The Vanishing

Of the 13 Bentley Little books that I've read, the majority tend to be less than interesting and enjoyable experiences (see The Return, The Town, The Burning, Death Instinct, and The Waiting). Why do I keep going back to his books, you ask? Well, there have been a few really good ones in The Store, The Association, and The Policy that found themselves in between the duds. Sadly though, this book falls (flatly) in the first grouping.
The Vanishing is a goopy mess with a slow, convoluted plot and less-than-memorable characters. I wasn't sure if I was reading a novel with a plot dealing with aliens, the paranormal, or just the freaky. And, I still don't understand why it was titled The Vanishing.
This might be the final straw for this show more reader's following of Bentley Little novels. There are too many books and not enough time to invest in something like this. show less

It's really two stories...each of which takes place in California. One is in the nineteenth century and the other is in the present. Both had the possibility to be compelling stories that were interwoven and intertwined...but a 100 years apart. As the connection between the two become clearer...the two stories should have melded into one. Unfortunately the combining attempt made the book a bit of a mess. I've always liked this authors scary books but this one didn't quiet make it. Overall...it wasn't Bentley Little's best by any means yet it was an interesting story...hence the 3 stars.

Argh! After so many great books and the progressive improvements, Little turns out a non-so-great book. On the surface, the story is not bad. Two people start to investigate some killings which are happening across the country; the source turns out to be a big bad out of the California backwoods. Nothing wrong there and something that Little should have been able to turn into gold. This time though something went wrong. I had a hard time getting into the story and events. When something would happen, often it would seem unrealistic; not just the killings or gore but the events around them too. Maybe because of that I also found the characters weren't that interesting; it's hard to be interesting when all the events happening around them show more were hard to believe. I don't want to rip on the book too much because it doesn't deserve it. It's still readable and can be enjoyed to a degree. I wouldn't recommend this as someplace to start reading Little though. Pick up THE STORE or THE ASSOCIATION or THE RESORT. This is one that you can skip if you want and not miss much. show less

The Vanishing is written almost as a series of vignettes or short stories that traverse time and introduce what, at first appearance, seem to be jarringly unrelated characters, victims, and manifestations of dark and brutal forces. The individual stories are fascinating in their own right, but it is the juxtaposition of past and present, ancestors and progeny, and the karmic play of justice that makes this much more than just a scary story and a bumpy ride. Bentley Little is my new favorite horror author. Historical hint: Goldrush.

Probably one of his most original ideas, this novel suffered somewhat from having a similar structure to the Haunted. However, the monsters were unnerving and I kept wondering if there would be a Lovecraft tie in. Overall, original, unnerving, disgusting and one of his best.

The Vanishing by Bentley Little is a stand alone horror story about children disappearing or being murdered.

I wouldn't really call this a horror story, but it is the most bizarre story I have ever read. Little's writing is great and his imagination is certainly unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Little, Bentley
The Vanishing

Horror
The Vanishing is written almost as a series of vignettes or short stories that traverse time and introduce what, at first appearance, seem to be jarringly unrelated characters, victims, and manifestations of dark and brutal forces. The individual stories are fascinating in their own right, but it is the juxtaposition of past and present, ancestors and progeny, and the karmic play of justice that makes this much more than just a scary story and a bumpy ride. Bentley Little is my new favorite horror author.
Recommended January 2008