Reviews

How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

jammytots's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

scarlett_rudd's review against another edition

dark hopeful informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

This book was a tricky one to rate, as I found it very slow and a bit of an odd story line, however I didn’t struggle to read it like I normally would if it was rated this low. The idea had potential but for some reason it just didn’t work, and the ending was so anti climactic and it should have been a big twist but actually just felt a bit boring tbh.

nicjohnston's review against another edition

3.0

What does it take if you are forced to disappear and start a new life.

Zara has witnessed a crime. The victim is a homeless man, while the accused are willing to do anything to clear their names. As the trial unfolds and the balance of power shifts, Zara and her family find themselves in danger and in need to police protection. It's not just Zara who is impacted. Her mother, step-dad and step-sister are also drawn into the melee (not forgetting their dog Bill (Gates)).

Upping sticks and moving your entire life without leaving a trace behind is emotionally heart wrenching and operationally mind-blowing. Gillian McAllister handled the issues with skill and used the various predicaments and loneliness of the characters to dive down some smart rabbit holes.

However, I am in the minority in feeling that the plot was a bit ploddy and often a reality stretch. I also found the characters a little frustrating. Overall a decent read.

I listened to the audiobook read by national treasure Nicola Walker, who did an excellent job with the narration.

paulahllr's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

lananasplit's review

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

chava81's review against another edition

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

lauzz's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

joweston's review against another edition

4.0

Really enjoyed this, probably a 4.5 star listen. I only figured out the ending JUST before the end, so it really kept me hooked all the way through. Will definitely listen to more by this author.

eloisehaughton's review against another edition

challenging mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bee_67's review against another edition

tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No

3.75