The Disappearance of Wiley Hood

By: Mark Loeffelholz

Narrated by: Scott Ellis, Mark Loeffelholz

What would you do if you discovered that you were disappearing?

Not physically, but a piece at a time: all tangible evidence that you exist as a person—beginning with your driver's license, bank accounts and your birth certificate...and soon you are a loose thread, being pulled from the fabric of reality—into the twilight of your physical existence.

This is what happens to Wiley Hood, a 25-year-old artist-turned business executive who still struggles with his older brother’s suicide. Creatively blocked for a year since Nick's death, Wiley is suddenly able to paint again—and then, his life begins to unravel and vanish around him. Besieged by visions and nightmares, Wiley is forced to consider the possibility that he has lost his mind...because that is less frightening than the notion that the phenomenon—or whatever awaits him at the end of it—is real.

Frequently hilarious and unsettling—and sometimes frightening—THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WILEY HOOD is a dizzying psychological fantasy in the spirit of The Twilight Zone. It is a trip you will never forget.

©2022 Mark Loeffelholz (P)2023 Mark Loeffelholz

Wonderful story with top-notch narration!

The first few sentences of the forward had me smiling. After the next few, the book had me in its grip--and never let go! This is one of the most unique pieces of storytelling I've ever encountered, and I enjoyed it immensely. As for the narration...it was spot on. Scott Ellis's delivery was totally engaging, heightened every scene, and brought life to every character. Fantastic work by all!

A great read.

I found it fascinating and intriguing. It kept me interested the entire time, I couldn’t stop listening.

Haunting cautionary tale

All this book needed was Rod Serling starting it with “Imagine if you will …”. Fortunately we have Mark.
Wiley is a starving artist who gets caught up in a life he has no real control over. Initially you root for his success, not realizing how the universe is going to hit back. When it does, things get utterly terrifying.
The twists and turns you go through with Wiley are truly a roller coaster. By the time the ride ends and you pull into the station with your new pal Wiley the feelings of exhilaration, satisfaction and exhaustion have set in BUT you’re ready for the next trip in Mark’s Twilight Zone.
Whether you read the book or experience it in the excellent audio presentation like I did, this is a super fun adventure and well worth it!

Intriguing from first to last.

When spoken - the author's words created visuals in my ears that morphed into a film in my brain.
Thought provoking and quite enjoyable.

One of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to!

The Disappearance of Wiley Hood is amazing! The story is incredibly well written: thought provoking and full of suspense in a Twilight Zone sort of way, so even though it takes place in current times, it felt nostalgic. The audio version was absolutely phenomenal. Loved how the narrator captured the essence of each character. Felt like I was watching a live performance and found myself reprioritizing some of my daily tasks as I couldn't stop listening. The special effects peppered throughout the chapters was a very cool surprise and sets this audiobook apart from others. A heads up for those with sensitive ears, there is quite a bit of profanity. Otherwise, it's definitely worth a listen!

Excellent story and strong characters.

I really enjoyed this book. Very interesting story line and lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing. Strong character development evokes plenty of feelings along the way. I’m more of an audiobook guy, so I was happy to see this in Audible. For the record, the narrator was excellent as well. His voice was a great fit for Wiley and the other characters.

Amazing !!

This book had me at the edge of my seat! I did not know what was going to happen next! It was an amazing read and really makes you ask yourself, am I happy with the life I have or if I had the chance would I do something different?! Highly recommend

Couldn’t stop listening!

I love the uniqueness of this storyline. The story takes off fast and you don’t know what is going on. I almost listened to it straight through.

Don’t miss this book!

I listen to a LOT of audiobooks. And although I am very familiar with Wiley’s story from reading it in written form, Scott Ellis really brings it to life. This is a book that at some points will make you laugh and even bring a tear to your eye and the journey is thoroughly enjoyable.

Un-put-downable!

I'm not sure audiobooks yet have a word for a real "page-turner," or an audiobook you "can't put down," but "The Disappearance of Wiley Hood" is both! The narrator, Scott Ellis, does a wonderful job of engaging the listener with riveting storytelling, and the plot of this one won't let you go, once you start listening! The story-line is unique, and works on many subtle levels, about the meaning of identity, free will, and success. The book would make a fabulous movie -- are you listening, Hollywood? Imagine the Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Wolf of Wall Street," if it had been told by Franz Kafka, with a soundtrack by David Byrne and the Talking Heads singing the lyrics to their song "Once in a Lifetime!" The protagonist is an artist whose life changes dramatically when he briefly steps into a role we might all dream about. But "Be careful what you wish for" is an understatement in this suspenseful, spooky, and almost unearthly tale about what constitutes our "existence" and what validates our reality. Is it who we know and hang out with? Is it our career? Is it what we create during our lifetimes? "Wiley Hood" is a story you will think about, long after you turn off the recording or close the book!