WE ARE THE MISSING by Andrew J.D. Robinson
In September 2019, college student Riley Madison disappears, leaving her parents and best friend, Mckenzie Porter, searching for answers. They turn to journalist Dylan Carter to tell their story to try to piece together the mysterious events and try to pin down Riley’s whereabouts. Then, numerous others go missing in their down of D’Arcadia, creating a panic in town and an epidemic of self-harm. An influx of ghost sightings creates mass hysteria, causing them to rely on a new medication called MK Spectre in order to relieve their “hallucinational.” But the problem grows increasingly worse, and skeptic Mckenzie goes from concerned friend to fearless ghost hunter in order to save her town from the horrific spirits. We Are The Missing is a short but concise story that begins like a grounded, true crime mystery and rapidly transitions into a full blown paranormal adventure, drawing parallels to current, real world events while incorporating old-fashioned horror with the thrill of a classic invasion story. It’s very plot-driven while providing just enough character development to keep you rooting for the heroes. Told mainly in transcript form, the reader is provided multiple points of view in order to digest the details and a layered list of hidden meanings and themes entwined within its action-packed story.
Review by Laura Smith