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Painter Mann #2
The Night Vanishing
The world's only dead private investigator is about to meet a god.
After Raz Frewer died, he became a ghost named Painter Mann with no memories of his past life.
What Painter does know is that he must destroy the realm between life and death known as the InBetween. That means taking out the one who created it.
However, this demi-god has kidnapped hundreds of ghosts to harvest their energy for machines that will destroy the living world. Before he does anything, he's got to rescue them.
But now there is another threat.
Previously, Painter had encountered dozens of other ghosts. Good and bad.
Never monsters.
Yeah, the monsters are new.
After Raz Frewer died, he became a ghost named Painter Mann with no memories of his past life.
What Painter does know is that he must destroy the realm between life and death known as the InBetween. That means taking out the one who created it.
However, this demi-god has kidnapped hundreds of ghosts to harvest their energy for machines that will destroy the living world. Before he does anything, he's got to rescue them.
But now there is another threat.
Previously, Painter had encountered dozens of other ghosts. Good and bad.
Never monsters.
Yeah, the monsters are new.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
68 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Dick Wybrow
25 books130 followersDick Wybrow is a Canadian author. His novels are mainly set in the US, where he grew up. A former stand-up comedian, Wybrow is a humor writer who crafts thrillers that incorporate elements of suspense, horror, mystery, science fiction and fantasy.
At the age of six, Dick was given his first book by his father. It was Wind in the Willows. Naturally, that put Dick off reading for several years.
After discovering Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, the love of reading returned. And with it came the compulsion to get lost worlds like Douglas had created.
Dick lives in Auckland, New Zealand with one wife and two cats.
At the age of six, Dick was given his first book by his father. It was Wind in the Willows. Naturally, that put Dick off reading for several years.
After discovering Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, the love of reading returned. And with it came the compulsion to get lost worlds like Douglas had created.
Dick lives in Auckland, New Zealand with one wife and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 13, 2023
Humor, death, and spooks!
The Night Vanishing
By Dick Wybrow
Book #5 in the series and it is so good! Unpredictable crazy plot! Humor mixed with the most unique characters, and terrific world building! I love the wild imagination!
This was a thrill to read! Fresh fantasy fun! I giggled at the silly conversations and situations throughout! I have loved this series!
The Night Vanishing
By Dick Wybrow
Book #5 in the series and it is so good! Unpredictable crazy plot! Humor mixed with the most unique characters, and terrific world building! I love the wild imagination!
This was a thrill to read! Fresh fantasy fun! I giggled at the silly conversations and situations throughout! I have loved this series!
December 30, 2019
Painter Mann is a dead private investigator currently residing in what he calls the "In Between" - a place where people who have been murdered go instead of going to their final destination, as you will. In fact he will tell you he is the best PI in the In Between, but because he's the only one that also means he is the worst one too.
Thoughts:
When I first saw this book and its description I thought “Exactly how does this work? Are the bad guys dead too or alive? And if they are dead, who does he turn the bad guys over to? Who hires him and why?” I mean, the whole thing is kind of fascinating. Apparently, the folks in the In Between don’t know who have murdered them. I would say he mostly gets hired by those looking for the name of their killer. Having that name then allows them to move on to the next place.
In this second book of the series, he finds himself down in New Orleans, one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Painter is looking for help in identifying his own killer when he runs across someone who tells him about a lot of ghosts disappearing all at once. They didn’t move on and they didn’t solve their murder, they just disappeared.
At the same time, a group of ghost hunters with a web/cable show are filming at a home in Scotland when one of them records a spirit looking for “Painter Mann.” Their ratings have been dwindling in recent years and when this occurs the number of social media hashtags and trending topics start to increase. With so much interest, how can they not start to look into who or what Painter Mann might be?
Similar to other noir genre books, this one definitely has a list of very unusual and colorful characters – Jelly Roll, Shark, Madame Mini just to name a few. The book itself flows through Painters encounters with various individuals with conversation styles that are more natural in form. Sometimes that made following the story or the conversation difficult because I would have to pay closer attention to what was being said or done at the time in order to understand where the story was leading us.
Overall, I found the book to be a creative take on the noir and detective genre books, which made for an interesting read since I wasn’t 100% sure where the story would take me.
Recommended for those looking for a different style of detective and private investigation stories or for fans of noir and ghostly encounters.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Dee Dee Publishing for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thoughts:
When I first saw this book and its description I thought “Exactly how does this work? Are the bad guys dead too or alive? And if they are dead, who does he turn the bad guys over to? Who hires him and why?” I mean, the whole thing is kind of fascinating. Apparently, the folks in the In Between don’t know who have murdered them. I would say he mostly gets hired by those looking for the name of their killer. Having that name then allows them to move on to the next place.
In this second book of the series, he finds himself down in New Orleans, one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Painter is looking for help in identifying his own killer when he runs across someone who tells him about a lot of ghosts disappearing all at once. They didn’t move on and they didn’t solve their murder, they just disappeared.
At the same time, a group of ghost hunters with a web/cable show are filming at a home in Scotland when one of them records a spirit looking for “Painter Mann.” Their ratings have been dwindling in recent years and when this occurs the number of social media hashtags and trending topics start to increase. With so much interest, how can they not start to look into who or what Painter Mann might be?
Similar to other noir genre books, this one definitely has a list of very unusual and colorful characters – Jelly Roll, Shark, Madame Mini just to name a few. The book itself flows through Painters encounters with various individuals with conversation styles that are more natural in form. Sometimes that made following the story or the conversation difficult because I would have to pay closer attention to what was being said or done at the time in order to understand where the story was leading us.
Overall, I found the book to be a creative take on the noir and detective genre books, which made for an interesting read since I wasn’t 100% sure where the story would take me.
Recommended for those looking for a different style of detective and private investigation stories or for fans of noir and ghostly encounters.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Dee Dee Publishing for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
January 16, 2020
I read the first book in this series, and I liked it. I was excited to read this second one just to see what would happen. I liked that Painter didn’t look down on other like he did in the first one, and I really enjoyed him so much more than the first time around. There were new characters in this one I just loved, and one is a villain. The plot of this one is very intriguing, as well, and I was so very surprised at the end. I admit at one point towards the conclusion I was thinking surely this is the end because it felt like it, because it felt like it was going on a little too long. Then the end just blew me away. I can’t wait to find out who Painter really is, how he’s going to deal with the new problem, and what the things Mini hinted about where. Recommend. I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 22, 2019
I didn't like this book as much as the first one. It seemed to go nowhere for a while. I found Painter to be a bit annoying as he seemed to take forever figuring out what was going on and how to fix it. I did enjoy the book. Walther is a great character in the book. #TheNightVanishing #NetGalley
January 2, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
ghosts that end up in the inbetween place because they are murder victims..just waiting for someone to find out who had murdered them so they can go on to the next place...
painter mann is a ghost that is also in the inbetween place but he knows who murdered him but he hasnt moved on...hes busy with a job helping the others to move on...
though i was intrigued with this book i felt it didnt quite do it for me...there are funny elements to it...with painter being able to skate faster than a car or a train or a plane...and the ghostbusters who are a televised group going round with their streaming screens attached to themselves trying to help victims who find themselves haunted...
for me it didnt quite gel....no enough substance, all the elements were there but it didnt quite do it for me...sorry to say
ghosts that end up in the inbetween place because they are murder victims..just waiting for someone to find out who had murdered them so they can go on to the next place...
painter mann is a ghost that is also in the inbetween place but he knows who murdered him but he hasnt moved on...hes busy with a job helping the others to move on...
though i was intrigued with this book i felt it didnt quite do it for me...there are funny elements to it...with painter being able to skate faster than a car or a train or a plane...and the ghostbusters who are a televised group going round with their streaming screens attached to themselves trying to help victims who find themselves haunted...
for me it didnt quite gel....no enough substance, all the elements were there but it didnt quite do it for me...sorry to say
December 23, 2019
This is the second in this excellent series. Painter Mann is a PI, but he is also dead. He has a role to play in the Inbetween, finding justice for those who were murdered. This story takes him to New Orleans, where he becomes involved in a plot to change history. Spirits have been disappearing, and Painter tries to find out what is happening, at great personal risk (yes, even for a ghost!).
I enjoy this series very much, but found this story didn't flow quite as smoothly as the first one. There are three threads, and occasionally one or another seems an intrusion to the main story. Eventually of course the links become clear. A great read. Hope there is more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dee Dub Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy this series very much, but found this story didn't flow quite as smoothly as the first one. There are three threads, and occasionally one or another seems an intrusion to the main story. Eventually of course the links become clear. A great read. Hope there is more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dee Dub Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
DNF at 25%
I tried. I really tried. But I just couldn't do it.
I didn't have high hopes considering I didn't enjoy the first book but I thought I'd give it a go. I knew within ten minutes I wasn't going to finish this. It was worse than the first one. I tried to continue but just couldn't. So I'm sorry but this series is a no from me.
Thank you #netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.
I tried. I really tried. But I just couldn't do it.
I didn't have high hopes considering I didn't enjoy the first book but I thought I'd give it a go. I knew within ten minutes I wasn't going to finish this. It was worse than the first one. I tried to continue but just couldn't. So I'm sorry but this series is a no from me.
Thank you #netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.
February 15, 2020
The worlds only dead Private Investigator, Painter Mann, is back. After getting through everything in the first book, The Inbetween, he is heading to New Orleans to try to find out who murdered him.
But things are never that simple in the inbetween and he ends up dealing with voodoo, witches and even a bunch of livies from a tv show.
This book is full of diverse and entertaining characters that you will love and loathe. Another great storyline that will keep you engaged throughout. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, Dick Wybrow, for the advanced copy.
But things are never that simple in the inbetween and he ends up dealing with voodoo, witches and even a bunch of livies from a tv show.
This book is full of diverse and entertaining characters that you will love and loathe. Another great storyline that will keep you engaged throughout. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, Dick Wybrow, for the advanced copy.
January 15, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Night Vanishing is the second book in the Painter Mann series by Dick Wybrow. Due out 16th Jan 2020, it's 329 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, both books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I really enjoyed this weird addition to the Painter Mann (world's only living-challenged private investigator) series. The entire book is a fairly high octane trippy carnival ride from start to finish. The narrative is told in three separate threads, third person omniscient for the ghost hunters & living characters, first person for Painter Mann and the dead in-between people, and first person flashback for the part of the story which takes place in the 1750s (delineated in the chapter headings).
The action was surprisingly easy to keep track of since the writing styles are totally different and it's not mixed up in the same chapters, we get to see the action from multiple viewpoints. There's a certain amount of fluidity in the timelines since time has a different meaning in a lot of the book (it's explained well in the narrative). There is some light horror involved (voodoo, revenge, demonic soul-eating beasties, and the like). There's also a lot of fighting, destruction, and rooting for the underdog to come out on top. Painter himself, like gritty noir PIs in the classic mold, spends a lot of the book getting beat up, stomped on, trapped, folded, and mutilated.
I liked Painter's integrity and sarcasm (he's a smart*ss in the Harry Dresden mold). The world building and entire concept of the in-between is well done and weird (in a good way). The entire effect is somewhat dreamlike and unreal. My only quibble with the writing is that in several of the action scenes, it reads like a stream of consciousness free-for-all which comes across as chaotic and difficult to read. There were some parts which I had to re-read a few times to get the gist of what was happening. It was by no means ALL of the book, just a few of the fights.
Fun and interesting series, weird and cool. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Night Vanishing is the second book in the Painter Mann series by Dick Wybrow. Due out 16th Jan 2020, it's 329 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, both books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I really enjoyed this weird addition to the Painter Mann (world's only living-challenged private investigator) series. The entire book is a fairly high octane trippy carnival ride from start to finish. The narrative is told in three separate threads, third person omniscient for the ghost hunters & living characters, first person for Painter Mann and the dead in-between people, and first person flashback for the part of the story which takes place in the 1750s (delineated in the chapter headings).
The action was surprisingly easy to keep track of since the writing styles are totally different and it's not mixed up in the same chapters, we get to see the action from multiple viewpoints. There's a certain amount of fluidity in the timelines since time has a different meaning in a lot of the book (it's explained well in the narrative). There is some light horror involved (voodoo, revenge, demonic soul-eating beasties, and the like). There's also a lot of fighting, destruction, and rooting for the underdog to come out on top. Painter himself, like gritty noir PIs in the classic mold, spends a lot of the book getting beat up, stomped on, trapped, folded, and mutilated.
I liked Painter's integrity and sarcasm (he's a smart*ss in the Harry Dresden mold). The world building and entire concept of the in-between is well done and weird (in a good way). The entire effect is somewhat dreamlike and unreal. My only quibble with the writing is that in several of the action scenes, it reads like a stream of consciousness free-for-all which comes across as chaotic and difficult to read. There were some parts which I had to re-read a few times to get the gist of what was happening. It was by no means ALL of the book, just a few of the fights.
Fun and interesting series, weird and cool. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 6, 2021
So the last two NetGalley books I've read have really hit it out of the park. I realized soon after I started reading that this was the second in a series, but decided to finish this and then go back to the first. I really love horror books that have genuinely scary moments but also have great personal relationships and a lot of humour, which describes this book extremely well. Painter Mann is a great character and the world-making of the In Between is stellar. The Ghost Wranglers reminded me of the Amazon series Truth Seekers, and the alternating viewpoints gave the whole thing a nice tension and variation in tone. The writing isn't show-offy, but pitched perfectly to serve the story. Hugely enjoyable.
January 12, 2020
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
3.5 Hearts This is an interesting story. The concept is a different one. Painter Mann is dead but still investigating just like he did when he was alive.
He is working on a case but also dealing with a paranormal investigation team (Think Ghost Hunters).
I probably would have given this story 4 instead except I didn’t realize this was the second in the series and there was a bit I didn’t understand.
I would probably try the next in the series just to see if it’s worth it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Hearts This is an interesting story. The concept is a different one. Painter Mann is dead but still investigating just like he did when he was alive.
He is working on a case but also dealing with a paranormal investigation team (Think Ghost Hunters).
I probably would have given this story 4 instead except I didn’t realize this was the second in the series and there was a bit I didn’t understand.
I would probably try the next in the series just to see if it’s worth it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2020
I loved this story and these crazy characters! What a strange, wonderful world the author has created. Eerily, it almost makes you believe this other world really exists!
No spoilers but like others have said this book is full of fascinating characters that leap out at you. Jelly, Mini, the Cajun, the Wranglers ... and Walther! I'd love to see Walter in his own story, I love that guy!
The biggest complaint I have is there is NO info on a follow up story. I've seen authors end a series without notice. I hope this isn't the case this time.
No spoilers but like others have said this book is full of fascinating characters that leap out at you. Jelly, Mini, the Cajun, the Wranglers ... and Walther! I'd love to see Walter in his own story, I love that guy!
The biggest complaint I have is there is NO info on a follow up story. I've seen authors end a series without notice. I hope this isn't the case this time.
January 13, 2020
I'm happy I discovered this new to me series because it is a very good one.
It's a well written story, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the fleshed out cast of characters, the world building and the well crafted plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a well written story, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the fleshed out cast of characters, the world building and the well crafted plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 18, 2020
Talk about twists!!
I had a hard time following the plot line of the “Ghost Wranglers”. But, it kind of fell into place as I just read on and figured I’d get it sooner or later. The twists were... well I don’t want to ruin it for you. No spoilers from me. But, if you think you have it figured out... you don’t. Enjoy!
I had a hard time following the plot line of the “Ghost Wranglers”. But, it kind of fell into place as I just read on and figured I’d get it sooner or later. The twists were... well I don’t want to ruin it for you. No spoilers from me. But, if you think you have it figured out... you don’t. Enjoy!
December 31, 2021
Really fun book
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Hell Inc series. This one (the 5th) brings the events in books 1-3 more in line with book 4 and hints at what future books in the series hold. While doing this it retains its ability as a stand alone read with the sense of humor and bizarre situations that have made all its predecessors in the series do enjoyable for me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Hell Inc series. This one (the 5th) brings the events in books 1-3 more in line with book 4 and hints at what future books in the series hold. While doing this it retains its ability as a stand alone read with the sense of humor and bizarre situations that have made all its predecessors in the series do enjoyable for me.
March 4, 2025
Dick Wybrow's fifth book in the series continues to entertain, with references to people here and in the past. Walther was a particular favorite of mine as was the professor and JellyRoll verbal interactions were witty, but I confess that sliding through time and the number of characters were confusing to me. I shall await reading #6.
April 16, 2020
A very good sequel
The plot thickens! This sequel was equal parts fun and funny. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of drama to tie it all together, while leading you to secrets revealed and mysteries deepen.
The plot thickens! This sequel was equal parts fun and funny. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of drama to tie it all together, while leading you to secrets revealed and mysteries deepen.
May 3, 2021
Wow another amazing book!
This sequel was awesome can't wait to read the next one. The author has an amazing creative imagination. Again I'm up til 3am reading...just had to finish it! On to the next book in this series!
This sequel was awesome can't wait to read the next one. The author has an amazing creative imagination. Again I'm up til 3am reading...just had to finish it! On to the next book in this series!
December 12, 2022
A very off the norm tale
Not by far ur usual 👻 story. So keeping in mind it somewhere left field. It's a dead guy doing good things. Righting wrongs learning about himself. A feel good out of left field spook series 4 all ages however language is maybe not pg 13.
Not by far ur usual 👻 story. So keeping in mind it somewhere left field. It's a dead guy doing good things. Righting wrongs learning about himself. A feel good out of left field spook series 4 all ages however language is maybe not pg 13.
May 20, 2024
Just Keeps Getting Better
What an entertaining read. Each book offers up just a little bit more and seriously the references😁 Makes one wonder what life would be without Nickelback😂😂😂 Off to the next in this series!
What an entertaining read. Each book offers up just a little bit more and seriously the references😁 Makes one wonder what life would be without Nickelback😂😂😂 Off to the next in this series!
February 7, 2023
Excellent
Great addition to the series, wonderful ending and new beginnings. Very much looking forward to the next book!! Love this author!
Great addition to the series, wonderful ending and new beginnings. Very much looking forward to the next book!! Love this author!
March 19, 2024
Excellent!
What a surprising turn of events! The author worked hard to not repeat himself in this second story of the new arc (and wait for the third one!) and it's a win!
What a surprising turn of events! The author worked hard to not repeat himself in this second story of the new arc (and wait for the third one!) and it's a win!
January 11, 2021
Brilliant sequel!
I was excited to start reading The Night Vanishing the sequel to The Inbetween and I was not disappointed! The story is told from the point of view of Painter Mann, the best (and only) dead private investigator and also from the point of view of The Ghost Wranglers, a team of paranormal investigators. As with the first book this one contains a fantastic cast of weird and wonderful characters with equally weird and wonderful names, such as, Voodoo Cher, Jelly Roll and a man named Sue. Dick Wybrow has written amazing dialogue that frequently had me laughing out loud, soooo good!!! A great plot and edge of your seat action carried me through this book in record speed, I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for the next in this series and I thoroughly recommend this book and this.author!!
I was excited to start reading The Night Vanishing the sequel to The Inbetween and I was not disappointed! The story is told from the point of view of Painter Mann, the best (and only) dead private investigator and also from the point of view of The Ghost Wranglers, a team of paranormal investigators. As with the first book this one contains a fantastic cast of weird and wonderful characters with equally weird and wonderful names, such as, Voodoo Cher, Jelly Roll and a man named Sue. Dick Wybrow has written amazing dialogue that frequently had me laughing out loud, soooo good!!! A great plot and edge of your seat action carried me through this book in record speed, I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for the next in this series and I thoroughly recommend this book and this.author!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews