Book Review: The Vanishing (Fogg Lake, #1) by Jayne Ann Krentz
As a long-time fan of Jayne Ann Krentz (JAK), I was both excited and hopeful when I picked up The Vanishing, the first in her new Fogg Lake series. I’ve followed her through various pseudonyms and genres—her paranormal romances are well-loved staples on my bookshelf. But as I turned the pages of The Vanishing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something fundamental was missing. What once felt fresh and thrilling now seemed like a rehash devoid of passion.
At the heart of the story is Catalina, a familiar JAK heroine. She sports the usual quirks—grudges from past relationships, a prickly personality, and, of course, paranormal abilities that allow her to see auras. Paired with Slate, our equally stereotypical hero who is grappling with his own traumatic past, the duo embarks on a mystery woven with their history in Fogg Lake—a town steeped in intrigue following a government experiment gone wrong. Yet, despite the promising premise, I found the characters painfully flat. Catalina’s bitterness toward Victor, the man who inadvertently complicates her life, grew tiresome rather than captivating.
The book’s pacing felt sluggish, compounded by dialogue that often read more like an automated script than engaging conversation. I expected a deeper emotional investment in the characters, especially considering the high stakes surrounding Olivia’s disappearance. Instead, scenes dragged as Catalina meandered through her thoughts about Victor, leaving me wishing for more urgency or real connection between her and Slate. It’s unfortunate, too, that their moments of intimacy felt less like a passion-filled connection and more like a bland IKEA assembly guide.
JAK has often delivered memorable quotes and poignant insights, but in The Vanishing, I found little to genuinely resonate with me. The plot unfolded predictably, introducing a motley crew of villains who felt cartoonish rather than menacing. The big reveal came without the satisfying buildup I craved, leaving me somewhat apathetic toward the antagonist’s fate.
Still, I searched for glimmers of the writer’s finesse in her signature style. The mystical elements are there; the allure of Fogg Lake is intriguing with its secret-laden history. Yet, I felt that the execution lacked the depth that once drew me so enthusiastically to her earlier works.
While I’ve cherished JAK’s stories for years, I find myself pondering if this book will resonate with new readers. For dedicated fans craving that familiar thrill, The Vanishing may leave you yearning for the evocative storytelling of her past. It’s a bittersweet moment to reflect on an author who has provided joy through her writing but now feels like she’s running on empty.
In conclusion, The Vanishing might appeal to die-hard fans seeking comfort in familiar themes, but for those who prefer rich characterization and intense conflict, it may not offer the experience you’re seeking. As I close the book, I find myself reminiscing about past adventures that left my heart racing, and I hope JAK can recapture that magic soon.
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