
The Disappearing Act
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Catherine Steadman
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Written by:
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Catherine Steadman
About this listen
From the New York Times best-selling author of Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody comes “an unputdownable mystery about the nightmares that abound in the pursuit of Hollywood dreams” (Caroline Kepnes, author of the You series).
“Stylish, riveting, hugely atmospheric - I couldn’t put it down.” (Lucy Foley, author of The Guest List)
A woman has gone missing. But did she ever really exist?
A leading British actress hoping to make a splash in America flies to Los Angeles for the grueling gauntlet known as pilot season, a time when every network and film studio looking to fill the rosters of their new shows entice a fresh batch of young hopefuls - anxious, desperate, and willing to do whatever it takes to make it.
Instead, Mia Eliot, a fish out of water in the ruthlessly competitive and faceless world of back-to-back auditioning, discovers the sinister side of Hollywood when she becomes the last person to see Emily, a newfound friend. Standing out in a conveyor-belt world of fellow aspiring stars, Emily mysteriously disappears following an audition, after asking Mia to do a simple favor. But nothing is simple. Nothing is as is seems. And nothing prepares Mia for a startling truth: In a city where dreams really do come true, nightmares can follow.
©2021 Catherine Steadman (P)2021 Random House AudioYou may also enjoy...
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What the critics say
“Page-turning...tackles the dark side of Hollywood.” (Entertainment Weekly, The Best Thrillers)
“Ethel Barrymore described Hollywood as ‘a glaring, gaudy, nightmarish set erected in the desert’. That hasn’t changed much, as we see in this engrossing thriller.... Steadman, both an author and an actress, deftly brings her talent for characterization to her writing, combining an engaging mystery with a meaty look at the question of what is real in a land of make-believe. This glittering narrative with a totally beguiling protagonist makes for an absolutely perfect beach read.” (Booklist, starred review)
“Auditions, screen tests, cutthroat competition: Catherine Steadman is familiar with the challenges of the acting biz.... Her perspective as an actress and a writer bring realism to this novel, as she dips into Hollywood’s murky waters.... In any good noir novel, an atmospheric locale is vital, and Steadman richly evokes Los Angeles ‘in all its monstrous glory’.... Reading The Disappearing Act is much like watching a suspenseful film.” (The Washington Post)
What listeners say about The Disappearing Act
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Garrett
- 2021-09-22
Excellent
Worth the listen. Great twists and turns, no time wasting and I enjoyed the narration
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-08-28
So Good Until the End
This story was brilliant and engaging but lost me in the last hour. In true Catherine Steadman fashion, the main character is infuriating and all of the decisions that they’re making seem so unnecessary (in a fun way). The twists and turns were clever and shocking. The ending just didn’t make much sense to me, seemed very rushed to tie things up and left me disappointed. Still a fun read.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Justin
- 2023-10-25
Another Catherine Steadman Hit!
I couldn’t put this down. Twists and turns, what a ride. I really rooted for the main character, she was so multi faceted. Catherine really knows how to develop multi layered characters who become so real! I also adore her narration. Excellent book that would make an incredible movie.
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- Catherine
- 2021-06-13
Absolutely LOVE her books!
WOW. What can I say other than she is a fantastic writer! So worth purchasing! The narration is fantastic to listen to.., also have the hard copy! Cannot go wrong with any of her books! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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3 people found this helpful
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- Karrie
- 2021-06-18
Brilliant
Well done! My first audiobook and I loved it! Thank you so much Catherine! Your voice is so soothing and the story is well done! Full of laughter, dread and mystery. Truly enjoyed it!
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- Corrie
- 2021-12-11
Excellent listen
Loved this story. I couldn't stop listening!! I highly recommend to anyone who loves psychological thrillers. I couldn't predict the ending at all.
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- Cindy Marcuz-Adams
- 2022-04-27
Great story
The New Years Eve scene was unexpected and a bit triggering but I am glad I was able to finish the book.
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- Nik
- 2021-08-08
Was great
I actually loved this book, it was the first one I didn’t use while trying to sleep. Usually I get too distracted or bored listening to books during the day, but this one was great! It definitely had me hooked by the ending.
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- Steph
- 2021-10-19
Excellent and suspenseful!
There are lots of twists and turns In this read. Not too difficult to listen to very straightforward I enjoyed this immensely
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- Anonymous User
- 2025-05-07
what an amazing novel!
could not stop listening! it was such a page turner! that fact that the author narrated the book made it so easy to listen to and made it that much more enjoyable!
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