The Vanishing

Just discovered Wendy Webb novels and I\’m completely conflicted. The stories are intriguing and original. But….there are so many plot holes I find myself skimming the novels because if I read them thoroughly, I\’ll drive myself insane pointing out the obvious holes in the stories. I do love the originality though. Like I said, totally conflicted. I WANT to like them, but the writing and the plots and the additional story lines that go absolutely no where, they leave me as cold as one of her ghosts. Great beach or mindless reading. Just don\’t think too deeply.

Let me start out by saying that I love a good haunted house story. I came into this book assuming that was what is was going to be. While it morphed into more of a thriller/mystery, I joyfully continued on, enraptured by the story. I absolutely could NOT put this book down. I loved the writing, the characters, and the setting. The twist really got me. And while this book had minor flaws up until the climax, I still was totally in love with the story. And then came the ending. To say it was rushed is an absolute understatement. There was this great build up of Julia\’s story and then the twist and then BOOM mystery/monster defeated. I can\’t even begin to describe my disappointment. I understand Julia\’s story was the focus, but the end felt unbelievably lazy and sloppy. The book had such a great build up and it literally went nowhere, something I positively abhor. I still think this book is worth a read since it\’s not very long, I don\’t know if I\’d recommend buying it. I\’m cautious to read any of Ms. Webb\’s other work, but I\’m always inclined to give a writer a second chance, especially considering I enjoyed 85% of the novel overall.

I heard this author interviewed on local radio and was quite intrigued. She seem to have it all in her novel – a gothic style mystery with a grand house, a rich family, mysterious deaths and possible supernatural influences. Alas, she\’s written those elements but with absolutely no pull. Her descriptions of a beautiful estate were lovely – but it was like reading about an architectural masterpiece turned into an asylum. Everything that happens sets off the kind of alarm bells that (according to Eddie Murphy in that old SNL skit) makes you want to say \”too bad, can\’t stay.\” Quite frankly, anyone dumb enough to take this job really deserved what she got. And while the North Shore of MN is pretty remote, it\’s a tourist destination, not the isolated setting of a Mary Stewart novel. If you\’re really looking for something in this vein, go right to the master, Mary Stewart. Try \”Nine Coaches Waiting\” or \”My Brother Michael\” for a real taste of mystery. There, the mysteries are complicated enough to draw you in but not so superficial as to make you feel foolish for wanting to stay.

I was intrigued by the title and then read some of the reviews posted. Most of them I didn\’t agree with so I decided to post my own review! What are we looking for in a book? For me I want entertainment, especially a novel and an unusual twist to the mystery story! I couldn\’t put this book down! I was intrigued by the story line and loved the book club questions at the end! I think that discussion will be fun and enlightening!

I love ghost stories and this one was just okay. There is no character development and many parts that don’t make a lot of sense or were unbelievable (and I don’t mean the ghost parts but just everyday things). The main character rationalized things that no one ever would. Also, the climax was abrupt and lackluster. The epilogue left me completely confused. Even with all its flaws, I couldn’t put it down and I found it entertaining.

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