Vanished

October 15, 2012
In the first of her new Private Justice series, Hannon (Deadly Pursuit) introduces us to Moira Harrison, a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who finds herself in the midst of her own mystery after an automobile accident she is involved in leaves her searching for a victim who has vanished. Harrison turns for help to Cal Burke, a retired homicide detective who has partnered with Jim Devlin, a former undercover ATF officer, and Connor Sullivan, an ex-Secret Service agent, to establish Phoenix Inc., a detective agency where the pursuit of justice seems to trump either the viability of a case or a client’s ability to pay. Intrigued by strange coincidences she has uncovered, the PIs agree to take on Harrison’s case despite the lack of solid leads. Details emerge slowly, creating a suspenseful thriller that allows the reader to develop theories along with the detectives. Romantic tension underlies Harrison’s and Burke’s relationship from the moment they meet, but the mystery remains central to the well-crafted plot. Hannon’s intricately developed characters struggle with complex moral issues, bringing into question whether the ends ever do justify the means. An engaging, satisfying tale that will no doubt leave readers anxiously anticipating the next installment.

July 1, 2013

Hannon launches a new series with this engaging novel. One stormy night, Moira Harrison is lost on a country road, hits a young woman, and runs her car into a ditch. When a man approaches her vehicle, she is relieved to have help but is baffled when she awakens an hour later, alone, cold, and with no emergency services in sight. What follows is a plea to the Pheonix[ ], Inc. private investigation company and its handsome representative Cal Burke for help in finding the now-missing pedestrian. A series of clues reveal the unlikeliest of serial killers. Narrator Celeste Ciulla offers an elementary reading of the novel, characterized by awkward transitions, barely distinguishable male voices, and a flat tone that draws attention to occasional instances of stilted dialog. At best, her monotone delivery does nothing to reflect the novel's fast pacing and quality plot. VERDICT Experienced audiobook listeners may endure the reading to reach the novel's resolution, but those new to the audio experience will likely tune out within minutes. ["This fast-paced, suspenseful series debut novel is typical Hannon ("Guardians of Justice" series), a blend of action and romance, and is sure to please her fans," read the review of the Revell hc, LJ 2/15/13.--Ed.]--Erin Forson, Columbus, OH

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