The Vanishing: a gripping new romantic suspense (Cutler, Sutter & Salinas, #4) (Fogg Lake, #1)

by Jayne Ann Krentz

From New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz comes a gripping new romantic suspense trilogy fraught with danger and enigma.

Decades ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, The Incident occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases. The residents slept for two days. When they woke up they discovered that things had changed-they had changed. Some started having visions. Others heard ominous voices. And then, scientists from a mysterious government agency arrived. Determined not to become research subjects of strange experiments, the residents of Fogg Lake blamed their "hallucinations" on food poisoning, and the story worked. But now it has become apparent that the eerie effects of The Incident are showing up in the descendants of Fogg Lake...

Catalina Lark and Olivia LeClair, best friends and co-owners of an investigation firm in Seattle, use what they call their "other sight" to help solve cases. When Olivia suddenly vanishes one night, Cat frantically begins the search for her friend. No one takes the disappearance seriously except Slater Arganbright, an agent from a shadowy organization known only as the Foundation, who shows up at her firm with a cryptic warning.

A ruthless killer is hunting the only witnesses to a murder that occurred in the Fogg Lake caves fifteen years ago-Catalina and Olivia. And someone intends to make both women vanish.

'Krentz expertly entwines high-stakes suspense, a paranormal-spiked plot, and a generous dollop of sexy romance with delightfully dry wit as she launches a thrilling and chilling new series' Booklist (starred review)

'A smart, creative series start from a romance master who always entertains' Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

• ISBN10: 0349424411
• ISBN13: 9780349424415
• Publish Date: 7 January 2020
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 1 April 2022
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Piatkus Books
• Format: Paperback (UK Trade)
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

The story opens with two young girls, Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton, spending the night in the caverns at Fogg Lake. A ritual for teens in this tight-knit community with its spotty electricity and shared secrets. Only the girls witness a murder and escape by entering one of the side caves. There they encounter weird energy. In the morning they return home and share their gruesome tale. Convinced the girls were hallucinating, nothing comes of it and soon even the girls believe.

Fast-forward and the girls, now women own a successful private investigation firm in Seattle. Both have a psychic talent but guard that secret. When Olivia goes missing, scientist Slate Trevelyan from the Foundation shows up. He was coming to ask for her assistance on a case, but it appears the two incidents are related and Olivia isn’t the only one in danger.

Secret government facilities, psychic testing and hot artifacts quickly pulled me into this captivating tale. Slater also has abilities and had some recent trouble which I found rather intriguing.

The chemistry between Catalina and Slater was present from the start and only intensified as they began working the case. Danger, nail-biting escapes and discoveries soon brought these two together. Secondary characters like the Uncles, villains, and townfolk of Fogg Lake added interest.

Krentz is skilled at creating fleshed out characters and at making the romance feel genuine. This story was no exception. I was quickly rooting for our couple as I became wrapped up in the case and their blossoming romance.

The storyline wrapped up nicely but the danger and story is far from over. Krentz gave us a hint of things to come and at the masterminds behind the crimes. I for one cannot wait for the next installment. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer