If I Disappear is most definitely a dramatic thriller. Sera has become obsessed with a podcast called Murder, She Spoke. This isn’t a light obsession, but rather an all consuming one. When Rachel, the podcaster, goes silent, Sera is convinced that it is up to her to find out what happened. She travels to the ranch where Rachel and her family live. She manages to get a job on the ranch and integrates herself into the life that Rachel lived. While conducting her investigation she learns that things are not always as they appear.
The story line of this book is very good. It actually borders close to being a horror story. I did have some trouble with the narration. I found it difficult to follow at times. I also have to say that I didn’t like Sera’s character. I am sure there is at least one, if not more, mental diagnoses to be found without digging too deep.
The suspense in the book is very well done and builds throughout the story. The ending is unexpected and a bit creepy. There are several characters that are more than a little weird that adds to the story. I also thought the author did a great job incorporating the podcast into the story itself.
IF I DISAPPEAR does have a lot of profanity and some of it is vulgar. There is violence and some of it is a little graphic. Sex does occur in the story, but it is not detailed. For these reasons, I recommend this book to the adult ready who enjoys a thriller that is a little outside the usual.
When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman sets out to investigate and plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession.
Sera loves true crime podcasts. They give her a sense of control in a world where women just like her disappear daily. She's sure they are preparing her for something. So when Rachel, her favorite podcast host, goes missing, Sera knows it's time to act. Rachel has always taught her to trust her instincts.
Sera follows the clues hidden in the episodes to an isolated ranch outside Rachel's small hometown to begin her search. She's convinced her investigation will make Rachel so proud. But the more Sera digs into this unfamiliar world, the more off things start to feel. Because Rachel is not the first woman to vanish from the ranch, and she won't be the last...