When You Disappeared is in my opinion, fine, but definitely not Marrs’ best work. Although I enjoyed this for a comparison and to see how his work has evolved and much improved over time.

I found myself desperate to unravel the pages but at the same time, I didn’t find it particularly thrilling. Unfortunately Simon may be the most cowardly and horrible character I’ve ever had the misfortune to read about. The last 25% of the book was absolutely harrowing and if I’d been reading a physical copy - I almost certainly would’ve destroyed the pages with my own tears.

If you want a fast-paced, edge of your seat thriller, this won’t be the book for you. But if you want to be angry, sad, frustrated and all of the above for over 300 pages, I would still recommend giving this a read. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

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 the publisher for an ARC of this book.

3.5 ⭐

This is an older Marrs book, now with bonus chapter.
It doesn't hit quite as hard as his more recent books for me.
However, it does have Simon, who frankly became more and more loathsome with each passing page. Characters like that are great aren't they.
Some good surprises along the way, and just incredibly readable, as you'd expect from this author.

One of John Marrs’ best - a real twister but one which resolves the twists in such a satisfying way that it is worth the ride. He writes so well. His characters are always well rounded and human, often with plenty of flaws. The dialogue is spot on - no superfluous or overly dramatic dialogue which can instantly undermine any sense of immersion in the story.

“When You Disappeared” by John Marrs is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the devastating effects of one man’s decision to walk away from his life without warning. Told in dual perspectives, the story slowly unravels the truth behind Simon’s disappearance and Catherine’s years of pain and unanswered questions. Marrs masterfully balances suspense with deep emotional complexity, keeping you hooked as dark secrets come to light. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking read.

John marrs is always an auto buy author for me. I will always read and own anything he writes! Including the new covers of the books releasing soon! Thanks so much!

This was my first john marrs book and I'm glad it was! It drew me in and had me guessing what was going to happen next, I didn't expect certain pieces to fit where they did.