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Fogg Lake #1
The Vanishing
From New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz comes a new gripping romantic suspense trilogy fraught with danger and enigma.
Forty years ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, "The Incident" occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases, causing peculiar effects on its residents, such as strange visions and ominous voices. Not wanting the government to get involved, they chalked it up to the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms. Little did they know these effects would linger through the generations....
Residents Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton have been best friends for years and own an investigation firm together, using what they call the "other sight" to help with their business. When Olivia goes missing, Cat frantically begins the search for her alone when the town does nothing about it. When scientist Slate Trevelyan shows up, she has no choice but to accept his help even though there's something about him she just can't trust. The duo discovers someone is hunting the two witnesses of a murder in Fogg Lake fourteen years ago—the very one Cat and Olivia witnessed as teens, one that they couldn't prove happened. Cat and Slate's search for Olivia takes them down a rabbit hole that is far more dangerous and mysterious than they ever expected, and with a killer in their midst, neither of them can foresee who will come out alive.
Forty years ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, "The Incident" occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases, causing peculiar effects on its residents, such as strange visions and ominous voices. Not wanting the government to get involved, they chalked it up to the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms. Little did they know these effects would linger through the generations....
Residents Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton have been best friends for years and own an investigation firm together, using what they call the "other sight" to help with their business. When Olivia goes missing, Cat frantically begins the search for her alone when the town does nothing about it. When scientist Slate Trevelyan shows up, she has no choice but to accept his help even though there's something about him she just can't trust. The duo discovers someone is hunting the two witnesses of a murder in Fogg Lake fourteen years ago—the very one Cat and Olivia witnessed as teens, one that they couldn't prove happened. Cat and Slate's search for Olivia takes them down a rabbit hole that is far more dangerous and mysterious than they ever expected, and with a killer in their midst, neither of them can foresee who will come out alive.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
2290 people are currently reading
10786 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,169 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,140 reviews
December 23, 2019
3.75*
Can we just begin by saying what a gorgeous cover this is?!🤩
Jayne Ann Krentz has been writing romantic suspense novels for years, and somehow never had a chance to pick one up! Not sure how I missed her all this time!💁🏻♀️ Better late than never!
In Ms. Krentz's latest release she’s added an element of paranormal to her story-line.
Catalina and Olivia have been friends their entire lives, growing up in Fogg Lake. (Love that name!) An off the beaten path little community. A safe place to raise children that are gifted with shall we say “Certain abilities.”
Cat and Olivia witnessed a murder when they were just teens. Now years later they’re living outside of Fogg Lake, working together as private investigators. When Olivia vanishes it’s up to Cat to track her down and bring her back home safely. Maybe even with a little help along the way from Slater, a member of the Foundation. That is, if she can convince herself to trust him.
This was a very quick read that kept me engaged throughout, though at times I felt I was missing a bit of a backstory to the characters and Fogg Lake.
This is book one of a brand new series for Ms. Krentz and I’m anxious to see what is in store for these characters in her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
Can we just begin by saying what a gorgeous cover this is?!🤩
Jayne Ann Krentz has been writing romantic suspense novels for years, and somehow never had a chance to pick one up! Not sure how I missed her all this time!💁🏻♀️ Better late than never!
In Ms. Krentz's latest release she’s added an element of paranormal to her story-line.
Catalina and Olivia have been friends their entire lives, growing up in Fogg Lake. (Love that name!) An off the beaten path little community. A safe place to raise children that are gifted with shall we say “Certain abilities.”
Cat and Olivia witnessed a murder when they were just teens. Now years later they’re living outside of Fogg Lake, working together as private investigators. When Olivia vanishes it’s up to Cat to track her down and bring her back home safely. Maybe even with a little help along the way from Slater, a member of the Foundation. That is, if she can convince herself to trust him.
This was a very quick read that kept me engaged throughout, though at times I felt I was missing a bit of a backstory to the characters and Fogg Lake.
This is book one of a brand new series for Ms. Krentz and I’m anxious to see what is in store for these characters in her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
December 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
The town of Fogg Lake has a secret. One they’d prefer to keep hidden.
Years ago, the town underwent a scientific experiment known as “The Incident.” The town and its residents were impacted. Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton were hiding in the cave in Fogg Lake when an explosion took place and as a result, they have what some might call “other sight.”
Now living in Seattle, Catalina and Olivia run a highly successful PI business, which is in part, due to their unusual talents. One night when Olivia is set to go on a date, she is kidnapped, leaving Catalina to try and find her best friend. Lucky for her, Slater Arganbright from the Foundation shows up to help. Talk about a distraction! No matter what Cat thinks of Arganbright, she needs all the help she can get if she’s going to find Olivia and goodness knows that Slater has a few special talents of his own. More than one if Cat is being honest with herself.
“The Vanishing” from Jayne Ann Krentz is an entertaining, fun and blush worthy read which kept me on my toes throughout. I must admit that I was quite intrigued with the idea of “other sight” as I have always believed somewhat in the idea of people having psychic powers thus I was immediately drawn into this novel. The only drawback for me was that there were several characters whose backstories I felt like I was constantly missing, even though this was the first book in the series. Regardless, Ms. Krentz’s writing was effortless and enjoyable and I would recommend it to any reader who has an open mind.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Elisha at Penguin Publishing Group and Jayne Ann Krentz for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.21.19.
The town of Fogg Lake has a secret. One they’d prefer to keep hidden.
Years ago, the town underwent a scientific experiment known as “The Incident.” The town and its residents were impacted. Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton were hiding in the cave in Fogg Lake when an explosion took place and as a result, they have what some might call “other sight.”
Now living in Seattle, Catalina and Olivia run a highly successful PI business, which is in part, due to their unusual talents. One night when Olivia is set to go on a date, she is kidnapped, leaving Catalina to try and find her best friend. Lucky for her, Slater Arganbright from the Foundation shows up to help. Talk about a distraction! No matter what Cat thinks of Arganbright, she needs all the help she can get if she’s going to find Olivia and goodness knows that Slater has a few special talents of his own. More than one if Cat is being honest with herself.
“The Vanishing” from Jayne Ann Krentz is an entertaining, fun and blush worthy read which kept me on my toes throughout. I must admit that I was quite intrigued with the idea of “other sight” as I have always believed somewhat in the idea of people having psychic powers thus I was immediately drawn into this novel. The only drawback for me was that there were several characters whose backstories I felt like I was constantly missing, even though this was the first book in the series. Regardless, Ms. Krentz’s writing was effortless and enjoyable and I would recommend it to any reader who has an open mind.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Elisha at Penguin Publishing Group and Jayne Ann Krentz for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.21.19.
January 21, 2021
A gripping tale from Jayne Ann Krentz new series Fogg lake. The Vanishing has a great storyline full of suspense and action with great characters and a spooky atmospheric vibe that Krentz is so good at writing. I truly enjoyed this paranormal suspense read and found it quite good. It had a slow and steady pace and she is building this new series with the back story and characters for future books. Im giving this book a strong 4 instead of a 5 only because while I found it entertaining I need more interaction between my main characters. I loved Catalina she was a strong sexy smart woman and Slater a man who is mysterious as he is sexy. While their was a great chemistry and great sex I felt their wasn't krentz usual rock your world kind of pairing. I also loved secondary characters like Olivia, catalina's friend and partner another cool smart chic,but I will say my favorite was the mysterious and beautiful Harmony the town's library and Oracle! And her warning towards the end of the book sounded ominous to say the least.And then theirs the beautiful but deadly Gwendolyn swan owner of Swan Antiques . She and her little vintage clockwork nurse doll with a syringe are quite deadly! Can't wait to read the next book in this series,I have a feeling that were in for a bumpy ride. Until next time Luv's💋💖
September 18, 2019
Did not finish.
Am I missing something? Is there a book where the backstory of the town and the main male character is mentioned? There is so much information in the beginning of this book and I feel like I am missing something. I tried to research to see if the mysterious company was ever mentioned in a previous book, but didn't see anything.
It was too much for me to follow along and the book was unable to keep my interest.
Am I missing something? Is there a book where the backstory of the town and the main male character is mentioned? There is so much information in the beginning of this book and I feel like I am missing something. I tried to research to see if the mysterious company was ever mentioned in a previous book, but didn't see anything.
It was too much for me to follow along and the book was unable to keep my interest.
March 28, 2020
Jayne Ann Krentz never disappoints. I have so many of her books on my shelf.
This is a gripping read!
This is a gripping read!
March 3, 2020
Very disappointed. No depth to characters or plot. Poorly developed back story of the town of Fogg lake. No tension with the "bad guys". Everything felt juvenile and hard to believe. With paranormal, an author needs to make the paranormal elements feel believable. This didn't happen for me at all.
It seems like all JAK' h's have a recent breakup with the same 2 dimensional jerk. The relationship of Slater and Caterina felt extremely rushed.
The last chapters felt more like a download of wrapping up areas that barely even appeared in the story. Will probably not continue series.
It seems like all JAK' h's have a recent breakup with the same 2 dimensional jerk. The relationship of Slater and Caterina felt extremely rushed.
The last chapters felt more like a download of wrapping up areas that barely even appeared in the story. Will probably not continue series.
May 24, 2020
Sorry, Jayne, but I'm afraid it's time we broke up. It's not me, it's you. Or your ghost writer or whoever it is who churns out these boring, emotionless stories these days.
I've been reading JAK books, in all her pseudonyms, for over a decade. I've devoured all the paranormal romances in the past, present and future timelines. I've read her contemporaries and her new 1920s series. I've even tracked down and read some of her really old books written under the Stephanie James name. And while not all of them were masterpieces, they at least made me feel something and kept me interested enough to read through to the end.
But after all these years and all those stories, JAK is completely out of ideas and out of passion for writing.
The Vanishing is supposed to be the first book in an "exciting" new series but the characters are completely flat and uninteresting, there is absolutely zero chemistry between the H and h, and I straight up don't give a d@mn about the "mysteries" introduced that are supposed to make me want to pick up the next book.
Not only is there nothing new on display here because this is just another rehashing of her previous paranormal stories, but there isn't even an attempt to make it new. And unlike other JAK books that are a rehash for veteran readers, I don't think this one would even be interesting to a first-time reader. It really is that bad.
I honestly couldn't have cared any less about these characters or the world building. It's the same exact world JAK has built in multiple other stories, only worse because I disliked or was indifferent to everyone involved. Cat is a nasty, stuck-up b*tch, Slate is a lame beta, Olivia wasn't on-page long enough for me to care about her, the villains were cartoonishly stupid buffoons. There's just nothing here of any interest.
So I'm tapping out on JAK books. It's a sad end to an author who has previously brought me much enjoyment.
I've been reading JAK books, in all her pseudonyms, for over a decade. I've devoured all the paranormal romances in the past, present and future timelines. I've read her contemporaries and her new 1920s series. I've even tracked down and read some of her really old books written under the Stephanie James name. And while not all of them were masterpieces, they at least made me feel something and kept me interested enough to read through to the end.
But after all these years and all those stories, JAK is completely out of ideas and out of passion for writing.
The Vanishing is supposed to be the first book in an "exciting" new series but the characters are completely flat and uninteresting, there is absolutely zero chemistry between the H and h, and I straight up don't give a d@mn about the "mysteries" introduced that are supposed to make me want to pick up the next book.
Not only is there nothing new on display here because this is just another rehashing of her previous paranormal stories, but there isn't even an attempt to make it new. And unlike other JAK books that are a rehash for veteran readers, I don't think this one would even be interesting to a first-time reader. It really is that bad.
I honestly couldn't have cared any less about these characters or the world building. It's the same exact world JAK has built in multiple other stories, only worse because I disliked or was indifferent to everyone involved. Cat is a nasty, stuck-up b*tch, Slate is a lame beta, Olivia wasn't on-page long enough for me to care about her, the villains were cartoonishly stupid buffoons. There's just nothing here of any interest.
So I'm tapping out on JAK books. It's a sad end to an author who has previously brought me much enjoyment.
January 6, 2020
3.5 Stars
Catalina and Olivia grew up in Fogg Lake where the town went through some sort of “incident” forty years back that left most with special/supernatural powers. Because of this the residents try to keep the town off the radar from outsiders, knowing how most of the world views claims of paranormal activity or sensitivity. They don’t want to become lab rats or have scientists descend onto the town making it their personal laboratory.
As teenagers, Catalina and Olivia witness a murder, though, there’s no evidence and the town believe they just hallucinated the whole event, but in the present witnessing this murder leads to Olivia and Catalina running into danger, and Olivia goes missing. Determined to find her friend Catalina reluctantly accepts the help of the Foundation, an organization that knows of Fogg Lake and deals in the supernatural, both protecting and policing those with special powers. However, in the past the Foundation wasn’t run by scrupulous individuals, so most aware of the paranormal community are wary of them. Slater Arganbright is one of the good guys, but Catalina doesn’t trust him at first. That doesn’t mean that the energies between them don’t spark and collide, with a burning attraction between them, but still, Catalina wants to be careful.
They investigate with dangers thrown their way, together they keep each other safe. This was a thrill ride at times, with Catalina and Slater scrapping by. I thought this was an entertaining start to the Fogg Lake series, but still I had a bit of trouble with the pacing. I think explaining and establishing the ins and outs of this world slowed the pace for me. The book wraps up the immediate mystery, but there’s more to come with the factions involved.
A copy was kindley provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Catalina and Olivia grew up in Fogg Lake where the town went through some sort of “incident” forty years back that left most with special/supernatural powers. Because of this the residents try to keep the town off the radar from outsiders, knowing how most of the world views claims of paranormal activity or sensitivity. They don’t want to become lab rats or have scientists descend onto the town making it their personal laboratory.
As teenagers, Catalina and Olivia witness a murder, though, there’s no evidence and the town believe they just hallucinated the whole event, but in the present witnessing this murder leads to Olivia and Catalina running into danger, and Olivia goes missing. Determined to find her friend Catalina reluctantly accepts the help of the Foundation, an organization that knows of Fogg Lake and deals in the supernatural, both protecting and policing those with special powers. However, in the past the Foundation wasn’t run by scrupulous individuals, so most aware of the paranormal community are wary of them. Slater Arganbright is one of the good guys, but Catalina doesn’t trust him at first. That doesn’t mean that the energies between them don’t spark and collide, with a burning attraction between them, but still, Catalina wants to be careful.
They investigate with dangers thrown their way, together they keep each other safe. This was a thrill ride at times, with Catalina and Slater scrapping by. I thought this was an entertaining start to the Fogg Lake series, but still I had a bit of trouble with the pacing. I think explaining and establishing the ins and outs of this world slowed the pace for me. The book wraps up the immediate mystery, but there’s more to come with the factions involved.
A copy was kindley provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2022
This was enjoyable, though pretty predictable if you've read any of Krentz's other modern romances. The psychic world is pretty much like it has always been, though I don't think there's any continuity with her previous stories going on. I've forgotten most of those background details as it has been so long since I've read any of them. But I feel like the flavor is the same and the big-bad psy-tech is more-or-less the same tone as well.
Cat and Slate were decent protagonists, though I felt that a lot of their drama was unearned. I mean, we don't see the events that traumatized them so much (yeah, we get a prologue with Cat, but the trauma actually happens in the community after those events) so it was kind of unclear how seriously to take the trauma. I kept wondering how damaged we should consider Slate because if it was as much as portrayed, I didn't think he'd make much of a romantic partner. Or human being, really, at least until he'd healed some.
But I really liked Cat. I liked that she carried forks in her clutch because knives provoked too much speculation and she wasn't trained with guns. And I liked even more that we got to see her go stabby early enough to take her seriously when she later made broad statements about being able to take care of herself. She wasn't all bravado, I mean, and not least because she was completely reasonable about the estimates of her capabilities while she was at it.
The plot was rather desultory, though. I mean, chasing the big bad woo woo boogeyman with mysterious government programs in the background were tough to sustain the level of tension. The threats tended towards amorphous dread and the occasional hallucination brought on by woo-woo fog—which means we had to question reality as much as the protagonists did.
I'm going to go with 3½ stars that I'm having a hard time rounding up. I mean, three days to "I love you" can work, particularly given how intense their interactions had been. But a lot of weight was also put on their talent compatibility and the "heat" of their, um, heat. And that felt a bit like cheating.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, hitting the middle of my steam tolerance, but only just. Psychic energy in this milieu throws off heat and since they were compatible on that level, a lot of woo-woo permeates the sex. Which is fine, I guess, but not terribly relatable or indicative of relationship maturity.
Cat and Slate were decent protagonists, though I felt that a lot of their drama was unearned. I mean, we don't see the events that traumatized them so much (yeah, we get a prologue with Cat, but the trauma actually happens in the community after those events) so it was kind of unclear how seriously to take the trauma. I kept wondering how damaged we should consider Slate because if it was as much as portrayed, I didn't think he'd make much of a romantic partner. Or human being, really, at least until he'd healed some.
But I really liked Cat. I liked that she carried forks in her clutch because knives provoked too much speculation and she wasn't trained with guns. And I liked even more that we got to see her go stabby early enough to take her seriously when she later made broad statements about being able to take care of herself. She wasn't all bravado, I mean, and not least because she was completely reasonable about the estimates of her capabilities while she was at it.
The plot was rather desultory, though. I mean, chasing the big bad woo woo boogeyman with mysterious government programs in the background were tough to sustain the level of tension. The threats tended towards amorphous dread and the occasional hallucination brought on by woo-woo fog—which means we had to question reality as much as the protagonists did.
I'm going to go with 3½ stars that I'm having a hard time rounding up. I mean, three days to "I love you" can work, particularly given how intense their interactions had been. But a lot of weight was also put on their talent compatibility and the "heat" of their, um, heat. And that felt a bit like cheating.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, hitting the middle of my steam tolerance, but only just. Psychic energy in this milieu throws off heat and since they were compatible on that level, a lot of woo-woo permeates the sex. Which is fine, I guess, but not terribly relatable or indicative of relationship maturity.
January 7, 2020
Every once in a while you pick up a book that blows you away. Bravo, Jayne Ann Krentz, because The Vanishing was mind blowing with its utterly original plot.
The government was secretly experimenting with all things paranormal. When something goes drastically wrong, the entire town's inhalants of Fogg Lake are transformed into something more. This story follows Catalina as she tries to rescue her life long friend Olivia from people who want information that might be locked away in her subconsciousness. Catalina quest is joined by a member of the Foundation, Slater. They soon discover that Catalina is also being targeted and must traverse the dangerous footsteps of Catalina's and Olivia's past to discover the danger in the present.
The Vanishing provides a mind bending mystery that will have you glued to the pages.
I received this ARC copy of The Vanishing from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Vanishing is set for publication Jan 7, 2020.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Jayne Ann Krentz
Print Length: 304 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1984806432
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
ASIN: B07QZNKK2H
Genre: Romantic Scifi Suspense
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Fogg...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
The government was secretly experimenting with all things paranormal. When something goes drastically wrong, the entire town's inhalants of Fogg Lake are transformed into something more. This story follows Catalina as she tries to rescue her life long friend Olivia from people who want information that might be locked away in her subconsciousness. Catalina quest is joined by a member of the Foundation, Slater. They soon discover that Catalina is also being targeted and must traverse the dangerous footsteps of Catalina's and Olivia's past to discover the danger in the present.
The Vanishing provides a mind bending mystery that will have you glued to the pages.
I received this ARC copy of The Vanishing from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Vanishing is set for publication Jan 7, 2020.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Jayne Ann Krentz
Print Length: 304 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1984806432
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
ASIN: B07QZNKK2H
Genre: Romantic Scifi Suspense
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Fogg...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
January 25, 2020
3.5 stars for the first in a new series from one of my favorite authors.
Really, the story itself is worth 3 stars, as there is nothing really new here. The characters are engaging and likeable; the mystery part is fairly clever; and it has a modicum of zing.
But I could actually see the gears moving in this one--not a good sign.
However, I have been reading the author's books since 1979. There is just something in her style that really clicks with me. So even though I found this to be merely okay, it gets that half-star for old-times sake.
Here's hoping the next one is better.
Really, the story itself is worth 3 stars, as there is nothing really new here. The characters are engaging and likeable; the mystery part is fairly clever; and it has a modicum of zing.
But I could actually see the gears moving in this one--not a good sign.
However, I have been reading the author's books since 1979. There is just something in her style that really clicks with me. So even though I found this to be merely okay, it gets that half-star for old-times sake.
Here's hoping the next one is better.
September 30, 2020
There was a time that I liked most of the books by JAK but lately it seems that every one I try is painfully formulaic and just a repeat of every other one. I should stop trying this author I guess.
January 29, 2024
I enjoyed this book - I liked the characters and the paranormal world. It was an interesting and complex plot but the ending was rushed and a bit of a cheat.
I have the second and third audiobooks (I bought the bundle) and despite the ending, I'll read on.
I have the second and third audiobooks (I bought the bundle) and despite the ending, I'll read on.
April 25, 2021
Jayne Ann Krentz is one of my ‘no worries, simply read’ author. She has always managed to lift my mood with her perfect mix of mystery and suspense in her story without too much drama. As Amanda Quick, she has written a lot of romantic suspense books with a paranormal angle, especially the Arcane Society series of which I have read a few. And I really have enjoyed reading them. There’s mystery, there’s romance, psychic protagonists adding a paranormal layer to the story with an eclectic mix of characters that makes reading them a pure delight.
The Vanishing is book #1 in the Fogg Lake series and the first book does provide the promise for a wonderful series in the future. Olivia and Catalina as teenagers belonging to a close-knit community were witness to a murder that no one believes happened in the Fogg Lake caves. The caves are the site of an ‘incident’ as the locals refer to, that has given the residents of this small-town uncanny abilities and psychic powers. The girls escape from the murderer by going deeper into the caves and manage to stay hidden until dawn and thus escape.
15 yrs. later, Catalina and Olivia are running a private investigation agency but keeping their psychic ability a secret as Catalina has already suffered the skepticism of the press being branded as troubled and fame seeking woman during the course of helping her ex-lover. When Olivia is kidnapped by persons unknown and there’s a scientist from the Foundation in her office, Catalina knows that the past has come calling. Slater Arganbright is himself a psychic and recovering from an experimental accident that makes him a danger to himself but sparks of love flare up between them when Slater decides to help in the investigation of missing Olivia and coincidences that surface becomes too hard to ignore. The hush-hush government project that was shut down and the villains trying to find the closed labs for their own nefarious purposes makes for some interesting read.
The author has created a wonderful story that is yet to be fully divulged in its entirety as this the 1st book in the series but I loved the beginning. The town of Fogg Lake and its quirky residents, I am sure, have more secrets to be revealed. The chemistry between the leads was lovely and the supporting characters like always in her books a pleasure to read.
If you are fan of romance with mystery and intrigue with a touch a paranormal element added to it, then definitely go for it. The Vanishing is a solid treat for her fans.
P.S: Absolutely loved the book cover💙💙💙
The Vanishing is book #1 in the Fogg Lake series and the first book does provide the promise for a wonderful series in the future. Olivia and Catalina as teenagers belonging to a close-knit community were witness to a murder that no one believes happened in the Fogg Lake caves. The caves are the site of an ‘incident’ as the locals refer to, that has given the residents of this small-town uncanny abilities and psychic powers. The girls escape from the murderer by going deeper into the caves and manage to stay hidden until dawn and thus escape.
15 yrs. later, Catalina and Olivia are running a private investigation agency but keeping their psychic ability a secret as Catalina has already suffered the skepticism of the press being branded as troubled and fame seeking woman during the course of helping her ex-lover. When Olivia is kidnapped by persons unknown and there’s a scientist from the Foundation in her office, Catalina knows that the past has come calling. Slater Arganbright is himself a psychic and recovering from an experimental accident that makes him a danger to himself but sparks of love flare up between them when Slater decides to help in the investigation of missing Olivia and coincidences that surface becomes too hard to ignore. The hush-hush government project that was shut down and the villains trying to find the closed labs for their own nefarious purposes makes for some interesting read.
The author has created a wonderful story that is yet to be fully divulged in its entirety as this the 1st book in the series but I loved the beginning. The town of Fogg Lake and its quirky residents, I am sure, have more secrets to be revealed. The chemistry between the leads was lovely and the supporting characters like always in her books a pleasure to read.
If you are fan of romance with mystery and intrigue with a touch a paranormal element added to it, then definitely go for it. The Vanishing is a solid treat for her fans.
P.S: Absolutely loved the book cover💙💙💙
January 8, 2020
A murder witnessed by Catalina and Olivia when they were teenagers has come to the surface after 15 years, and neither of the girls knows they are in danger.
Well...Catalina realizes something is up when Olivia is kidnapped.
The girls have a unique skill since an explosion in their town had occurred when they were teenagers....they have psychic abilities and see auras.
Hopefully their abilities will be able to save Olivia and will guide Catalina to her.
We follow the characters and the story line in this sleepy town of Fogg Lake that doesn't have access to technology, and we meet many psychics and hope that Olivia is found.
I am not really into the paranormal genre, but there was enough suspense and mystery to keep my attention and to keep me reading.
Those readers who enjoy this genre will definitely be treated to an excellent book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well...Catalina realizes something is up when Olivia is kidnapped.
The girls have a unique skill since an explosion in their town had occurred when they were teenagers....they have psychic abilities and see auras.
Hopefully their abilities will be able to save Olivia and will guide Catalina to her.
We follow the characters and the story line in this sleepy town of Fogg Lake that doesn't have access to technology, and we meet many psychics and hope that Olivia is found.
I am not really into the paranormal genre, but there was enough suspense and mystery to keep my attention and to keep me reading.
Those readers who enjoy this genre will definitely be treated to an excellent book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
I think I may have reached the point where I’ve read so many Jayne Ann Krentz books under her different names that I’ve reached the point of super saturation. This was a good read, as I always know I will have from a Krentz novel, but it also reads as another Arcane Society vs Nightshade story, only the different groups are now The Foundation and Vortex.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
3.5 stars
A very readable suspense/thriller with a romance that wasn’t overly convincing but it wasn’t the main stage at all, so it didn’t spoil the show. Set around a town called Fogg Lake, known for its strange folks, this story was shrouded in mystery as well as fog.
The story started with great traction, in the city and two private investigators who were ex-Fogg Lake residents. The whole legacy of that small town was interesting and in some ways, I wanted a bit more about the town and less about the caves and lab. Maybe some of that is going to come later in the series.
Catalina was on the hunt for her kidnapped partner and someone was sent from ‘The Foundation’ to assist. Some of the secret world underpinnig the psychics took a bit of getting hold of but I got there. Slater from who arrived to assist, quickly became relationship potential but I didn’t feel the connection or the speed of their romance but I did like them both as characters.
The killer on the loose was the usual suspenseful reading and overall a solid, enjoyable experience. Jayne Ann Krentz is easy to read, reliable and I’ll definitely indulge in more from this series.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities Blog.
A very readable suspense/thriller with a romance that wasn’t overly convincing but it wasn’t the main stage at all, so it didn’t spoil the show. Set around a town called Fogg Lake, known for its strange folks, this story was shrouded in mystery as well as fog.
The story started with great traction, in the city and two private investigators who were ex-Fogg Lake residents. The whole legacy of that small town was interesting and in some ways, I wanted a bit more about the town and less about the caves and lab. Maybe some of that is going to come later in the series.
Catalina was on the hunt for her kidnapped partner and someone was sent from ‘The Foundation’ to assist. Some of the secret world underpinnig the psychics took a bit of getting hold of but I got there. Slater from who arrived to assist, quickly became relationship potential but I didn’t feel the connection or the speed of their romance but I did like them both as characters.
The killer on the loose was the usual suspenseful reading and overall a solid, enjoyable experience. Jayne Ann Krentz is easy to read, reliable and I’ll definitely indulge in more from this series.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities Blog.
July 22, 2022
I knew when I read the blurb on this that I'd love it, and I wasn't disappointed. Strong romance and great world building.
January 3, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
This was the book I felt compelled to read this week – no matter what I put in my Sunday Post. I expected to be swept away by Krentz/Quick/Castle’s unique blend of romantic suspense and parapsychological woo-woo and that’s exactly what happened.
I also expect that Fogg Lake will somehow turn out to be just down the road from Scargill Cove, that the Bluestone Project will somehow turn out to be related to “Mad Scientist” Jones’ research or that The Foundation will be outed as a precursor agency to the Arcane Society. Or all of the above.
But in the meantime, The Vanishing stands on its own as the first book in a new series. And it stands proud.
The story does begin a bit in the middle, but not because there have been previous mentions of Fogg Lake. But because by the time that Catalina and Olivia are teenage girls, whatever happened to make Fogg Lake the place it is occurred decades in the past. There was a Fogg Lake Incident that turned the town more than a bit insular. An incident that gave all the residents – and their descendants – paranormal powers of one kind or another. The kind of powers that the so-called normal world treats as a one-way ticket to drugged institutionalization.
Not that The Foundation doesn’t have its own facilities for that sort of thing. It’s one of the reasons that their reputation in the paranormal community is more than a bit tattered. But people with paranormal powers do go off the rails. It’s just that The Foundation is well aware that they are not off those rails merely because they think have those powers.
Catalina and Olivia left Fogg Lake to go to college. After they learned to keep their powers hidden and appear normal. Long after they witnessed a murder in the Fogg Lake caves that everyone else was convinced was a hallucination – even them.
But that long ago incident in their own personal past reaches out to grab them, or at least to grab Olivia, from the streets of Seattle. Just as The Foundation, in the person of Slater Arganbright, shows up at their private investigations agency to hire them. The Foundation needs their help in investigating a couple of crime scenes that just might connect back to Fogg Lake’s incident.
Catalina and Slater join reluctant forces to find the missing Olivia and determine whether their two cases connect.
Coincidences aren’t in either of their worlds. Slater’s crime scenes are all too related to Olivia’s disappearance. And everything ties back to that incident at Fogg Lake. Both the one in the town’s past and the later one in Cat’s and Olivia’s.
And Cat and Slater definitely connect with each other. More than either of them expected – or even thought might be possible.
Escape Rating A-: I got completely lost in this one, which seems appropriate for a story set in a place called Fogg Lake. I was grabbed by the story at the very beginning, with teenaged Cat and Olivia witnessing a murder in the caves – and not being believed.
But that was just a teaser to set up part of the main story. And it so worked.
Because it gives the reader a glimpse of the way that Fogg Lake is while not revealing how it got that way. In the end, that revelation is part of the main story – and it’s clear that we don’t know nearly enough – yet.
The biggest part of this one is the investigation. We follow along with Slater and Cat as they search for the missing Olivia, investigate Slater’s mysterious crime scenes and attempt to discover what the one has to do with the other. All the while, the true history of Fogg Lake hovers just out of reach – until they begin stumbling over its very messy pieces.
Along the way, several fascinating things happen. One is the dive into the paranormal world that Slater and Cat inhabit every bit as much as they do the normal world – if not sometimes a bit more. The whole thing about the secret world existing alongside of the one we know is done well and is very cool as well as a bit creepy in all the right ways.
At the same time we get to know Cat, her abilities and her powers. Part of the fun of that part of the story is discovering just how many people Cat distrusts and has run afoul of, as well as her snarky attitude towards all of the above. Cat’s a woman I’d love to have drinks with – and she’d know if anyone spiked them.
And then there’s the growing tension between Cat and Slater. They don’t trust each other. To be more accurate, Cat doesn’t trust anyone from The Foundation as Cat’s last job for them left her holding the bag on a big mess courtesy of Slater’s uncle. A mess that seems to follow her around throughout the story and with which she has zero patience – and for good reason.
But the same powers that have made both of these people fear relationships with normals have given them an instant and intense awareness of each other that can only lead to one place – if they are willing to take the risk.
And if they can get this case wrapped up before it kills them.
I don’t know when the second book in the Fogg Lake series will be coming out – but I can’t wait to find out more!
This was the book I felt compelled to read this week – no matter what I put in my Sunday Post. I expected to be swept away by Krentz/Quick/Castle’s unique blend of romantic suspense and parapsychological woo-woo and that’s exactly what happened.
I also expect that Fogg Lake will somehow turn out to be just down the road from Scargill Cove, that the Bluestone Project will somehow turn out to be related to “Mad Scientist” Jones’ research or that The Foundation will be outed as a precursor agency to the Arcane Society. Or all of the above.
But in the meantime, The Vanishing stands on its own as the first book in a new series. And it stands proud.
The story does begin a bit in the middle, but not because there have been previous mentions of Fogg Lake. But because by the time that Catalina and Olivia are teenage girls, whatever happened to make Fogg Lake the place it is occurred decades in the past. There was a Fogg Lake Incident that turned the town more than a bit insular. An incident that gave all the residents – and their descendants – paranormal powers of one kind or another. The kind of powers that the so-called normal world treats as a one-way ticket to drugged institutionalization.
Not that The Foundation doesn’t have its own facilities for that sort of thing. It’s one of the reasons that their reputation in the paranormal community is more than a bit tattered. But people with paranormal powers do go off the rails. It’s just that The Foundation is well aware that they are not off those rails merely because they think have those powers.
Catalina and Olivia left Fogg Lake to go to college. After they learned to keep their powers hidden and appear normal. Long after they witnessed a murder in the Fogg Lake caves that everyone else was convinced was a hallucination – even them.
But that long ago incident in their own personal past reaches out to grab them, or at least to grab Olivia, from the streets of Seattle. Just as The Foundation, in the person of Slater Arganbright, shows up at their private investigations agency to hire them. The Foundation needs their help in investigating a couple of crime scenes that just might connect back to Fogg Lake’s incident.
Catalina and Slater join reluctant forces to find the missing Olivia and determine whether their two cases connect.
Coincidences aren’t in either of their worlds. Slater’s crime scenes are all too related to Olivia’s disappearance. And everything ties back to that incident at Fogg Lake. Both the one in the town’s past and the later one in Cat’s and Olivia’s.
And Cat and Slater definitely connect with each other. More than either of them expected – or even thought might be possible.
Escape Rating A-: I got completely lost in this one, which seems appropriate for a story set in a place called Fogg Lake. I was grabbed by the story at the very beginning, with teenaged Cat and Olivia witnessing a murder in the caves – and not being believed.
But that was just a teaser to set up part of the main story. And it so worked.
Because it gives the reader a glimpse of the way that Fogg Lake is while not revealing how it got that way. In the end, that revelation is part of the main story – and it’s clear that we don’t know nearly enough – yet.
The biggest part of this one is the investigation. We follow along with Slater and Cat as they search for the missing Olivia, investigate Slater’s mysterious crime scenes and attempt to discover what the one has to do with the other. All the while, the true history of Fogg Lake hovers just out of reach – until they begin stumbling over its very messy pieces.
Along the way, several fascinating things happen. One is the dive into the paranormal world that Slater and Cat inhabit every bit as much as they do the normal world – if not sometimes a bit more. The whole thing about the secret world existing alongside of the one we know is done well and is very cool as well as a bit creepy in all the right ways.
At the same time we get to know Cat, her abilities and her powers. Part of the fun of that part of the story is discovering just how many people Cat distrusts and has run afoul of, as well as her snarky attitude towards all of the above. Cat’s a woman I’d love to have drinks with – and she’d know if anyone spiked them.
And then there’s the growing tension between Cat and Slater. They don’t trust each other. To be more accurate, Cat doesn’t trust anyone from The Foundation as Cat’s last job for them left her holding the bag on a big mess courtesy of Slater’s uncle. A mess that seems to follow her around throughout the story and with which she has zero patience – and for good reason.
But the same powers that have made both of these people fear relationships with normals have given them an instant and intense awareness of each other that can only lead to one place – if they are willing to take the risk.
And if they can get this case wrapped up before it kills them.
I don’t know when the second book in the Fogg Lake series will be coming out – but I can’t wait to find out more!
January 6, 2020
The story opens with two young girls, Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton, spending the night in the caverns at Fogg Lake. A ritual for teens in this tight-knit community with its spotty electricity and shared secrets. Only the girls witness a murder and escape by entering one of the side caves. There they encounter weird energy. In the morning they return home and share their gruesome tale. Convinced the girls were hallucinating, nothing comes of it and soon even the girls believe.
Fast-forward and the girls, now women own a successful private investigation firm in Seattle. Both have a psychic talent but guard that secret. When Olivia goes missing, scientist Slate Trevelyan from the Foundation shows up. He was coming to ask for her assistance on a case, but it appears the two incidents are related and Olivia isn’t the only one in danger.
Secret government facilities, psychic testing and hot artifacts quickly pulled me into this captivating tale. Slater also has abilities and had some recent trouble which I found rather intriguing.
The chemistry between Catalina and Slater was present from the start and only intensified as they began working the case. Danger, nail-biting escapes and discoveries soon brought these two together. Secondary characters like the Uncles, villains, and townfolk of Fogg Lake added interest.
Krentz is skilled at creating fleshed out characters and at making the romance feel genuine. This story was no exception. I was quickly rooting for our couple as I became wrapped up in the case and their blossoming romance.
The storyline wrapped up nicely but the danger and story is far from over. Krentz gave us a hint of things to come and at the masterminds behind the crimes. I for one cannot wait for the next installment. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Fast-forward and the girls, now women own a successful private investigation firm in Seattle. Both have a psychic talent but guard that secret. When Olivia goes missing, scientist Slate Trevelyan from the Foundation shows up. He was coming to ask for her assistance on a case, but it appears the two incidents are related and Olivia isn’t the only one in danger.
Secret government facilities, psychic testing and hot artifacts quickly pulled me into this captivating tale. Slater also has abilities and had some recent trouble which I found rather intriguing.
The chemistry between Catalina and Slater was present from the start and only intensified as they began working the case. Danger, nail-biting escapes and discoveries soon brought these two together. Secondary characters like the Uncles, villains, and townfolk of Fogg Lake added interest.
Krentz is skilled at creating fleshed out characters and at making the romance feel genuine. This story was no exception. I was quickly rooting for our couple as I became wrapped up in the case and their blossoming romance.
The storyline wrapped up nicely but the danger and story is far from over. Krentz gave us a hint of things to come and at the masterminds behind the crimes. I for one cannot wait for the next installment. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 6, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
Even when it's been a while for me reading Krentz I can pick up one of her books and feel like I've come home. The way she writes makes her a comfort read for me. I just really enjoy her books.
When I saw this new series starting I knew I had to give it a try. It just sounded so good and I loved the idea of it. It kinda reminded me of her otherworldly books. Since we haven't had any of those in a while I was excited.
I was right about wanting to read it. I just loved The Vanishing. It has wonderful characters, those ones that make a Krentz book sing. The suspense is good but not over the top. You have a well balanced romantic suspense with the right amount of romance.
I loved both Catalina and Slate. Krentz comes up with wonderful names for her characters. She's been entertaining me for what seems a lifetime with them. Right away you know these two work together. They just mesh.
I love how Slate tells her that he's been locked up in an attic. You'll have to read the book to understand what I'm talking about. His comment is funny, not what happened to him. Slate's family is also very funny. Spending the holidays with them would be different.
As a whole, the story works well and gives you enough about what the series is going to be about and leaves you wanting more. I could have most likely read the whole series in one sitting. That's how much I enjoyed The Vanishing.
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ARC received for an honest review
Even when it's been a while for me reading Krentz I can pick up one of her books and feel like I've come home. The way she writes makes her a comfort read for me. I just really enjoy her books.
When I saw this new series starting I knew I had to give it a try. It just sounded so good and I loved the idea of it. It kinda reminded me of her otherworldly books. Since we haven't had any of those in a while I was excited.
I was right about wanting to read it. I just loved The Vanishing. It has wonderful characters, those ones that make a Krentz book sing. The suspense is good but not over the top. You have a well balanced romantic suspense with the right amount of romance.
I loved both Catalina and Slate. Krentz comes up with wonderful names for her characters. She's been entertaining me for what seems a lifetime with them. Right away you know these two work together. They just mesh.
I love how Slate tells her that he's been locked up in an attic. You'll have to read the book to understand what I'm talking about. His comment is funny, not what happened to him. Slate's family is also very funny. Spending the holidays with them would be different.
As a whole, the story works well and gives you enough about what the series is going to be about and leaves you wanting more. I could have most likely read the whole series in one sitting. That's how much I enjoyed The Vanishing.
Follow me on:
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ARC received for an honest review
September 19, 2021
Notes:
There are a ton of bland UF stories on KU. It was great to read a solid UF from an author I like. The mystery wasn't that mysterious, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and a nice spin on paranormal aspects.
There are a ton of bland UF stories on KU. It was great to read a solid UF from an author I like. The mystery wasn't that mysterious, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and a nice spin on paranormal aspects.
August 17, 2019
Review was copied from my romance novel review blog: romanticallyinclinedreviews.com
Jayne Ann Krentz is an automatic buy. I don't even bother reading the blurb anymore. Just click that order button and then wait for my book to come in the mail. That's right. I'm paying hardcover prices for Krentz books. That should tell you how much I adore them. Of course, it's part nostalgia given that she was the author who turned me onto the romance genre as a whole.
No one writes romantic suspense like Krentz. Heck, no one writes like Krentz in general. It doesn't matter if she's writing as Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, or Jayne Taylor (that's a new pen name I just discovered). If you're wondering if she regrets all those pen names, the answer is yes. If you want more details you can read a 2016 blog post she wrote on the subject by clicking here.
Like I said, I didn't scan the blurb before I began reading, which is always a weird sensation... going into a book with nothing but the title to guide you. I love it and hate it simultaneously. When I started reading and realized that we were delving into Krentz's world of psychic abilities I started grinning because there is nothing better than a romantic suspense paired with psychics who can solve crimes, kill people, and protect themselves with their abilities. No rules, no limits, no boundaries.
The heroes and heroines in Krentz's follow a predictable character structure. The women are intelligent, strong, stubborn, and brave. The men are serious, surly, and protective of their women. But I've read most--and I do mean most--of Krentz's novels and I never get bored of them. Catalina has no interest in being used by the Arganbright family, not again, and she doesn't care that Slater has every nerve in her body awakening. She's still not going to let him walk all over her. And Slater is slightly damaged following a psychic shock, but that doesn't mean he's unable to keep his woman safe. He's also not going to stand in her way--Krentz heroes rarely do (in her more modern works, at least).
The Vanishing is brilliant because you have all this angst and drama and tension and danger, but it's not within Slater and Catalina's relationship. You never doubt them. You're not subjected to internal strife or fights, but rather you're focused entirely on the outside mystery and the burgeoning love between the hero and heroine (also, I pride myself on guessing the ends of books and movies--I guessed the end to Big Little Lies on episode 2, but I can never quite figure out Krentz's mysteries, so there's that...). Sometimes I like that kind of drama, but there's also a comfort that comes in being 100% confident about the romance.
All in all this is a fabulous start to what is sure to be a very mysterious romantic suspense series. I'm loving the new plots and characters and swoons. If you love the paranormal there is no doubt you'll love what Krentz has to offer both in general and in The Vanishing.
Jayne Ann Krentz is an automatic buy. I don't even bother reading the blurb anymore. Just click that order button and then wait for my book to come in the mail. That's right. I'm paying hardcover prices for Krentz books. That should tell you how much I adore them. Of course, it's part nostalgia given that she was the author who turned me onto the romance genre as a whole.
No one writes romantic suspense like Krentz. Heck, no one writes like Krentz in general. It doesn't matter if she's writing as Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, or Jayne Taylor (that's a new pen name I just discovered). If you're wondering if she regrets all those pen names, the answer is yes. If you want more details you can read a 2016 blog post she wrote on the subject by clicking here.
Like I said, I didn't scan the blurb before I began reading, which is always a weird sensation... going into a book with nothing but the title to guide you. I love it and hate it simultaneously. When I started reading and realized that we were delving into Krentz's world of psychic abilities I started grinning because there is nothing better than a romantic suspense paired with psychics who can solve crimes, kill people, and protect themselves with their abilities. No rules, no limits, no boundaries.
The heroes and heroines in Krentz's follow a predictable character structure. The women are intelligent, strong, stubborn, and brave. The men are serious, surly, and protective of their women. But I've read most--and I do mean most--of Krentz's novels and I never get bored of them. Catalina has no interest in being used by the Arganbright family, not again, and she doesn't care that Slater has every nerve in her body awakening. She's still not going to let him walk all over her. And Slater is slightly damaged following a psychic shock, but that doesn't mean he's unable to keep his woman safe. He's also not going to stand in her way--Krentz heroes rarely do (in her more modern works, at least).
The Vanishing is brilliant because you have all this angst and drama and tension and danger, but it's not within Slater and Catalina's relationship. You never doubt them. You're not subjected to internal strife or fights, but rather you're focused entirely on the outside mystery and the burgeoning love between the hero and heroine (also, I pride myself on guessing the ends of books and movies--I guessed the end to Big Little Lies on episode 2, but I can never quite figure out Krentz's mysteries, so there's that...). Sometimes I like that kind of drama, but there's also a comfort that comes in being 100% confident about the romance.
All in all this is a fabulous start to what is sure to be a very mysterious romantic suspense series. I'm loving the new plots and characters and swoons. If you love the paranormal there is no doubt you'll love what Krentz has to offer both in general and in The Vanishing.
May 13, 2020
Book 1 in new contemporary fantasy-romance series. Pure trademark Krentz, featuring mirrors, secret laboratories, and paranormal abilities. We’ve got the lonely but brave heroes who become lovers, Catalina and Slater. We’ve got the loyal best friend, Olivia. Also the benevolent gay couple, Lucas and Victor. For readers of Krentz/Quick, there’s nothing new here, but for a dependable read, it’s just fine.
The backstory on Slater’s breakdown is never explained, but I could guess, having read enough JAK books. It wasn’t necessary to know the backstory on him, nor on the (good) Foundation and the (bad) Vortex.
Contents: Murder. A few sex scenes. Mildly explicit. Some mild cussing.
The backstory on Slater’s breakdown is never explained, but I could guess, having read enough JAK books. It wasn’t necessary to know the backstory on him, nor on the (good) Foundation and the (bad) Vortex.
Contents: Murder. A few sex scenes. Mildly explicit. Some mild cussing.
September 18, 2023
As usual with her books, it was easy to read and lightly entertaining. But I wonder if she realised she’s in a writer’s hell: writing the same book all over again. Here she recycled almost every piece from her other books: the friends who witnessed a murder when young, the paranormal good guys AND the paranormal bad guys. The hero and the heroine (and their problems and characterisation). The town too..
Glad it was a loan.
Glad it was a loan.
Want to read
April 11, 2020Sale Alert: Kindle Deal 11Apr20 for $3.99
On my to read list so it was a perfect day to pick it up.
On my to read list so it was a perfect day to pick it up.
December 31, 2019
A new atmospheric romantic suspense series with a strong psychic element from this author will always get me perking right up and ready to grab it for a read. It only took the prologue to prove the high anticipation was not wasted.
The Vanishing is the first in a series centering on a remote community in the mountains where years before a government run paranormal lab's explosion had certain unique effects on the people of the nearby town and following generations. The lab and others like it were shut down, but now someone is interested in picking through the clues to find the labs and the secrets hidden there. They will stop at nothing even murder and kidnapping to achieve their goals.
Catalina Lark is one of the gifted residents of Fogg Lake who has since moved to Seattle and set up a detective agency with her best friend, Olivia, to discreetly use their psychic talents to handle their cases. Olivia disappears and Catalina must accept the help of the dreaded Foundation, an agency meant to help guide, assist, and police those with psychic abilities. It has a bad rep after the previous leadership went on a power trip and even after their removal she had a bad experience with the new leader. No, she doesn't want to accept a Foundation agent, but the clock is ticking on Olivia's disappearance.
Slater Arganbright, recently given a cautious clean bill of health after exposure to radiation did crazy things to his psychic abilities and left him grappling with control, is sent by his uncle into the field to investigate a pair of murders that he feels have ties to the legendary Vortex and experimentation labs. He is told the history between his uncle and Catalina so is well aware she's nearly hostile about his presence until he has a chance to prove himself.
The Vanishing jumped right into the excitement and suspense I love to see and feel up front in a story. The psychic element was a fun twist on the already intense conspiracies, murder and kidnapping. Instead of aliens and Roswell or Area 51, the author went with paranormal phenomena and psychic energy. It was great.
The characters were tough Catalina who knows her job, has control over her psychic gift, and has a little vulnerability when it comes to men not handling all there was about her in the past- usually seeing her as a freak. Slater is skilled and intelligent as well and his weakness is fear of the changes in his psychic gifts that are darker making him feel like a monster. I was vested in both of them easily and engaged in their story working as partners to solve Slater's case and find Olivia. The story is more action-focused even with their relationship which is based on attraction and a soul-mate like compatibility pull, but I didn't mind because the overall story was engrossing.
The situation is kept a mystery and slowly peels back the layers of how the past and the present converge and leaves the reader to keep reading to see who the players are and what their agendas are. The set up and investigation got things rolling slowly compared to the pace of the last quarter of the book. Some good twists and dangerous moments happened and a 'for now' wrap up that completed this story thread, but showed where the series arc is taking us. Can't wait!
All in all, this was a abso-fab series start and I look forward to what comes next in this exciting world of psychics, secret labs and romance. Those who enjoy slightly spicy romantic suspense with a paranormal element should pick this one up.
My thanks to Berkley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Vanishing is the first in a series centering on a remote community in the mountains where years before a government run paranormal lab's explosion had certain unique effects on the people of the nearby town and following generations. The lab and others like it were shut down, but now someone is interested in picking through the clues to find the labs and the secrets hidden there. They will stop at nothing even murder and kidnapping to achieve their goals.
Catalina Lark is one of the gifted residents of Fogg Lake who has since moved to Seattle and set up a detective agency with her best friend, Olivia, to discreetly use their psychic talents to handle their cases. Olivia disappears and Catalina must accept the help of the dreaded Foundation, an agency meant to help guide, assist, and police those with psychic abilities. It has a bad rep after the previous leadership went on a power trip and even after their removal she had a bad experience with the new leader. No, she doesn't want to accept a Foundation agent, but the clock is ticking on Olivia's disappearance.
Slater Arganbright, recently given a cautious clean bill of health after exposure to radiation did crazy things to his psychic abilities and left him grappling with control, is sent by his uncle into the field to investigate a pair of murders that he feels have ties to the legendary Vortex and experimentation labs. He is told the history between his uncle and Catalina so is well aware she's nearly hostile about his presence until he has a chance to prove himself.
The Vanishing jumped right into the excitement and suspense I love to see and feel up front in a story. The psychic element was a fun twist on the already intense conspiracies, murder and kidnapping. Instead of aliens and Roswell or Area 51, the author went with paranormal phenomena and psychic energy. It was great.
The characters were tough Catalina who knows her job, has control over her psychic gift, and has a little vulnerability when it comes to men not handling all there was about her in the past- usually seeing her as a freak. Slater is skilled and intelligent as well and his weakness is fear of the changes in his psychic gifts that are darker making him feel like a monster. I was vested in both of them easily and engaged in their story working as partners to solve Slater's case and find Olivia. The story is more action-focused even with their relationship which is based on attraction and a soul-mate like compatibility pull, but I didn't mind because the overall story was engrossing.
The situation is kept a mystery and slowly peels back the layers of how the past and the present converge and leaves the reader to keep reading to see who the players are and what their agendas are. The set up and investigation got things rolling slowly compared to the pace of the last quarter of the book. Some good twists and dangerous moments happened and a 'for now' wrap up that completed this story thread, but showed where the series arc is taking us. Can't wait!
All in all, this was a abso-fab series start and I look forward to what comes next in this exciting world of psychics, secret labs and romance. Those who enjoy slightly spicy romantic suspense with a paranormal element should pick this one up.
My thanks to Berkley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2020
3.25 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Murder, mystery, psychics, auras, and a hint of romance make for a great combination in The Vanishing . Jayne Ann Krentz has kicked off her Fogg Lake series with a fast-paced, engaging story.
Decades ago, “The Incident” happened in Fogg Lake; an explosion in the caves that released gases and gave the residents and their decedents certain paranormal abilities. Catalina Lark grew up in Fogg Lake, but she and her best friend, Olivia, make their living as investigators in Seattle. When Olivia goes missing, Catalina learns that it’s due to a murder both witnessed in Fogg Lake when they were teenagers. The only person Catalina can trust to help her find her friend is Slater Arganbright, an agent from the secretive Foundation. Catalina and Slater have an instant connection and it doesn’t just come from them both having supernatural skills. They clicked perfectly, making it easy to fall into the rhythm of the story as they hunt kidnappers, killers, and unraveled a mystery that began before they were born.
The Vanishing moves at a quick clip and because it’s the first book in the series, Ms. Krentz throws out a lot of information. I won’t spoil the story by revealing anything, but there are mysterious organizations, multiple players with competing agendas, and quite a few point of view shifts, some of which will likely be important down the line in the series. Because of this, there’s a lot of exposition and I wish there had been more show than tell, especially near the end so the developments felt more organic. The world building and mystery are enough to keep the story going strong and Catalina and Slater are great central characters, so it also would have been nice to see their relationship develop over the course of the series. Instead the romance felt almost shoehorned in and was so rushed that it wasn’t quite believable at the end. This isn’t to say I didn’t like the book – I actually really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to what happens next – but it was missing much-needed depth in some areas that would have made the story shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder, mystery, psychics, auras, and a hint of romance make for a great combination in The Vanishing . Jayne Ann Krentz has kicked off her Fogg Lake series with a fast-paced, engaging story.
Decades ago, “The Incident” happened in Fogg Lake; an explosion in the caves that released gases and gave the residents and their decedents certain paranormal abilities. Catalina Lark grew up in Fogg Lake, but she and her best friend, Olivia, make their living as investigators in Seattle. When Olivia goes missing, Catalina learns that it’s due to a murder both witnessed in Fogg Lake when they were teenagers. The only person Catalina can trust to help her find her friend is Slater Arganbright, an agent from the secretive Foundation. Catalina and Slater have an instant connection and it doesn’t just come from them both having supernatural skills. They clicked perfectly, making it easy to fall into the rhythm of the story as they hunt kidnappers, killers, and unraveled a mystery that began before they were born.
The Vanishing moves at a quick clip and because it’s the first book in the series, Ms. Krentz throws out a lot of information. I won’t spoil the story by revealing anything, but there are mysterious organizations, multiple players with competing agendas, and quite a few point of view shifts, some of which will likely be important down the line in the series. Because of this, there’s a lot of exposition and I wish there had been more show than tell, especially near the end so the developments felt more organic. The world building and mystery are enough to keep the story going strong and Catalina and Slater are great central characters, so it also would have been nice to see their relationship develop over the course of the series. Instead the romance felt almost shoehorned in and was so rushed that it wasn’t quite believable at the end. This isn’t to say I didn’t like the book – I actually really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to what happens next – but it was missing much-needed depth in some areas that would have made the story shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 8, 2024
I was over the moon to discover that Jayne Ann Krentz has returned to paranormal romantic suspense with The Vanishing, the first book in the Fogg Lake series!
Catalina Lark and Slater Arganbright will feel familiar to Krentz fans. Catalina is smart, determined, and psychically gifted: she has visions of the immediate future (four or five seconds ahead.) Slater is recovering from an accident that left his psychic abilities changed, both more powerful and unpredictable. The several months he spent “locked in the attic” (for his own safety) left their mark on his psyche as well; his outlook, at least in terms of his own future, is somewhat pessimistic. Nonetheless, Catalina learns she can rely on him to have her back as they search for her missing friend Olivia and try to figure out the broader puzzle of who is after Catalina and Olivia and just what those people want.
The result is everything I expect from a Jayne Anne Krentz book: suspense, romance, sharp dialog, and an exciting plot full of twists and unexpected turns. I enjoyed every minute of it, and would have read it through in a single night if I hadn’t also been working a lot of extra hours.
I did wonder as I read The Vanishing whether the Fogg Lake “world” connects with the Arcane Society books, because there are some significant parallels. Arcane is never mentioned in The Vanishing, but much of the overall world seems very similar to that of the Arcane Society — a world where some people possess significant psychic powers, and where secret organizations, both governmental and private (and both benign and malignant) explore those powers and how to create, enhance, or control them. Overall, the Arcane Society and its members are a more organized and knowledgeable than the groups and individuals in this book, but I can easily imagine the Fogg Lake series connecting up at some point.
If past history is anything to go by, the next book will come out in January of 2021. And already I can’t wait to read it!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
Catalina Lark and Slater Arganbright will feel familiar to Krentz fans. Catalina is smart, determined, and psychically gifted: she has visions of the immediate future (four or five seconds ahead.) Slater is recovering from an accident that left his psychic abilities changed, both more powerful and unpredictable. The several months he spent “locked in the attic” (for his own safety) left their mark on his psyche as well; his outlook, at least in terms of his own future, is somewhat pessimistic. Nonetheless, Catalina learns she can rely on him to have her back as they search for her missing friend Olivia and try to figure out the broader puzzle of who is after Catalina and Olivia and just what those people want.
The result is everything I expect from a Jayne Anne Krentz book: suspense, romance, sharp dialog, and an exciting plot full of twists and unexpected turns. I enjoyed every minute of it, and would have read it through in a single night if I hadn’t also been working a lot of extra hours.
I did wonder as I read The Vanishing whether the Fogg Lake “world” connects with the Arcane Society books, because there are some significant parallels. Arcane is never mentioned in The Vanishing, but much of the overall world seems very similar to that of the Arcane Society — a world where some people possess significant psychic powers, and where secret organizations, both governmental and private (and both benign and malignant) explore those powers and how to create, enhance, or control them. Overall, the Arcane Society and its members are a more organized and knowledgeable than the groups and individuals in this book, but I can easily imagine the Fogg Lake series connecting up at some point.
If past history is anything to go by, the next book will come out in January of 2021. And already I can’t wait to read it!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 28, 2020
1 - Paranormal/Romantic Suspense
I couldn't get into this at all, even just listening to it. I don't think this author is for me.
I couldn't get into this at all, even just listening to it. I don't think this author is for me.
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