Chase creates a very nostalgic atmosphere, which is part of the charm of this book. The story wanders from past to present, and the chapters in the past are especially good. They evoke a sense of familiarity, warmth and belonging. The reader basks in the sun next to the river and feels the cool water as the girls swim in the river.
Throughout the book there is a sense of a presence watching over every event and word. Audrey Wilde is as much a part of the story, as her disappearance is.
Although this is in every sense of the word a mystery it is also a book about identity and coming of age. It is also a story about non-typical families. The patchwork family of the present is also haunted by their very own personal ghost. In fact the ghosts need to be laid to rest for both families to finally get some peace.
One day Audrey Wilde suddenly vanishes into thin air, and the mystery of her disappearance is something that her cousin Margot never really gets over. At a time when everyone has accepted the possibility that they may never find out the truth, Margot is almost obsessed with discovering what happened to her.
I loved the feel of this story, especially everything about Margot and her sisters. I thought that element of the story was strong enough for the plot without adding Jessie and her family to the mix. I also thought it was intriguing how the crime element never overshadowed the story, despite it being the thread that held everything together.
The truth isn't pretty at all, and perhaps that cold breath of brutality should have changed the whole feeling of the story, but it didn't. It remains a charming tale until the end.
Buy The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde at AmazonUK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.
Follow @evepchase @MichaelJBooks
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