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The Vanishing
She needs to forget the past. Her ex wants her back. The creatures in the woods crave every living soul…
Former NYPD detective Liliana Slavik is still recovering from a nervous breakdown, after a shooting that killed her fiancé and ended her career. Seeking refuge in her peaceful hometown, she soon discovers hundreds of people have disappeared in the Pine Barrens nearby. She becomes determined to fight through her panic attacks, team up with the man who betrayed her, and solve the sinister secret.
Liliana uncovers information about the famed Jersey Devil as well as Native American lore which tells of monsters which haunt the vast New Jersey forests. But, the anxious investigator knows there’s only one way to reveal the truth. She must enter the woods herself…
Can Liliana face and defeat the terror before she becomes the next missing person?
The Vanishing is a riveting standalone horror novel. If you like courageous female protagonists, historic legends, and journeys that few can survive, then you’ll love Arjay Lewis’s edge-of-your-seat tale.
Former NYPD detective Liliana Slavik is still recovering from a nervous breakdown, after a shooting that killed her fiancé and ended her career. Seeking refuge in her peaceful hometown, she soon discovers hundreds of people have disappeared in the Pine Barrens nearby. She becomes determined to fight through her panic attacks, team up with the man who betrayed her, and solve the sinister secret.
Liliana uncovers information about the famed Jersey Devil as well as Native American lore which tells of monsters which haunt the vast New Jersey forests. But, the anxious investigator knows there’s only one way to reveal the truth. She must enter the woods herself…
Can Liliana face and defeat the terror before she becomes the next missing person?
The Vanishing is a riveting standalone horror novel. If you like courageous female protagonists, historic legends, and journeys that few can survive, then you’ll love Arjay Lewis’s edge-of-your-seat tale.
- GenresHorror
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2020
About the author
Arjay Lewis
38 books62 followers Arjay Lewis: actor, magician, and multi-award-winning author. I have spent my life as an entertainer, amusing people as a street-performer in the 1970s; a Broadway and casino artist in the 1980’s; a party performer in the 1990s and 2000s; a cruise ship performer in the 2010s.
Stories have always been in my mind, and I have been writing since the 1990s. My reason to write is simple: to entertain. I write the type of books that I like to read: murder mysteries, strange tales of unnatural gifts, odd happenings and horror.
Please visit my web site and sign up for my mailing list to be “in the know” for upcoming books. Visit me on Facebook, Twitter, or my Amazon Author page.
And thank you for reading. You are the reason I write.
Find him on social media @arjaylewis and @arjaylewiswrite
Stories have always been in my mind, and I have been writing since the 1990s. My reason to write is simple: to entertain. I write the type of books that I like to read: murder mysteries, strange tales of unnatural gifts, odd happenings and horror.
Please visit my web site and sign up for my mailing list to be “in the know” for upcoming books. Visit me on Facebook, Twitter, or my Amazon Author page.
And thank you for reading. You are the reason I write.
Find him on social media @arjaylewis and @arjaylewiswrite
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 5, 2020
*I received a copy of this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When former NYPD detective Liliana Slavik returns to her hometown after losing her fiancé in the shootout that ended her career, she finds herself becoming involved in investigating a series of strange disappearances in the town. Teaming up with her ex-boyfriend who is now on the local force, Lil soon starts to suspect that there may be a more supernatural explanation for the missing people. That it could be the work of the Jersey Devil.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Vanishing. I’m not familiar with the Jersey Devil story and I went online to find out more before starting to read The Vanishing. I loved how the author weaved the tale into the novel, but with their own spin on it as well.
It has all the ingredients needed to make a truly terrifying tale; a mysterious creature, local legends, missing people, a brave lead with her own inner-demons to overcome and an epic final showdown. This was all put together flawlessly to create one of the best horror stories I have read in recent years. I knew it was going to be good – no great – from the opening scene. A classic horrifying opener in which a man is carried off by the Jersey Devil. It had me gripped from the start and I had to read more.
This is an excellent horror story based on local legends and I highly recommend you putting this on your Halloween TBR list!
When former NYPD detective Liliana Slavik returns to her hometown after losing her fiancé in the shootout that ended her career, she finds herself becoming involved in investigating a series of strange disappearances in the town. Teaming up with her ex-boyfriend who is now on the local force, Lil soon starts to suspect that there may be a more supernatural explanation for the missing people. That it could be the work of the Jersey Devil.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Vanishing. I’m not familiar with the Jersey Devil story and I went online to find out more before starting to read The Vanishing. I loved how the author weaved the tale into the novel, but with their own spin on it as well.
It has all the ingredients needed to make a truly terrifying tale; a mysterious creature, local legends, missing people, a brave lead with her own inner-demons to overcome and an epic final showdown. This was all put together flawlessly to create one of the best horror stories I have read in recent years. I knew it was going to be good – no great – from the opening scene. A classic horrifying opener in which a man is carried off by the Jersey Devil. It had me gripped from the start and I had to read more.
This is an excellent horror story based on local legends and I highly recommend you putting this on your Halloween TBR list!
September 19, 2020
IF YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF HIM, IT'S TIME YOU MET THE JERSEY DEVIL!!!
I absolutely loved this book! I was a little apprehensive as I am not into detective novels. But this was anything but. The main character, Lil, is a wonderfully vulnerable yet capable NYPD detective who had a nervous breakdown after losing her fiance in a shootout. She goes home to New Jersey to recover, and after a rocky start, rediscovers her first love.
Dennis is also a police officer and is looking into several missing person cases. This piqued Lil's interest and she discovered that not only people went missing, whole towns did as well.
She researched Indian folklore and with the posthumous nighttime visits by her Romani grandmother, learned that the Jersey Devil could be involved. Just how it is involved is a very creative take on the legend of this demon of the Pine Barrens. This is a fast-paced, can't put it down tale of horror and the paranormal. I enjoyed, too, the humorous bits mostly involving Max.
Having lived in New Jersey, I am familiar with this legend. But this author's version of it is truly worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Vicki J. Urbon
I absolutely loved this book! I was a little apprehensive as I am not into detective novels. But this was anything but. The main character, Lil, is a wonderfully vulnerable yet capable NYPD detective who had a nervous breakdown after losing her fiance in a shootout. She goes home to New Jersey to recover, and after a rocky start, rediscovers her first love.
Dennis is also a police officer and is looking into several missing person cases. This piqued Lil's interest and she discovered that not only people went missing, whole towns did as well.
She researched Indian folklore and with the posthumous nighttime visits by her Romani grandmother, learned that the Jersey Devil could be involved. Just how it is involved is a very creative take on the legend of this demon of the Pine Barrens. This is a fast-paced, can't put it down tale of horror and the paranormal. I enjoyed, too, the humorous bits mostly involving Max.
Having lived in New Jersey, I am familiar with this legend. But this author's version of it is truly worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Vicki J. Urbon
May 17, 2021
I couldn’t put it down!
Lillian Slavik is amazing if not a little damaged by her past. She goes back to her hometown for peace and quiet and discovers that really isn’t possible. She is pulled into an investigation that has so many twists and turns it will have you on the edge of your seat. Lillian gets in trouble and manages to get herself out of trouble usually with a little help from her friends. There is sadness, terror, love, and a few panic attacks.
Arajay Lewis hit a home run with this book, it is amazing and a must read.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lillian Slavik is amazing if not a little damaged by her past. She goes back to her hometown for peace and quiet and discovers that really isn’t possible. She is pulled into an investigation that has so many twists and turns it will have you on the edge of your seat. Lillian gets in trouble and manages to get herself out of trouble usually with a little help from her friends. There is sadness, terror, love, and a few panic attacks.
Arajay Lewis hit a home run with this book, it is amazing and a must read.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2020
Cryptids and Cops
Thank you Arjay Lewis for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book was suspenseful. It was macabre. The author has done a thorough research of ancient lore and has woven it skillfully into this book. The cops could not believe what they had to contend with in the disappearances of people until they saw the nightmare creatures. They have a herculean task ahead. What will be the aftermath? This is a gripping and gut wrenching book which had me glued. One of the best books I have read in the Horror genre.
Thank you Arjay Lewis for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book was suspenseful. It was macabre. The author has done a thorough research of ancient lore and has woven it skillfully into this book. The cops could not believe what they had to contend with in the disappearances of people until they saw the nightmare creatures. They have a herculean task ahead. What will be the aftermath? This is a gripping and gut wrenching book which had me glued. One of the best books I have read in the Horror genre.
September 19, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
September 20, 2020
A fascinating science fiction novel with a hint of fantasy, inspired by Native American legends and folktales. With very believable characters that you can relate to and empathize with. And that is why Arjay Lewis is an award-winning author.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
September 18, 2020
Scary
I was given a ARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I'm glad i was picked because it is a scary read. Great new take on a old legend. Imagine if there was a Jersey devil
Or maybe more.
I was given a ARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I'm glad i was picked because it is a scary read. Great new take on a old legend. Imagine if there was a Jersey devil
Or maybe more.
September 21, 2020
First of all, the disclaimer: I was given a free book in exchange for an honest review.
And I absolutely loved it!
It is a mystery and a thriller with a side of paranormal and - yea - science fiction.
Lil Slavik is my kind of heroine - badass, sure, but real. She comes across as human.
She is broken when we meet her. The former NYPD detective is a shell of her former self, after witnessing her fiancé's murder and having killed the murderer on the same day. (Bad guys do not have to follow the rules, she as an NYPD detective did... but I cannot say I blame her).
She is forced to retreat back to her home town, where not all of the memories are pleasant - the boy she grew up with believing he would be her husband did break her heart, after all.
Lost in the drug-induced mist (she did have a break down) she struggles to survive. But then dreams of her late nana keep bugging her.
Being a detective, she starts to try and figure it out... and the last thing she had expected was to find out that all those old stories of the Jersey demon, and old stories from the old Native Americans of that area, and all the disappearance of the past had anything in common... while on the one hand, she did get out of her personal funk, things got really dangerous and ominous... I'm not telling you more - it will spoil it.
But it is a great story, well researched (I googled some of the stuff, so yeah, and yay!), the characters feel real, not some stereotype. You'll tell yourself "just one more page" over and over... and don't read it while on a super moon (you'll thank me later on that).
(o, and * spoiler alert* about the "hidden land... the biologist in me had questions... some other time, I guess)
Seriously, I loved this!
And I absolutely loved it!
It is a mystery and a thriller with a side of paranormal and - yea - science fiction.
Lil Slavik is my kind of heroine - badass, sure, but real. She comes across as human.
She is broken when we meet her. The former NYPD detective is a shell of her former self, after witnessing her fiancé's murder and having killed the murderer on the same day. (Bad guys do not have to follow the rules, she as an NYPD detective did... but I cannot say I blame her).
She is forced to retreat back to her home town, where not all of the memories are pleasant - the boy she grew up with believing he would be her husband did break her heart, after all.
Lost in the drug-induced mist (she did have a break down) she struggles to survive. But then dreams of her late nana keep bugging her.
Being a detective, she starts to try and figure it out... and the last thing she had expected was to find out that all those old stories of the Jersey demon, and old stories from the old Native Americans of that area, and all the disappearance of the past had anything in common... while on the one hand, she did get out of her personal funk, things got really dangerous and ominous... I'm not telling you more - it will spoil it.
But it is a great story, well researched (I googled some of the stuff, so yeah, and yay!), the characters feel real, not some stereotype. You'll tell yourself "just one more page" over and over... and don't read it while on a super moon (you'll thank me later on that).
(o, and * spoiler alert* about the "hidden land... the biologist in me had questions... some other time, I guess)
Seriously, I loved this!
September 1, 2020
Hundreds of people have disappeared in the Pine Barrens. Liliana Slavik, ex NYPD detective, decides to investigate these strange vanishings. What she finds will bring into question what is real and what is fiction in this action-packed horror show. Along with her ex-boyfriend Dennis Decatur, the search is on for what seems impossible. Another world, another reality, hovers just beyond their small town – one that is filled with a danger waiting to cross over into their town. I loved the characters and the story. It is a skillfully crafted and wonderfully original tale. A nail-biter to the very end. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
August 7, 2023
People are disappearing in the Pine Barrens and have been doing for centuries. Our protaganist Lil sets out to discover what is happening. Local legend suggest the Jersey Devil, but that's just a legend, right?
This was an easy read. I felt the setting and build up of the mystery, and even the initial explanation of just what was happening to be pretty good, though I was less enamoured of the stories conclusion. I loved Lewis' Kept in the Dark and he is an author I'll continue to read, but I found the general direction of this novel to be little generic, even if the setting and use of Native American Lore was interesting. Just an OK novel for me.
This was an easy read. I felt the setting and build up of the mystery, and even the initial explanation of just what was happening to be pretty good, though I was less enamoured of the stories conclusion. I loved Lewis' Kept in the Dark and he is an author I'll continue to read, but I found the general direction of this novel to be little generic, even if the setting and use of Native American Lore was interesting. Just an OK novel for me.
July 8, 2023
The Vanishing was the first book I read by Array Lewis, but it won't be the last. Lil left her position as a NYPD detective, after the death of her partner, and returned to her hometown in NJ to find herself surrounded by people gone missing and tales of the New Jersey Devil.
This book was entertaining from beginning to end. It threw some romance in along with some pretty interesting creatures. It had me stopping, along the way, to Google the legends of the New Jersey Devil and the Pine Barrens. So, the book got me thinking and asking questions, which means a lot to me.
This book was entertaining from beginning to end. It threw some romance in along with some pretty interesting creatures. It had me stopping, along the way, to Google the legends of the New Jersey Devil and the Pine Barrens. So, the book got me thinking and asking questions, which means a lot to me.
Read
October 2, 2020The Vanishing, my first read from author Arjay Lewis. Reminiscent of the writing of Ted Dekker & Stephen King, an excellent & captivating read which I read in one sitting. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it because every book needs reviews. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 21, 2025
I really liked this story. Cops, gypsies and monsters...what's not to love. Folklore meets current day. Lots of action, creatures and good characters. A town rallies together to save itself from the creatures invading. They don't want a repeat of a town disappearing again. Liliana and Dennis were good lead characters, along with some others who helped them. It would even make a good movie.
August 30, 2020
It was a very good book I enjoyed it a lot. It was one of those books that you just didn't want to put down so I didn't. I read the book in two days. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and I would recommend it. Thank you Book Funnel and Arjay Lewis for the free copy.
September 19, 2020
Cop meets the paranormal and being a past police officer I can relate to meeting the things that go bump in the night. This book pairs the paranormal and the world of reality into a melding of a story that is too good to put down and is eerily realistic and relatable. Superb book!
September 20, 2020
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so happy that I did because I absolutely loved it! It is beautifully written and I could not put it down. I will most absolutely read more by Arjay Lewis!
September 22, 2020
Lillian Slavik has returned to her hometown only to discover that things are very different and promise to get much worse. Will they be able to stop things or will all be lost. This one will keep you reading
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
November 22, 2020
I enjoyed this story very much.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was something different than the usual romance novel or crime novel. I think this would make a great Netflix or Amazon series! Maybe a movie. I look forward to reading more novels written by Arjay Lewis. 🙂👍
I enjoyed this book very much. It was something different than the usual romance novel or crime novel. I think this would make a great Netflix or Amazon series! Maybe a movie. I look forward to reading more novels written by Arjay Lewis. 🙂👍
May 11, 2021
Edge of your seat adventure
Monsters and the Jersey devil , what else could you ask. Was exciting and edge of your seat. Couldn't put down, read in one afternoon. The characters were pretty cool. Over all I enjoyed it.
Monsters and the Jersey devil , what else could you ask. Was exciting and edge of your seat. Couldn't put down, read in one afternoon. The characters were pretty cool. Over all I enjoyed it.
July 7, 2025
It's not my usual reading, but I wanted more.
I started this & realized it was not my thing, but I could not put it down. I liked the characters & wanted to know more about them, was not ready for it to end.
I started this & realized it was not my thing, but I could not put it down. I liked the characters & wanted to know more about them, was not ready for it to end.
August 20, 2020
Great book. Keeps you turning those pages. Difficult to put down. Amusing plot very well delivered. A MUST read.
September 18, 2020
Another home run from Mr Lewis. The more I read his books the better they get. Keeps the pace going strong. Great read
September 25, 2020
WOW!!!
What a great story. I enjoyed it immensely. Good characters too. Great Author too. Arjay Lewis is one to watch.
What a great story. I enjoyed it immensely. Good characters too. Great Author too. Arjay Lewis is one to watch.
December 24, 2020
Interesting read using a urban legand as a story line.
February 17, 2021
An amazing horror story! Loved the ending too!
September 18, 2020
From the spine-tingling opening scene to the climatic ending, you are in for one chilling spellbinding adventure. This story gripped me from the very first and didn’t let go once. I was fascinated with the setting and the history and mystery surrounding it. This was one unique horror story, with a plot and characters that are definitely not run-of-the-mill. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. Highly recommended.
**I received an ARC from the author. This review is strictly voluntary.**
**I received an ARC from the author. This review is strictly voluntary.**
December 19, 2020
The Vanishing by Arjay Lewis is yet another master piece by this author. He branched out quite a bit in this book and it is rather different from his "In The Mind" series but wow, is it worth the read. I was drawn in from the very first page and loved every minute of it. This is one fantastic read based around the Jersey Devil and he put a completely different sci-fi horror type of spin around it.
Living in PA, naturally I have heard of the Jersey Devil and taken a few trips on the motorcycle to try and get a glimpse of him. Needless to say I have not succeeded in that endeavor, probably a good thing. Reading this book I got to see a completely different take on it and just absolutely loved it. The twist is amazing and is one of those "mind blown" kind of stories.
This author knows how to write so clear an afternoon, cozy up in your comfortable chair, get a hot chocolate ready, your favorite snack, a cozy blanket and get ready for a captivating story. If you are a good reader you will read this in one sitting, or a persistent one. I couldn't let go and just kept going until it was done. Loved it and would like to see more of this kind of writing from this author. It is just absolutely amazing and I love see when he branches out to this type of books. Fantastic, just absolutely amazing.
Living in PA, naturally I have heard of the Jersey Devil and taken a few trips on the motorcycle to try and get a glimpse of him. Needless to say I have not succeeded in that endeavor, probably a good thing. Reading this book I got to see a completely different take on it and just absolutely loved it. The twist is amazing and is one of those "mind blown" kind of stories.
This author knows how to write so clear an afternoon, cozy up in your comfortable chair, get a hot chocolate ready, your favorite snack, a cozy blanket and get ready for a captivating story. If you are a good reader you will read this in one sitting, or a persistent one. I couldn't let go and just kept going until it was done. Loved it and would like to see more of this kind of writing from this author. It is just absolutely amazing and I love see when he branches out to this type of books. Fantastic, just absolutely amazing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews