Book Review: Vanished!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Reviews

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and Easter! Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my review of a compelling suspense novel.

Mark Bierman’s Vanished is a work of fiction, but the story propels us to the scene of the violent 2010 earthquake in Haiti. John, and his son-in-law, Tyler, volunteer to assist with an orphanage months later following the devastation. Their relationship is strongly convincing as they cope with the passing of Tyler’s wife, Joy (John’s daughter). They hope to channel their grief by aiding others, which will help them through the various stages.

Little do they know what lies ahead on their journey. When a little girl disappears out of the blue, John and Tyler are transported into the horrific world of human trafficking and child slavery. Her mother spirals into a frenzy of fear, imagining her daughter’s possible impending plight. These appalling crimes are so common, though, that no effort is enforced to finding this little girl, but morally, John and Tyler can’t just look the other way. They embark on a quest riddled with danger lurking around each corner.

In addition to John and Tyler, supporting characters seize the spotlight, and their stories and struggles are just as intense and page-turning. I was really impressed with the manner in which Mark’s clever writing intertwines all roles. Sympathizing with the abused while loathing the abusers comes effortlessly. Most importantly, holding onto hope with a strong grip is significant as the rescue mission continues. At first, I was reluctant to read this book because of the unthinkable topics. Mark’s novel may be a work of fiction, but the subject matter is not only horrifying and heartbreaking, it’s very real. There are moments in the book where I held my breath, and one scene especially had me feeling a little claustrophobic. Regardless, I couldn’t put this book down because of Mark’s excellent writing and delivery. The story is fast-paced and gripping, an edge-of-your-seat read. I give this book 5 stars. Highly recommended!

Happy Reading!

Lauren ❤️

55 thoughts on “Book Review: Vanished!”

  4. Latmospherique

    Thank you for this review Lauren. Indeed the subject is heartbreaking and yet it looks like a must read. I will add it to my list for sure!
    Have a good day!

    1. Hi Marie,
      Vanished isn’t an easy read because of the topic, but it is worth reading and well-written. I’m glad it’s on your list, and I know Mark will appreciate your support. Have a good day, too! 💕

  6. I loved this story. I remember several times while I was reading it, I would check to see if I had mistaken the genre. It read like a true story. Great review! Congrats to Mark!

    1. I feel the same way, Jan. Mark did a great job in fictionalizing this true event. Thanks for your kind words about my review, and for your support to Mark.

  7. This sounds like an interesting book. i liked how it touches upon topics, such as human trafficking, that society pushes under the rug but needs to be addressed.
    Thanks, Lauren!
    Many Blessings
    Lisa xoxo

    1. Hi Lisa, thank you for your insightful words that I agree with. Mark did a terrific job in fictionalizing a horrific true-to-life issue. Hard to read at times, but I’m glad I did. Blessings to you! 💕

    1. Hi Kamal,
      You’re right, It is so sad. Mark took a serious topic and turned it into a compelling fiction novel. I appreciate your thoughts and for reading my review. Have a good day. 💕

    1. Hi Miriam,
      Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words about my review. I appreciate your thoughts, and what’s even more tragic, is these crimes aren’t exclusive to Haiti. I’m glad you liked my review. By the way, I’m currently reading Songs of Heartstrings. 💕

      1. It’s a very sad situation, Lauren. One person in my writing group just finished a novel based on the fact of what happened in Brazil where he was a missionary. I didn’t hear the entire story of 60,000 words. He worked with a woman in charged of a daycare. He then moved but heard that she was abused and killed by her husband. It’s so sad.

        How wonderful to hear that you’re reading Songs of Heartstrings. Are you reading the eBook or paperback? I could have mailed you a copy. ❤

      2. What a tragedy, Miriam. No words…I bought the paperback because I love the feel of real books. My bookcase is bursting with poetry, suspense, non-fiction, romance, and memoir. I love it. 🙂 I’m really enjoying your book. 💗

    1. I’m sure you would find Mark’s story heartbreaking, Christy. Some parts were hard to read, but I’m glad I finished it. Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words. ❤️

  11. I’m so sorry about being late to comment, Lauren. I just saw this now and it made my day! Thank you so much for this excellent review and for taking a chance on reading this book, in spite of the difficult topic. On a side note, this is my 50th amazon review! Yay! My teenaged daughter, home from school for exams, was surprised when I went into her room and announced that I was making her a hot chocolate to celebrate number 5-0. She even let me fist bump her. 🙂

    1. No worries, Mark. I feel late in posting this review, and I also know you’ve been under the weather. But I’m so glad you’re happy with what I wrote. I truly enjoyed your book, in spite of the heartbreaking topic, like you said. Wow! That’s awesome to be the 50th reviewer. Congrats! That’s special for you and I love the hot chocolate surprise with your daughter. I’m sure you’re happy to have her home. Congratulations again on your success with Vanished.

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  14. Gripping review Lauren. I should have already read this book on my vacay reading list, but due to too much fun my reading was lame. It’s back slotted in and I look forward to reading. Congrats to Mark for this wonderful review. ❤

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Debby. Mark’s book is worth the wait, and I don’t think the “when” matters. 🙂 I definitely couldn’t put it down, so enjoy when you have the time. 💕

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