Insanely good! Catherine's husband, Simon, disappears and returns 25 years later. During this time, we find out how they individually navigate their way through life; finding happiness, heartbreak, raising children and facing health issues.

What makes a husband and father walk away from his whole life? I was intrigued and desperate to find out, so I devoured this book in a day! Catherine and Simon are very well written characters and I felt sympathy, frustration and fury for and with them both, at times. The cliffhangers and suspense that John Marrs wove in throughout the story had me hooked and I was wracking my brain to work out what had happened, but I didn't even come close to the truth.

As it all unravelled with twists taking my breath away, I really was amazed! What an incredible plot! Heartbreaking and emotional, as well as being one heck of a thriller., brilliantly narrated by Simon Mattacks and Elizabeth Knowelden.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, John Marrs and Brilliance Publishing for an ARC of this book.

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
When Simon vanishes without a trace, his wife Catherine is left to raise their children alone. Years later, he suddenly returns with a shocking story about why he left. As they piece together what really happened, the truth turns out to be far more unsettling than expected.

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡
This was John Marrs debut novel (2013) originally published as The Wronged Sons.

The audiobook narrators did a brilliant job of bringing Simon and Catherine to life. The final couple of hours are probably best listened to in a safe space - i.e., not while driving - because you’re gonna feel the feels.

The multiple POVs and timelines are smooth and perfectly woven. The pace is slower than I usually go for, but I was gripped. I needed to know all the things - to say I was addicted is an understatement.

This is a hardcore character-driven plot, and Simon is probably the most unlikable character I’ve ever come across.

I won’t say much more because I don’t want my emotions to sway anyone’s experience. But I will say I’m really glad the title was changed. I’m even more pleased that the bonus epilogue was written. If you can handle unlikable main characters and all the feels, this needs to be your next read.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
Yup.

Thanks to @BrilliancePublishing and @Netgalley for access to this advance listeners copy

Twenty five years. Twenty five years since Catherine last saw her husband. And now he’s back. Will she finally learn the truth of why her husband Simon up and left one morning? Or will the memories she once held so closely all, too, have been a lie?

This definitely reads like an old school thriller which checks out as it was released in 2017 😆

I am glad I listened to the audio book version because I know I would have struggled to stay invested in physical format whereas the narration and 2x speed made it seem a lot less slow burn and got me from a to b in a more efficient and enjoyable way. The narrators also did a good job and I liked how the alternated through different POV and narrators so we actually got the husbands perspective while everything was going on.

I will say I definitely prefer the authors more recent books but that’s just a personal preference within the thriller genre I prefer a more twisty / darker genre compared to a domestic suspense for example!

Worth a read if you’re a fan of the author!

Thank you brilliance publishing / audio for a gifted alc!

When You Disappeared was such an interesting and emotional read. It was equal parts entertaining and frustrating—in the best way—because you have to wait until the very end to find out why Simon left. I really enjoyed seeing how Catherine rebuilds her life and didn’t find the plot dragged at all; I was invested in both their journeys.

And then when the reveal finally comes? Shocking. Simon is one of those characters you grow to hate. Like… what a jerk. The new epilogue in the rerelease adds even more depth to the story, and I loved the audiobook narration—it really brought everything to life. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!

Something I always love to comment on my John Marr’s reviews, is the way he writes very complex and flawed characters. However, I think this is the first book I’ve read by him where I just did not like a character, Simon. My jaw was dropped the majority of the book because I could not believe the audacity.

This book is a slow burn, especially compared to other John Marrs books where it is non stop plot twists. This book was more character driven and the journey from what separated and then brought Simon and Catherine meeting again. I also want to note that similar to his other books, this one is also really really dark.

I always highly recommend listening to the audiobooks for John Marrs, or Immersive reading. The audiobook for this was fantastic! The narrators give the characters so much depth, that it adds to the complex and flawed characters that they are.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the Audio of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this audio ARC. This author has been a favorite of mine for very long time and I really enjoyed this audio book! I loved learning about Catherine and Simon and the reasons behind Simon leaving and the things that he did that led up to his return 25 years later. I was definitely invested in both of these characters I needed to know how this book was going to end, and I did not guess the ending at all, and I love that I would highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys thriller books!

John Marrs has never let me down—and When You Disappeared is no exception! So much drama, tension, and emotional whiplash in the best way. I was hooked from the first chapter, needing to know why Simon left and what twisted truths were hiding beneath the surface. The dual perspectives add so much depth (and frustration!). A slow-burn psychological rollercoaster with a haunting payoff. Loved it!


Thank you John Marrs, Brilliance, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

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