Tuesday, June 11, 2024

BOOK REVIEW: VANISHED - A HEART WRENCHING THRILLER

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars *****



Author Mark Bierman is brilliant in the way he introduces us to the book through a very thrilling opening scene. And from that moment, I was on a roller coaster, edge of the seat read. He deserves a lot of praise for having picked up a highly complex subject matter of human trafficking which is a very real occurrence in today’s world. We see the plight of unfortunate people, who are caught in the dark web. In this story we see children being snatched up from the streets and disappear forever.

The book is a complete work of fiction, but Mark has so beautifully narrated it that the reader gets a real experience. I loved the rapid pace at which the story is set. As an author, his research about the country, its terrain and the happenings inside the underbelly of Haiti really deserves praise. There are many instances where the reader gets this real immersion through the minute parallel threads that he brings into in the narration. Another very commendable aspect is the way he has managed to keep the narration clear in the reader’s mind as he takes the reader into complex geographical terrains in the dark. Often one could have got lost, but for Mark’s narration, where he has successfully managed to keep a clear map and the directions in the reader’s mind, especially in the escape and chase scenes. Tyler and John are characters who have deeply inspired me in the way they held on to their principles and never quit even as they get embroiled in a rescue operation for one of the children. The encounters become extremely dangerous and tough as they put themselves into situations where they are unable to fathom the level of violence and danger that they are about to encounter.

A truly heart wrenching read. Wishing Mark all the very best for his future writing pursuits.



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