The “psychological suspense novel” is the new “it read,” captivating the minds, hearts, and bated breath of readers across the country. For bibliophiles who cannot get enough of these gripping stories, Lauren Oliver presents Vanishing Girls, a novel geared to the young adult crowd, but one that will also easily be picked up by adults looking for lighter thrills and chills. Coming in at just over 350 pages, Vanishing Girls is long enough to languidly unravel the suspense without shortchanging the reader – a crime of which many young adult novels are often found guilty. Never fear - there’s something here for both teens and adults alike.
Vanishing Girls follows two sisters, Nick and Dara, close in age, yet far apart at heart due to a mysterious car accident, which found Nick at the wheel and Dara injured. Now months later, both Nick and Dara are recovering mentally and physically. It seems some confrontation between the sisters spurred the wreck on that rainy night. Did they fight because of Parker, Nick’s best friend from childhood whom Dara has fallen for? Or did the sisters’ inherent differences – Dara always finding herself in trouble, while Nick carries the label of “the good girl” - cause the conflict? Whatever the cause may be, this clash between Nick and Dara has carried over into present day, in which we find the sisters not speaking.
While Nick and Dara have essentially vanished from each other’s lives – they avoid each other at all costs - another girl in their community goes missing from those who love her. Madeline Snow, a 9-year-old blonde has disappeared out of the backseat of her sister’s car while getting ice cream late one night. As Nick struggles to accept her sister’s rejection of their relationship, she becomes more involved in the Madeline Snow case. Could there be a connection between Madeline’s disappearance and the event that wrecked Nick and Dara’s relationship forever?
Told from the point of view of both Nick and Dara, and vacillating between past and present day, Vanishing Girls mixes things up just enough to keep the reader turning the pages. The story flows smoothly across the pages, and the characters come to life as the tale unfolds. Any reader with siblings will recognize the tension that comes from having a “built-in friend from birth,” and the difficulties that arise when you discover that you don’t make for such great friends after all. The feelings that Nick experiences as she realizes that blood runs thicker than water are heartfelt, aching, and true. This is as much a story about the connection between two sisters, as it is a mystery to unravel.
Vanishing Girls can be found at LPPL’s Lockport, South Lafourche, and Thibodaux branches, as well as on the Cloud Library as an e-book. If you prefer to listen to your reads, it is also available as a Playaway at our Thibodaux branch. We will be happy to have any of these items transferred to your home branch – just inquire at the Customer Service Desk or place a hold online! Happy reading!
Vanishing Girls Novelist Appeals
GENRE: Mystery stories
STORYLINE: Intricately-plotted
WRITING STYLE: Compelling