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Ürünstar 4.2
The Vanishing of Clare Douglas
This mystery novel is a wild ride from start to finish. I'm talking twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very last page. The suspense is real, and it's impossible to put down.
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A Thrilling Ride Through the Dark Forest
summarizeEditor's Summary
I dove into Clare Douglas's latest thriller, Disappearance, with high expectations after enjoying her first book. The twisty ending kept me on the edge of my seat, and while it's not perfect, Disappearance is a solid addition to the thriller genre. Clare Douglas weaves together complex characters and plotlines with ease, making it hard to put down. If you're a fan of the genre, you won't be disappointed. With its engaging storyline and well-developed characters, Disappearance is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action and quiet moments that keep you guessing until the very end.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Yazar8/10
genreThriller
authorClare Douglas
Kapağı9/10
publisherEksmo
book_titleDisappearance
release_year2023
Kitap Kapağı9/10
number_of_pages316
Kitap İçeriği8/10
age_restrictions16+
Kitap Kapağı Metni9/10
Kitap Kapağı Tasarımı9/10
Kitap Kapağı Fotoğrafı8/10
Hello everyone, and welcome to my review! I'm excited to share my thoughts on Clare Douglas's latest thriller, Disappearance. This is my second book by this author, and I was hooked from the start.
Disappearance. Clare DouglasAuthor: Clare Douglas
Book title: 'Disappearance'
Publisher: 'Eksmo', 2023
Number of pages: 316
Genre: Thriller
Release year: 2023, Moscow
Age restrictions: 16+
Where to buy: Ozom, WB, IM Labyrinth and in other stores
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The Cover and Author
The cover design is a real showstopper. When you pick it up, you can't help but notice the smoothness of the paper, and the window on the cover catches your eye. Then you start looking at the forest and the large font of the book title and author's name. If you flip the cover, you see a photo of the main character:
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Under the window - an interesting phrase:
You need to be able to read signs...
And on the flip side, the continuation:
...but she never learned
This phrase really got me curious. What are these signs and what's in store for the book's characters.
Based on the scared expression on the girl's face, something unexpected and frightening is coming. The cover design is unique, and I liked it.
On the back of the book, there's a synopsis,
synopsisand on the back, the author's photo.
about the authorIt's a bit strange, but the author and the main character on the cover have a lot in common in terms of appearance - they look similar.
Clare Douglas worked as a journalist for 15 years, writing articles for women's magazines and journals, but since she was seven years old, she's dreamed of writing novels. Her dream came true when she received the Marie Claire award for her first novel, 'Sisters.' Today, Clare Douglas is an award-winning author, recognized globally for her work. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. Her novel, 'A Pair from House #9,' became the number one bestseller on Amazon and made it to the Sunday Times Top 3. It was sold in a print run of over 500,000 copies in the UK alone.
As of 24 years old, the author has written 14 books, 5 of which have been translated into multiple languages.
Font is offset, 'serif.' The font is normal and comfortable to read.
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The story is told from today's days and the past. The almost 40-year-old history is highlighted in italic.
chapters about the past are written in italicsThe book is quite chunky in terms of volume, and it's nice to hold it in your hands.
About the content
I was really looking forward to diving into the story, and it starts with journalist Jenna returning to a small town 20 years after people went missing. She's there to take statements from witnesses and gather material for her story, all within a 5-day timeframe. Each of these days is broken down into separate chapters:
book contentThe thriller genre is all about keeping the reader on edge, and the author does a great job of that. There are creepy appearances in the woods, mysterious figures in dark clothes, and eerie nighttime attacks. It's like the darkness has no end or beginning... I could swear I saw something move behind the trees.Jenna's constantly battling her fear, but she's a strong and level-headed character. She's smart, beautiful, and not one to back down from a challenge.
Unlike some other thrillers I've read, like "The Snowman", this book doesn't go overboard with the gore. The descriptions are tasteful and respectful, and the dialogue between characters is logical and easy to follow. I didn't have any trouble keeping track of the characters or their names, even though they're all foreign to me.
Jenna is the journalist; Olivia is a survivor of the accident; Wesley is Olivia's boyfriend; and Anastasia is her mother.
Dale - a cop;
Ralph - a witness.
These 20 people, plus a few others, are all connected by a secret they've kept for two decades. But the story from the past, which the author weaves in alongside the present-day investigation, gives you a sense of how all these people are linked.
In the end, the author ties everything up neatly. The plot's pretty interesting and unique.
The Verdict
So, why not a 5-star rating, even though everything's so mysterious and perfect? I was really drawn into the story, but with a weak detective line and some pretty tame 'thrills,' I'm not sure I'd ever re-read this book.
The detective work gets bogged down at times, with repetition and the protagonist's musings about relationships, feelings, and minor personal issues (does he love her, doesn't he love her, or is there someone new?). None of these moments really resonated with me or made me feel strongly.
The characters are well-described, but they all feel a bit flat and one-dimensional, except for the detective in his penguin socks. On the surface, everything seems fine, but the daily grind is dull and uneventful.
What's more, everything that happens is a result of a lie, and after reading the book, I was left with nothing to think about. It all just unravels slowly.
Pros: The book's nicely designed.
Cons: The ending feels implausible; considering the content, it's overpriced. This isn't the kind of book you'd want to add to your personal library - it's better suited to e-books.
Thanks for reading! Looking forward to your next review)
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the book about?
Disappearance is a thriller about a group of friends who embark on a hike in the woods, only to find themselves lost and facing a series of terrifying challenges. As they try to survive and find their way back, they uncover dark secrets about their past and the true nature of their reality.
Is the book suitable for all ages?
No, the book contains mature themes, strong language, and some graphic content, making it suitable for readers 16 and older.
Where can I buy the book?
You can find Disappearance at most major bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Is the book part of a series?
No, Disappearance is a standalone novel, but it does share some connections with Clare Douglas's previous work.
What genre is the book?
Disappearance is a thriller, but it also contains elements of mystery, suspense, and horror.
What's the book's release year?
Disappearance was released in 2023 by Eksmo.
How many pages is the book?
The book contains 316 pages.
What's the book's recommended age range?
The book is recommended for readers 16 and older due to mature themes and content.
check_circlePros
- •The plot is expertly woven, keeping you guessing until the very end.
- •The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
- •The writing is engaging and easy to follow, even for those new to the genre.
- •The author's use of suspense is top-notch, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
- •The themes of the book are timely and thought-provoking.
- •The book's well-balanced pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish.
cancelCons
- •The ending feels a bit rushed, leaving some loose threads.
- •The supporting characters could use a bit more development.
- •The book's themes are sometimes heavy-handed, feeling like a lecture rather than a natural part of the story.
- •The writing can be a bit clunky at times, with some awkward phrasing.
- •The book relies a bit too heavily on tropes, making it feel familiar but not particularly original.
- •The author's use of foreshadowing can be a bit too obvious at times.
