Adequately Entertaining Paranormal-Tinged Tale

Wendy Webb pens a story about a likable - albeit strikingly naive - woman (Julia Bishop), brought to an isolated Victorian mansion to encounter ghosts and supernatural phenomena. The vocabulary/prose is capable and Webb's description skills are serviceable.. but the setting makes no sense (a horseback-only gothic estate somewhere in the American Midwest for some reason), the hauntings & "spooky" circumstances are run-of-the-mill, and the Julia character is implausible. I had trouble suspending disbelief on this one.

As to presentation: The "Scottish" accents from Xe Sands are straight-up dreadful (sounding mostly Irish).. but the rest of her performance is meritorious. Her professional diction, commendable timbre & cadence, and realistically emotive tone are unspectacular but notable. Tantor Audio Inc. cast the project suitably and provided creditable technical support.

In toto, 'The Vanishing' merits a fairly pedestrian 6 stars out of 10. It was a reasonable distraction for a couple of quiet afternoons - but didn't blow me away by any means. If it leaves the 'Plus' menu, keep browsing.

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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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1 person found this helpful

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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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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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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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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Atmospheric

I enjoyed the story with its mystery and a ending that is worth the listen. I enjoyed the characters as well.

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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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Great story!

I love a good thriller. Great storytelling, Kept me guessing the whole book. Narrator was pleasant to listen to.

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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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