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Mystere Parish #2
The Vanishing
In this classic from New York Times bestselling author Jana DeLeon, some secrets are better left in the bayou…Certain death awaits any outsider who enters Cache, a mysterious town said to disappear when intruders threaten. But P.I. Max Duhon won’t let the Cajun superstition stop him from going there. He’ll do anything to help sexy Colette Guidry and close this missing person’s case, even admit how attracted he is to his client. But as their investigation deepens, Max finds himself protecting Colette from the inexplicable terrors of the bayou. This includes the specter taunting them with voodoo…and a shotgun. It seems they may have come too close to Cache and its eerie secrets—and dangerously close to each other.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
493 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
103 books4,241 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon was raised in southwest Louisiana among the bayous and gators. Her hometown is Carlyss, but you probably won't find it on a map. Her family owned a camp located on a bayou just off the Gulf of Mexico that you could only get there by boat. The most important feature was the rope hammock hanging in the shade on a huge deck that stretched out over the water where Jana spent many hours reading books.
Jana and her brother spent thousands of hours combing the bayous in a flat-bottom aluminum boat, studying the natural habitat of many birds, nutria and alligators. She would like you to know that no animals were injured during these "studies," but they kept makers of peroxide in business.
Jana has never stumbled across a mystery or a ghost like her heroines, but she's still hopeful.
She now resides in Dallas, Texas, with the most spoiled Sheltie in the world.
Jana and her brother spent thousands of hours combing the bayous in a flat-bottom aluminum boat, studying the natural habitat of many birds, nutria and alligators. She would like you to know that no animals were injured during these "studies," but they kept makers of peroxide in business.
Jana has never stumbled across a mystery or a ghost like her heroines, but she's still hopeful.
She now resides in Dallas, Texas, with the most spoiled Sheltie in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 30, 2015
"How could something as stupid as a job promotion possibly have outweighed the safety of her and her son?"
"It was all such a waste. She was so impatient. So hard-headed. And in trying to have it all, she lost it all, even her own life. And her son has to live with her choice the rest of her life."
Do you know what is really unattractive in a man? Mommy issues.
Colette is a trauma nurse. One day, her co-worker Anna goes missing. No one will take her "missing person case" seriously because Anna has a bad history with men - running off with them occasionally. But Colette knows that Anna has been working and studying hard for the last six months, and that if she's missing it's serious.
So she goes to her friends Alex (the psychiatrist from the last book) and Holt (the cop from the last book) for help. Alex and Holt run a P.I. agency now. Don't ask me why on earth Alex would give up being a psychiatrist to run a P.I. firm with her husband. o.O
Holt's half-brother Max is assigned to Colette's case. Together, they begin a search for Anna.
...
THE BAD:
- A hero with mommy issues.
She's a hardcore, hardheaded career woman, just like Mother.
Max has a real problem with women who work outside the home in demanding jobs, because his mother did that and he feels that his mother didn't love him. I really wasn't on board with this whole underlying anti-women-who-work-"important"-jobs vibe I was getting here.
Also, men with mommy issues really turn me off.
- When Max hears about the case, he says
"And if it turns out to be nothing but a loose woman taking an unscheduled weekend with her latest passing fancy?"
Wow, did you just call her a 'loose woman?' Really? Not winning any points with me here, Max.
- He slipped quietly out of bed, not wanting to disturb Colette.
Are heroes in DeLeon's books INCAPABLE of staying in bed after the heroine's fallen asleep after they've had sex together for the first time? Because that is scumbag behavior. Now, when Max gets back to the room after going to to investigate whatever the hell he was going to investigate, Colette's still asleep. And he wakes her up and tells her XYZ. But he's not off the hook with me - there's no way he'd have known she wasn't going to wake up alone, in a cold bed, wondering where the heck he was. Jerk. I agree with Eric on this one, how hard is it to reach over, nudge her awake, and say, "Honey, I've got to run. I'll call you." or whatever. Jeez. Could you maybe have some more respect for the woman you just had sex with? Thanks.
...
THE GOOD:
Um.
Well, it's a kind of "creepy Louisiana bayou" mystery. There's a "disappearing town" called Cache, deep in the swamps. Expect alligators and grumpy men with shotguns dressed in overalls. And cursed pirate treasure.
The two main characters didn't make much of an impression on me.
...
How's the sex, Carmen?
Sigh. It's dismal. The whole entire sex scene is two paragraphs.
He kicked off his shoes and removed the rest of his clothes, tossing them on the floor. Unable to wait another second without having his hands on her, he lay on the bed and pulled her down beside him. He explored every inch of her with his hands, his mouth, and she moaned until his own need could wait no longer.
INTERJECTION BY CARMEN: This is so vague. Have we re-entered "vague sex" territory, here? Because this qualifies as vague sex. Okay, carry on.
He moved over her and entered her in one fluid motion. For a moment, he was perfectly still, relishing the way her body felt wrapped around him. Then he began to move. She matched his rhythm, and in no time they both fell over the edge.
That's it. El fin. The only sex scene in the book. I was not impressed.
...
Tl;dr - The first book of this series, The Reckoning, was better. This book was just rather flat.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
P.S. I don't really like this cover. :(
Not available in Spanish.
"It was all such a waste. She was so impatient. So hard-headed. And in trying to have it all, she lost it all, even her own life. And her son has to live with her choice the rest of her life."
Do you know what is really unattractive in a man? Mommy issues.
Colette is a trauma nurse. One day, her co-worker Anna goes missing. No one will take her "missing person case" seriously because Anna has a bad history with men - running off with them occasionally. But Colette knows that Anna has been working and studying hard for the last six months, and that if she's missing it's serious.
So she goes to her friends Alex (the psychiatrist from the last book) and Holt (the cop from the last book) for help. Alex and Holt run a P.I. agency now. Don't ask me why on earth Alex would give up being a psychiatrist to run a P.I. firm with her husband. o.O
Holt's half-brother Max is assigned to Colette's case. Together, they begin a search for Anna.
...
THE BAD:
- A hero with mommy issues.
She's a hardcore, hardheaded career woman, just like Mother.
Max has a real problem with women who work outside the home in demanding jobs, because his mother did that and he feels that his mother didn't love him. I really wasn't on board with this whole underlying anti-women-who-work-"important"-jobs vibe I was getting here.
Also, men with mommy issues really turn me off.
- When Max hears about the case, he says
"And if it turns out to be nothing but a loose woman taking an unscheduled weekend with her latest passing fancy?"
Wow, did you just call her a 'loose woman?' Really? Not winning any points with me here, Max.
- He slipped quietly out of bed, not wanting to disturb Colette.
Are heroes in DeLeon's books INCAPABLE of staying in bed after the heroine's fallen asleep after they've had sex together for the first time? Because that is scumbag behavior. Now, when Max gets back to the room after going to to investigate whatever the hell he was going to investigate, Colette's still asleep. And he wakes her up and tells her XYZ. But he's not off the hook with me - there's no way he'd have known she wasn't going to wake up alone, in a cold bed, wondering where the heck he was. Jerk. I agree with Eric on this one, how hard is it to reach over, nudge her awake, and say, "Honey, I've got to run. I'll call you." or whatever. Jeez. Could you maybe have some more respect for the woman you just had sex with? Thanks.
...
THE GOOD:
Um.
Well, it's a kind of "creepy Louisiana bayou" mystery. There's a "disappearing town" called Cache, deep in the swamps. Expect alligators and grumpy men with shotguns dressed in overalls. And cursed pirate treasure.
The two main characters didn't make much of an impression on me.
...
How's the sex, Carmen?
Sigh. It's dismal. The whole entire sex scene is two paragraphs.
He kicked off his shoes and removed the rest of his clothes, tossing them on the floor. Unable to wait another second without having his hands on her, he lay on the bed and pulled her down beside him. He explored every inch of her with his hands, his mouth, and she moaned until his own need could wait no longer.
INTERJECTION BY CARMEN: This is so vague. Have we re-entered "vague sex" territory, here? Because this qualifies as vague sex. Okay, carry on.
He moved over her and entered her in one fluid motion. For a moment, he was perfectly still, relishing the way her body felt wrapped around him. Then he began to move. She matched his rhythm, and in no time they both fell over the edge.
That's it. El fin. The only sex scene in the book. I was not impressed.
...
Tl;dr - The first book of this series, The Reckoning, was better. This book was just rather flat.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
P.S. I don't really like this cover. :(
Not available in Spanish.
December 2, 2024
When reading an older work by a favorite author, I often encounter some elements that could use a little more refinement. That is the case here. Some plot points could have used a little more detail, but the overall book is a solid Romantic-Suspense. But Harlequin Intrigue titles are not known for their attention to detail and sometimes that is just fine. "The Vanishing" is a wonderful tale with gothic overtones and an historical mystery.
Max Duhon left the Baton Rogue police department to join his half-brother in his detective agency. He isn't sure this was the right course for him, but life as a big city detective and being shot wasn't either. When a beautiful woman comes to them with a tale of a disappearing village and a friend who went missing, Max is intrigued having heard the tales all his life of the mysterious Cache.
Colette Guidry is head of nursing in the ER department of a large New Orleans hospital. Her nurse's aide, Anna, has gone missing, and the police aren't interested in finding her. Anna has told Colette that she comes from a village named Cache in the bayou swamps. Colette hires Max to find her, but he believes that Cache is just a myth.
As they enter Pirate's Cove, the town closest to the mythical Cache, they get a vibe that there is something the town's people want to keep hidden. The owner of the cafe is not helpful, but Max is sure he knows something about Anna's disappearance. The owner of the gas station and market is more forthcoming, but he doesn't really have any information, except that an antiques dealer was asking questions about Anna. When Max and Colette enter the swamp, the atmosphere is charged and that awaits them, no one knows.
Max Duhon left the Baton Rogue police department to join his half-brother in his detective agency. He isn't sure this was the right course for him, but life as a big city detective and being shot wasn't either. When a beautiful woman comes to them with a tale of a disappearing village and a friend who went missing, Max is intrigued having heard the tales all his life of the mysterious Cache.
Colette Guidry is head of nursing in the ER department of a large New Orleans hospital. Her nurse's aide, Anna, has gone missing, and the police aren't interested in finding her. Anna has told Colette that she comes from a village named Cache in the bayou swamps. Colette hires Max to find her, but he believes that Cache is just a myth.
As they enter Pirate's Cove, the town closest to the mythical Cache, they get a vibe that there is something the town's people want to keep hidden. The owner of the cafe is not helpful, but Max is sure he knows something about Anna's disappearance. The owner of the gas station and market is more forthcoming, but he doesn't really have any information, except that an antiques dealer was asking questions about Anna. When Max and Colette enter the swamp, the atmosphere is charged and that awaits them, no one knows.
October 31, 2020
I like this. I like what I’ve read from Jana Deleon so far. I think if you are unable to suspend belief then she’s not for you but if we can read shifters and time travel and fantasy then you can suspend the belief it takes to read a romantic suspense set amidst the backdrop of Louisiana bayou and pirate culture. I’ve never lived there but I’m assuming in parts of the state, the lore and voodoo is a pretty big deal.
This is a quick read I really enjoyed. I didn’t love it as much as book 1, but it was still good. There were a couple days I was too busy and didn’t read anything but this book was on my mind, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.
This is a quick read I really enjoyed. I didn’t love it as much as book 1, but it was still good. There were a couple days I was too busy and didn’t read anything but this book was on my mind, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.
November 1, 2012
In Deleon’s romantic suspense novel, P.I. Max Duhon has just taken on a case that will take him deep into the mystical bayou in pursuit of a mythical city that legend insists disappears when threatened. Colette Guidry has just hired him to locate a missing co-worker and Max refuses to let superstition stand in the way of solving this case. As the investigation deepens, so does the attraction he feels toward the attractive nurse and he is determined to protect Colette from dangers lurking in the bayou. With a specter that taunts them with voodoo and violence, the closer they come to finding the mythical city and its secrets, the more determined Max is to protect Colette and bring the case to a successful close.
Fast-paced, well-thought out, action packed—a fantastic addition to the Mystere Parish series.
Fast-paced, well-thought out, action packed—a fantastic addition to the Mystere Parish series.
August 12, 2019
I see there are some low reviews of this book, but here's my take on it. I had to do a bunch of chores and cleaning today, and listening to the audio book made it all go by quicker and took my mind of the drudgery. So it might be a little far-fetched, but it served its purpose.
February 21, 2025
Let me get my biggest issue out of the way. I don’t like the trope of the heroine demanding to ride-along everywhere the pi/detective goes on the case, and they agree to it. It just sets up too many times for the heroine to be put in danger. This one was bad as the detective didn’t necessarily do the best job of protecting her.
As far as the story and character go, it was a good time waster. I have a lot going on and this book was good enough to keep my interest. The story was a little predictable, but the author threw in some good red herrings that also moved the story down the road a bit. I like that the villain was someone who had been involved in the story the entire time and didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Colette and Max are a decent pairing, and I was rooting for them to end up together. Max’s issues were interesting, and I couldn’t figure out why it was bothering him when it came to pursuing Colette. The author also did a job of linking this one to the previous book and incorporating those characters.
As far as the story and character go, it was a good time waster. I have a lot going on and this book was good enough to keep my interest. The story was a little predictable, but the author threw in some good red herrings that also moved the story down the road a bit. I like that the villain was someone who had been involved in the story the entire time and didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Colette and Max are a decent pairing, and I was rooting for them to end up together. Max’s issues were interesting, and I couldn’t figure out why it was bothering him when it came to pursuing Colette. The author also did a job of linking this one to the previous book and incorporating those characters.
July 13, 2018
I’m biased when it comes to Jana DeLeon books. They tend to be my choice for easy entertainment. “The Vanishing” was not one of the better books though.
DeLeon kept with her pattern of mystery books set in the Louisiana swamp. Usually quirky characters or voodoo elements have a larger presence. These make her books hard to put down and either make you nervous or make you laugh. Without hose aspects it was just a typical romance mystery.
The character development was also very abrupt and getting to the bottom of their inner thoughts wasn’t subtle at all. Another issue was that she didn’t have the typical twists and turns with the villain that normally occur.
If you are looking for quick, easy entertainment and enjoy romance novels this might work for you. I would highly suggest her “Miss Fortune” or “Shake Archer” series or first if you are choosing a DeLeon book.
DeLeon kept with her pattern of mystery books set in the Louisiana swamp. Usually quirky characters or voodoo elements have a larger presence. These make her books hard to put down and either make you nervous or make you laugh. Without hose aspects it was just a typical romance mystery.
The character development was also very abrupt and getting to the bottom of their inner thoughts wasn’t subtle at all. Another issue was that she didn’t have the typical twists and turns with the villain that normally occur.
If you are looking for quick, easy entertainment and enjoy romance novels this might work for you. I would highly suggest her “Miss Fortune” or “Shake Archer” series or first if you are choosing a DeLeon book.
June 8, 2021
Though the locale is interesting, I had difficulty caring much about the characters. The story is supposed to be suspenseful but most of the time I had no trouble putting the book down. The village that's supposed to be unfindable and mysteriously vanishes and reappears sure seemed easy enough to find. Its isolationist residents are doing pretty well, having an alternate location handy and able to pick up and leave on a moment's notice. The premise is fun to imagine, but wasn't convincing to me.
November 16, 2018
The Vanishing book #2 in the ( MYSTERE PARISH ) by: Jana DeLeon is one the will have you on the edge of your seat. Breath taking in the set of the Bayou, you will face danger from predictors in the swamp but can you survive the two legged human kind that wont stop at nothing to get what he want. Weather its hidding the truth of a legend place is or what the legend holds. Grab a copy and find out.
February 14, 2020
Really good read. Loved the mystery elements and intrigue of this story line. I felt like some of the backstory could have been expanded upon to flush out the character traits a little better but, all in all entertaining and captivating which is basically what you want in a book. Another win from Jana.
January 6, 2018
Jana DeLeon did not fail my curiosity in the second book of the Mystere Parish triology! Wow, I was on the edge of my seat every time I picked up this book. I do recommend that you start with the first in the trilogy though. I am going to read the last one as soon as possible! Enjoy!
March 28, 2018
This was an intriguing story, though I am not much for Voodoo and such.
Some romantic content was explicit. Romance is fine, I just don't need a biology lesson with it!
The story was easy to read, and the language was clean.
Some romantic content was explicit. Romance is fine, I just don't need a biology lesson with it!
The story was easy to read, and the language was clean.
June 30, 2021
Great Story
Enjoyed this mystery story as the 2 main character find themselves in the middle of the swamps in Louisiana looking for a small town that only exists in folklore. This is another great story from Jana DeLeon. Mystery and Romance.
Enjoyed this mystery story as the 2 main character find themselves in the middle of the swamps in Louisiana looking for a small town that only exists in folklore. This is another great story from Jana DeLeon. Mystery and Romance.
November 13, 2021
Swamp mystery 2 of 3
I enjoy Jana Deleon. She writes well. I liked the characters and the mystery.
These books aren't literature, but fun, quick reads. Some of the book series become treasured friends you pull out to read when its cold outside...
I enjoy Jana Deleon. She writes well. I liked the characters and the mystery.
These books aren't literature, but fun, quick reads. Some of the book series become treasured friends you pull out to read when its cold outside...
April 5, 2024
Great Mystery
I have really enjoyed the Mystere Parish series! I love the way Jana DeLeon ties everything together so you anticipate the next piece of the puzzle to snap into place!
Great Characters and plot twists!
Can't wait to read the next one!
I have really enjoyed the Mystere Parish series! I love the way Jana DeLeon ties everything together so you anticipate the next piece of the puzzle to snap into place!
Great Characters and plot twists!
Can't wait to read the next one!
February 6, 2019
Awesome mystery!! Loved both books ! Always wondered about mysteries that are in the Louisiana Swamps!!
July 26, 2021
Absolutely loving this series Such a gem. Such an unknown part of the world.
December 6, 2021
Captivating story
Characters are well developed. Story moves along and it is difficult to put the book down once you begin reading.
Characters are well developed. Story moves along and it is difficult to put the book down once you begin reading.
January 28, 2023
Exceptional Read!
The Vanishing (Mystery Parish Book 2) Jana DeLeon book 2. This is as good as the first book in this series. I couldn't put it down.
The Vanishing (Mystery Parish Book 2) Jana DeLeon book 2. This is as good as the first book in this series. I couldn't put it down.
March 10, 2023
Captivating
This book was a fast paced but feel good story. Enjoyed it, would highly recommend this book and the first.
This book was a fast paced but feel good story. Enjoyed it, would highly recommend this book and the first.
July 21, 2023
After reading all of the Fortune series these thrillers by Jana Deleon are quite a change but oh so good.
March 19, 2024
Good cast of characters
Two men and two women are inevitably tied to the fate of a young women and an entire legendary village that lies hidden in the swamp. Exciting.
Two men and two women are inevitably tied to the fate of a young women and an entire legendary village that lies hidden in the swamp. Exciting.
February 20, 2025
Great mystery story
Great story. Jana Deleon writes some very intense mysteries that keep you engrossed in the story. I ca8nt wait to read her next book.
Great story. Jana Deleon writes some very intense mysteries that keep you engrossed in the story. I ca8nt wait to read her next book.
July 20, 2025
Suspense
Really liked this book. Enjoyed the music and suspense as well as the developing love story. Look forward to the next book.
Really liked this book. Enjoyed the music and suspense as well as the developing love story. Look forward to the next book.
November 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book; however, I was disappointed by this one. Why? It was too much like the first one. It felt as if I was basically reading the same plot over again, only the characters had changed. I will not be reading anymore of them.
February 20, 2013
First of all, you definitely want to read these in order:
1. The Reckoning
2. The Vanishing
3. The Awakening
While I liked the setting a bit more in the previous book, the main characters in this book I thought were more likable. They're back in the bayou again chasing a legend with a different one of the half-brothers. I love how these books all left a little something paranormal unanswered--not everything was explained away and I think that fit with the mysterious setting in all three books. This was only the second book by this author that I'd read, but this cemented her on my "must have ALL the books" list. She can weave a mean story...and I swear...you felt like you were there. She's a fantastic writer.
I always post a favorite section of the books I review and I hope the author/publishing house will forgive me for posting a tiny bit longer one...this really gives you a hint of the creepy factor of Mystere Parish. This is a section of dialogue between Max and Colette:
"Shouldn't there be more noise?" she finally asked, unable to stand the silence any longer.
"In other swamps, there is. You can hear insects and birds all around you. But the swamps in Mystere Parish are always silent."
Like a giant tomb. Her hands tightened on the shotgun. "How is that possible? Surely there are insects and birds here."
"There are, but they don't make noise very often."
"Is it something genetic--a mutation in the swamps of Mystere?"
"That's one theory."
1. The Reckoning
2. The Vanishing
3. The Awakening
While I liked the setting a bit more in the previous book, the main characters in this book I thought were more likable. They're back in the bayou again chasing a legend with a different one of the half-brothers. I love how these books all left a little something paranormal unanswered--not everything was explained away and I think that fit with the mysterious setting in all three books. This was only the second book by this author that I'd read, but this cemented her on my "must have ALL the books" list. She can weave a mean story...and I swear...you felt like you were there. She's a fantastic writer.
I always post a favorite section of the books I review and I hope the author/publishing house will forgive me for posting a tiny bit longer one...this really gives you a hint of the creepy factor of Mystere Parish. This is a section of dialogue between Max and Colette:
"Shouldn't there be more noise?" she finally asked, unable to stand the silence any longer.
"In other swamps, there is. You can hear insects and birds all around you. But the swamps in Mystere Parish are always silent."
Like a giant tomb. Her hands tightened on the shotgun. "How is that possible? Surely there are insects and birds here."
"There are, but they don't make noise very often."
"Is it something genetic--a mutation in the swamps of Mystere?"
"That's one theory."
February 12, 2013
Cache is a mythical city said to disappear when intruders threaten. However Max Duhon wasn't going to let a Cajun superstition stop him from solving his case.
Colette Guidry had no where to turn when her friend disappeared without a trace. Desperate she seeks help with the detective agency Max works for. But as Max and Colette get closer to discovering the location of Cache it's clear someone is willing to do anything to make sure it stays secret.
This is the second book in the Mystere Parish series and Max gets his own story. Again I was transported to the swamps of Louisiana with the descriptiveness of the setting.
Colette Guidry had no where to turn when her friend disappeared without a trace. Desperate she seeks help with the detective agency Max works for. But as Max and Colette get closer to discovering the location of Cache it's clear someone is willing to do anything to make sure it stays secret.
This is the second book in the Mystere Parish series and Max gets his own story. Again I was transported to the swamps of Louisiana with the descriptiveness of the setting.
September 13, 2015
Love the locale
While this book wasn't quite as good as the first in the series, I did enjoy reading about the new characters and the locale. The one thing I miss in this series is the humor that drives the Miss Fortune series. That said, I have purchased the third book and look forward to the new adventure.
While this book wasn't quite as good as the first in the series, I did enjoy reading about the new characters and the locale. The one thing I miss in this series is the humor that drives the Miss Fortune series. That said, I have purchased the third book and look forward to the new adventure.
December 7, 2015
As with the first book in this series, the romance suffers a bit compared with the suspense part, but it is an entertaining and fast read.
One thing I did not like, though, is the fact that their father is murdered 20 odd years ago and miraculously all of their cases suddenly seem to be connected to this.
One thing I did not like, though, is the fact that their father is murdered 20 odd years ago and miraculously all of their cases suddenly seem to be connected to this.
December 29, 2013
This one was a page-turner! The romance was pretty secondary, though, so that is the reason for only four stars. I enjoyed the story. The ending came up a little too fast, though, happening in the last 12 pages or so. And the whodonit was not who I thought (that's a good thing)!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews