The Vanishing of Joni Blackwood: A brilliantly chilling and thrilling mystery debut novel

A new spine-tingling suspense novel set in a claustrophobically small village, where folklore, secrets and lies are built into its very foundation. Perfect for fans of CATRIONA WARD, C J TUDOR, and FRANCINE TOON

'This is an absolute page-turner, I'm actually on pins waiting for the story to unfold and my anxiety is through the roof. And what a jaw-swinging, heart-palpitating ending this book has, too! This was an easy 5 star for me.' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The debris from the party the night before is scattered underneath the village tree and across the cobbles. Red wine stains the ground like blood. And Joni has vanished.

Everyone in the village loves Joni Blackwood. She is beautiful and bold, and it's no surprise to anyone when on All Gallows' Eve, she is crowned Gallows Queen. After all, despite fierce competition from the charity-giving and churchgoing mothers in the village, she has won this honour five years in a row.

But this year, the morning after the All Gallows' Eve bonfire is not like the mornings before. This year, Joni is missing, the shower left running in her cottage.

When the next day, human remains are found in the church graveyard, everyone is quick to assume that the mystery of Joni's whereabouts has had a swift and deadly answer. But when it's revealed that the remains are the small bones of a baby, it's clear that Joni's disappearance only marks the start of dark truths in the village coming to light.

If the remains aren't Joni's, did she vanish because she put them there? Or because she knows who did?

The Vanishing of Joni Blackwood is an utterly compelling mystery with a twist you won't see coming. Perfect for fans of C J Tudor, Caroline Mitchell and Erin Kelly.

Read what everyone is saying about The Vanishing of Joni Blackwood:

'I meannnnn I am currently jaw to the floor. I was not expecting that very end twist!!! This was such a wild ride and I honestly don't feel a review can do the twists and turns justice, you just need to go and read it... Small town... drama... it's got it all.' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutelyyyyyyy loved the atmospheric setting of the small village... And that final reveal? Wow! I didn't see it coming at all.??????... You'll love this one. It's a real page-turner, and I can't wait to read more from Lisa Rookes' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐