​FOLLOW ME
Vanished: Reader Review's. *****
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An action-packed adventure that will keep you on your toes from start to finish! (click for amazon)
Erik McManus, BreakEven Books ****BOOK REVIEWER****
"This book was very interesting. Every scene moved quickly but it kept the plot moving along and it made it so that the storyline never really had a dull pause. It’s funny because one of the main characters is named John Webster and I actually know a John Webster
The book brings light to a huge issue. Human Trafficking. It is such a big problem in 3rd world countries and it’s brutal because a lot of the human trafficking is children that are stolen or kidnapped off the street and thrown into slavery. In this book, the main characters are trying to save a young girl who has been kidnapped and put into slavery. So many people would turn a blind eye to it and say that there is no hope and she is gone but not John and Tyler. They go through a lot to find this girl and see unimaginable things that are genuinely upsetting but very real. There are a lot of cool characters introduced along the way and the story is told from all different perspectives that intertwine by the end.
The only thing I didn’t really like about the book was that there are some characters that are introduced and it seems like there will be more to them but then they are just dropped and out of the story, never to be heard of again. It only happened with one or two characters but I would have liked to hear more about their part in the whole thing.
Overall, it was an action-packed adventure that will have you on your toes from start to finish."
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"A thriller through and through!"
Joshua Grant Diabolical Shrimp ****BOOK REVIEWER****
"Mark Bierman does a fantastic job holding your attention all throughout his thrilling novel, Vanished. Set in real events,
Vanished begins with a prison break during the 2010 Haitian earthquake and never lets up from there. Bierman's characters are realistic and likeable and the plot always has an interesting twist to bear. A wonderful thrill ride, especially for any world travellers out there!
S.J, Main, Review Tales, by Jeyran Main ****BOOK REVIEWER****
"Vanished is a story about two people John and Tyler, trying to retrieve a little girl who has been stolen and sold by human traffickers. The couple goes through many obstacles in order to find the girl. The race is on when the time is precious and the life a little girl is involved which makes this story very interesting to read.
The literature was easy to understand, and the pace was fast. I found the subject matter to be susceptible for a reader that may not necessarily have the heart to read such things. There is a risk of death, layers of pain, crisis, and dealing with the unthinkable as they navigate through the journey of finding this girl.
I particularly liked the cover of the book. The storyline may have not been novel, but the way it was written made you feel for the characters and unwillingly show emotion and keep hope for the little girl being found. I believe that displays good writing.
The concept of the storyline was appealing. The one thing that could improve the work was its character introduction. There were times where new characters were brought into the storyline but did not possess much backstory. This did not, however, affect the story itself and would have mattered if the book had a sequel.
I recommend this story to people that enjoy reading fiction stories that offer some light on sensitive topics."
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Mae Clair​ "An intense read"
Although this is a work of fiction, it’s tragic to know the book is grounded in reality. Tyler and John take a mission trip to Haiti. Tyler is grieving the loss of his wife to cancer—who was John’s daughter. Son-in-law and father-in-law have a strong relationship, readily apparent from the start. No sooner do we meet them, however, than a child goes missing, abducted by slave traders. Many of the locals are ready to write the little girl off as lost, as child abductions are commonplace. Tyler takes a different stance, and John is soon in all the way.
What follows is a riveting search to save a life, and a grim look at the ugliness of human trafficking. There were parts of the book that made me squirm, others that brought inspiration and hope. Bierman makes atrocities clear without being graphic, yet the scenes are raw and powerful, the delivery intense. All of the characters are well developed, including secondary roles. The reader becomes enmeshed in the lives of many, the threads that tie various plot points together, expertly handled. Well written and polished, the story moves at a breathless clip and delivers a satisfying ending. Undertaking such a difficult subject is not an easy feat, but Bierman delivered social commentary and an engrossing story in a seamless package.
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D.L. Finn - ****BOOKS THAT CHANGED ME!****
I knew the topic going into reading this fictional bookbook: child trafficking. Mr. Bierman shows the reader the process, including how children are kidnapped from their families–or the worst when their families sell them into slavery. The poverty and greed that uses children…I have a hard time absorbing that and worried this would be a hard read for me, but it wasn’t. The storyline centers on two American men doing missionary work in Haiti. A young girl is kidnapped, and they start on a journey to find her. The story’s told through different characters, which held my interest as they became interwoven. The action is non-stop and I had a hard time putting it down. I was fully invested in the characters and had a range of emotions from joy to sadness. This is a book that can make you think about an unpleasant subject, while being a good fictional story that entertains. I can easily recommend “Vanished” especially if you love action and the depth of a thought-provoking subject put together.
Jan Sikes - ****TOP TEN BOOK LIST FOR 2019****
This story had me on the edge of my seat, all the way to the end. Child trafficking is such a real thing, I had to keep reminding myself this book is classified as fiction.
Liliyana Shadowlynn ****BOOK REVIEWER****
A harrowing tale of love, loss, and redemption. Walk with Mark as he takes you on a twisting ride deep into the depths of humanity's depravity. This is not a light read, nor is it meant for those who wish to stay ignorant of the way things truly are in this world. A beacon of hope in all too often tragic world, 'Vanished' isn't afraid to tackle what many in more privileged countries consider taboo, even today.
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"A riveting, insightful, and moving reading experience."
Soooz Burke
"Many authors shy away from the dark side of human behaviour. Author Mark Bierman tackles it head-on. The breadth and depth of Vanished is astounding. The author's characterizations of the central protagonist bring them to life on the page. We as readers can see them, hear them, and through the words of this writer we are granted insight into bothe their dreams and their pain. Human trafficking will never be eradicated if we continue to close our eyes to its existence. I salute Mark Bierman for his ability to shine a spotlight on it, while also allowing us to see into the hearts and minds of those that rail against it, and take action to save a child caught up in the horror.
The pace is fast, kept me turning pages, eager to discover the ultimate outcome. The author has drawn widely on his experiences as a private investigator to bring us a book that shines and is resoundingly believable throughout.
If you enjoy a moving, provocative, and emotionally charged reading experience, then this is a must-read."
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Entertains while being thought-provoking.
D.L. Finn
"I knew the topic while going into this fictional book: human trafficking. Mr Bierman shows the reader the process. including how children are kidnapped from their families - or the worst, when families sell them into slavery. The poverty and greed that uses children . . . I have a hard time absorbing that and worried that this would be a hard read for me, but it wasn't. The storyline centers on two American men doing missionary work in Haiti. A young girl is kidnapped, and they start on a journey to find her. The story is told through different characters, which held my interest, as they became interwoven. The action is non-stop and I had a hard time putting it down. I was fully invested in the characters and had a range of emotions, from joy to sadness. This is a book that can make you think about an unpleasant subject, while being a good fictional story that entertains. I can easily recommend 'Vanished', especially if you love action and the depth of a thought-provoking subject put together."
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Brenda Lortie
Great book by this new writer! It does not read like a first novel. Well composed and engaging. The material covered in this book is not light. However, the writer introduces it to us in a manner that is palatable, yet provoking. Thank you for enlightening us on a topic that many of us are unaware or in denial of. Along with clearly researched facts, the author has created a very strong plot line with deep character profiles, to keep his readers engrossed. Even the ending was unique, and something that other authors may not dare to entertain. It evoked a variety of emotions in me, whic I assume was the intent! Can't wait to read more from Mark Bierman!
D.E. Howard
After a shared loss Tyler and John decide to get away for a while and go to Haiti to help the construction of an orphanage. What they didn't expect while they were there was for a small child to be abducted, they certainly didn't expect for no one, not even the authorities, to have any intention of doing anything about it.
Unable to accept the situation Tyler and John decide to do all they can to track the girl down and bring her home. They had no idea what they were getting into as they came face to face with violence, danger and threats of death.
This is a great read with plenty of twists as we discover the world of human trafficking, from the view of Tyler and John, those who have been taken, and also a glimpse into the darkness of the mind of the traffickers.
A well written and enjoyable read, I would recommend it.
"Vivid narrative in a tough topic"
Nighthawk
The books subject matter is both heart-rending and agonizing but the author deftly constructs a vivid narrative, which you want to read. The characters are believable and you’re pulled into their experiences, feeling their highs and lows. The tale will make you think about what’s happening in the world today in those places you may not otherwise read or know about. This is a very well written book and although dealing with a tough topic you’ll be pleased you read it. Therefore, I sincerely recommend you read this book.
"This is a very good book and I liked how fast paced it was. I never knew this type of thing happened and even in our own backyard, Haiti. I hope this writer has more books in the future."
I got this book free from Goodreads giveaway. It is not the type of book I normally read, but I love how it captures your attention as soon as you open the book and you are transported to another part of the world. This is a hard to put down page-turner, so get ready for an emotional journey!
I very much enjoyed reading this very well written book. The author has a unique ability to describe events with imaginative yet concise terminology that makes a scene come alive. The story is an exciting and fast moving one, which very much holds the reader in suspense.
“This was an excellent book. The book held my attention throughout. At some points in the book I felt as if I was there. I would highly recommend this book if you like suspense. Well done Mark!!!!”
Scott Howse “thought provoking”
“I found the author not only was a great story teller, but the entire book was thought provoking. The part of the book I loved the most, was the author's ability to develop his characters. I genuinely loathed the antagonist of this book, and that was dues to the author's ability to portray the character so well!! This book is not only a book that makes you think about society, but its action packed and kept me up past my bedtime because I literally couldn't put it down!!”
“I was pleasantly surprised with Vanished. It is not normally the type of book I read but I am very glad I decided to give it a try. It piqued my interest from the minute I started it and my interest only intensified with the start of each new chapter. As with any good book I couldn't wait to see how it ended but then was left reeling from the emotions that it invoked. Well done Mr. Bierman!”
Jamin Melanson “You will not be disappointed”
“Mark does a great job with the plot and characters in Vanished. The terrors of Human Trafficking is a real threat in this world, and he does a great job portraying this evil in the book. As well, he implements a solid story through the eyes of Tyler and John. There were times I felt like I was one of them as they worked to rescue the kids from the clutches of the slavery. If you enjoy modern fiction, pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.”
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IKaren Ingalls "recommended reading"
I"The subject of human trafficking is a painful subject to read about, but it is something that we all need to be aware of in hopes of bringing an end to this horrible part of most societies. Mr. Bierman does an excellent job bringing the subject to the forefront through a fictional story. The actions of two Americans in a foreign country to bring one little girl safely back home is the storyline.
I had to give it 4 stars because there was too much detailed description of their hunt through the forest and the mine. All in all this is a book I would recommend to anyone. I had to give it 4 stars because there was too much detailed description of their hunt through the forest and the mine. All in all this is a book I would recommend to anyone."
Gail M. "Great book by new author"
"Really great book about the hidden world of human trafficking. A friend referred me to this brand new author and I'm glad he did. The story is based in Haiti and is not only a good read but is also thought provoking and well written. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to seeing what other books this author will create. Great job, thanks!"
Michael de Ruiter "This is an excellent read for a great cause!"
"Vanished had me interested in the characters and their journey from the onset. This book is well written keeping reader's in suspense and on the edge of their seat. In addition Mark brings attention to the unfortunate reality of human trafficking in our world. This is an excellent read for a great cause!"
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Eileen M. Thornton "highly recommended"
"When John and Tyler go to Haiti to help out in a missionary, they have know idea how their lives will be turned around by what they find. Human trafficking is rife in the area. However, it is only when a little girl they have come to know personally is snatched away to be sold as a slave do they realise the severity of the problem. They decide that they must go to find the girl and take her back to her mother. But the trip turns out to be more hazardous than they first thought. There are several occasions when each man fears for his life.
Author Mark Bierman paints a strong picture of something which goes on as the norm in another part of the world. At times the story is harrowing. Yet, though it is fiction, it it is something we should all read to make us aware of what is happening around us. I found this to be a nail-biting read I couldn't put down. I highly recommend this novel."
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Dustin Crozier "Great characters and plot developments converging into a high-paced finish!"
"Great characters and plot developments converging into a high paced finish. Also, casting a great light on the blight of human trafficking. I felt like I was in Haiti."
Greta Boven "one of the most suspenseful books"
"This is one of the most suspenseful books I have read it keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next there is a lot of danger which everyone goes thru but thankfully the ending is good."
Satisfied Amazon Customer "good book"
"Although I did not read this in one sitting, I did enjoy the novel finding the characters interesting and human."
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S Wilshire "Face-paced and Dramatic!"
Fast paced, dramatic, detailed and entertaining fiction, but ultimately a sadly depressing depiction of real life human trafficking in Haiti. A large cast of characters, driven along with energetic prose, a complex plot and good use of dialogue, it reads in part like an old-fashioned adventure story and sometimes a modern thriller. Half the proceeds from sales of this book are donated to organisations that combat human trafficking.
Jennifer Maurice "Great Book!"
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written, easy to read, and kept my interest all the way through.
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JJailerpot "I really enjoyed this . . . great read!
I really enjoyed this novel. Mark did a great job of setting the scene and introducing us to great characters. I can hardly wait for Marks next novel.
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JanS "The Raw Truth - Human Trafficking"
This is a very well written book that, even though it is fiction, gives a bird's eye view into the horrors of human trafficking and child slavery. The story is set in Haiti and Dominican. Two American men, Tyler and John, take an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Haiti. Each are looking for an escape from their fresh and raw grief. Tyler, having lost his wife, Joy, to cancer, and John, who was Joy's father, need to find some closure to their loss. What better way than to help with a mission in an impoverished country? But, what they encounter is beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Their mission changes from one of helping bring Christianity to lost souls, to one of trying to save a small child from a life of abuse and horror. The characters throughout this book, help deliver the story in such a way that the reader is drawn into their lives, into their fight for survival, and into their hope for escape. This is not a book for the squeamish or faint of heart. It exposes the raw evil, greed and inhumane acts that do occur on a daily basis, even in today's advanced societal state. My hat is off to this author for having the courage to tackle such a hard subject and for the way he wove the story in and around the different characters. If you like heart-stopping drama about real happenings, you will enjoy this book from indie author, Mark Bierman!
Over The Rainbow "Good, but not an easy read."
With all the thousands of children who go missing every year, what would it take to find and rescue a single, specific child? That's a question that the novel Vanished attempts to explore, at times in a heart-wrenching fashion while simultaneously keeping readers entertained with fast-paced action and intrigue. This isn't an easy story to read, but it is fascinating and touches on something that our society really should be paying more attention to. Overall, it's a plot-driven book, with the character development lacking at times, but definitely worth reading. Four stars.
R. J. Krzak, Author "Thought-Provoking"
This is a thought-provoking story which is very relevant given the global push to end modern-day slavery. It's easy to become immersed in the helpless situation of those finding themselves alone and subjected to all kinds of brutality. Mark's characters, John and Tyler, head to Haiti to assist with the construction of an orphanage but before long, find themselves involved in the hunt for a missing child, Chantale.
Mark has done an excellent job in creating realistic characters and an intense plot. Readers will find themselves cheering on Tyler and John in the hopes they can rescue Chantale before it's too late. This is the first novel I've read written by Mark and it won't be the last!
Lynn Hobbs, "Highly Recommend!"
Hats off to author Mark Bierman for writing about a subject difficult for most to imagine. This fictional story felt so tragically real! Human trafficking is in almost every country now; Haiti being the worst in that regard. Add the girl, Chantale, taken with the raw emotion Tyler and John experienced. All of the characters were believable. The worst nightmare of a helpful missions trip . . . puts the reader in the middle of the horrible situation. Well tought out and written. I highly recommend Vanished! Five Stars!
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Catherine Costello, "Suspenseful"
Don't want to spoil for anyone, but just finished reading this story and found it absolutely riveting! Looking forward to more work from this author. Five Stars!
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Robbie Cheadle, "A fast paced book with a heart rending underlying theme."
This is a book about child trafficking, in this particular case, in Haiti, post the destructive earthquake of 2010. This topic is not a new one, but I thought the execution of this story was rather unique in its demonstration of the impact that child trafficking has on all the people involved, from the victims to their families, relationships between the abducted children, older people who have been in slavery most of their lives and external people who aim to rescue a particular child or children, if possible.
John and Tyler are two Americans who have come to Haiti as part of the volunteer relief programme post the earthquake. John is Tyler's deceased young wife's father and they have both come to Haiti seeking to exercise the demons resulting from Joy's death from pancreatic cancer. When the seven-year old daughter, Chantale, of the housekeeper where they are staying is abducted by child traffickers, they become embroiled in trying to find the child. It becomes a burning obsession for Tyler who believes it will help eradicate some of the guilt and pain he feels about his wife's death.
I liked the characters of both John and Tyler, they felt very real and came across as really nice and caring men. The one aspect relating to both of them that really stuck out for me is how real their behaviour and decisions were in this book. They both made some decisions that were impulsive and ill advised and they paid the price by ending up in difficult situations. There were no unlikely sets of circumstances that gave them an easy out of their self induced problems and their struggles were reasonable and gave the story a ring of reality and authenticity.
The conflict in the personality of supporting character, Janjak, also had a ring of truth. Janjak lived a hard life and has been in prison. He was most fortunate to escape prison with his life when the earthquake occurred and many of the prisoners died in their underground jail. Janjak needs money and is prepared to rob the privileged Americans, John and Tyler, but he is not prepared to commit murder. He also has a good heart and is grieved by the surge of child trafficking in his country and its surrounds. His pity for the children leads him to eventually helping John and Tyler on their mission to save Chantale.
There are a couple of side stories running through the book, including the story of a fifteen year old girl who has been in slavery for many years and manages to escape with a friend and is on the run. The circumstances surrounding the wife of the psychotic ring-leader of the child traffickers, who is herself an abducted child and is a slave to her husband and a social worker, called Violine, who tries to help John and Tyler with their mission and who has all sorts of unknown relationships.
This is a fast paced book, full of action and excitement, but with a heart rending underlying theme.
Chris 07-20 "Turbulent island"​ 'What I got with Mark Bierman’s “Vanished”: weightless prose, a book set in Haiti and the Dominican Republic (first for me), and suspenseful scenes with supporting characters that I liked more than those with Tyler and John.
Patty P.​ "I could not put this book down."
The missions trip to Haiti to build an orphanage was supposed to be healing for Tyler Montgomery and John Webster, who both lost someone they loved. When a child is abducted, they’re drawn into a search that leads them to the unthinkable underbelly of human trafficking and extreme personal danger. I could not put this nail-biting book down. This excellent story has plenty of plot twists, hair-raising close-calls, and gave me a growing sense of outrage that this evil practice is going on today. Mark Bierman nails it. Great read!
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