Review: Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

Title: The Rules For Disappearing

Author:  Ashley Elston
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publishing Date: May 14th 2013

Pages: 320
Genre: YA Mystery Thriller

Series:  The Rules for Disappearing #1
Source: Kindle

 

She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

I thought this book sounded awesome from the moment I read the synopsis. I love a good mystery and a great suspense thriller. This book was absolutely both! I was invested from very early in the beginning and it quickly became a real page turner. I adored the main character and also had a soft spot for many of the supporting characters. The story was great and the mystery kept me guessing. A fantastic read!

Meg isn't her real name, her hair is dyed, and she wears colored contacts. She has had several identities in several states, the only thing she is sure about is that she doesn't know when she will be relocated and what her new name will be. She is in the witness protection program. She doesn't know why and she doesn't know for how long. She is tired of leaving friends behind, lying about her life, and feeling scared. She is determined to find the reason why this is her life.

I loved this book. The book was filled with a bit of everything, a sweet romance, a good mystery, and some pretty thrilling moments. I loved the story and the characters, the pacing was just right, and the writing was awesome. I had no problems diving into the story and getting wrapped up in Meg's world. 

Meg was such a likable character. She tried to be tough, she tried to carry her family through their hard times, she tried to distance herself from any new relationships. She failed at it all but for her the failure was a success. She learned how to trust, how to love, and how to deal with some pretty heavy issues. She found she didn't have to be alone. One thing I loved about Meg, her need to protect and take care of her sister, and she did it well. I also enjoyed watching her relationship with Ethan, Catherine, and Will grow. It was nice to see her be herself, well as much as she could, and let loos to have some fun. It was frustrating at times to see doubts of a normal life get the best of her but it was completely understandable. 

I loved Ethan. I won't lie, at first I was skeptical. He was way to into knowing about her and her past. It was a bit creepy. He did come to light though, and he was just a nice concerned guy. He was sweet and loyal and a bit cray to follow Meg anywhere. 

All the characters were great with the part they played. The character roles were set up nicely with the story and I don't think it would have been as great of a tale if they would have been different, even in the slightest. 

I did like the romance. It was sweet and so teenager like... well when you take out the secrets, lies, and the on the run from danger part. It was really good for this story and I can't wait to read more. 

The mystery was really really good. I did start to figure it out close to the end... maybe a bit too soon but it didn't take away from story. I had my suspicion of hwy they were in the witness protection and who was after them. I didn't know how it would all play out and I didn't expect the ending would not have complete resolution of what would happen next. I have a second book to read so all is good. 

The book was really written well and the plot really thought and planned out. The suspenseful moments were really suspenseful and the thrills were extremely thrilling. I can say that to really enjoy this book, I had to take away reality. It was unrealistic on the side of real life but it all worked together well and made for good entertainment. 

I really enjoyed this. It was a cute mystery thriller. Didn't know those words could be paired together. Fun read 

Ashley Elston lives is North Louisiana with her husband, three sons and two cats. She worked as a wedding and portrait photographer for ten years until she decided to pursue writing full time. Ashley is also a licensed Landscape Horticulturist and helps her husband run a commercial lawn and landscaping business. They also custom harvest pecans and have cows. Yes, cows.
ashleyelston.com | twitter.com/ashley_elston