A review by jayneyh314
How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Zara was a witness to a terrible crime and despite being a very anxious child, she stepped up to do the right thing and give evidence. She was promised anonymity at the Trial but her identity has been leaked and now her and her family are in danger. Zara and her Mum, Lauren, agree to enter witness protection but Zara’s Stepdad, Adrian, has another child who he can’t leave so he stays behind. Can they really disappear and have no contact with anyone from their old lives? Will they ever really be safe?

I’ve read one of Gillian McAllister’s books before so when I see this on the 99p kindle deals back in October it was a definite need. 

It started really strong and I was absolutely gripped but, I’m not gonna lie, Lauren and Zara’s behaviour once they entered witness protection was so frustrating! I get that you can’t say how you would act when you’ve never been in that situation but I feel like they just didn’t take it seriously at all. They were breaking the rules left, right and centre from the minute they left! 

The book is told from 4 different viewpoints; Zara, Lauren, Adrian and Poppy (Adrian’s daughter), so you really get a sense of all the angles and how everyone is affected by this massive decision. 

McAllister’s writing style generally works well for this type of book but the ending felt a little rushed. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but one of the explanations at the end for certain events just felt a little far fetched. 

There were a lot of twists, which I love from these types of book and I did race through it because overall I did enjoy it. McAllister’s writing really immersed me in the story and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. 

Overall, it’s an interesting thriller with some twists along the way that keep you guessing to the end.