Vanished Without a Trace

Book Review of Sarah Hamaker's Christian Suspense Novel

In Vanished Without a Trace, modern technology enters the field of missing people investigations. Henderson Parker, a lawyer, has been looking for his sister Helena for nine years. He thinks she may be in the town of Twin Oaks, Virginia. At the inn he is staying at in Twin Oaks, he meets Ellie Updike. Ellie is the host of the podcast Gone Without a Trace. The podcast centers on her conducting interviews and investigations of missing people. For her next set of episodes, she wants to focus on Helena’s disappearance. At first, Henderson is reluctant to work with a journalist, but he realizes he could use the assistance and Ellie is very resourceful. Throughout their investigation, they come across reports of a compound in the area. Ellie thinks it might have a connection to Helena, but if so, why has she been there for nine years? Is it merely a hippie commune or is there something more sinister about it?

I thought the inclusion of a podcaster was clever, but also very fitting. Podcasting and journalism are popular right now and including that is important if an author is writing a modern suspense novel. I thought the mystery was unique, but it was a little too rushed at the end with all of the revelations. It could have possibly used an additional chapter to flush details out. The blooming romance between Henderson and Ellie was very sweet and romantic.

Author:

Sarah Hamaker has written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, including stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. She is a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; Faith, Hope, and Love; and the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Sarah also hosts a podcast called The Romantic Side of Suspense (which I recommend). Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child, and three cats. Her website is sarahhamakerfiction.com.

Giveaway:

Sarah is giving away a Vanished Without a Trace tote bag, pin, print copy of the book, and a $75 Amazon gift card. Click below to enter:

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ffe1/vanished-without-a-trace-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Next Books to Review: O Jerusalem (Book 5 of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery series) and Keeping Them Safe (Love Inspired)