Dave Maruszewski’s The Missing, the third entry in the Raven, Romda, and Ravai series, delivers an intriguing blend of mystery and fantasy. Published by BookBaby and book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours, this novel takes a lighter turn from the intense undead battles of its predecessor, plunging our heroic trio into a sinister missing-persons case in the enigmatic town of Ashton.
The stakes are high—one-third of the population has vanished without a trace, and if Raven, Romda, and Ravai fail, the entirety of the kingdom could follow suit. The result? A suspenseful, if slightly uneven, quest filled with charm, curiosity, and unexpected quirks.
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My Review
After narrowly escaping death in a prior mission, our trio hopes for a simpler assignment. What they get instead is a mystery so tangled it threatens to unravel the kingdom. The town of Ashton is no ordinary village. As Raven, Romda, and Ravai tread its unfamiliar streets, every stone hides a secret, and every smile feels like a riddle.
What sets The Missing apart is its refusal to rely on obvious villains. The trio encounters an eclectic cast of townsfolk who range from peculiar to downright odd, leaving readers—and the knights—questioning where the real danger lies. But while the quirky personalities are enjoyable, the plot occasionally struggles to maintain the tension. Readers expecting relentless thrills might feel a slight lull in the middle of the book.
Characters: Old Favorites, New Faces
Raven, Romda, and Ravai continue to shine as a dynamic trio, each bringing their unique strengths to the investigation. Raven’s sharp wit, Romda’s practicality, and Ravai’s bravery are as entertaining as ever, and their camaraderie adds much-needed warmth to the chilling mystery.
The townsfolk of Ashton are an absolute highlight. Their eccentricities give the book a whimsical quality, though they occasionally overshadow the darker elements of the story. Maruszewski’s knack for crafting memorable characters keeps the pages turning even when the suspense falters.
Setting: A Town Like No Other
The town of Ashton is richly imagined, with its unfamiliar streets and peculiar people making it feel like a character in its own right. Maruszewski paints an immersive picture of a place shrouded in secrets, where even the most mundane corner hides potential danger. This vivid setting heightens the sense of isolation and unease, pulling readers deeper into the mystery.
What I Loved
The mystery is the book’s crowning achievement. With no clear antagonist, Maruszewski forces both his characters and his readers to dig beneath the surface to uncover the truth. It’s a refreshing take on the fantasy genre that prioritizes intrigue over action.
What Could Be Improved
While the book succeeds in creating a compelling mystery, it could use a stronger sense of urgency. The stakes are undoubtedly high, but the lack of consistent suspense might leave some readers wishing for more edge-of-your-seat moments. But of course, I'm a suspense junky so that could just be me.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
The Missing offers a fascinating mystery wrapped in a vibrant fantasy world, with quirky characters and an inventive plot that keeps readers guessing. While it doesn’t quite deliver the thrills and suspense one might hope for, it’s a solid addition to the Raven, Romda, and Ravai series and a must-read for fans of the trio.
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