IN THE VANISHING HOURMassachusetts, Summer, 1951: When a boy drowns in the Charles River, a family is devastated, and the town of Norumbega is changed forever.
Eight years later, Frances Adams lives in the shadow of her dead brother, Mac. When her new friend Gwen vanishes into the river, Frances becomes obsessed with her memory, and takes on her likeness. An investigation begins, and the police question three young men. Frances follows them to the local riverside park, where one of the men mistakes her for Gwen. Intrigued by the idea of haunting him, she continues her pursuit, immersing herself in the case. As the mystery unravels, shocking revelations about its connection to a long-past family tragedy come to the surface. Set in the haunting atmosphere of 1950s and 1970s New England, In the Vanishing Hour weaves suspense and mystery into a story about loss, identity, and secrets best left untold. Available from Encircle Publications.
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Early Praise and Reviews
"The entwined historical narratives of In the Vanishing Hour unfold with graceful, pensive ease, forming a portrait of coming of age in small town New England, illuminating the struggle for identity independent of place and circumstance. In the process, Sarah Beth Martin weaves two seemingly disparate mysteries into one, exposing just how often we allow our life’s trajectory to be chosen by our darkest secrets. A shimmering, unforgettable journey of truth and self-discovery."
—Gillian French, Edgar Award nominated author of Sugaring Off and The Lies They Tell |
"In the Vanishing Hour is a beautifully written story of haunting suspense. In it, a woman becomes a living ghost, taking on a missing coworker's likeness to haunt the man she believes is responsible. This atmospheric mystery is layered and emotional. Sarah Beth Martin's prose is smooth and the narrative moves at a pleasant clip. I'm officially a fan!"
—Caitlin Wahrer, Edgar Award nominated author of The Damage |
Editorial Reviews
"Sarah Beth Martin's evocative descriptions are compelling accents building the atmosphere and sense of place surrounding the mystery: "As late summer turned to a sudden, brittle autumn, a ghostly cloud moved in over the town, and all were haunted by Mac Adams."
As Frances, suspect Harris (who has also been enchanted by Gwen), and other lives on various sides coalesce, readers receive an involving story that highlights its mystery with the sense of place, purpose, and people to bring the community and its residents to life. As Frances pursues a truth which is unearthed decades later and draws connections between her dead brother, Gwen, and Harris, unexpected twists and turns keep her heart and mind challenged, as well as the reader's ability to predict where the story will wind up. These elements make for an especially compelling read that proves hard to put down, emotionally turbulent on many levels, and filled with revelations that come together in a dark story of unexpected connections. Libraries looking for literary suspense stories that take the time to probe psyches and underlying motives and experiences will find In the Vanishing Hour an excellent example of a genre read that rises above formula approaches to represent a powerfully chilling saga of redemption and healing. Are there ghosts in the darkness? If so, what is their purpose? Readers who appreciate thought-provoking scenarios and encounters will relish the ability of In the Vanishing Hour to immerse its readers not just in a deadly mystery, but in altered states of consciousness and realization." —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "Martin expertly moves between characters and timelines, jumping between 1959 and 1974, blending past and present together, all the while slowly unravelling details that keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat, desperate to know more.
The writing is poetic and detailed enough to give us a clear picture of this little town and its characters, both in their prime and in their decline. Martin’s dialogue flows so effortlessly and smoothly that you forget you’re not sitting in the moment with the characters. It’s also interesting to watch a story unfold where both the characters are grappling with their inner identities. The experience is a universal one for most at some point in their lives, and this particular insight reminds us that we’re not alone. In the end, the reader is left with a strong message: the truth will always find you, and it will set you free. A lesson many of us could do to learn. In the Vanishing Hour pairs suspense with drama and a touch of romance, for an effect that is pleasant and cozy while also completely captivating. What a novel for a rainy afternoon. My advice: leave time to finish it in one sitting because it’s hard to put down. Highly recommended for fans of literary suspense." --Independent Book Review |
Blogger and Reader Reviews
The Sassy Bookworm on Goodreads
"I really enjoyed this book. It was strange, atmospheric, mysterious, and exquisitely written. Told in dual POVs and dual timelines, the mystery of what happened to cause two peoples deaths is slowly revealed. The characters are well written and multi layered. The plot is a slow burn that feels like you are taking a boat ride down a long and winding river in summertime. A truly beautiful read that I can't recommend highly enough!" Patty on Goodreads
"Very intriguing book. After I got into the flow of the book, the 2 main characters and their interaction with their friends and family began to fall apart. This book showed how kids grow to adults and the secrets and lies that follow them. 6 characters lives were woven in and out and it wasn’t till the end when the truth came out. Some of them grew and matured while others had the same mentality they has as kids. I couldn’t put this book down it was drawing me into the story and the emotion was riveting. Read this book." Kathy P. Educator on NetGalley
"4.5 stars rounded up. Loved the characters. So realistic and endearing. Great story with haunting atmosphere and lots of twists and turns. Quick read, couldn't put it down. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book." Anita on Goodreads
"This tense and beautifully executed mystery had me reflecting on my teenage years and how easily the sometimes risky choices I made could have gone wrong. The story is told in 1959 and 1974 by unrelated protagonists Frances and Harris. We discover that Frances never learned the circumstances of how her brother drowned, eight years before the story opens. Author Sarah Beth Martin has captured the feel of the 1950s – an era when people were far less open about personal issues than in our contemporary times. Families closed ranks and concealed guilt and secrets that were never discussed, and regret and loss sometimes later resurfaced with far reaching ramifications, as happens with these characters. I found this book to be a page turner, not for large, frightening events but because of the intriguing way the author wove a trail of clues. The conclusion is poignant and beautifully written – an ending that brings you satisfyingly full circle, but not necessarily a classic 'happy ever after' (although it may depend on how you look at it). The story contains remorse, regret, and guilt, but also fresh starts and the responsibilities of making recompense. The unsettling but believable plot demonstrates how as youngsters we are often pulled in by peer pressure and can be dangerously influenced by the wrong people, ignoring the pull of family bonds. The author deftly melds past and present together, showing how the adult people we become are shaped by key moments in our younger years. If you're looking for a mystery that is neither 'cosy' nor a typical 'whodunnit' I highly recommend this thought provoking read. I received a free advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily." Gillian on Goodreads
"This thoughtful literary mystery was a breath of fresh air for me. The alternating historical timelines and narratives were immersive, casting an eerie yet peaceful spell over the reader as one is drawn deeper into the questions of perception versus truth, identity versus disguise. The imagery of the river, the stone tower on the island, and the three boys daring each other to prove their worth will stick with me forever, as well as Frances’s desperate search for her own true self. A stellar read." Melissa on Goodreads
"This was a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed the author’s style of writing and the detailed descriptions of the setting. Set in small town America in 1959 with flash forwards to 15 years later, the story is centred around the character of Frances, when a local tragedy rakes up past family traumas. I enjoyed unravelling the mystery as the story unfolded. This is the first book I have written by Sarah Beth Martin and I would seek out this author again. I received an advance review copy for free with Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily." Shaunilee on NetGalley
"This book is amazing! Mysterious and haunting, with characters that are endearing and a story that leaves you breathless. I didn't want to stop reading this. The plot is a rich mystery that slowly unfolds, both chilling and heartbreaking. Frances' brother, Mac, mysteriously died years ago. Fifteen years later, a girl has died the same way. Could it be coincidence, or something more sinister? When Frances meets Harris, a mysterious and soft-spoken man who seems oddly connected to both disappearances, she must find answers. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I really enjoyed the timelines. I absolutely loved it. In the Vanishing Hour will be released October 19, 2022. Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me a free copy of this book." Lauren B. Reviewer on NetGalley
"This was an impossible to put down book! I loved every haunting moment of this book. Will definitely be recommending to everyone I know and meet!" Reviewer 823951 on NetGalley
"Such a well crafted novel, compelling enough to pull you through and very quick read. I enjoyed it so much from the first page till the end." |
Lynn B. Reviewer on NetGalley
"Detailed story telling is the catalyst for this remarkable book about the depth of the human spirit. I was instantly taken in and enjoyed it immensely." Lauren on Goodreads
"In the Vanishing Hour by Sarah Beth Martin exceeded my expectations, weaving several timelines together to solve the mystery of Frances Adam's family history. The town of Norumbega feels so real, it makes you wonder if perhaps you have visited there before. It is in Norumbega where Martin's characters interact at different points in their life, and upon returning there many years later Frances begins to piece together the mysteries of her family's past. I really enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the different versions we get to meet over the years. I loved getting caught up in the setting. It felt like my hometown, and I also felt much like Frances and Harris--a desire to leave the place that once was your home, but also wishful that the place you once loved and called home didn't hold so many loaded memories. I didn't find the time jumps to be distracting, and there weren't so many characters that you felt confused. I thought the book had a satisfying ending, and will look for more from Martin in the future. I'm struggling here not to spoil this book!!! I loved it, honestly. It was so nostalgic, but it took place before my time so I guess that's just a testament to Martin's writing. I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily." Sheryl on Goodreads
"This book brought me back to childhood and simpler days. I'm not sure that children growing up in today's connected world will ever have the same rich experiences I had as a child (or that the children in this book had). The story follows several characters jumping back-and-forth from their present day (1974) to their childhood days. I love learning about characters in this way. Seeing how they change and then slipping back in time to see what may have started those changes. I really enjoyed this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily." Saltygal Reads on Goodreads
"In The Vanishing Hour tells the story of Frances and Harris, two teens from small town New England who are impacted by and linked to the deaths of two young people in their town. The novel alternates between the 1950s and the 1970s to show how the mysterious deaths are connected to both Frances and Harris, and how those who deeply touch our lives never leave us. In The Vanishing Hour has a ghostly, other-worldly atmosphere, in which the past is never really gone for the two main characters. They both grapple with conflicted feelings about the town and the people in it, as well as the way they are perceived and viewed by the town. They are haunted by their past, by unsolved mysteries, and by regrets about what they might have done differently. It is a slow-moving novel and more of a character study than a mystery, although the mystery element is present. I appreciated that some minor aspects are left to the reader's imagination to decide, and that, as in life, justice isn’t always served. Although the pace could have been a little faster, this was a well written novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author. Many thanks to the author and to BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review." Lauren Victoria on Goodreads
"I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Talk about amazing plot, twists and turns! Every different year and character perspective was like a new thread to follow, they all weaved and wrapped around one another, each piece marrying into each other till the very end. I was impressed how neatly it all ended with out feeling forced, just right like it should. I loved Frances and feel like she is relatable! Something about not recognizing who you are and trying to find that someone resonated with me. Enjoyed the writing style. It actually felt like I was sitting around the camp fire being told this story. The was it was written made me nostalgic for those camping ghost story days." Ellie P. Educator on NetGalley
"Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. In the Vanishing Hour is set over two timelines, twenty years apart, both laced with mystery and death. I did find the start a bit slow, but I think that's expected when establishing a foundation for two mysteries and found myself engrossed with the second half. I did however guess one of the reveals as there were a few clues hinted at. Overall, I'd recommend reading this mystery - it allowed me to escape into the 1950s and 1970s and into a small town with intrigue, loyalty and secrets." Kritika on Goodreads
"A story full of twists and interesting characters. A must read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily." |