They just vanished … Disappeared. Gone. Lost. No answers. Still missing.
Imagine the pain, confusion and emotional roller-coaster that families experience when a loved one goes missing. What would you do? How would your family cope?
This is a heart- wrenching collection of true stories told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one. It follows their journeys from the desperate searches in the first days, through the Police investigations and, in many cases, the heartbreak as the years roll by without any news.
These stories are just a glimpse into ten of the thousands of missing persons still out there, waiting to be found. From two young girls who might have been early victims of Ivan Milat and a woman who was last seen walking alongside a Victorial highway to a teenage boy likely murdered and fed to crocodiles in Kakadu and two Tasmanian men who disappeared under strange circumstances … the cases are all different, but the impact on the families devastating.
Nicole Morris is the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register. She has written this book to develop awareness of the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and raise public awareness to help find those people who seem to have vanished into thin air.
ABC Kimberley interview – Click below
Anna Loder – Goodreads –
Such sad reading; as I was reading about the first case- friends Kay and Toni I was like this has no resolution..and obviously it doesn’t. The book does a great service in demonstrating that! Their families have no resolution. These poor persons have vanished. I think Nicole Morris has done a great service in giving these missing people’s siblings a voice, it must be so hard to have lost a brother or a sister and at one point one sibling says they wonder whether everyone had ‘tried to work out if they were part of the reason’…it was a really sad read, but I’m so grateful I got the opportunity; thank you big sky publishing and Nicole Morris. – Goodreads
Maegan McFall – Goodreads –
A big thank you to author Nicole Morris for reaching out and sending me an advanced copy of ‘Vanished’. I won’t be giving a star rating for this one because I feel that it is irrelevant, all 10 of these individuals stories are so important and so are the tens of thousands of stories of other missing people around the country.
While ‘Vanished’ is a heavy read it is an important one. The way Nicole wrote this book and paid a tremendous amount of respect to these individuals and their families stories is incredibly important and well told. I could feel myself getting more and more emotional imagining what it would be like to not know where your loved one was.
I feel that I simply cannot do justice to the book in this review. However, what I can do is urge you all to read this book and shed some light on these stories, visit the Australian Missing Persons Register and calling crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information.
Nicole communicates with families who have asked for her help in publicising their missing loved one on the Australian Missing Persons Register, after reading a snippet of one of these conversations in this book I can honestly say that Nicole comes across as genuinely caring, concerned and helpful and I cannot imagine the comfort and appreciation she brings to these families.
Thank you again, It was a privilege to be asked to read this advanced copy and share in these stories.
Maureen – Goodreads –
I binge read this in one afternoon. It is compelling and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Each story is gripping and heart-wrenching. Issues that I wouldn’t have thought about with missing people are also raised, such as what to do about financial matters. They aren’t here to pay their bills but no one is allowed to access their bank accounts, etc. I can’t imagine that added stress to an already unbearable situation for the family. This is perfect for fans of true crime podcasts and I will recommend it to everyone.
My Reading Sanctuary – Instagram –
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I just kept living in hope, but I’ve got used to that fact now. The hope is gone. I still dream about her, and I still have nightmares about her. It gets easier to cope with, but it never leaves”.
That quote (and others)touched me and left a lasting impact. Nicole is the Director of the Australian Missing Persons Register. Her book “Vanished: True stories from families of Australian missing persons” is a courageous, breathtaking & intimate book.
The ten stories are from the eyes of the families of Australian missing persons. These are stories that we seldom hear about. How their family members disappearance have impacted their lives. From the moment of disappearance to years later for many still living in hope that they’ll return.
I was overcome with emotion at times, I felt I was sitting with these families as they told their stories. That is a testament to Nicole, that whilst its’ an emotional read, you are so engrossed in their stories that you don’t stop. I devoured this entire book in less than a day.
Whilst there is significant pain felt within the pages, the personal recollections of memories they had of their family members is what made this book so profound. These aren’t just faces on missing person signs, they are members of families that truly loved them.
It is also offers very detailed accounts of their experience with authorities once their loved one has gone missing. I felt frustrated for them.
I appreciate some will probably say, I’m not sure I can manage reading something so tragic. My response, yes you can. You will feel the power of these families to continue to go on, to forever look and search for those they love. Its this level of resilience & determination that is truly extraordinary.
@nicole_morris_author you’ve written something truly special. These families are lucky to have you. book is released the 7th of June. I highly recommend.
@bookwormdownunder –
it was incredible
reada_book_- Instagram –
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So never in all my born days..what a book! Really talks about what family members go through when a loved one vanishes..thank you so much for my copy @nicole_morris_author, I got so much out of it, I’m so glad I read it, I was initially afraid it would be like murder porn (is that the expression even) but instead it really made me empathise and oh my goodness it must be so hard when someone goes missing
Australian True Crime –
Listen to Nicole Morris on Australian True Crime Podcast “The Woman Helping Families of the Vanished in Australia’ https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mlU2zYZpAyerX4sQ99rnV
The Mercury Newspaper –
Mercury Newspaper feature story ‘‘Something terrible has happened’: Two men who vanished in Hobart
“They’re ordinary people and something terrible has happened to them.” The stories of two men who vanished in Hobart are revealed in a new book by one of the nation’s most dedicated advocates.’ view here https://www.themercury.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-tasmania/stories-of-two-men-who-vanished-in-hobart-outlined-in-new-book-after-10year-labour-of-love/news-story/2a9b7de93fd1f41219eabaccb53749c8
Grady’s Reviews –
‘My brother is missing – can you help me?’ – The spectrum and impact of ‘gone missing’
Australian author Nicole Morris writes from the prominent stance of her position and commitment as the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, an Internet resource to help find the missing. In addition to her one-on-one work in her field of service, she now offers her findings and advice to the reading public about the tragedies of missing persons – in Australia and around the world. As Nicole introduces this collection of stories she states, ‘The stories in this book area all different, but they have common threads that seem to link them all,’ and with that lead in she shares the true events in the missing person stories of eleven people in Australia – stories that challenge credibility because of the frustration of the search attempts and tragedies involved.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5601446579
Grady’s Reviews –
Related with both careful research, photographs, and the spontaneity of the input of friends and families of the missing, these stories each place before the reader the facts regarding the ‘missing’ status along with back histories that infuse involvement in the search process, encouraging emotional commitment with each of the persons from the reader. The result – a book that reads like a well structured crime novel, except that the stories are completely real. This is a fine, thought provoking resource for understanding the conundrum of missing persons. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5601446579
Mamamia True Crime –
In 1996, Marcia embarked on a road trip to visit her parents. She hasn’t been seen since. read an extract at Mamamia True Crime
https://www.mamamia.com.au/marcia-ryan-vanished-book-extract/
If you or someone you know is at risk of violence, contact: 1800 RESPECT.
turningpagesmm – Instagram Goodreads –
A big thank you to author Nicole Morris for reaching out and sending me an advanced copy of ‘Vanished’. I won’t be giving a star rating for this one because I feel that it is irrelevant, all 10 of these individuals stories are so important and so are the tens of thousands of stories of other missing people around the country.
While ‘Vanished’ is a heavy read it is an important one. The way Nicole wrote this book and paid a tremendous amount of respect to these individuals and their families stories is incredibly important and well told. I could feel myself getting more and more emotional imagining what it would be like to not know where your loved one was.
I feel that I simply cannot do justice to the book in this review. However, what I can do is urge you all to read this book and shed some light on these stories, visit the Australian Missing Persons Register and calling crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information.
Nicole communicates with families who have asked for her help in publicising their missing loved one on the Australian Missing Persons Register, after reading a snippet of one of these conversations in this book I can honestly say that Nicole comes across as genuinely caring, concerned and helpful and I cannot imagine the comfort and appreciation she brings to these families.
Thank you again, It was a privilege to be asked to read this advanced copy and share in these stories.
Sharon Goodreads –
Thank you Nicole for bringing the perspective of the brothers, the sisters, and sometimes the children ‘left in limbo’ searching for their vanished sibling. The variety of perspectives, and, all the things I didn’t think of that would just be knock after knock – when do you cancel the phone, the rental property, the car rego – it was these elements, the decision to let go, that really spoke to me. The grieving process never really gets ‘done’ – feeling guilty if you do move on – family members wondering if they have done enough. So powerful. I am following the facebook and webpage for Australian Missing Persons Register. And have tuned into the Australian True Crime podcast as well.
Bianca Goodreads –
Thank you Nicole for bringing the perspective of the brothers, the sisters, and sometimes the children ‘left in limbo’ searching for their vanished sibling. The variety of perspectives, and, all the things I didn’t think of that would just be knock after knock – when do you cancel the phone, the rental property, the car rego – it was these elements, the decision to let go, that really spoke to me. The grieving process never really gets ‘done’ – feeling guilty if you do move on – family members wondering if they have done enough. So powerful. I am following the facebook and webpage for Australian Missing Persons Register. And have tuned into the Australian True Crime podcast as well.
ReadbyAnge Instagram –
I think I shouldn’t be reviewing this book, more importantly trying to spread further awareness on missing persons. Anyone that can handle true crime definitely needs a copy of this book to read, get familiar with these stories as you or your friend/family might be that person who remembers something, and also what you can do to help these families & (hopefully not more) families in the future.
I will definitely be passing this book on instead of letting it sit on my shelf.
Nicole has written such an important book, she writes with respect to these families and does tremendous work for the community.
What an honour to read this and to pay it forward.
Such a heavy read with no happy endings but it is sadly people’s reality.
Thank you Nicole for all that you do!
Did you know you do not have to wait two days to report a person missing?
bookwormdownunder Instagram –
This was my top read in May. Five stars! I binge read it in one afternoon. It is compelling and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Each story is gripping and heart-wrenching. Issues that I wouldn’t have thought about with missing people are also raised, such as what to do about financial matters. They aren’t here to pay their bills but no one is allowed to access their bank accounts, etc. I can’t imagine that added stress to an already unbearable situation for the family. This is perfect for fans of true crime podcasts and I have been recommending it to everyone.
bueller.reads Instagram –
Imagine the pain, confusion and emotional roller-coaster that families experience when a loved one goes missing. What would you do? How would your family cope?
This is a heart- wrenching collection of true stories told through the eyes of family members who have experienced the trauma of a missing loved one. It follows their journeys from the desperate searches in the first days, through the Police investigations and, in many cases, the heartbreak as the years roll by without any news.
Thoughts: What an absolutely heartbreaking collection of true stories, stretching across Australia and a number of decades. With every story, the tales of pain, confusion, and the courage to keep searching were so well explored. When a person goes missing, there is so much to be considered than I had ever realised.
bs_admin –
Nicole Morris founded the Australian Missing Persons Register in 2005, seeing the need for an internet resource to help find the missing. Vanished is a collection of stories that place the reader alongside their families.
These stories lingered in my mind. I found myself researching the cases away from the book – such is Nicole’s ability to impact the reader. She has a wonderful gift to bring these people to life, make us feel like we know them, and to place us in the shoes of loved ones left behind. Many stories are puzzling; others spine-chilling, while some feel close to being solved. They are all heartbreaking.
Thanks to Nicole’s warmth, it never feels exploitive. She writes with a sensitivity that shows respect for victims and families, making them more than just faces on a missing persons poster. You soon gain an understanding of the unique grief involved with a missing person. Certain things feature regularly: survivor’s guilt, naming children after missing siblings, staying in family homes, issues with legal affairs and lack of closure.
“When they talk about him it’s in a mixture of past and present tense, evidence of the limbo in which they live all the time.”
Vanished could’ve been a depressing read – yet it’s an inspiring one. The families know unimaginable pain, yet display strength and resilience across these pages. The lengths family members went to was astounding. While all powerful tales, some felt particularly close to home – such as the Jason Mazurek and Billy Steffen Hobart disappearances.
The closing chapter was different to others – it had a resolution, albeit a sad one. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself caught up in Mark Leicester’s story – lump in throat, heart pounding as it unfolded. Mark’s story triggered many emotions – it mirrored that of my cousin, Timmy. May they both rest in peace.
We are all brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, or parents – just like those in this book. It’s maybe why these stories resonate so much. The missing persons and their families are us. Their stories will ensure you give loved ones an extra hug or an “I love you.”
Vanished is true crime at its most compassionate and heartfelt best. It has the potential to change lives and solve crimes. With so many people going missing each year, I can easily see another book in future. If so, sign me up, because Nicole is not only a compassionate, kind-hearted person, but a great writer and advocate too.
I’ll always remember the names of those featured in this book. My thoughts are with them and their families:
Kay Docherty, Toni Cavanagh, Jamie Herdman, Jason Mazurek, Lisa Govan, Norman Lawson, James Crocker, Marcia Ryan, Billy Steffen, Richard Leape, and Mark Leicester.
“Every missing person needs a voice.”
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Many thanks to Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bree – Goodreads –
Thank you for bringing attention to a few of the thousands of long term missing persons in Australia. It’s heart breaking to read about the impact on the families of those missing, not knowing what or why and left feeling guilty and somewhat helpless. As the book says, somebody out there knows something and I hope for the missing and their families that they find their answers some day.
Karen – goodreads –
The book, VANISHED, came from the stories of people included on the site – although the statement:
“Around 52,000 people go missing each year in Australia, and there are 52,000 reasons why.”
does make you wonder how difficult the process must have been to select the cases that are highlighted here.
Released in June 2023 by Big Sky Publishing, the book tells the story, in Nicole’s words, of the impact of the disappearances, as well as the known details. It describes the consequences of people simply vanishing for, in particular, the parents, siblings, children and extended family. From questioning their failure to find their loved ones, to what they believe they didn’t see / do / understand in the lead up to and post the disappearance there is so much sadness, regret and guilt – a lot of which isn’t mitigated by their overwhelming lack of responsibility. In some cases the disappearances were instantaneous, a brother that was there one minute, vanished the next. Two teenage girls doing what all teenage girls do, who disappeared in an instance.
All of these stories are compassionately told by Morris, taking care with relatives feelings and sensitivities, pointing out frustrations and doubts, without heading into sensationalist territory. It was, although, very sobering to see the lack of police action, time and time again. From the old “well teenagers will be teenagers” (inexcusable) to the difficulties of dealing with mentally ill, uncooperative adults (understandable but nonetheless very difficult to process), that’s the message that really slated home to this reader in particular. In the years where we know killers like Ivan Milat and others were active, to think that perhaps a bit of digging around in some missing teenager cases, might have found something that could have prevented even more loss, well it’s tricky to deal with, easy to question.
Needless to say, this is difficult reading and will be particularly difficult for people with disappearance in their own lives. Morris is careful in the way she treats people’s stories though – there’s nothing in here that feels exploitative or as already said, sensationalist. It’s a telling of the outcomes, and a plea for awareness – of the cases she’s highlighted and so many more into the bargain. It was particularly pleasing to see that police attitudes and procedures seem to have improved somewhat in recent years, although there is always more that could be done to support families, right down to listening to those that know when they say something is wrong – this is out of character.
A rating from this reader doesn’t feel at all appropriate. It’s a book worth reading, a good reminder of the reality of 52,000 yearly disappearances, and the number of those that remain lost to this day.
If you have any information about these (or other missing) people, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Also – https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/vanished-nicole-morris
Julie Barrett Goodreads –
True stories from families of Australian missing persons
Tough read because we suffered the same events with our nephew.
Interesting to learn how things are done in Australia and tough facts about the technology they must send things to US to process.
What I hated to learn about was how things get so mixed up, communication never gets to where it needs to go to. If a sentence is stated others twist it all around so it’s not the same thing that was state or printed.
Such hardships but like learning about the FB page to help others ask for help and with the agencies that handle it.
Like that there is information to report to authorities if you know anything about the person who vanished.
Dan Proudman Investigative Journalist Newcastle Herald, Daily Telegraph –
This woman was already an extraordinary human being. Her passion for looking after the missing, the forgotten families and wider loved ones is one of the most brilliant, selfless acts our country would have quietly witnessed. For nothing but her sense of duty for a friend lost. And over decades now. Somehow, through the dozens of hours a week of volunteer work she continues, Nic has found the time to also show she is an outstanding author. Such a strong, emotion-charged piece of work. If Nic isn’t in the middle lanes in the final of the great Australians, she will hunt down the outside and show you she should be. Her relentlessness in the work she does is simply extraordinary. Go and buy it. What an exceptional human. A brilliant read.
MK Robertson Facebook –
On a side note – just finished your book. You did one hell of a job and I hope you continue to write another.
Was emotionally draining to read it all, but you really showcase the families beautifully. Australian Missing Persons Register I would buy your books forever. Unfortunately, your never going to be short of stories but what I liked most about the book was the personal connection with the families. It’s something completely different to the true crime style of writing.
Opened my eyes to a side of a missing person I acknowledged but didn’t fully comprehend.
Sammie QLD –
Could not put this book down.
bs_admin –
This book was such a great read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a go true story. I felt so many emotions reading this book, sad, angry. Feel for the families in this book.
John Ansell Facebook –
Absolutely the best book I have ever read.
I love Australian crime and Australian non – fiction about unsolved tragedies, and your book ranks up there with the very best.
Sara goodreads –
Wow, Nicole Morris what a beautifully written book about a very sad and emotional topic =( this book left me crying on multiple occasions=(. I hope that good comes from this book, even if it triggers someones memories about a missing person, please report it any little information is beneficial.
I highly recommend this book.
bs_admin –
Vanished is such a critically important book as it shines a light on one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure – a missing family member. Written with sensitivity and grace by Morris, what makes this book even more special is that the families of the missing themselves were involved, sharing their own heart-wrenching stories with the author. – Nicole Madigan goodreads
bs_admin –
Outstanding family stories of their missing loved
Big W review –
Absolutely amazing to have all these stories retold from the views of the siblings who wear the hurt of their missing loved ones.
Big W –
This book is a MUST READ!
Big W –
Nicole’s work is amazing & appreciated. This book is a beautiful contribution to all the affected families/people. It was insightful to get a grasp of the perspectives and impacts (& the changed reality) of these poor, suffering families. This book shattered me and I really felt for every single person who dedicated their thoughts and experiences to the book. I don’t read often BUT do not regret getting this book, it was worth it as I couldn’t put it down and it is getting me back into reading!
Ken Baggs Amazon –
Great detailed book. Hard to put down.
Message to the Australian Missing Persons Register –
Just wanted to reach out and thank you for writing this amazing book. I just finished it tonight while away on holidays. I couldn’t put it down daily. I was so invested in the stories and the heart break. Anyway your book has touched me in so many ways and I truly hope that there is another in the making. You have done a stellar job. Thank you 🙏 for all you are and all you do for others.” 😊❤️😊❤️
Nancy Urban Facebook –
Just finished reading your book. Well written and thank you to the families who shared. I hope they get answers, they are deserving. I always share even if person is missing from an area not near me. I hope the people higher up read this and learn. Many lessons could be learned from these families on how to do things better. Thankfully social media is around now, but also compassion and not write some missing people off as just wanting to disappear or on an adventure.
Sally Leydon – daughter of Missing Person Marion Barter –
I grew up and went to school in Kiama, my first night out was at Shellharbour workers club – all very close to home for me. I was so angry to read how the police handled the situation… but anyone who knows my story knows too well how I feel about that…. Thank you to my friend Nic Australian Missing Persons Register for shining a light always Vanished – True stories from families of Australian missing persons by Nicole Morris Go and grab yourself a copy.
Tracie Nanna Regan Facebook –
Australian Missing Persons Register so grateful for this book, it has given me the courage to keep asking questions about my missing Aunt Fay Brown/Taylor/Smith.
Rena Turner Facebook –
Was a great book!! I finished it in 3days; couldn’t put it down. And I don’t read lol!
Can’t wait for the next one.
Donna Timmins Facebook –
I can highly recommend the book I love it.
Jacqui Stephens Facebook –
Reading this right now halfway through very moving x
Kellie Lupton Facebook –
Awesome read….. very heartfelt xxx
Liarna Hodgetts Facebook –
Amazing and truly heartbreaking read. I hope the second one is already in the making!
Di Oliver – Facebook –
It’s a great read even though daunting for the not knowing.
Big W review –
“Nicole’s work is amazing & appreciated. This book is a beautiful contribution to all the affected families/people. It was insightful to get a grasp of the perspectives and impacts (& the changed reality) of these poor, suffering families. This book shattered me and I really felt for every single person who dedicated their thoughts and experiences to the book. I don’t read often BUT do not regret getting this book, it was worth it as I couldn’t put it down and it is getting me back into reading!”
Ryderpol instagram review –
Well put together summary of real life situations with straight questions and answers.
Melissat – Beauty and Lace –
Vanished by Australian author Nicole Morris is a deeply moving and insightful exploration of missing people. Nothing goes unnoticed in this thought-provoking true crime novel that will enlighten and enthral.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book may be difficult for those who have or are suffering disappearance in their own lives. My thoughts are with those lost and the families looking for them.
A large amount of us just skip over the information about missing person cases on the news because our reality doesn’t involve losing anyone we like or love. But for those people whose day starts and ends with a prayer of safe homecoming, the reality is cruel, sad, and dark.
Most missing persons cases usually end up as murders. Many of them are just people who are trying to escape their lives and forge a new identity. But the most interesting cases are those with few clues and evidence to never be completely solved. The cases remain as mysteries forever.
Blending long-form journalism with true crime, Nicole Morris has a great, distinct writing voice that keeps you grounded as she explores the world of eleven missing persons in Australia. As she explores the background of these individuals, she has in-depth interviews with family members, detectives and investigators involved in their disappearance while exploring each case and circumstances.
Morris beautifully illustrates the strange, ambiguous existence her subjects experienced and, in some cases, continue to experience. I commend the families for their input and for sharing their heartache and frustration. The obstacles, guilt, and grief they have faced would be so overwhelming.
Vanished will wrench your heart while it stretches your mind. The author has undertaken a large inquiry, encompassing personal investigation, historical events, true crime, untold and untellable mysteries, while never losing sight of the emotional distress at the core of every missing person’s story. This is a rare book from a gifted writer: intelligent yet poignant, enlightening yet deeply disturbing.
I love true crime stories and this one is way above any other just because of the amount of detail and the way it was written. It will require some staying power, I read it in a series of chapters with breaks in between to process the heavier parts.
This unique book forces us to see the complex story behind each missing person and those they leave behind. I highly recommend it.
If you know any information about a missing person, please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the Australian Missing Persons Register founded by Morris in 2005.
Amanda Cruickshanks – Beauty and Lace –
I don’t know of anyone in life that has just vanished or been murdered but for some reason, I love watching trying to find what happened to people that disappear on tv plus read the magazines that have stories on them. It breaks my heart when anyone disappears and the not knowing of what happened to them would be horrifying.
The author Nicole has written about some people that have vanished and in this book she chats to family members, police and anyone that was on the case to find them. It is an interesting insight of what took place before they vanished.
I found it easy to read in that the chapters were all about the missing person. I found after reading about one case of the missing person, I needed to rest and take in what I had read. Yes it is sad but I waited for a while then would start the next chapter of a different person.
I do remember a few names of victims in this book and to think they have never been found, just really tears at your heart. Parents have died never knowing what happened to their son or daughter. Families are torn apart.
As I was reading, there is one girl that I remembered but she isn’t in this book but her name was Trudie. I always wondered about her as she disappeared on the day of my 21st birthday. in the year of 1978. She disappeared from a dance at Newport Surf Life Saving Club and she was seen hitch hiking home. We used to drive down Mona Vale Road nearly every weekend and I always looked out at the bush wondering if she was just buried out there somewhere. Her body has never been found and no one has ever been charged. I’d love to know more and hopefully one day, find what happened to her.
Back to this book though, it is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it although it is sad knowing that they just vanished. If you love true life crime stories then this book will keep you on your toes.
Hopefully one day, we will find these missing people and find out what did happen to them. As I read the last story of Mark Leicester I cried so many tears. Life is not fair.
Catherine Brauer – Beauty and Lace –
Years ago I knew of a local lady that had vanished – unkown to locals that her body would be found just days after she vanished. Sadly, she’d been murdered by her ex-partner.
Vanished brings the stories of Australian’s who have disappeared. Each chapter of this book is about 1 missing person – and their families experiences are bought to the fore. Each family shared how their lives changed and how the lives of entire families changed. Nothing would ever be the same for them. The relentless searching, the devastation that there is (in some cases) that their loved one isn’t coming home because their loved has been murdered. And the frustration of lack of information/incorrect information in police files and the inaction of them acting on information and the badly given response – they are an adult they (the missing person) are free to leave/do what they wish at any point in their life so they aren’t necessarily missing.
Each story is heart wrenching – the frustration and devastation is hard hitting.
With 17 years of trying to locate missing persons under her belt, Nicole Morris is the founder of the National Missing Persons Register. Through this book each story has created a lasting awareness of these missing people and the courage of their families who have been searching for answers.
An amazing read for fans of True Crime – I hope these families get the answers they so desperately seek and that their loved ones will be found.
Karyn Gladwish – Beauty and Lace –
Vanished’ is a collection of 10 true stories of missing people told from their family’s perspective. Each chapter of the book is the story of a missing person. The courage of the family members who talk of their trauma and pain in not knowing what has happened to their loved ones is raw and truly heart wrenching. The book is a hard emotional read but it is written with respect to the families and their missing loved one.
I found myself doing ‘side research’ on each case as I read the book such is the impact the stories had on me. It is a slow read as you really need to take some time after each chapter to digest and recover from the heartache of each story.
Note: The author Nicole Morris who set up the Australian Missing Persons Register has written this book “to develop awareness of the plight of the courageous families of missing persons and raise public awareness to help find those people who seem to have vanished into thin air.”
It certainly achieves that goal!
Charmi-Lee Zielinkski – Beauty and Lace –
Nicole Morris touched on a HARD subject on this book, and she did it with so much compassion and understanding. There are many stories of mission persons, and how it impacts their families. I feel a lot of the stories have a MAJOR thing in common. The police in all circumstances were very lacking in their response and assistance. While some families mentioned in the book may have had 1 or 2 police officers they felt really helped, or made them feel heard, many didn’t interact with any they felt helpful.
Morris explored the impact on the families, the obstacles trauma experienced, and the grief. She did this with so much compassion, allowing readers to completely have a insight into the families mentioned. She also explores multiple theories about each missing person, which I felt analysed the individual cases and circumstances well.
I am not normally a true crime reader, but I overall I enjoyed the book.
Debbie Dye – Beauty and Lace –
‘Vanished’, by Nicole Morris, gives a brilliant and emotional insight into the lives of the families left behind when a loved one goes missing.
The book is non-fiction and is split into 10 chapters, each detailing an unsolved missing person’s case. There’s common themes with all the families, they all hold survivors guilt, desperation and unresolved grief. It’s at times difficult to comprehend what they have all been through
Nicole Morris tells their stories with empathy, compassion and honesty and doesn’t sugar coat the reality these families suffer through daily.
I really hope people will read this book and it will jog someone’s memory in one or more of the cases to hopefully get some answers and closure for those left behind.
Steph R – Beauty and Lace –
I’ve always found it horrifying that people go completely missing and we have no idea what happened to them, even decades later. This book is absolutely confronting and is a hard read. Each chapter tells a new story, from the families perspective and each one is just as hard to read. The story is full of emotion and you get a glimpse into the pain these families have had to endure, without ever getting any closure. Unfortunately many parents passed away without finding out the truth which is so sad.
Nicole has done an excellent job writing this book to bring more awareness to these cases. I hope that these cases can be solved to give some closure to the family members still searching for their loved ones. What really stuck with me was in the first chapter, the twin of the missing person said that even after 40+ years, he could not move house because the house was the only home his sister ever knew and the only place she would know to go if she was alive out there. This comment just broke me.
Krystyna – Beauty and Lace –
Nicole brings together stories of those people around Australia who have gone missing and delves into the circumstances leading up to the day they went missing. Interviewing loved ones and those closest to the missing persons, Nicole brings the faces we see on Missing posters to life. Heartbreaking and leaving a lasting impression of the pain that those left behind feel, days, weeks and years later. Being left with unanswered questions as to what happened to their loved ones and what/where they may be means that some family members have gone to their own deathbeds not knowing the answers to these questions.
A beautiful insight into the humanness of tragic circumstances.