VANISHED, by Tim Weaver

Mystery/Thriller -- 5 stars



David Ranker - Book 3
On December 17, Sam Wren, just like millions of other Londoners, steps onto the tube on his way to work.  Unlike millions of other Londoners, Sam Wren never gets off; he simply disappears.  Six months later, he is still missing when his wife hires David Ranker, a man who makes his living by finding missing people.  Added to the mix is the mystery of the "Snatcher" who shaves his victims' hair before making them vanish.  The police Snatcher investigation is at a standstill, and they don't appreciate Mr. Ranker shaking things up along with a detective who is on his last chance with the department.  Oh, and then there's the young girl locked in the attic. ----- This is an intricately plotted, multiple themed, highly atmospheric, dark story that seemingly has no solution--a David Ranker specialty.  The spookiness of searches through long ago closed tube stations is a highlight to send chills down your spine.  The one weakness--and it's my fault, not the author's--is the importance of the relationship between Mr. Ranker and the detective which is built on an earlier David Ranker book that I have not read.  It doesn't change the story or the solution, but it did make me feel that I might miss something along the way. (I didn't.)