It’s not often that I text people in the middle of the night because they 100% have to read a book. Eliza Jane Brazier’s IF I DISAPPEAR spawned several such messages from me. Could they have waited until morning? Maybe, but why risk it?
Guest Blogger – Eliza Jane Brazier
“A spellbinding tale of obsession and isolation, and the darkness that can unspool when the two intertwine. Thick with atmosphere and dripping with tension, this is a book you’ll want to devour in one sitting—if you dare.”—Kathleen Barber, author Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told
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Hello, Eliza Jane Brazier! Tell us a little about yourself. I’m a part-time author/screenwriter and full-time adventurer! Right now, I am really into overlanding with my dog. It’s amazing what you can discover off the beaten path (and a great way to stay sane while social distancing). Eliza writes thrillers. Her novel IF I DISAPPEAR is available from Berkley (Penguin Random House) January 26, 2021. |
IF I DISAPPEAR is a spellbinding, suspenseful read. I instantly connected with Sera, the main character, because in a lot of ways she is every woman who has ever lost their tether. Why do you write thrillers?
To be honest? Probably because I have anxiety so I naturally expect the worst.
“Subtle, surprising, and genuinely scary…an unflinching exploration of our obsession with true crime and the darkness marbling our psyches. With sinewy prose and nuanced observations about the female experience, this debut marks a ferocious new voice.”—Andrea Bartz, author of The Herd
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When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman sets out to investigate and plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession. Sera loves true crime podcasts. They give her a sense of control in a world where women just like her disappear daily. She’s sure they are preparing her for something. So when Rachel, her favorite podcast host, goes missing, Sera knows it’s time to act. Rachel has always taught her to trust her instincts. Sera follows the clues hidden in the episodes to an isolated ranch outside Rachel’s small hometown to begin her search. She’s convinced her investigation will make Rachel so proud. But the more Sera digs into this unfamiliar world, the more off things start to feel. Because Rachel is not the first woman to vanish from the ranch, and she won’t be the last… Rachel did try to warn her. |
Obsession is a huge theme in IF I DISAPPEAR, and yet the book itself magically spawns that same feeling in its readers. What inspired you to write such an intense novel?
I think a big part of it for me was becoming single again for the first time in 10 years after I lost my husband, combined with moving back to America. I felt like I had lost my place in the world and I think I realized how easy it is, especially for a woman, to disappear. And that’s what I wanted to address.
You’ve written an amazing novel, that is certain to be a hit, and I’ve heard rumors of amazing things in store for you. What’s next on your plate?
A thriller about how rich people suck, a Middle Grade based in the tech world – and the script for the TV series for IF I DISAPPEAR.
So the rumors of a screen adaptation are true! That is wonderful news and I can’t wait to watch it! You’ve obviously found a great outlet. Do you have any advice for new writers?
I have written loads of books that didn’t end up published, and some of my favorites are among them. Don’t give up. The magic thing about a moment is that it can feel like forever. But a bad moment is not forever. And a good one, feeling just as eternal, is right around the corner.
“A fascinating, twisty, beautifully written tale with an unforgettable premise and an ending you won’t see coming…a delight from start to finish.”—Louise O’Neill, author of Asking for It
Thank you so much for telling us a little about your book. How do we find you online?
- Facebook: Eliza Jane
- Twitter: @EJaneBrazier
- Instagram: @ElizaJaneBrazier
- Blogspot: ElizaJaneBrazier
- Buy now on Penguin, Amazon, and other hardcover, eBook, and audio book retailers
- Add to your GoodReads shelf
