“THE VANISHING GAME,” by Kate Kae Myers, Bloomsbury USA Childrens, Hardcover, Feb. 14, 2012, $16.99 (ages 12 and up)
Twin siblings Jocelyn and Jack depend on each other for everything. They’ve been together through unimaginable circumstances, but they’ve always had their sibling’s back. When Jack is killed in a car accident, Jocelyn is devastated. How can she possibly live without her brother?
A few weeks after Jack’s death, Jocelyn receives a cryptic letter from “Jason December.” The problem is Jason December is really Jack. He used to use the code name when they were foster kids at Seale House — a place that holds terrifying memories for Jocelyn.
Jocelyn can’t believe it. Jack must be alive. There’s only one other person who knows about Jason December — Noah, their only real friend form childhood — and there’s not way he would play this kind of joke.
There must be a reason for the letter, so Jocelyn returns to place where Jason November was born — Seale House. But there’s more to Seale House than bad memories. The house seems to have dangerous powers. On top of that, someone is following Jocelyn. There’s a lot more to Jason November’s letter than Jocelyn ever bargained for. If Jack really is alive why is hiding? As Jocelyn unravels the mystery she unwittingly comes across a piece of information that will change her life forever.
“The Vanishing Game” is a very dark book. Not necessarily in content — though there are some troubling events that take place — but in tone. If you’re not used to darker books, this could make it harder to get into to begin with. But if you stick with it, you’ll definitely get a surprise as the story evolves.
Author Kate Kae Myers does an excellent job of setting the tone. She expertly conveys Jocelyn’s anxieties and confusion.
“The Vanishing Game” won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy dark, thriller-type novels with a twist, this may be a good choice for a Saturday afternoon.
