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How to Disappear
You can run, you can hide, but can you disappear for good?
Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back.
The only choice is to disappear.
From their family, their friends, even from Lauren's husband.
No goodbyes. Just new names, new home, new lives.
One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.
As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy.
Staying hidden is much harder . . .
Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back.
The only choice is to disappear.
From their family, their friends, even from Lauren's husband.
No goodbyes. Just new names, new home, new lives.
One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.
As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy.
Staying hidden is much harder . . .
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2020
About the author
Gillian McAllister
16 books14.2k followersAs you find me, it's autumn 2025 and my latest novel is Famous Last Words, a thriller with a marriage at its centre. It asks the question: what would you do if your husband is caught up in a siege in central London? Only, the police tell you he isn't one of the hostages: he is the gunman... I hope you like the answer!
Upcoming in spring 2026 is Caller Unknown, a thriller about a woman whose teenage daughter is kidnapped, and she decides to pay the ransom, meet the kidnappers direct, and not tell the police.
As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:
Everything But The Truth (2017)
Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America
No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America
The Evidence Against You (2019)
How To Disappear (2020)
That Night (2021)
Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)
Just Another Missing Person (2023)
Famous Last Words (2025)
My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese's Book Club August '22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year - a novel idea.
Upcoming in spring 2026 is Caller Unknown, a thriller about a woman whose teenage daughter is kidnapped, and she decides to pay the ransom, meet the kidnappers direct, and not tell the police.
As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:
Everything But The Truth (2017)
Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America
No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America
The Evidence Against You (2019)
How To Disappear (2020)
That Night (2021)
Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)
Just Another Missing Person (2023)
Famous Last Words (2025)
My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese's Book Club August '22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year - a novel idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,549 reviews
June 3, 2020
Gillian McAllister's latest psychological thriller is dark, tense and utterly gripping that thrusts the reader into the human experience of the witness protection program and the emotionally devastating impact that it has on a blended family living in London. 14 year old Zara is to have her and her family's life derailed when she witnesses the murder of a homeless man, Jamie, by two Holloway FC youth footballers. A year later, she is the key witness in their trial, she is Girl A, giving her evidence anonymously, only for the ignominious collapse of the trial, with the defendants being freed. There is outrage in the media directed against Girl A, and on social media it results in Zara being identified and put in real danger, resulting in her, and her mother, the spontaneous, hotheaded, Lauren, who makes decisions with her heart, going into witness protection.
Zara's loving and loyal stepfather, Aiden, is forced to make the reluctant and heartbreaking decision to stay in London for his daughter, Poppy, who cares for her MS suffering mother, but such is his desire to see his family come back together that he embarks on a dangerous undercover infiltration of the secret group hunting for Zara. The rules for witness protection are tough and uncompromising, and the human difficulties in adhering to them and the emotional toll the process takes on Lauren, Zara and their family are depicted with skill and expertise. Zara is cautious, anxious, bookish, an idealistic and moral nerd, desperate for friends, but now caustic, directing her anger against Lauren. Lauren is enveloped by her desperate loneliness and misery, in excruciating pain, struggling to adapt to their new life and future, locked into the past and her love for Aiden. They are both traumatised, stymied by the stumbling block of being unable to be truthful about who they are and their inability to accept the circumstances they find themselves in.
McAllister's storytelling is mesmerising and riveting, with sky high tension and suspense, keeping the readers on their toes with twist after twist. Where the author shines is in her wonderful characterisations and the impact of witness protection on an ordinary family, losing everything that matters, coming to terms with the soul destroying consequences of Zara's actions. This is a compulsive thriller, although you will have to suspend your sense of disbelief on occasions, otherwise a rollicking good read that will have you turning the pages as fast as possible. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Zara's loving and loyal stepfather, Aiden, is forced to make the reluctant and heartbreaking decision to stay in London for his daughter, Poppy, who cares for her MS suffering mother, but such is his desire to see his family come back together that he embarks on a dangerous undercover infiltration of the secret group hunting for Zara. The rules for witness protection are tough and uncompromising, and the human difficulties in adhering to them and the emotional toll the process takes on Lauren, Zara and their family are depicted with skill and expertise. Zara is cautious, anxious, bookish, an idealistic and moral nerd, desperate for friends, but now caustic, directing her anger against Lauren. Lauren is enveloped by her desperate loneliness and misery, in excruciating pain, struggling to adapt to their new life and future, locked into the past and her love for Aiden. They are both traumatised, stymied by the stumbling block of being unable to be truthful about who they are and their inability to accept the circumstances they find themselves in.
McAllister's storytelling is mesmerising and riveting, with sky high tension and suspense, keeping the readers on their toes with twist after twist. Where the author shines is in her wonderful characterisations and the impact of witness protection on an ordinary family, losing everything that matters, coming to terms with the soul destroying consequences of Zara's actions. This is a compulsive thriller, although you will have to suspend your sense of disbelief on occasions, otherwise a rollicking good read that will have you turning the pages as fast as possible. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
April 28, 2020
Phew, let me catch my breath! Gillian McAllister is one of my favourite authors but I think even by her high standards she’s excelled herself with this one! What a rollercoaster, breathtaking, phenomenal read. I don’t want to say too much about the plot but the story starts when Zara witnesses a fight in which a homeless man dies. Two young men, about to sign up for the full squad of Premier League Holloway FC are charged with murder. It goes to court but the case falls apart as Zara gives evidence as Girl A. After this, some people are baying for revengeful blood on social media, Zara is identified and she and her mother Lauren go into witness protection, leaving stepfather Aidan behind as he cannot leave his daughter Poppy from his first marriage. The story is told in alternating perspectives by Lauren, Zara, Aidan and Poppy.
This story is action packed from start to finish. There’s danger at every turn for the whole family, there’s bravery as their life implodes and changes irrevocably and I like the way the author explores the personal ramifications for the main characters. One very strong theme is love, especially love for your child and the sacrifice you are prepared to make is a core theme and there is also tremendous resolve, strength and determination to see something through no matter the personal cost. The characters are excellent, Zara has an amazing moral code, she’s bookish, anxious, a bit of a loner but has internal steel. Lauren is sunny, optimistic, full of fun but these events test her to her limits, her resolve wavers and at times she struggles. Aidan is a stress head, he faces a rotten dilemma but he is stoic and he too finds his inner brave and goes above and beyond for his family. The effect on Poppy is interesting as she is close to Zara and Lauren and she is pivotal to a lot of what unfolds. At times the story is emotional and reflective, at others there’s threat and danger, there are shocks as we learn more about what lies behind the original crime and then the story zips in a direction you don’t expect which can be surprising, very chilling and scary. You feel the characters anger, fear and emotional turmoil. As for the ending - don’t you just love it when you don’t see that one coming???
Overall, a fantastic book with a perfectly paced plot, with believable dialogue, characters you can like and invest in and some jaw dropping moments. What more can you ask for??!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for the ARC.
This story is action packed from start to finish. There’s danger at every turn for the whole family, there’s bravery as their life implodes and changes irrevocably and I like the way the author explores the personal ramifications for the main characters. One very strong theme is love, especially love for your child and the sacrifice you are prepared to make is a core theme and there is also tremendous resolve, strength and determination to see something through no matter the personal cost. The characters are excellent, Zara has an amazing moral code, she’s bookish, anxious, a bit of a loner but has internal steel. Lauren is sunny, optimistic, full of fun but these events test her to her limits, her resolve wavers and at times she struggles. Aidan is a stress head, he faces a rotten dilemma but he is stoic and he too finds his inner brave and goes above and beyond for his family. The effect on Poppy is interesting as she is close to Zara and Lauren and she is pivotal to a lot of what unfolds. At times the story is emotional and reflective, at others there’s threat and danger, there are shocks as we learn more about what lies behind the original crime and then the story zips in a direction you don’t expect which can be surprising, very chilling and scary. You feel the characters anger, fear and emotional turmoil. As for the ending - don’t you just love it when you don’t see that one coming???
Overall, a fantastic book with a perfectly paced plot, with believable dialogue, characters you can like and invest in and some jaw dropping moments. What more can you ask for??!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for the ARC.
April 20, 2020
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m definitely on a roll recently, with terrific books from some of my favourite authors - Gillian McAllister being one of them.
When 15 year old Zara witnesses the murder of a young homeless man Jamie, by two up and coming footballers about to sign with a Premier League club, she believes that the evidence she gives at their trial will put them behind bars for a very long time, but everything turns on its head during the trial, leading to threats on Zara’s life, so she and her mother Lauren are left with no option but to enter witness protection, with Lauren having to leave her husband Aidan (Zara’s stepfather) behind.
Can you imagine having to give up everything you know? Yes everything, - your husband, home, job, family, friends, and Bill Gates the dog, who follows Lauren everywhere -loyal devoted Bill, who’s soft silky ears Lauren loves to ruffle, unconsciously comforting, and done without even thinking. This forfeiting of everything you know, is what happens when you enter the witness protection program, and what a frightening scenario Ms McAllister has painted. It’s not only the ones being protected that are in danger, but also the ones they leave behind.
I’m not going to give away any more details, as I would hate to spoil it for other readers, but OMG the tension! the fear, the twists, and the raw emotion that this storyline elicited! Well just WOW is all I can say. An absolute page turner, and just for the record, I think this is probably my favourite book so far this year, and I’ve read some really good ones. Don’t miss this one!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK- Michael Joseph, and Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
I’m definitely on a roll recently, with terrific books from some of my favourite authors - Gillian McAllister being one of them.
When 15 year old Zara witnesses the murder of a young homeless man Jamie, by two up and coming footballers about to sign with a Premier League club, she believes that the evidence she gives at their trial will put them behind bars for a very long time, but everything turns on its head during the trial, leading to threats on Zara’s life, so she and her mother Lauren are left with no option but to enter witness protection, with Lauren having to leave her husband Aidan (Zara’s stepfather) behind.
Can you imagine having to give up everything you know? Yes everything, - your husband, home, job, family, friends, and Bill Gates the dog, who follows Lauren everywhere -loyal devoted Bill, who’s soft silky ears Lauren loves to ruffle, unconsciously comforting, and done without even thinking. This forfeiting of everything you know, is what happens when you enter the witness protection program, and what a frightening scenario Ms McAllister has painted. It’s not only the ones being protected that are in danger, but also the ones they leave behind.
I’m not going to give away any more details, as I would hate to spoil it for other readers, but OMG the tension! the fear, the twists, and the raw emotion that this storyline elicited! Well just WOW is all I can say. An absolute page turner, and just for the record, I think this is probably my favourite book so far this year, and I’ve read some really good ones. Don’t miss this one!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK- Michael Joseph, and Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
March 15, 2024
How To Disappear by Gillian MacAllister was a heart pounding, compelling , thrilling novel that I could not stop listening too the narration by Nicola Walker was top notch, you could feel the tension the whole way through.
Zara Starling witnesses a murder she should not have seen, she tells her mother Lauren what she saw but is it the truth, the murdered man was Jamie a homeless man who Zara knew as she volunteered at waste not which took care of homeless people.
Zara was the sole witness to the murder the trial took place at The Old Bailey in Islington London the boys who did it were from the Holloway football club the whole football team turned up for the court case.
We find out Zara is receiving hate mail on Face Book, not just thee all over social media they also have to go into witness protection , that means leaving Aidan Lauren’s husband & Poppy Aidan’s stepdaughter behind what happens from here on in is a game of cat & mouse oh & also Bill Gates the family dog 🐶.
I loved this book it was my first listen by McCallister & won’t be my last all the shiny stars.🌟
Zara Starling witnesses a murder she should not have seen, she tells her mother Lauren what she saw but is it the truth, the murdered man was Jamie a homeless man who Zara knew as she volunteered at waste not which took care of homeless people.
Zara was the sole witness to the murder the trial took place at The Old Bailey in Islington London the boys who did it were from the Holloway football club the whole football team turned up for the court case.
We find out Zara is receiving hate mail on Face Book, not just thee all over social media they also have to go into witness protection , that means leaving Aidan Lauren’s husband & Poppy Aidan’s stepdaughter behind what happens from here on in is a game of cat & mouse oh & also Bill Gates the family dog 🐶.
I loved this book it was my first listen by McCallister & won’t be my last all the shiny stars.🌟
Read
February 27, 2020Coming soon... you can't run, and you can't hide. How To Disappear, out July 9th, 2020.
July 16, 2020
No good deed goes unpunished, and that's never been truer than in Gillian McAllister latest book "How to disappear". This was a tense and gripping read and if I didn't read it more quickly was because it gave me major anxiety as I had an uneasy sick feeling all throughout and had to stop reading sometimes.
This is mainly a story about love, family and the sacrifices you're prepared to make for your child. It also gives a glimpse into the witness protection program and the impact it has not only on the ones who go into protection but also those left behind. In the author's note, she explains that for obvious reasons that was hard to research, so most of it came from her imagination, but I found it quite believable (although you must suspend your disbelief at certain points)
What I didn't find as believable, and that's my only critique, was Lauren and Zara's behavior once they were in the witness protection program. Seriously, could they break any more rules?
- Police: do not contact family members from the past.
Five seconds later she's on the phone with her husband.
- Police: beware of social media.
Let's add this bunch of strangers that sent me a friend request.
- Police: don't tell anyone you're in the witness protection program.
I'll tell all my new friends, but wait, I told them not to tell anyone so that will be ok.
Why did they act so foolishly? I wanted to shake them and tell them to stop! And when Zara started to behave so rudely to her mother I would have gladly slapped her to make her see sense. You made your bed, now lie in it!
The story moves along at a nice pace and although it's not your typical novel full of twists and turns, the tension is palpable all throughout the story, ending in a finale that I certainly didn't see coming and think would have been more powerful without the epilogue.
This was my first Gillian McAllister but certainly won't be the last, specially after reading the sneak peek of her new book coming 2021.
This is mainly a story about love, family and the sacrifices you're prepared to make for your child. It also gives a glimpse into the witness protection program and the impact it has not only on the ones who go into protection but also those left behind. In the author's note, she explains that for obvious reasons that was hard to research, so most of it came from her imagination, but I found it quite believable (although you must suspend your disbelief at certain points)
What I didn't find as believable, and that's my only critique, was Lauren and Zara's behavior once they were in the witness protection program. Seriously, could they break any more rules?
- Police: do not contact family members from the past.
Five seconds later she's on the phone with her husband.
- Police: beware of social media.
Let's add this bunch of strangers that sent me a friend request.
- Police: don't tell anyone you're in the witness protection program.
I'll tell all my new friends, but wait, I told them not to tell anyone so that will be ok.
Why did they act so foolishly? I wanted to shake them and tell them to stop! And when Zara started to behave so rudely to her mother I would have gladly slapped her to make her see sense. You made your bed, now lie in it!
The story moves along at a nice pace and although it's not your typical novel full of twists and turns, the tension is palpable all throughout the story, ending in a finale that I certainly didn't see coming and think would have been more powerful without the epilogue.
This was my first Gillian McAllister but certainly won't be the last, specially after reading the sneak peek of her new book coming 2021.
November 5, 2020
I love Gillian McAllister books and I may now have a new equal favourite. How to Disappear is brilliant and I could not get enough of it. I listened to this on audio, read by the wonderful actress Nicola Walker (who will always be Ruth from Spooks to me!). It is an eye opening and heartbreaking story of love, family and trust. I hate to think how I would cope in this situation.
Zara is a teenager and witnesses a horrific crime. When her identity is revealed online, her family have no other option but to disappear for their own safety. Moving away from everybody that they know, everything that they love is hard. And in the world of social media and mobile phones can they stay hidden and away from danger.
This book will make you think about aspects of changing your life forever, and make you cherish what you have. A fantatsic book and I urge you all to read it.
Zara is a teenager and witnesses a horrific crime. When her identity is revealed online, her family have no other option but to disappear for their own safety. Moving away from everybody that they know, everything that they love is hard. And in the world of social media and mobile phones can they stay hidden and away from danger.
This book will make you think about aspects of changing your life forever, and make you cherish what you have. A fantatsic book and I urge you all to read it.
June 6, 2020
It appears I am an anomaly when it comes to my thoughts on this book. I unfortunately just didn’t seem to love it as much as everyone else did.
Lauren's daughter Zara witnesses the murder of a homeless man, and after an unsuccessful court trial, Zara's identity is revealed online, putting a target on her back. A group is formed and target Zara. After an attempted abduction and further threats, their only choice is to disappear. Leaving behind her husband and step daughter Poppy, Lauren and Zara enter witness protection. New names, new homes, new lives. As Lauren and Zara will learn, disappearing is easy, but with the group still searching, they discover staying hidden is much harder . . .
This is a difficult review for me to write and I want it to be said first, I don’t think this is a bad book, it just wasn’t for me. I will start by saying that I loved the concept of this book. It’s clever and unique and I can appreciate just how difficult it must have been to write a book on witness protection when public details for this are obviously limited. I also love the use of having chapters from multiple perspectives.
Ultimately, the book just wasn’t quite what I expected and it’s hard to discuss in detail without giving away spoilers. I found myself being irritated by so many decisions each character was making, this made the book to unrealistic to me. I felt like there were inconsistencies in character traits/descriptions (Zara in particular) that made me struggle to identify and get with them. Lastly, I think I was looking for and expecting twists that didn’t come and this goes back to me saying the book wasn’t quite what I expected it to be, and that’s on me.
I wouldn’t want this review to discourage people at all, as my opinions are clearly the minority here and so many people have loved it. Simply, the book just wasn’t for ME and I have to be honest with my reviews. It is my first book by Gillian McAllister but I will definitely be looking to try another by her as she receives a lot of praise.
Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Lauren's daughter Zara witnesses the murder of a homeless man, and after an unsuccessful court trial, Zara's identity is revealed online, putting a target on her back. A group is formed and target Zara. After an attempted abduction and further threats, their only choice is to disappear. Leaving behind her husband and step daughter Poppy, Lauren and Zara enter witness protection. New names, new homes, new lives. As Lauren and Zara will learn, disappearing is easy, but with the group still searching, they discover staying hidden is much harder . . .
This is a difficult review for me to write and I want it to be said first, I don’t think this is a bad book, it just wasn’t for me. I will start by saying that I loved the concept of this book. It’s clever and unique and I can appreciate just how difficult it must have been to write a book on witness protection when public details for this are obviously limited. I also love the use of having chapters from multiple perspectives.
Ultimately, the book just wasn’t quite what I expected and it’s hard to discuss in detail without giving away spoilers. I found myself being irritated by so many decisions each character was making, this made the book to unrealistic to me. I felt like there were inconsistencies in character traits/descriptions (Zara in particular) that made me struggle to identify and get with them. Lastly, I think I was looking for and expecting twists that didn’t come and this goes back to me saying the book wasn’t quite what I expected it to be, and that’s on me.
I wouldn’t want this review to discourage people at all, as my opinions are clearly the minority here and so many people have loved it. Simply, the book just wasn’t for ME and I have to be honest with my reviews. It is my first book by Gillian McAllister but I will definitely be looking to try another by her as she receives a lot of praise.
Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
July 9, 2020
The new stand alone psychological thriller from author Gillian McAllister.
One things for sure when you read a Gillian McAllister novel, you are on to a winner. This is another excellent psychological thriller following on from the success of ‘The Evidence against you’ and I really couldn’t put this book down reading it in virtually one sitting.
Excellent characters, addictive plot that was so well paced and keeps you in constant suspense.
Lauren’s daughter Zara witnesses a terrible crime and after giving evidence her identity is revealed on line bringing a threat to her life. In order to keep her safe the family have only one real choice open to them, for her to disappear. Zara and her mother, Lauren are put into ‘Witness Protection’ forcing them to give up their current lives and everyone they love including husband Aiden. They are given a new past, false names, a new home and a complete new life to avoid detection.
They are being hunted down and they are forced to follow the strict rules laid out by the police to avoid being found. One mistake could mean death.
This is a novel full of suspense with some excellent characters who are pushed to their limits. Well written and each chapter pulls you into wanting more, how many times did I say I will read just one more chapter. Excellent read as us readers are beginning to expect from this author.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
One things for sure when you read a Gillian McAllister novel, you are on to a winner. This is another excellent psychological thriller following on from the success of ‘The Evidence against you’ and I really couldn’t put this book down reading it in virtually one sitting.
Excellent characters, addictive plot that was so well paced and keeps you in constant suspense.
Lauren’s daughter Zara witnesses a terrible crime and after giving evidence her identity is revealed on line bringing a threat to her life. In order to keep her safe the family have only one real choice open to them, for her to disappear. Zara and her mother, Lauren are put into ‘Witness Protection’ forcing them to give up their current lives and everyone they love including husband Aiden. They are given a new past, false names, a new home and a complete new life to avoid detection.
They are being hunted down and they are forced to follow the strict rules laid out by the police to avoid being found. One mistake could mean death.
This is a novel full of suspense with some excellent characters who are pushed to their limits. Well written and each chapter pulls you into wanting more, how many times did I say I will read just one more chapter. Excellent read as us readers are beginning to expect from this author.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
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July 7, 2020When London teenager Zara witnesses a crime she has to give evidence for in court, she is only known as "Girl A". But now there are people who are determined to find her. Zara and her mum, Lauren must change their identities and start afresh somewhere new. Lauren's husband Aiden had to make the difficult choice to stay behind and support his daughter Poppy who cares for her mother who has MS. But he longs to see his wife and step-daughter.
This is another one of these books that the less you know before you start reading it the better. A story about the witness protection scheme. I liked the three main characters who take us on an emotional roller coaster ride. The pace is steady. The story is told from Lauren, Zara, Aiden and Poppy's perspective. The plotline has been cleverly crafted. Its a gripping, chilling and thrilling read. You won't be able to turn the pages quickly enough. i was hooked from the beginning.
i would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is another one of these books that the less you know before you start reading it the better. A story about the witness protection scheme. I liked the three main characters who take us on an emotional roller coaster ride. The pace is steady. The story is told from Lauren, Zara, Aiden and Poppy's perspective. The plotline has been cleverly crafted. Its a gripping, chilling and thrilling read. You won't be able to turn the pages quickly enough. i was hooked from the beginning.
i would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
This book was terrible. The premise might have been okay but that was it. It was boring without a single plot twist. I honestly cannot understand all the 5 star reviews. The characters are two dimensional. Some of the descriptive writing was so bland there was little point to it - it added nothing to the atmosphere of the scene. I only finished it because I was waiting for something to happen. So frustrating!
April 27, 2020
OMG – my heart is still pounding, my sphincter is still clenching and my breath is still ragged and I can’t express how much I loved this book, but as I am a blogger and you are here to read my reviews I will try….
This is Gillian’s latest standalone books and like her previous books How to Disappear has a clever and unique legal theme with a major moral dilemma. In How To Disappear the author creates the most unimaginative situation that you can’t help but imagine.. does that even make sense? (It sounded better in my head) and I was taken on a seriously scary journey putting myself in the characters shoes and trying to work out if I would do the same.
Mum Lauren is incredibly happy, blissfully married to Aidan, raising her teenage daughter Zara and co-parenting Aidan’s teenage daughter Poppy in their Islington home. Their blended family works perfectly and harmoniously until the day Zara witnesses a horrific and violent crime. When the case goes to trial everything falls apart and Zara’s life is in danger. The only option left is to go into Witness Protection.
Here lies the moral dilemma. Aidan loves his wife and step-daughter, but he also loves his daughter Poppy who lives with her mum and can’t leave them behind, so he makes the almost unimaginable decision to let Lauren and Zara go – shattering his world and heart into a tiny thousand pieces, leaving him a broken man.
Lauren doesn’t want to leave Aidan – he is her soulmate, her better half, her best friend, but her daughter Zara is in mortal danger and so she reluctantly leaves her family, friends, job, home and entire life to ensure Zara is safe.
Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about this book. The characters were so believable and the situation they were thrust into was so awful that I defy any reader not to feel some sort of emotion or reaction.
I am not going to go on and on.. although I probably could but I will say that this is definitely going into my Top Ten of 2020 and that I 100% recommend it to everyone and don’t get me started on THAT ending!!!
This is Gillian’s latest standalone books and like her previous books How to Disappear has a clever and unique legal theme with a major moral dilemma. In How To Disappear the author creates the most unimaginative situation that you can’t help but imagine.. does that even make sense? (It sounded better in my head) and I was taken on a seriously scary journey putting myself in the characters shoes and trying to work out if I would do the same.
Mum Lauren is incredibly happy, blissfully married to Aidan, raising her teenage daughter Zara and co-parenting Aidan’s teenage daughter Poppy in their Islington home. Their blended family works perfectly and harmoniously until the day Zara witnesses a horrific and violent crime. When the case goes to trial everything falls apart and Zara’s life is in danger. The only option left is to go into Witness Protection.
Here lies the moral dilemma. Aidan loves his wife and step-daughter, but he also loves his daughter Poppy who lives with her mum and can’t leave them behind, so he makes the almost unimaginable decision to let Lauren and Zara go – shattering his world and heart into a tiny thousand pieces, leaving him a broken man.
Lauren doesn’t want to leave Aidan – he is her soulmate, her better half, her best friend, but her daughter Zara is in mortal danger and so she reluctantly leaves her family, friends, job, home and entire life to ensure Zara is safe.
Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about this book. The characters were so believable and the situation they were thrust into was so awful that I defy any reader not to feel some sort of emotion or reaction.
I am not going to go on and on.. although I probably could but I will say that this is definitely going into my Top Ten of 2020 and that I 100% recommend it to everyone and don’t get me started on THAT ending!!!
May 30, 2023
A story about a 14-year-old girl who witnesses a murder but then gives a false statement in court. As a result, she and her family are placed in a witness protection program. This book has no chill. It's full of drama, tension, danger, suspense, and a series of consecutive foolish decisions. While the story starts strong and builds up well, it occasionally leads to dragging moments. Whenever the characters make decisions that put themselves in deep danger, I find myself compelled to put the book down. But I must admit that, even though it's frustrating, those foolish decisions add an extra layer of thrill to the story. What a complicated read. Still enjoyed it.
August 13, 2021
I now know why everyone is raving about author Gillian McAllister.
This was my first Gillian McAllister book and I was transfixed, from beginning to end.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was superb.
I look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
This was my first Gillian McAllister book and I was transfixed, from beginning to end.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was superb.
I look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
July 9, 2020
How to Disappear is bestselling author Gillian McAllister’s latest standalone psychological thriller and is a witness protection thriller. It is part thriller and part account of adjusting to a completely new and foreign way of life as part of the witness protection program. It highlights the fact that one seemingly inconsequential decision or good deed can have severe consequences and impact a wide range of people.
On her way home from school 14-year-old Zara witnesses an event that will inevitably change her and her family’s lives forever. Islington in London is the setting for the brutal murder of a harmless homeless man, Jamie, who had been viciously attacked by two Holloway Football Club youth players, Luke and Mal, who are about to sign to a premier league club. They leave him injured on the street where he dies. She reports the crime to the police and a year later she is the prosecution's star witness but of course her identity is protected for her own safety and she is known only as Girl A. Her mother Lauren, stepfather Aidan and stepsister Poppy all support her decision to speak out and try to achieve justice for the cold-blooded murder. However, the lads and their backers are determined to find out who is behind the anonymous testimony. Once identified she is subjected to a barrage of threats against her life and they make it very clear that she has a bounty on her head.
The police then advise that Zara go into the witness protection program which means leaving everything she has ever known behind, no contact with friends or loved ones and a change of name and image. This is a captivating and original concept for a thriller and charts the breakup of a strong family unit all because Zara wanted to do the right thing. It has cost herself and both her mother and stepfather everything. The plot is impeccably wrought, compulsive and highly addictive meaning you'll likely devour it in a single sitting as I did. You become immersed quickly and as the story progresses it becomes ever more disturbing, chilling and full of danger. You never know what is lurking around the corner and it gives you a little insight into what it would be like to live under witness protection. I was not expecting the final chapters to be as explosive, powerful and shocking as they were but it was a great way to round off an exciting, incisive, thought-provoking and highly entertaining read. Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
On her way home from school 14-year-old Zara witnesses an event that will inevitably change her and her family’s lives forever. Islington in London is the setting for the brutal murder of a harmless homeless man, Jamie, who had been viciously attacked by two Holloway Football Club youth players, Luke and Mal, who are about to sign to a premier league club. They leave him injured on the street where he dies. She reports the crime to the police and a year later she is the prosecution's star witness but of course her identity is protected for her own safety and she is known only as Girl A. Her mother Lauren, stepfather Aidan and stepsister Poppy all support her decision to speak out and try to achieve justice for the cold-blooded murder. However, the lads and their backers are determined to find out who is behind the anonymous testimony. Once identified she is subjected to a barrage of threats against her life and they make it very clear that she has a bounty on her head.
The police then advise that Zara go into the witness protection program which means leaving everything she has ever known behind, no contact with friends or loved ones and a change of name and image. This is a captivating and original concept for a thriller and charts the breakup of a strong family unit all because Zara wanted to do the right thing. It has cost herself and both her mother and stepfather everything. The plot is impeccably wrought, compulsive and highly addictive meaning you'll likely devour it in a single sitting as I did. You become immersed quickly and as the story progresses it becomes ever more disturbing, chilling and full of danger. You never know what is lurking around the corner and it gives you a little insight into what it would be like to live under witness protection. I was not expecting the final chapters to be as explosive, powerful and shocking as they were but it was a great way to round off an exciting, incisive, thought-provoking and highly entertaining read. Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
July 9, 2020
I’ve read three books by Gillian McAllister and enjoyed each one so I was delighted when I saw that she has a new book, How To Disappear published today. But, I have mixed feelings about this book, because although it is so tense in parts and is compulsive reading – I really wanted to know what happens next – I did have difficulty in suspending my disbelief for a large part of it. I liked the originality of the story – a murder mystery that is not a police procedural or an amateur detective story, but the story of a family devastated by their experience of being in witness protection. Although I’ve seen TV dramas about witness protection I’ve never read a novel before about it.
I thought it began well, although, it’s written in the present tense, often a stumbling block for me, setting the scene and establishing the characters. Zara is fourteen when she witnesses the murder of a homeless man by two teenagers. A year later she gives evidence as Girl A, to protect her identity, at the trial of two teenage footballers. But it all goes wrong, the boys are freed and after the trial a search is on to discover her identity and make her pay for what she did. As the situation escalates she is forced to go into witness protection.
This is a dark, intense story about what happened next, and going into more detail about what led up to the murder. It’s told from the four main characters’ viewpoints – Zara, Lauren her mother, Aidan her stepfather and his daughter Ruby. It moves along at quite a good pace, although sometimes I thought it was a bit repetitive about long hot baths or lack of a long hot bath, comfort eating cakes, and compulsive shopping.
The main themes of the book are about witness protection, parenting and family relationships. Gillian McAllister explains in her Author’s Note that there are many blanks she was unable to fill in, ‘due to the UK’s protection service not wishing to reveal their secrets’ to her. She hopes it is ‘believable despite basically having … made it up.’ I found it believable up to a point, but it was the characters’ behaviour that I found so far-fetched. However, it certainly made me wonder how I would cope in witness protection, faced with being unable to contact the family I’d left behind in anyway for fear of the consequences. But, most of all, I didn’t enjoy reading it, and for me that is important when I’m reading a novel. It left me drained – and the ending felt so contrived that it really spoiled the whole book for me.
This was not an easy book for me to review, especially as I was expecting to enjoy it as much as her earlier books!
I thought it began well, although, it’s written in the present tense, often a stumbling block for me, setting the scene and establishing the characters. Zara is fourteen when she witnesses the murder of a homeless man by two teenagers. A year later she gives evidence as Girl A, to protect her identity, at the trial of two teenage footballers. But it all goes wrong, the boys are freed and after the trial a search is on to discover her identity and make her pay for what she did. As the situation escalates she is forced to go into witness protection.
This is a dark, intense story about what happened next, and going into more detail about what led up to the murder. It’s told from the four main characters’ viewpoints – Zara, Lauren her mother, Aidan her stepfather and his daughter Ruby. It moves along at quite a good pace, although sometimes I thought it was a bit repetitive about long hot baths or lack of a long hot bath, comfort eating cakes, and compulsive shopping.
The main themes of the book are about witness protection, parenting and family relationships. Gillian McAllister explains in her Author’s Note that there are many blanks she was unable to fill in, ‘due to the UK’s protection service not wishing to reveal their secrets’ to her. She hopes it is ‘believable despite basically having … made it up.’ I found it believable up to a point, but it was the characters’ behaviour that I found so far-fetched. However, it certainly made me wonder how I would cope in witness protection, faced with being unable to contact the family I’d left behind in anyway for fear of the consequences. But, most of all, I didn’t enjoy reading it, and for me that is important when I’m reading a novel. It left me drained – and the ending felt so contrived that it really spoiled the whole book for me.
This was not an easy book for me to review, especially as I was expecting to enjoy it as much as her earlier books!
May 20, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for How to disappear by Gillian McAllister. I have read several of her books and I think this is her best one yet.
Teenager Zara lives with her mother Lauren and her stepfather Aiden. Aiden has a daughter Poppy from a previous marriage and who is a carer for her invalid mother. Zara witnesses the murder of Jamie a homeless man that she knows, where two young boys from the local football team is accused of his murder. But when she stands on the witness stand, she lies and is deemed an unreliable witness.
For Zara’s safety, she is put in Witness protection with her mother Lauren. But, her stepfather Aiden cannot as he wants to be there for his daughter Poppy. He cannot leave her behind. But he also cannot live without his wife and tells her it’s not forever. It will be only for two years and when this is blown over it will be safe for them to get back together again. So, Zara goes into Witness protection with her mother leaving her family, her friends and her school and everything she knows.
Wow I really enjoyed this compelling, emotion driven story. I like the story it was convincing and I the characters were likable. I really felt sorry for Aiden. He was trying to do right by both sides of his family, but it was hard to choose. I felt his emotion, he was torn between them all. My heart was beating fast at the end. But boy I didn’t see that coming. 5 stars from me.
Teenager Zara lives with her mother Lauren and her stepfather Aiden. Aiden has a daughter Poppy from a previous marriage and who is a carer for her invalid mother. Zara witnesses the murder of Jamie a homeless man that she knows, where two young boys from the local football team is accused of his murder. But when she stands on the witness stand, she lies and is deemed an unreliable witness.
For Zara’s safety, she is put in Witness protection with her mother Lauren. But, her stepfather Aiden cannot as he wants to be there for his daughter Poppy. He cannot leave her behind. But he also cannot live without his wife and tells her it’s not forever. It will be only for two years and when this is blown over it will be safe for them to get back together again. So, Zara goes into Witness protection with her mother leaving her family, her friends and her school and everything she knows.
Wow I really enjoyed this compelling, emotion driven story. I like the story it was convincing and I the characters were likable. I really felt sorry for Aiden. He was trying to do right by both sides of his family, but it was hard to choose. I felt his emotion, he was torn between them all. My heart was beating fast at the end. But boy I didn’t see that coming. 5 stars from me.
October 4, 2021
How would you feel if you had to pack a bag right now and leave your old life behind forever to save your daughter’s life? Knowing that you could never get in touch with your loved ones again without putting yourself in danger. Having to watch that no picture of your face ever makes it onto the web or the people chasing you will be able to hunt you down.
This is the situation Lauren finds herself in after her teenage daughter Zara witnesses the coldblooded murder of a homeless man and agrees to give evidence in court against two popular football stars. Now both Lauren and Zara are in witness protection, with new identities and strict instructions to leave their old lives behind. Laura’s husband Aiden, who has a daughter from his first marriage, has to stay behind. Will they ever see one another again?
In HOW TO DISAPPEAR, Gillian McAllister explores the heartbreaking topic of people on the run after having been caught up in a situation that now threatens their own lives. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be in Lauren’s place, but it was difficult to fathom the implications of leaving behind everyone and everything you love and live like a fugitive. Would you do this for your child? Of course you would, but what a terrible price to pay!
In the author’s notes, McAllister writes how difficult it was to get any information about witness protection, which meant that she had to use a huge amount of artistic license to make up most of it. And whilst she did an excellent job and the book works well as a work of fiction that revolves primarily about the sacrifices the characters are having to make, this was probably my only disappointment with the story. A few things seemed quite farfetched and unlikely to me, but for obvious reasons little is known about the true processes of witness protection, so who knows? I enjoyed the way the author includes not only the POVs of her characters in hiding but also those of the people left behind, which added depth to the story. However, I did struggle with some of the characters’ decision making processes, especially those in a professional capacity, whose actions did not always ring true to me.
All in all, HOW TO DISAPPEAR is a novel about the sacrifices we make for our children, and how the life we take for granted can be taken away in a heartbeat. It was interesting to reflect on how our social media and online presence can put us in danger and how difficult it is to ever truly stay hidden in our modern world. Despite some inconsistencies in the plot and characters’ actions, this was an intriguing and well written mystery that kept me turning the pages.
3.5 stars
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This is the situation Lauren finds herself in after her teenage daughter Zara witnesses the coldblooded murder of a homeless man and agrees to give evidence in court against two popular football stars. Now both Lauren and Zara are in witness protection, with new identities and strict instructions to leave their old lives behind. Laura’s husband Aiden, who has a daughter from his first marriage, has to stay behind. Will they ever see one another again?
In HOW TO DISAPPEAR, Gillian McAllister explores the heartbreaking topic of people on the run after having been caught up in a situation that now threatens their own lives. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be in Lauren’s place, but it was difficult to fathom the implications of leaving behind everyone and everything you love and live like a fugitive. Would you do this for your child? Of course you would, but what a terrible price to pay!
In the author’s notes, McAllister writes how difficult it was to get any information about witness protection, which meant that she had to use a huge amount of artistic license to make up most of it. And whilst she did an excellent job and the book works well as a work of fiction that revolves primarily about the sacrifices the characters are having to make, this was probably my only disappointment with the story. A few things seemed quite farfetched and unlikely to me, but for obvious reasons little is known about the true processes of witness protection, so who knows? I enjoyed the way the author includes not only the POVs of her characters in hiding but also those of the people left behind, which added depth to the story. However, I did struggle with some of the characters’ decision making processes, especially those in a professional capacity, whose actions did not always ring true to me.
All in all, HOW TO DISAPPEAR is a novel about the sacrifices we make for our children, and how the life we take for granted can be taken away in a heartbeat. It was interesting to reflect on how our social media and online presence can put us in danger and how difficult it is to ever truly stay hidden in our modern world. Despite some inconsistencies in the plot and characters’ actions, this was an intriguing and well written mystery that kept me turning the pages.
3.5 stars
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May 16, 2020
How To Disappear is another rip roaring tale from the pen of Gillian McAlister, an edge of the seat yet deeply emotional thriller that I read in one sitting.
I've always loved this authors blend of legal and psychological drama - the characters are always full of depth and highly relatable and the storytelling razor sharp with a huge quality of writing.
This was no different as a family unit falls apart when two of their number have to go into hiding after witnessing a murder. From there on in this is pacy and addictively flowing and I simply couldn't put it down until I was done.
Brilliant. Highly recommended.
I've always loved this authors blend of legal and psychological drama - the characters are always full of depth and highly relatable and the storytelling razor sharp with a huge quality of writing.
This was no different as a family unit falls apart when two of their number have to go into hiding after witnessing a murder. From there on in this is pacy and addictively flowing and I simply couldn't put it down until I was done.
Brilliant. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2021
This book is incredible. I think it’s my new favourite. It’s very thought provoking. It made me think of identity, sacrifice and safety so much. The way each chapter is written from a different characters perspective really filled in the story from every perspective.
Bonuses were accurate depictions of traumas responses and being a young carer too.
Bonuses were accurate depictions of traumas responses and being a young carer too.
July 9, 2020
The new stand alone psychological thriller from author Gillian McAllister.
One things for sure when you read a Gillian McAllister novel, you are on to a winner. This is another excellent psychological thriller following on from the success of 'The Evidence against you' and I really couldn't put this book down reading it in virtually one sitting.
Excellent characters, addictive plot that was so well paced and keeps you in constant suspense.
Lauren’s daughter Zara witnesses a terrible crime and after giving evidence her identity is revealed on line bringing a threat to her life. In order to keep her safe the family have only one real choice open to them, for her to disappear. Zara and her mother, Lauren are put into 'Witness Protection' forcing them to give up their current lives and everyone they love including husband Aiden. They are given a new past, false names, a new home and a complete new life to avoid detection.
They are being hunted down and they are forced to follow the strict rules laid out by the police to avoid being found. One mistake could mean death.
This is a novel full of suspense with some excellent characters who are pushed to their limits. Well written and each chapter pulls you into wanting more, how many times did I say I will read just one more chapter. Excellent read as us readers are beginning to expect from this author.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
One things for sure when you read a Gillian McAllister novel, you are on to a winner. This is another excellent psychological thriller following on from the success of 'The Evidence against you' and I really couldn't put this book down reading it in virtually one sitting.
Excellent characters, addictive plot that was so well paced and keeps you in constant suspense.
Lauren’s daughter Zara witnesses a terrible crime and after giving evidence her identity is revealed on line bringing a threat to her life. In order to keep her safe the family have only one real choice open to them, for her to disappear. Zara and her mother, Lauren are put into 'Witness Protection' forcing them to give up their current lives and everyone they love including husband Aiden. They are given a new past, false names, a new home and a complete new life to avoid detection.
They are being hunted down and they are forced to follow the strict rules laid out by the police to avoid being found. One mistake could mean death.
This is a novel full of suspense with some excellent characters who are pushed to their limits. Well written and each chapter pulls you into wanting more, how many times did I say I will read just one more chapter. Excellent read as us readers are beginning to expect from this author.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
March 12, 2023
Last year I read Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister and really enjoyed her writing. After How to Disappear she is now on my automatically read new book list. Her characters are likable, the plots interesting but what I enjoy most about her books is the focus on relationships and the way she infuses these mysteries with real emotions.
The Story: Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back. The only choice is to disappear. To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband.
The Story: Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back. The only choice is to disappear. To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband.
September 18, 2025
Gillian McAllister's Wrong Place Wrong Time and Famous Last Words were phenomenal, 5 star reads.
This book was a mixed bag: painfully slow beginning, picking up around the halfway mark, oodles of tension in the last few chapters, heart-crushing disappointment, TWIST, elation, collapse.
I liked Aidan, Lauren's husband and Zara's stepdad, the most. Everything he did was for his family; he didn't make the best choices, but I couldn't blame him for trying.
Lauren, on the other hand, was immature, stupidly impulsive, and selfish. Zara was too, but she was 15. What was Lauren's excuse?
Certain side plots - Lauren's sister finally getting pregnant, Zara crushing on the boy next door - felt like filler. I skimmed a few chapters out of sheer boredom.
The twist worked, but the epilogue was so abrupt, I didn't have a chance to breathe and take it all in before the story ended.
This book was a mixed bag: painfully slow beginning, picking up around the halfway mark, oodles of tension in the last few chapters, heart-crushing disappointment, TWIST, elation, collapse.
I liked Aidan, Lauren's husband and Zara's stepdad, the most. Everything he did was for his family; he didn't make the best choices, but I couldn't blame him for trying.
Lauren, on the other hand, was immature, stupidly impulsive, and selfish. Zara was too, but she was 15. What was Lauren's excuse?
Certain side plots - Lauren's sister finally getting pregnant, Zara crushing on the boy next door - felt like filler. I skimmed a few chapters out of sheer boredom.
The twist worked, but the epilogue was so abrupt, I didn't have a chance to breathe and take it all in before the story ended.
March 6, 2022
2 stars
This book is a drama with a bit of mystery and no thrilling part.
The story is about a teenage girl who is witnessing a crime and then the criminals are coming after her. The police only way to protect her and her family, since there isn't enough evidence to accuse and condemn the criminals, sends them into witness protection program.
So this happens in the first few chapters and the next 25 chapters (or 2/3 of the book) we hear the constant negative thoughts of the mother and the daughter of how tough it is to be uprooted and moved and forget everyone and everything that used to be your life before. We all understand that is tough but having a whole book just about this seems too much. Plus the characters have a very negative mindset and instead of dealing with it and moving forward (since it was this or death) they just keep complaining the wholeeeeeee timmeeeeee).
The only partially good things was the ending when, some people were declared dead, which that's the way it should have turned out given the amount of mistakes and breaking the rules that happened.
However even that was taken away and a different ending was given to the book.
This book is a drama with a bit of mystery and no thrilling part.
The story is about a teenage girl who is witnessing a crime and then the criminals are coming after her. The police only way to protect her and her family, since there isn't enough evidence to accuse and condemn the criminals, sends them into witness protection program.
So this happens in the first few chapters and the next 25 chapters (or 2/3 of the book) we hear the constant negative thoughts of the mother and the daughter of how tough it is to be uprooted and moved and forget everyone and everything that used to be your life before. We all understand that is tough but having a whole book just about this seems too much. Plus the characters have a very negative mindset and instead of dealing with it and moving forward (since it was this or death) they just keep complaining the wholeeeeeee timmeeeeee).
The only partially good things was the ending when, some people were declared dead, which that's the way it should have turned out given the amount of mistakes and breaking the rules that happened.
However even that was taken away and a different ending was given to the book.
February 13, 2022
Another captivating psychological thriller from Gillian McAllister!
The story centers around a witness protection programme that Lauren and her daughter Zara enter into, after Zara witnessed a murder of a homeless person by a group of local football players.
What makes this story so darkly compelling is the fact that Lauren is ripped apart from her husband Aidan as his daughter from a previous relationship is adamant that she won't be moving away.
The author admits that most of her research into witness protection drew a blank for obvious reasons, but she conveyed Lauren's loneliness living in a new surrounding that doesn't feel like home.
The urge to make contact with Aidan is such a massive pull, though equally it could put her and Zara in jeopardy as the young lads are out to seek revenge.
This gripping page turner really made me care for the characters and the awful situation they now find themselves in, I was completely hooked throughout.
The story centers around a witness protection programme that Lauren and her daughter Zara enter into, after Zara witnessed a murder of a homeless person by a group of local football players.
What makes this story so darkly compelling is the fact that Lauren is ripped apart from her husband Aidan as his daughter from a previous relationship is adamant that she won't be moving away.
The author admits that most of her research into witness protection drew a blank for obvious reasons, but she conveyed Lauren's loneliness living in a new surrounding that doesn't feel like home.
The urge to make contact with Aidan is such a massive pull, though equally it could put her and Zara in jeopardy as the young lads are out to seek revenge.
This gripping page turner really made me care for the characters and the awful situation they now find themselves in, I was completely hooked throughout.
August 15, 2020
A thrilling, interesting read!
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. I was hooked straight away. I felt so many emotions. Lauren's character is exactly what was needed for this book to have such a huge impact on the reader. Through the book there was a mix of sympathy and dislike for Zara. Aidan was another main character who was so essential for the book. The twists I never saw coming. Not one part of the book was disappointing.
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. I was hooked straight away. I felt so many emotions. Lauren's character is exactly what was needed for this book to have such a huge impact on the reader. Through the book there was a mix of sympathy and dislike for Zara. Aidan was another main character who was so essential for the book. The twists I never saw coming. Not one part of the book was disappointing.
June 18, 2021
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
June 2, 2020
Thanks to Olivia Thomas for sending me a copy for review.
Well, where do I begin. What a roller-coaster that was. I initially strugged to settle down into the book but by page 80 I was engrossed and the pages turned themselves. As with all of Gillian's other novels I failed to find something to complain about. There was nothing I didn't like about it.
So without giving to much away let me introduce you to the main plot of the story. How to disappear is a story about a girl named Zara who witnessed a murder of a homeless man, by a rising football star Luke. During the trial the case collapses and Zara is taken into witness protection after receiving death threats by a vigilante group set on finding justice for Luke's ruined career. Zara and her mum Lauren are given new identities and moved half way across the country whilst her step dad Adian and step sister Poppy stay in London, splitting their family up. We follow both Zara and Lauren's new life in witness protection and we follow the life left behind with Aidan and Poppy. Of course we know life isn't going to be plain sailing and we see the drama that unfolds by this Vigilante football group as they search for Zara known as 'Girl A'.
We see the struggle Zara and her family faces in isolation and separation. We also see the determination of this vigilante group as they search and hunt for 'Girl A' and the shock ending that I didn't see coming.
I have no doubts that How to disappear will be another Best seller and its definitely worth a read.
Five stars from me 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Well, where do I begin. What a roller-coaster that was. I initially strugged to settle down into the book but by page 80 I was engrossed and the pages turned themselves. As with all of Gillian's other novels I failed to find something to complain about. There was nothing I didn't like about it.
So without giving to much away let me introduce you to the main plot of the story. How to disappear is a story about a girl named Zara who witnessed a murder of a homeless man, by a rising football star Luke. During the trial the case collapses and Zara is taken into witness protection after receiving death threats by a vigilante group set on finding justice for Luke's ruined career. Zara and her mum Lauren are given new identities and moved half way across the country whilst her step dad Adian and step sister Poppy stay in London, splitting their family up. We follow both Zara and Lauren's new life in witness protection and we follow the life left behind with Aidan and Poppy. Of course we know life isn't going to be plain sailing and we see the drama that unfolds by this Vigilante football group as they search for Zara known as 'Girl A'.
We see the struggle Zara and her family faces in isolation and separation. We also see the determination of this vigilante group as they search and hunt for 'Girl A' and the shock ending that I didn't see coming.
I have no doubts that How to disappear will be another Best seller and its definitely worth a read.
Five stars from me 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
September 28, 2020
I really struggled to keep going with this book. I found it a bit slow going at times and a bit far-fetched. Some parts just seemed quite extreme and unrealistic. I don’t think I really got hooked with this book. Although I did start to enjoy it more towards the end, I still wasn’t hooked. I didn’t love the characters, and thought that Zara was very unlikeable. I found myself feeling irritated by her and a lot of the things she did really annoyed me. The last 50 pages of this book is what made this 3 stars for me - as I did like the ending. I was shocked by the twist at the end and it did surprise me. I do still want to read Gillian McAllister’s other books, as I’ve heard great things about her books. I would still recommend that people read this book, as I think it just wasn’t the right one for me - but I can definitely see why people would love it!
June 8, 2025
4 Stars
Great story but was abit drawn out.
Zara is in danger after she testifies anonymously to keep two young soccer players in jail after they murdering a homeless man.
Turns out Zaras story isn't credible and now the the soccer players are on the hunt for Zara/girl A.
The story was in the povs of Zara, her mother Lauren, stepfather Aiden and stepsister Poppy.
I've liked all of GM books so far and this one has a good twist
Great story but was abit drawn out.
Zara is in danger after she testifies anonymously to keep two young soccer players in jail after they murdering a homeless man.
Turns out Zaras story isn't credible and now the the soccer players are on the hunt for Zara/girl A.
The story was in the povs of Zara, her mother Lauren, stepfather Aiden and stepsister Poppy.
I've liked all of GM books so far and this one has a good twist
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