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MISSING

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Award-winning, bestselling author, Brian W. Smith, is at the top of his writing game, and it shows in MISSING—the story about a missing child and the abusive father trying to find him.

Carmen Sanders has her boyfriend, Benny Taylor, arrested for domestic abuse. Benny’s rap sheet earns him a four year prison sentence. Carmen, who is three month’s pregnant when Benny is sentenced, sees his incarceration as her chance to escape. So, without warning, she packs up her things and her six month old son, Lil Benny, and leaves town—no forwarding address or phone number.

When Benny finishes his prison sentence and returns home to see the son he’s never met, Carmen is nowhere to be found. In fact, she’s started a new life and is about to get married—to a police officer.

Benny is determined to find Carmen and his child, and when he does, all hell breaks loose. Hell hath no fury, like a daddy scorned.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2019

51 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Brian W. Smith

114 books137 followers

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5 stars
42 (56%)
4 stars
23 (30%)
3 stars
9 (12%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2019
“It’s chess, not checkers. You shouldn’t let me teach you how to play.”

Mannnnn, the context in which the above took place was so darn accurate. In true BWS fashion, the plot twist in Missing had me shaking my head. If you’re familiar with his work, then you know a twist is coming but I wasn’t ready for this one. And, if you aren’t familiar with Brian’s work then what are you waiting for???
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews63 followers
July 17, 2019
Brian W. Smith does it again. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book had a couple of twist you don’t see coming. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending but this book was a great read.
Profile Image for Barbara.
799 reviews132 followers
September 24, 2020
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book had twists you don’t see coming. Great book.
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
1,265 reviews42 followers
June 8, 2023
Carmen has her abusive boyfriend arrested, and when she finds out that he is being released, she takes her son and flees to another state with her son. Here, she finds love and all seems to be going well, until…Benny Sr. comes looking for his son.

This is where it gets interesting.

It seems as if deception is the underlying message in this book. Everyone is hiding something from the one they claim to love, and all hell breaks loose when they begin to unravel. In true @authorbwsmith fashion, the trust at the end is going to shock you.

This, by far, is one of the best books that I've read by one of my favorite male authors. Not only will I continue to recommend it, but it will probably make an assistance on my BEST READ of 2023 list.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,952 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2020
I love this author and I feel like he didn't disappoint again. What I thought this book was about turned out not to be at all! Carmen really had some self esteem issues. She let a man like Benny rule her even when he was not in a position to! Wow what happened with Lil Benny and the parents was crazy! As usual Brian put a twist in there! I enjoyed this read!
Profile Image for Taylor .
243 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2019
This book seemed rushed. Definitely my least favorite by him. The ending seemed like he tried to make a major twist but I didnt like it.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
802 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2020
Wow

Once again this author did not disappoint at all. The wicked twist that he threw in the end left me speechless, I did not see that coming at all, there were some questionable parts that had me confused but it was still a great storyline. This book dealt with some very relatable situations and it was very thought provoking just as Mr. Smith likes it to be.
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
714 reviews43 followers
September 10, 2019
Brian W. Smith is a beast... just when you think you got the story line, here comes the twists and turns. Mysterious, realistic, fast-paced, through and excellent.
Domestic Violence will have you desperate by all measures to get away from your abuser. Carmen Sanders left the only home she knew in the dead of winter in the middle of the night. What you do in the dark will haunt your future. Hell have no fury from a scored father (Benny Taylor).
Loved every page of this book and can't wait until the next episode.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
August 3, 2019
Missing was a interesting read. While it started out slow for this reader, the plot twists came one after another about 25% into this kindle read. The things people will do for children and the needs they have for love.
Profile Image for Kim Melikian.
162 reviews
November 10, 2020
Ive read several books by this author and I have notice that all the endings are cliffhangers. I'm not saying thats a bad thing, but be prepared to have some unanswered questions. This book is good and it wont take you long too read it.
Profile Image for Deidre.
1,075 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2021
Another good read

I'm amazed at the ending I never thought any of this would happen how it did, just when I thought I knew what was going to happen something changes and something else happens!
13 reviews
March 29, 2022
I like Brian W. Smith's style. Direct and to the point.
There many twists and turns moving at a quick pace.
This story covers many contemporary and controversial issues, domestic violence, family secrets, and family devotion.

Sharon Julius
1,506 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2020
Another twister that I didn’t expect! I am so glad that Carter called Benny’s Parole Officer!
Profile Image for ThePurpleElephant.
91 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2025
I don’t know what I was expecting but, it wasn’t this. This was a really good read. Ms. Pearlie was an OG granny and put me in the mind of my own ol girl! Definitely was my favorite character.

I was not expecting the twist and probably because I wasn’t expecting the outcome. Like how did no one question Carmen about giving birth to a whole Latino baby.

Daryl was as wrong as a pulpit pimp and Carmen was more forgiving than I would’ve been, because why weren’t you watching my baby. Especially given your history.

How are we bout to married in a few months and I have no idea you had a son… a son who died as a result of your lack of supervision…?

I wanted to see some redemption for Carter. We all know a Carter, I was rooting for him.

Tommy and Sargent Combs I could’ve done without
“Mr. You’re my little secret and that’s how we will keep it”
Not you having a wife and bending ninjas over
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12 reviews
July 10, 2020
Author, Brian W. Smith, touched on domestic violence by doing whatever it takes to get out of a toxic situation. That is exactly what Smith did with the characters in this story. He allowed the reader to see through the eyes of his characters especially when it came to Carmen Sanders. Carmen did whatever it took to elude her abuser, Benny, for the safety of herself and son. Along the journey, there will be a lot of secrets, lies, and a surprise ending that will surface.
Profile Image for Jackie.
96 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2020
I have one word...WOW!!!! What a ride.....in true Brian W. Smith style this story has more tight turns, steep slopes and inversions than the worlds most popular roller coaster. So many “what the...” moments, a true non-stop read. This had me looking for Sleepy Carter’s phone number to help solve the puzzle. A must read!
Profile Image for Asha Wade.
46 reviews
June 28, 2020
Page turner with a surprising end

I have read Brian Smith books in the past and this quick read was no exception. Carmen was a battered woman on the run from her abusive ex Benny and she had secrets. This page turner had several plot twist! I recommend this read and anything by Brian W Smith.
128 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2020
Tarabattlecoxson

Wow! This book was definitely five stars. Had me thinking she was going to blessed with life. The ending shocked me to the core! You never know what someone is capable of... eyes and ears open at all times
79 reviews
April 30, 2020
Page Turner!

From the very beginning, these flawed characters will keep your emotions on a roller coaster ride. Captivating from beginning to end! The character that you're cheering for in the beginning will leave you baffled in the end
Profile Image for Michelle .
83 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2020
Omg Brian W Smith never disappoints . This book kept me on the edge of my seat. You can’t judge a book by its cover and that’s true because Carmen had me fooled .I loved Grandma Pearlie spunk and Carter actually made me proud in the end . I actually want a part two .
2 reviews
March 29, 2020
Intriguing

This was a good read. It truly kept my interest, and I enjoy the suspense of it. The ending was a good twist that I did not see coming. I truly would recommend this book.
12 reviews
April 6, 2020
Loved it

Wow he never fails to giving you a great book with twist and turns. Great job Mr. Smith looking foward to reading more of your books.
Profile Image for Misty’s Reading Nook.
53 reviews
April 30, 2020
This novel will leave you emotionally rattled. The character that you are cheering for in the beginning will leave you baffled and confused in the end. Definitely a must-read.
Profile Image for Tonya Johnson.
740 reviews22 followers
September 22, 2022
OMGOSH

This story didn't turn out like I thought. Very good and shocking at the end. All the characters were carrying a lot of baggage.
422 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2020
The book starts with Carmen packing so she can run away. She's being as quiet as possible so her grandmother won't wake up. Of course we know that hardly works but she managed to pack, talk to her grandmother & get going with a three month old baby late at night in freezing weather.
Carmen drives until she finds a new place to live in another state where she thinks her abusive ex-boyfriend won't find her. Everything is looking great for them. She has a great job, a new bestfriend & a she's about to get married. Then things change. Drastically.
You won't be able to put this one down. The twist that comes in the end will have you shocked!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
30 reviews
May 13, 2020
As always, Mr Smith has captured & kept my ADD attention! His characters are so well written, I feel as though I KNOW them personally. Thanks for sharing your talents, your dedication to your craft (& fans), and thoroughly entertaining me! I appreciate you!
Profile Image for Rena.
25 reviews
May 14, 2020
This was a very good plot. I really enjoyed the book. I only wish the book were longer. It kind of left you wondering, but overall it was good.
1 review
July 20, 2019
Awesome read!!!

I love this author!! He never disappoints me!! It is always a pleasure to read his work with those unexpected twists that will have you wanting to race through the book to find out the ending. Abuse & kidnapping is surfacing more and more in the world today.

Much like some of the characters (Darryl, Carmen, Sargent Combs, & Carter) who are good people, we all make bad decisions and/or have secrets that will sometimes make us do some usual things. Benny was a piece of work but given his background & environment I understood the reasoning for his behavior. Didn’t care much for him but I understand.

This is a must read and ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Mary.
391 reviews54 followers
August 7, 2019
Amber alert!

I’m a huge fan of Brian W. Smith and this book did not disappoint. It brought the craziness, the secrets, and the twists that you will never see coming. While I enjoy this book, my one problem that i had that I often have with his books is that the ending still leaves a few questions that I wish was answered. Other than that. Good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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