Vanished - Book Review

The essence of “Vanished” [Kat Richardson/Roc-Penguin/351pg] lies within the balance of its heroine in the form of Harper Blaine. Like the noir angles of past gone gumshoes, her plight is taken in the things of “Grey” which to normal humans seems unstructured. But, for her, it is a normal way of life. This continuation of the Greywalker series (which I had not read before), allows one to jump into the angle of the novel but nonetheless takes close to 100 pages to set up the subplot in order to access the true undercurrent and environment.While obvious comparisons in terms of similarity to “Interview With A Vampire” and "Ghost Whisperer", the perception is different. The aspect of the ghostly events and perspectives is brought much more to the forefront. The novel really takes off as soon as Harper is requisitioned to London on an assignment she doesn't really want but is buoyed by unsettling dreams which is a wonderful mechanism despite its cliche. Using some elements of “Ghost” that gave one chills such as the memory loops of stepping in front of trains, the “Grey” levels by comparison are described and intricated in a much more vivid way, especially in the auspice of London which is perfect for this sort of intricacy.The notion of female against female is a very intricate power struggle but it is indeed some of the scenes that Richardson paints that simply jump off the page. The meeting of the Greek sisters rings within modern interpretations of Shakepeare while the blind spot of all ghost turbulence at the church makes for some truly haunting images. Despite any of this, the one that initially captured the imagination, despite its later rather disjointed connection to the central book plot, was when a murdered secretary in Harper's late father's office was on a ghostly memory loop and the beast protecting this "Grey" space snaps at Harper. There is just something premieval about that.The supporting characters here, most specifically Marsden, work well because Harper doesn't take any crap, although the thoughts of her interior life do help with her vulnerability sometimes spilling out into the real world via her lover Quinton who more often than not turns into a narrative crux but serves a necessary evil.The overall arching plot of course is contained for the next installment which gives you prescience to read more. Despite some plot contrivances, much of the imagery and tone of “Vanished” is quite engaging and continues a great embodiment of character in the form of Harper Blaine. Out of 5, I give the book a 2 1/2.