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Vanished #2

Vanished 2

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It's only been three weeks since Henry woke up to discover his husband, Tom, had vanished. He's still struggling to come to terms with his new reality when he receives a haunting phone call: “Henry. Help me.” It’s Tom's voice, but Henry is afraid to believe. His world has already come crashing down around him twice in the last six months. Is Tom really alive, or is Henry losing his grip on reality?

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2015

2 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Carter Quinn

12 books190 followers
Carter Quinn was born and raised in a very small Western Kansas town where cattle vastly outnumber humans. In the 90s he read enough depressing gay fiction to give up on it. He discovered M/M in 2010 and started writing again. Now he's told Corporate America to kiss his books. Carter recently left the Denver area, meaning he is entirely too far from his beloved Colorado Avalanche.

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5 stars
83 (42%)
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77 (39%)
3 stars
27 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Baba  .
858 reviews4,005 followers
October 1, 2015
2 stars. Review posted October 1, 2015

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I did spend almost 3 euro for 103 pages in the hope that I would get some answers, but all there is in the end is another damn cliffhanger. I'm so fucking tired of this little game and of that stalling technique. I read the Author's Note and I completely understand his reason for publishing Vanished as a standalone novella. However, when readers asked for a sequel, I just wish he had published the rest of the story in its entirety because you won't get your answers in this second novella. For Pete's sake, we are not at the land registry to deposit a request for parcellation!

Well, I look at this second installment as some kind of teary-eyed stuffing before the allegedly grand finale is going to happen in novella #3. And if you think that I'm going to spend another three or four euro in a few months or a couple years just to get the explanations I'd been seeking, then I suggest that you think again because I sure as heck won't be coming back to this "series". Just the term series leaves a sour taste in my mouth in this context. Frankly, nothing happens where Tom is concerned in this second "installment". The predictable side-plot with popping out in the open was simply eye-roll inducing.

Even after the first novella, we all knew that and I wanted answers from him which, of course, I did not get. It looks like readers will get those in the next installment, though. The question remains when and how this is going to happen and, more importantly, who will be willing to spend about 10 bucks for three novellas (according to Amazon.com one novella costs $ 3.35).

Gif dedicated to Henry…

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Get a grip!

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Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,962 followers
December 21, 2015
Grrrr.....what a cliffhanger....thank god book 3 is out tomorrow.Can't wait...

Profile Image for Gigi.
2,160 reviews1,078 followers
December 18, 2015
4.5 stars

Please do NOT read the blurb unless you have already read Vanished #1.

OK, I've got good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad news.

Like Vanished #1, Vanished #2 ends on a cliffhanger.



(For you young folks, an explanation on one of the most famous cliffhangers of all time is located at Who Shot JR? The GIF above is the season 4 spoiler. And, yes, I WAS THERE.)

Unlike Vanished #1 (released on September 17, 2014) we only have to wait a few months for the conclusion, Vanished #3.



The Vanished series follows Henry Cooley, a man desperately in love with his husband and partner of 20 years, Tom MacKinnon. They are deliriously happy and share a wonderful college aged son. They have a beautiful home, great friends and simply love their life. And, honestly? Saying much more than that is just one GIANT spoiler. One of the reasons I got all worked up after reading book 1 was because I knew nothing going in. These books are compelling and thrilling, full of twists and turns and jaw-dropping realizations. All of the romance here is told in flashback, but it is glorious. You will fall in love with these two men and their love for each other.



Now, I highly, highly recommended this book. BUT, I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers. Like I said above, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I read book 1, so I had no idea it was a cliffhanger. Had I known, I would have waited until the series was complete before reading. That's how I roll. I'm not a fan of serials. So, my recommendation is as follows:

1. If you have already read Vanished #1, drop everything on September 26 and read Vanished #2 right away.

2. If you enjoy cliffhangers, this is an awesome example of a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat and panting for more. Read these now!

3. If you have not read Vanished #1 and are not a fan of cliffhangers, hold off until November/December and buy all three books at the same time and hang on tight for the ride of your life. The mystery and suspense is THAT GOOD.





This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews


Profile Image for LenaRibka.
1,463 reviews430 followers
March 15, 2016

Rounded up to 3 stars

Unfortunately I didn't like the second book as much as I liked the first one.
It reminded me more of a melodramatic soap than of a psychological thriller.

But I need my answers, and the second book didn't provide them.



It seems that I have no other choice but to dive into the final sequel.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,878 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2015

4.5 stars. Yes!! Got it, read it and am waiting on yet another cliffie to discover what the end game is. I did guess who the 'stalker' was about halfway into the story...in fact it was a toss up between him and Shaun as to who the baddie was BUT I'm still at a loss as to WTF is going on with Tom, his parents and the oil thing AND whether it's all connected to the prior kidnapping. At least we've only got to wait until December for the final chapter...or so I understand. Will my fingernails ever recover??
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,957 reviews285 followers
December 7, 2015
I'm really really glad that Carter Quinn decided to continue this series. I'm also glad I waited until shortly before the release of the conclusion to read the second installment of it. Maybe I should have waited a couple weeks more, though, because I really want book 3 now. Like the first installment, Vanished 2 ends on one hell of a cliffhanger. The writing is so good! I cannot wait until I am able to get my greedy hands on book 3!!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,030 reviews99 followers
December 13, 2015
Why oh why did I start reading this series before all the books have been released???



Seriously, both Vanished and Vanished 2 have ended with cliffhangers to beat all cliffhangers. But I am enjoying this series immensely. And that says a lot because there's been little to NO sex. (I don't recall if book #1 had any, but this one did NOT *insert frowny face*)

Poor Henry. He's just come back from a mental breakdown and now he's getting phone calls from his deceased husband. Want to know what caused his breakdown? Want to know who's stalking him? Want to know if Tom is still alive?

READ THIS SERIES. But if cliffhangers drive you nuts, you might want to wait until Vanished 3 is released.
Profile Image for Mark.
357 reviews162 followers
September 29, 2015
AARGH!!!!! THIS SERIES IS KILLING ME! I was emotionally crushed at the end of book one, left on a cliff-hanger of immense proportions, left sobbing my heart out and have never waited for sooooo long in so much anticipation for a second instalment. It felt like the longest wait for a book I have ever had.

I have now finished book 2 and all I can say is - AARRGGHHH!!!!!!! Still not at the end and I must be a sucker for punishment. I LOVE this series! But thankfully the wait for book 3 will hopefully not be so long.

I was left at the end of book one a snivelling, tear stained, emotional wreck and then in the epilogue left on a cliff-hanger to end all cliff-hangers. Well, book two starts with a quick reminder of book one which I thought a very nice touch as it had been so long, but to be honest book one has stuck in my mind so vividly it only took the few pages provided by Carter to be back in the thick of things in an instant.

Henry's loss still bears heavily on him but after having his breakdown in the first book here he tries to regain some form of normality by going back to work and trying to move on with his life. The scenes where he is alone in his house thinking about Tom are as heart breaking as ever, I could feel his loneliness and desolation but this time it is overshadowed by more sinister goings-on. Is Tom really dead or not? Again Henry thinks he's losing his mind but then several turn of events that are all too real convinces him that he can't be and hires a private detective to shed more light on the matter. As things become unbearable with the phone calls his loss for Tom soon turns into anger at the taunting and the hopelessness of his situation. But even in this anger I felt tragic loss and yearning. I guess if you have been with someone for so long then you’ll miss them forever, it just becomes easier to bear.

Henry's best friend, Shaun, still remains an enigma for me. One minute I like him and then the next I’m not sure, don't trust him, always this feeling that there is more to Shaun than meets the eye. Well, this book is no different and even here there is a time where Henry has his doubts too but Shaun throws him a complete curve ball and once again we're back to guessing Shaun's motives. I seriously hope in book three the enigma that is Shaun is resolved for me one way or the other. I would really like to love him or hate him but at the moment it’s impossible to do one or the other and that really messes with my mind – lol!

Carter's writing remains as tight and fast paced in the second book as in the first which meant no chance for me putting the book down once I had started. So heed my words make sure you find three hours for yourself where you’ll be completely undisturbed as you’ll need it! This is one book where interruptions are to be avoided at all costs. The book is perfectly plotted, moving from one scenario to the next very smoothly, surprising the reader all the time with a turn of events and emotional attachment to Henry's situation as in the first. There is no sex in this book, yes you heard me, NO SEX! And to be honest I wouldn't want it in this story, it wouldn't be right. Suits me just fine. It wouldn’t be appropriate at this stage in the story and would throw the plot out completely. Henry is not there yet to consider any kind of relationship. But this book for me is more about the other emotions experienced. It's great just to read a fantastic mystery-thriller with gay characters that I can feel so much for but without having to bring sex into it. Don't get me wrong I love a good sexy scene as well as the next man / woman but here it really is not necessary. There is definitely enough emotion and palpable tension going on to get you hot under the collar without having steamy sex. Incredible, right? The fantastic writing style of Carter Quinn in this book for me is perfect, sits well with me and fits me like a glove. Writing I can truly wrap myself up in and get completely lost in for a few wonderful and memorable hours. Once again all this packed into 106 pages, sheer genius if you ask me.

So as in the first book we get to the epilogue and it was with a great sense of trepidation that I started reading it. It was like trying to watch a film with one eye closed due to the anticipation. Rather difficult to do that while reading but the one eye was definitely trying to look away. So the epilogue started, nothing sinister and then………

………………… AAARRRGGGHHH! SHIT, DAMN FUCK AND BLAST!!!!!!

This is cruel, just cruel!!!!!! - Do you hear me Mr Quinn? - CRUEL!!!– lol!

Just when you thought everything was going to be OK you left once again on the edge of your seat with an ending that will now not leave me in peace – gggrrrr!! The third book had better be coming out fast otherwise I'll be doing a vanishing act of my own and come to haunt Mr Quinn personally myself until the third book is out! I know one thing now though and that is when the third book comes out, I will most definitely sit down at some stage and read all three books in succession as one book.

GRBanner

Profile Image for Tina.
1,785 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2015

What the fuck just happened? This was the meanest cliff hanger ever!



The first book ended with a cliff hanger that crushed me.

I had to know what was going on with Tom, if he was still alive or not.
And I wanted to know who Shawn really is. I didn’t trust Henry’s best friend and wanted...needed... to know more about him.

But what did I get after reading the sequel? Another mean mean cliff hanger! Is Tom still alive? I still have no clue.

Is Shawn trustworthy or not? I have no idea! I swear, there’s something off about that guy.

Poor bugger Henry is enduring so much! Watching him suffer was breaking my heart. Keep the faith, Henry! Carter will do the right thing and bring Tom back to you!

You'll be sorry if you don't, Carter! :D



596 reviews
June 15, 2016
This is the second book in the Vanished series and just as intense as the first book.We are several weeks later when Vanished 1 concluded and we find Henry Cooley trying to get back on his feet after a mental breakdown after discovering what happened to his husband of 21 years, Tom MacKinnon.Henry promises himself to be strong and be there for their son CJ.But, we discover as Henry does, things might not be as they appear.Henry knows the truth is out there, and determined to find it.I won't say more, but this has another WTH cliffhanger.Now on to the third and final book in the series....Oh yes indeed this is a good read!
Profile Image for Dreamer.
1,814 reviews137 followers
June 4, 2016
Another excellent installment of this series. Henry is horrified when he starts to receive calls from his deceased husband.
Profile Image for Cory .
729 reviews84 followers
October 6, 2015
OK...I didn't mind the cliffhanger in book 1 because I had book 2 ready and waiting. Now I'm sitting here pouting because book 3 isn't in my hands. I'm not sure what I want to happen in the story, but I sure enjoy reading it! :)
Profile Image for Jax.
1,155 reviews38 followers
September 27, 2015
This swept me along just like book 1 and just like book 1 there's a twist in the final sentence. I was expecting that, but I hope it won't be as long until we get book 3. I can't wait to find out what's going on!

There was one thing that bugged me in this one, though.
Profile Image for La*La.
1,912 reviews42 followers
December 24, 2015
4.5 stars.

I'm soooo glad I waited for book 3 before reading this one. That cliffie would have killed me!

Perhaps this book wasn't as shocking as the 1st one, but there's still lots of suspense here. Henry's paranoia and terror, the waiting on pins and needles for some solution and answers made for a fascinating read. Couldn't put the book down even for a minute!
Profile Image for Linda-Grace.
478 reviews19 followers
October 30, 2017
Holy Moly I got some questions answered from the first book only to get new totally unexpected ones. I do not know where this we lead in the last book. On a rollercoaster that is not slowly down and no idea how it will end. One thing I do know I do not like Tom's father. Still loving the series.
Profile Image for Nic.
Author 45 books371 followers
October 29, 2015
Loved this book. The only thing wrong with it is that book 3 is not available yet. Yes, it's a cliffhanger, but one I'm sure will be worth waiting for.
Profile Image for Frau Sorge (Yuki).
546 reviews26 followers
December 22, 2015
Well, yet another cliffhanger.

And amazon is being a bitch and won't let me buy the third installment.

Damn it damn it damn it.

I want answers.

I want them now.

Still, good read.
Profile Image for ItsAboutTheBook.
1,447 reviews30 followers
September 17, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book

4.5 stars

Holy Moly! Carter Quinn is writing a mystery worthy of the best in the genre. This story picks up just a bit past the end of Vanished, book one in the series. When I read the first book, I spent a lot of time sniffling through the pages and trying to control my emotions enough to actually see what I was reading! I felt so bad for Henry. He loved Tom so much and missed him with every beat of his heart. And I felt his pain. This author can make you feel…everything.

The pain and sense of loss is still alive and well in this installment, the emotion real. Henry’s trying to cope; trying to find a way to move forward. But those phone calls in Tom’s voice don’t stop, keeping Henry upset all…the…time! He’s reluctant, at first, to tell anyone what is happening, fearing he’s taking another trip to “crazy town”. Though fearing another emotional break down, he finally talks to a private detective who convinces Henry that he isn’t imagining this and has a full on stalker. Oh. My. God! Just what he needs after six months of hell.

I’m not going to say any more about the story. I am going to say that this story is beautifully written, beautifully constructed and beautifully told. When you combine a master story teller with a master writer, what do you have? Artistry.

You can find my review of the first book in this trilogy just by typing “Vanished” into the search window of this blog. I gave book one 4 Stars, while stating plainly that it probably deserved 5. I gave this installment 4.5 Stars because it furthers the story while keeping all of the emotion and mystery from book one alive. I am holding a 5 Star rating in my hand, waiting impatiently, for the talented Mr. Quinn to finish this story. If you’re a fan of the author or this story, rest easy. I will be cyber stalking Carter Quinn until I have the final book in my greedy little hands. In the meantime….

Enjoy!
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,411 reviews157 followers
January 29, 2016

4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.

The ride continues! Poor Henry is beside himself trying to cope with the loss of his missing husband. We learn all about their love story through flashbacks, and it is easy to see what a wonderful couple they were. Even though he has been absent from the beginning, we feel like we already know Tom pretty well which makes his disappearance even more heartbreaking.

In this segment, Henry is struggling with finding himself living alone after so many years, missing his husband so terribly and not wanting to give up hope. There are a lot of twists in this story, so it is difficult to say much without giving anything away. Suffice to say, poor Henry goes through just as much turmoil as the readers in trying to figure out what is going on. This is especially true when his sanity is once again put into question after receiving a telephone call from what appears to be Tom.

So, Henry takes matters into his own hand and hires a PI to help him figure things out. This was yet another fast-paced, edge of your seat read. I gobbled up the pages to get answers longing for some peace for Henry. This is a fantastically woven story that took me a bit by surprise and left me breathless and wanting to jump right into the next one. I highly recommend you read the first book, and you’ll definitely want to have the last one lined up and ready to roll.

Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion!
Profile Image for Suze.
3,933 reviews
February 10, 2017
A quick, intense, consuming read following right on from the end of Vanished.
Henry is still finding his way through the mess Tom's death has made of him. My doubts about Shaun were resolved somewhat.
I enjoyed the addition of Trevor and Dev - both of whom seem the only ones truly working for Henry and resolving his issues.
Off to read book 3 now!
Profile Image for Marte - Thunderella.
784 reviews108 followers
September 16, 2016
Wow, another cliffy!

This story picks right after the cliffy in the first one, and the story weaves it's way. It's confusing, and intriguing. It's a real page turner since you just have to know what is going on! I kept guessing and making up theories in my head.

I've read all three books before writing this review, all I can say is READ IT.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,219 reviews
September 12, 2019
Another OMG ending

Henry is just settling down to accepting the answers to his questions about Tom when he’s hit by more rounds of new questions of who, why and WTF? This 2nd book had me questioning EVERTHING and EVERYONE! The phrase “Trust no one” echoed in my thoughts on almost every page. Another jaw dropping ending. On to book 3.
Profile Image for Susan65.
1,655 reviews53 followers
May 28, 2016
Still trying to figure what the heck is going on...but loved it. The book, this series... you can't put down so make sure you have all the books all lined up or YOU WILL GO CRAZY.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews