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The Disappearance
Ashlynn Amuso is a thirty-year-old woman having the time of her life. She works for a great company in New York with her brother, Glen, and has two amazing friends in Kaden and Roman. Every year they get a two-month vacation from work where they go wherever they want. One year they went to Mexico. Another year was Florida. Last year was the Caribbean. But this year, Ashlynn takes them to her family’s cabin in Lake Minnetaha, Washington.
It is the perfect place. Peaceful and quiet. No one around to bother them, a large forest in the backyard to walk around, and a small town not too far away for shopping and drinking. They couldn’t have asked for a better vacation spot.
But one day, Roman, Kaden, and Glen start leaving Ashlynn alone in the cabin with no word of where they’re going or what they’re doing. They continue to do so until they leave the cabin for good. Ashlynn is distraught. She doesn’t understand why they left, so she decides to stay until they return. However, while waiting and searching for them, something else finds her.
With the help from her friend – and admirer – Jack, she learns that she is not going insane. That whatever she saw was not a figment of her imagination. But what is it? Who is it?
It is the perfect place. Peaceful and quiet. No one around to bother them, a large forest in the backyard to walk around, and a small town not too far away for shopping and drinking. They couldn’t have asked for a better vacation spot.
But one day, Roman, Kaden, and Glen start leaving Ashlynn alone in the cabin with no word of where they’re going or what they’re doing. They continue to do so until they leave the cabin for good. Ashlynn is distraught. She doesn’t understand why they left, so she decides to stay until they return. However, while waiting and searching for them, something else finds her.
With the help from her friend – and admirer – Jack, she learns that she is not going insane. That whatever she saw was not a figment of her imagination. But what is it? Who is it?
Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 2, 2020
I really enjoyed the diary-style format! I don't see that done well often. Also, the ending ties the story together well, but I think there's potential here for a sequel (or more...)
October 8, 2020
Ashlynn goes on a yearly retreat to a reclusive cabin in the woods of the Northwest with her brother, Glen, and two best friends, Roman and Kaden. But then they act odd and disappear without explanation, leaving her alone. Horrifying beasts stalk the woods around the cabin, but she can't just leave her loved ones behind. The help of an old friend, Jack, who happens to be a paranormal investigator, sheds light on the nature of these beasts and sparks more than a paranormal investigation...
The Disappearance is a quick read and a short novel, barely longer than novella length. It's a "gentle" paranormal story, something all too rare, in that it isn't focused on gore or gothic descriptions. Hodorovych leaves you feeling fulfilled with a sense of relationship, as the story is centered around the female protagonist and her devotion to the characters around her.
My main critiques are that I would have liked more scenic descriptions in the book (for instance, it takes place in the woods of the Northwest, but there's nary a description of ferns or fir trees), and I saw the plot twist coming long before the protagonist did. But Hodorovych demonstrates a mastery of writing craft and you feel the genuine emotions of the character as she navigates the challenges and searches for her missing loved ones against the threat of these cryptid creatures.
The Disappearance is a quick read and a short novel, barely longer than novella length. It's a "gentle" paranormal story, something all too rare, in that it isn't focused on gore or gothic descriptions. Hodorovych leaves you feeling fulfilled with a sense of relationship, as the story is centered around the female protagonist and her devotion to the characters around her.
My main critiques are that I would have liked more scenic descriptions in the book (for instance, it takes place in the woods of the Northwest, but there's nary a description of ferns or fir trees), and I saw the plot twist coming long before the protagonist did. But Hodorovych demonstrates a mastery of writing craft and you feel the genuine emotions of the character as she navigates the challenges and searches for her missing loved ones against the threat of these cryptid creatures.
December 12, 2020
In her debut novel, "The Disappearance”, author Lisa Hodorovych spins a tail that pushed me out to the edge of my seat and kept me turning pages. She lulled this reader into a sense of security with the charming relationship among Kaden, Roman Glen and Ashlynn as they embark on a vacation trip they have no way of knowing will change their lives forever. Hodorovych develops her characters with a number of engaging traits, and then throws her heroine into the harrowing reality of "The Disappearance” of her friends and brother.
I highly recommend this first tale by Lisa Hodorovych and I am going to stay on the edge of my seat waiting for her next novel.
Barbara Dickinson, Co-Author, “Your Path to a Fulfilling Life”
I highly recommend this first tale by Lisa Hodorovych and I am going to stay on the edge of my seat waiting for her next novel.
Barbara Dickinson, Co-Author, “Your Path to a Fulfilling Life”
January 17, 2025
The Disappearance ratchets up the tension page by page. What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation turns into a living nightmare for protagonist, Ashlynn. Her brother and friends have left her in a remote cabin without cause or explanation. Ashlynn is provided little to no assistance from her family or local law enforcement. We join her as she struggles to discover just who or what has claimed “her boys”. An effective,enjoyable first person telling relayed to us via Ashlynn’s entries makes The Disappearance a tension packed thrill that balances moments of humanity, affection and even humor amongst the constant intrigue! I look forward to reading Hodorovych’s sequel to this book He’sHere!
December 5, 2020
Just finished The Disappearance by Lisa Hodorovych. An absolutely wonderful read. I loved the diary style of the book. The story was compelling and it made it tough to put the book down. If you want to take a journey into the paranormal, I highly recommend this one. The pace is quick, the story flows so well, and the ending leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 4, 2024
“The Disappearance” by Lisa Hodorovych is a diary-styled story about Ashlynn and her brothers Glen, Kaden, and Roman (who’d rather not be classified as a brother). They work and vacation together, but when they go to Ashlynn and Glen’ childhood vacation spot, Lake Minnetaha, something happens that changes the trajectory of their lives. Other than the amble profanity, I enjoyed the story and relational humor.
February 28, 2022
Ashlynn, Gregg, Kaden, and Roman decide to go to Lake Minnetahaj, Washington for vacation. They have been working hard and decide to take some time off. Ashlynn shows them the towns, the bars, and they have fun together as they always have.
The boys start sneaking off and Ashlynn isn't quite sure where they are going. She's brushed off and left alone to her thoughts. When they disappear, she's out of her mind. She searches all their old hangouts, talks to the Sherrif, and continues to try and call and text them to no avail. She brings in the help of an old family friend and her parents.
The mystery is quite interesting and takes on a sort of "superhero" type story where a person becomes something else. There are some interesting twists and turns. I found the story with Jack and his film crew interesting though, in my opinion, it didn't seem like any of the characters were in their thirties. Personalities aside, I found Ashlynn quite annoying and immature for her age.
Despite those few things, the story was a quick read and entertaining. Unique in nature for sure.
The boys start sneaking off and Ashlynn isn't quite sure where they are going. She's brushed off and left alone to her thoughts. When they disappear, she's out of her mind. She searches all their old hangouts, talks to the Sherrif, and continues to try and call and text them to no avail. She brings in the help of an old family friend and her parents.
The mystery is quite interesting and takes on a sort of "superhero" type story where a person becomes something else. There are some interesting twists and turns. I found the story with Jack and his film crew interesting though, in my opinion, it didn't seem like any of the characters were in their thirties. Personalities aside, I found Ashlynn quite annoying and immature for her age.
Despite those few things, the story was a quick read and entertaining. Unique in nature for sure.
March 3, 2022
Great book!!
There is Great character development.
I felt invested in each character as I read the story.
The story builds and builds in suspense.
I could not put this book down!!
I highly recommend this book!!
There is Great character development.
I felt invested in each character as I read the story.
The story builds and builds in suspense.
I could not put this book down!!
I highly recommend this book!!
October 27, 2023
The book had a decent plot idea, but the author’s writing style was very undeveloped. It seemed like something written by a junior high student. There were many spelling and grammar errors, and many instances where the book did not make logical sense. Definitely would not recommend.
January 7, 2025
A well thought out story with interesting characters. I just felt the dialogue was a bit immature at times and made me cringe.
December 19, 2020
Good, fast read. The dialogue was generally realistic. I always felt the author stepped into the protagonist and truly answered what would this woman actually do.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews