Vanished

The Gwen St. James Affair, Book One

By: Nicole McKeon

Narrated by: Teralyn Davis

The Dresden Files meets The Parasol Protectorate in the first book of this clever, fast-paced gaslamp fantasy series about a woman ahead of her time who knows too much about magic, and not enough about self-control.

Eccentric social outcast Lady Gwenevere St. James knows many secret things: magic, alchemy, artifice, and even the truth about the long-forgotten faeries. But she does not know why common criminals are using rare and dangerous magic to kidnap orphans from the streets of New London.

After rescuing one young girl, Gwen vows to save the rest, no matter the cost. But a handsome inspector from Scotland Yard is also investigating the case, and he thinks Gwen knows far too much about the kidnappings to be innocent.

To save the children, Gwen must dodge the inspector, bully a coven of witches, and outsmart her marriage-minded mama, all while managing a wily young pickpocket and a headstrong raven. But an unexpected secret hides at the center of the mystery, one that will force her to confront the most painful event from her past, and possibly sacrifice her future.

©2023 Nicole York (P)2023 Tower Room Publishing

Great story

Hello, I enjoyed the humor and story. Wish there was more romance, but I look forward to the next book. The narrator was great.

Honestly fantastic

Perfect combination of magic, adventure and Victorian London, or New London, as this is a post fae war London :) such a fun story, and I promise you’ll fall in love with Lady Gwen St. James!

Really great

I loved so much about this! It reminded me a bit of the Veronica Speedwell books, but with a fantasy bent. It’s a bit too dark to be classified as cozy, but it wasn’t overly gritty either. My only issue with it was that the pace seemed a bit slow at times. I can’t really put my finger on why. It was one I was able to easily put down several times, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it while I was listening. I’ll eagerly keep an eye out for book 2.

Awesome narration--great read.

I read Vanished and listened to the audio sample. I liked the voice and style of the narrator, Teralyn Davis, so I got it. The book is a gem, and the audio performance is transcendent. Davis is perfection in her interpretation, bringing it to life with a skill that matches McKeon's writing.

Vanished is an exciting adventure through a fantasy re-imagining of Edwardian England, and Gwen St. James is an exciting female version of Sherlock Holmes, using her acute powers of perception and a deep knowledge of magic to solve the mysterious kidnappings of young girls in New London. A strong plot, great characterization, and detailed settings makes this a must read, and the strength of the narrator makes it a thrilling listen.

I have followed McKean's writing since the publication of the Laws of Founding. She will be one of our great fantasy writers, I am sure.

I feel privileged to have watched her journey into authorhood.

Most enjoyable.

Moved along very quickly and is most enjoyable. Suddenly I feel very British. A good cliffhanger and I’m ready for more. Has a nice little romantic twist to it also.

Epic start to a promising series.

I loved this one. Engaging characters with great interplay make it easy to become interested in their motivations and progress. They become embroiled in a story that has great potential. Bring on book 2.

I listen to everything I can narrated by Teralyn Davis, which is how I discovered this book. She is a joy to listen to, particularly those books like this one read in RP English. More please.

must listen

Pulls you in by the first chapter. Couldnt stop listening! . Can't wait to listen to book2! when will it be on audible?

Wit, Magic, Mystery, and Wonder

Loved the narrator and the story was engrossing. I loves the twists and secrets. Gewn is an amazing character FMC. Will definitely read the other books by this author.

Please add the others!

This turned out to be a very enjoyable listen. I didn’t have high expectations to begin with, but found myself really enjoying the book. The narration is good with a variety of voices and the narrator did well with both male and female characters. The world is interesting and the pacing good. The story is pure entertainment. Not too dark but not fluffy either. I’m really hoping the rest of the series gets added.

Funny, fast paced and well written

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one!! Good mystery, enjoyable fantasy world and some nice slow burn romance.