The Disappearances

This is a captivating mystery story set in the 1940s that draws you in and keeps you wanting more. After Aila’s mother dies, her father sends her and eight-year-old Miles to live with her mother’s best friend so he can go off to war. They arrive at her mother’s childhood hometown, Sterling, and quickly encounter its mysterious disappearances. Every year, the townspeople lose something–reflections, the stars, the sense of smell. Not everyone is happy to have them in Sterling because they blame her mother, Juliet, for the disappearances. As they await the next disappearance, Aila seeks to follow clues left by her mother in a Shakespeare book. Aila is a great character–smart, strong, resilient–who keeps you rooting for her throughout the story. The other characters are likable and engaging, too! The writing is beautiful and descriptive and a nice mix of historical fiction and mystery. I strongly recommend this book for anyone 13 and up. I would love for there to be a sequel and look forward to reading more by this author. This is a wonderful story with lots of secrets, intrigue, and mystery! Read this book!