The Vanishing
3 Stars

After the revelation of her husband's criminal activities and his subsequent suicide, Julia Bishop is left friendless and penniless. So, when a stranger appears on her doorstep offering a position as a companion to a well-known writer whom the world believes is dead, Julia jumps at the chance. However, upon her arrival at the Woodhaven estate, she quickly comes to realize that there is something decidedly odd and perhaps even sinister occurring. Why did Amaris Sinclair abandon her successful career? Why was Julia offered this job? And who or what is behind the series of mystifying and frightening events in the house?

Putting aside Julia's TSTL decision to accept the offer of a questionable position from a complete stranger and leave her entire life behind at his suggestion, the underlying plot revolving around an eccentric and reclusive author living in a huge gothic mansion with a mysterious history has a certain appeal.

The gothic elements interspersed throughout the book are well-developed, and the kernels for several intriguing explanations, including Native American folklore, reincarnation, hallucinations, and even an ancient evil, create a somewhat spooky atmosphere. Unfortunately, the story progresses at such a slow pace that by the time anything truly interesting happens it is too late to actually care about the fates of any of the characters. Moreover, despite one or two good twists, the ultimate resolution is anti-climactic and lackluster.

Finally, the weird epilogue is superfluous and adds little to a story that has already been resolved, albeit not satisfactorily. Despite these issues, I am interested enough in this author's style to try another of her book in the future. ( )

This book was fairly disappointing, but I should have known better. Most of the comparisons I read paired this with The Thirteenth Tale, which I think is fair. Sadly for me, it was similar on all of the points I found dreary in Setterfield. Multiple adjectives for every noun, the narrator pulling on endless pairs of jeans and turtlenecks, and an "eccentric" character I found abrasive, though I was told by the author repeatedly that I should find said character charming. It's a quick read for a rainy October night. A definite skip for spring and summer. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

Was just ok. Kinda reminded me of a Harlequin Romance, only set in the horror genre. But, entertaining enough. ( )

Julia is a dope. She takes the offer completely without any information and once she's there the dopey behavior continues. Can anyone be this dumb? Everyone is exchanging glances. Lots of word repetition. Everyone uses everyone else's name too often. No one talks like that. Lots of loose ends and dumb resolutions. Most of it stems from the absolutely unbelievable premise and Julia's utter stupidity. Oy vey. Webb has gotten better since, but it's pretty much like all her other books. Glad I borrowed it from the library. ( )