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The Disappeared
The Widow. The Secret. The Lie.
The Disappeared…
On a routine flight from Africa to England, Dr Mason Palmer is tragically killed when the light aircraft he’s travelling on crashes and disappears in dense bushland.
The Widow…
Ten months later, Nicole Palmer is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
The Secret…
But when Nicole tries to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead.
Determined to find the truth, Nicole uncovers a conspiracy that spans the globe and discovers there are powerful people who are prepared to kill to keep her silent.
Who’s lying? Who’s watching Nicole? And can she expose their murky secrets before they catch up with her?
The Disappeared…
On a routine flight from Africa to England, Dr Mason Palmer is tragically killed when the light aircraft he’s travelling on crashes and disappears in dense bushland.
The Widow…
Ten months later, Nicole Palmer is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
The Secret…
But when Nicole tries to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead.
Determined to find the truth, Nicole uncovers a conspiracy that spans the globe and discovers there are powerful people who are prepared to kill to keep her silent.
Who’s lying? Who’s watching Nicole? And can she expose their murky secrets before they catch up with her?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2019
1435 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Sibel Hodge
53 books925 followersSibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 13, 2019
A compelling fast and furious story of intrigue, secrets, and deception!
Make sure your seatbelt is tightly fastened for this addictive fast-paced story! A story of betrayal and scheming... A menagerie of genres, thriller, action, adventure, mystery, and political intrigue... A game of cat and mouse that will take you from the UK to Africa to Spain to Switzerland and back....
Nicole is a widow of 10 months, her husband died in a plane crash in Africa... Mason was in Africa working as a doctor when he met his unfortunate demise.... but is he really dead? The body was never recovered and now Nicole has received a picture that supposedly was taken just a few days ago... but where has he been this whole time? And why has he not contacted her? Nicole is determined to get answers, but the more she digs more and more questions pop up...
This book will give you whiplash with all the twists and turns.... what appeared as a simple game of hide and seek turned into so much more... Nicole was very likable and you had to admire her Moxie! She was somebody just like you and me, who found herself running for her life, and not only searching for her husband but for answers.... The ending to the story was brilliant, bold, and satisfying! And trust me you will never look at chocolate the same way again!
If you like a little action adventure with your thriller this is a must read! Absolutely recommend!
*** many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
Make sure your seatbelt is tightly fastened for this addictive fast-paced story! A story of betrayal and scheming... A menagerie of genres, thriller, action, adventure, mystery, and political intrigue... A game of cat and mouse that will take you from the UK to Africa to Spain to Switzerland and back....
Nicole is a widow of 10 months, her husband died in a plane crash in Africa... Mason was in Africa working as a doctor when he met his unfortunate demise.... but is he really dead? The body was never recovered and now Nicole has received a picture that supposedly was taken just a few days ago... but where has he been this whole time? And why has he not contacted her? Nicole is determined to get answers, but the more she digs more and more questions pop up...
This book will give you whiplash with all the twists and turns.... what appeared as a simple game of hide and seek turned into so much more... Nicole was very likable and you had to admire her Moxie! She was somebody just like you and me, who found herself running for her life, and not only searching for her husband but for answers.... The ending to the story was brilliant, bold, and satisfying! And trust me you will never look at chocolate the same way again!
If you like a little action adventure with your thriller this is a must read! Absolutely recommend!
*** many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
September 21, 2020
EXCERPT: I flicked through a white envelope - bank statement - brown envelope - bill - white, with the name of a loan company on the front that I tossed into the bin without opening. Then I came to another brown one. Maybe it was the fact that my name and address had been written in block capital letters that piqued my curiosity. Most of my mail had computer generated labels or window envelopes that showed my postal details.
I slipped my forefinger underneath the flap and ripped it open.
As I slid the photo out, I didn't really register what I was seeing initially. Yes, of course, I knew it was of my husband, but I couldn't comprehend what that meant for a moment.
It was in colour, printed on good quality paper, but those details barely registered at first.
I frowned, my heart slamming to a sudden stop. What the hell? Why would someone send me a photo of Mason?
But before I could even think of possible answers, my gaze was already drinking in the details. His hair was longer than I'd ever seen it before, curling up at the edges of his shirt collar. A beard covered a face that was thin and gaunt. He sat at an outside café table, holding a newspaper across his chest.
I brought the photo closer to my eyes, studied the name of the newspaper, read the date on it. Two days earlier. It felt like my brain was melting inside my head. That couldn't be right. Mason was dead.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Widow. The Secret. The Liar.
The Disappeared…
On a routine flight from Africa to England, Dr Mason Palmer is tragically killed when the light aircraft he’s travelling on crashes and disappears in dense bushland.
The Widow…
Ten months later, Nicole Palmer is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
The Secret…
But when Nicole tries to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead.
Determined to find the truth, Nicole uncovers a conspiracy that spans the globe, and discovers there are powerful people who are prepared to kill to keep her silent.
Who’s lying? Who’s watching Nicole? And can she expose their murky secrets before they catch up with her?
MY THOUGHTS: The Disappeared crosses the borders of so many genres, that I simply don't know where to start! I wasn't expecting an action-thriller when I picked this up. And although not my favorite genre, and I had to suspend my belief at some of the 'coincidences' that occurred, I enjoyed this and powered through it in record time for an audiobook.
Sibel Hodge is an animal and human rights activist, and in The Disappeared has brought to my attention an injustice of which I was previously unaware - child slave labour in the harvesting of the cacao bean for making chocolate. Hodge has clearly done her research into this topic, and I did wonder if she has based her novel loosely on real events. The treatment of the slave children had me in tears.
Her main theme is wrapped up in a mystery concerning Nicole's husband, Mason, who was declared dead following the crash of the flight he was on in the African jungle. Ten months on, she receives a photo of him taken with a newspaper only days old. . .
While this is not my favorite of Hodge's books, it is a story that needed to be written, and needs to be read. If you like a lot of action, and have an interest in human right's stories, then I heartily recommend The Disappeared.
The narration on the audiobook was excellent.
****.2
THE AUTHOR: Sibel Hodge writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Disappeared by Sibel Hodge, narrated by Henrietta Meire, and published by Tantor Audio, via Overdrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbooksday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I slipped my forefinger underneath the flap and ripped it open.
As I slid the photo out, I didn't really register what I was seeing initially. Yes, of course, I knew it was of my husband, but I couldn't comprehend what that meant for a moment.
It was in colour, printed on good quality paper, but those details barely registered at first.
I frowned, my heart slamming to a sudden stop. What the hell? Why would someone send me a photo of Mason?
But before I could even think of possible answers, my gaze was already drinking in the details. His hair was longer than I'd ever seen it before, curling up at the edges of his shirt collar. A beard covered a face that was thin and gaunt. He sat at an outside café table, holding a newspaper across his chest.
I brought the photo closer to my eyes, studied the name of the newspaper, read the date on it. Two days earlier. It felt like my brain was melting inside my head. That couldn't be right. Mason was dead.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Widow. The Secret. The Liar.
The Disappeared…
On a routine flight from Africa to England, Dr Mason Palmer is tragically killed when the light aircraft he’s travelling on crashes and disappears in dense bushland.
The Widow…
Ten months later, Nicole Palmer is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
The Secret…
But when Nicole tries to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead.
Determined to find the truth, Nicole uncovers a conspiracy that spans the globe, and discovers there are powerful people who are prepared to kill to keep her silent.
Who’s lying? Who’s watching Nicole? And can she expose their murky secrets before they catch up with her?
MY THOUGHTS: The Disappeared crosses the borders of so many genres, that I simply don't know where to start! I wasn't expecting an action-thriller when I picked this up. And although not my favorite genre, and I had to suspend my belief at some of the 'coincidences' that occurred, I enjoyed this and powered through it in record time for an audiobook.
Sibel Hodge is an animal and human rights activist, and in The Disappeared has brought to my attention an injustice of which I was previously unaware - child slave labour in the harvesting of the cacao bean for making chocolate. Hodge has clearly done her research into this topic, and I did wonder if she has based her novel loosely on real events. The treatment of the slave children had me in tears.
Her main theme is wrapped up in a mystery concerning Nicole's husband, Mason, who was declared dead following the crash of the flight he was on in the African jungle. Ten months on, she receives a photo of him taken with a newspaper only days old. . .
While this is not my favorite of Hodge's books, it is a story that needed to be written, and needs to be read. If you like a lot of action, and have an interest in human right's stories, then I heartily recommend The Disappeared.
The narration on the audiobook was excellent.
****.2
THE AUTHOR: Sibel Hodge writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Disappeared by Sibel Hodge, narrated by Henrietta Meire, and published by Tantor Audio, via Overdrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbooksday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 30, 2018
This authors books never disappoint me. I always know I’m in for a good read once I sit down and start each one of her new releases.
Each book and plot is very different from her last, that’s what excites me.
Her last book was about the dark side of the Internet which kept me enthralled.
This one is very different, it starts out like a cat and mouse chase but ends up much much much more satisfying than that.
Corruption
Lies
Deaths
Murders
Sabotage
Disappearance
Abduction
Then......
Justice.
But......
Justice comes at a price. A steep price.
It’s the dark side of political corruption
It’s human greed.
Slavery.
Child slavery.
And production.
Exposure too comes with a price. A deep price.
A fabulous and explosive read.
Each book and plot is very different from her last, that’s what excites me.
Her last book was about the dark side of the Internet which kept me enthralled.
This one is very different, it starts out like a cat and mouse chase but ends up much much much more satisfying than that.
Corruption
Lies
Deaths
Murders
Sabotage
Disappearance
Abduction
Then......
Justice.
But......
Justice comes at a price. A steep price.
It’s the dark side of political corruption
It’s human greed.
Slavery.
Child slavery.
And production.
Exposure too comes with a price. A deep price.
A fabulous and explosive read.
June 19, 2024
Some parts of this novel were really good and memorable. It was an unpleasant read since it touched upon child labor which was hard. It was a bit too descriptive for my sensitive stomach. At the same time, it’s a gift to make the reader feel so much while reading, so it will surely stay with me. Despite it being really emotional at times, there was also a lot of unnecessary details, like the dream the main character had. I also was very annoyed at the beginning when the main character chooses to go right into the lion’s den. It was just to make it more suspenseful, which I understand, but in my opinion there were plenty of other options that wouldn’t have made me feel like the main character was foolish.
January 10, 2019
THE DISAPPEARED is a dark gripping mystery thriller by international bestselling author of multiple thrillers; Sibel Hodge.
Calling all husbands…come home!
Dr. Mason Palmer was at Lagossa Airport in rural Africa on route to the capital, Galao, on his return flight to the UK. He was nervous and hiding something. Just when he was about to board, he was detained by officials. He needed to play along, and deny everything…in order to get out.
“I know what you did. I know who you are.”
Nicole’s husband, Mason, died in a plane crash in Africa ten months ago. He was a doctor working for an international medical NGO, that had set up a clinic there.
Nicole Palmer, a primary school teacher and the grieving widow is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
But Mason was dead? But they never found the plane.
Was someone playing a malicious prank on her? Who would do this to her?
But Nicole needs to find out the truth and put closure to everything. She is determined to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, but everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead. Who can she trust?
What Nicole uncovers is a conspiracy that operates globally, and they will kill to keep her silent.
This is well written suspense thriller mystery, that I couldn’t read fast enough. I applaud this author for not been deterred from handling sensitive subject matter. I highly recommend this novel.
Many thanks to the author, and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Calling all husbands…come home!
Dr. Mason Palmer was at Lagossa Airport in rural Africa on route to the capital, Galao, on his return flight to the UK. He was nervous and hiding something. Just when he was about to board, he was detained by officials. He needed to play along, and deny everything…in order to get out.
“I know what you did. I know who you are.”
Nicole’s husband, Mason, died in a plane crash in Africa ten months ago. He was a doctor working for an international medical NGO, that had set up a clinic there.
Nicole Palmer, a primary school teacher and the grieving widow is still trying to block out the grief of her husband’s sudden death. Until one morning she receives a photo of Mason through the post, along with a cryptic message. A message only he could’ve written.
But Mason was dead? But they never found the plane.
Was someone playing a malicious prank on her? Who would do this to her?
But Nicole needs to find out the truth and put closure to everything. She is determined to find out if Mason is really alive and what actually happened to him in Africa, but everyone she turns to for answers ends up dead. Who can she trust?
What Nicole uncovers is a conspiracy that operates globally, and they will kill to keep her silent.
This is well written suspense thriller mystery, that I couldn’t read fast enough. I applaud this author for not been deterred from handling sensitive subject matter. I highly recommend this novel.
Many thanks to the author, and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
December 6, 2018
Your husband is killed in a plane crash in Africa....
You have 10 months of mourning
You then receive a pic of him taken in Barcelona with a message only you will understand on the back of the pic
He’s alive??
But he cant be!
Can he???
Nicole is then on a desperate hunt to find Mason and what has happened to him....its a psychological thriller that ticks every box BUT theres a difference...the characters and story are fiction but the reasons for Masons disappearance are based on something that is very real in todays world and the author has done vast research into the subject ( I ummed and ahhh’d as to wether to mention what it is but decided against!) suffice to say it will shock and make you uncomfortable and like me I guarantee you will want to do a bit of further reading on the subject ( links in the Authors notes at the end ), so it really is an unusually clever read with a brilliant story that also educates,
I found it fascinating!
The story is a full on adventure, its impossible to not be drawn into it and feel every bump and scrape as the main ‘stars’ go on
an adrenaline fuelled race against time around the globe, facing danger at every turn....you will be there with them as the real truth unfolds
Dark, harrowing yet in parts gentle I loved every exciting page and once again showed the authors enviable skills at telling a good, believable and ‘different’ story
10/10 5 Stars
December 10, 2018
I barely know where to start with this review. This book is phenomenal .. it has a little bit of everything that's sure to please all those who like to read thrillers / mysteries. I was impressed by the credibility of the story and the characters ... and then I discovered that this story was based on a true story. The author has been diligent in her research.
It starts with a man racing to the airport ...he must leave, he must leave ... that's all that's running through his head. He has seen something ... something that will haunt him for the rest of his life. And just as he is about to go through the gate, a hand lands on his shoulder.
Ten months later, Natalie is still grieving the loss of her husband, He went down in an airplane and bodies were never recovered. Today she has received a picture ... of her husband taken just a few days ago. Is this a hoax? Somebody's idea of a joke? Is the picture photo-shopped?
And if he really is still alive ... where has he been all the time? Why hasn't he contacted her? Why would he choose to disappear?
Natalie goes on the hunt for her husband .. or what really happened to him. What she discovers is worse than any nightmare she has ever had.
This is very well written, especially tackling a very sensitive subject. This is not my first book I've read by this author, and it definitely won't be my last. This is an author to follow.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for the advanced digital copy of THE DISAPPEARED. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 10, 2019
Sibel Hodge - you never ever disappoint! I was so incredibly lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book from TBC on Facebook and the author. I have been a big fan of this author for a while now and this book has absolutely cemented her place in my go to writers for suspense reads. This book is amazing - and so well written. What shocked me was after reading the authors notes at the end is that it is based on real life events. My goodness, some of the events of this book made me so mad and to think that they are really happening.
10 months ago Nicole Palmer became a widow. Her husband, a doctor in Africa, Mason was killed in a plane crash but no body has ever been found. When opening her mail before work one morning she receives a photo of Mason she has never seen before, along with a note that only her husband could have written. Is Mason still alive? This begins a roller coaster of events that out her life in danger but she needs to know the truth.
I could not put this book down and highly recommend to readers of this genre.
10 months ago Nicole Palmer became a widow. Her husband, a doctor in Africa, Mason was killed in a plane crash but no body has ever been found. When opening her mail before work one morning she receives a photo of Mason she has never seen before, along with a note that only her husband could have written. Is Mason still alive? This begins a roller coaster of events that out her life in danger but she needs to know the truth.
I could not put this book down and highly recommend to readers of this genre.
July 19, 2022
An enjoyable thrill ride...I can't wait for it to become a blockbuster movie!
February 4, 2019
Sibel Hodge is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, particularly for her more recent books. And you never know what to expect as they are all so different. How lucky am I to have read a few 5 star books lately?
Nicole Palmer is still emotionally distraught after losing her husband, Mason, 10 months ago. Mason was working as a doctor in strife ridden Narumbe (fictitious country in Africa) when the light plane he was on disappeared without a trace and its four passengers were declared dead even though the wreckage was never found. An envelope arrives in the mail with a hand written address. Inside a photo of Mason sitting outside a cafe in Barcelona holding a local paper dated two days ago. On the back is written as message that includes a saying meaningful to the couple and an admonition not to tell anyone.
Nicole is understandably concerned and confused. She contacts everyone she can think of to see if they have heard anything further about the crash. Nada. She contacts the administrator of the international aid organisation, Isabelle, also nada. From cell phone records she learns that Mason called Isabelle a few minutes after his flight supposedly took off. She doesn't know what to think. The next day brings another message asking her to meet him. Now she is thinking he must, after all, somehow, still be alive. But if he is why has he not contacted her before? She goes to the meet but the man who arrives is not Mason and he grabs her and bundles her into a van. Then the story really takes off.
It becomes clear that something very fishy is going on in Africa and those involved will stop at nothing to ensure it remains a secret as billions are at stake. Wow, move over Matthew Reilly and Matt Hilton, this girl writes a mean action thriller. No more clues about the plot except to say its a cracking, fast paced story with international intrigue and very high stakes.
Nicole Palmer is still emotionally distraught after losing her husband, Mason, 10 months ago. Mason was working as a doctor in strife ridden Narumbe (fictitious country in Africa) when the light plane he was on disappeared without a trace and its four passengers were declared dead even though the wreckage was never found. An envelope arrives in the mail with a hand written address. Inside a photo of Mason sitting outside a cafe in Barcelona holding a local paper dated two days ago. On the back is written as message that includes a saying meaningful to the couple and an admonition not to tell anyone.
Nicole is understandably concerned and confused. She contacts everyone she can think of to see if they have heard anything further about the crash. Nada. She contacts the administrator of the international aid organisation, Isabelle, also nada. From cell phone records she learns that Mason called Isabelle a few minutes after his flight supposedly took off. She doesn't know what to think. The next day brings another message asking her to meet him. Now she is thinking he must, after all, somehow, still be alive. But if he is why has he not contacted her before? She goes to the meet but the man who arrives is not Mason and he grabs her and bundles her into a van. Then the story really takes off.
It becomes clear that something very fishy is going on in Africa and those involved will stop at nothing to ensure it remains a secret as billions are at stake. Wow, move over Matthew Reilly and Matt Hilton, this girl writes a mean action thriller. No more clues about the plot except to say its a cracking, fast paced story with international intrigue and very high stakes.
February 5, 2019
I appreciate that I am out of step with other reviewers but I thought this was a potentially really good storyline spoiled by very bad writing. Much of the book is set in Africa, specifically in the West African country named Narumbe which is fictitious. It covers a sadly well trodden path in the history of the continent, corruption, civil war, atrocities, coups, poverty and slavery. In this case it centres around cacao or cocoa for the chocolate industry. Much of what is described is true and this could have made a terrific story but the style of writing in short sentences and superfluous detail led to no suspense whatsoever for me. There were so many lucky coincidences that I found myself laughing with incredulity which you certainly shouldn’t have been in a book covering such serious topics. Examples of this below!!
Spoiler alert! ⭐️⭐️⭐️If you want to read the book or are currently reading it go no further!⭐️⭐️⭐️
So. Hang on to your hats. Nicole’s husband Mason is apparently killed in a plane crash but 10 months later she gets a postcard suggesting he is still alive. After a great deal of soul searching she decides to search for the truth. She gets a second postcard from husband, goes to meet him, gets kidnapped by a baddie glorying in the name of Blade (I mean, really. A stereotype or what?)escapes by socking it to Blade, gets chased, goes of to find Masons boss to press her for more information buts she’s been killed by Blade. She gets arrested, police don’t believe her, well no surprise there. We learn that the corruption in Africa is at the behest of a Swiss by the name of Julian Bolliger. If you put an n between the I and the g who’d have something a lot more worthwhile. Cheers Edina and Patsy. Now if you haven’t already lost the will to live, Nicole goes for help from her Uncle Charlie who luckily is a gangster type, who gets her a fake passport and even more luckily also knows a former African mercenary to help her as she decided to schlepp of to Africa to find the truth, as you do. So off she pops to Africa having been widowed, not widowed, kidnapped, chased, arrested and released. ‘I questioned the sanity of my decisions to come out here’ she says. Yes. Me too. Also questioning my sanity. For reading this drivel. Having picked myself up from the floor laughing we return to the plot. It’s at this point we learn it’s all about the cocoa and child slaves are being used and I hate that this serious subject is being dealt with so BADLY. 😡She gets caught trying to get proof, loses said proof but escapes across the border to Mali and gets back to UK where she arrives at Heathrow. Where, oh please, hubby (yes he’s alive) just so happens to be waiting for a flight to Zurich to confront Bollinger, sorry Bolliger, and lo and behold, he spots her. In a HUGE airport. Of course he does. He chases them through the airport all the way back to Uncle Charlie’s house in Essex where he saves them from another baddie, Blade having been arrested at Heathrow. Your head spinning? Mine too. Then the police arrive. In the ‘nick’ of time. Evening all. Then the police help them get to Zurich where there just so happens to be a big chocolate festival so they can confront Bolliger with the truth of where his chocolate comes from. They get a film shown ( best not to ask how as I couldn’t tell you as neither did the author) as B is about to speak. Truth unveiled. Rightly so. Charlie meanwhile has beetled back to Africa and shoots the main perpetrator of the corruption. Job done. Meanwhile, there’s a very happy ending for Mason and Nicole.
I humbly apologise if it seems I’m trivialising something so serious. But. This should have been a gripping book dealing properly with the topic and not what this turned out to be, a badly crafted book with a plot that stretched credulity. So why the 2 stars and not 1 which is what it deserved? If nothing else it lets people know what can happen to those who are much ,much less fortunate than us in the pursuit of wealth and the production of chocolate. There really are protocols as described in the book but of course Fair Trade is another matter.
Is it really a best seller??? Dear me.
Spoiler alert! ⭐️⭐️⭐️If you want to read the book or are currently reading it go no further!⭐️⭐️⭐️
So. Hang on to your hats. Nicole’s husband Mason is apparently killed in a plane crash but 10 months later she gets a postcard suggesting he is still alive. After a great deal of soul searching she decides to search for the truth. She gets a second postcard from husband, goes to meet him, gets kidnapped by a baddie glorying in the name of Blade (I mean, really. A stereotype or what?)escapes by socking it to Blade, gets chased, goes of to find Masons boss to press her for more information buts she’s been killed by Blade. She gets arrested, police don’t believe her, well no surprise there. We learn that the corruption in Africa is at the behest of a Swiss by the name of Julian Bolliger. If you put an n between the I and the g who’d have something a lot more worthwhile. Cheers Edina and Patsy. Now if you haven’t already lost the will to live, Nicole goes for help from her Uncle Charlie who luckily is a gangster type, who gets her a fake passport and even more luckily also knows a former African mercenary to help her as she decided to schlepp of to Africa to find the truth, as you do. So off she pops to Africa having been widowed, not widowed, kidnapped, chased, arrested and released. ‘I questioned the sanity of my decisions to come out here’ she says. Yes. Me too. Also questioning my sanity. For reading this drivel. Having picked myself up from the floor laughing we return to the plot. It’s at this point we learn it’s all about the cocoa and child slaves are being used and I hate that this serious subject is being dealt with so BADLY. 😡She gets caught trying to get proof, loses said proof but escapes across the border to Mali and gets back to UK where she arrives at Heathrow. Where, oh please, hubby (yes he’s alive) just so happens to be waiting for a flight to Zurich to confront Bollinger, sorry Bolliger, and lo and behold, he spots her. In a HUGE airport. Of course he does. He chases them through the airport all the way back to Uncle Charlie’s house in Essex where he saves them from another baddie, Blade having been arrested at Heathrow. Your head spinning? Mine too. Then the police arrive. In the ‘nick’ of time. Evening all. Then the police help them get to Zurich where there just so happens to be a big chocolate festival so they can confront Bolliger with the truth of where his chocolate comes from. They get a film shown ( best not to ask how as I couldn’t tell you as neither did the author) as B is about to speak. Truth unveiled. Rightly so. Charlie meanwhile has beetled back to Africa and shoots the main perpetrator of the corruption. Job done. Meanwhile, there’s a very happy ending for Mason and Nicole.
I humbly apologise if it seems I’m trivialising something so serious. But. This should have been a gripping book dealing properly with the topic and not what this turned out to be, a badly crafted book with a plot that stretched credulity. So why the 2 stars and not 1 which is what it deserved? If nothing else it lets people know what can happen to those who are much ,much less fortunate than us in the pursuit of wealth and the production of chocolate. There really are protocols as described in the book but of course Fair Trade is another matter.
Is it really a best seller??? Dear me.
January 16, 2019
This is a gripping fast read with lots of mystery and twists and turns . The tension in this book does not let up for a second . The author handles a tough beautifully and takes us in an emotional rollercoaster . Will highly recommend
January 6, 2019
Over the last few years, author Sibel Hodge has written a number of brilliant, edge-of-your-seat suspenseful thrillers that keep the reader hooked from start to finish. 'The Disappeared' is no different. Actually, I think this is one of her best to date and I'm so glad to have picked up this book as my first one of 2019 as it has surely set me on the right mood and track for this year's reading.
"Mason Palmer didn't know he had less than two hours to live when he walked into the ramshackle building."
And this, the first sentence of the prologue, has sucked me up into a roller-coaster vortex from the get-go, and if it weren't for real life getting in the way, I would have devoured the whole book in a couple of sittings.
The suspense in this book starts high at the beginning of the story and remains high till the end. This has kept me intrigued and interested by the evolving story throughout... the plane crash, Nicole receiving the mysterious photograph (with a message only her husband could have written) ten months after he perished in the plane crash, chilling murder scenes, abductions, disappearances, corruption, organised crime, heartbreaking scenes, heart-pumping scenes, lies, secrets and much more. My blood pressure went through the roof and my heart just couldn't keep up with the adrenaline pumping through my veins!
The sense of danger in this book is almost tangible. It looms everywhere and all the time. I really feared for Nicole's life and a myriad questions invaded my mind. Is the photograph just an elaborate hoax to hurt her? Or is it genuine? Someone wants to seriously hurt Nicole and stop her in her quest to find the truth, but who are these people? What do they want? And why have they come after her now, ten months after her husband's death? And where is Mason? Is he dead or has he somehow miraculously survived the plane crash? But how can that be possible?
I really like this author's 'voice', her writing style, the way she develops the plot and portrays all those vivid scenes and life-like characters. I thought everything was very realistic. It's evident that the author has done extensive research, mostly on one shocking aspect of the plot I can't mention so as not to give away spoilers. And she has succeeded in making me feel all sorts of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, pity, joy etc. I was really satisfied by the whole plot and the beautiful ending.
Well, this electrifying book gets a resounding 5 stars from me as it's just brilliant and I really enjoyed every moment I passed engrossed in its lines. If I were to read it again, I would do so in a heartbeat without hesitation, and I highly recommend it.
With kudos and thanks to the author for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily accepted to read and review.
"Mason Palmer didn't know he had less than two hours to live when he walked into the ramshackle building."
And this, the first sentence of the prologue, has sucked me up into a roller-coaster vortex from the get-go, and if it weren't for real life getting in the way, I would have devoured the whole book in a couple of sittings.
The suspense in this book starts high at the beginning of the story and remains high till the end. This has kept me intrigued and interested by the evolving story throughout... the plane crash, Nicole receiving the mysterious photograph (with a message only her husband could have written) ten months after he perished in the plane crash, chilling murder scenes, abductions, disappearances, corruption, organised crime, heartbreaking scenes, heart-pumping scenes, lies, secrets and much more. My blood pressure went through the roof and my heart just couldn't keep up with the adrenaline pumping through my veins!
The sense of danger in this book is almost tangible. It looms everywhere and all the time. I really feared for Nicole's life and a myriad questions invaded my mind. Is the photograph just an elaborate hoax to hurt her? Or is it genuine? Someone wants to seriously hurt Nicole and stop her in her quest to find the truth, but who are these people? What do they want? And why have they come after her now, ten months after her husband's death? And where is Mason? Is he dead or has he somehow miraculously survived the plane crash? But how can that be possible?
I really like this author's 'voice', her writing style, the way she develops the plot and portrays all those vivid scenes and life-like characters. I thought everything was very realistic. It's evident that the author has done extensive research, mostly on one shocking aspect of the plot I can't mention so as not to give away spoilers. And she has succeeded in making me feel all sorts of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, pity, joy etc. I was really satisfied by the whole plot and the beautiful ending.
Well, this electrifying book gets a resounding 5 stars from me as it's just brilliant and I really enjoyed every moment I passed engrossed in its lines. If I were to read it again, I would do so in a heartbeat without hesitation, and I highly recommend it.
With kudos and thanks to the author for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily accepted to read and review.
January 11, 2019
Goodreads tells me I’ve not read any books by this author... what was I thinking or should I say not thinking for not reading her previous books. On a positive it looks like I’ve got some great books to catch up on by this author.
This story reminded me of a movie... I couldn’t read it fast enough. I needed to know what was gonna happen next.
I’ve got to give a mention to Nicole. I really liked her and found her to be a strong courageous character.
Great praise to the author on an outstanding read. You can tell from reading The Disappeared that she certainly put in the time to research well. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
This story reminded me of a movie... I couldn’t read it fast enough. I needed to know what was gonna happen next.
I’ve got to give a mention to Nicole. I really liked her and found her to be a strong courageous character.
Great praise to the author on an outstanding read. You can tell from reading The Disappeared that she certainly put in the time to research well. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
December 20, 2018
Mason Palmer is a doctor and works for an international mission. He is working in Africa after he and his wife Nicole, went through fertilisation treatment unsuccessfully and they thought they needed new focuses. On one of his regular trips home, his plane crashes and it is thought that all occupants died, victims of a bird strike.Nicole feels guilty for pushing him away and encouraging him to go and work in Africa. The authorities are unable to investigate the crash as it came down in an area of insurgent activity and it would be too dangerous to travel there. Ten months later having not been able to bury her husband Nicole is still struggling and feels guilty for pushing Mason away and encouraging him to go and work in Africa. When she receives a strange message and a picture of Mason she can’t help but think someone is playing rather bad taste tricks on her. When things begin to get rather nasty and serious she wonders what on earth did Mason get involved in? This had me gripped from the outset. I took to Nicole and her predicament. The tension built in each part and short chapters keep the flow at a nice pace. I liked Charlie- a real character and someone you would want on your side. A well researched interesting read that kept me turning to the very end.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
January 6, 2019
The Disappeared is a tense roller-coaster of a read from Sibel Hodge. Right from its intriguing opening, I was captivated by Nicole and Mason’s story which is quite a powerful one, and it can also be quite eye-opening. This is a novel that will make you think about what is going on in the world at the moment, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if events in this book were actually happening right now; it does make my blood boil to think that such crimes are being hushed up by corrupt governments across the globe.
In the opening pages, we meet Nicole who is grieving for her late husband Mason ten months after his plane went down, there were no recorded survivors. Nicole has never had closure, as the area in Africa where the plane crashed is in rebel territory making it too dangerous for government officials to go in and investigate and recover the bodies and the wreckage. Nicole fears that she will never be able to bury her husband and that his bones will remain lost in the African wilderness. But she is about to receive startling information that will change everything she thought she knew in a big way.
This is a story with plenty of intrigue and with some callous characters who you will be very happy to see taken down and destroyed. From the start, I had a lot of questions surrounding the mystery that Nicole has now found herself plunged into, what had really happened to her husband and what was he involved in? Like the police officers, I had more than one scenario playing around inside my mind. Nicole is a character who I became invested in, and I really wanted her to succeed in what she is trying to accomplish in this book.
This is quite an emotionally charged read, especially when you begin to learn the truth about what has been going on Mason’s world, prior to the events which are happening now. This plot is very hard to talk about without giving any of it away, so I’m not going to go into any further detail, but be prepared to be shocked and appalled by events which quickly unfold. I flew through The Disappeared as I wanted to see just how everything was going to come together in the end.
The Disappeared is a story about greed, corruption and lies which culminate in a painful truth. Sibel Hodge is a new author to me, and after reading this book, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more novels by her. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed read, with heroes who you can root for, then I would definitely recommend this book.
In the opening pages, we meet Nicole who is grieving for her late husband Mason ten months after his plane went down, there were no recorded survivors. Nicole has never had closure, as the area in Africa where the plane crashed is in rebel territory making it too dangerous for government officials to go in and investigate and recover the bodies and the wreckage. Nicole fears that she will never be able to bury her husband and that his bones will remain lost in the African wilderness. But she is about to receive startling information that will change everything she thought she knew in a big way.
This is a story with plenty of intrigue and with some callous characters who you will be very happy to see taken down and destroyed. From the start, I had a lot of questions surrounding the mystery that Nicole has now found herself plunged into, what had really happened to her husband and what was he involved in? Like the police officers, I had more than one scenario playing around inside my mind. Nicole is a character who I became invested in, and I really wanted her to succeed in what she is trying to accomplish in this book.
This is quite an emotionally charged read, especially when you begin to learn the truth about what has been going on Mason’s world, prior to the events which are happening now. This plot is very hard to talk about without giving any of it away, so I’m not going to go into any further detail, but be prepared to be shocked and appalled by events which quickly unfold. I flew through The Disappeared as I wanted to see just how everything was going to come together in the end.
The Disappeared is a story about greed, corruption and lies which culminate in a painful truth. Sibel Hodge is a new author to me, and after reading this book, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more novels by her. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed read, with heroes who you can root for, then I would definitely recommend this book.
January 14, 2019
I honestly don’t know where to start with my review for The Disappeared. As with many of Sibel Hodge’s books, I don’t want to talk too much about the plot for fear of spoiling the story! #nospoilers.
My heart went out to Nicole. Losing her husband has to be devastating but to not get the closure of a funeral must be a feeling like no other. And then to receive a photo of her late husband, is it a very cruel joke or a glimmer of hope? I wanted to know the truth!
I devoured the book within 24 hours. The pace at which the story unfolds kept my attention gripped to my kindle. Hodge has a way of writing a book of many layers which starts off as one type of book but the more I read and peel back the layers, the story twists and turns into another book entirely.
Yet again Hodge has written a thought provoking read and she’s made me realise I do actually read conspiracy thrillers! I don’t know how much truth there is to the backdrop of this story but it definitely made me ponder the possibilities!
My heart went out to Nicole. Losing her husband has to be devastating but to not get the closure of a funeral must be a feeling like no other. And then to receive a photo of her late husband, is it a very cruel joke or a glimmer of hope? I wanted to know the truth!
I devoured the book within 24 hours. The pace at which the story unfolds kept my attention gripped to my kindle. Hodge has a way of writing a book of many layers which starts off as one type of book but the more I read and peel back the layers, the story twists and turns into another book entirely.
Yet again Hodge has written a thought provoking read and she’s made me realise I do actually read conspiracy thrillers! I don’t know how much truth there is to the backdrop of this story but it definitely made me ponder the possibilities!
Read
April 12, 2022Ja šî būtu filma, tad tàda Andželinas Džolijas stilà. Labie, ļaunie, korupcija, Rietumāfrikas valstis un kakao netīrais bizness.
Paredzami, bet labā ziņa, ka runā par reāli esošu problēmu. Kāda cena ir tavai šokolādei?!
Un tomēr, kā krimināltrilleris paredzams un šablonisks.
3.6⭐️
Paredzami, bet labā ziņa, ka runā par reāli esošu problēmu. Kāda cena ir tavai šokolādei?!
Un tomēr, kā krimināltrilleris paredzams un šablonisks.
3.6⭐️
January 14, 2019
I’ve enjoyed Sibel Hodges books in the past so I was keen to read her latest thriller. It’s a little different from the previous books that I’ve read by her and I have to say that I wish that I had read the notes at the rear of the book before I’d started as I would have liked the info about the real life events the book was based on before I read it. It certainly added a newly created depth to the action packed thriller that I had just finished and left me with some thought provoking reflections to consider.
From the first few pages it’s obvious that someone is determined to prevent Nicole’s husband from returning home to her. So when Nicole hears that her husband has been killed in a plane crash into the ocean, it is more of a shock to her than it is to us the reader. But in a further plot development, a few months later she receives a photo in the post that confirms with a dated newspaper that Mason is in fact still alive but in hiding, in fear of the people who tried to kill him. And as Nicole goes to find her husband, no one she comes into contact with is safe from those that need to silence Mason.
Sibel Hodge has created a current and relevant plot line for her thriller that unravels at one heck of a pace! It’s an action packed piece of fiction that brings the characters together in a storyline that’s actually based on factual events. This makes it even more important to take the time to understand the politics running in the background. Having a strong and believable female lead character like Nicole helped to raise the level of tension so that the reader actually cares about the outcome for her and Mason but also gives a personal perspective on a political and cultural issue that I’m sure many people haven’t been aware of. It certainly increases awareness of the trail that leads back from an everyday product which I am sure none of us think about when it’s in front of us.
A well written and thought provoking thriller.
From the first few pages it’s obvious that someone is determined to prevent Nicole’s husband from returning home to her. So when Nicole hears that her husband has been killed in a plane crash into the ocean, it is more of a shock to her than it is to us the reader. But in a further plot development, a few months later she receives a photo in the post that confirms with a dated newspaper that Mason is in fact still alive but in hiding, in fear of the people who tried to kill him. And as Nicole goes to find her husband, no one she comes into contact with is safe from those that need to silence Mason.
Sibel Hodge has created a current and relevant plot line for her thriller that unravels at one heck of a pace! It’s an action packed piece of fiction that brings the characters together in a storyline that’s actually based on factual events. This makes it even more important to take the time to understand the politics running in the background. Having a strong and believable female lead character like Nicole helped to raise the level of tension so that the reader actually cares about the outcome for her and Mason but also gives a personal perspective on a political and cultural issue that I’m sure many people haven’t been aware of. It certainly increases awareness of the trail that leads back from an everyday product which I am sure none of us think about when it’s in front of us.
A well written and thought provoking thriller.
January 14, 2019
When Sibel Hodge publishes a book then you know that you are not going to get “just any old read” you know that you are going to be taken on an exhilarating journey and have a strong moral, ethical lesson and an intriguing social commentary at the same time. But don’t worry this isn’t done in a “lecturing” kind of way, it fits neatly into the plot and will poke and prod at your mind for a long time after you have turned the last page.
The Disappeared tells the story of Nicole Palmer whose husband, Dr. Mason Palmer, has been declared dead following a plane crash on a flight from Africa. But something happens to make Nicole believe that her husband is very much alive and she is determined to find out what has happened. What follows is a taut and terrifying journey taking us from the UK to Africa and a body count that just keeps growing! We uncover lies and secrets so terrible that they will be seared into your heart. I don’t want to say anything about the plot as there is too much to give away, trust me, you will be gobsmacked, heartbroken and furious when you put this book down! I wish that Sibel Hodge’s books were just flights of fancy but sadly I know that they are based very much on research and truth and that is what makes them so powerful.
Some might argue that fiction has no place in giving his social and ethical lessons, I very much disagree, it is the power of the written and spoken word that effects change and if reading fiction which has a strong element of fact entrenched stops you and makes you think then it is a job well done.
The Disappeared would translate into a box office hit in the world of cinema, it has it all, thrills, danger, conflict and some form of resolution for the characters
A strong powerful read that will grab you by the throat and shake your thinking all ways round!
The Disappeared tells the story of Nicole Palmer whose husband, Dr. Mason Palmer, has been declared dead following a plane crash on a flight from Africa. But something happens to make Nicole believe that her husband is very much alive and she is determined to find out what has happened. What follows is a taut and terrifying journey taking us from the UK to Africa and a body count that just keeps growing! We uncover lies and secrets so terrible that they will be seared into your heart. I don’t want to say anything about the plot as there is too much to give away, trust me, you will be gobsmacked, heartbroken and furious when you put this book down! I wish that Sibel Hodge’s books were just flights of fancy but sadly I know that they are based very much on research and truth and that is what makes them so powerful.
Some might argue that fiction has no place in giving his social and ethical lessons, I very much disagree, it is the power of the written and spoken word that effects change and if reading fiction which has a strong element of fact entrenched stops you and makes you think then it is a job well done.
The Disappeared would translate into a box office hit in the world of cinema, it has it all, thrills, danger, conflict and some form of resolution for the characters
A strong powerful read that will grab you by the throat and shake your thinking all ways round!
January 14, 2019
This book was a polished story from start to finish and I can't wait to read more from this author! There is suspense from the opening pages and a thrilling story follow which is full of corruption, deception and has a pulsating ending that I think I'm still recovering from!!
Nicole gets quite a shock to her world when she hears of the death of Dr Mason Palmer on his return from Africa and as she tries to get her life back on track working in a school, she is rocked by a letter out of the blue reporting to be from her dead husband! As she tries to figure out if she is the victim of a cruel hoax, or if he actually is still alive she is drawn into such a murky world that you really can't second guess what she will find out next and what kind of world her husband was mixed up in. It also touches on the school world that Nicole inhabits - the fact she deals with conflicts there everyday from the children to the parents, stands her in good stead for trying to get to the bottom of her husband and his disappearance.
I loved the fact that this story was told from a number of POV's - there was always something going on and having so many different angles to the story really helped you lose yourself in the intrigue and scandal that was being uncovered. I also loved the fact that all the characters were so persistent! They never considered giving up on finding out the truth or putting an end to the drama - be they the victims, investigators or perpetrators!
A dynamic and engrossing read!
Nicole gets quite a shock to her world when she hears of the death of Dr Mason Palmer on his return from Africa and as she tries to get her life back on track working in a school, she is rocked by a letter out of the blue reporting to be from her dead husband! As she tries to figure out if she is the victim of a cruel hoax, or if he actually is still alive she is drawn into such a murky world that you really can't second guess what she will find out next and what kind of world her husband was mixed up in. It also touches on the school world that Nicole inhabits - the fact she deals with conflicts there everyday from the children to the parents, stands her in good stead for trying to get to the bottom of her husband and his disappearance.
I loved the fact that this story was told from a number of POV's - there was always something going on and having so many different angles to the story really helped you lose yourself in the intrigue and scandal that was being uncovered. I also loved the fact that all the characters were so persistent! They never considered giving up on finding out the truth or putting an end to the drama - be they the victims, investigators or perpetrators!
A dynamic and engrossing read!
January 10, 2019
This is such a great story. I lost myself into it. I was beside Nicole the whole way, even if I didn’t agree with some of the things she did. Parts can be a little sensitive for the reader and dark, but it also highlights that child slavery was and is probably still being used today. Shocking!
The police and DI was starting to get on my nerves at times in this book! How did it take them so long? And why did he think he was always right? But all ends well. I don’t want to say too much as I dont want to be a ‘spoiler’ as it is a brilliant read with an interesting storyline. I devoured it in two days.
This is the first book I have read by Sibel and it won’t be my last. Some lovely characters and some awful evil characters. Best of both worlds. Brilliantly written. Fast paced as I just wanted answers and a easy read. Highly recommend. Not what I expected but throughally enjoyed it. A well deserved four stars from me. My first read of 2019! You can tell the author has put a lot of research and time into this one.
The police and DI was starting to get on my nerves at times in this book! How did it take them so long? And why did he think he was always right? But all ends well. I don’t want to say too much as I dont want to be a ‘spoiler’ as it is a brilliant read with an interesting storyline. I devoured it in two days.
This is the first book I have read by Sibel and it won’t be my last. Some lovely characters and some awful evil characters. Best of both worlds. Brilliantly written. Fast paced as I just wanted answers and a easy read. Highly recommend. Not what I expected but throughally enjoyed it. A well deserved four stars from me. My first read of 2019! You can tell the author has put a lot of research and time into this one.
December 5, 2018
I always look forward to reading this author's books, I think she's very talented. The story drew me in from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Great characters (including the baddies) and the story is fantastic. Huge 5 stars.
January 28, 2019
Undecided
I did like enjoy the storyline, however the whole caucasians saving Africans as they are so defenceless and weak distracted me from the message and storyline. Furthermore, The ending of the book was very predictable and ultimately a happy ending.
I did like enjoy the storyline, however the whole caucasians saving Africans as they are so defenceless and weak distracted me from the message and storyline. Furthermore, The ending of the book was very predictable and ultimately a happy ending.
June 15, 2019
This book was a real page turner. Thinking her husband died in a plane crash, Nicole tries to carry on. Until ten months later when she receives a picture of her husband along with a personal message only her husband could have written.
The book then continues on the journey Nicole takes to find her husband. All the way to Africa to find out exactly how her husband is still alive and what he found out about the organization he was working for. This knowledge now puts them both in danger.
There are many twists and turns that will keep you from doing anything else but reading.
The book then continues on the journey Nicole takes to find her husband. All the way to Africa to find out exactly how her husband is still alive and what he found out about the organization he was working for. This knowledge now puts them both in danger.
There are many twists and turns that will keep you from doing anything else but reading.
December 3, 2018
Sibel Hodge does not disappoint with this new novel. Nicole has spent 10 months grieving for her husband who has been presumed dead after a plane crash when she receives a message that suggests maybe things are not quite what they seem. What the ensues is a rip roaring race across the world discovering the secrets of the cocoa farms in Africa and the underworld who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets safe even murder. I could not put this book down.
January 15, 2019
I loved this book. Highly recommended. I was gribbed by the storyline. At times I was in tears. I do not know if I will eat chocolate again.
February 12, 2019
I thought this was to far fetched, didn't enjoy at all
March 1, 2019
I have a confession to make. Yes yet another one. Although I have heard of Sibel Hodge, I haven’t actually read one of her books before. Sorry Sibel. However, I have certainly read one now and judging by how much I enjoyed reading ‘The Disappeared’, I can guarantee that I will definitely be reading more of her books. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Disappeared’ but more about that in a bit.
The main characters in this book are a married couple called Dr. Mason and Nicole Palmer. Mason is a volunteer with a medical charity and he went to work in Africa for a time. He was due to come back to the UK but the plane he was on crashed and it was assumed that he was dead. I don’t really want to type too much more about Mason because I fear that I would give too much away. On to Nicole. Nicole is a school teacher, who is trying hard to get over the loss of her husband and the fact that it is too dangerous to recover her husband’s body, so she doesn’t even have the funeral to say goodbye to him. She has thrown herself into her work and that is what has got her through as it were. She seems to be coping a bit too well if that makes sense and I felt that she was putting on a front because she didn’t want to appear as weak. A series of things happen which challenges what Nicole had believed to be true. There were a couple of occasions where I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give her a reassuring hug and to basically be there for her. Nicole is feisty, determined, strong, inquisitive and on occasion she is prone to jumping to conclusions. What is the truth? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my goodness me, ‘The Disappeared’ was one seriously fabulous and fantastically well written book that had me gripped literally from start to finish. The author’s writing style is such that she draws you in from the first word onwards and before you realise it you have become addicted to the book. That’s what happened to me anyway. I just had to keep reading on and on to see if I could find out the truth about what happened to Mason and to see whether or not Nicole discovered the truth, without getting herself into too much danger . The pages turned over with increasing speed as my desperation to discover what happened grew. I seemed to race through the book but I didn’t realise just how quickly I was reading until I happened to look up to find out that I had read over 35 % of the book. I was so focused on the story and on the characters that even the world ending would not have been enough to stop me reading. Reading this book was much like being on one very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a Snakes & Ladders board. Just when I thought I could take a breath and gather my thoughts, then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Disappeared’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will most certainly be reading her other books just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The main characters in this book are a married couple called Dr. Mason and Nicole Palmer. Mason is a volunteer with a medical charity and he went to work in Africa for a time. He was due to come back to the UK but the plane he was on crashed and it was assumed that he was dead. I don’t really want to type too much more about Mason because I fear that I would give too much away. On to Nicole. Nicole is a school teacher, who is trying hard to get over the loss of her husband and the fact that it is too dangerous to recover her husband’s body, so she doesn’t even have the funeral to say goodbye to him. She has thrown herself into her work and that is what has got her through as it were. She seems to be coping a bit too well if that makes sense and I felt that she was putting on a front because she didn’t want to appear as weak. A series of things happen which challenges what Nicole had believed to be true. There were a couple of occasions where I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give her a reassuring hug and to basically be there for her. Nicole is feisty, determined, strong, inquisitive and on occasion she is prone to jumping to conclusions. What is the truth? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my goodness me, ‘The Disappeared’ was one seriously fabulous and fantastically well written book that had me gripped literally from start to finish. The author’s writing style is such that she draws you in from the first word onwards and before you realise it you have become addicted to the book. That’s what happened to me anyway. I just had to keep reading on and on to see if I could find out the truth about what happened to Mason and to see whether or not Nicole discovered the truth, without getting herself into too much danger . The pages turned over with increasing speed as my desperation to discover what happened grew. I seemed to race through the book but I didn’t realise just how quickly I was reading until I happened to look up to find out that I had read over 35 % of the book. I was so focused on the story and on the characters that even the world ending would not have been enough to stop me reading. Reading this book was much like being on one very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a Snakes & Ladders board. Just when I thought I could take a breath and gather my thoughts, then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Disappeared’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will most certainly be reading her other books just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 12, 2018
Mason is dead or is he? This is the question that haunts the reader at the outset. I enjoyed the mood and the message—both unsettling and shocking—that begs the question, is someone hiding something far more sinister? Or is Nicole Palmer a grieving widow who just can’t let go?
The book is fraught with tension and red tape that is impossible to get through. Her journey to uncover Mason’s disappearance is not easy. Having left Heathrow for Narumbe ten months ago, he boarded a light aircraft bound for Galao which went down in a heavily restricted area operated by rebels. As a result, searching for the wreckage was impossible. But Nicole won’t give up. She unearths a file on the computer that leads her to a paper trail of questions and threats she never expected.
Characters are introduced through alternating points of view that give a bird’s eye view into the plot. As one disappearance leads to another, the pace continues at heartbreak speed. Nicole is feisty and smart but can she unravel the mystery when the cards are firmly stacked against her? The impetus is her love for her husband and the determination to find him. But there are evil forces she can’t possibly overcome.
I have to say kudos to Sibel Hodge for writing a great psychological thriller. This book was hard to put down and left a certain residue for days afterwards.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for the advanced copy of THE DISAPPEARED. Opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
The book is fraught with tension and red tape that is impossible to get through. Her journey to uncover Mason’s disappearance is not easy. Having left Heathrow for Narumbe ten months ago, he boarded a light aircraft bound for Galao which went down in a heavily restricted area operated by rebels. As a result, searching for the wreckage was impossible. But Nicole won’t give up. She unearths a file on the computer that leads her to a paper trail of questions and threats she never expected.
Characters are introduced through alternating points of view that give a bird’s eye view into the plot. As one disappearance leads to another, the pace continues at heartbreak speed. Nicole is feisty and smart but can she unravel the mystery when the cards are firmly stacked against her? The impetus is her love for her husband and the determination to find him. But there are evil forces she can’t possibly overcome.
I have to say kudos to Sibel Hodge for writing a great psychological thriller. This book was hard to put down and left a certain residue for days afterwards.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for the advanced copy of THE DISAPPEARED. Opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
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