Series: N/A (Sadly)
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Recently widowed and rendered penniless by her Ponzi-scheming husband, Julia Bishop is eager to start anew. So when a stranger appears on her doorstep with a job offer, she finds herself accepting the mysterious yet unique position: caretaker to his mother, Amaris Sinclair, the famous and rather eccentric horror novelist whom Julia has always admired…and who the world believes is dead.
When she arrives at the Sinclairs' enormous estate on Lake Superior, Julia begins to suspect that there may be sinister undercurrents to her "too-good-to-be-true" position. As Julia delves into the reasons of why Amaris chose to abandon her successful writing career and withdraw from the public eye, her search leads to unsettling connections to her own family tree, making her wonder why she really was invited to Havenwood in the first place, and what monstrous secrets are still held prisoner within its walls.
Fun fact about me: if I read a book that scares me, I will run past the windows in my house. It's been like that ever since I was super young - if I watch a scary movie, I run past the windows. It goes both ways - and let me tell you, The Vanishing definitely incurred some window-running. Which in my mind, is always a good thing!
I picked this one up on a whim, and I'm glad I did! Because it turned out to be a fantastic read, with a wonderful atmosphere! It reads like a modern gothic novel, taking place in an old old house. The writing alone was enough to give me chills. (And it did, repeatedly.) I found myself constantly questioning each decision made, and each and every character. I felt like I couldn't trust any of them, so I just... didn't.
The premise intrigued me - a woman who's supposed to be dead, living out in a haunted house, and her son who arranges for a caretaker - who doesn't really appear to be needed. I found Julia to be a rather likable character. She just... aside from seeing things and hearing things, she seems like a fairly normal person. When the house is empty and something talks to her... she runs. Like any sane person in her situation would do! I just nearly clapped when that happened - I was afraid that she might try to go all paranormally and talk to it - but no. She did good.
I also liked the "love interest", Andrew McCullough. He was super adorable, and really very sweet. He was all Scottish and manly and just adorable - I have such a weakness for the Scottish.
I enjoyed Mrs. Sinclair - she was eccentric as all get out, but she had a good heart, even if it was hidden in a delightfully weird packaging. I hope I'm a cool old lady like her - when I get that old, of course. ;)
Serious chills happened with the ghosties, though. Serious chills. There was a moment in the beginning - a little girl, floating, singing. "Sing a song of sixpence / A pocketful of rye". That's pretty much imprinted in my mind. There were several moments that made me freak out - in a good way.
I loved the fact that the whole novel was focused on the build-up, but I feel like the end scene was a little rushed. The epilogue completely made up for it, though. It left me with a sense of not everything adding up - and it was good. It made me wonder how crazy our main character was; and I just didn't want it to end.
All in all, I definitely recommend The Vanishing. I want you all to read it, because I loved it. I tweeted this when I finished, and it definitely still applies.
I am literally terrified right now. @wendykwebb 's The Vanishing is genius you guys, genius. That ending was fantastically creepy. O.o
— Megan@The Book Babe (@MVTheBookBabe) December 10, 2013
I love the cover for this, and it sounds just like something I would love! I love creepy and gothic! I'm adding it to my TBR list now - great review!
ReplyDeleteOkay, first of all... I adore you. Secondly... I may have to adopt you. I, too, run past windows (not to mention I dodge mirrors) after scary reads. You had me at that quote -- it literally gave me chill bumps. This sounds SO good and like just the kind of read I need in my life. Brilliant review! I'm off to one-click this one! *tackle hugs*
ReplyDeleteThat house looks creepy, like something the guys from Ghost Hunters would investigate. I don't read much adult fiction (I prefer YA right now), but I think I'm going to give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of this book before, but I would definitely like to add it to my tbr :) The fact that it's creepy makes me want to read it and it's always nice when a book surprises you! Great review Megan!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is gorgeous and it's awesome to hear that the book inside is just as good-creepy sounds awesome! Aw, I'm the same way about that except I run past mirrors, not windows. Windows never really bothered me :)
ReplyDeleteOh man! I'm definitely intrigued. I don't really read scary books, but I want to. When I get scared, I usually run past doorways. Disappointing about the rushed ending, but I think the rest compensates for it!
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how supremely glad I am not to live alone because of similar fear when reading scary books. Even if my husband's asleep and I'm going to read through the night, I sit there with a book light, LIKE A CHILD, and read right there next to him instead of on our comfy couch in the well-lit living room eating something equal parts satisfying and unhealthy.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm all about a new premise--something I haven't quite heard or a twist on an oldie. This sounds fab. Thanks for the heads up.
Hahaha, we have a very similar affliction. I won't watch scary movies alone - even if they really aren't scary... because I just... can't take it. I AM a child like that, LOL. It was really awesome! I hope you get a chance to read it! :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love scary books! And it's definitely fun to read about all the people who do similar things - because I'm loving these reactions! And it DEFINITELY compensates for the rushed ending, do not even worry! Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteIt's a GREAT cover! Haha, it really was awesome. :) Windows really bother me when it's dark and I've been reading something scary - but not really mirrors. The mirror thing... have you ever heard of Bloody Mary? ;)
ReplyDeleteHahah, thanks! It really was an awesome read - I hope you give it a chance. <3
ReplyDeleteWoot! I hope you love it - and I read mostly YA as well. But it was definitely a fun change!
ReplyDeleteAww, I adore you too! Haha, we're twinsies! I get chill bumps when I read something like that too - I love it all! Ooh, you make me so happy!! I really hope you love this one, darling! *huggles*
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love creepy and gothic too! Thanks, Charlene! :)
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