The Vanishing Year

A Novel

By: Kate Moretti

Narrated by: Madeleine Maby

A gripping psychological thriller filled with dark suspense and jaw-dropping twists, The Vanishing Year follows a woman whose dangerous secrets threaten to destroy her picture-perfect life.

“The Vanishing Year is a stunner. A perfectly compulsive read that's impossible to put down.” —Mary Kubica

“A chilling, powerful tale of nerve-shattering suspense.” —Heather Gudenkauf

Nominated for Best Mystery and Thriller by Goodreads Choice Awards 2016

Zoe Whittaker is living a charmed life. She is the beautiful young wife to handsome, charming Wall Street tycoon Henry Whittaker. She is a member of Manhattan’s social elite. She is on the board of one of the city’s most prestigious philanthropic organizations. She has a perfect Tribeca penthouse in the city and a gorgeous lake house in the country. The finest wine, the most up-to-date fashion, and the most luxurious vacations are all at her fingertips.

What no one knows is that five years ago, Zoe’s life was in danger. Back then, Zoe wasn’t Zoe at all. Now her secrets are coming back to haunt her.

As the past and present collide, Zoe must decide who she can trust before she—whoever she is—vanishes completely.

A “dark, twisty, edge-of-your-seat suspense” (Karen Robards), The Vanishing Year combines the classic sophistication of Ruth Rendell and A.S.A. Harrison with the thoroughly modern flair of Jessica Knoll. Told from the point-of-view of a heroine who is as relatable as she is enigmatic, The Vanishing Year is an unforgettable new novel by a rising star of the genre.

Worst narrator ever

The story is ok. Who's terrorizing the heroine is immediately obvious, so not much of a mystery. But this narrator must have been told sometime that she should drop her voice and slow her words way down for men's dialogue. The result is that the male characters sound like they're mentally challenged.
Can't recommend this title.

Barely entertaining

Too predictable and not enough development of the characters. Had potential if the husband wasn’t quite so weird.

Loved reading this and loved listening

this novel was one of the best of 2016 to read and my experience was only made better through audible. the narration brought Zoe to life

A frightening tale

Enjoyed the writing and story, though it's haunting. Well-written and delivered. It sits with you, as a good book should.

Predictable, boring & a bit blasé

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Probably the entire storyline to be less predictable and more unique. I feel there are so many books out there right now with this same or similar plot and honestly, I'm just a bit bored with it.

Would you recommend The Vanishing Year to your friends? Why or why not?

Unfortunately, I would not. There isn't anything uber special about it, in my opinion.

What aspect of Mandeleine Maby’s performance would you have changed?

She just didn't have the quality that some narrators possess that brings you into the story and never lets you go.

Do you think The Vanishing Year needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. Even if they came out with one, I would not read it.