Customer Reviews

The Missing

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
Per Publishers Weekly "A sweet love story alternates with an exciting manhunt. Romantic suspense fans will find much to like in Taige, a fearless beauty, half-white, half-black, who's not just another medium clone." I agree. There are other characters with psychic abilities as well. This was a nicely done story with some interesting plot twists and events.

I noticed one reviewer found fault with the story as not being realistic regarding police procedures. That didn't bother me. It's probable that the psychic parts are also not that realistic. As far as I'm concerned, suspending belief is ok. I'm in this for the entertainment and for a fun escape, which it provided.

STORY BRIEF WITH SOME SPOILERS:
Cullen is a rich kid whose family spends summers at their vacation home, located in a gulf coast Alabama tourist town. Taige's parents died when she was young. She lives with an abusive uncle. When Taige is 15, Cullen saves her from an attempted rape. They develop a relationship over the next few summers. Cullen knows Taige has psychic abilities. When Taige is 19, Cullen's mother is violently murdered. Cullen is angry and breaks up with Taige. He felt Taige should have known about the murder in advance to help prevent it. He was mad that she never tried to control or develop her abilities. He claimed she passively reacted to them instead of actively used them. Because of Cullen's accusation, Taige then begins to actively use her abilities, develop greater control over them and works with the FBI. Cullen marries Kim who dies giving birth to their daughter Jilly. Several years later Jilly is kidnapped. Cullen hasn't seen Taige for 12 years, but goes to her asking for her help to find Jilly.

DATA:
Story length: 311 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 8. Total number of sex scene pages: 28. Setting: current day gulf coast tourist town in Alabama and a few other places in the U.S. Copyright: 2008. Genre: paranormal romantic suspense.

OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I've read the following Shiloh Walker books.

Novels:
4 stars. The Missing. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 11/12/08.
2 stars. Touch of Gypsy Fire. Copyrt 2004. No review posted.

Anthologies:
5 stars. Ghost of a Chance (in anthology Ellora's Cavemen: Tales From The Temple IV). Copyrt 2004. Review Date 4/02/08.
4 stars. The Blood Kiss (in anthology Hot Spell). Copyrt 2005. My 5 star review for the anthology was posted 5/11/08.
1 star. His Christmas Cara (in anthology All She Wants: Ellora's Cave). Copyrt 2004. My 4 star review for the anthology was posted 4/02/08.

Taige Branch was blessed, or maybe cursed, with the special gift of vision. She certainly doesn't feel special though and has had more than her fair share of pain - emotional and physical. Losing both parents and being sent to live with her fire and brimstone preacher of an uncle, she was constantly berated and regularly beaten because of the "evil" that supposedly had taken residence in her young body. Despite all of this, Taige uses her gift to the best of her ability, saving more than one person from certain death and then suffering the physically ravaging consequences in private after. When a wealthy boy's family buys a vacation home in the Alabama gulf where Taige lives, the teens are instantly attracted and it isn't long before he witnesses her gift first-hand. Unfortunately, she is unable to predict Cullen's mother's violent death, only to be blamed by him and cast aside.

Taige and Cullen may have been separated for several years but they never forgot each other. When Cullen's young daughter is kidnapped, Taige is the first person the single father turns to for help. Now officially working with the FBI to find missing children, Taige's abilities are maximized to the fullest. Cullen's daughter is found, but in doing so, Taige discovers and connects with a multitude of other murdered children who have been missing for decades. Cullen soon realizes that his daughter has the same gift as Taige, as did the children whose remains were recently discovered. He knows that in order for his daughter to ever have true peace in her life he will have to work with Taige in finding the man whose evil is responsible for the sheer hell these children endured. They won't have to look far though because he has Taige in his sights and he's bent on total destruction.

Shiloh Walker has outdone herself with this book. It's dark, sensual and suspenseful, but most of all it's chock full of excellently written emotion and turmoil. Taige and Cullen are damaged souls, and while their backgrounds couldn't have been more different, their hearts and their love for each other are very much the same. They both regret what could have been for their relationship all those years ago, but celebrate what the future may hold for them. I personally feel that this just might be Shiloh Walker's best work to date and I highly recommend it.

I had misgivings from the start, just based on the plot but the book had so many positive reviews that I decided to give it a try. Without giving away any spoilers, here's the plot: The hero abandons the heroine. He has a child with another woman while the heroine lives a life of relentless misery. The two meet up again after eight years apart when the hero needs the heroine's help to rescue his daughter.

I found it unbelievably sad and depressing that the heroine did not experience a moment of joy and happiness for almost an entire decade. I don't know who I was more angry with -- the hero for abandoning her or the heroine for being such a martyr. Or myself for reading the book, despite all the warning signs.

I will try another one of Shiloh Walker's books, but only if the plot doesn't raise any red flags. I hope she doesn't torture all her heroines like this, it was very painful to read.

What if you had a power to sense when someone was dying or in jeopardy of dying?

Taige Branch has such a gift and it has cost her everything. As a teenager, she falls deeply in love with Cullen Morgan... only to see the capriciousness of her gift end things. Now, Taige works as a consultant for the FBI, using her psychic gifts to try to save others. Cullen has never forgotten Taige as his dreams are still haunted by her. Will Taige be able to save Cullen's daughter, Jillian? And will the past memories overshadow any chance at happiness for Cullen and Taige?

Shiloh Walker never hesitates to cross boundaries and create romances that are atypical. Once again, she has crafted a phenomenal and oh so thrilling tale that breaks all the rules! From the time span involved in the story to the very brutality and nature of the crimes, THE MISSING isn't your stereotypical romance as it takes readers through a gamut of very deep, heartwrenching moments. Even small pieces of the plot, like Kendrick's story, will haunt me for quite some time.

The emotional impact of THE MISSING is perhaps the key component to the story's success. The reader is drawn into Taige's young life and the hardships she faces. Cullen's entry into her life is like a ray of hope... and then we see that joy shattered in one horrible and yet understandable moment of grief. It's hard not to empathize with both Cullen and Taige, both so young and yet so hurt. THE MISSING then skips forward to the current day and the anguish that afflicted their young lives is still ever-present. Can time truly heal all wounds? Only in the hands of a writer as talented as Shiloh Walker could this scenario work, and boy does she ever make it work! I cried right along with the characters as they fought for their happily-ever-after.

THE MISSING is yet another stellar example of why Shiloh Walker's books are an automatic purchase for me. Don't look for a cookie cutter mold to fit any of Ms. Walker's books but rather expect the unexpected. Bravo!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

THE MISSING
SHILOH WALKER
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Berkley Trade
Sensuality Rating: Spicy

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Taige Branch is not like other girls. She can see events that are going to happen. Sometimes however the tragedy has already struck and there is nothing she can do to stop it. Orphaned at a young age has left Taige wanting the love of a true family. She feels all alone with the exception of Rose and Dante her closest friends. When Taige gets attacked it is a complete stranger that helps her. Taige will have to learn to accept the help and compassion that she finds in her new friend.

Cullen Morgan is smitten with the mysterious Taige. He is not sure who or what she really is but when he comes upon her in a horrible situation he does not even hesitate to lend a helping hand. Immediately the two have a close connection but her gift may get in the way.

During the summer of 1992, Taige Branch meets her soul mate. Cullen Morgan rescues her from a group of boys who are trying to rape her. The two have an immediate connection. Their love manages to last a few years even though Cullen can only be with Taige during the summer months. It is her gift that brings the two together and it is also her gift that will separate them. Taige sees Cullen's mother murdered in one of her visions but she is too late to warn Cullen. He blames her for not being able to stop the murder because she did not warn him in time. He banishes her from his life and she stays away until the time that he needs her. Years pass and Taige has only seen Cullen in her very vivid dreams. She is now an FBI consultant whose job is finding kidnapped children. When Cullen's own daughter is kidnapped he turns to the only true person he can trust, Taige. The two must learn to put the past behind and their love in front of them if they want to save this little girl.

THE MISSING was a very emotional story of a girl who has psychic gifts and wants nothing more than to be loved. When she finds the one person who will love and accept her for who she really is he pushed her away in a fit of grief. I found myself crying at this point in the story. I felt horrible for Taige. She did nothing wrong yet she was being punished. I almost put the book down because I did not want to read about any more of her heart shed. Boy am I glad I kept reading! The story picks up at an incredible speed, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this story in one sitting and now I wish I hadn't because it is done and there is no more to read. The connection between the two characters was amazing, even if Cullen was horrible for a part of the book. The book was so detailed that I honestly cannot remember looking at the words; my memories of this book are like watching a movie. It is the images of the story that I remember. Fantastic story,a Shiloh Walker!

Shiloh Walker is a fantastic erotica, paranormal, and fantasy writer. To find a complete list of her many books please visit her website at [...]

Jennifer
Enchanting Reviews
November 2008

In Gulf Shores, Alabama, psychic Taige Branch uses her skill to find missing children. She had visions of a little girl in trouble, but has no idea who she is or what to do to rescue her.

FBI agent widower Cullen Morgan is desperate as his beloved daughter Jilly has been abducted. Scornful of Taige's skill as she failed to warn him that a psychopath would kill his mother when they were lovers eight years ago, he goes to her to plead for her help. Taige is stunned to see Cullen, but more shocked when he shows her his daughter's picture; she is the girl haunting her dreams. As a team, they may be able to save his child from a maniacal predator.

This is a great romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment that Cullen begs Taige to find Jilly. The story line is action-packed especially when the two lead protagonists are on the rescue search. Sub-genre fans will feel the pain Cullen suffers as a single dad worried about his offspring while appreciating the courageous Taige who still loves the man who dumped her for failing him.

Harriet Klausner

Years ago, Taige and Cullen were deeply in love. Then fate stepped in, dividing them when no one else could. Cullen blamed Taige for not being able to prevent his mother's death, and pushed her away.

Since then, Taige has put her psychic ability to good use, using it to help other people. Sometimes she prevents a tragedy, sometimes she can only provide closure and justice.

Now Cullen's young daughter is missing and only Taige can help him find her. Will she be able to save the girl before it is too late?

If you have never read a book by Shiloh Walker, THE MISSING is a great place to start. In this book, Ms. Walker spins a riveting tale of suspense and romance, topped off with a bit of the paranormal.

My heart absolutely went out to Taige. This poor woman has been through so much in her life but she perseveres through it all. She lives her life for others, even though her personal life is lonely and bereft of love.

Or so she thinks...

The one thing she does have is some pretty lively and realistic dreams of her ex-lover, Cullen. She has never been able to forget him, despite the things he said to her at the end. Really, she blames herself for his mother's death as much as he did, even though she knows her gift can't be directed that way. Her visions come to her without rhyme or reason, and she can never control who she can save.

Those dreams kept her feelings about Cullen alive and well, so she is more than primed when he walks back into her life. Interestingly enough, he seems to feel the same way about her.

Cullen may have made some big mistakes, but it is easy to forgive him when it is obvious how much he really cares for both Taige and his daughter. He is as contrite as can be about the way he treated Taige in the past and will do anything to make up for it and win her love back.

The romantic hurdles are the easy ones here. The real threat comes in the form of the serial killer who now has his hands on Cullen's daughter and seems to be targeting Taige now as well. The suspense is high, and the author peppers the story with enough clues to the murderer's identity to keep readers on pins and needles to the very end of the story.

If you like your romance novels emotionally charged and filled with suspense, you will not want to skip THE MISSING by Shiloh Walker!

**Courtesy of Wild on Books**

The author was so vivid in describing both the female and males emotions that this actually brought tears to my eyes. I really enjoyed the timetable showing how and when they met and how their friendship blossom to love. When his actions ended everything I wanted him to suffer, but realize he would suffer anyway, because she was no longer be in his life. Then the story moves to where a decade has passed and they both have moved on with their lives...I found myself holding my breath while they searched for his daughter--good suspense and action.

I almost gave this 4 stars, bc of the final scene she had with her wannabe boss--it was a bit overboard. But the excellent writing and all the characters were so well written that it made up for that part. I plan to read this again and I am glad I got it in paperback.

My first book from this author and I found it a very well written book...comes with the sad, happy, growing up and of course a great love story!

Sixteen-year-old Taige Branch is cursed. Her whole life Taige has been able to predict death and feel spirits. But her psychic ability is useless, because there are always those she cannot save . . . like her parents. Taige can't control her visions, they come and go - occasionally leading her to an infant in need of help and other times just taking her to a dead body, too late to save.

Taige's bible-thumping uncle, Leon, knows that Taige is cursed - though she's not as convinced by his `devil-spawn' label.

One night Taige's vision lets her down, again, and she finds herself at the mercy of two drunken rednecks hell-bent on a good time . . . until she is saved, by Cullen Morgan. Cullen is a young man holidaying in Alabama with his parents. For weeks he has been watching Taige; noticing the way she moves with unleashed grace, and how she always seems to be around when missing or injured children are saved. So when he sees the stupid drunk on top of her, he's more than happy to be her knight in shining armour.

That year sixteen-year-old Taige meets the man who will own her heart for the rest of her life. Cullen is the calm in Taige's stormy life. He understands her ability, and sees it as a gift. And he loves Taige because he sees strength in her that she cannot feel in herself.

But when Cullen's mother is brutally murdered, he cannot forgive Taige her unseeing vision. He hates her for not being able to help his mother.

Twelve years later and Cullen needs Taige, has never stopped needing her. When Cullen's little girl, Jillian, is stranger-snatched he knows only his lost love can help him find his baby girl.

`The Missing' is a supernatural mystery novel by romance author, Shiloh Walker.

I have heard nothing but good things about Shiloh Walker. Her name is renowned around the romance book blogosphere, and many of her novels have been recommended to me. But `The Missing' is the first book of hers that I've read - the first of many.

The first half of the novel concerns Cullen and Taige's young romance between 1992 and 1996. Taige has had a terrible life, losing both parents to a drunk driver and living with her Bible-nut uncle who reminds her daily that she is are demonic. Not to mention the nightmares and flashbacks of brutal foretelling that plague Taige on a daily basis. But when she meets Cullen, her life seems ready to change for the better. Their teenage love is intense and sweet; Cullen is the first person to convince Taige that her visions are a gift, and both of them are quietly convinced that they have found the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with. But when Cullen's mother is murdered, he cannot forgive Taige her inability to foresee the brutal event. They part ways on angry words, with Taige's heart irrevocably broken.

The book skips ahead twelve years - Cullen has turned into a bestselling fantasy author, with a little girl. Jillian's mother died from complications in childbirth, and ever since it has been just the two of them. Meanwhile, Taige's life has taken a more violent direction . . . she works for a special FBI task force, officially as a civilian consultant. In actuality, the FBI utilize Taige's gift to help with child-related cases. She has helped find missing and kidnapped kids, assisted in exposing child-pornography rings and in locating dead bodies. Taige's life is marred by heartbreak . . . the one light in her depressing existence is the dreams in which Cullen comes to her; fantasies in which he repents and begs forgiveness for turning his back on Taige years ago. Dreams in which he still loves her.

For twelve years Taige has been dreaming and missing Cullen, hoping her would walk back into her life. But when Cullen's daughter is kidnapped, Taige cannot believe the way their paths cross once again.

`The Missing' is quite a dark book. It has to be, when Taige's premonitions lead her to dead bodies and lets her see the dark heart of paedophiles. The first half of the novel is really a battering for Taige, and readers. Reading Cullen so callously walk out of her life, and then the many ways in which her life has hardened over twelve long years. . . . it's a lot of sadness to heap upon readers. But Walker intercepts the sadness with glimpses of hope - like Taige and Cullen's strange interlacing dreams in which they visit one another in mind and soul.

The novel does a fairly quick, romantic turn-around when Cullen seeks out Taige's help to find his missing girl. His abrupt reappearance is softened by the fact that he has been keeping close tabs on Taige's FBI-success, effectively stalking her from a distance, and constantly berating himself for his harsh treatment of her twelve years ago. When Cullen sees Taige again, he knows he won't be walking out on her ever again . . . thus begins Cullen's desperate bid to win Taige's heart all over again.

I appreciated Walker's amped-up romance in the second half of the novel. I liked that Cullen was (rightfully) repentant and desperate to win back Taige's heart and trust. But I did feel like Taige bit her tongue throughout a lot of her and Cullen's rekindled scenes . . . I kept waiting for an explosion of pain and anger, just to get it out of her system. As the story unfolds we realize just how much hurt Cullen heaped upon her - and the more we learn, the more I wanted her to just blow up at him. Just one, I wanted Taige to unleash twelve years of pent-up hurt and feelings of abandonment. As it is, I never felt like Walker completely resolved their issues by the end of the book. . . but that's my only complaint in an otherwise unblemished novel.

The romance is sublime. Walker writes heated and tender sex scenes that are lush and heartbreaking - especially for the way that Taige lets her guard down when she's intimate with Cullen, despite still nursing her heartbreak over him.

I also really enjoyed the mystery-angle of this novel. Admittedly, `The Missing' is more romance than anything else . . . but Walker's deep, psychological thriller storyline was equally interesting, nicely balanced with Taige and Cullen's tumultuous twelve-year love affair.

`The Missing' is my first Shiloh Walker read, but it won't be my last. The book was dark and gritty, with a broken woman at its captivating centre and a complicated, broken relationship counterbalancing the disturbing mystery plot. Shiloh Walker writes tough; dark, complex characters with messy lives and hardened shells. But the turning point comes with a reformative love of utter tenderness and raw heat.

4.5/5