The Vanishing

In a slight detour from my crime novel addiction of late, I have developed a strong interest in ghost stories. When I came across The Vanishing by Wendy Webb, I was delighted. One of my favorite classic novels is Rebecca, and The Vanishing has a very similar feel to it which I loved.

Julia Bishop's life is rapidly crashing down around her. She's lost her husband, all her friends, and her family won't speak to her. Then a stranger shows up at her door with an intriguing offer. He needs someone to take care of his mother, the famous horror novelist Amaris Sinclair - whom the whole world believes to be dead. This stranger is not only offering Julia a job, but a fantastic opportunity to disappear. She doesn't have to think long before she accepts the offer and is off to Havenwood, the magnificent Sinclair estate that is perfectly preserved from centuries ago. The house doesn't even have television or any other modern electronics.

Upon her arrival, Julia begins to notice a lot of odd things around the centuries-old mansion. Around every corner, she learns more about the history of the estate and the people who occupy it, both alive and dead. She encounters mysterious visions, hears strange noises in the house, and develops more and more questions the longer she stays. She wonders why the Sinclairs brought her to Havenwood in the first place, and why Mrs. Sinclair went into hiding all those years ago. She is also curious if there are real ghosts haunting this fascinating house or if she is imagining things.

Webb takes her reader for a delightful ride as mysteries in the house unfold. Just when you think you know what might be happening, she tosses in another twist and throws you off guard again. The ending was full of surprises and the story remained a mystery to the very end. I can't wait to read more from Wendy Webb!