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  • The Vanishing

  • Written by: Wendy Webb
  • Narrated by: Xe Sands
  • Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (40 ratings)

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The Vanishing cover art

The Vanishing

Written by: Wendy Webb
Narrated by: Xe Sands
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Publisher's Summary

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.

©2014 Wendy Webb (P)2014 Tantor

What the critics say

"A brisk thriller tinged with gothic elements. . . . Careening through séances and ghostly encounters leaves the reader breathless." ( Kirkus)

What listeners say about The Vanishing

Average Customer Ratings
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    1 out of 5 stars

Could have been better

I expected a more intense haunting and mystery but this book was more psychological with a haunting on the side. I found that the story built up for so long (almost till the fifth last chapter) only to have that built up lead to a revelation and exorcism that was anticlimactic and very disappointing. It was very rushed trying to tie everything up in a bow with a happily ever after.

With the end result, this book was way too long and dragged way too much!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not a bad plot but shoddy writing

The damsel in distress theme was annoying. Plus, the author keeps repeating “I felt chill downs my spine,” every alternate line. It’s not a bad story but so poorly crafted. The narrator was good. I have read another book by this author and I enjoyed it. Am guessing this is her earlier work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I listen to hundreds of books a year. This one was amazing

This was a greener but I enjoyed it so much I am looking for another Wendy Webb book as soon as I leave this review. This is the rare book that leaves you wondering. I will probably listen to it again.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It’s a good listen, but frustrating at the same time

It’s definitely a good story, it keeps you engaged and wanting more. Problem is… the more doesn’t quite come and the ending feels like a failed attempt at a “twist”.
I personally felt quite frustrated with how the main character feels like a damsel in distress and also the one and only trope.
It’s not a bad listen overall, it’s just not remarkable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Predictable but I Had a Good Time

I saw what was going on a mile away, as they say, but you know? I had fun! There is a chance I would be less happy if I'd paid for it, but it was included. Listen and enjoy.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good book but….

I enjoyed the book and it definitely held my attention With the twists and turns. There are a couple of things that don’t make sense to me. Like why mention that cannibal beast at the beginning? I thought that would be a big part of the book but it wasn’t mentioned again. I also don’t get the epilogue, and I want things to wrap up neatly!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An Under-Rated Gem!

A brilliant story brought to life by a talented and engaging narrator, this book deserves a better blurb! Full of twists and turns, I didn't want the story of Havenwood to end. I hope there is a sequel, although I don't see how it could happen. The author presented characters real enough to breathe, and apparently bleed. The setting was a complete character as well, with a dark, fully fleshed out background of its own Can I have Havenwood without its wraith-inhabitants?
To say I loved this book is an understatement. Can I give it ten stars?

The pairing of story and narrator was perfect. I couldn't get enough and was quite sorry when the novel drew to a close.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Haunting

When I finished listening to this novel I was reminded of the quote in Shakespeare's Hamlet:

'There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy (science)'

From the opening line until the end I was intrigued. I loved all of the twists and turns.

Can't wait to listen to another. The narrator was excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another pleasure to listen to!

This is the 3 book by this Author I have listened to and it was as good as the first two. My favorite so far is The Tale of Halcyon Crane! On to the 4th.
This book! it has stayed with me all day, I've been thinking about the ending. I'm left wondering about this poor soul

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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keeps you wondering

This book keeps you wondering whats going on at the very first. you start wondering why she is truly there . then when you find out and think its over with the last chapter makes you wonder more.

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