Vanished

Callahan & McLane, Book 1

By: Kendra Elliot

Narrated by: Nick Podehl, Amy McFadden

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kendra Elliot.

When an eleven-year-old is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, whose life is crumbling to pieces - he’s related to the victim, and his longtime confidential informant has just been murdered.

Both he and Agent McLane hole up in the victim’s family home. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer the girl is missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves drawn to each other.

2015 Overall Daphne du Maurier Award Winner

©2014 Kendra Elliot (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Captivating.

A very exciting story. The further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the thankfully brief description of sex between the main characters. That always makes me feel like a voyeur. However, I enjoyed learning about police investigation techniques.

Not bad

Not a huge fan of the female narrator, but the story was interesting enough to maintain my attention despite the annoyingly proper female voice. Predictable, but still edgey and cleverly written.

Really good!

If you could sum up Vanished in three words, what would they be?

Parents worst nightmare

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, not knowing whether Henley was alive was very scary, as a parent. Although, the blooming relationship, despite the adverse conditions kind of helped tone it down a little.

Which scene was your favorite?

The naming of the dog.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Edge of your seat suspense!

Any additional comments?

This was a really good book, and I've already started downloading the next book. Also, I really liked the dual narrators. They are very good.

Great tie in & beginning of new series

Audible. Available to borrow via KU in both ebook & audio. This is one of those audios that's less expensive to buy the ebook & add audio. Less than $6 for both at the time of this review.

I listened to and enjoyed the entire Bone Secrets series and it was time to move on the Callahan & McLane. Mason Callahan plays a background but regular role in many of the Bone Secrets novels as an Oregon State Patrol detective. Though I think you could start here and not be confused or lost in any way. In Vanished, he's introduced to FBI Special Agent, Ava McClane, when she's called in to assist in investigating the kidnapping of a young family member. There's a little bit of mystery involved, but this is mostly suspense with a little romance thrown in. All done really well. The romance aspect is still in its infancy and definitely an HFN, but I expect we'll get to see that bloom over the next few books.

I was honestly a little nervous about Nick Podehl & Amy McFadden because I tend to think of them as NA narrators and the MCs are mid-30s & early 40s. I didn't have any trouble with either of their narrations and am looking forward to their being involved with the entire series.

two narrators is different

this is an amazing story with great character! I love the way Kendra brings to life her characters! the biggest struggle for me in this book is the two narrators. it took a while to get used to it but once I did I couldn't stop listening!

2 Narrators- stick with genders

What three words best describe Nick Podehl and Amy McFadden ’s voice?

I just don't get why they switched back and forth- Nick reading a chapter and voicing males and females, and then the same for Amy. Why didn't Nick just cover the males, and Amy voice the females? It's a bit distracting. What's the point of having two narrators if he/she is going to read both genders, and then the other do the same?

A Lot to Unpack

Kendra Elliot shows her prowess again with this non-stop psychological thriller that manages to tick every one of my boxes. The plot was solid and spooled out brilliantly. The characters were a treat, especially main characters Mason and Ava who may fight on the side of angels everyday but deal with their own demons in the quiet of the night.

I found the entire story a treat to my mind and emotions from beginning to Holy Cow ending.

good story, female voice annoying

The book was good. Solid story. Amy McFadden has a very annoying voice for this female character. Listening to her in this particular book was like listening to nails on a chalkboard.

Couldnt put down

I had never heard of this author, read reviews and gave it a try. It had my complete attention. I had wished i could continue with the story at work.
The storyline was fantastic. Had suspense, romance(not sex). And had twists and turns. I cant believe who the kidnapper was after until it all came together.
Started out with a missing young girl, and the drama of course (any parent would have). Leading into storylines of the agents helping the family.
To the story of one of the agents being investigated. Then suspended.
When everything was put together it just makes the story so much better.
The girl was found, and the agent found out he had been set up, by someone he tried to help years ago, who apparently no longer wanted to live. I highly recommend this book, you wont regret it!!!!

Vanished

What did you like best about this story?

Enjoyed the step by step police and FBI work and partnership. Usually there is so much shown about infighting and who is in charge that it detracts from the mystery. Here it was briefly mentioned and they worked to find the little girl.

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl and Amy McFadden – was your favorite?

Liked them all can't decide between Ava and Mason. I liked Jake a lot.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I did as in one day.t

Any additional comments?

This story and romance skipped some of the old standbys conflicts such them not getting together because of working together, son jealous of sister. It was touching how Jake loved his sis and he kept worrying about her gift lost with his luggage. The romance was good and not just a bunch of steam not appropriate for the situation. A recommended read.