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Lily Dale Mystery #5
The Stranger Vanishes
In the quirky, picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale, where the residents can talk to the dead, young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She doesn't believe in ghosts . . . but after a year in the village, she would admit that her new friends do sometimes seem to know impossible things.
Still, when a Black stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing arrives unexpectedly at Bella's guesthouse at midnight on Juneteenth, only to vanish the next day as if he'd never existed, Bella's sure there has to be a logical explanation. One that has nothing to do with the strange warning Odelia, the medium next door, delivers from the Spirits: Beware of . . . Barry?!
Bella doesn't know a Barry, and she has enough people in her life already, what with her young son Max and their two kitties, handsome vet Drew, a plethora of kind but nosy neighbors and a full house of summer guests. But as the mystery of the missing stranger deepens, she starts to wonder: did the Spirits really mean Barry? Or did they mean bury . . .
If you're a fan of gentle mysteries filled with quirky but endearing characters, and haven't met Bella and her friends yet, you're in for a real treat! The Stranger Vanishes is the fifth Lily Dale cozy, and it's safe to jump right in.
Still, when a Black stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing arrives unexpectedly at Bella's guesthouse at midnight on Juneteenth, only to vanish the next day as if he'd never existed, Bella's sure there has to be a logical explanation. One that has nothing to do with the strange warning Odelia, the medium next door, delivers from the Spirits: Beware of . . . Barry?!
Bella doesn't know a Barry, and she has enough people in her life already, what with her young son Max and their two kitties, handsome vet Drew, a plethora of kind but nosy neighbors and a full house of summer guests. But as the mystery of the missing stranger deepens, she starts to wonder: did the Spirits really mean Barry? Or did they mean bury . . .
If you're a fan of gentle mysteries filled with quirky but endearing characters, and haven't met Bella and her friends yet, you're in for a real treat! The Stranger Vanishes is the fifth Lily Dale cozy, and it's safe to jump right in.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
34 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Corsi Staub
81 books1,891 followersNew York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub is the award-winning author of more than ninety novels, best known for the single title psychological suspense novels she writes under her own name. Those books and the women’s fiction written under the pseudonym Wendy Markham have also appeared on the USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookscan bestseller lists.
Her current standalone suspense novel, THE OTHER FAMILY, is about a picture-perfect family that that moves into a picture-perfect house. But not everything is as it seems, and the page-turner concludes “with a wallop of a twist,” according to #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben.
Her critically acclaimed Lily Dale traditional mystery series centers around a widowed single mom—and skeptic—who moves to a town populated by spiritualists who talk to the dead. Titles include NINE LIVES; SOMETHING BURIED, SOMETHING BLUE; DEAD OF WINTER; and PROSE AND CONS, with a fifth book under contract.
Wendy has written five suspense trilogies for HarperCollins/William Morrow. The most recent, The Foundlings (LITTLE GIRL LOST, DEAD SILENCE, and THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER), spans fifty years in the life of a woman left as a newborn in a Harlem church, now an investigative genealogist helping others uncover their biological roots while still searching for her own.
Written as Wendy Markham, Wendy’s novel HELLO, IT’S ME was a recent Hallmark television movie starring Kellie Martin. Her short story “Cat Got Your Tongue” appeared in R.L. Stine’s MWA middle grade anthology SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN and her short story “The Elephant in the Room” is included in the Anthony Award-nominated inaugural anthology SHATTERING GLASS.
A three-time finalist for the Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, she’s won an RWA Rita Award, an RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense, the 2007 RWA-NYC Golden Apple Award for Lifetime Achievement, and five WLA Washington Irving Prizes for Fiction.
She previously published a dozen adult suspense novels with Kensington Books and the critically-acclaimed young adult paranormal series “Lily Dale” (Walker/Bloomsbury). Earlier in her career, she published a broad range of genres under her own name and pseudonyms, and was a co-author/ghostwriter for several celebrities.
Raised in Dunkirk, NY, Wendy graduated from SUNY Fredonia and launched a publishing career in New York City. She was Associate Editor at Silhouette Books before selling her first novel in 1992. Married with two sons, she lives in the NYC suburbs. An active supporter of the American Cancer Society, she was a featured speaker at Northern Westchester’s 2015 Relay for Life and 2012 National Spokesperson for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. She has fostered for various animal rescue organizations.
Her current standalone suspense novel, THE OTHER FAMILY, is about a picture-perfect family that that moves into a picture-perfect house. But not everything is as it seems, and the page-turner concludes “with a wallop of a twist,” according to #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben.
Her critically acclaimed Lily Dale traditional mystery series centers around a widowed single mom—and skeptic—who moves to a town populated by spiritualists who talk to the dead. Titles include NINE LIVES; SOMETHING BURIED, SOMETHING BLUE; DEAD OF WINTER; and PROSE AND CONS, with a fifth book under contract.
Wendy has written five suspense trilogies for HarperCollins/William Morrow. The most recent, The Foundlings (LITTLE GIRL LOST, DEAD SILENCE, and THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER), spans fifty years in the life of a woman left as a newborn in a Harlem church, now an investigative genealogist helping others uncover their biological roots while still searching for her own.
Written as Wendy Markham, Wendy’s novel HELLO, IT’S ME was a recent Hallmark television movie starring Kellie Martin. Her short story “Cat Got Your Tongue” appeared in R.L. Stine’s MWA middle grade anthology SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN and her short story “The Elephant in the Room” is included in the Anthony Award-nominated inaugural anthology SHATTERING GLASS.
A three-time finalist for the Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, she’s won an RWA Rita Award, an RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense, the 2007 RWA-NYC Golden Apple Award for Lifetime Achievement, and five WLA Washington Irving Prizes for Fiction.
She previously published a dozen adult suspense novels with Kensington Books and the critically-acclaimed young adult paranormal series “Lily Dale” (Walker/Bloomsbury). Earlier in her career, she published a broad range of genres under her own name and pseudonyms, and was a co-author/ghostwriter for several celebrities.
Raised in Dunkirk, NY, Wendy graduated from SUNY Fredonia and launched a publishing career in New York City. She was Associate Editor at Silhouette Books before selling her first novel in 1992. Married with two sons, she lives in the NYC suburbs. An active supporter of the American Cancer Society, she was a featured speaker at Northern Westchester’s 2015 Relay for Life and 2012 National Spokesperson for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. She has fostered for various animal rescue organizations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 29, 2022
Bella accepts a middle of the night guest at her guesthouse only for him to have disappeared the next morning. So thought he was a spirit others thought he skipped out on his bill, but Bella didn’t believe either. She felt as if something happened to her guest. As time and investigation goes on it seems spirits want to provide help for Bella and her friends to solve the mystery.
When I saw this book available on Netgalley for review I didn’t know it was book five in a series and the description was interesting. I was happy I requested the book. I had no problems enjoying this book as a stand alone mystery. I am sure there are some backstories that would be helpful but I never felt confused about what was going on. The characters are likable, interesting, and relatable. There are a large number of secondary characters that have gifts of seeing spirit, however, the main character Bella isn’t one of them. Bella is smart, accepting of others, and caring. The setting of Lily Dale gives you a welcoming small town feeling. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of surprises. I recommend this book to cozy and paranormal cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
When I saw this book available on Netgalley for review I didn’t know it was book five in a series and the description was interesting. I was happy I requested the book. I had no problems enjoying this book as a stand alone mystery. I am sure there are some backstories that would be helpful but I never felt confused about what was going on. The characters are likable, interesting, and relatable. There are a large number of secondary characters that have gifts of seeing spirit, however, the main character Bella isn’t one of them. Bella is smart, accepting of others, and caring. The setting of Lily Dale gives you a welcoming small town feeling. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of surprises. I recommend this book to cozy and paranormal cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
February 10, 2023
The Stranger Vanishes by Wendy Corsi Staub is the fifth in the Lily Dale paranormal cozy mystery series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Severn, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Lily Dale is a small gated community in New York State. It was the birthplace of modern spiritualism back in the 1980's and today's population predominantly consists of psychics. The energy in the town is known as Spirit, and most residents speak with this entity. In the summer season, it is a very busy place, as tourists from around the world come for readings, as well as physical, spiritual and emotional healing. Bella Jordan and her son Max ended up in the town while trying to return a cat to it's owner...who, it turned out was dead. Bella ended up not only looking after the dead woman's pregnant cat, but also her bed & breakfast, The Valley View Guesthouse. Bella is a skeptic.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The new season is arriving tomorrow in Lily Dale, and the Valley View Guesthouse will be booked solid for the next couple of months. The night before all her guests are to arrive, Bella opens her door to a black man dressed in old-fashioned clothing in the middle of the night. His name is Lemuel, and he needs a room for just the night. Bella takes him in, but the next morning he is gone. Left behind is a rather old-fashioned satchel. Closer examination shows some perplexing items. Bella is sure he was real, but others in town think he may have been a ghost.
Odelia warned Bella to be wary of someone named Barry....but no one seems to know anyone by that name. Perhaps it's Bella's other strange guest who identified himself as Mr. Stone, but who she overheard on the phone saying it was an alias.
Meanwhile, David Slayton is back in town for the Juneteenth ceremony. Odelia is not thrilled that her boyfriend Luther asked him to speak, but since Slayton's grandfather was a well-known abolitionist, he was a natural choice. Calla, Odelia's grand-daughter, is still dating David's son, and Odelia is not thrilled with that. Calla, too, is having doubts.
My Opinions:
Well, I can't say that either Pandora or Jiffy are growing on me, but the other characters just keep getting better.
The plot was really good, and kept me interested from start to finish.
It was another light, fast read, so if you are interested in a cozy mystery, this series is right for you. They may not be deep, but they are good.
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 1, 2022
Book Title: The Stranger Vanishes
Series: Lily Dale Mystery #5
Author: Wendy Corsi Staub
Audiobook Narrator: Avery May
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Historical Fiction
Pub Date: October 4, 2022
My Rating: 5 Stars!
I read Prose and Cons which was my first Lily Dale Mystery and I loved it!
If you are new to this series I am started with some background ~
Bella Jordan, our protagonist was very happy married to Sam, the love of her life. However, when you are young you don’t think of dying from an illness nor consider the importance of having life and medical insurance. When Sam died, Bella’s world was turned upside down; she was in such a state of grief that she didn’t notice that her landlord was selling their rental, she was financially in a hole. To top off all of this she lost her teaching job due to District Budget cuts. She is friends with Pandora who lives in Lily Dale and suggests Bella and her now seven year-old son Max move to Lily Dale where she is able to get a job running the beautiful Valley View Guesthouse.
Now after being in Lily Dale for 2 years, Bella’s friendship with Drew Bailey the veterinarian continues, however, Bella still worries that she is betraying Sam.
Lily Dale is a charming lakeside village in New York and the home of Spiritualism. The residences are unique and yes speak to spirits.
Bella is a non-believe but is becoming more receptive to the idea as she has experienced several unusual events.
On the evening of Juneteenth, Lemuel a young black man shows up at the Guesthouse and asks for a room. He doesn’t have a car or luggage but is carrying a satchel and is dressed in clothes from the turn of the century ~ hmmm - however, in Lily Dale nothing is really all that strange.
The next day, Lemuel has disappeared or as the title indicates the stranger has vanished! The only thing left in his room is the satchel he was carrying.
When he doesn’t return Belle looks in the satchel for clues. She finds a diary dated 1863. This diary is written during the Civil War by a Lolie, a young woman married to a man she calls Mr. F who is hiding slaves in their barn.
As Bella and friends read the diary they are wondering if Lemuel is an apparition from the late 1800s. Since he arrived on Juneteenth, she wonders if he may have something to do with the Emancipation of Slaves in 1865 as Juneteenth is the national commemoration. Or perhaps as the diary indicates he was part of the Underground Railroad which as we known was the secret organization that helped escaped slaves travel from the South to Canada.
Bella’s next door neighbor Odelia, who is a Medium. warns Bella that the spirits have given her a message: Beware of . . . Barry?
Hmmm
Certainly has me curious!
I enjoy reading cozy mysteries! I find they usually follow a bit of a formula:
Fun entertaining - character based
The crime-solver is usually a woman who is well liked, has a dog or a cat, and of course, is an
amateur sleuth
Love Interest ~ usually they don’t like each other at first.
All the residence know each other and are likeable
Mystery but no blood and gore
SO yes this cozy has some familiar “coziness” however; it is different than others I have read.
I found this story very enjoyable!! The characters are such a delight ~ And . . .
I am looking forward to Wendy Corsi Staub's "Lily Dale Mystery #6"!
BTW: Audiobook narrator Avery May does a great job in performing the characters!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this awesome early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 4, 2022
Series: Lily Dale Mystery #5
Author: Wendy Corsi Staub
Audiobook Narrator: Avery May
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Historical Fiction
Pub Date: October 4, 2022
My Rating: 5 Stars!
I read Prose and Cons which was my first Lily Dale Mystery and I loved it!
If you are new to this series I am started with some background ~
Bella Jordan, our protagonist was very happy married to Sam, the love of her life. However, when you are young you don’t think of dying from an illness nor consider the importance of having life and medical insurance. When Sam died, Bella’s world was turned upside down; she was in such a state of grief that she didn’t notice that her landlord was selling their rental, she was financially in a hole. To top off all of this she lost her teaching job due to District Budget cuts. She is friends with Pandora who lives in Lily Dale and suggests Bella and her now seven year-old son Max move to Lily Dale where she is able to get a job running the beautiful Valley View Guesthouse.
Now after being in Lily Dale for 2 years, Bella’s friendship with Drew Bailey the veterinarian continues, however, Bella still worries that she is betraying Sam.
Lily Dale is a charming lakeside village in New York and the home of Spiritualism. The residences are unique and yes speak to spirits.
Bella is a non-believe but is becoming more receptive to the idea as she has experienced several unusual events.
On the evening of Juneteenth, Lemuel a young black man shows up at the Guesthouse and asks for a room. He doesn’t have a car or luggage but is carrying a satchel and is dressed in clothes from the turn of the century ~ hmmm - however, in Lily Dale nothing is really all that strange.
The next day, Lemuel has disappeared or as the title indicates the stranger has vanished! The only thing left in his room is the satchel he was carrying.
When he doesn’t return Belle looks in the satchel for clues. She finds a diary dated 1863. This diary is written during the Civil War by a Lolie, a young woman married to a man she calls Mr. F who is hiding slaves in their barn.
As Bella and friends read the diary they are wondering if Lemuel is an apparition from the late 1800s. Since he arrived on Juneteenth, she wonders if he may have something to do with the Emancipation of Slaves in 1865 as Juneteenth is the national commemoration. Or perhaps as the diary indicates he was part of the Underground Railroad which as we known was the secret organization that helped escaped slaves travel from the South to Canada.
Bella’s next door neighbor Odelia, who is a Medium. warns Bella that the spirits have given her a message: Beware of . . . Barry?
Hmmm
Certainly has me curious!
I enjoy reading cozy mysteries! I find they usually follow a bit of a formula:
Fun entertaining - character based
The crime-solver is usually a woman who is well liked, has a dog or a cat, and of course, is an
amateur sleuth
Love Interest ~ usually they don’t like each other at first.
All the residence know each other and are likeable
Mystery but no blood and gore
SO yes this cozy has some familiar “coziness” however; it is different than others I have read.
I found this story very enjoyable!! The characters are such a delight ~ And . . .
I am looking forward to Wendy Corsi Staub's "Lily Dale Mystery #6"!
BTW: Audiobook narrator Avery May does a great job in performing the characters!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this awesome early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 4, 2022
October 12, 2022
We are back in Lilly Dale where everyone is a psychic and speaks to Spirit (dead people) or at least that is expect Bella because she doesn't believe in all that. She runs a bed and breakfast and on the eve of the festival a stranger comes pounding on her door late at night. Dressed in old fashioned clothes she reluctantly rents him a room for the night letting him know he will have to check out the next day. In the morning he is gone and didn't pay for his room but left his belongings. Did he room and dash? Some speculate he was a ghost. When they investigate his bag they find a diary that was dated from many years ago and brings to light things that could bring down the prominent member of town who is launching a campaign for congress. So many mysteries in this one man. Oh, and then another man checks in and is just as mysterious. What is going on? If you are new to this series, you can read this one as it could be read as a standalone. I do recommend this series though. It is fun, just pure fun.
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
October 5, 2022
Bella may live in the town of Lily Dale where it seems like everyone is a psychic of some kind but that doesn't mean that she has to believe it. Even if she has seen a lot of unexplainable things in the last year that has often been involved with crimes that have occurred that she unfortunately gets entangled with. Now, the night before the opening of the summer season a man dressed in old fashioned clothes and a formal way of speaking begs to spend the night. But then he just mysteriously disappears without any trace leaving behind a satchel and an old diary. Was he a spirit or has something more sinister occurred.
The author has interwoven historical details, the possibility of paranormal occurrences, and the elements of a cozy into a good story with sensitivity to past injustices and the strength of the human spirit.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
The author has interwoven historical details, the possibility of paranormal occurrences, and the elements of a cozy into a good story with sensitivity to past injustices and the strength of the human spirit.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
October 3, 2022
It's been some time since I fell in love with this series. Lily Vale is an interesting place full of quirky characters and there's always some paranormal side that makes the mix more exciting.
Bella, Max, the cats are as lovely as usual and I liked this well plotted story that kept me guessing and turning pages.
Even it's not the first in the series it can be read as a stand alone as there's a lot of explanations.
An entertaining and compelling mystery, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Bella, Max, the cats are as lovely as usual and I liked this well plotted story that kept me guessing and turning pages.
Even it's not the first in the series it can be read as a stand alone as there's a lot of explanations.
An entertaining and compelling mystery, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 19, 2022
Bella’s B&B will be fully booked from tomorrow, but she lets a late night arrival stay overnight. He’s a young black guy, dressed for the 19th century. Next morning he’s gone before Bella wakens, possibly just gone for a walk because he’s left behind his satchel, also like something from the 19th century. When he doesn’t show up she looks for a clue to his identity, but the only thing in the satchel is a diary dated 1863. Ordinarily one might assume that he was just an eccentric traveller, possibly a hobo, but this is Lily Dale a gated lakeside village in New York State – “the place where people talk to dead people”. Almost everyone here is Psychic, except Bella, her young son, the local vet and a retired detective. Visitors come from all over to get messages from their deceased relatives. So was the visitor, Lemuel, an apparition? Bella doesn’t see ghosts, and anyway he was a solid three-dimensional man and the satchel and diary are real. All possible say the mediums and mystics but Bella remains sceptical, even in the face of apparent clues from beyond. The diary was written by a young farmer’s wife – does it contain a clue to the disappearance? Is there a connection with Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the Emancipation of Slaves in 1865, since that was the day Lemuel arrived? Or perhaps with the Underground Railway, the secret organisation which had helped escaped slaves to travel from the South to Canada before that event? By coincidence a local celebrity, David Slayton, is preparing to stand for Congress, partly on the back of his famous ancestor John who had been a hero of the Railway. So a complex background to the mystery. Assuming there is a mystery.
Although based in what would seem to many to be a fantasy village, and hence detecting things by supernatural means, this is not the case. The identification of a crime, it’s detection and resolution by Bella, is absolutely normal; it could have happened anywhere. The setting makes it an entertaining story in the cosy crime genre. This is the 5th outing for Bella and I anticipate there will be more. The author is one of the most prolific and versatile writing today, producing standalone stories, different series, collaborations, adaptations, sometimes three or more a year and in different genres. This is, I think, her 81st book, and number 82 is already on the way. There is no real challenge in the story for mystery addicts, but it fits together smoothly and efficiently and I enjoyed it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Although based in what would seem to many to be a fantasy village, and hence detecting things by supernatural means, this is not the case. The identification of a crime, it’s detection and resolution by Bella, is absolutely normal; it could have happened anywhere. The setting makes it an entertaining story in the cosy crime genre. This is the 5th outing for Bella and I anticipate there will be more. The author is one of the most prolific and versatile writing today, producing standalone stories, different series, collaborations, adaptations, sometimes three or more a year and in different genres. This is, I think, her 81st book, and number 82 is already on the way. There is no real challenge in the story for mystery addicts, but it fits together smoothly and efficiently and I enjoyed it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
October 19, 2022
I admit it. I was drawn to the adorable cat on the cover. Cats were part of the story, so no bait and switch happened here.
This is a cozy mystery. Generally, I find this genre okay when I want a light read. It seems cozy mystery authors try to outdo each other with crazy, over-the-top scenarios. This one takes place in a tourist town that is known for psychics and paranormal events, but not in a creepy, horror context. Tourists come to the town to stay in a charming B&B (owned by the main character) and make appointments with a local medium to chat with deceased loved ones. One of the cats has psychic mystery solving abilities. Silly, yes, but also cute. If this novel were not well-written, it would be a really stupid story, but the author pulls it off with decent character development, well-developed atmosphere and setting, researched history, and a pretty good mystery.
A B&B guest shows up in the middle of the night but disappears by morning. Consistent with the premise of this series, the characters wonder if he is a ghost or time traveler. One of the kids has visions about the guy. A diary turns up about a woman involved in the Underground Railroad.
For a cozy mystery, this is a pretty complicated situation. I liked this book more than I expected and would read another in the series. Maybe the cheerful psychic theme is nothing new to cozy aficionados, but it felt fresh and interesting to me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cozy mystery. Generally, I find this genre okay when I want a light read. It seems cozy mystery authors try to outdo each other with crazy, over-the-top scenarios. This one takes place in a tourist town that is known for psychics and paranormal events, but not in a creepy, horror context. Tourists come to the town to stay in a charming B&B (owned by the main character) and make appointments with a local medium to chat with deceased loved ones. One of the cats has psychic mystery solving abilities. Silly, yes, but also cute. If this novel were not well-written, it would be a really stupid story, but the author pulls it off with decent character development, well-developed atmosphere and setting, researched history, and a pretty good mystery.
A B&B guest shows up in the middle of the night but disappears by morning. Consistent with the premise of this series, the characters wonder if he is a ghost or time traveler. One of the kids has visions about the guy. A diary turns up about a woman involved in the Underground Railroad.
For a cozy mystery, this is a pretty complicated situation. I liked this book more than I expected and would read another in the series. Maybe the cheerful psychic theme is nothing new to cozy aficionados, but it felt fresh and interesting to me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audio copy.
The Stranger Vanishes takes place in the small town of Lily Dale. Lily Dale is not your typical town, its a town where the residents talk with the dead. All residents except for Bella Jordan. Bella Jordan is a skeptic, the main reason is her husband passes away and she would give anything to talk to him again. Everything has its way of reminding her of him but she never gets the chance to see or talk to him.
Bella has a stranger come late and night to check into the Inn she is running. Something seemed a little off to her but she has always felt that she is a good judge of character and in the end she thought he was harmless. When morning comes she never sees the stranger come out of their room. After checkout time passes Bella goes to his room to check on him. She doesn’t find time but she does find his bag that was left behind.
A town full of mediums and people who believe is ghost they feel that this late night stranger was actually a spirit, not a ghost, a spirit.
There is a mystery to solve involving the stranger dating back to the 1800’s. With the help of the residents and some spirits the race is on to solve a mystery over a century old. This book will have you going back and fourth trying to figure out if the stranger was real or a spirit. When it all comes together you will be left smiling. This was a fun book that I definitely recommend.
The Stranger Vanishes takes place in the small town of Lily Dale. Lily Dale is not your typical town, its a town where the residents talk with the dead. All residents except for Bella Jordan. Bella Jordan is a skeptic, the main reason is her husband passes away and she would give anything to talk to him again. Everything has its way of reminding her of him but she never gets the chance to see or talk to him.
Bella has a stranger come late and night to check into the Inn she is running. Something seemed a little off to her but she has always felt that she is a good judge of character and in the end she thought he was harmless. When morning comes she never sees the stranger come out of their room. After checkout time passes Bella goes to his room to check on him. She doesn’t find time but she does find his bag that was left behind.
A town full of mediums and people who believe is ghost they feel that this late night stranger was actually a spirit, not a ghost, a spirit.
There is a mystery to solve involving the stranger dating back to the 1800’s. With the help of the residents and some spirits the race is on to solve a mystery over a century old. This book will have you going back and fourth trying to figure out if the stranger was real or a spirit. When it all comes together you will be left smiling. This was a fun book that I definitely recommend.
July 25, 2022
The residents of Lily Dale have talents that people come from all around partake in. While Bella Jordan isn’t one of those talented people, she is a Lily Dale resident and trusts her instincts. When a lodger comes late at night and disappears the next morning, her friends tell her it sounds like she saw Spirit…but Bella doesn’t believe in ghosts and believes the man was a real as she is and didn’t run out without paying, especially when he leaves behind his satchel and a very old journal. But when she reads the journal, Bella starts to question whether it was a real man or not.
As she and her friends, both psychic and not, dig into the mystery of the missing lodger, they begin to find out more about the local history and soon connect it to a local family. But first she needs to determine whether the lodger was spirit or human…and what happened to him. With her friends worried her her safety, Bella takes heir help and refuses to give up until she has answers, whether human or spiritual. I remember reading the first book in this series and I was hooked from the get go. The story of a young widowed mother finding a new place to call home and new friends to call family along with the specialness of Lily Dale make this one you cannot put down and eagerly await the next entry in the series. If you like paranormal cozies, this one is for you!
As she and her friends, both psychic and not, dig into the mystery of the missing lodger, they begin to find out more about the local history and soon connect it to a local family. But first she needs to determine whether the lodger was spirit or human…and what happened to him. With her friends worried her her safety, Bella takes heir help and refuses to give up until she has answers, whether human or spiritual. I remember reading the first book in this series and I was hooked from the get go. The story of a young widowed mother finding a new place to call home and new friends to call family along with the specialness of Lily Dale make this one you cannot put down and eagerly await the next entry in the series. If you like paranormal cozies, this one is for you!
October 9, 2022
My thanks to Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Stranger Vanishes’ by Wendy Corsi Staub.
While this is Book 5 in her Lily Dale Mysteries, there was enough background provided for new readers that I didn’t have any difficulty.
The picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale is populated by people who speak to the dead. Young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She currently manages the Valley View Guesthouse, living there with her young son Max and two gorgeous cats.
Then a Black stranger, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, arrives unexpectedly at midnight on Juneteenth. The next morning he has vanished as if he'd never existed. Yet Bella is sure there has to be a logical explanation. Her eccentric friends offer various explanations - could he be Spirit, a visitor from the past, or did he just skip out?
He has left behind a satchel and in it Bella finds a small, old book marked Diary 1863, written by a farmer’s wife named Lottie. Will this hold the secret to the stranger?
This gentle mystery was a delight, filled with quirky characters and a few wonderful cats. I also admired that it addressed historical issues linked to the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and racism. So more than an average cosy….
While ‘The Stranger Vanishes’ was my first experience of Wendy Corsi Staub’s writing, it certainly won’t be my last.
While this is Book 5 in her Lily Dale Mysteries, there was enough background provided for new readers that I didn’t have any difficulty.
The picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale is populated by people who speak to the dead. Young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She currently manages the Valley View Guesthouse, living there with her young son Max and two gorgeous cats.
Then a Black stranger, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, arrives unexpectedly at midnight on Juneteenth. The next morning he has vanished as if he'd never existed. Yet Bella is sure there has to be a logical explanation. Her eccentric friends offer various explanations - could he be Spirit, a visitor from the past, or did he just skip out?
He has left behind a satchel and in it Bella finds a small, old book marked Diary 1863, written by a farmer’s wife named Lottie. Will this hold the secret to the stranger?
This gentle mystery was a delight, filled with quirky characters and a few wonderful cats. I also admired that it addressed historical issues linked to the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and racism. So more than an average cosy….
While ‘The Stranger Vanishes’ was my first experience of Wendy Corsi Staub’s writing, it certainly won’t be my last.
November 30, 2022
Publish Date:
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The community of LilyDale NY is populated by people all manner of spiritualists from mediums to energy healers. Bella Jordan, the new manager at the Valley View Guesthouse is the lone skeptic among believers. Bella moved to LilyDale only a year ago with her young son Max and two cats. The night before the season kickoff, a stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing, arrives unexpectedly at midnight on Juneteenth. The next morning he has vanished as if he'd never existed. Yet Bella is sure there has to be a logical explanation. Her friends offer various explanations - could he be Spirit, a visitor from the past, or did he just skip out? Can Bella figure how it will all tie together?
This one took me a while to finish. The pov as third person was a bit odd until I got used to it. I got part way in and had to go search out the others in the series to read as I felt that I would like the series better if I read them in order. You can start here and be fine, but once I realized it was several books in, I personally wanted to go back and read the others first. I did enjoy it and I love LilyDale!!
#thestrangervanishes #wendycorsistaub #severnhouse #lilydale #lilydalemediums #valleyviewguesthouse #westernny #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #booktok #bookreader
📖📖📖
The community of LilyDale NY is populated by people all manner of spiritualists from mediums to energy healers. Bella Jordan, the new manager at the Valley View Guesthouse is the lone skeptic among believers. Bella moved to LilyDale only a year ago with her young son Max and two cats. The night before the season kickoff, a stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing, arrives unexpectedly at midnight on Juneteenth. The next morning he has vanished as if he'd never existed. Yet Bella is sure there has to be a logical explanation. Her friends offer various explanations - could he be Spirit, a visitor from the past, or did he just skip out? Can Bella figure how it will all tie together?
This one took me a while to finish. The pov as third person was a bit odd until I got used to it. I got part way in and had to go search out the others in the series to read as I felt that I would like the series better if I read them in order. You can start here and be fine, but once I realized it was several books in, I personally wanted to go back and read the others first. I did enjoy it and I love LilyDale!!
#thestrangervanishes #wendycorsistaub #severnhouse #lilydale #lilydalemediums #valleyviewguesthouse #westernny #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #booktok #bookreader
November 2, 2022
I enjoyed this lighthearted tween mystery set in the upstate New York village of Lilydale, entirely populated by people who claim they can speak to the dead. It is interesting to note that Lilydale is a real place near where the author grew up. Bella Jordan, who runs the guesthouse, is the lone skeptic in town with no paranormal abilities. Late at night on Juneteenth, a black stranger dressed in old fashioned clothes books a room and disappears the next morning. Is he a ghost or is there a reasonable explanation? Through a diary Bella found in his bag we learn some history of the region about the Undergrounds Railroad. We also learn all about homophones from the 2 first grade boys. I listened to the audiobook. The narration was a bit over the top with some characters but perhaps that was to add to the village's atmosphere. The narration involving the boys got a little irritating, again showing some realism. They made me tired listening to them! This book is part of a series of which I have read part but not all. It is not really necessary to have read all the previous books to enjoy this one. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy of the audiobook. This optional review is my honest opinion.
October 4, 2022
The Stranger Vanishes by Wendy Corsi Staub.
In the quirky, picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale, where the residents can talk to the dead, young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She doesn't believe in ghosts . . . but after a year in the village, she would admit that her new friends do sometimes seem to know impossible things. Still, when a Black stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing arrives unexpectedly at Bella's guesthouse at midnight on Juneteenth, only to vanish the next day as if he'd never existed, Bella's sure there has to be a logical explanation. One that has nothing to do with the strange warning Odelia, the medium next door, delivers from the Spirits: Beware of . . . Barry?! Bella doesn't know a Barry, and she has enough people in her life already, what with her young son Max and their two kitties, handsome vet Drew, a plethora of kind but nosy neighbors and a full house of summer guests. But as the mystery of the missing stranger deepens, she starts to wonder: did the Spirits really mean Barry? Or did they mean bury . . .
A great read. I love a good mystery. Solid characters. 4*.
In the quirky, picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale, where the residents can talk to the dead, young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She doesn't believe in ghosts . . . but after a year in the village, she would admit that her new friends do sometimes seem to know impossible things. Still, when a Black stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing arrives unexpectedly at Bella's guesthouse at midnight on Juneteenth, only to vanish the next day as if he'd never existed, Bella's sure there has to be a logical explanation. One that has nothing to do with the strange warning Odelia, the medium next door, delivers from the Spirits: Beware of . . . Barry?! Bella doesn't know a Barry, and she has enough people in her life already, what with her young son Max and their two kitties, handsome vet Drew, a plethora of kind but nosy neighbors and a full house of summer guests. But as the mystery of the missing stranger deepens, she starts to wonder: did the Spirits really mean Barry? Or did they mean bury . . .
A great read. I love a good mystery. Solid characters. 4*.
July 11, 2022
Bella and her son Max wound up in Lily Dale after her husband’s death. Now she is running a beautiful B&B, Max has found a best friend, and the community has welcomed them, despite Bella being a non-believer. Lily Dale is the home of Spiritualism and most people are mediums or some sort of spiritualist. Over time, Bella is becoming more open to the idea of spirits as she experiences more unusual events.
A man shows up at her door one evening, asking for a room. The next morning, the man is gone, but his belongings are left behind. Did he skip out on his bill? Was he even a real human? When Bella finds an old diary in his bag, she finds background on a local political family and a link to the missing man. The story revolves around Juneteenth and the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
I enjoy this series and the colorful, quirky characters. The residents may drive each other crazy sometimes, but they are always there for each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC.
A man shows up at her door one evening, asking for a room. The next morning, the man is gone, but his belongings are left behind. Did he skip out on his bill? Was he even a real human? When Bella finds an old diary in his bag, she finds background on a local political family and a link to the missing man. The story revolves around Juneteenth and the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
I enjoy this series and the colorful, quirky characters. The residents may drive each other crazy sometimes, but they are always there for each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC.
November 3, 2022
The Stranger Vanishes audio by Wendi Corsi Staub and narrated by Avery May. A Lily Dale Mystery.
I have not read or listened to previous books in this series and I had no trouble following the story. The narrator did a nice job of reading the book. She spoke clearly and at an easy cadence. You could distinguish between characters, The owner of the lodge in a small town of residents that all seem to have special psychic abilities has a guest disappear and the story is about finding him if he is even real. However accurate the depiction of the boy's banter listening to it became irritating in audio. In the book form, you could just jump past it. There is romance, mystery, and psychic abilities that abound. It's a G-rated story which is nice not to deal with language and too steamy scenes. I probably wouldn't purchase this book for myself as I like more drama and intense mystery but it was ok. Those who aren't after the deep intense almost scary mystery will most likely enjoy this book. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape audio for this advanced audio. This is my personal opinion
I have not read or listened to previous books in this series and I had no trouble following the story. The narrator did a nice job of reading the book. She spoke clearly and at an easy cadence. You could distinguish between characters, The owner of the lodge in a small town of residents that all seem to have special psychic abilities has a guest disappear and the story is about finding him if he is even real. However accurate the depiction of the boy's banter listening to it became irritating in audio. In the book form, you could just jump past it. There is romance, mystery, and psychic abilities that abound. It's a G-rated story which is nice not to deal with language and too steamy scenes. I probably wouldn't purchase this book for myself as I like more drama and intense mystery but it was ok. Those who aren't after the deep intense almost scary mystery will most likely enjoy this book. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape audio for this advanced audio. This is my personal opinion
August 31, 2022
This series is a delightful paranormal series with likable interesting charcters, a fun setting and always a well crafted sleuth. This is the fifth in series. Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to review. My review opinions are my own. The paranormal aspect is done in this series to perfection.
Lily Dale is the picturesque town setting which is a unique place where the residents talk to the dead. Bella Jordan is not a belliever. She runs a B & B with her son, Max. When someone enters the B&B and disappears soon after Bella does not believe its a ghost but the townspeople are convinced. The mystery deepens and soon Bella is involved in solving this mystery and learning to believe that ghosts do exist. This was a fun return to the series with quirky charcters, a delightful cat and a well crafted sleuth. I look forward to the next in series.
Lily Dale is the picturesque town setting which is a unique place where the residents talk to the dead. Bella Jordan is not a belliever. She runs a B & B with her son, Max. When someone enters the B&B and disappears soon after Bella does not believe its a ghost but the townspeople are convinced. The mystery deepens and soon Bella is involved in solving this mystery and learning to believe that ghosts do exist. This was a fun return to the series with quirky charcters, a delightful cat and a well crafted sleuth. I look forward to the next in series.
November 19, 2022
Bella lives in a town know for it's spiritualists. Lots of psychics and mediums. She runs a B&B and expecting a large crowd for the weekend's events. Late the night before the event, she has a lone man come to her door. It's raining and miserable outside. He needs a place to stay. Bella is nervous but lets him rent a room. The next day, he has disappeared. His possessions are still in the room but he is gone. She is concerned and her friend Odelia has told her the spirits want Bella to be careful.
It took me a while to get into this book. At first, if seemed like the author was switching the point of view. Sometimes it felt like third person and sometimes first. Oddly off-putting. Once I became used to the writing style the story started to capture my attention. It was somewhat slow moving. I was as attached to the characters. Again, as I read more, I became engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the author and offer my honest opinion.
It took me a while to get into this book. At first, if seemed like the author was switching the point of view. Sometimes it felt like third person and sometimes first. Oddly off-putting. Once I became used to the writing style the story started to capture my attention. It was somewhat slow moving. I was as attached to the characters. Again, as I read more, I became engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the author and offer my honest opinion.
January 1, 2023
I know about Lily Dale, NY and this peaked my interest in this book. Bella was a good main character, especially since she is a skeptic in a community of psychics. When her guest vanished but left his things behind I wasn't sure if he had really been there. But based on his appearance and his belongings he could have been from the distant past. I liked how the story unfolded and enjoyed the narrator, Avery May. The only thing that I didn't like was how the homophones kept getting brought up by the boys. The first few times it was cute, but after that it lost it's charm. This is the first book that I have read in this series, and although they did refer to a few things that happened in the past it did not effect my enjoyment of this book. But it did make me want to go back and read the earlier books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 11, 2022
The Stranger Vanishes is part of a delightful series in which Bella, a widow with a son, bought a B and B in a rather haunted town. Surrounded by mediums and fortune-tellers the mysteries always feature humor.
In this book it is the evening of Juneteenth. A black man appears in clothes from another era. Bella sees him but doesn't interact one on one. The next day she can't find him anywhere and wonders who he was - was he real or perhaps a ghost.
Bella's medium friend tells her to watch out for Barry. She can't imagine who this Barry would be. Until the thought that she might be misinterpreting the word and it really means bury.
The mystery and characters that solve it are delightful. If this place existed in the real world I would spend every vacation there. Or, maybe it does.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC
In this book it is the evening of Juneteenth. A black man appears in clothes from another era. Bella sees him but doesn't interact one on one. The next day she can't find him anywhere and wonders who he was - was he real or perhaps a ghost.
Bella's medium friend tells her to watch out for Barry. She can't imagine who this Barry would be. Until the thought that she might be misinterpreting the word and it really means bury.
The mystery and characters that solve it are delightful. If this place existed in the real world I would spend every vacation there. Or, maybe it does.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC
October 6, 2022
Full disclosure: I requested this book from NetGalley solely based on the fact that the cat on the cover looks like my sisters cat Mystic. I didn’t even read the title. I said “ooo it’s Mystic!”, and slammed that request button. After approval, I saw it was part of a series, but this one at least can be read as a stand-alone so that was helpful!
This is a series I’d not heard of previously so I was worried jumping in that I’d be confused. I’m happy to report that while this is part of a series, it’s easy to follow without prior knowledge. It’s fun and mysterious but not creepy about it. I’d definitely consider it a cozy mystery.
Is it something I’m sucked into and dying to read again? No. Will I force it on everyone I meet? Also no. But if you want a cozy mystery with cats and ghosts then you should absolutely pick this up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a series I’d not heard of previously so I was worried jumping in that I’d be confused. I’m happy to report that while this is part of a series, it’s easy to follow without prior knowledge. It’s fun and mysterious but not creepy about it. I’d definitely consider it a cozy mystery.
Is it something I’m sucked into and dying to read again? No. Will I force it on everyone I meet? Also no. But if you want a cozy mystery with cats and ghosts then you should absolutely pick this up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 8, 2022
Book 5 of the series. 3.5 stars, I quite liked it.
This one took me a while to finish, but only because I got part way in and had to go search out the others in the series to read first! As the description says, you can start here and be fine, but once I realized it was several books in, I personally wanted to go back and read the others first. Once I got back to it, it was a fun, fast read.
I love the setting of Lily Dale and all the quirky spiritualist characters, along with the main character Bella, who doesn't seem quite sure what she believes. I absolutely know the feeling of, "But if the dead can communicate, why don't my loved ones talk to ME?!"
I hope there will be more in the series now that I have found it!
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, provided by the publishers, via NetGalley.*
This one took me a while to finish, but only because I got part way in and had to go search out the others in the series to read first! As the description says, you can start here and be fine, but once I realized it was several books in, I personally wanted to go back and read the others first. Once I got back to it, it was a fun, fast read.
I love the setting of Lily Dale and all the quirky spiritualist characters, along with the main character Bella, who doesn't seem quite sure what she believes. I absolutely know the feeling of, "But if the dead can communicate, why don't my loved ones talk to ME?!"
I hope there will be more in the series now that I have found it!
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, provided by the publishers, via NetGalley.*
March 27, 2023
Lily Dale is a charming, lakeside community where residents can communicate with the dead. Bella Jordan runs the inn and is the lone skeptic, although after a year of living there, she has to admit that sometimes her friends know things they couldn't have. When Bella gets a late night visitor who seemingly disappears, she's left wondering if he was even real.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you may not. I was drawn into this captivating story from the start and read it in one sitting. The mystery was intriguing and it will keep you on your toes. I've loved visiting Lily Dale and truly hope that there's more to come. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you may not. I was drawn into this captivating story from the start and read it in one sitting. The mystery was intriguing and it will keep you on your toes. I've loved visiting Lily Dale and truly hope that there's more to come. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order.
October 19, 2022
The Stranger Vanishes
(Lily Dale Mystery #5)
Wendy Corsi Staub
Bella Jordan must be the only citizen of Lily Dale that doesn’t believe in ghosts. Lily Dale is a unique community; the residents claim to talk to ghosts. A stranger knocks on the door of Bella’s guesthouse late one evening. The stranger is dressed in elegant clothing from a past era. Bella reluctantly allows the gentleman to stay. The next morning, he is gone as if he hadn’t existed. Odelia, the local medium and next-door neighbor delivers a message from the spirits to Bella, “Beware of Barry.” Or could it be bury.
I wanted to like this tale. I struggled to listen to it but I finally gave up. Perhaps if I had listened to the first 4 books I would have enjoyed it.
(Lily Dale Mystery #5)
Wendy Corsi Staub
Bella Jordan must be the only citizen of Lily Dale that doesn’t believe in ghosts. Lily Dale is a unique community; the residents claim to talk to ghosts. A stranger knocks on the door of Bella’s guesthouse late one evening. The stranger is dressed in elegant clothing from a past era. Bella reluctantly allows the gentleman to stay. The next morning, he is gone as if he hadn’t existed. Odelia, the local medium and next-door neighbor delivers a message from the spirits to Bella, “Beware of Barry.” Or could it be bury.
I wanted to like this tale. I struggled to listen to it but I finally gave up. Perhaps if I had listened to the first 4 books I would have enjoyed it.
December 30, 2022
In Lily Dale, where residents can talk to the dead, young widow Bella Jordan is a skeptic even after a year in the community. When a black man appears at her hotel at midnight on Juneteenth, then disappears the next morning without a trace, she is certain there must be a logical explanation. Bella’s neighbor gives her a warning to beware of Barry, but Bella doesn’t know anyone with that name. Can Bella solve the mystery?
This is book 5 in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this cozy paranormal mystery and am interested in reading other books from the series. The characters were likeable and the story intriguing. I will be buying a copy of this for others I think would enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
This is book 5 in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this cozy paranormal mystery and am interested in reading other books from the series. The characters were likeable and the story intriguing. I will be buying a copy of this for others I think would enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
February 28, 2023
This is book 5 in the Lily Dale series. It is an enjoyable read that explores the past of runaway slave from the Civil War era. Bella is making a success of running the guest house in the spiritualist community and summer season is about to begin. People from all over come to meet the local mediums and speak to ghosts. When a stranger arrives late one night she rents him a room to have him vanish. I think if you have read previous books in the series, you'll enjoy this story but Wendy does a pretty good job of giving background for first time reader. I have visited Lily Dale and it is certainly a unique community.
August 4, 2022
This was my first visit to Lily Dale after a recommendation, I didn't really know what to expect. What I did get was a cozy village setting with well developed characters. The characters themselves are interesting and likeable, I can certainly see how the humour would develop once you getting to fully know them.
Bella is a really relatable character and the skeptic in a village of believers adds a realistic touch. I am interested to know more of Bella's back story and I hope by picking up earlier books, as this is 5th in a series will provide further depth.
The plot naturally develops as you move through the book which keeps me engaged and although you are introduced to numerous characters it is easy to follow and keep up.
The setting of Lily Dale is warm and inviting, and the author has done a really good job of painting the scene with a vivid description and you can really picture the small told feel as you read along.
I can see how this series could easily become a cult classic and I will certainly be visiting Lily Dale again in the very near future.
Thank you Netgalley and Severn House for the chance to review
Bella is a really relatable character and the skeptic in a village of believers adds a realistic touch. I am interested to know more of Bella's back story and I hope by picking up earlier books, as this is 5th in a series will provide further depth.
The plot naturally develops as you move through the book which keeps me engaged and although you are introduced to numerous characters it is easy to follow and keep up.
The setting of Lily Dale is warm and inviting, and the author has done a really good job of painting the scene with a vivid description and you can really picture the small told feel as you read along.
I can see how this series could easily become a cult classic and I will certainly be visiting Lily Dale again in the very near future.
Thank you Netgalley and Severn House for the chance to review
September 30, 2022
The Stranger Vanishes by Wendy Corsi Staub
Narrator Avery May
I enjoyed this book about the Spiritualist town of Lily Dale but I did not realize it was book 5 in the Lily Dale series. I got the audiobook from Netgalley and it was an enjoyable quick listen. The narrator did a good job differentiating the characters. She did have some mispronunciations but nothing too glaring.
Just one complaint about Juneteenth and its meaning. June 19, 1865 was the date that slaves in Texas were finally informed about the emancipation proclamation which actually occurred April 1, 1863. It has been celebrated in Texas ever since and it has been a legal state holiday here in Texas since 1980.
Narrator Avery May
I enjoyed this book about the Spiritualist town of Lily Dale but I did not realize it was book 5 in the Lily Dale series. I got the audiobook from Netgalley and it was an enjoyable quick listen. The narrator did a good job differentiating the characters. She did have some mispronunciations but nothing too glaring.
Just one complaint about Juneteenth and its meaning. June 19, 1865 was the date that slaves in Texas were finally informed about the emancipation proclamation which actually occurred April 1, 1863. It has been celebrated in Texas ever since and it has been a legal state holiday here in Texas since 1980.
October 5, 2022
A quick read with an interesting hook. I haven’t read the previous novels in the series and like that I was able to understand and get involved in Bella’s life without issue. This was an audiobook courtesy of @netgalley . The narrator took a bit getting used to because although she has a good reading voice, she mixes up the voices for characters in the first half and she pauses at odd spots.
The story was interesting and the ending wasn’t obvious which is pretty uncommon (from my recent reads at least).
The story was interesting and the ending wasn’t obvious which is pretty uncommon (from my recent reads at least).
March 4, 2023
ugh.
again w the different characters thoughts back n forth. such an annoying g cliched hackneyed horrible way of writing. And switching beyond tenses on top if that .horrible way of writing , gobsmacked why thdy think its clever and keep doing it .It's NOT
2 Bella is not likeable or interesting .
NOT witty or warm. how this is a series boggles the mind .
and its just DULL.quit 1/4 of the way in couldn't care less why the stranger went mia to continue .it also smacks of the writers politics .
again w the different characters thoughts back n forth. such an annoying g cliched hackneyed horrible way of writing. And switching beyond tenses on top if that .horrible way of writing , gobsmacked why thdy think its clever and keep doing it .It's NOT
2 Bella is not likeable or interesting .
NOT witty or warm. how this is a series boggles the mind .
and its just DULL.quit 1/4 of the way in couldn't care less why the stranger went mia to continue .it also smacks of the writers politics .
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