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Dear fellow audiobook adventurers,

There’s something magical about the way a well-narrated audiobook can transport you—not just to different worlds, but into the minds and hearts of its characters. Listening to *And Then She Vanished*, written by Nick Jones and narrated by Ray Porter, was one of those rare experiences where the story and the voice intertwined seamlessly, creating a listening journey that was as gripping as it was poignant.

When I first came across the premise—a man haunted by his sister’s disappearance who discovers he can time travel—I was immediately intrigued. As someone who’s spent years exploring human connections and the ripple effects of choices in my travel writing, the idea of revisiting the past to mend broken pieces resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of a time when I stood beneath the stars in the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. The surreal landscape and García Márquez’s magical realism felt like a perfect pairing. Similarly, the time-bending narrative of *And Then She Vanished* felt like entering a realm where hope and heartbreak danced in delicate balance.

Nick Jones crafts a tale that’s equal parts suspenseful and emotionally resonant. Joseph Bridgeman, the protagonist, is an everyman whose life has been shaped by tragedy—the disappearance of his sister, Amy, two decades ago. His discovery of time travel feels less like a superpower and more like a bittersweet gift—a chance to fix the unfixable. The stakes are high, and Jones masterfully layers tension as Joseph learns the limits of his ability: the farther back he travels, the less time he can stay.

This ticking clock dynamic keeps the narrative taut, but it’s the emotional depth that truly hooked me. The story isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about grappling with the weight of grief and guilt, about finding hope in the unlikeliest of places. It reminds me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, listening to the grandmother of a host family tell stories that felt like they carried the weight of generations. *And Then She Vanished* captures that same sense of intimacy and timeless wisdom, where each layer of the story feels like peeling back a deeply personal memory.

### Ray Porter’s Narration: A Masterclass in Audiobook Performance
As much as the story itself captivated me, Ray Porter’s narration elevated the experience to another level. His voice carries a warmth and gravitas that made Joseph’s struggles feel palpable. Porter’s ability to shift seamlessly between characters—from Joseph’s internal monologues to the supporting cast—ensures that every moment feels authentic. You can almost hear the exhaustion in Joseph’s voice, the determination in his tone, and the tenderness when he speaks of his sister.

There’s a rhythm to Porter’s narration that reminded me of storytelling evenings in Oaxaca. The pauses, the crescendos, the quiet moments—they’re all perfectly timed, drawing you deeper into the story. It’s rare to find a narrator who feels like a co-creator of the narrative rather than just a reader, but Porter achieves that balance effortlessly.

One of the greatest strengths of *And Then She Vanished* is its ability to balance the fantastical and the emotional. The time-travel mechanics are intriguing but never overshadow the human drama, which is the true heart of the story. The updated version, with extra chapters and deeper character development, makes for a richer experience.

However, if I were to nitpick, I’d say that the pacing in the middle section occasionally lags. While these moments allow for character introspection, they may test the patience of listeners looking for constant action. That said, the slower moments often serve as a necessary breather, allowing you to absorb the emotional weight of Joseph’s journey.

If you enjoyed books like *The Time Traveler’s Wife* by Audrey Niffenegger or *11/22/63* by Stephen King, *And Then She Vanished* will feel like a natural next listen. It’s less about the mechanics of time travel and more about its emotional repercussions, making it a poignant addition to the genre.

For listeners who appreciate narrators like Jim Dale or Neil Gaiman—those who bring a storyteller’s intimacy to their craft—Ray Porter’s performance will undoubtedly impress. And if you’re new to audiobooks, this one is an excellent entry point, showcasing the medium’s ability to evoke both heart and imagination.

Listening to *And Then She Vanished* was a reminder of why I love audiobooks. They’re not just a way to consume stories; they’re a way to inhabit them. As Joseph Bridgeman wrestles with his past and his newfound abilities, you can’t help but root for him, mourn with him, and hope alongside him. The combination of Nick Jones’s poignant storytelling and Ray Porter’s masterful narration creates an experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

If you’re looking for an audiobook that combines mystery, emotional depth, and a touch of the fantastical, I can’t recommend *And Then She Vanished* enough. It’s a journey worth taking, whether you’re driving through a desert or simply sitting in the quiet of your home, letting the story transport you.

With gratitude for the stories that connect us,
Marcus Rivera