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David Dunnigan #1
After She Vanished
Five people living on Dublin's streets have gone missing and criminologist David Dunnigan has been tasked with finding them.His search leads him to ten-year-old Harry, living alone in an abandoned warehouse, who has been waiting days for his parents' return
Dunnigan knows more than he would wish to about unexplained disappearances. Almost twenty years ago, his young niece Beth vanished during their annual Christmas shopping trip. No trace of her was ever discovered. And the tragic mystery has loomed over Dunnigan's life ever since. As his current investigation draws him deeper into the city's dark underbelly, Dunnigan's resolve to help Harry and unravel this mystery grows stronger. And could it lead him one step closer to finding out what became of Beth?
Dunnigan knows more than he would wish to about unexplained disappearances. Almost twenty years ago, his young niece Beth vanished during their annual Christmas shopping trip. No trace of her was ever discovered. And the tragic mystery has loomed over Dunnigan's life ever since. As his current investigation draws him deeper into the city's dark underbelly, Dunnigan's resolve to help Harry and unravel this mystery grows stronger. And could it lead him one step closer to finding out what became of Beth?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2017
44 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 6, 2018
After she Vanished by S A Dunphy is about David Dunnigan a criminologist who also works with the police to find missing people. His young niece disappeared in a shopping centre may years before while in his care. David finds it hard to interact with people but tries to help people in need. I found David a likeable character. I did like the story but was disappointed that the book finished with many unanswered questions because there is to be a sequel. I would like to thank NetGalley and Hachette Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
A book about sexual predators and legal prosecutions kind of boring storyline for a detective story I didn't enjoy this book it all I don't know why it has such a high rating
September 17, 2019
David Dunnigan is a series that I’ve seen others rave about time after time. And I kept noting to myself to read it. So I’m way behind on the hype train, but I’m here now, and delighted with the journey that I’ve had with After She Vanished by Shane Dunphy. Even though I’m dizzy and slightly terrified after reading it.
MY THOUGHTS ON AFTER SHE VANISHED
Guys, I absolutely loved this book, and literally spent the day reading it. When I was half way through, I went and bought the next book in the series, because I knew I needed to read all 3 books one after the other.
The characters grabbed my heart. David, Diane, Father Bill, Miley were such an unlikely and magnificent team. I loved how they were all outsiders, but found a family in each other. And I won’t lie, there were times when my heart broke for most of the characters in this book.
The plot is grim, and would shatter any illusions you might have that this is a fair world. But then you have characters like this that shine a little light of hope. The dark and the light made this a really gripping read for me. And the suspense held up well because I really REALLY wanted to find out what happened Beth and where she was now.
Davey works as a criminologist for the Gardai and also as a lecturer in Maynooth University. At times I found myself trying to label him, did he have Aspergers, or was it grief and guilty, that made him act as he did. After a while, I realised it didn’t matter. He was just David, and I wanted to reach in and give him a hug (much as he’d hate that.)
What I will note is that this book bucks the trend and doesn’t deliver a twisty curveball plot. Instead it features good guys verus bad (very bad) guys, and I loved this for a change.
WHO SHOULD READ AFTER SHE VANISHED?
Highly recommended if you like books that combine unique characters with a dark and tense plotline that keeps you gripped page after page. Fans of authors like Jo Spain, Liz Nugent and Harlan Coben should also enjoy.
MY THOUGHTS ON AFTER SHE VANISHED
Guys, I absolutely loved this book, and literally spent the day reading it. When I was half way through, I went and bought the next book in the series, because I knew I needed to read all 3 books one after the other.
The characters grabbed my heart. David, Diane, Father Bill, Miley were such an unlikely and magnificent team. I loved how they were all outsiders, but found a family in each other. And I won’t lie, there were times when my heart broke for most of the characters in this book.
The plot is grim, and would shatter any illusions you might have that this is a fair world. But then you have characters like this that shine a little light of hope. The dark and the light made this a really gripping read for me. And the suspense held up well because I really REALLY wanted to find out what happened Beth and where she was now.
Davey works as a criminologist for the Gardai and also as a lecturer in Maynooth University. At times I found myself trying to label him, did he have Aspergers, or was it grief and guilty, that made him act as he did. After a while, I realised it didn’t matter. He was just David, and I wanted to reach in and give him a hug (much as he’d hate that.)
What I will note is that this book bucks the trend and doesn’t deliver a twisty curveball plot. Instead it features good guys verus bad (very bad) guys, and I loved this for a change.
WHO SHOULD READ AFTER SHE VANISHED?
Highly recommended if you like books that combine unique characters with a dark and tense plotline that keeps you gripped page after page. Fans of authors like Jo Spain, Liz Nugent and Harlan Coben should also enjoy.
September 2, 2024
First book in a series about an Irish criminologist who must have Aspergers. David Dunnigan is clueless with social cues but an unrelenting sleuth. He works for the Garda as well as teaching. Eighteen years ago his niece was abducted while in his custody walking in a crowded street. He's never been the same. Now street people are missing and David is energized. He makes a friend and actually finds a girlfriend while uncovering a shady organization that's been "cleansing" Ireland of its "scum for over a century. A little slow initially unlike the author's Boyle and Keneally series but a good read.
December 16, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hachette Books Ireland for a review copy of After She Vanished, the first novel in a new series featuring crimonologist David Dunnigan of Dublin's An Garda Siochana's sex crimes unit.
Davey is asked by his boss to look into five missing homeless people who have disappeared at different times over the past few months. With no common denominator or links between them Davey is at a bit of a loss but decides to do what he does best, examine the detail and see where it leads him. to the Widow's Quay homeless project and a host of unusual characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed After She Vanished which is a very readable book and held my interest throughout. I like the slow burn of Davey's investigation and the timely reveals of information which keep the momentum going. The plot premise is interesting and while it may seem a bit fantastical there are some elements which have a scary plausibility and are difficult to ignore. I do, however, think that the author has adopted a rather scattergun approach to this novel with a bit of everything. It is essentially a character driven novel with the emphasis on Davey's development and friendships, sometimes at the expense of the investigation, with some inexplicable action scenes towards the end of the novel and a cliffhanger inviting the reader to move on to the second novel.
I like the format of the novel which is mostly a linear, third person narrative from Davey's point of view. There are a couple of sections flashing back to the pivotal event in Davey's life 18 years ago when his six year old niece, Beth, disappeared while in his care. The search for Beth and what happened to her is the hook which will run through the series. It's interesting enough but not particularly germane to the plot of After She Vanished and serves more as an insight into Davey's character. What is much more interesting are the occasional chapters from other characters' points of view, giving their thoughts and views on the investigation and some illuminating information about their pasts. These always seem to appear at the right time and I found myself looking forward to them rather than finding them an unnecessary distraction as I normally do.
I must admit that I did not find the characterisation particularly convincing. Davey is obviously traumatised over the disappearance of Beth and 18 years later he still does not function correctly. Apparently he has exacerbated OCD although there is not much sign of it in tics or repeated behaviour, if anything he seems like he's on the spectrum, being task driven and lacking empathy. How he holds down a job is beyond me. His motley crew of newly acquired friends and helpers aren't much better, Miley, a high functioning Downs Syndrome sufferer with a fairly high IQ, Father Bill Creedon, the sociopathic priest with a social conscience and some extremely dodgy contacts and Diane Robinson, ex army ranger and unlikely love interest. It will be interesting to see where Mr Dunphy takes the newly awakened Davey and his friends in the next novel.
After She Vanished is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Davey is asked by his boss to look into five missing homeless people who have disappeared at different times over the past few months. With no common denominator or links between them Davey is at a bit of a loss but decides to do what he does best, examine the detail and see where it leads him. to the Widow's Quay homeless project and a host of unusual characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed After She Vanished which is a very readable book and held my interest throughout. I like the slow burn of Davey's investigation and the timely reveals of information which keep the momentum going. The plot premise is interesting and while it may seem a bit fantastical there are some elements which have a scary plausibility and are difficult to ignore. I do, however, think that the author has adopted a rather scattergun approach to this novel with a bit of everything. It is essentially a character driven novel with the emphasis on Davey's development and friendships, sometimes at the expense of the investigation, with some inexplicable action scenes towards the end of the novel and a cliffhanger inviting the reader to move on to the second novel.
I like the format of the novel which is mostly a linear, third person narrative from Davey's point of view. There are a couple of sections flashing back to the pivotal event in Davey's life 18 years ago when his six year old niece, Beth, disappeared while in his care. The search for Beth and what happened to her is the hook which will run through the series. It's interesting enough but not particularly germane to the plot of After She Vanished and serves more as an insight into Davey's character. What is much more interesting are the occasional chapters from other characters' points of view, giving their thoughts and views on the investigation and some illuminating information about their pasts. These always seem to appear at the right time and I found myself looking forward to them rather than finding them an unnecessary distraction as I normally do.
I must admit that I did not find the characterisation particularly convincing. Davey is obviously traumatised over the disappearance of Beth and 18 years later he still does not function correctly. Apparently he has exacerbated OCD although there is not much sign of it in tics or repeated behaviour, if anything he seems like he's on the spectrum, being task driven and lacking empathy. How he holds down a job is beyond me. His motley crew of newly acquired friends and helpers aren't much better, Miley, a high functioning Downs Syndrome sufferer with a fairly high IQ, Father Bill Creedon, the sociopathic priest with a social conscience and some extremely dodgy contacts and Diane Robinson, ex army ranger and unlikely love interest. It will be interesting to see where Mr Dunphy takes the newly awakened Davey and his friends in the next novel.
After She Vanished is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 4, 2017
2.5
Quite an explosive start,with our main character jumping out of crashed car and confronting a known paedophile...whilst dripping blood all over his carpet...
I wondered at some points if that was from a different book,as this story then went two different ways,overly simplistic (getting Miley out of care and into his own home apparently took no time. Dating advice for idiots??) OR more than a touch menacing.
Add to that the disappearance of niece,which sent Davey on his lonely spiral,but doesn't really figure that much into the story...
Just wasn't great. Easy read though.
Quite an explosive start,with our main character jumping out of crashed car and confronting a known paedophile...whilst dripping blood all over his carpet...
I wondered at some points if that was from a different book,as this story then went two different ways,overly simplistic (getting Miley out of care and into his own home apparently took no time. Dating advice for idiots??) OR more than a touch menacing.
Add to that the disappearance of niece,which sent Davey on his lonely spiral,but doesn't really figure that much into the story...
Just wasn't great. Easy read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
Miley and The Priest were my favourite by far.
October 31, 2021
My first encounter with David Dunnigan and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Great writing and characters.
Great writing and characters.
January 27, 2022
This is a kind of feel good crime thriller that quickly gets you hooked in. The characters are cleverly portrayed. There is a good versus evil theme running throughout the book. Just sit back and enjoy. Then gasp at the cliffhanger!
November 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book. The narrator on audio did a great job, sounded like there was more than one narrator as the accents were really well done. By the end of the book I really wanted to read the next book in the series.
June 16, 2019
This is the first book in the 'David Dunnigan' series and it was such a gripping read! David or Davey as he is known is a criminologist. He blames himself for his four-year-old niece, Beth, vanishing whilst on a shopping trip in Dublin with him many years ago.
I totally adored this novel which I found very readable. S.A. Dunphy has drawn some fantastic characters in this book. I liked the pace of Davey's investigation and the timely releases of information which kept up the momentum. The plot premise was interesting and commanded my attention throughout. "After She Vanished" was very much a character-driven novel with the emphasis on Davey's development and friendships and that sometimes conflicted with the investigation. I found this thriller very hard to put down, being so absorbed by the story. I am so pleased that I have the second and third books in the series waiting for me, as well.
I highly recommend this book and have awarded it five well-deserved stars.
I totally adored this novel which I found very readable. S.A. Dunphy has drawn some fantastic characters in this book. I liked the pace of Davey's investigation and the timely releases of information which kept up the momentum. The plot premise was interesting and commanded my attention throughout. "After She Vanished" was very much a character-driven novel with the emphasis on Davey's development and friendships and that sometimes conflicted with the investigation. I found this thriller very hard to put down, being so absorbed by the story. I am so pleased that I have the second and third books in the series waiting for me, as well.
I highly recommend this book and have awarded it five well-deserved stars.
October 11, 2020
Enjoyable but not superb. I found this at home and after reading the synopsis, decided to give it a go.
David is a complicated character, both in terms of being haunted by the past and his lack of social skills (which really confused me- at times it felt like he had Miley's disability, especially when it came to talking to Diane). Maybe that was just me.
The story was intriguing enough to keep me reading but at times was far fetched and unbelievable. Like any series - it ends on a note which almost forces you to buy book 2. A good ploy, but im undecided if ill continue this journey.
There were several typos which i felt an editor should have picked up, especially for a tradionally published book. On the plus side - the paperback has super short chapters which make it easy to pick up whenever you have a spare minute. I did blast through this thanks to them.
David is a complicated character, both in terms of being haunted by the past and his lack of social skills (which really confused me- at times it felt like he had Miley's disability, especially when it came to talking to Diane). Maybe that was just me.
The story was intriguing enough to keep me reading but at times was far fetched and unbelievable. Like any series - it ends on a note which almost forces you to buy book 2. A good ploy, but im undecided if ill continue this journey.
There were several typos which i felt an editor should have picked up, especially for a tradionally published book. On the plus side - the paperback has super short chapters which make it easy to pick up whenever you have a spare minute. I did blast through this thanks to them.
November 11, 2020
After She Vanished is part one of The Dunnigan Series by S.A. Dunphy. It tells how life was like for Criminologist David Dunnigan after the disappearance of his beloved niece Beth. He had a fantastic relationship with the child. Perhaps Davey's perceived quirks were always there, but they were laid bare when his world was turned upside down with the disappearance of his niece. The Irish police force and certainly his role as a Criminologist gave him a continuous opportunity to fix things, to be right in the middle of where it mattered. I like the layers of Dunnigan as a character. What comes across as gruff is just a build up of the sheer hurt he's had to sustain. The element of doubt he must feel his life is shrouded in and people's perceptions of him; that's why I feel at this stage no one can get in. There is something about Davey's overuse of manners to keep people at a distance. "Please," but he says it in a way to keep people away. Diane his love interest in the story endeavours to get to know him, to even become important to him. Gina his sister understood him, as having that insight that siblings share of weathering some of the same storms over the years. 'She knew Davey was a little bit different from most people, but that just added to her belief that he was super-powered. His dedication to those close to him was part of that difference; when David Dunnigan loved you, it was complete and unerring.'
The regard and genuine investment Davey has in Miley is apparent, but it is a mutual friendship where both sides gain. The description of Miley trying to put in his days was very touching. Father Bill plays an active role in the story and I like the differences in all these characters; yet their combined efforts to help young Harry is warming. By helping Harry it gives Dunnigan something tangible to work with, to help this child when he was powerless to help Beth all those years before. The backdrop of Dublin is very appealing to me with its unique blend of vibrant everyday life and the undercurrents of that life that Dublin possesses. Looking forward to see how Dunnigan weaves his way through its streets and gain some clarity, even closure for himself.
The regard and genuine investment Davey has in Miley is apparent, but it is a mutual friendship where both sides gain. The description of Miley trying to put in his days was very touching. Father Bill plays an active role in the story and I like the differences in all these characters; yet their combined efforts to help young Harry is warming. By helping Harry it gives Dunnigan something tangible to work with, to help this child when he was powerless to help Beth all those years before. The backdrop of Dublin is very appealing to me with its unique blend of vibrant everyday life and the undercurrents of that life that Dublin possesses. Looking forward to see how Dunnigan weaves his way through its streets and gain some clarity, even closure for himself.
March 25, 2018
I recently went on a trip to Ireland, and what kind of book blogger would I be if I didn't buy a novel written by an Irish author? So, after spending some painstaking time at a bookstore in Ireland, trying to narrow my choice down to one single read, I settled on a book described as "Cracking", and ended up with After She Vanished by S.A. Dunphy.
First of all, I absolutely loved reading this on my trip, because the places mentioned, I could picture in my head! How fun is that! I also really enjoyed how the characters are different than what you see in most books. For example, the main character, Dunnigan, is practically overcome with grief, and has OCD. Diane is an ex-army widow, who is a complete bad-ass. Father Bill is another BA character, who is a priest with a dark side. And then we have Miley, who is a very lovable late 20's man with Down Syndrome. All these characters come together to create a great "cast" of the book, and their lives intersect at just the right moment.
This is the first book of a series, so the only reason I rated it down is because I wanted to know what happened to Beth, and a lot of this book really doesn't apply to the main problem at all. I guess if I knew it was the start of a series I would have been more emotionally prepared for no closure. I suppose that means I will jsut have to read the next one in the series!
With unique characters you grow to love, and a suspenseful, twisty mystery, this debut is really well done. I love the authentic feel this book has to it, and really enjoy the character development of Dunnigan throughout the novel. It's really great to see unique characters executed so well. I do recommend this book for anyone looking for a thriller with unique characters and settings.
Read more honest reviews at Amy Reads It!
First of all, I absolutely loved reading this on my trip, because the places mentioned, I could picture in my head! How fun is that! I also really enjoyed how the characters are different than what you see in most books. For example, the main character, Dunnigan, is practically overcome with grief, and has OCD. Diane is an ex-army widow, who is a complete bad-ass. Father Bill is another BA character, who is a priest with a dark side. And then we have Miley, who is a very lovable late 20's man with Down Syndrome. All these characters come together to create a great "cast" of the book, and their lives intersect at just the right moment.
This is the first book of a series, so the only reason I rated it down is because I wanted to know what happened to Beth, and a lot of this book really doesn't apply to the main problem at all. I guess if I knew it was the start of a series I would have been more emotionally prepared for no closure. I suppose that means I will jsut have to read the next one in the series!
With unique characters you grow to love, and a suspenseful, twisty mystery, this debut is really well done. I love the authentic feel this book has to it, and really enjoy the character development of Dunnigan throughout the novel. It's really great to see unique characters executed so well. I do recommend this book for anyone looking for a thriller with unique characters and settings.
Read more honest reviews at Amy Reads It!
July 22, 2019
Description
'A cracking debut thriller packed with great characters that leaves the reader wanting more' Irish Independent
Five people living on Dublin's streets have gone missing and criminologist David Dunnigan has been tasked with finding them. His search leads him to ten-year-old Harry, living alone in an abandoned warehouse, who has been waiting days for his parents' return. Dunnigan knows more than he would wish to about unexplained disappearances. Almost twenty years ago, his young niece Beth vanished during their annual Christmas shopping trip. No trace of her was ever discovered. And the tragic mystery has loomed over Dunnigan's life ever since. As his current investigation draws him deeper into the city's dark underbelly, Dunnigan's resolve to help Harry and unravel this mystery grows stronger. And could it lead him one step closer to finding out what became of Beth?
My Review
After She Vanished is the first book for the character of David Dunnigan. And, I can tell you from the onset that I hope this is just the beginning of a series as his character is well written and believable. The entire storyline is a real treat and definitely suspenseful. It delivers everything it promised. You can feel Davey's anguish and the suffering since his nieces disappearance over twenty years ago. Overall it is very well written and I highly recommend this book. I also liked the cover. I know most of the time you don't see a review regarding the cover, but I feel as it did justice.
I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I give this a 4 star
Can't wait for the next book.
'A cracking debut thriller packed with great characters that leaves the reader wanting more' Irish Independent
Five people living on Dublin's streets have gone missing and criminologist David Dunnigan has been tasked with finding them. His search leads him to ten-year-old Harry, living alone in an abandoned warehouse, who has been waiting days for his parents' return. Dunnigan knows more than he would wish to about unexplained disappearances. Almost twenty years ago, his young niece Beth vanished during their annual Christmas shopping trip. No trace of her was ever discovered. And the tragic mystery has loomed over Dunnigan's life ever since. As his current investigation draws him deeper into the city's dark underbelly, Dunnigan's resolve to help Harry and unravel this mystery grows stronger. And could it lead him one step closer to finding out what became of Beth?
My Review
After She Vanished is the first book for the character of David Dunnigan. And, I can tell you from the onset that I hope this is just the beginning of a series as his character is well written and believable. The entire storyline is a real treat and definitely suspenseful. It delivers everything it promised. You can feel Davey's anguish and the suffering since his nieces disappearance over twenty years ago. Overall it is very well written and I highly recommend this book. I also liked the cover. I know most of the time you don't see a review regarding the cover, but I feel as it did justice.
I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I give this a 4 star
Can't wait for the next book.
September 20, 2025
When I commenced S.A Dunphy’s After She Vanished, I assumed it would follow one of two common plot devices. It would either utilize graphic descriptive horror to convey the atrocities of child abduction and abuse, or it would rely on a strong narrative character to give the plot momentum, but S.A Dunphy mastermind a novel without resorting to either of these techniques, and I was hooked.
I will concede that when I started the book, I had my doubts, for the narrative focused on David Dunnigan, a criminologist whose niece had been abducted in the past, and was probably one of the most boring, tedious and uninspiring characters I have ever encountered. This character made the option of watching paint dry attractive. After completing the novel I understood why he was written in this manner, but at the time I felt that he was a very poor option as a narrator, but then I didn’t realise that S.A. Dunphy was a genius.
What he did, which I found exceptional, was he created a secondary cast who fleshed out the one-dimensional David Dunnigan, and who propelled the plot to both a dramatic and fulfilling conclusion.
I really enjoyed this novel, and I am planning on reading the next instalment. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller, loves gritty characters and wants to read a very well written novel.
I will concede that when I started the book, I had my doubts, for the narrative focused on David Dunnigan, a criminologist whose niece had been abducted in the past, and was probably one of the most boring, tedious and uninspiring characters I have ever encountered. This character made the option of watching paint dry attractive. After completing the novel I understood why he was written in this manner, but at the time I felt that he was a very poor option as a narrator, but then I didn’t realise that S.A. Dunphy was a genius.
What he did, which I found exceptional, was he created a secondary cast who fleshed out the one-dimensional David Dunnigan, and who propelled the plot to both a dramatic and fulfilling conclusion.
I really enjoyed this novel, and I am planning on reading the next instalment. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller, loves gritty characters and wants to read a very well written novel.
October 16, 2017
David Dunnigan lost his beloved four year old niece when he took her shopping and has ever forgiven himself. He has not spoken to his family properly for years and is a loner with no friends or social life. He lectures in criminology and is also a consultant for a special investigations unit but does things his own way.
He finds himself on a case where homeless people have gone missing but because of their situation nobody seems to care. He finds a shelter where he meets Father Bill Creedon; a priest with a past who stands no nonsense from anyone. He is also concerned about the homeless and helps Davey on his case. He meets a young man with Down Syndrome and they form a friendship that suits them both.
Davey's boss; DI Tormey' believes that Davey still has something to offer and stands by him as he tries to find out what happened to the missing people. He is especially interested in the parents of a boy he finds living on his own in a dangerous place.
I enjoyed the story and although there is no conclusion on the disappearance of Beth; his niece; this book sets the scene for the next in the series as one on Beth's shoes is delivered to his house at the end of this book.
He finds himself on a case where homeless people have gone missing but because of their situation nobody seems to care. He finds a shelter where he meets Father Bill Creedon; a priest with a past who stands no nonsense from anyone. He is also concerned about the homeless and helps Davey on his case. He meets a young man with Down Syndrome and they form a friendship that suits them both.
Davey's boss; DI Tormey' believes that Davey still has something to offer and stands by him as he tries to find out what happened to the missing people. He is especially interested in the parents of a boy he finds living on his own in a dangerous place.
I enjoyed the story and although there is no conclusion on the disappearance of Beth; his niece; this book sets the scene for the next in the series as one on Beth's shoes is delivered to his house at the end of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
What can I say besides I loved this book. I loved the characters, the pacing, the writing, the storyline. There was nothing to fault. This book took me on a very nostalgic journey as well with all the songs mentioned and reminded me of my Dad. The music in this book was the soundtrack to my childhood and it brought back some many wonderful memories.
This is book 1 of the David Dunnigan series and what a gripping read. David or Davey as he is known by his friends is a criminologist and a complete mess. He blames himself for his 4-year-old niece Beth going missing on a shopping trip in Dublin with him 18 years ago.
There are some fantastic characters in this book. My particular favourite is Father Bill. I don't want to give away any spoilers for the book but I will say that once I started reading, I found it very hard to put down. The story pulled me in and I was glued to the pages and delighted that I had books 2 and 3 waiting for me to dive into as well.
I highly recommend this book and have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars.
This is book 1 of the David Dunnigan series and what a gripping read. David or Davey as he is known by his friends is a criminologist and a complete mess. He blames himself for his 4-year-old niece Beth going missing on a shopping trip in Dublin with him 18 years ago.
There are some fantastic characters in this book. My particular favourite is Father Bill. I don't want to give away any spoilers for the book but I will say that once I started reading, I found it very hard to put down. The story pulled me in and I was glued to the pages and delighted that I had books 2 and 3 waiting for me to dive into as well.
I highly recommend this book and have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars.
April 17, 2018
I really got stuck into this and finished it in two days!
David Dunnigan is in a bad place mentally after the disappearance of his beloved niece nearly two decades ago. Socially isolated he connects with Miley. Miley has Down's Syndrome and is an extremely well written character. It shows the struggles of him dealing with exiting resedential care after being there for most of his life.
As part of his work David starts to volunteer with a homeless charity and connects with the priest in charge and Diane who also volunteers there. Together, David, Diane, Miley and Fr. Bill (who has questionable morals) will try to find out why homeless people are dissappearing. They are drawn into the underbelly of Dublin city and encounter the mysterious Yellow Man.
To sum up I really enjoyed and will be reading the follow up promptly!
David Dunnigan is in a bad place mentally after the disappearance of his beloved niece nearly two decades ago. Socially isolated he connects with Miley. Miley has Down's Syndrome and is an extremely well written character. It shows the struggles of him dealing with exiting resedential care after being there for most of his life.
As part of his work David starts to volunteer with a homeless charity and connects with the priest in charge and Diane who also volunteers there. Together, David, Diane, Miley and Fr. Bill (who has questionable morals) will try to find out why homeless people are dissappearing. They are drawn into the underbelly of Dublin city and encounter the mysterious Yellow Man.
To sum up I really enjoyed and will be reading the follow up promptly!
December 16, 2017
After She Vanished is not my usual type of book, but it is excellent. After hearing the author speak about this upcoming book at the Wexford Literary Festival, I bought it as soon as I saw it released on the Kindle. Dunnigan is a criminologist investigating a case of missing homeless people in Dublin. The case is close to him to him as years earlier his niece Beth went missing during a Christmas shopping trip with him. Dunnigan is a strange character, with obsessive tendencies, who clearly has never gotten over the incident with Beth. He grew on me as the book progressed and loved his growing relationship with the other characters. I couldn't put this down, it was such a page-turner! Dunnigan is a fantastic, genuine character. I can see him on a TV or movie screen in the future!
December 3, 2017
Oh gosh, this is such a hard book to rate and review!
On the whole I guess I’d say I didn’t really enjoy this book. You have an almost unlikeable main character, a story which isn’t the one you’re really wanting to read and so an awful ending that leaves you wanting to throw the book across the room.
On the other hand seeing the main character’s social awakening almost, the relationships he has with others growing, was nice. The relationship Davey had with Miley really made me think too, hoping I could be so non-judgemental in a similar situation.
I’m really not sure if I want to read the next book which says it’s about what I thought this one would be about.
On the whole I guess I’d say I didn’t really enjoy this book. You have an almost unlikeable main character, a story which isn’t the one you’re really wanting to read and so an awful ending that leaves you wanting to throw the book across the room.
On the other hand seeing the main character’s social awakening almost, the relationships he has with others growing, was nice. The relationship Davey had with Miley really made me think too, hoping I could be so non-judgemental in a similar situation.
I’m really not sure if I want to read the next book which says it’s about what I thought this one would be about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Almost twenty years ago, his young niece Beth vanished during their annual Christmas shopping trip. No trace of her was ever discovered. And the tragic mystery has loomed over Dunnigan's life ever since. As his current investigation draws him deeper into the city's dark underbelly, Dunnigan's resolve to help Harry and unravel this mystery grows stronger. And could it lead him one step closer to finding out what became of Beth? This is a good start to a new series. Dunnigan is an interesting character that I enjoy reading about. Still wondering what happened to Beth. Hopefully we will find out in the next book. Looking forward to book 2 in the series. Highly recommended!
August 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The protagonist Davey is a breath of fresh air from the usual crime novel hero - honest, kind, blunt and naive. Add to that the lovely Miley, a down syndrome lad who befriends him and gives him advice on his love life; Fr Bill, a priest who helps the homeless and acts as an inner city vigilante and Diane an ex Defence Forces ass kicking love interest - the perfect crew to tackle human trafficking! Great blend of humour, action and some heartwarming and heart breaking moments. Looking forward to the next instalment.
November 13, 2020
Started weak, and is kind of implausible and overwritten, but it grew on me anyway. The on-the-spectrum detective is kind of old now, but the sidekick with Downs Syndrome is a good twist: the guy knows how to make use of people's preconceptions about intellectual disability, and raises some interesting conversations about what constitutes disability in the first place, and also what constitutes friendship across different abilities and ways of being. There's a bit of a cliffhanger that might even prompt me to read the next book.
April 15, 2019
This novel is nailbiting reading from start to finish. I love a good thriller and author S.A.Dunphy did not disappoint. Although I do not write in the genre, I love to read it.
After She Vanished is everyone's worst nightmare come true. While being responsible for a child, she disappears, goes missing and no leads whatsoever to go on. I had to pick up the next in this series immediately to know more of the story, it too was brilliant.
After She Vanished is everyone's worst nightmare come true. While being responsible for a child, she disappears, goes missing and no leads whatsoever to go on. I had to pick up the next in this series immediately to know more of the story, it too was brilliant.
April 21, 2019
Really Fast-paced and Interesting
It has been a long time since I've read a book that drew me in like this one...I sped through it in a day and absolutely loved the characters and fast pacing. I'm so eager to read the sequel.
There were some very dark moments that were handled well and I truly could not believe how apprehensive I became during some of them... I cared about the characters that much! Great storytelling.
It has been a long time since I've read a book that drew me in like this one...I sped through it in a day and absolutely loved the characters and fast pacing. I'm so eager to read the sequel.
There were some very dark moments that were handled well and I truly could not believe how apprehensive I became during some of them... I cared about the characters that much! Great storytelling.
April 28, 2019
Very readable but quite ridiculous too. Started off okay but the way the whole thing progressed was less than impressive. And the characters were most unrealistic.
And minor as they may seem, the fact that a character who is 41 got a pound coin when their first tooth came out is really bugging me... Ireland didn’t introduce the pound coin until 1990 by which time that person would have been in their teens!
And minor as they may seem, the fact that a character who is 41 got a pound coin when their first tooth came out is really bugging me... Ireland didn’t introduce the pound coin until 1990 by which time that person would have been in their teens!
January 30, 2024
I cannot believe that when the start of this series came out (I’m blushing here, 2017!) is when I should have read this! Anyway, it’s a debut. What a fantastic start to a series. The writing is so pleasing and the characters so well rounded, the storyline tight. My kind of read.
I see book 2 has been out since 2018 and third book cover not revealed yet. I’m definitely going to read both of them.
I see book 2 has been out since 2018 and third book cover not revealed yet. I’m definitely going to read both of them.
October 11, 2025
The first ten percent I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it but kept going and I did.
I thought Davey Dunnigan was a pretty unique, albeit odd, crime fiction hero. They all have their pasts, flaws and oddities, but he had a package deal, tragedy, trauma, ADHD and relational awkwardness as a criminologist working for the Irish police (Garda)
A few unlikelihoods, from some of the unusual people around him, also helped the heroes home!
I thought Davey Dunnigan was a pretty unique, albeit odd, crime fiction hero. They all have their pasts, flaws and oddities, but he had a package deal, tragedy, trauma, ADHD and relational awkwardness as a criminologist working for the Irish police (Garda)
A few unlikelihoods, from some of the unusual people around him, also helped the heroes home!
July 25, 2017
Amazing
I loved this book from the minute I started it couldn't put it down the twist and turns keep you guessing what is going to happen next he characters I have feel in love with and became totally involved in what would happen to them can't wait for the next one 2018 can't come quick enough
I loved this book from the minute I started it couldn't put it down the twist and turns keep you guessing what is going to happen next he characters I have feel in love with and became totally involved in what would happen to them can't wait for the next one 2018 can't come quick enough
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