The Vanishings

by Michael Panckridge

Francesca’s sister Carli goes missing and life is turned upside down. Francesca is sent to stay with her neighbours at the Kelly Station while her parents search for their lost daughter. When Francesca becomes involved in her own dangerous search for Carli she becomes caught up in a ghostly world that threatens her very existence.

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Attending a conference called Getting Reluctant Readers Reading, Michael Panckridge skipped lunch to wander over to Victoria Park, home of the Collingwood Football Club. Sitting in the old commentary box on a cold, wintery afternoon, Michael dreamed up a story about a boy travelling back in time to watch footy matches in the past. That particular story never got to be, but the passion to write stories for children burned within. Fifteen years on, Michael is the author of over 40 books, selling more than 150 000 copies over a variety of genres. Sport was the dominant theme early, but The Cursed, The Vanishings and The Immortal attest to a darker side; spooky, sinister action-packed thrillers. Michael, with psychologist and school counsellor, Cathie Thornton, has also co-authored a book called Be Bully Free – an insightful, practical guide for the victims of bullying. Excited by the re-launch of the famous Legends series, Michael is also authoring a four book cricket series aligning with the hugely popular BBL and WWBL T20 cricket competitions.

Michael lives in Geelong and is a part time teacher.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great young adult read. The storyline had me on edge until the end wondering what was going to happen to Fran and her sister Carli. I enjoyed the setting in which the story was placed and the way the story was set out just gave me amazement.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good youth book, kinda confusing at the start but all falls into place towards the end, very entertaining read however GOD is that ending horrible. Falls flat and offers no sense of end to the book at all.

[Alissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's nothing terribly wrong with this book, but there's not much good either. The premise had so much potential. There are problems with pacing and many things left unanswered. Quick read.

[Sharlene Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky!

[Ziggy Stardust · Rating 3 out of 5]

great if your looking for a short day read. didnt take too long to read and some of the book reminded me of Supernatural and Stephen Chbosky's Imaginary Friend.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange book, you never really find out why it happens

[V H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I found at the school book fair, I bought it because I was intrigued by the title. Like Wood Angel it was a "young" book, but more suitable for older readers as well. In my eyes anyway.

The book was scary at times and also very exciting. I liked the story as a whole and I think it would be very good as a movie. Even though I figured out a major detail when I was only on page 29, I still didn't know how the book would end, and when it got there I was slightly disappointed at first, but I also think it's a good ending.

Although the ending kind of did, I still think certain things could be "explained" a bit better, and gone into more detail.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spooky!

[Nat Frankli · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book about kidnappings and living in the desert

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!!!!