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Nichole Severn's The Vanishing Wife is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. As my introduction to Severn's work, I was impressed by how quickly I was drawn into FBI criminologist Leigh Brody's desperate search for her missing friend, Elyse. The serene beachfront setting contrasts perfectly with the dark secrets that unfold, making for a chilling backdrop to the mystery.

Leigh's determination to uncover the truth, despite being warned off the case, makes her a compelling protagonist. The story takes several unexpected turns, particularly as the investigation reveals a disturbing pattern involving the disappearances of young girls. The tension ramps up as Leigh gets closer to the truth, and the stakes feel incredibly high.

What really stands out in this novel is Severn's ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and unease. The small-town setting, combined with the eerie details surrounding Elyse's disappearance, makes for a story that is both unsettling and addictive.

While this was my first book by Nichole Severn, it certainly won't be my last. The Vanishing Wife can easily be read as a standalone, but it has left me eager to explore more of Leigh Brody's world. Fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Regan, and A.J. Rivers will find themselves right at home with this thrilling mystery. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!

Thanks to Ms. Severn, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

So much action packed into one book! Great read, lots of thrills, so many twist and turns.I really really enjoyed this read and will be buying it for my bookshelf!

Ms. Severn took me on a roller coaster of suspense reading this book. I loved every minute of it. I loved the first book, and this one she truly out did herself to say the least.
She also left me speechless at the end.

I want to say one last thing. I was shocking discovery to read what Ms. Severn shared about this book with us the reader.

That’s all. I also I wait on pin and needles for the next book.

Nichole Severn is back with another Leigh Brody mystery/thriller! While on medical leave from the Bureau, FBI agent Leigh Brody receives a call for help from her friend Elyse. And then Elyse goes missing. And then the body of a teen girl is found. And then another girl goes missing. Where is Elyse? Are these disappearances and crimes connected? And to what length will Leigh go - including defying her own boss - to find both her friend and answers to these questions. The Vanishing Wife is definitely a page-turner, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I admittedly enjoyed the first novel (The Girl Who Survived) in the series more than this one, but I definitely look forward to Severn's next Leigh Brody novel!

I found the dedication to be touching and then was enthralled with this one from the first sentence of the prologue. Jumping back and forth in POV’s and time, this one keeps you on your toes. I freaking LOVED it! It catapulted me through a gamut of emotions, not the least of which were frustration and anger. I was happy to see the friendship of Leigh and Elyse carry into this second installment which is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and even a pivot or two. I was totally invested in Elyse and rooting for her. She and Leigh face many challenges both separately and together. There is subject matter that lends a dark edge so beware but it is written with a deft hand that softens the blow. A curveball or two is thrown with precision and a gut punch that you won’t see coming is a stunner. A stellar read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Nichole Severn, and Storm Publishing for this ARC and chance to give my honest feedback!

This is the 2nd book of the FBI Agent Leigh Brody series. In the first book Leigh is diagnosed with cancer and finds a friend in the PA, Elyse, at her gynecologist's office. Elyse comforts Leigh through one of the hardest times of her life. In this book, Leigh gets a troubling voicemail from Elyse that brings her to Gulf Shores, AL to help in any way that she can. Leigh is currently on medical leave after having surgery to remove her cancer but this does not stop her from going all in to help her friend in need. Amidst an ongoing case involving missing teen girls, Elyse is now also missing. Local Gulf Shores PD is on the case with Detective Henrietta Moore as the lead. Agent Brody inserts herself at the forefront of the investigation as she must find out what has happened to her friend.

While I did enjoy the first book, this one was unputdownable! Fast-paced and thrilling. I loved the working relationship between Detective Moore and Agent Brody. There were events/turns I did not anticipate which really kept me turning pages. It was well-written yet still easy to read and follow. It was not 100% necessary to read The Girl Who Survived first, there were references to the happenings in that book and spoilers to book 1.
I wish it had been written in 1st person from the different points of view. I also felt like some of the "big" happenings could have been pushed closer to the end of the book for more suspense to the plot. But overall really great book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

We are back with another riveting story in which FBI criminologist Leigh Brody finds herself in the middle of a mystery.
Leigh is contacted by an old friend, who is vacationing in Alabama, seeking help. What happens when her friend , Elyse, disappears , blood is found on the floor, a body that is not Elyse is found on the beach and Elyse’s husband seems “off” ?
To make matters worse, the local police is more concerned about the girl that is found on the beach, than on finding where Elyse is .
This was an edge of your seat story that has you guessing and hoping Leigh can, not only figure out what has happened to her friend, but in doing so, stays alive.
The plot was well developed and Leigh’s character continues go grow.
What danger will Leigh face in the next book?
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

leigh is an FBI criminologist, she arrives at her friend's beach house and there is blood, everywhere, her friend is missing. lots of twists and turns.

This is such a twisted story. It has lots of twists and turns. It went back and forth from the present and the past. The author is a master storyteller. She kept me glued to the pages. The ending was a surprise. I’ll definitely be thinking about this book for days to come. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

What I like about this author is the power she has to take you inside the mind of the character by writing in first person, and then, when you think you have it all figured out, pooff! - it can all change in a dizzying, adrenaline-filled minute.

Leigh is a brilliant investigator, her thirst for justice turning her into an introvert, gritty, tireless fighter, with an intuition driving her to see the connections, the bigger picture, and an uncompromising respect for the law. She is also acting outside the box, ready to sacrifice herself and her career to do what she thinks is right, and even more so for the people she loves.

No spoilers means I can't take this further, enough to say that, even though the blurb is intriguing, you won't guess the ending. Good writing, good plot, good character building and good psychological insight make this a very good book, and I look forward to see what's next.

I received an early copy from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

This was my first read from this author and I am hooked, I really enjoyed the twist and turns it kept me on edge the whole way through.

Another great read from Nichole Severn! The Vanishing Wife is the second book featuring. Leigh Brody. While it references book one many times, this can easily be read as a stand-alone. I thought it was a great crossover for some of the characters and enjoyed the suspense and mystery. While I guessed some motives, it was a thrilling read that I couldn’t put down.

While on medical leave, FBI agent Leigh Brody searches for her missing friend, Elyse. When blood is found at the crime scene, the local police don’t think she could possibly be alive, but Leigh knows Elyse is out there waiting to be rescued. As she searches for clues, she uncovers a darker crime involving the locals. Is it possible both crimes are connected?

Buckle up for a ride!!! This book was so good. I was just shocked how many twists and turns it had. SO well done and kept me on the edge for most of the book.

I love mostly everything about this series. The suspense is 2nd to none. The characters are well written. The only thing I can't get past is the storyline with Leigh's father and brother. It made no sense to me in the first book that she allowed her father to rot in prison for 20 years knowing her brother is alive. This continues to be mentioned in this 2nd book and it just rubs me the wrong way. Aside from that, I absolutely love this series. I will continue to read more if they are published.

Following extensive abdominal surgery, FBI criminologist Leigh Brody looks forward to a visit with her friend Elyse at her beachfront Alabama home to recuperate. She is shocked when she arrives at her home and encounters what appears to be a major crime scene. Elyse’s husband and teenage daughter greet her in their blood-spattered kitchen. Elyse is nowhere to be found. Leigh is now faced with finding out what has happened to her friend.
Leigh is on medical leave from her job, and despite her boss's prohibition on her involvement in the investigation, she moves full speed ahead, determined to find out what has happened to her friend.
Matters become complicated when the body of a fifteen-year-old girl is found on a nearby ocean boardwalk, and shortly after, another young girl goes missing. Things become complicated for Leigh when she receives reports of Elyse’s recent erratic behavior. Has Elyse somehow become involved with the killer? Leigh moves ahead quickly in a desperate attempt to save the missing girls before tragedy occurs.

Good Gawd Almighty….Nichole Severn has broke the mold with this spine tingling, heart racing thriller. Leigh Brody just keeps on ticking until she figures it out!! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!

I liked this mystery. I like this author. A missing wife and mom. A friend comes to help. Secrets and red herrings. Intrigue. Realistic characters. A page turner. Surprises. This talented author has written a cannot put down story. Thanks Netgalley.

What an intriguing read. I was totally hooked from the first page..

Thank you for the opportunity to review the book

Her friend is missing. A teen has been murdered. And Leigh will have to put everything on the line in this serene town where secrets simmer below the surface… Good book!! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery, a great who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this one! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for opportunity to read and review prior to publication on September 12th 2024.

Second book in the series follows Leigh Brody as she works as an FBI criminologist. This begins as Leigh is contacted by an old friend Elyse. She's distressed and seeking help, and then she just up and vanishes. Elyse's husband is acting all wrong and then a body appears on the beach- but it's not Elyse, it's a teenage girl.

This plays out like a great episode of criminal minds with all the twists and turns of a great thriller.
3 stars, I liked it a lot, would recommend to others who love the genre.