Leigh Brody FBI Mystery Book 2
FBI Agent Leigh Brody was on medical leave when she received a message from her friend Elyse saying she needed help. So against everything she knew was right, Leigh took a flight to Gulf Shores, Alabama, heading for the beach house where Elyse and her family were having their annual vacation. Leigh met with the local detective, Henrietta Moore, who was against Leigh's attendance, but Leigh was determined - and the blood spatters confirmed that yes, there was something very wrong.

I somehow missed that this was the second book in the series, however this is a terrific standalone, I’m not sure I could read the first book AFTER reading the second one but I really enjoyed this book, it was so well written that I still connected with the characters and the twists threw me and I never saw them coming

ARC provided by Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Vanishing Wife, the gripping second installment in Nichole Severn’s Leigh Brody FBI Mysteries series, takes readers on a thrilling ride through the shadows of deception and intrigue. With a complex plot that intertwines personal stakes and professional challenges, Severn crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page.

Leigh Brody, a determined FBI agent, returns in this installment, showcasing her tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth. Severn skillfully develops Leigh’s character, portraying her as both a fierce investigator and a woman grappling with her own past. The emotional depth of Leigh’s journey adds a compelling layer to the story, as she navigates the pressures of her career while dealing with personal demons that resonate throughout the narrative.

The plot revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a woman, sending Leigh on a complex investigation that reveals a web of secrets and lies. Severn excels at building tension, introducing twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. As Leigh delves deeper into the case, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her assumptions and put her at odds with powerful forces determined to keep the past buried.

Severn’s writing is both engaging and vivid, painting a detailed picture of the investigation and the intricate relationships among the characters. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that compels you to read on. Additionally, the interplay between the investigation and Leigh’s personal life creates a compelling balance, making the stakes feel high on both fronts.

The Vanishing Wife is not just a thrilling mystery; it also explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love. As Leigh confronts both external threats and her internal struggles, readers are treated to a layered narrative that invites reflection on the complexities of human relationships.

Overall, Nichole Severn delivers another captivating installment in the Leigh Brody FBI Mysteries series with The Vanishing Wife. Fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries will find themselves fully immersed in this suspenseful tale, eagerly anticipating what challenges Leigh will face next. This book is a testament to Severn’s ability to weave a compelling story that resonates long after the final page.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Nichole Severn for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

The Vanishing Wife was a book I burned through in about 24 hours. It sucked me in right away and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. When I started thinking about the review, however, I could see the flaws I missed in my desire to learn the truth. Is that good or bad? I can't say. It's a book I thoroughly enjoyed, but when I started reflecting on it, there were a number of things that started bothering me.

This is the second book in author Nichole Severn's Leigh Brody FBI series. I haven't read the first. I don't think you need to. It sounds like the first case dealt with a case that encompassed Leigh's family history, and the ramifications of that are felt in The Vanishing Wife. The author writes enough about it here that I didn't feel lost.

Leight Brody is on medical leave when she receives a cryptic text from her best friend, who is on vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama with her husband and daughter. Elyse says she needs Leigh's help and begs her to come to Gulf Shores. When Leigh shows up at their vacation home there, she finds out that Elyse is missing after having been assaulted several days before.

Elyse is a recent friend for Leigh, but the only one she has. Although she doesn't have any authority there, Leigh begins digging into the case. The local detective, Henrietta Moore, is focused on the case of a missing teenage girl and not on Elyse's disappearance. She's not happy to have Leigh digging into the case, and even less so when Leigh starts uncovering problems with the investigation.

The Vanishing Wife was gripping with a lot of twists and turns. The more information that is revealed, both about Elyse and her family as well as the Gulf Shores community, the more possibilities there are for what actually happened to Elyse. The Narrative jumps back and forth between Leigh's point of view after she arrives there and Elyse's point of view leading up to her disappearance. This keeps the read very suspenseful. I didn't know what happened with Elyse other than that she was attacked while running on the beach. Of course, there was much more, but even Elyse couldn't remember at first due to the concussion she suffered. This had the effect of feeling like the reader was remembering things along with Elyse in her narrative. It was very well done.

As I said, there are a number of problems that I didn't pick up on while I was reading the book. I don't think they take away from the story, but for some people, it might. Early on, it's pretty obvious Detective Moore is in over her head. She misses key clues and doesn't document important parts of her investigation. Who does she answer to? The reason for this is also a bit suspect in a small community. In general, the year-round residents of Gulf Shores would know a lot more about each other. At some point, someone should have pulled her off the case, but apparently there's no one to do that.

I have a close friend who work for the FBI, so maybe I catch things others don't, but there's no way Leigh would be able to act the way she does. Granted, it's the only friend she has that is in trouble, but all the more reason her boss would likely send in local agents once she saw Leigh was investigating outside of her parameters while on leave. Both Leigh and Henrietta seem to be able to do what they want with little supervision. It makes a good story, but it requires a good suspending of disbelief.

There's also a lot of focus on the fact that Leigh is recently out of surgery, having had a complete hysterectomy following the discovery of cancer. I can't count how many times her sutures straining were talked about. That shouldn't be happening this far out in her recovery. I have had a number of surgeries and usually the outer sutures were taken out after no more than 2 weeks. The only time I had issues similar to what is depicted with Leigh were after my disastrous appendectomy and the complications, and even then the outer sutures and staples had been taken out about 2 weeks after the surgery. The way Leigh complained sounded more like a woman who was in her first week out of surgery than several.

Parts of the conclusion also felt contrived and didn't flow as well with the rest of the book. I can't go into details without giving away spoilers, but there's a twist to the story the reader is drawn into, and it doesn't feel genuine. It's almost like the author got to that point and couldn't write the ending she wanted.

However, I did thoroughly enjoy The Vanishing Wife. It requires a good suspension of disbelief but it's well-written and well-paced. The characters are interesting. I don't regret reading it, and it was a good story. The problems with it really didn't take away from the story all that much as long as you can suspend your disbelief a bit.

The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn is the 2nd book in the excellent Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series and I have really enjoyed both books. The Vanishing Wife was fast paced with brilliant twists and turns which made this book a great page turner and I found it hard to out it down. Leigh Brody as she works as an FBI criminologist and she is contacted by an old friend Elyse, who is distressed and seeking help before Leigh could reply to her call, Elyse vanishes!
Leigh Brody arrives at her friend Elyse’s beachfront Alabama vacation home and walks straight into a crime scene. Blood spatters the floor, and Elyse’s worried husband and reserved teenage daughter have no idea where she is.

Elyse's husband is acting all strangely. But, Why?

This book was excellent I highly recommend this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.

This is actually the 2nd book in the series. I have jumped in not realising it was. This was not a problem at all. I connected with the characters and the twists were suprising.

Ms. Severn knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, and trying to guess who was at fault. Leigh Brody had already gone through a horrible experience with her family in a previous book. Poor Leigh had to go through cancer again and had Elyse who was the physician’s nurse to befriend her and became fast friends. Leigh worked for the FBI but had to go to go on leave. Leigh gets a voice mail from Elyse asking for help. Because Leigh wants to help as many people as she can, she gets on a flight and flys to Alabama where Elyse’s family beach house is located. This is where Ms. Severn starts us on the path of an ugly crime spree that gets more and more convoluted as you read on. I kept trying to figure out who was doing all the horrible attacks, but Ms Severn was so good at keeping me in the dark. I was glad to see Leigh and the local detective learn to like each other and begin to trust the other. This is a book that you will not want to put down! I strongly encourage you to read it.U

The Vanishing Wife is book two in the Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series.
This book is such a great read, full of mystery, suspense, and action packed. I did read book one and really enjoyed it as well, you don't have to read book one but I highly recommend it just because it's a great read also. Leigh is a fantastic character and FBI agent that gets a strange message from her friend so she takes a little trip to find out what's going on. This book drew me in, and held my attention. Yes, I lost sleep so I could finish it lol.. I just can't help myself with good books!

Nichole Severn’s “The Vanishing Wife” is a satisfying ride from start to finish. The pacing is good, though at times it moved slowly with plot points feeling redundant. The characters are well-developed, especially the strong, resilient FMC, adding depth to the plot. While some plot points might feel familiar to avid thriller readers, the emotional stakes and Severn’s engaging writing style make this book a compelling read. I absolutely loved the last few paragraphs - makes me even more excited for the next in this series!

When her friend Elyse leaves a desperate voicemail, Detective Leigh Brody finds herself in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Once she arrives at the vacation home of the Portmans, she discovers that Elyse has gone missing. Leigh discovers that her friend was involved in an investigation of her own. The answers Leigh is looking for may be in solving the cases of a couple of murdered teenagers. In the end, Leigh will take on a challenging new role.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“The Vanishing Wife” by Nichole Severn is the second installment in the Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series, and it delivers a pulse-pounding narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This gripping crime thriller combines intricate plotting with deep character development, making it a standout in the genre.

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody is looking forward to a relaxing stay at her friend Elyse’s beachfront vacation home in Alabama. Her plans for a pleasant getaway crumble when she arrives to find Elyse missing and a teenage girl murdered. As Leigh delves into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that stretch far beyond the idyllic beach town. The case becomes even more personal when Leigh realizes that the clues might be connected to her own dark past.

Severn excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Leigh Brody is a compelling protagonist, whose sharp intellect and unwavering determination make her a formidable investigator. Her personal struggles and vulnerabilities add depth to her character, making her relatable and human. The supporting cast, including local law enforcement and potential suspects, are well-developed and add layers of complexity to the story. Each character’s motivations and secrets are gradually revealed, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Severn’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional depth. The narrative is fast-paced, with short, punchy chapters that propel the story forward. Severn’s attention to detail, particularly in the forensic and investigative aspects, adds authenticity to the plot. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the tension and drama.

“The Vanishing Wife” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the long shadows cast by past traumas. Severn delves into the psychological impact of crime on both victims and investigators, providing a nuanced portrayal of the emotional toll of Leigh’s work. The novel also examines the complexities of friendship and loyalty, as Leigh navigates her relationships while seeking justice for the victim.

“The Vanishing Wife” is a compelling and addictive crime thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Nichole Severn has crafted a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with a protagonist who is easy to root for.

Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers or new to the Leigh Brody series, this novel is sure to provide a satisfying and gripping read.

The Vanishing Wife is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on your toes! Leigh Brody is an FBI criminologist that is friends with a woman named Elyse. When she receives a voice mail from her friend saying she needs help and is unable to contact her, Leigh heads to her Alabama Vacation home. This book takes you from the present to a few days prior, before Elyse goes missing. As evidence begins to build, Leigh questions if she really knew her friend as well as she thought she did.

I really enjoyed this book! While it took me a little longer to read due to the time of year and going back to school (I'm a teacher), I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more of Nichole's work.

I want to thank Nichole Severn, Net Galley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn’t read Nichole Severn books when I picked up this book, but trust me it did not disappoint, it’s a faced paced female led thriller that will leave you with more questions than answers I was totally hooked and you will be to. I feel like the alternating timelines are constructed in a way to give you clues and keep you guessing. So many twists and turns in this story that will leave your head spinning and leave you thinking what the hell actually happened. If you like a dark, twisty mystery then this perfect but I recommend you clear your schedule first.

The Vanishing Wife was a thriller for sure especially with all the back and forth between characters and that twist! I am still surprised by that ending and how it just made this story over the top good.

This very much had a Criminal Minds vibe, which I always enjoy immensely! Leigh is pulled off to help a friend while on medical leave. Ignoring orders to not get involved, Leigh must work to unravel the teenage body on the beach and a desperate friends erratic behavior. I finished this in one sitting after telling myself "one more chapter" until there were none.

Thank you Net Galley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a review.

I absolutely loved this book! It picked up right where book 1 ended and had so much mystery and action. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!!

This was a very tense story especially as vit involved the death of children. Very well constructed story and absorbing to the end. A variety of characters, all with some faults but became survivors in the end.

This was such a fun read so bingable so easy to read like I flew through this one yeah the twists weren't very unique and I guessed some of them but the last lines at the end of every chapter kept me so interested like i literally read this at the gym between my sets cuz i was so interested in it and i am so excited to go back and read the first book in the series.

✨My Thoughts✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After the dramatic conclusion and the huge twist that happened at the end of the previous book I just had to read this one.

Leigh has one friend Elyse and when she leaves Leigh a cryptic voicemail asking for help she jumps on a plane to help her but is Leigh too late?.

OMG this was so twisty, it read like an episode of your favourite crime tv series.

I loved how Leigh fought to find out what happened to her friend even though she’s supposed to be on medical leave but that doesn’t stop her even though she’s still in so much pain.

What I wasn’t prepared for was that shocking twist at the end!.

You really need to read this series, it’ll have you hooked.

Another suspenseful thriller by one of the best. Ms. Severn has the unique ability to bring her characters to life with her storytelling. Leigh Brody is an FBI agent on medical leave, when she gets a voice mail from her friend needing her help. The unexpected twists and turns kept me reading longer. The climax was surprising. I would recommend to readers who enjoy mysteries with strong female leads. I received a free copy of this book via netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.