The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde: The spellbinding mystery from the Richard & Judy bestselling author of The Glass House

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Which Alton sibling is your favourite? Why? Which sibling do you most identify with? Are they the same character? This is Eve Chase’s second novel and the second of hers that I have read. I really look forward to reading any future work from her and highly recommend her to anyone who hasn’t read anything by her yet.

The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde: Chase, Eve: 9780718180096 The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde: Chase, Eve: 9780718180096

How does the novel portray family? Is sisterhood different for the Wilde sisters than it is for Romy and Bella? Do you think sisterhood is a different bond than brotherhood or that between siblings of different genders? If so, why? I enjoyed the way the book explored themes of identity. For instance, how Audrey and Margot looked similar, could be mistaken for each other even and the effect this has on Margot and others around her. There are so many books described as being, ‘perfect for Kate Morton fans’ that I was a little sceptical when I started this book. However I needn’t have worried as I thought this book was fantastic and well deserved the comparison.An enticing, chilling plot, captivating characters and prose beautiful enough to totally lose yourself in. This book is the dream -- Isabelle Broom * Heat * After this we move to the present time, albeit find ourselves at the same house, Applecote Manor, where Jess is determined to create a new idyllic life with her family, hoping to put behind past troubles, especially with her difficult teenage step-daughter Bella. I have to say I found the modern day story rather slow, mainly concerned as it was with strained family dynamics, Jess in particular grating on the nerves as she became increasingly insecure about her husband Will's dead first wife Mandy. Too much time was spent for my liking merely following Jess' thoughts, nothing much actually happening; nor did the story really connect very much to the past story. Chase's main strength here for me was mainly in the sense of foreboding she managed to create, and the setting of Applecote itself, a house with a past, the impressions of its past residents still resonating strongly, that atmosphere of mystery, cloaked secrets that refuse to offer themselves up. I am glad this one didn’t drop completely off my radar. The story has a lot of familial touches, bringing the characters to life in a vivid and emotional way, drawing the reader into their world with lush writing, dialogue, and descriptions. Eve Chase once again impresses. Discuss the character of Caroline Alton. She admits to Lorna that she found her stepchildren “unfathomable” (p. 168). Do you think she is a bad stepmother? Are her actions ever justified?

THE VANISHING OF AUDREY WILDE/THE WILDLING SISTERS THE VANISHING OF AUDREY WILDE/THE WILDLING SISTERS

With this book, I enjoyed the story and character in both timelines. I thought characterization was nicely done and pacing was good. Lauren, Flora, and Kat have an unconventional sisterhood. What do you feel were some of the positives and negatives of their relationships? If you have siblings, were you able to relate your own family situation to this dynamic? If so, how? I believe the dual time narration (one of my favorites!) didn't work for this book. The past story was much more engaging and relevant and interesting than the one told in the present. In fact, I feel that the present story wasn't needed at all! Jessie, our protagonist in the present day, was highly likeable and roused my sympathies instantly. Trying to carve out her own identity as a new mother and wife, she increasingly compares herself to her predecessor, always selling herself short. Moving to Applecote Manor is not only a new start for the whole family, but also a late in life coming of age for Jessie. She’s a character who shines throughout, honest in her introspection, and I admired her tenacity, particularly when it came to interacting with her step-daughter. I felt the author depicted this precarious relationship to perfection, and likewise, the second marriage dynamics. It would be such difficult terrain to navigate, stepping into a dead woman’s shoes and through Jessie, I got a true sense of this struggle. I always felt she acted accordingly, never in a way that was unjustified or unbelievable. The very soul of authenticity.

Discuss the ways in which childhood trauma affected each character in the novel. If you were Lauren, Kat, or Flora, how do you think you would have changed after that fateful summer? It was one of those books that made me think that the author and I have read and loved many of the same books.