Review: The Vanishing

The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Readers who loved the Arcane Society series, Ms. Krentz creates a new series just as alluring. Set in the contemporary era, this seemingly straightforward suspense tale about two friends who run a business together quickly unveils an otherworldly flavour. Catalina and Olivia are best friends not only because they grew up together in a sleepy town of Fogg Lake, but because during their formative years, they experienced a traumatic incident. This incident so to speak is probably what set them off in their path of investigative work. Trying to put their past in the past, they moved out and on. Unfortunately for the two of them, they are targeted because of it, just a decade and a half later.

Ms. Krentz brings readers to the tantalizing edge of fringe science and mixes it with paranormal creativity. For those who enjoy suspending reality and opening their mind to possibilities, Ms. Krentz is the author extraordinaire. She uses a bit of scientific methods as well as "gut intuitions" to create a plausible world which exists in parallel to the normal "muggle" reality. Creating various secret societies working on using, abusing, or protecting paranormal items brings in the elements of suspense and tension. This plot device where a nefarious group of "mad scientist" bent on a mystical world domination may sound ludicrous and yet it works so smoothly. Why? Because Ms. Krentz balances both the realities of the world with the enticing magic of the supernatural.

Her characters help this balance with a mix of loony and pragmatism. The seriousness of some of the characters offsets the crazy rantings of what seems like the unhinged. Catalina is one who understands and moves in this paranormal world yet keeps an outer shell of normalcy. Whereas her love interest, Slate gives of vibe of intense supernatural whilst he strives for inner normalcy. This dichotomy is riveting to watch as the two of them interact, generate a spark which then slowly builds into a nice sensual fire. Their personalities are different as both of them come from different ends of the spectrum for upbringing. The common denominator of using paranormal powers is what brings them together. Both Cat and Slate follow the same prototype of characters Ms. Krentz creates in all her books. After reading almost all over her books, I am yet to be tired of these character types. It's because she meshes them so well. Be it a historical, fantasy, contemporary or paranormal, the men are stoic loyal ones who want to protect all. The women are considered slightly off beat, independent yet sensitive who believes they can save others. Ms. Krentz brings out the best traits her characters who are sometimes considered broken, flawed or crazy. She makes them human and relatable. This paranormal suspense is highly recommended to readers who enjoy a bit of X-files suspense and romance.

Check back on January 7, 2020 for an excerpt of the book!

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