The Vanishing

This is a well organised non-fiction that reads very conversationally, it is very enjoyable, and easy to read and understand.

Mark Greenwood has done a fantastic job of covering the disappearance of Fred Valentich from all angles and encouraging the reader to question the situation and conclusions. The mysterious circumstances leave room for the reader to query and ask further questions with a bibliography at the back providing access.

Recommended for 9-12 but definitely an enjoyable quick read for an adult, the well set out book is speckled with copies of actual documents from the initial investigation to peak your interest. These images are clear and support the text closely.

Books of this type are not often written for this age group and I think this is something that is missing from the group. Non-fiction can often carry to much 'jargon' but this book has just enough to make it specialised without making the reader lose understanding.

The book is well designed with an interesting cover and while the construction may not stand up to a classroom library for long, it will be thoroughly enjoyed while it is there.