Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier Published by Berkley on January 26, 2021
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Sera loves true crime podcasts. They make her feel empowered in a world where women just like her disappear daily. She's sure they are preparing her for something. So when Rachel, her favorite podcast host, goes missing, Sera knows it's time to act. Rachel has always taught her to trust her instincts.
Sera follows the clues hidden in the episodes to an isolated ranch outside Rachel's small hometown to begin her search. She's convinced her investigation will make Rachel so proud. But the more Sera digs into this unfamiliar world, the more off things start to feel. Because Rachel is not the first woman to vanish from the ranch, and she won't be the last...
Rachel did try to warn her.
I am really enjoying this genre but If I Disappear was not what I expected at all. Unexpected can be good but this was crazy town. Sera is an interesting character and stronger than I would be in figuring out the situation. She has far less support in her life and not too many options available.
Sera becomes attached to Rachel who is a podcast host. The podcast shares information about women who go missing. When Rachel goes missing, Sera sets out to find her. She goes to the town where she lived, takes a job with her parents, and goes to her brother’s church. Everything is completely bizarre. I did worry about Sera’s life being in danger.
I can’t see that Sera makes any progress but she is a catalyst for a bunch more weird because she is asking questions. Many people are clearly not telling the truth. In the end, I’m not sure if good or evil prevailed. It’s ambiguous which is not my favorite.
This world and characters are well developed. It was easy to read and stay engaged with wanting to know what happened to Rachel and others. None of the characters was very likeable, though. Perhaps you are smarter than me and will understand the ending.
About Eliza Jane Brazier
I am an author, screenwriter, and journalist. This is my adult debut. I currently live in Los Angeles, where I am developing If I Disappear for television.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Winter
I usually love weird books but I’m not sure this would work for me either. Plus that cover is giving me the creeps!
I like the cover. I just thought we would get more of the podcast.
Ahhh, one of those (with weird endings). I’ve got this coming up on audio so I’ll see. Excellent review, Anne? Wish it had been a better reading experience for you.
Oh good. If you understand it, email me and let me know.
great cover.
I thought so. I liked the concept and it wasn’t bad, just too weird.
I’m not a fan of an ambiguous ending or unlikable characters. Sorry to hear this didn’t knock your socks off, but I can totally understand why. Wonderful review, Anne!
Thanks Rachel. When it’s unclear, I always feel like I’m stupid.
Interesting premise. I thought this was YA and didn’t read the blurb. Sometimes I love an open ending like that, but it sounds bizarre.
It is bizarre. It would be easier if there were any likeable characters.
I’m reading this one now, and I agree that it is a wild ride. I really don’t know what to expect next!
I don’t think I liked any of the characters very well. It’s well written and developed just bizarre.
Ah, one of those endings ! I like my endings clear cut 🙂 Great review Anne.
Yes I like things solved. There are lots of things we learn but it was all too weird.
This sounds a bit weird, I just a read a book where the ending was just bonkers and ruined the whole book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts though!
A weird ending would be easier if I liked some of the characters.
I have been seeing this book everywhere but I think that this is the first review that I have read. I do prefer books to have a solid ending not one that leaves me wondering what really happened.
That’s definitely my preference also. One of the reasons I read is because I want to know things, not be left not knowing.