VANISHED ECHOES by Luigi Pascal Rondanini is a fascinating, if somewhat fantastical look at a family, community and country’s yearning in the search for a missing girl.

When 10 year old Lucy Carver is not home by 7pm her parents begin a frantic search. When they contact the media for help, the community and the whole region gets involved in the search. Told as breaking news, we follow the story into the next day as the correspondents report on the police’s zeroing in and apprehension of one suspect only to learn that they were wrong. The updates continue throughout the night and everyone is glued to their televisions in the hopes that little Lucy is found. When one of her friends comes forward with some information, a new race is on.
Will they find Lucy or will she become one of the missing?

Living in the US, I wondered how many children are reported missing each year. A staggering 460,000 under the age of 13! If only we had the resources to conduct such an investigation here! I would love to think that somewhere on this planet, this kind of investigation would be available when a member of our future goes missing.

Off my soap box…I am amazed that this is a debut. What an interesting way to present a story. I loved it. The writing was clear and concise and made me feel that I was watching the whole thing unfold as it happened. BRAVO!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

A gripping mystery thriller that delves into the heart-wrenching story of a missing 10-year-old girl in London. The narrative is unique in its presentation, unfolding through the lens of a live primetime news broadcast, which creates a sense of urgency and immerses the reader in the unfolding crisis. The book masterfully combines elements of suspense, social commentary, and media critique, making it much more than a typical crime drama.

Rondanini's storytelling is both compelling and thought-provoking, shedding light on issues of prejudice, mental health neglect, and the power of media in our society. Vanished Echoes is an inventive and gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a great read for those who enjoy a thrilling mystery with depth.

Hey there, fellow bookworms! You've gotta get your hands on Vanished Echoes ASAP! This book is like nothing you've ever read before. It's a rollercoaster of suspense, and guess what? It's told in real-time through a live news broadcast. Imagine being right in the thick of it as the story unfolds – it's intense!

But wait, there's more! This book isn't just about a missing kid; it's got layers, people! It takes a jab at prejudice, mental health issues, and the way the media plays with our minds. Luigi Pascal Rondanini knows how to keep you hooked from start to finish. So, if you want a read that'll give you chills and make you think, grab Vanished Echoes now. You won't be able to put it down, I promise!