Wow, this book had me hooked... I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading the whole thing in a single day. The suspense, the twists, and the fast-paced writing made it such an addictive read.

The main character immediately drew me in. I felt connected to their struggles and invested in their journey, and as the story unraveled, I was right there with them guessing, doubting, and eagerly flipping the pages to see what would happen next.

McKinney does such a great job of balancing mystery, emotion, and tension. The small-town setting added great atmosphere, and every twist felt perfectly timed. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something new would come to light and completely change the game.

If you’re looking for a thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it. I’m already looking forward to reading more from Amanda McKinney!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm for the Advanced Reader Copy of this novel, releasing today!

I recently picked up "When I Disappear" by Amanda McKinney, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride from start to finish. The premise is gripping—Sylvia Stone, who has lived under the shadow of her mother’s brutal murder for twenty years, finds herself reevaluating everything she thought she knew when she begins receiving anonymous letters suggesting that Rhett Cohen, the man convicted of her mother's murder, might actually be innocent. As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates with every new letter, each revealing chilling details that only the real killer would know.

I was immediately drawn into the narrative, and McKinney's writing style made it impossible to put the book down. The short chapters made for a quick read, and I found myself binge-reading late into the night. The way the story unfolded kept me on my toes; just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist would arise, making me second-guess my assumptions.

However, I did have a few reservations. Though I enjoyed the pace and the overall concept, I felt that the character development—especially Sylvia's—was somewhat lacking. At times, her reactions felt abrupt and jarring, as if she transformed too quickly from one emotional state to another. This shift made me feel disconnected from her character in moments when I wanted to empathize with her plight.

Moreover, while I did predict some of the plot twists early on, that didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story. Despite feeling ahead of the game, I was still invested in the outcome and eager to see how McKinney would bring everything together.

In the end, "When I Disappear" is an engaging psychological thriller that kept me guessing, even if I caught on to certain aspects sooner than I'd hoped. I appreciated the fresh take on a decades-old mystery and the exploration of how trauma and time can alter perceptions of truth. I may have had some minor issues with character transitions, but overall, this was an entertaining read that solidified Amanda McKinney as one of my favourite new authors. I’m looking forward to her next thriller!

When I disappear by Amanda McKinney is a fast paced thriller with short chapters, that keeps you on your toes!

The book opens with a murder, but doesn't tell you who got murdered or who committed the murder. From there it jumps 20 years later, into the present day where you meet Sylvia and her cat Shirley. Soon Sylvia begins to receive threatening letters in the mail and she thinks the person that killed her family member all those years ago is now back for her.

Alternatively we hear from Rhett, a former carpenter who was wrongly convicted of a murder and recently released. But the answer to who sent the letters couldn't be that easy right?

The book jumps around in time, but it is still easy to keep track of when it is in the present and when it is a flashback.

Thank you to Amanda McKinney and Storm publishing for giving this book to NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of When I Disappear.

Sylvia is struggling to find her way-she was laid off six months ago, she has run out of money, and she has no friends or family. Life could not get any worse until she starts to receive letters from an anonymous person and then finally a threat. Her mother was murdered twenty years ago but her killer is in prison but he always said he was innocent and maybe he really is. Can she find the truth before she is the killers next victim.

I was really invested in the beginning but then about halfway through I figured the twist out. The twist seemed odd and out of left field to me. Overall an okay read for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review

When I Disappear is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Sylvia Stone, who receives anonymous letters suggesting that Rhett Cohen, the man convicted of murdering her mother twenty years ago, is innocent. As Sylvia begins to question her own testimony, Rhett is released from prison, and the letters take a chilling turn: "You’re next."

The plot twists and turns, making it hard to predict the outcome. McKinney skillfully weaves multiple perspectives and secrets, keeping me guessing until the very end. The book explores themes of justice, redemption, and the impact of past decisions on the present.

Overall, it's a compelling read with a mix of suspense and intrigue. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected twists, this might be a great pick for you!

I couldn’t put this one down! McKinney weaves an intricate web of suspense, full of twists that completely blindsided me just when I was sure I had it all figured out. The story keeps you guessing at every turn, and that unpredictability is part of what makes it so thrilling.

From the very first chapter, I found myself rooting for Rhett. His unrelenting determination pulled me in, and I couldn’t help but hope that he and Sylvia would not only solve the mystery but also find a meaningful connection amidst the chaos. Yet, as the story unfolded, that sense of hope began to flicker. Certain moments carried an eerie, unsettling edge that left me questioning everything I thought I understood. It’s the kind of story that burrows into your mind and makes you second-guess even the smallest details.

The story begins when Sylvia starts receiving mysterious letters on her doorstep for three consecutive nights, revealing the exact hour of her mother’s murder twenty years ago. The chilling final note warns her that she’s next. Her mother’s murderer, Rhett is about to be released on parol. But did he really kill her? Sylvia starts to think it can’t have been him.

All in all, this was a gripping, masterfully written thriller that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.
McKinney’s storytelling shines, delivering a read that’s as captivating as it is haunting. Highly recommended!

Sylvia has lost her job and is staying mainly at home avoiding people and then she starts receiving letters she does not entirely understands but is sure are related to her mother's murder. At the same time the man convicted for that murder, Rhett, is released on parole and she receives a letter saying she'll be next. The story is fast-paced and told from Sylvia's and her mother's perspectives and an unexpected alliance is formed between Sylvia and Rhett to find the culprit. The story has a lot of emotion, twists and turns and will keep you reading through the night.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

I will admit in the opening chapters I wondered if I could finish. By the 3rd chapter I was hooked.
I needed to know the end of this mystery, who the murderer really was and all the details.

The story weaves between the present day and 20 years ago when the crime happened. Was the murderer who served 20 years actually innocent..so who framed him is the base of this story?

Actually a pretty good story and I will look at this authors other books.
This is my first time reading this author and she led us on a merry chase.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. The twists in this book I never saw coming! I would definitely recommend this book and suggest you run to your nearest bookstore to buy it!!!

When I Disappear by Amanda McKinney

Wow an edge of your seat book , just when you think you have an idea of the ending , nope , it suddenly takes off in another direction .

At 2:00 a.m. Sylvia Stone awakens to a letter on her doorstep suggesting the handsome carpenter, Rhett Cohen, who was convicted of murdering her mother twenty years earlier, is innocent. The anonymous letters continue, each one revealing details only the true killer would know, making Sylvia question her testimony years ago.
Start reading this when you have plenty of time because you are not going to want to put it down.

Fast paced thriller- small town murder resurfaces 20 years later after the accused is released and wants to clear his name. Follows multiple POVs. One POV from Sylvia, her mother was the one murdered and she’s been getting notes about secrets related to those events from long ago.

Did both audiobook and ebook for this one and I must say..10/10 narration- excellent pacing and expression

Quick read, short chapters, would read more from this author. It just didn’t make my jaw drop or have me gasping/ obsessing over the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, release date 1/24/25

Intriguing premise, disappointed that the story itself did not measure up.

I found the characters interesting and enjoyed learning about them through the POVs of Sylvia, Rhett and Majorie. I honestly didn’t know if I felt bad for Sylvia because of what she had gone through when younger or if I just flat out hated her. She was also a bit off as she would do a 180 turn in attitude from one minute to the next. Rhett was the character that kept me interested as I wanted to see what his next moves after being in prison for 20 years would be. I appreciated his level-headedness and want to make good on his freedom. Marjorie gave insight into the past but didn’t seem strong or like she knew how to show love.

The setting was lacking. I could tell that it was a small town because of the gossip and sense that everyone knew everyone. It’s also mentioned by Sylvia and Rhett. However, there was really no description and I had a hard time visualizing the places mentioned.

The plot was engaging at first. However, it soon became too expected to me.

Overall, this was an interesting read. Sadly, it just didn’t work for me.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for letting me review this book.

There are multiple POVs, Sylvia, Rhett, and Marjorie, focusing on two different timelines. This book, kept my attention throughout. It has enough suspense and I did not expect the ending.

Majorie was murdered twenty years ago, convicting Rhett, who worked as a carpenter on Marjorie’s house, when her murder happened. Once Rhett is released, Marjorie’s daughter, Sylvia, starts receiving anonymous letters. Is Rhett behind these letters?

Rhett tried to prove his innocence twenty years ago, will he be convicted again when Sylvia disappears or will they find her in time?

Great short read, and for anyone who enjoys Freida McFadden books, or anyone who enjoy short thrillers, I highly recommend this book!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the book #WhenIDisappear by #AmandaMcKinney. Holy smokes this book is crazy and wild and I could not get enough of it. Rhett spent 20 years in prison for killing Majorie Stone even though he still denies to this day. After new evidence that her daughter, Sylvia brings to light, he is released. But if he didn’t kill her, who did? And why is Sylvia being threatened now?

I love the way Amanda writes. I got an arc for marriage of lies & devoured it. This was just as amazing. I was fully emerged in this book from the first chapter to the last page. What a well written, nail biting, page turning, edge of your seat, how on earth is this gonna end thriller. Yes yes yes.

Fast-paced thriller with a LOT of twists and turns that I could not put down!!! The author has written a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. First read by his author but definitely not my last.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.

At 2:00 a.m. Sylvia Stone awakens to a letter on her doorstep suggesting the handsome carpenter, Rhett Cohen, who was convicted of murdering her mother twenty years earlier, is innocent. The anonymous letters continue, each one revealing details only the true killer would know, making Sylvia question her testimony years ago. But as Rhett is released from prison, the fourth and final letter arrives with one chilling message: You’re next. Then Sylvia disappears.

Excellent read! I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't put it down! It's rare for thrillers to surprise me (because I've read so many of them), but I did NOT see that ending coming. I highly recommend this! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

An Ok, if predictable, thriller about a man who is jailed for a murder that it seems he didn't commit. The daughter of the victim has a weird fascination with the convicted killer that immediately makes you suspicious. The actual murderer was pretty apparent from very early on.

When I first read the synopsis for When I Disappear by Amanda McKinney, I was hooked. Mysterious letters, a killer released from prison, secret meetings in abandoned houses—it sounded like the perfect recipe for a high-speed, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Unfortunately, while the setup was promising, the execution left me wanting more.

The beginning of the book was like the start of a roller coaster—slowly building anticipation for a massive drop. But instead of the adrenaline-pumping 90-degree plunge I was expecting, the ride was over after a short and predictable dip.

The "twist" was revealed far too early and felt a bit too obvious. As an avid mystery reader, I'm used to dismissing the red herrings authors throw our way. So when the book hinted at a particular suspect, I was sure there’d be a surprise waiting. Sadly, it turned out to be exactly what was hinted at all along, and I found myself solving this one far too quickly.

That said, I will give credit where it’s due. The twist involving the kidnapping in the middle of the story caught me off guard and reignited my interest for a bit. However, the shift to Rhett’s POV at that point felt jarring. I think the story would have been stronger if it had stayed with the original POV or incorporated a dual perspective from the beginning.

On the bright side, this was a quick read, and overall, I did enjoy the story—it just lacked the unique punch I was hoping for. If you’re looking for an easy thriller to breeze through, this might be one to add to your list. A big thank you to Amanda McKinney, Storm Publishing, The Pulse, and Netgalley for the eARC.

YESSS ! Great debut full length thriller by one of my faves @amandamckinneyauthor. This is far from being her first novel, but it's her first one full lenght in the thriller genre. As usual Amanda style I loved and devoured it.

From the first page to the very last I was hooked. She grabbed me straight away and never let me go. This book is non stop action packed. There's always something happening. Her writing will pull you in right away, it's descriptive, researched and flows perfectly.

Honestly, I'd say for about half the book I had no idea where she was headed with the plot, you know what I loved that. Loved being thrown from side to side, from suspect to suspect, I had suspicions throughout the whole book, but she always made me flip sides. I did sort of have some suspicions confirmed but honestly it did not ruin it at all for me since she played with my mind so much.

The pacing was great, it was a little slower in the beginning, but once everything started unfolding it didn't let up. It was action packed, filled with twists, lies, secrets, revenge and deceit. The story never felt unrealistic or too much, there weren't unnecessary add ons. The characters were definitely all unreliable, honestly I didn't trust anyone and that's definitely what I love when I read a thriller. It was a clever psychological thriller.

The ending and the reveal were perfectly done, with the closure that I love.

If you're looking for a fast paced psychological thriller with unreliable characters definitely give this one a try !