What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanished #1
Snatched
A bullet to the forehead abruptly ended Athena Kazan’s bright career as a prosecutor. She survived, but barely. Now, she lives quietly in Durango, Colorado—until a frantic pregnant woman at a gas station shoves a card into Athena’s hand.
The card reads: Over forty women and girls—mostly pregnant—held prisoner! Five dead already. About an hour east of Durango. Call the FBI. Sheriff’s office corrupt. PLEASE HELP US!
A looming thug with a poorly hidden pistol hustles the pregnant woman and her female friend away. Athena fights a scream and follows. Unfortunately, she can’t do much. Even with the help of a cane, she can barely walk.
With panic rising in her throat, Athena takes down the license number of the thug’s Suburban. But what if the plate is fake? Athena follows in her pickup and begs for help from the US Marshal’s Office and the FBI.
Both agencies turn her down. Athena keeps following the Suburban, racking her brain for a plan that could save the women's lives without getting herself killed. Unfortunately, the greedy bastards who run the secret prison already have blood on their hands. They won’t hesitate to kill Athena, too.
The card reads: Over forty women and girls—mostly pregnant—held prisoner! Five dead already. About an hour east of Durango. Call the FBI. Sheriff’s office corrupt. PLEASE HELP US!
A looming thug with a poorly hidden pistol hustles the pregnant woman and her female friend away. Athena fights a scream and follows. Unfortunately, she can’t do much. Even with the help of a cane, she can barely walk.
With panic rising in her throat, Athena takes down the license number of the thug’s Suburban. But what if the plate is fake? Athena follows in her pickup and begs for help from the US Marshal’s Office and the FBI.
Both agencies turn her down. Athena keeps following the Suburban, racking her brain for a plan that could save the women's lives without getting herself killed. Unfortunately, the greedy bastards who run the secret prison already have blood on their hands. They won’t hesitate to kill Athena, too.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2021
661 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Michael Arches
22 books23 followersMichael Arches moved to the Denver, Colorado area in the early 1980’s, and he has never left. Before coming to Denver, he had lived in eight different places, but he and his wife settled down in Colorado and raised their family here. The natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains attracted him here in the first place, and he’s still finding precious jewels in them there hills to write about.
https://www.facebook.com/mrarches
https://www.facebook.com/mrarches
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 5, 2021
Terrible subject....
But a very good story. The dynamics of the worst kind of criminal element versus the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and perseverance of the victims. Yes, a little bit was an overreach in believability, but that is what books are for. Escapism!
But a very good story. The dynamics of the worst kind of criminal element versus the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and perseverance of the victims. Yes, a little bit was an overreach in believability, but that is what books are for. Escapism!
February 8, 2021
Great story line --- a bit skeptical about Athena's sudden computer skills after taking a bullet to the head. Stranger things have happened.. A few typos that were quickly forgotten as the story progressed..
Athena now in Witness protection living a quiet life near Durango,CO encounters a couple of women being herded from gas station bathroom to a waiting vehicle, but no before one of them hands off a desperate note for help to her. Now the adventure and tale of brutality and quest for millions begins.
I read thru this so quickly, I had to get online and buy the 2nd in this series
Athena now in Witness protection living a quiet life near Durango,CO encounters a couple of women being herded from gas station bathroom to a waiting vehicle, but no before one of them hands off a desperate note for help to her. Now the adventure and tale of brutality and quest for millions begins.
I read thru this so quickly, I had to get online and buy the 2nd in this series
September 1, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is the first time I’m reading anything by Michael Arches. The book cover and the title immediately drew me in. So, let’s meet Athena Kazan, a former Cheyene federal prosecutor who was shot in the head when she came upon a cash exchange between Wyoming’s Attorney General and Dominique Santiago, the daughter of a drug cartel leader. Athena was maimed (wears a glass eye and walks with a limp) and is now in witness protection in Colorado because Dominique’s father has a huge bounty on her head to prevent her from testifying against his daughter.
Fast forward and Athena (now Christina Nielsen) gets embroiled in a dangerous situation. It all happened while she was waiting in line to use the bathroom at a discount gas station when Jackie, a pregnant woman slipped her an index card asking for help. Jackie was with her nurse, Mia and they both got whisked away by an armed man into a Chevy Suburban. Unable to get the feds to send help, Athena decides to follow them (I admired her spunk). But things get dicey when she is later kidnapped from her apartment and taken as a surrogate in the care of Misha Chekov, psychopathic boss on behalf of Mr. Langer, an insane New York billionaire.
Overall, this was an intense read. This book had me on the edge of my seat once the feds finally got involved and ramped up a rescue mission of the women and young girls who were trapped as surrogates and sex slaves. The subject matter (kidnapping) isn’t one that gets a lot of attention, so I think the author did a great job shining some light on it and giving the storyline a good resolution.
Nevertheless, I was a bit disappointed that Misha Chekov didn’t get a death deserving of his cruel treatment of these women. Also, I really wanted to know who the mole in the FBI was but everyone including Dr. Wu, the OB/GYN cut a deal to spill their guts about the surrogacy operation. Otherwise, this was a great read! Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
Jackie uttered a quiet gasp, looked with pleading eyes at Athena and pressed an index card into her free hand. That done, Jackie hurried after Mia and Rico.
Athena froze. What the hell was going on?
But before figuring that out, she really had to relieve herself. She hurried into the bathroom and sat to do her business. Only then did she check out the three-by-five card.
In clear block print, it said: Over forty women and girls—mostly pregnant—held prisoner! Five dead already. About an hour east of Durango. Call the FBI. Sheriff’s office corrupt. PLEASE HELP US!
This is the first time I’m reading anything by Michael Arches. The book cover and the title immediately drew me in. So, let’s meet Athena Kazan, a former Cheyene federal prosecutor who was shot in the head when she came upon a cash exchange between Wyoming’s Attorney General and Dominique Santiago, the daughter of a drug cartel leader. Athena was maimed (wears a glass eye and walks with a limp) and is now in witness protection in Colorado because Dominique’s father has a huge bounty on her head to prevent her from testifying against his daughter.
Fast forward and Athena (now Christina Nielsen) gets embroiled in a dangerous situation. It all happened while she was waiting in line to use the bathroom at a discount gas station when Jackie, a pregnant woman slipped her an index card asking for help. Jackie was with her nurse, Mia and they both got whisked away by an armed man into a Chevy Suburban. Unable to get the feds to send help, Athena decides to follow them (I admired her spunk). But things get dicey when she is later kidnapped from her apartment and taken as a surrogate in the care of Misha Chekov, psychopathic boss on behalf of Mr. Langer, an insane New York billionaire.
Overall, this was an intense read. This book had me on the edge of my seat once the feds finally got involved and ramped up a rescue mission of the women and young girls who were trapped as surrogates and sex slaves. The subject matter (kidnapping) isn’t one that gets a lot of attention, so I think the author did a great job shining some light on it and giving the storyline a good resolution.
Nevertheless, I was a bit disappointed that Misha Chekov didn’t get a death deserving of his cruel treatment of these women. Also, I really wanted to know who the mole in the FBI was but everyone including Dr. Wu, the OB/GYN cut a deal to spill their guts about the surrogacy operation. Otherwise, this was a great read! Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
Jackie uttered a quiet gasp, looked with pleading eyes at Athena and pressed an index card into her free hand. That done, Jackie hurried after Mia and Rico.
Athena froze. What the hell was going on?
But before figuring that out, she really had to relieve herself. She hurried into the bathroom and sat to do her business. Only then did she check out the three-by-five card.
In clear block print, it said: Over forty women and girls—mostly pregnant—held prisoner! Five dead already. About an hour east of Durango. Call the FBI. Sheriff’s office corrupt. PLEASE HELP US!
November 11, 2023
I found another new favorite author
Kudos to Michael Arches. I thoroughly enjoyed Snatched. The story was suburb. The facts brought out in the book created a possibility of this problem happening in our world today. Yes, unfortunately, while my heart aches, there are many women and girls kidnapped for the specific product, selling newborn babies. (shudder) That is the way slime dwellers of mankind make money from the absolute misery of others, just preying on females needed only for their reproduction systems. BUT this book introduced the fascinating characters who had flaws of their own. The natures of the people joined together in this journey, factored into the successful results of the story. Athena/Christine had been in the wrong place at the wrong time which assisted in her new cognitive abilities. Beau had acted with his little head instead of his brain and sent, by his commanding officer in his native region of New Orleans, to Beau's depiction of Siberia, in Colorado. The women who were the self appointed "rescue squad" for the other unfortunate preggers, Maggie, Mia, Jackie, Erica, Donna and the two other nurses killed, also had their own experiences from life for strength and abilities. Maggie was ex-military. Donna, Erica and Mia were nurses. There had also been a police officer included in the women ripped from their former lives. To summarise, good guys, bad guys, preggers, and oh holy, a forest fire headed to the compound the women had been held in last. Not to say lightly, all kinds of suspense. This was a stand-alone book. I expect the next book will throw Athena and Beau into further adventure, suspense and mysteries. Bring it on Michael Arches. I'm ready.
Kudos to Michael Arches. I thoroughly enjoyed Snatched. The story was suburb. The facts brought out in the book created a possibility of this problem happening in our world today. Yes, unfortunately, while my heart aches, there are many women and girls kidnapped for the specific product, selling newborn babies. (shudder) That is the way slime dwellers of mankind make money from the absolute misery of others, just preying on females needed only for their reproduction systems. BUT this book introduced the fascinating characters who had flaws of their own. The natures of the people joined together in this journey, factored into the successful results of the story. Athena/Christine had been in the wrong place at the wrong time which assisted in her new cognitive abilities. Beau had acted with his little head instead of his brain and sent, by his commanding officer in his native region of New Orleans, to Beau's depiction of Siberia, in Colorado. The women who were the self appointed "rescue squad" for the other unfortunate preggers, Maggie, Mia, Jackie, Erica, Donna and the two other nurses killed, also had their own experiences from life for strength and abilities. Maggie was ex-military. Donna, Erica and Mia were nurses. There had also been a police officer included in the women ripped from their former lives. To summarise, good guys, bad guys, preggers, and oh holy, a forest fire headed to the compound the women had been held in last. Not to say lightly, all kinds of suspense. This was a stand-alone book. I expect the next book will throw Athena and Beau into further adventure, suspense and mysteries. Bring it on Michael Arches. I'm ready.
September 22, 2021
The female lead character was unique, which is always fun to read about. She had physical challenges due to a violent attack in her past, which also gives her trust issues and some pretty decent PTSD. Still, she has a lot of determination and street-smarts to help her get through life.
The story behind the story is revealed in dribbles and drabbles throughout the book which keeps the pace very quick. The author seems to use the Lee Childs method of pacing... if things start to slow down, kill someone. Which he does, in some very creative ways.
I'll be interested to see where the series goes from here.
The story behind the story is revealed in dribbles and drabbles throughout the book which keeps the pace very quick. The author seems to use the Lee Childs method of pacing... if things start to slow down, kill someone. Which he does, in some very creative ways.
I'll be interested to see where the series goes from here.
July 29, 2021
What I liked:
The heroine, Athena, is one of a kind. She's disabled due to a near-fatal shooting, and yet she's got spunk and a desire to do good.
The bad guys and their actions are truly evil. But, a few of them do show some humanity.
Most of the activity seems plausible.
It is a stand-alone book. (But, I'd like to read more about the lead characters.)
What I didn't like:
Some of the activity was very unlikely.
The head villain, a billionaire, seemed too cartoonish.
The heroine, Athena, is one of a kind. She's disabled due to a near-fatal shooting, and yet she's got spunk and a desire to do good.
The bad guys and their actions are truly evil. But, a few of them do show some humanity.
Most of the activity seems plausible.
It is a stand-alone book. (But, I'd like to read more about the lead characters.)
What I didn't like:
Some of the activity was very unlikely.
The head villain, a billionaire, seemed too cartoonish.
February 7, 2021
Intense
This was a pretty intense book. It quickly jumped into action and never let the pace up during the whole book. If course, it has just the slightest hint at romance. The main character is like a super woman...even though she has handicaps that you wouldn't think she could overcome. It's a disturbing subject, slave surrogates, and even have me a nightmare, but it is extremely well written...and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was a pretty intense book. It quickly jumped into action and never let the pace up during the whole book. If course, it has just the slightest hint at romance. The main character is like a super woman...even though she has handicaps that you wouldn't think she could overcome. It's a disturbing subject, slave surrogates, and even have me a nightmare, but it is extremely well written...and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 13, 2021
A Fairy Tale
Snatched is a long way from a fairy tale but after you read it you will know what I mean. I thought the book was excellent. I would have likely given Snatched five stars if not for the many small mistakes. They could be confusing. It was as if it was typed from a recording since words such as in were shown as and, etc. The author needs a good "human" proofreader. The spell checkers just don't do the job.
Snatched is a long way from a fairy tale but after you read it you will know what I mean. I thought the book was excellent. I would have likely given Snatched five stars if not for the many small mistakes. They could be confusing. It was as if it was typed from a recording since words such as in were shown as and, etc. The author needs a good "human" proofreader. The spell checkers just don't do the job.
June 1, 2021
Not a romance
Heads up, if you are looking for flowers and butterflies this is not the story for you. There isn't a romantic element to this story and some of the book may be considered disturbing.
Either way, I was glad I found it! An excellent read with as far as I'm concerned a happy ending. Will gladly read from this author again.
Heads up, if you are looking for flowers and butterflies this is not the story for you. There isn't a romantic element to this story and some of the book may be considered disturbing.
Either way, I was glad I found it! An excellent read with as far as I'm concerned a happy ending. Will gladly read from this author again.
September 10, 2023
Awesome thriller book
I love the way Athena would not stop what she started even though of her own injuries. I loved the ending she made everyone pay for their faults and locked up the women that caused her injuries.
What I didn't like was that we never knew if Athena was pregnant or not.
I recommend this book to everyone.
I love the way Athena would not stop what she started even though of her own injuries. I loved the ending she made everyone pay for their faults and locked up the women that caused her injuries.
What I didn't like was that we never knew if Athena was pregnant or not.
I recommend this book to everyone.
February 2, 2021
I believe.
This story is totally believable. I'm sure there are things like happening right now. I've not known of anyone caught up in something like this but am sure this could be a true story. I would recommend this story to everyone.
This story is totally believable. I'm sure there are things like happening right now. I've not known of anyone caught up in something like this but am sure this could be a true story. I would recommend this story to everyone.
February 17, 2021
Intense!
New author for me and I'm quite impressed! Action from chapter one right to the very end.The story subject is one that terrifies women world wide and keeps in inn it's grip throughout the book.
New author for me and I'm quite impressed! Action from chapter one right to the very end.The story subject is one that terrifies women world wide and keeps in inn it's grip throughout the book.
June 11, 2021
Excellent Book
I found this to be a totally unexpected story! Thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced action and read in one sitting. I recommend this book to thriller readers . An entertaining tale and can't wait to read the next book!!
I found this to be a totally unexpected story! Thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced action and read in one sitting. I recommend this book to thriller readers . An entertaining tale and can't wait to read the next book!!
August 14, 2022
constantly needed to know….
This book kept me wanting to pick it up and find out the fate of Athena and all the other girls…. Also couldn’t wait for the guilty parties to receive their just rewards.
This book kept me wanting to pick it up and find out the fate of Athena and all the other girls…. Also couldn’t wait for the guilty parties to receive their just rewards.
February 7, 2023
A Well written and captivating story
Non stop action, and fast moving story. Subject is difficult to handle, how can this stuff happen in our society. Very grafic in places and surprizing. Not for some folks.
Non stop action, and fast moving story. Subject is difficult to handle, how can this stuff happen in our society. Very grafic in places and surprizing. Not for some folks.
December 19, 2023
My book review of Snatched.
I enjoyed the book very much especially the exciting escape from the warehouse housing all the pregnant women and their supporters.
I didn't dislike any parts of the book so keep writing.
Thanks
I enjoyed the book very much especially the exciting escape from the warehouse housing all the pregnant women and their supporters.
I didn't dislike any parts of the book so keep writing.
Thanks
June 7, 2025
very well written
Though the topic of this story is despicable and I am not naïve enough to think tactics of this type don’t exist in this world, the author kept my interest from page 1. Very well written.
Though the topic of this story is despicable and I am not naïve enough to think tactics of this type don’t exist in this world, the author kept my interest from page 1. Very well written.
July 26, 2025
Well written and an interesting premise
I like stories that are believable and have a few twists and turns to.keep you guessing. I also like stories written in plain clear English, nothing fancy. I will definitely read more from this author.
I like stories that are believable and have a few twists and turns to.keep you guessing. I also like stories written in plain clear English, nothing fancy. I will definitely read more from this author.
February 4, 2021
Omg awesome loved it
February 10, 2021
Snatched vanished book 1
Enjoyed reading this story it was very upbeat and well done
One of those books you can’t wait to turn the page .
Enjoyed reading this story it was very upbeat and well done
One of those books you can’t wait to turn the page .
February 10, 2021
well done suspense. Great characters kept me reading.
March 1, 2021
Unique and Dynamic Story
The story, its characters and the plot are all fast moving, intelligent and fantastic. I loved reading it and wanted it to continue.
The story, its characters and the plot are all fast moving, intelligent and fantastic. I loved reading it and wanted it to continue.
April 27, 2021
Amazing story
A heroins tale of a kidnapping ring and her efforts to save herself and many others from horrible conditions and possibly death.
A heroins tale of a kidnapping ring and her efforts to save herself and many others from horrible conditions and possibly death.
Want to read
May 27, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/27/2021)! 🎁
May 30, 2021
Good read.
June 4, 2021
Loved this book!
I'm giving this book 5 stars because it is suspenseful, has great characters and storyline. If you like suspense, this book is for you!
I'm giving this book 5 stars because it is suspenseful, has great characters and storyline. If you like suspense, this book is for you!
June 9, 2021
Started off boring, but got so good I couldn't put it down! Finished in a day!
June 10, 2021
Alls well that ends well...
June 18, 2021
Great Book
Will have to check for more books by author Fast moving could not put down till I finished.
Great book.
Will have to check for more books by author Fast moving could not put down till I finished.
Great book.
June 19, 2021
Good read……
Moved along steadily and was easy to follow. Characters were good and interesting. Location was real and easy to follow
Moved along steadily and was easy to follow. Characters were good and interesting. Location was real and easy to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews