The Blurb:
Tragedy . . . heartache . . . how much more can Tyler Montgomery and John Webster take? This missions trip, the “healing” one, has only added fresh layers of pain. Construction of an orphanage in Haiti’s northwest . . . yes. But a doomed rescue operation, human traffickers, human anomalies, extreme personal danger . . . risk of death? They hadn’t signed up for those.
Turning their backs on the crisis, however, is unthinkable, it’s just not who they are.
My Review:
Rating: ★★★★★
John and Tyler arrive in Haiti on a missionary trip. Their goal is to help with the construction of a much-needed orphanage on the island. But the men soon learn of the terrible dark underbelly of life in the Caribbean nation. The scourge of human trafficking soon invades their insulated world when a young girl they’ve come to know is taken. The two men decide the only thing to do is find the child and reunite her with her mother. Obstacles and hazards attempt to thwart the pair with life and death situations. The action is rapid and harrowing throughout.
Human trafficking is a dark subject—no matter the area of our world in which you live. Author Mark Bierman tackles this story with an eye on reality. He digs deep into the human psyche and sheds a light on monsters that are always close by. Vanished is one of those reads that will open your eyes and give you reason to re-think your comfortable lives. This one is worth a read.
About the Author:
Born and raised on a farm near Brockville, Ontario, Mark Bierman’s childhood consisted of chores, riding horses, snowmobile races across open fields, fishing trips to a local lake, and many other outdoor adventures. He was also an avid reader of both fiction and non.
Transitioning towards adulthood also meant moving from the farm and into large urban areas that introduced this “country boy” to life in the big cities.
After a short stint as a private investigator, he moved into the role of Correctional Officer, working at both Millhaven Institution and Kingston Penitentiary, until it closed.
Where to Buy:
The Indie Spot! 
Tough subject to read about, tougher on its victims.
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You are correct, Alicia.
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I agree with your review, Beem, and like you I gave it 5-stars. Sadly, it is very relevant to all that is going on at our southern borders. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations, Mark.
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The border is a mess, Gwen. I agree. It’s a sad situation. Thanks for stopping by.
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It is a tragedy, Gwen, but unfortunately one that goes on everywhere and everyday. Thanks for your kind words, Gwen.
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An excellent review, Beem. I read this book some time ago and gave it five stars. Mark tackled a tough topic. It wasn’t an easy read, and I’m sure it was difficult to write, but he rose to the challenge and delivered a dramatic story.
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Thank you for stopping by, Mae. I agree. Mark handled the subject like a true writer. As the kids might say, He’s got skills!
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Thank you, Beem. It was a pleasure to see your review!
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Thank you, Mae. It was hard to write and was the product of dealing with the perpetrators of these types of crimes for many years in law enforcement. I appreciate you, and everyone who took a chance and read this book anyways.
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Good review. I think fictionalizing real accounts makes it easier to take in the horrors of human trafficking while at the same time providing the public much needed information.
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I agree, Priscilla. Good writers, like Mark, are able to show the darker side of humanity without anybody getting hurt in the real world. Thank you for weighing in.
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Thank you, Beem. I really appreciate your support!
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My pleasure, Mark.
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Thank you, Priscilla. I agree, and that’s why I left out anything graphic; you won’t find any rape scenes or the like, in Vanished.
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Great review. This was an intense but worthy read.
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Thank you, Denise.
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Thank you for weighing in, Denise.
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Congrats to Mark on this wonderful review. This one is still on my TBR … hands head in shame … wishing Mark all the best 😁 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Beem 💕🙂
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Darn autocorrect… hangs! Not hands 😂
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Thank you Harmony. I hope you get the chance to read it, but no worries if you don’t.
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Thank you for the visit, Harmony.
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💖
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I’m too heart-soft to take on a project like that. Kudos to Mark for doing so, and apparently quite successfully. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful review, Beem.
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Thank you for adding to the conversation, Staci.
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Wonderful review. Congratulations to Mark.
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Thanks for stopping by, Craig.
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A most excellent review for Mark’s book. When I read it, I had to keep reminding myself it was fiction because it is so realistic and relevant today. Great review!! Congrats to Mark!
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Its relevance to today makes it truly realistic, Jan. That’s why this story is such an eye opener. Thanks for stopping by.
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