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She helped him disappear.
She’ll wish she hadn’t . . .
In Japan, one hundred thousand people voluntarily disappear every year, aided by those who help them start over. They call them Johatsu – the evaporated.
I brought the idea to England. No judgement, no questions. Just new identities, packed bags, and discreet escape plans from abusive partners, debt, or simply lives that no longer fit.
I thought I was doing something good – honourable, even. Until now.
I know now that not everyone is fleeing hardship. I’ve helped someone who committed a crime to flee the police. I’ve disappeared a murderer.
And unless I find him, I don’t know what he’ll do next . . .
Publisher: Zaffre
Format: Ebook, Audiobook, Hardback (2 July 2026)
Source: Digital copy for review
This standalone thriller is based around the Japanese concept of Jōhatsu – people who vanish voluntarily from their own lives.
Our main character, Veronica Page is a Night Mover in England. She has set up her own network of contacts to support those who want to disappear from their lives, and often their families, in order to begin a new life. Those seeking help can be fleeing from abusive relationships, from debt but no matter what the reason, Veronica will try to help. There is a strict code of conduct and secrecy amongst the network to keep details confidential to ensure success for each client.
The problems begin for Veronica when she is approached by a detective. He is looking for someone suspected of a serious crime and needs her help. At first she refuses – not least because she doesn’t know where this person is however under pressure and upon learning why her former client is wanted by the Police, she has a change of heart – this is where her problems really begin and she is placed in the most dangerous of situations.
There is a reason why Veronica has chosen this career path and it leads back to Japan. Her background is gradually revealed and you can’t help but feel sympathy for her.
I always enjoy Jo’s books and although this is rather a slow burn to start, with revelations later coming thick and fast, the tension increases to a real nail biter of a conclusion. As you would expect from this author there are twists and surprises, together with characters that you will either love or hate – all of which make for an addictive and satisfying read. I very much enjoyed it and definitely recommend.
My thanks to Tracy of Compulsive Readers for the tour invite and to the publisher for the copy to review.
Jo Spain is the author of thirteen bestselling thrillers, including her three No.1s, The Trial (Ireland), The Confession (Ireland) and Dirty Little Secrets (Audible). She is translated into seventeen languages and was nominated as Irish author of the year in 2024.
Jo is also a full-time screenwriter. Along with her writing partner, David Logan, she has been commissioned for the fifth season of Harry Wild, a series they showrun, co-write and executive produce, starring Jane Seymour. Jo and David also co-wrote and exec produced 2024’s The Boy That Never Was, and showran and wrote Mix Tape, which has already won the audience choice award at SXSW, the prestigious U.S. festival, which launched Hacks and Beef.
Jo is currently adapting Emma Curtis’ novel Invite Me In for RTE as well as her own, The Trial, with Metropolitan Pictures (Wednesday/The Banshees of Inisherin/The Tourist). Her books Don’t Look Back and The Last to Disappear are also in development.
Author Links: Insta | Amazon UK
