After reading both of his novels I can say that I’m officially addicted! He’s got what it takes to completely transport me to another country and another lifetime and he really let the characters come alive so much in this novel that they crept under my skin. When You Disappeared is a deeply character-driven family drama and I was really invested in the characters (or one of them at least). This is a novel that’s all about the journey and isn’t fast-paced in that way but more of a slow unfolding and discovery of the characters throughout the story. Don’t expect it to focus on an investigation after Simon went missing and you’ll be absolutely fine.

The novel starts with Simon’s return after 25 years and then turning back to his decision to disappear and leave his childhood sweetheart Catherine and his 3 children so many years ago. He actually planned to take his own life but in the end he decided that would be too easy, better to let his wife suffer and wonder what happened to him so he just vanished… until now. The reason why he left is surrounded by mystery but it must be something terrible is all I could assume. It is much worse than I thought though… that ending, knowing, finally understanding it, realizing… it’s harrowing!

When he knocks on her door after such a long time and after she’s overcome the shock of seeing him again, Catherine demands why he left and what she did to him that make him take this action. He’s there to tell her why he’s resented her all this time but first she has to hear what she made him do while he was away. He tells her he set fire, he stole and killed and it was all due to her. She quashed his dreams and ideas and all he knew was that true happiness was non-existent. When you think you’ll have it, something dark and rotten will turn it around and take it away. He’d seen it often enough, with his mother, with the ‘perfect’ family of his friend Douglas, and then what his wife did. It sounds bitter and there is definitely a heaviness I felt when I was reading this book but thankfully positive notes became more and more prominent the further I advanced into the novel.

There’s nothing that gives an idea as to what happened but the alternating storylines of their pasts gave me a pretty good idea of who these people were, their true selves come forward through their actions and how they coped with their struggles. I learned how he led a decadent life without worries while she tried to pick herself up, got 3 jobs to provide for her children. Even though Catherine did something so awful that Simon gave up everything and I should probably have sympathized with him for making such a grave decision, I didn’t, not one moment really. He pushed his family out of his mind just too easily, he did atrocious things and I found myself not feeling sorry for him and not sympathising anymore. I was wondering if the author was going to make me feel guilty and swing my sympathies by the end of the novel but I can’t say. I can only confirm that I felt deeply for one of them in the end.

It took until the end of the novel to be enlightened why he finally came back and is even so many years after the facts still trying to instill guilt. Their interactions in the present were like a dance, seeing what their truths did to the other when hearing them so honestly declared. It was fascinating to see how they spent their lives and slowly they are coming to the crux of the story with a twist, a turn of events that I never imagined and was so tragic.

I’m not sure this novel is for everyone, it’ll have some divided opinions probably because of this unlikeable character and the lack of exciting things happening, but I was really drawn into it. When You Disappeared was a rich story that had me completely immersed.

One morning Catherine’s husband Simon leaves home for a run before work and doesnt return. Left with three young children to raise in the best way she can little does she know he is alive and leading a somewhat nomadic life overseas. When he turns up on her doorstep after 25 years the truth wont be what she wants to hear.
Even though I thought, Simon was weak and spineless I can still understand why he did some of the things he did. I though less of him after he did what he did to his wife’s best friend and that is just for starters. At first, I was going to say his justification was unbelievable but perhaps that should be unforgiveable. The terrible loss early in their marriage may have been the catalyst for Simon’s actions but it doesnt excuse it.
I could not help wondering what trauma he had experienced in the past that left him feeling he had to give up on his life and family. Perhaps people in Simon’s position make decisions, which seem rational only to themselves and see their actions, as the perfect solution. It is very sad that people do things like this in real life and the terrible repercussions on family including pets.
As I read about Catherine’s drinking problem I wondered how she coped considering the quantity she seemed to consume up to the point where she recognised she had a problem. Everyone has secrets and no doubt, hers added to the pressure she was under from which she needed an escape.
How hard would it be to understand and/or forgive when someone turns up on your doorstep after 25 years? Would you even want to after such a long time?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and even found myself using every spare moment to read another chapter. Highly recommend this to those who love a good mystery thriller.

I picked up the book because after reading The One by John Marrs which I loved so much! I really enjoyed When You Disappeared because the synopsis was so intriguing! The book switches between Simon & Catherine’s chapters & in 2 points in time: 25 years ago & now. I was SO MAD at Simon for all that he put Catherine & the kids through. HE BLOODY BASED EVERYTHING ON A DAMN ASSUMPTION! Kudos to Catherine for working 3 jobs & taking care of 3 kids & becoming someone that her kids can look up to. I really recommend reading it!

I've been told that the secret to a lasting relationship is communication. So it's the same with Catherine and Simon.

Alternating from the perspective of Catherine and Simon 25 years ago to present. Simon is the perfect father and husband. One day he doesn't come home. The police are called, the community rallies up search parties with no luck. Family and friends start to suspect Catherine has something to do with it. Over time he's presumed dead and Catherine and their 3 children try to move on with no answers. However, Simon is out there and he can't live with who Catherine says she is. He contemplated suicide, but leaving without a trace would be easier. We see how each of them cope over the 25 years.

It's an interesting premise for a novel and Marrs does a good job with the characters. I haven't come across a novel that I have completely despised a character as much as I despise Simon. Does this man have any redeeming qualities? No. I read on hoping for a twist. No, still an ass.

Thank you Net Galley, John Marrs, and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity.

What would you do if the person you loved suddenly vanished into thin air?

Catherine had it all a loving husband three beautiful children a nice home but then one day her perfect life come's crashing down when her husband suddenly disappears, with not knowing what happened to her husband Simon or why he disappeared Catherine has know choice but to carry on with her life!

but then 25 years later there is a knock at the door and when Catherine opens the door nothing can prepare her for the shock of her life when her Husband who she thought was dead is standing there telling her that he wants to tell her why he disappeared...

one decision one mistake and a misunderstanding that has changed many lives forever!

now after coming face to face after 25 years both Catherine and Simon fill each other in on what has happened in there lives over the last 25 years with both of them having taken different journeys with some shocking decisions this story goes back over the last 25 years and in the present

i really loved reading when you disappeared it was highly addictive unputdownable with lots of twists and turns that i didn't see coming the story was amazing it really is a 5 star read a book that i will read and read again and one that i would recommend to friends... thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for my copy of this book..

Overall liked the premise, some good layering of misunderstandings/misinterpretation creating a lot of space for conflict and tension. Overall a good book that fell short of being great, largely due to Simon's thread being too far fetched to make me really buy into it. Also found it frustrating that the POV changed from one paragraph to the next in the present day chapters - that kind of broke up what could have been a really tense scene spread throughout.

Overall I'm a fan of John's writing though - loved "The One" in particular and will definitely continue to read what he publishes.He has a style that makes his stories easy to fall in step with, and comes up with some tremendous plots, and characters.

Imagine one day your husband disappears, you have no idea what has happened to him, as time passes you grieve, you go on to build a life without him and then when you least expect he turns up on your doorstep, I'm sure you would be shocked to say the least! And this is pretty much the premises for When You Disappear. The story opens with the day Simon left and follows the impact this has on his family, and on Simon himself, when he reappears twenty-five years later, Catherine will finally learn who he really is, and that's when the book gets really interesting as there are shocks and dark buried secrets galore.

I absolutely loved The One by John Marrs so I really wanted to read When You Disappeared the author's debut novel. Although it made for a good read I did have mixed emotions regarding the book as a whole some parts I really enjoyed and other parts I struggled with. Personally I felt this book read more like a mystery until just over the halfway mark when the psychological thriller element kicked in. I do have to mention Simon what an evil, cold hearted individual John Marr’s has created he doesn't have one endearing feature, and at times he literally made my blood boil, sometimes I think having strong feelings for a character even if they are negative ones can actually heighten my enjoyment of a book but unfortunately I disliked him so much it actually distracted from my enjoyment of When You Disappeared.


When You Disappeared is told in alternating chapters past and present from the two main characters POV, unfortunately I did find the constant change sometimes made the chapters feel disjointed. Although I can see why the author used this ploy I did find it slightly distracted from my enjoyment of this book. I would describe this book as a Character driven family drama and so I found the pace quite slow, although I do feel the author builds on the suspense and tension as he slowly reveals Simon’s darkest secrets. There is no doubt the author hasn't written a captivating tale that many readers will enjoy with an original plot. It's an impressive debut and one I'm sure many readers will enjoy

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

Catherine is getting two of her three children ready for school. Later, she receives a call from her husband, Simon’s, office telling her that he did not show up for work. When she realizes that his car is still in the garage, she thinks he must had gone for an early run so she goes in search of him. By nightfall, she is frantic…but no Simon. He has simply disappeared. As Catherine works with the police to try and find him, they go over how Simon and Catherine had lost their child, Billy. It was 25 years before Simon returned to tell Catherine why he left her.

Simon’s mother could never stay and remain faithful to his father, Arthur. She kept going back to Kenneth, a horrible man. So, Simon left to find out what finally happened to his mother.

The story follows Simon’s journeys to different places as he plies his hand at various jobs and adventures. We also see how Catherine has carried on with her life raising the children and making a life for herself. For years she truly thought Simon was dead, but 25 years later, she learns the truth.

Wow! This is an incredible story of the twisted mind of a narcissistic man who blames everyone else for his problems and failings. This is the type of book you cannot put down. One misconception caused years of hate and grief. I highly recommend this book and don’t want to give away much more so that I don’t spoil it for others. It is truly a must read.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was a chore to get through. I didn't care for the flipping back and forth at all. Finally made it to a passable ending.

I found this book very hard to read as the characters were very unlikeable. I did feel sorry for Catherine who was abandoned by her husband. She did not know what happened to him and she was left struggling to look after her three children. Her husband Simon was a very selfish man, not caring about his wife and children and taking advantage of everyone. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-book in exchange for a honest review.

Wow, what a fantastic read. I have heard much of John Marrs and have been reluctant to read his books as I was worried I would be disappointed but I can honestly say 'where is the John Marrs fan club'. I loved it.
The story is told by two people the wife and mother who seems to have no idea anything is wrong with her marriage and the husband and father who takes drastic action by walking out on the family with no explanation. We join the family 25 years after the abandonment and through the characters themselves and flashbacks we see the whole story though their eyes.Just one mistaken thought that annihilates the whole family and sets off actions that are not easy to put right even if they wanted to.
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of the book.

A good story but I did find it confusing how it jumped back and forwards over the past 25 years

Simon, a seemingly loving, family-orientated husband - one day just ups and leaves his wife, 3 children and dog without a trace.

The story jumps from the present day, back in time to various points – 25 years ago, 10 years and one year previously. You want answers! Catherine, his wife wants answers – so do all his friends! There’s a lot of blame passing around, guilt and scores of possible explanations. None of which can be followed up as Simon had every intention of never being traced.

After the initial shock for the family, you begin to hear how both Simon and Catherine have lived in the intervening years – through to now, 25 years later. One, an ordinary mother and homemaker living as best she can after such a traumatic event; and the other – an absolutely astonishingly selfish, self-obsessed person – a sociopath. Simon has a truly damaged personality – at first he blames “her” for everything – you don’t know if he’s referring to his mother or his wife. He blames everyone but himself for everything; a totally despicable chap!

I don’t want to give any of the story away but this book really shakes you up – expect the unexpected! It’s fast-flowing and extremely easy to read, very hard to put down and it took me just 3 sittings as I was so eager to find out “Why?” Not a happy tale, but definitely a fascinating one.

I feel completely drained of all emotion after reading this. It sapped me. It has a an ingenious plot. The action starts immediately and it hooks you immediately. There is so such betrayal, misguided misunderstanding and mistakes. Catherine's husband, Simon disappears without warning. He takes nothing, not even his clothes, wallet or passport. He doesn't leave a note. Is he dead? Is he alive? Where is he? There are no clues. In the end Catherine shows commendable strength in moving on with her three children and showing great resourcefulness. but she has no closure. The format is first person for both main characters in the present and going back twenty five years when Simon disappeared until it catches up with the present. The ending when all is revealed is a shock for both main characters (and me) and heartbreaking to discover all they have lost. An unbelievable concept that someone could just walk away. It has left me with such food for thought. .Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for letting me read it. I shall post it to Amazon, GoodReads and my blog.

Do not waste your time reading this book there is no other word to describe it but AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. The jumping between now and 25 years ago drove me crazy it was all over the place it does not help that the book is so slow and annoying and to be honest I am not sure how this book got published but it shouldn't be.

John Marrs is awesome!! This was such a great read, Suspenseful and very unputdownable! Highly recommend!!

What a fantastic book, it left me absolutely breathless. I was still reading it whilst my hubby was snoring beside me as I couldn't put it down. I am still thinking about the story now.
The book starts simply enough with Simon leaving his wife, Catherine and their children but there is lots more to this story. The chapters span a period of 25 years and alternate between Simon's story and Catherine's story with all sorts of secrets and lies revealed in each chapter. There are so many twists and turns that you will be left gasping. It is a must read and I can't wait to catch up with John Marrs previous books. Brilliant!,,

I thought the premise of this book sounded really interesting. However, this book was an absolute train wreck. You know, the kind where you know you shouldn't look, but you can't seem to help yourself?

Due to the nature of the story itself, I knew going into it that I would be reading about events that happened in the past as well as events happening in the present. However, this story not only bounces between events that took place years ago, and now, but it also bounces between points of view as well, and it isn't always clear whose point of view we are experiencing. It often became confusing to the point where as I reader I became frustrated with having to constantly re-read passage to try and decipher just whose thoughts I was reading.

The second issue I have with this story is the pacing. Even as the author is trying to lay the groundwork for the "big reveal", I felt like the story just went on and on and round and round. There were so many little details that I didn't feel were needed. They added nothing to the overall experience, just wasted more of the reader's time. A lot of Simon's actions, and reactions to things as we watch him exploits just made no sense. There was more at work than just what we were told for him to do the things he did.

And oh Simon, how I hated thee. There was literally NOTHING redeeming about him. NOTHING. What he did even before he left was utterly despicable. He was a horrid human being that deserved every bad thing that happened to him.

My last hope for this story was the ending. I was hoping for something that would blow me out of the water, was also a huge disappointment. Not only was I left thinking how utterly stupid these characters were, the actual ending really did not bring closure to anyone.

Overall, I am sure there are people to whom this story will appeal, I was just not one of them.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.