Vanished by Theo Baxter

Release: 20th August 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: ‎ Inkubator Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

Maggie knows someone wants to hurt her daughter. So why will no-one help?

Single mother Maggie Conner struggles to raise her young daughter, Isabel, in a household ruled by her own abusive father.

Terrified for Isabel’s safety, Maggie realises that neither her cold, distant mother nor anyone else in town seem willing to help them.

Then Isabel starts to disappear for long periods, returning with no idea of where she has been or why.

And when Maggie tries to get outside help, doctors and psychologists seem strangely reluctant to get involved in Isabel’s case.

Is someone threatening them so they’ll stay away?

Desperate to save her daughter, Maggie searches for answers. But the more she digs, the more she is forced to confront the secrets buried deep in her own past.

As Maggie’s whole world begins to unravel, can she find the strength to face the terrifying truth?

About the Author:

Theo Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there was crime all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

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Vanished by Theo BaxterVanished Review:

“Vanished” truly exemplifies the genre, offering us a captivating psychological thriller where the unfolding events keep you guessing.

My heart was with Maggie throughout the narrative; the author wrote her brilliantly! Witnessing her grapple with the toxic influence of her father was heart-wrenching. His manipulative efforts to maintain dominance and undermine her were an extension of his insatiable need for control and adoration. As Maggie navigated the complexities of safeguarding Isabel and cultivating a healthy mother-daughter bond, she exhibited an unwavering determination to confront her father’s destructive tactics head-on, placing Isabel’s well-being at the forefront.

This narrative segment intensified Maggie’s sense of bewilderment, fear, and the persistent pursuit of truth as she delved further into the enigmatic layers shrouding her family and personal history. Certain scenes depicting the extent of Maggie’s father’s control within the household were genuinely shocking, effectively adding to the story’s atmospheric quality.

Moreover, the story took an intriguing supernatural turn, which I did not anticipate. Questions regarding Maggie’s father’s motivations and the possible involvement of supernatural elements contributed to the suspenseful atmosphere. Some scenes are surreal, where characters appear and disappear, and you don’t know what’s happening. Memorable instances included Maggie and Isabel’s journey and tense moments like Isabel’s medical emergency with the arrival of paramedics. Also, the community’s seemingly apathetic response to Maggie’s predicament added a layer of mystery. The introduction of Pastor Jacobs also injected suspense into the narrative, and the supporting characters of Mary and Lana provided a well-rounded cast.

One minor setback lies in a middle section where the story temporarily loses momentum, with Maggie grappling with challenges reminiscent of her initial struggles. Hence, the story felt repetitive at times.

Despite this, “Vanished” presents a compelling concept that the author skillfully brings to life, and I enjoyed reading it!