Slow to start and it had a predictable ending. It took me a little while to finish this book. It moved at a snail's pace.

This gripping story is a fast paced race against time to find and rescue a young girl. When a man is found dead in his car, seemingly by his own hand, with a note asking whoever finds him to "Save her" along with the photo of a young girl sitting on a dirty mattress the police are frantic. They don't even know who the man is let alone where the girl might be. Gina Harte, however, has faith in her team. They have been up against almost impossible odds before.and have managed to close the case. I love this series, there are some great characters, Jacob, Briggs, O'Connor and of course Gina herself. The stories always pack a punch and keep me breathless from beginning to end. My only complaint, and the reason I have only given the book 4 stars, is that I think the "Terry" storyline should have been put to bed a long time ago. It has become repetitive and quite frankly it takes away from the rest of the story. Otherwise this book is a must read that will keep you riveted for several hours.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

When a man is found dead on a deserted road, people first assume a suicide. When a photo of a girl and a cryptic suicide note are also found, Gina's team springs into action.
What is the real identity of the man, where is the girl and what does the game of chess have to do with this?
Gina not only has to keep the investigation on track, she also fights to keep her secret. Will she be able to succeed on both fronts?

Carla Kovach is an author who not only succeeds in writing an exciting story every time, but also in further developing the storyline of the characters

Wow we are on book 17 of the Gina Harte series and the story shows no signs of slowing down. This book was explosive straight out of the gate and was fast paced with twists and turns galore. Really enjoyed it, Gina has some huge personal issues going on whilst trying to solve a kidnapping/murder case. Will this be a career ending problem? I hope not I’ve loved the whole series, which gets better and better with each book. Highly recommend this series. It can be read as a stand alone book but I would recommend starting at the beginning as there is a lot to learn and unpack about Gina’s personal life. Starting at the beginning will make it all make sense!

A complex case for DI Gina Harte just as it seems her own life is imploding. A new case has come in that relates to a cold case. A suicide that links them together.
The mystery girls voice breaks your heart.
Despite this being book 17, there is no let up in the story. A fast paced detective series with strong characters. Great as usual

In Then She Vanished, the seventeenth installment of the Detective Gina Harte series, Carla Kovach delivers a gripping and chilling tale of mystery, loss, and long-buried secrets. The story opens with the mysterious disappearance of Ruth Pritchard, a woman whose daughter, Elissa, vanished without a trace thirty years ago. When Ruth suddenly disappears after a new case involving a missing girl emerges, Detective Gina Harte is called in to investigate the eerie connection between the two disappearances.

Kovach skillfully builds tension as the investigation unfolds, with the discovery of a red scarf linking Ruth’s case to her daughter’s. The twists and turns in the plot keep readers on the edge of their seats, as Gina and her team delve into Ruth’s past and the dark secrets she may have uncovered. The suspense heightens as Ruth’s own disappearance raises unsettling questions—was someone close to her involved, or did she uncover a truth that cost her everything?

The emotional depth of the story is evident in Ruth’s complex relationships with her family and friends, as well as in Gina’s persistence and drive to uncover the truth. This dark, intricate mystery explores themes of betrayal, trust, and the haunting effects of unresolved pasts.

Then She Vanished is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and detective fiction. Carla Kovach’s storytelling will captivate readers, keeping them guessing until the final, explosive reveal. This book is perfect for those who love fast-paced, suspenseful narratives that explore the darkness beneath seemingly ordinary lives.

This was a real heart stopper thriller.
I raced along desperate to find out who if anyone would be found.
Great writing from Carla Kovach she really knows how to spin a story.
A sad and drama filled read.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.