👻 Ghost Stories

Vanishing Daughters: A Thriller

✍️ Cynthia Pelayo
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$16.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A thriller about a woman haunted by visions who investigates serial murders in Chicago.

This novel presents a suspenseful narrative where supernatural abilities serve as both a curse and a tool for justice. Briar Thorne must confront her internal demons while tracking an external threat in an urban setting. The story relies on the tension between the visible crime scene and the invisible spiritual realm. Pelayo structures the plot to reveal how personal trauma mirrors the killer's motives. The book offers a modern take on the haunted investigator trope, focusing on survival rather than romance.

Key Themes
serial murder restless spirits Chicago setting
Literary Context

This work sits within the contemporary American thriller genre, specifically blending supernatural fiction with crime investigation. It reflects modern interests in psychic phenomena and urban horror narratives published by Thomas & Mercer.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Kelley Armstrong · Nora Roberts (supernatural series) · Ilona Andrews · Charlaine Harris
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Thomas & Mercer 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781662513930

📝 Description: Vanishing Daughters: A Thriller

Cynthia Pelayo writes Vanishing Daughters, a thriller published by Thomas & Mercer. The narrative centers on Briar Thorne, a protagonist burdened by eerie visions and restless spirits. She becomes entangled in the investigation of a string of murders linked to a serial killer operating in Chicago. As she digs deeper into the case, she discovers a chilling connection between her own nightmares and the identity of the murderer. The plot moves with urgency as Briar races to stop the killer before he claims her as his next victim. The story draws on traditions of supernatural fiction where personal hauntings intersect with real-world danger. Pelayo qualifies this work through its blend of psychological tension and ghostly elements. Readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries involving psychic phenomena will find this book suitable. Those seeking historical gothic romance or non-fiction accounts may prefer other selections.

💎 Our verdict on Vanishing Daughters: A Thriller

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Cynthia Pelayo delivers a compelling thriller that effectively blends psychological tension with ghostly elements. The narrative excels in its portrayal of Briar Thorne, whose personal trauma mirrors the killer's motives, creating a chilling connection between her nightmares and the murders in Chicago. The book succeeds by maintaining urgency as she races to stop the killer, drawing on traditions where personal hauntings intersect with real-world danger. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychic phenomena within a mystery framework. While it lacks historical gothic depth, its focus on survival and justice makes it a strong entry in the supernatural thriller genre. The structure reveals how internal conflicts drive the external plot, offering a fresh perspective on the haunted investigator trope without relying on romantic distractions.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy the intersection of psychic phenomena and criminal investigation will find this title particularly engaging. It offers a fast-paced narrative where supernatural abilities act as both a curse and a tool for justice, appealing to those who prefer survival-focused plots over romantic subplots. The book is ideal for fans of urban fantasy and psychological horror who appreciate a protagonist burdened by internal demons while tracking an external threat. Those seeking a modern take on the haunted investigator trope will appreciate the tension between visible crime scenes and invisible spiritual realms. It serves as a suitable choice for enthusiasts of suspenseful mysteries involving ghostly elements, provided they are not looking for historical gothic romance or non-fiction accounts.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Cynthia Pelayo delivers a compelling thriller that effectively blends psychological tension with ghostly elements. The narrative excels in its portrayal of Briar Thorne, whose personal trauma mirrors the killer's motives, creating a chilling connection between her nightmares and the murders in Chicago. The book succeeds by maintaining urgency as she races to stop the killer, drawing on traditions where personal hauntings intersect with real-world danger. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychic phenomena within a mystery framework. While it lacks historical gothic depth, its focus on survival and justice makes it a strong entry in the supernatural thriller genre. The structure reveals how internal conflicts drive the external plot, offering a fresh perspective on the haunted investigator trope without relying on romantic distractions.

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