The Disappearances, by Emily Bain Murphy

(Paperback, 400 pages, first published in 2017)

Emily Bain Murphy’s debut young adult novel THE DISAPPEARANCES follows a teen girl who moves to her recently deceased mother's hometown and discovers that it has been mysteriously losing the experiences that weave life together—the sound of music, the stars in the sky, the ability to dream—and that her mom may be to blame.

Every seven years something disappears in the town of Sterling: reflections, dreams, colors, stars. When Aila Quinn arrives, she realizes why her deceased mother, Juliet, never spoke of growing up there—the town mysteriously loses the experiences that weave life together, and everyone thinks Juliet is to blame.

Aila sets out to clear her mother’s name with the help of George, whose goofy charm makes him a fast friend; Beas, the enigmatic violinist who writes poetry on her knees; and William, whose pull on Aila’s heart terrifies her.

The Disappearances is a tale full of intrigue, beauty, and dread that will leave you entranced.

Storyglory Cautions: This is a clean, interesting mystery for teens. Some book descriptions reference a "curse" which is one way to describe the disappearance of qualities from the town, but there is no occult-type implication. The story includes a little bit of light, appropriate romance and few instances of mild language. See Redeemed Reader's review here. 

Recommended Age: 12+