The Lady Vanished (Tyrone Swift, #1) by Gretta Mulrooney

The Lady Vanished (Tyrone Swift, #1) Reviews

• 
  Cheryl (Takin' It Easy This Year!)

  This is a 3.5 star read.
  
  You know it's going to be the start of a new series you love when the style and pace of the writing and the characters just "click" with you. I knew within a few pages that I would be drawn in and it felt a little like coming home and putting your jammies and slippers on - it just felt comfortable.
  The secret to whether you'll like the series is how well you connect with the protagonist Tyrone Swift. As you can see from the reviews, if you like him and want to get to know him better then you'll love this series. If you can't seem to connect to him for whatever reason then perhaps this isn't the series for you.
  As well as the main crime of the novel to leave you flummoxed (and it will), there are various other criminal subplots, both interconnected and not, woven throughout to make a somewhat complex read. If I had any complaint about this novel is that there are a LOT of characters and I would have been left quite confused if not for the character list provided by the author.
  I love my crime stories to be character centred with an interesting back story to the main character that I can sink my teeth into, and this novel has that in spades. We are given a peek into Ty's life - his successes, his mistakes, his foibles and what drives him. He seems a tired, introspective and someone melancholy git and sometimes you just want to give him a good shake - but I found myself becoming invested in him and that is the hallmark for an excellent series. I also absolutely loved the character Cedric, Ty's sitting tenant! The debonair senior citizen displays remarkable sangfroid and I await with delight to see what adventures he has next.
  This was a busy story with lots going on so was a remarkably quick read. I have already downloaded the next three books in the series and can't wait to read more about Tyrone and his band of friends.
• 
  Fictionophile

  Don't you just LOVE starting a new series? When you enjoy the first book and you just KNOW that there are many more enjoyable reading hours ahead?
  
  "The lady vanished" introduces the protagonist Tyrone Swift. Tyrone was once a policeman working for the MET, then he worked for Interpol until he got jaded and burnt-out from working on sex traffic cases. When his aunt Lily died and left him her house in Hammersmith, London, he decided to take advantage of his new, more comfortable state of financial affairs to quit his position in Interpol and become a private detective. His good working relationship with the Metropolitan Police serve to aid him in his new endeavor, especially the Met's Assistant Commissioner Mary Adair, who is Swift's first cousin.
  
  The book is a wonderfully honed balance between the cases Tyrone Swift is working on, and his personal life. This is something I like in a mystery story which makes me connect more to the characters.
  
  Tyrone is tall, solitary, and thirty-eight years old. Some consider him to be taciturn. An avid rower, he likes to spend a few hours each day on the Thames.
  
  "He felt a wistfulness for things lost and irretrievable"
  
  He was in a relationship with Ruth, a woman he still deeply loves. She broke off their engagement and married another man. Recently she has reentered his life on a friendly and casual basis. Her husband has multiple sclerosis and she needs a shoulder to cry on.
  
  His inherited house has a sitting tenant on the upper floor. Cedric Sheridan is in his late eighties and has become a true friend to Tyrone.
  
  "...family webs are intricate and layered".
  
  Tyrone Swift has been hired to find a missing woman, Carmen Langborne, a wealthy widow who is keen on supporting animal charities and is devoted to her three cats. The woman who hired him is Mrs. Langborne's step-daughter, Florence. It is obvious to Swift that she and her brother Rupert have no great love for their stepmother. They both seem to think their stepmother must be dead. Though they won't shed any tears, they DO want her body found in order that they might reap the benefits of her will...
  
  Carmen disappeared from her house without leaving provision for her beloved cats. So her disappearance is highly suspect. Her cleaner, Mrs. Farley is feeding them on a temporary basis.
  
  "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child".
  
  As Tyrone delves into the Langborne family history, the case of the missing woman becomes more and more suspect and mysterious.
  
  The only negative for me in reading this book was that there were too many characters. The author did include a character list at the back of the book however.
  
  This is a literary mystery of family secrets. With well-rounded and engaging characters this book will appeal to all who prefer a character-driven mystery story. The plot was well-rendered and believable, and the ending was wrought with skill. Recommended!
  
  I was provided a digital copy of this novel from Joffe Books via NetGalley in exchange for my candid review.
  
  I am very anxious to read the second Tyrone Swift novel, "Blood secrets", and I have already purchased the Kindle edition.
• 
  Candace

  Tyrone Swift, Private Detective
  
  Private Detective Tyrone Swift is hired by Florence Davenport to find her stepmother, Carmen Langborne. The wealthy widow disappeared on January 31. Her stepson, Rupert Langborne, believes Carmen left on a mini vacation without telling anyone. Her housekeeper, Mrs. Ronnie Farley, feels something has happened to Mrs. Langborne. She would never leave her three cats unattended. Tyrone Swift has plenty of suspects but no body. Did Carmen Langborne disappear on a mini vacation or was she murdered?
  
  This crime story has many twists and turns. When this reader thought she had the mystery solved, another red heron would swing the story in a new direction. The characters are well drawn. My favorite characters are Tyrone Swift, Nora Morrow and Cedric Sheridan. Detective Inspector Nora Morrow is a hard-nose detective working for the Metropolitan Police. She has a soft heart and keeps Tyrone on his toes. Cedric Sheridan is Tyrone's tenant and friend. Cedric is just a cool character. I recommend this novel and look forward to reading the next book in the series. Possible emotional trigger -- child abuse is recalled in characters' tramatic memories.
• 
  Alan Cotterell

  New author to me, but won't be the last one i read already have next 2 and will be seeking the rest ou and maybe the other series she wrote.
  
  Great characters, and storyline. Maybe a few too many characters, to remember them all and the chapters are a little longer than I prefer. But thats being picky.
• 
  Louise Wilson

  Tyrone swift - ex cop turned private investigator has been hired to find Carmen Langborne by her daughter Florence Davenport .
  Carmen has been missing for a few months and the police have found no leads. Her bank account shows no activity and she seems to have disappeared without trace.
  A lot of the book is taken up with Tyrone's affair with his ex.
  I found this book hard to get through
  
  Thanks to netgalley for advanced copy for an honest review
• 
  Sue Wallace

  The lady vanished by literary fiction and mystery and thriller read.
  How can someone vanish without a trace?
  Carmen Langborne is a woman who no one seems to like very much, and now she's gone missing. But there is no body, no leads and no real suspects. And the police have stopped investigating her disappearance.
  Carmen's stepdaughter Florence hires private detective Tyrone Swift to find the missing woman. If the body is found, Florence will inherit half of a very valuable house. As Swift delves deeper into the family’s affairs, he discovers dark family secrets that threaten the reputations of powerful people. Will Swift get to the truth before those with much to hide stop him?
  This was a really good read with good characters. Swift was my favourite character. This one really had me thinking. Full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
• 
  Jen

  Tyrone Swift worked for the Met, then for Interpol before deciding to open his own PI agency. When the unpleasant Florence Davenport hires Swift to find her missing stepmother Carmen Langborn, he realizes that Davenport's interest has more to do with a possible inheritance than with concern for the older woman.
  
  The police have gotten nowhere on the case. There is no body and the woman has previously taken trips without getting in touch with anyone, but this time Carmen made no arrangements for someone to care for her beloved cats.
  
  Neither Florence nor her brother have genuine concern for their stepmother, but after months with no word, they believe her to be dead. And Florence doesn't want to have to wait years for her share of the estate.
  
  The book focuses on the investigation as Swift does the slow work of questioning various people about Carmen and her activities. This is not an action-packed plot, but one of slow accretion of details. Secrets emerge that could blow the family apart.
  
  Favorite character--aside from Ty Swift--is Cedric, Ty's elderly upstairs tenant inherited from his Aunt Lily. Ty also develops a fondness for Carmen Langborn's housekeeper, who has taken it upon herself to continue her basic housekeeping duties and and to care for the cats.
  
  Having read the most recent release, I already had some knowledge of the characters introduced in this first in the series.
  
  Kindle Unlimited/Joffe Books
  
  Mystery/Detective. 2015.
  
  
• 
  Sheri

  I feel that this is a great start to a new series. I really liked it. A lot. I thought that it was well written, with good description and character development. I like the detective and actually liked the killer (who I actually felt sympathy for). I enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers looking to begin a new, solid, satisfying reason.
  
  *thank you to the writer/publishers/Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.*
• 
  Tammy

  I did finish the book, that is the best I can say - It is a very slow moving read, it never did really grab me and make me want to keep reading. Fairly predictable, just a few twists in the plot, and those were almost predictable.
• 
  Penny Bankston

  This is a light and entertaining detective story by British writer, Gretta Mulrooney; the first in the Tyrone Swift series. It moves at a leisurely pace, immersing us in the day-to-day details of detective Swift’s life - the type of biscuit served with his tea, the weather in London at the moment, and his mode of travel on each excursion. (Will he go by tube and bus this time? Or will it be cab? Or is the weather pleasant and he will walk? Perhaps he will borrow Cyril’s car?) We also get to know the slate of characters in Swift’s life, who presumably populate the balance of the series. And then there is the mystery of the missing lady to solve.
  
  Mulrooney is not widely read, judging by numbers of Goodreads reviews, but I will certainly read more from her.
• 
  Tracy Wood

  When Fiona Davenport's stepmother disappears without trace she goes to the police. They can find no suspicious circumstances so she hires an ex police and interpol officer turned private eye to take over. Tyrone Swift finds himself investigating a case with no clues, no suspects, and no victim but somehow something doesn't seem right and so he keeps looking.
  
  As each twist and turn changes his focus and family secrets rise to the surface it becomes difficult for Swift to know who to trust and what to believe is relevant. The clock is ticking however, and no body means no inheritance and, of course, no-one wants to pay his fees for nothing.
  
  The first in a new series this story sets the scene very nicely. I liked Tyrone from the start and the writer has such a relaxed charm to her writing that it becomes easy to keep reading long into the night. I look forward to enjoying more about Tyrone Swift and his endeavours, in future books; he is a very personable protagonist.
• 
  Ted Tayler

  "Sophisticated mystery"
  
  The first time I've read anything by this writer and I was impressed. A tightly-woven plot with a good number of strong characters suggests this is a series to follow.
• 
  Jane

  Detective Tyrone Swift has been hired by a woman named Ms Florence Davenport, to look into the whereabouts of her stepmother Carmen who went missing several months ago. A great start to a series
• 
  Carol Hatch

  This was a good, short, detective story. I enjoy Gretta Mulrooney's writing style. I often like to read something like this in between books with heavier topics.
• 
  Kristina Anderson

  The Lady Vanished by Gretta Mulrooney is the first book in a new detective mystery series. Tyrone Swift is a private investigator in London. His newest client is Florence Davenport. Her stepmother, Carmen Langborne is missing, and Florence wants Tyrone to find her. It is like Carmen just disappeared one day. Her accounts have not been touched. Tyrone sets out to find Carmen. The woman was not well liked so there are quite a few suspects to check out. Will Tyrone be able to find Carmen? What secrets will he uncover during the investigation?
  
  The Lady Vanished contained a good mystery. We are given some great clues and a healthy list of suspects. However, that is about the only thing I liked in The Lady Vanished. The characters were just not likable. I tried to like Tyrone but he seems intent on his own self-destruction (and we get to hear all his internal debates and reflection). Tyrone is determined to be with a woman who broke up with him and then married someone else. This got to be annoying after a while (a lot of the book is devoted to this erstwhile affair). The Lady Vanished just seem to go on a little too long. I give The Lady Vanished 2.5 out of 5 stars. I think the writer was trying to give us a strong but flawed main character. Instead, he came across as pathetic (a good detective though). I think with some editing and rewriting this could be a good book. But, in its current state, it is not enjoyable (I had a hard time getting through it).
  
  I received a complimentary copy of The Lady Vanished from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  For more details, check out my blog:
  http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
• 
  Paul Franco

  Former Interpol cop now PI is still suffering PTSD six months after being stabbed, so he goes rowing on the Thames as therapy while he takes on a few piddling cases until finally being hired to find a missing rich old lady.
  There is—quite literally if you actually weighed them—a ton of characters, so it’s easy to get confused; there is a character list at the end, but this is something that should go at the beginning. The woman’s family is pretty interchangeable, full of unlikeable people, which didn’t help in general but made me commiserate with the protagonist.
  Much better is the sense of place; I particularly love stories in LA, Seattle, Vancouver—places I’m incredibly familiar with, and while I don’t know London nearly as well, in this case there were plenty of locales I’ve been to, particularly the Holland Park area, which I have no doubt increased my enjoyment.
  Figured out the big plot point a split second before the reveal. . .
• 
  Pia

  I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Carmen Langborne has been missing for several months and her (not) grieving stepdaughter hires ex Interpol agent, now private investigator, Tyrone Swift to find out what has become of her. It seems she is doing this not out of the good of her heart but because there's a 7 year wait for the inheritance if you can't prove someone is dead.
  
  I'm a big fan of mystery/thrillers, and though I enjoyed this book, it seemed too many things were happening at the same time, for example the story of Tyrone and his ex fiancée, which distracted me from the main issue: Carmen's disappearance. Tyrone's supposed to be a good hard working detective, but I really didn't see he was working that much. Good ending, with a big twist!
  
  All in all, it was a pleasant light read and I would like to read the following books in the series.
  
• 
  Hannelore Cheney

  I'd like to thank Netgalley, Joffebooks and Greta Mulrooney for sending me a copy of The Lady Vanishes in return for an honest review. This is the start of a new series and I really enjoyed it. Well-written, a sympathetic detective and a killer who I couldn't help but like and empathize with. All in all, a satisfying read.
• 
  Alex Thomas

  Very good read
  
  Good read, kept my attention. One aspect of the story is sad and made me hope that I can always keep my humanity rather than opt for money (trying not to spoil the story). Try it and as a free read def. can't go wrong.
• 
  Jennifer

  Highly enjoyable & tricky to predict! Tyrone is likeable & I look forward to another book featuring him.
• 
  Shilpa

  This book has an interesting plot and story-line.
  It is well-written and I recommend it to mystery lovers.
• 
  Shirley Alvarez

  The LADY VANISHED
  
  I am so glad I took a chance on a new author. This was a great book and story. Couldn't put it down. I plan to read all of this series.
• 
  Cheryl Landmark

  Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
  
  
• 
  David Beckler

  I’ve already bought the next one.
  Tyrone Swift is an interesting character, a former policeman who leaves Interpol after an inheritance to begin life as a private investigator in London. These will be compared to the Cormoran Strike books but will not suffer in the comparison. We meet him investigating the disappearance of a wealthy widow with few friends.
  Her unsympathetic family seem to have secrets and Swift uncovers these as the investigation progresses. We learn of his background in a very natural way as he carries out his investigation.
  Not a huge amount of action but enough to keep you turning the pages and an interesting subplot which I expect will continue in further books.
  Well written with an interesting cast of characters and Swift is a sympathetic character you enjoy spending time with.
  
• 
  Joanna Larum

  I've gone back to the beginning of the series because I read a later one first and enjoyed it so much. I've gathered much more background about Swift himself and his history and it's made me more determined to read the others in the series.
  I can't believe that I hadn't heard of this author before but I am glad that I found her. Her books are always so enjoyable with believable characters and plots that never become mundane or boring. I find that I like Tyrone as a person and I want him to succeed in his venture of being a private detective but I want him to stop getting injured! I'm at the point where I am worrying about him!
  If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with plots which constantly surprise you, then try Gretta Mulrooney. You can't just read one!
• 
  harplady

  I absolutely love a good series, and this will be one of my favorites. I never expect much when I start reading a new author, but this time was an exception. I have finished five of the books in this series and am looking forward to the sixth and seventh. The author has created an exceptional cast of characters, ones with flaws and quirks and secrets. I know I am going to be very sad when I finish the seventh book.
  
  Yes, the plots are somewhat similar: private detective takes a case, interviews everyone connected with the case no matter how distant, solves the case. Still the twists and turns leave me surprised every time. Ms. Mulrooney is an excellent author, and I highly recommend this series!!
• 
  Kirsten

  PI Tyrone Swift goes about solving or investigating several cases he is hired for, but the oddest is the unexplained disappearance of old Carmen Longborne. She just vanished! Tyrone leads a complicated personal and emotional life with a police background, a married exlove, a great upstairs neighbor, and then all the cases. There are loose, messy ends as part of his everyday life. Ty is a standup, moral man and a refreshing character. He does detecting the old fashion way. Talk, follow, sniff around. I like it. If you are American, there is a glossary at the end to explain many of the British English terms. This is not suspenseful, not nail-biting, but good old fashion detective stories.