer and collects film of you for blackmail purposes. What is quickly clear is that there is a psychopath who has secret cameras on people and is deliberately filming them. While DCI Harte and her team have uncovered secret cameras at Mindy's house and are following clues, they have no idea about the reach, evil, and intent of the operator behind OpenMeSmile. The investigation quickly escalates.

This is another great addition to the well-written series. The investigation is complex, all the clues are logically followed, and the pace moves quickly. The whole question of filming people without their knowledge or consent, including surveillance, personal privacy versus the public good, social media, and the dark web are timely topics in many discussions today and give the novel a timely, cutting-edge advantage while holding your attention and interest throughout. There is a lot going on in this procedural, so, follow the action and take note of the clues uncovered while following the investigation.

The chapters in the narrative follow DCI Harte and the team, Brian along with his sister Tabby and friend Curtis, and the anonymous perpetrator. The anonymous OpenMeSmiler operator is chillingly nefarious as he controls his viewers with threats and blackmail while he is watching them to make sure they are watching his actions.

Those following the series are well acquainted with the background of DCI Gina Harte and her team. In Watch Them Disappear the personal information about and any further character development of the team members is really only focused on near the beginning of the novel and at the end. The bulk of the story is fully invested in the investigation and following clues to stop the perpetrator. This makes the novel very appealing as a standalone procedural.

Watch Them Disappear is an excellent choice for those who enjoy procedurals/investigative thrillers with a tie to cutting edge topics. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Robin Loves Reading]

When Mindy Carson goes missing, Detective Gina Harte is on the case. Police are alerted by Mindy’s friend Ursula, who notices that Mindy’s car is still parked where they both work. Mindy should have been home hours ago, and something clearly isn’t right.

Gina and her team begin their investigation at Mindy’s home, where they make a shocking discovery: multiple hidden cameras have been installed throughout the house. Gina decides to talk to Ursula again, especially because she has a feeling that her friend is hiding something. Could it have something to do with Ursula’s husband? Was he the one watching Mindy?

But the investigation quickly takes a different turn. Gina learns that a local teenager had apparently been making Mindy’s life hell, and perhaps this is where her investigation needs to lead. Before she can fully question the teenager, however, the body of a young woman is discovered. Gina can’t help but fear that Mindy may also be found dead. And then another person goes missing. Clearly, there is a pattern, and Gina needs to figure it out before someone else disappears.

This may be the most intense book I’ve read in the series so far. The surveillance aspect of the story is incredibly disturbing, particularly because it involves teenagers and the dangers that can come with technology and social media. I couldn’t help but think about real-life cases where people have unknowingly put themselves at risk without realizing just how easily they can be watched or monitored.

What makes this story especially unsettling is that we aren’t talking about someone simply watching through a laptop or phone camera. These are hidden cameras involved, connected to a much larger network of surveillance. The idea is frightening, and some of what Gina uncovers is downright heartbreaking.

I was completely glued to this book and stayed up late because I simply had to know how everything would unfold. And while I’m not going to give anything away, let’s just say the outcome is definitely no bed of roses. This is a gripping, disturbing installment that kept me turning the pages right up until the end.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[janine]

*BOOKS ON TOUR REVIEW*

As always, the biggest thanks to Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for the 19th installment of the phenomenal Detective Gina Harte series.

This is one of those rare series that never grows old. Nineteen books in and the excitement it gives when landing in my TBR pile is just as palpable as that very first book.

Out of all the books, this one seemed to hit me hardest. I'm not completely sure why, but it felt all encompassing from beginning to end and what an ending it was!

When dog groomer Mindy Carson disappears right outside of her workplace, they scene leads Detective Gina Harte and her team to believe it was foul play. Left to investigate, it soon becomes apparent that Mindy was not only being blackmailed but also secretly watched. Hidden cameras are found around her home and digging deeper, a connection to a site called Opensmiler is found. A site on the dark web that once you join, you can't leave. They know your secrets, they've been watching.

When another person goes missing, a pattern emerges and Gina knows she's working against the clock to stop whoever is behind these crimes.

As always the character execution was sublime, the main characters now feel like friends so when any of those characters break your heart *no spoilers* it feels personal. I love how with each new installment we're still learning more about them.

A unique, nail biting and multi layered storyline that at times made my skin crawl and had me second guessing the whole way through.

What made everything so intensely unsettling was the fact that we aren't just talking about being watched through phones or computers but by these secret hidden cameras, placed around the homes of unsuspecting individuals going about their everyday business, who are then dragged into a dark evil world... I found myself looking around the room whilst reading, trying to guess where cameras could be hidden!

A compelling continuation of this amazing series, I can't wait to see what book #20 has in store.

The biggest thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for the ARC.

[Emma Alvey]

Mindy left work hours ago, so Ursula is surprised to find her car still parked nearby. And when she sees the smear of blood on the window, she knows something bad has happened to her friend. Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to investigate. At Mindy’s house they notice cameras hidden in her fire alarms. Someone has been secretly watching Mindy. Does Ursula know more than she’s admitting? As they race to find Mindy, a woman’s body is found in the park. Are they too late? And when another person is reported missing, they are worried that the killer has their sights set on another victim. Can they catch them before they kill again?

Carla Kovach’s Gina Harte series has been one of my favourite police procedurals for years. She always delivers a first-class thriller filled with great characters, menacing crimes, important topics and recurring characters I love returning to time and again. And this latest installment is her best yet. Nail-biting, twisty and addictive, Carla had me in a chokehold from start to finish. And this time she’s exploring the damaging effect of revenge porn and the dangerous allure of the dark web. On the lighter side of things, I really enjoyed seeing Gina happy again in her new relationship. But that ending! Carla, how could you. You totally broke my heart and I don’t think I’ll get over what happened.

One of Carla’s skills is writing fantastic characters who are flawed and real. She has created some brilliant characters in this story, including Mindy, Ursula, Brian and Tabitha. I was rooting for Mindy to be found before it was too late, but as time ticked by I worried they wouldn’t find her in time. Teenage siblings Brian and Tabitha brought out my maternal side and I just wanted to reach into the book to protect them from themselves. But the most memorable character from this book has to be the man in the Morph mask. This man was utterly terrifying but I loved reading the chapters from his perspective. As I read his sinister thoughts and plans I was holding my breath wondering if Gina and her team could find him before he was able to complete his terrible scheme.

Highly recommended.

[Cindieslibrary]

📱 Hidden cameras, dark web blackmail, and a race against time...

​I just finished this pulse-pounding 4-star crime thriller! Between the high-stakes kidnapping investigation and the terrifying dark-web extortion plot, this installment kept me hooked from page one. 4/5 stars! 🐕💻

​The Setup: When dog groomer Mindy vanishes right outside her salon—leaving behind her smashed phone, blood on her windshield, and her beloved pet bunny—DCI Gina and her team are called to the scene. The investigation quickly uncovers hidden spy cameras in Mindy’s home and a sinister email from "OpenMeSmiler," an anonymous blackmailer threatening to leak explicit footage unless she complied. 📱🩸

​The Plot: Meanwhile, 18-year-old Brian gets sucked deep into OpenMeSmiler’s dark-web ring, where users pay to watch illegal hidden camera feeds. But OpenMeSmiler doesn't just broadcast—he blackmails his viewers, forcing them into doing his dangerous bidding to make them complicit. As Brian realizes he's trapped, the police find a dead body in a park with a terrifying photo stuffed in her mouth, promising a second victim soon. 🌐⚖️

​The Catch: With OpenMeSmiler pulling the strings from behind a screen and manipulating an army of blackmailed puppets, Gina and her team must track down an invisible killer before the second victim dies. Balancing high-stakes investigative pressure alongside new romance, Gina faces one of her most dangerous cases yet. ⏳⚡

​An edge-of-your-seat procedural that will make you cover every webcam in your house! 4/5 stars! 👏✨

​⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
​📌 Tropes: Dark Web Suspense, Serial Blackmailer, Race Against Time, Hidden Cameras, Police Procedural, Female Detective

My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/watch-them...

[Lori Martin]

Watch Them Disappear is a book that will have you trying to guess the murderer until the very end. There are many potential suspects and this book shows how darkness can infiltrate a home in suburbia without anyone knowing. Ursula is leaving her dog grooming shop for the night and walks to her car. When she spots Mindy's car still there she thinks something must be wrong. Mindy left over an hour ago and should've been long gone. There is no sign of Mindy, but when Ursula looks in her car, she sees Mindy's beloved rabbit. Mindy would never leave her pet rabbit in a cold car. Ursula then spots a smear of blood by the window. What happened to Mindy? Ursula calls the police. When Gina and her team are put on the case, they interview neighbors near the car and no one saw anything. How can someone just vanish and no one see?

When Gina and her team go to Mindy's house to see if there are any clues, they notice a red light in the corner of her bedroom. Then they notice many more red lights and they know that someone was watching Mindy from many angles and in many parts of her home as the red lights are small cameras. Who would do this and did Mindy know about the cameras? When the police find out Mindy was receiving seductive texts from Ursula's husband, they start to wonder if Ursula knows more than she's saying? When a body turns up in the park, will it be Mindy? Another person is reported missing. Is someone watching them, too? Watch Them Disappear will have you checking for small red lights in places you frequent to see if someone is watching you! This book is unsettling, suspenseful, and eerie in the best possible way. I rate Watch Them Disappear 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Watch Them Disappear in exchange for a fair review.

[Andria Lambert]

I have read one other book by the author but I recently got five more books from the series that are on my tbr list to read. I didn't at first realize that this was such a big series but this book did fine as a standalone.

In Watch Them Disappear, Dog Groomer Mindy Carson goes missing right outside of her work, the scene leads to the belief that it must be foul play. Detective Hart is called in on the case to try to solve the mystery of what has happened to Mindy. Upon investigation at the scene and then at Mindy's home, it is discovered that she has a blackmailer and there are also secret cameras in her home. Seems that there is a blackmailer that goes under the guise of Openmesmiler that is blackmailing people into doing his deeds. There is definitely something dark going on and plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading the chapters.

Watch Them Disappear is a police procedural that showcases the investigation into solving the cases and is told through the use of different points of views including the detective and the killer along with others. There are potential suspects and leads to follow. Some of the themes in the story are cyber stalking, manipulation, blackmail, danger of the dark web, loss of privacy, harassment and exploitation. I enjoyed the fairly short and quick paced chapters that kept me interested and entertained from beginning to ending. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Joanne Dunn]

4.5 stars!

We live in a digital era where a single post can have a lasting impact; once it is out there, it is out there forever.

When a woman goes missing, leaving behind only a bloodstained scene, her rabbit by her car, and a disturbing message on a computer screen, DI Gina Harte and her team must race to unravel who targeted her and why, desperately hoping she is still alive. However, when her body is ultimately discovered along with another chilling message, the team realizes this is merely the beginning. How many more lives will be lost depends on how quickly they can determine why these specific targets are being chosen. They must uncover the identity of "OpenMeSmiler," a killer determined to seek revenge that is brutal, public, and designed to incite everlasting humiliation.

On the character front, DCI Brodie Fraser, who was introduced in the previous installment, returns. His budding relationship with Gina provides her with a level of support she has never experienced before, and importantly, it is a relationship she can finally have out in the open. There was a moment in the book I had to put it down and cry. To avoid spoilers, I won't hint at what drew that reaction but is a testament to Carla’s ability to make you care deeply for these characters.

[Kirsten]

Review of an advanced, free of charge copy provided by NetGalley.

Watch Them Disappear is the nineteenth book in the Detective Gina Harte series and it certainly does not disappoint.

This is a thrilling storyline that works equally well as a standalone read or as part of the wider series. Gina becomes involved in the investigation into the disappearance of a young woman, Mindy. From there, the narrative explores revenge, betrayal and manipulation, while also delving into retribution and the dangers of the dark web.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The ‘OpenMeSmiler’ concept is genuinely disturbing, exposing the darker sides of stalking, voyeurism and the lengths people will go to manipulate others. The threat sits somewhere between a Black Mirror episode and the very real dangers of online extortion. That sense of unease runs throughout the novel, with its sinister undertone and the growing fear experienced by the central characters making this a genuinely chilling read.

The idea of humiliation underpins the story, beginning with the prologue, which immediately establishes an unnerving tone. This is then carefully developed as the narrative progresses, building towards a conclusion that maintains the tension right to the end.

[Nikkyg reads 📚]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Watch Them Disappear had me suspicious of basically everyone because everyone seemed to be connected somehow and it was interesting to see how all the pieces would fit together in the end.

The case was complicated, with leads flying everywhere, secrets piling up and enough twists to keep me constantly changing my mind. But, and this is important, it somehow never became too confusing. There were a lot of characters and potential leads and suspects but it was easy enough to keep track of who’s who.
There was a lot going on, but I could actually keep up with who was doing what, which is always a win in a thriller!

It was interesting, sad and genuinely creepy in places, and I found myself saying “just one more chapter”. The concept around the dark web and being watched and spied on I found unsettling. We use technology so much, it highlights some of the major downsides and makes you question how safe we really are.
Some parts had me questioning people’s life choices, some had me feeling genuinely sad, and others had me thinking, “Oh, this is creepy, let me turn my laptop off!”

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. A complicated case, plenty of suspects, lots of leads and enough suspense to keep me turning those pages.

Would I recommend it? Yes definitely.

[Reader]

I’m a huge fan of thrillers that come with a complex story, and when I received Watch Them Disappear as an ARC, I knew I was going to struggle to put this book down from the very start.

The story begins when Ursula finds her friend Mindy’s car unlocked, blood on the windscreen and her smashed phone nearby, and she’s sure something is terribly wrong. Detective Gina Harte is brought in to investigate Mindy’s disappearance and discovers a lot more than she bargained for.

This is the nineteenth book in the Gina Harte Detective series, and the story is told from the perspective of key characters interspersed with unnamed chapters from the killer’s point of view. Carla Kovach’s writing style is gripping, and her exploration of themes such as misogyny, grooming, the dangers of chat rooms and the dark web felt relatable, plus the quick tempo kept me turning the pages.

This was a brilliant introduction to this crime series for me, and I’m already looking forward to reading this collection of books from the beginning.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC. 4.5 stars rounded up.

[Michelle]

Watch them disappear is book 19 in the Detective Gina Harte series and this book like the previous ones, never disappoints.
Dog groomer Mindy Carson leaves work early. But then seems to have disappeared. Ursula who works at the same salon notices her car still parked in the car park leaving her pet bunny behind and a smear of blood on her care. When Gina investigates the go to her home to find some clues of her where abouts, but they soon find something sinister, there is all small cameras in her Mindys room. Who is doing this and why. Whilst investigating they find links to the dark web and people being humiliated and then murdered online.
In Gina’s personal life, her relationship with DCI Brodie Fraser is getting better and better.
Ms Kovach has knocked it out of the park with Watch them disappear. This is an unputdownable read which is darker and with an edge of your seat storyline than her previous ones. It is also scary to think what happens if your details get into the wrong hands online. I couldn’t but this down even though it could be hard in places to read. But that didn’t spoil the enjoyment of this. I highly recommend. 5 stars.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor]

What if the person watching you never had to be in the room?

Carla Kovach has done it again. Nineteen books in, and Gina Harte still manages to surprise me.

This is her most hard-hitting, multi-layered story yet. The hidden cameras in a missing woman's home had me checking my own room by the end (not really, but I thought about it), and the unease stayed with me long after I put the book down.

The tension builds immediately, then becomes almost unbearable when a body turns up in the local park. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another layer peeled back and I was wrong again.

What makes it hit harder is how close to home it feels. We all live surrounded by phones, computers and smart devices, and the book plays on that quiet unease in a way that feels real rather than sensational.

Gina is as brilliant as ever, smart, resilient, empathetic and determined. That ending caught me completely off guard. Keep tissues nearby, you'll need them.

My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All views are my own.

[Jennifer TW]

Another great instalment in the DI Gina Harte series by Carla Kovach. This book dives into the sinister world of cybercrime and the manosphere, where victims are selected, displayed, and dehumanised online before meeting their demise. It’s a chilling exploration of how technology can warp behaviour, reduce people to targets, and turn anonymity into a weapon.
Gina and her team are pushed to think like the perpetrators, infiltrating digital spaces that feel both alien and disturbingly familiar. It’s a tough read at times, but a necessary one — especially in a world so reliant on technology that the same tools we depend on can betray us and destroy lives.
I loved seeing real progression in the characters’ personal lives, small glimmers of hope amid the darkness, even as the story continues to expose the dangers these detectives face every day. A gripping, unsettling, and timely read.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandie McCormack]

t was a really good read it’s great to read about Gina’s life This is another great addition to an already fantastic series. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to find out what had happened to Mindy.

There were so many secrets, twists and suspicious characters, and I was constantly changing my mind about who could be behind it all. The story kept me guessing and the tension built really well throughout.

I really enjoyed getting caught up in the investigation but how worrying that things can go so wrong when you join something on line it makes you double think everything i loved how everything came together at the end it was so gripping I couldn’t read the pages fast enough, to find out what happens next.

I’ve really enjoyed this series and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend if you enjoy a good psychological crime thriller with plenty of twists and suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for an ARC.

[Linda]

Disturbingly relevant these days!😳💻📸

Totally edge of your seat suspenseful, this crime thriller also had a cringe factor thanks to the sadistic maneuvers the killer makes to entrap internet users and exploit
and/or expose them. Kovach centers the crime around the dangers and seduction of the internet, and its abuse in the wrong hands. Brian, a teenager gets caught up and encouraged down "the dark path", at first exciting and then terrifying and seemingly hopeless to escape. Meanwhile, he has no idea where his "puppetmaster" is leading him. And he's not the only one...

The urgent chase to find the killer is expertly engaging. Although it always gets to me when the good guys fight the fight yet suffer grief and tragedy in the process, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this book due to a sad, poignant end for some main and secondary characters.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Lee]

This is one of those rare series that simply never grows old. No matter how many cases unfold, returning to these characters feels wonderfully familiar, almost like coming home to old friends. There is a real sense of comfort in stepping back into their world, yet the author still manages to create a fresh mystery filled with unease, suspicion and enough twists to keep the pages turning.

Mindy’s disappearance develops into a disturbing and increasingly complex investigation, with secrets emerging from every direction and suspicion falling on those closest to her. The sinister discovery that someone has been watching her adds an especially unsettling edge to the story. Tense, absorbing and thoroughly entertaining, this is another compelling instalment in a series that continues to deliver everything I have come to love about it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Chelleah]

Thank you to the NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an ARC.

I had a really good time with this one! Carla Kovach wrote a genuinely creepy story here, and the whole concept of hidden cameras and someone constantly watching you inside your own home gave me total paranoia while reading it.

​What made it such a fast read for me was how short and punchy the chapters were. Every time a chapter ended, I told myself I’d close the app or put the book down, but the constant shifting between the police investigation and different perspectives made it way too easy to just keep tapping next. You're constantly trying to figure out who is telling the truth, and every time I thought I had the suspect figured out, another piece of the puzzle popped up.

​It balances the actual detective work with the psychological mind games really well, so it never feels like a dry procedural. If you’re looking for a quick, unsettling mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the finish line!

[Sue]

The dark web. It is dark for a reason.
This book shows the dangers of getting involved with strangers on the internet.

Revenge, hidden cameras, then torture and murder.
Gina and her team are investigating the sudden disappearance of Mindy, and their suspects are many.

The book is engrossing, but I found it lacked something!! The plot is great. And the message about strangers is clear. Yet I didn't find the book a 'one more chapter' book.

Fans of this Gina Harte series will really love the book, I am sure, but it is a 3/5 star book for me.

I love crime books, and I love a strong female lead. Gina's partner, O'Connor's bumbling ways made me giggle. I felt he was more suited to working behind a desk though.

There is much sadness in the end. I won't give away that part. But it is heartbreaking.

[Louise Allan]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

A woman disappears and it turns out her life had been broadcast on the dark web, including the most private and intimate moments. Detective Gina Harte and her team have to try and chase down the culprit, but when a young man disappears and his videos appear online they need an expert ti help them together to the bottom of it.

This was shockingly good. The dark web, and associated chat rooms were described in detail and were quite frankly scary! It was great to see Gina working closely with O’Connor in this book. With so many potential suspects I was kept guessing until the end. And just as I thought I knew what was happening, not one but at least two shocking conclusions. This series is amazing but this was the best one yet. Gripping and unputdownable. A 5 star storyline with an addictive undercurrent!

[Alison Taylor-Muhl]

This series is hands down one of my favourites, so I was super excited to get my hands on this latest instalment (how are we on book nineteen?). This time the story is told mainly from the PoV of the key characters, with chapters from the killer’s perspective being peppered throughout. The storyline is dark, dealing with on topic themes such as public humiliation, misogyny, grooming, bullying, and the dangers of the dark web. As with all the previous books in the series, the writing is slick and skilful, and it is clear a lot of research was undertaken in order to portray how offenders can use the dark web to snoop on and blackmail ordinary people. I did guess the perpetrator pretty early on, but this didn’t spoil the read for me, it’s nice to be right sometimes! All in all, another strong instalment of this superb series – very highly recommended.

[Vanessa]

Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovach is the 19th book in the Detective Gina Harte series and WoW what a book, and it will have you guessing who the murderer is right to the very end. Superb read. Plus. it had me shouting "NOOOOOO!" out loud in one of these chapters but you will need to read it to find out what happened . . . .But sad to see them go.

Detective Gina Harte is the main character and she is just the best! but she is sadly moving on from Briggs which I so wanted them to be together . . . . and for her to be happy!!! But, this series has been 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️'s and this latest book was no different - it was a superb read from start to finish.

I highly recommend this latest book Watch Then Disappear and the other 18 books within this series they will not disappoint!

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.