Your Preview Verdict: A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon

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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

I was hooked by the first page of this novel. Well, actually by the first paragraph is more accurate. This author is so descriptive, of the landscape, of people’s physical features, and their conversations and thoughts. The twists and turns of the story line keep you reading on and on, long past when you had decided it was time to stop. You are constantly waiting to see what will happen next, and you will be kept guessing right to the end. I was even sneaking my book into work so I could get through a few more pages on my lunch break. This book makes you consider how well you actually know other people in your circle, even the one you’d call your bestie. It explores the complexity of human relationships, the desire to fit in with a group, and the angst of being yourself versus how you want others to see you. I absolutely love the writing style of this author. I highly recommend you read this book, and I’m off now to find her two previous novels. Emma, VIC, 5 stars

I was engaged and captivated from the start of this suspenseful, mystery novel to the end. The story tells of Marnie who had invited her three oldest best friends, of 25 years, to join her for a week’s holiday at a holiday house in Southport Tasmania. The area is surrounded by mountains, uninhabited, inaccessible bushland. I loved the characters in the book. Especially the four friends including Sarah, Marnie, Xanthea and Poppy. Each one holding their own secrets. This story includes mystery, murder, suspense and a disappearance. There were many themes including lies, deceit, secrets, old friendships belonging to a group, detective work and missing persons. This was well written and very descriptive. It kept me in suspense and guessing until the end, which was a big surprise. Something I did not expect. I highly recommend reading this wonderful mystery book. Gillian, SA, 5 stars

A Disappearing Act is a fabulous tale of friendship, mystery and intrigue. Four young women meet at the beginning of their careers and become life-long friends through their shared love of creative ambitions. Over the years, their pursuits take them in different directions but their friendship remains, even though they rarely see each other. Jo Dixon tells a thoroughly entertaining tale switching between the years when the women first became friends and twenty five years later when they are brought back together again. Their reunion is thought to be a holiday, but they soon discover they have been gathered to help solve a crisis one of them is about to experience. Do they truly know each other that well and are they all what they seem in reality. What eventuates during this reunion will leave the reader enthralled and wanting to read more to discover all the truths. In doing so, the reader learns how each woman’s actions have affected the others. A wonderfully written and entertaining story. Fiona, VIC, 5 stars

Loved it! Authentic characters, great intrigue and a good pace. Lots of plot twists so just when you think you’ve got it figured, you realise you’re wrong and are back to trying to figure it out. Highly recommend Lisa, WA, 5 stars

A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon is a story of Marnie Elliot who is an author. Marnie has not been truthful in the course of her writing. She needs to escape as she is concerned about the fallout that will be exposed. She invites her three oldest friends to allow secluded holiday house in Tasmania. The four friends previously lived together in an old warehouse. The holiday is suppose to be a time of fun, drinking champagne and catching up. But one of the friends disappears. How long can someone survive in Tasmania’s harsh winter? An interesting read about friends who thought that they knew each other. The story covers the twenty five years that they have been friends or were they? Denise, VIC, 5 stars

Four friends celebrating 25 years of friendship with a week at a beautiful house in remote southern Tasmania – what could go wrong? One of the women goes missing. Did she leave or did the something happen to her? We learn that the all the women have secrets, but how far would they go to keep them hidden? Jo Dixon has written another fabulous domestic noir story set in Tasmania. She explores the ups and downs of female friendship and the importance of belonging through dual timelines. Yvette, TAS, 5 stars

Written in the alternating then and now chapter method, Jo Dixon’s A Disappearing Act takes us on a journey of love, friendship and sisterhood, all the while building and developing the story to its conclusion. Jo Dixon’s writing style is very easy and engaging, allowing her readers to come along for the journey. She grows and matures her characters superbly, over time, with all the things that come with age – wisdom, knowledge and a deeper understanding of what life throws at you and the responsibilities that come with truly deep friendship. The 4 main characters – Sarah, Poppy, Xanthea and Marnie, each possess distinct personalities, and hopes and dreams for their futures, yet they also share a bond that was born in the warehouse residence that they shared and is carried through to when they meet 25 years later. A Disappearing Act is an engaging book for all lovers of people and relationship stories, with a dose of mystery thrown in for good measure. Lauris, VIC, 5 stars

I really enjoyed it. Loads of twists and turns. One minute your head is thinking one thing, the next it does a complete 180. I loved the characters and their connections with each other. Connie, VIC, 5 stars

A Disappearing Act is Jo Dixon’s latest book and is a wonderful read. It follows four friends from the passionate time they flat shared in 1999 up to 2024 when they reunite for a holiday in Tasmania. The intervening years have not been so kind to three of them but the fourth, a best selling author is a real success story. The differences between them after 25 years is beautifully realised. The idealism of then is replaced by a weary pragmatism and a need to project a successful image. All of them have their secrets and how they deal with them is part of the attraction of this book. When one of them disappears, the real personalities of the remaining three appear and their reaction to the trauma is revealing. Interesting characters, told over two timelines, means a complex characterisation is possible which makes for an intriguing read. The plot is a slow burn and the final reveal ties the ends up very neatly. A great book to curl up with and time speeds by as you are engrossed in mystery. Sarah, QLD, 5 stars

Four friends living the creative dream in a warehouse – painting, drawing, partying and one chasing the dream of writing a best seller. Each is an artist in their own right, but for one, the desire for success runs deeper – they want to be accepted first and foremost. I loved that A Disappearing Act was set mainly against the stunning backdrop of Tasmania, with a beautiful, secluded holiday and reunion for the four women, it quickly captured the complexities of ambition, friendship, and the secrets that bind people together, and sometimes tears them apart. With a story that unfolded over two timelines, revealing different chapters of the characters’ lives, each adding layers of suspense and depth. Jo Dixon masterfully explores the intricacies of female friendships, their unspoken tensions, and the secrets that linger beneath the surface. Her writing pace is spot-on, the writing sharp and characters who I related to. I thoroughly enjoyed receiving this advanced reader copy from Better Reading. It is an engrossing, twist filled read that will stay with you long after the final page. Don’t miss Jo Dixon’s latest masterpiece. Suzanne, VIC, 5 stars

A compelling read that kept me guessing to the very end. Four friends who once shared a home reunite many years later. Secrets? Lies and deceit. A reminder that while we may think we know someone, we never really do. Made me reflect on some people in my own life. Do I really know them? Thoroughly enjoyed this page turner Marion, VIC, 5 stars

Fabulous read. This is a late night, stay up reading because I need to know what’s going on kind of book. Jo Dixon really knows how to tell a gripping story and draws you into the lives of the main characters. You don’t want to put this book down because you need to know what you think you know. You won’t be disappointed! Tracey, VIC, 5 stars

Four friends with a long history, they think they know each other. But do they? I love Jo Dixon’s books and have met her and got her first two books signed, so I was very excited to read this one. She does not disappoint. She has a knack for delving deep into making her characters extremely relatable. You read the book and think, that could be me. Would I have done that in these situations? Superbly researched, the locations are beautifully described and you feel that you are there with them. The coziness of the holiday home against the backdrop of the cold Tasmanian winter and the harshness of the outdoors is brought to life. Lots of twists and turns keep you second guessing until the conclusion. The mysteries of what happened to Marnie and also what happened twenty-five years ago are cleverly intertwined in the two separate timelines and keep you guessing until the last page. I absolutely loved this book! I live in Tasmania and it is wonderful to call this acclaimed author our own. Karen, TAS, 5 stars

Marnie invites her oldest friends to holiday in Tasmania with her, and we are immediately thrown into the psychological mystery of the tension and secrets in their history. Twisty and turny, the story has dual timelines and keeps you flipping the pages to an end you don’t see coming. Thoroughly engrossing Rachel, QLD, 5 stars

A wonderful story of intrigue and secrets. Four long-time friends catch up in the wild landscape of south-eastern Tasmania and more than one secret remains hidden in the past. One goes missing, what really happened and how is it linked to the past? It kept me enthralled with it’s twists and turns and as the story came to a conclusion I found I could not put it down. Highly recommend. Denise, TAS, 5 stars

A bestselling author invites her three oldest friends for an all expenses paid holiday. Too good to be true? Of course it is! It turns out that the author has more or less gone into hiding ahead of a damaging story about to be published, which makes some pretty serious claims about her and the provenance of her work. And then she disappears. The three friends are worried sick, mystified, unsure what to do next. Eventually – and after a protracted police search – they all head back to their own homes, where further surprises await. I loved this story. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was way off the mark! I love stories that are set in Australia, and the way Jo Dixon wove everything together was so clever. I liked the time switching between the past and the present, so that the narrative built up and there was a detailed back-story. Dari, WA, 5 stars

This is the first Jo Dixon book that I’ve read, and it didn’t disappoint! A Disappearing Act had me guessing at every turn, wondering what was going to happen. The characters were well developed, and I liked the dual narrative with Sarah as the narrator in the present, and Marnie telling the story 25 years prior. The book is full of mystery, suspense and drama, and raised questions about friendships and truth. I’ll definitely be reading Jo’s other books soon. Gayle, VIC, 5 stars

Following the friendship of four women brought together by their artistic talents we are taken on a journey of love, intrigue, deceit and betrayal. A great read with some twists and unexpected turns asking ourselves, how do we really know another person we’ve known almost all our lives? Liz, QLD, 5 stars

Utterly un-put-down-able! From the very start I was swept up in the world of these four friends, laughing, loving and growing with them. And invested in what comes next. Jo Dixon weaves an intriguing and compelling tale of mystery, moving seamlessly between the past and present. A fantastic story, sure to be a hit with lovers of thrillers, mystery and crime alike. 100% recommend! Shantha, QLD, 5 stars

Jo Dixon’s A Disappearing Act is a gripping and suspenseful novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. Revolved around four old friends: Sarah, Xanthea, Poppy, and Marnie, the novel begins with a reunion in a remote holiday home in Tasmania; but what starts as an innocent getaway quickly unravels into a twist-filled mystery. One of the biggest strengths of this book is how easy it is to read, the storyline is clear, fast-paced, and incredibly engaging. Dixon does a great job of building suspense without ever making the plot feel confusing or overwhelming. The dynamic between the women, layered with old secrets and unresolved tensions, makes for compelling reading – in which I couldn’t put it down. The mystery surrounding Marnie’s disappearance is especially well done. The book keeps you guessing right up to the end, with plenty of twists along the way. The final reveal was surprising, one of those endings that makes you rethink everything that came before. A Disappearing Act is easily one of my favourite reads this year. If you enjoy suspenseful stories with strong female leads and a great twist, this is definitely one to pick up. Nidal, NSW, 5 stars

Have to say I have never read any of Jo Dixons previous novels but A Disappearing Act grabbed me from page one. Told by two voices Sarah and Marnie with settings in 1999 and then ending up in the wilds of Tasmania in 2024, a story of friendship that turns to fear and anger as one of them disappears. Was it murder, foul play, suicide or an accident ,the reader may think they know. The ending shows how far someone will go to get not only revenge but maybe even have gotten away with it. Thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns. If you enjoy mystery with twists at every turn then add it to your TBR list, you will not be disappointed. Chris, SA, 5 stars

I could not put this book down, it was one of those rare reads that kept me up later to just get a couple more chapters in, that was on my mind between times that I could pick it up again, so yes, I really loved this story. Not because it was super complex or groundbreaking, it was just a really good story that kept my interest until the end. 4 friends who were all great characters revealed their story over two time periods, 1999 when they were sharing an arty warehouse apartment then 2024 when a reunion was arranged and the secrets revealed themselves as the story telling switched between the two timelines where the girls discovered they may not have known each other as well as they thought they did. I don’t want to give too much away, this would be a great holiday read, or in-between a couple of heavier themed books just for a brain refocus. Linda, VIC, 5 stars

Four female friends are reunited when one of them, Marnie, a successful author, invites Sarah, Xanthea, and Poppy to join her at a holiday house in Tasmania. It has been years since they all resided together in a hip old warehouse which they named Ellezon. As they each discuss how their lives have changed, they find they really don’t know each other now and are having issues getting along. Marnie feels she needs some alone time and goes for a bushwalk to clear her head, but doesn’t return… As an investigation begins there are more twists and turns than the Great Ocean Road and if you crave lots of page-turning action, this could be the book for you with it’s strong interesting characters. An absolute must read! Vicki, VIC, 5 stars

So, Wow! This was my first read from Jo Dixon and boy did she leave an impression. A Disappearing Act had everything you want from a drama/thriller book and I was hooked from the beginning. 4 friends meet up at a secluded holiday house in Tasmania – I mean what could go wrong. Marnie the wealthy author is about to be exposed over lies she has told over her career, she’s there to escape the fallout and chill with her besties, in the hope that it might all go away. But, as the days go by, secrets start to unravel and the women begin to pull away from each other. When one of them goes on a bush walk and doesn’t come back – the remaining 3 are left to work out what is happening. Total page turner and I couldn’t put the book down. Recommend this one – top read Suzie, WA, 5 stars

This book was an absolute page turner. At first we are introduced to four friends who apparently have art as their common ground but their personalities couldn’t be more different. The story takes us back to the 1990s where carefree partying lives start to take on a tangle of deceit and challenges. Forwarding to 2024 we see as the characters reconnect after living their more sensible adult lives and the mysteries unfold. Very satisfying read. Jacqui, QLD, 5 stars

What could go wrong with a reunion of lifelong friends in a peaceful retreat after a long hiatus because their lives led them in different directions, the reunion reveals that they never really knew each other as well as they liked to believe. It’s a tail of truths uncovered, betrayal, lies and deception and a missing person. Who can trust who? Paranoia reigns supreme. After this get together nothing will be the same. A great whodunit. Totally captivating from page 1. Loved it Hirell, NSW, 5 stars

A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon is an intriguing & twisty page turner until the end. As with Jo’s previous two books I devoured this one in a couple of days. Strong characters & a captivating storyline which keeps you guessing. Friendships, secrets, lies, & tensions makes it a must read! So was it a disappearing act by design, accident or murder? Judy, NSW, 5 stars

I absolutely loved A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon. It kept me guessing to the very end. I had to read it in one sitting to find out what happened. The characters were great. I was sad to finish the book. I loved that it was set in Tasmania. Great Australian mystery book. Would highly recommend and would consider reading again. Sharon, NSW, 5 stars

Try putting this book down! You’ll find it hard as it’s a real page turner. I absolutely loved this easy read. Four talented long-time friends meet 25 years after they first flatted together. The book takes you back in time with a back story of secrets and bonds. How could one of them simply disappear? The Tasmanian wilderness is not a place you can survive lost on your own, especially with the bad weather they were experiencing. Was it foul play? contrived? or just bad luck? All four have secrets to share. Making sense of it all creates an emotional roller-coaster of feelings for all the four characters. Add to that a boyfriend who might have reason for revenge. Great ending. All makes sense now. Enjoy the emotional ride of this book. It really is worth the read. Helen, QLD, 5 stars

4 young women who are brought together through their creative passions and live together in an old converted warehouse. They live life to the full each with their own creative passion, work/life balance, boyfriends and party hard when they get a chance to. They meet up again some 25 years later in Tasmania for a week long reunion, their lives have taken twists and turn as they reconnect. I loved the Tasmanian section as I have lived there and could imagine the bush walks and townships vividly. Glenys, NSW, 5 stars

This was a excellent book. It kept you guessing from start to finish. Would definitely read her books again Sharon, NSW, 5 stars

Jo Dixon sets her remarkable thriller in Tasmania, her home state. The prologue establishes the storyline by posing questions rather than supplying facts. We learn there are four women who have known each other for 25 years. But do they REALLY know each other? Interestingly the protagonist is herself a writer – or is she? In unravelling the past 25 years, the women try to make sense of their lives. To what extent has money and fame been driving forces? The chapters are mostly told from Sarah’s point of view in present time, with several chapters set in the past and told by Marnie, the one who goes missing, in Tasmania, in winter. The scenes ooze tension. Police question them but cannot solve the mystery. It remains for the women themselves to work out the backstory, which shocks, but also explains past events and gives quite a different meaning to remembered conversations. It isn’t until the prologue, from Poppy’s aspect, that the story is set straight for readers. Plot twists keep readers engaged and even then the resolution surprises. The question remains – to what extent has justice been done? Dornell, QLD, 5 stars

Fans of Nicola Moriarty and Sally Hepworth will simply devour A Disappearing Act. Another talented Australian author has written a twisty mystery about secrets kept that kept me in suspense until the very end. I also loved that the four main characters were all women. Kelly, QLD, 5 stars

An engaging and intriguing thriller that captures the readers interest until the very end. The relationship based plot builds slowly and takes a few unexpected twists, before delivering a surprising outcome. Geoff, WA, 5 stars

A fast-paced mystery/thriller based around the friendship between four women and their experiences in the Tasmanian wilderness. Loved it! Mopsy, VIC, 5 stars

Wow – what a fantastic read is A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon. In 1999, four friends share an eclectic warehouse called Ellezon. They had created their own close knit artist colony where wild parties were the norm. Fast forward to 2024 and one of girls, Marnie Elliott, bestselling author, has invited the other three girls to share an luxurious holiday at a secluded house in Tasmania. But each of these girls have secrets to hide. The holiday does not go well and many old tensions resurface. Then, with lots of friction in the relationships, one of the girls disappear. Is she lost, did she choose to disappear or has something sinister happened to her? Terrible weather in Tasmania adds more drama to her disappearance. This story is fantastic at exploring the relationships between these four women, both in 1994 and 2024. Jo Dixon takes the reader on a journey to discover the fragility of the friendships and how friendships can change. A book well worth reading and I loved that it was set in Australia. Maree, VIC, 5 stars

This isn’t the first book I’ve read of Jo Dixon’s and it certainly won’t be my last. I was drawn in from the first page and couldn’t put it down. It had me guessing until the very end! Tayla, VIC, 5 stars

The Disappearing act is about Sarah, Xanthea, Poppy and Marnie, four girls in their early twenties, creative types who live together in a warehouse. Parties are common and hookups are frequent, sometimes leading to commitment. All the people are young with the arrogance and insecurities common to the age. More than twenty years later the friends meet up to spend a week together. Each holds secrets unknown to the others and it doesn’t take long for fractures to develop in the friendships. When one of them goes missing, long held secrets start to be revealed and the friends wonder how well they actually knew each other. It seems, though, that nobody has a reason to wish the missing one gone. This is a cleverly written book. The chapters are short and the pages turn quickly. The personality of each of the main characters is well developed as are the characters of the minor personalities. The ending was totally unexpected but also very understandable. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters but thoroughly enjoyed the book and the dual timeline. I also liked the style of writing and will be looking to read Jo’s two previous books. Rosemarie, NSW, 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Christine, QLD, 4 stars

A Disappearing Act was an atmospheric read that has you questioning everything and everyone. I really enjoyed it, especially the second half of the book which was very hard to put down. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the exploration of friends that become family even when betrayal, secrets and lies form the foundation of that friendship. Emily, WA, 4 stars

A Disappearing Act grabs you from the start with its short, sharp chapters flowing between different POVs and timelines. The remote Tasmanian setting in the current timeline set perfectly eerie vibes for this twisty, suspenseful read. With characters you’ll love to hate and hate to love, this thriller examines different motives for friendship and when one of the group goes missing, if we really know our friends at all. Emma, NSW, 4 stars

I loved the female camaraderie willing everyone to be successful in their field but also detected envy when someone is more successful. There is a bit where it dragged a little and it’s Marnie umming and aahing about her morals which is completely valid but as readers we get it and want the author to move it along. I absolutely hated David’s character because Dixon wrote his character so well as the smirk, rich, (living off his parents’ wealth) conniving creep that I was repulsed by him. And, Marnie, despite her riches still came across as the person who’s still unsure of herself needing to fit in. Thoroughly enjoyed this and loved the ending. Watch out for Jo Dixon- Australia’s new up and coming mystery author. Dawn, WA, 4 stars

When you put four long term friends in a remote, cosy Tasmanian cabin for a girls trip you’ve got the perfect recipe for tension. But when one goes missing and secrets start coming out will they finally reveal everything they’ve been hiding? A thrilling page turner told across two timelines. There is late 90s nostalgia, an atmospheric setting, self doubt and plenty of twists and turns. You won’t want to put this one down until you know the full story. Amelia, VIC, 4 stars

Captivating from beginning to end, this story drew me in with its layered characters and slow-building tension. While it took a little while for the action to kick in, once it did, it was game on. This book was full of twists, emotional revelations, and the kind of suspense that keeps you reading late into the night. The dynamics between the women were gripping, with so many secrets, lies, and buried resentments bubbling to the surface. Each chapter peeled back another layer, revealing just how tangled their past truly was. A dark, atmospheric read about friendship, ambition, and the haunting power of long-held secrets. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to recommend it to all my thriller loving friends. Vanessa, NSW, 4 stars

Alternating between past and present, four friends, each with their own flaws are bound by past secrets that threatens to erupt in the present and reveals exactly where their friendship and loyalties truly lie. Jo Dixon is an absolute master of setting up a suspenseful plot and delivering an unexpected twist that turns the plot upside down. A Disappearing Act is a slow- burn thriller well worth the read! Christine, VIC, 4 stars

25 years ago, Marnie was an aspiring author moving into a share house with three other artists — Poppy, Zanni and Sarah. They were bold, inspiring women, and Marnie is desperate to belong among them. Now a successful author, she invites her friends to a remote Tasmanian retreat to reconnect, hike and drink champagne — but it’s more than a reunion. Marnie is fleeing a career-threatening scandal and searching for answers, while each woman arrives with her own hidden motives and unresolved tensions. When one of them vanishes during a hike—without warning and leaving no trace—their carefree weekend spirals into a psychological maze of suspicion, loyalty, and long-buried truths. Each woman is a layered mix of secrets, memories, and self-beliefs. Jo Dixon’s writing is sharp, emotionally perceptive, and atmospheric, capturing the subtle power dynamics between women — the quiet resentments, deep affections, and unspoken histories of long-term friendships. She blends suspense with vulnerability, balancing tension and tenderness while keeping the reader guessing until the final page. This is a compelling novel about ambition, the stories we tell ourselves, the secrets we protect and the lengths we go to become the person we want to be. Erin, NT, 4 stars

Marnie is a woman who seems lonely and not very confident with in herself, until she meets 3 other women, all artists of different genres. I felt a little sorry for Marnie, and I understood why she did what she did. The house she moves into seems like a fun world to be in when they are young, but when they meet up as older women, there is a lot of mistrust and secrets. I tried to guess along the way, but I’ll admit I got it wrong, which is what the wonderful author Jo did, to keep you guessing and page turning. The characters are people that we all probably know, and that’s what makes the storyline believable. It’s a twist turning storyline all throughout the book, and I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend it! Sandra, WA, 4 stars

My friend Emily loved Jo Dixon’s second novel A Shadow at the Door so I was really keen to preview A Disappearing Act. As a Tasmanian, I have to say the local setting was really well presented and I enjoyed that especially. Comparing our thoughts on the last book and this new one, Emily and I agreed the author excels at developing believable, complex characters and has done a fabulous job of mining female friendships for tension. This psychological thriller was just the ticket to set the mood coming into Halloween/spooky season. It’s deliciously twisty and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Megan, TAS, 4 stars

How well do we really know those closest to us? Twenty-five years after sharing a house in their youth, four women reunite, only to find that the secrets they have buried may no longer stay hidden. When bestselling author Marnie suddenly vanishes, the question looms: did she leave by choice, was it an accident, or something far more sinister? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Jo Dixon. It is a compelling exploration of female friendship, loyalty, and the deep human need to belong. The tension builds steadily through a gripping, page-turning narrative that kept me hooked. This was my first time reading Jo Dixon, and I am excited to dive into more of her work. Melanie, NSW, 4 stars

An engaging story told through the eyes of Sarah. Sarah, Marnie, Poppy and Xanthea begin their friendship in a fellowship of creativity where they live together in an eclectic warehouse. Many scenes play out there creating secrets, harbouring differences and creams rift of jealousy and misconceptions. As the friends reunite years later in a cosy Tassie home, they had each carved out their own careers and pathways, they uncover all is not as it appears Past lives rear up ugly suspicions, lies and deception leading to an investigation after a disappearance which leaves engaged until the very end! An enjoyable novel which was easily digested with gusto. Dolores, QLD, 4 stars

“A Disappearing Act” by Jo Dixon follows Marnie, Sarah, Poppy, and Xanthea, all now in their 40s, and friends since living together in an old ‘arty’ warehouse in their 20s, as they come together for a girls’ holiday in a secluded Tasmanian holiday house. These women have secrets, some that are shared between a few, and some they keep to themselves, but when one of them goes missing, will their secrets pull them apart? A Disappearing Act was easy to read, although moving back and forth between time frames and people was occasionally jarring for me. Once I got around halfway through, I was invested. Did I figure it out? Not until the almost reveal. Would I recommend it? Yes. I would rate this book an eight out of ten. Thank you to BetterReading and Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Tracy, VIC, 4 stars

Twisty, tense, and totally absorbing. Jo Dixon’s A Disappearing Act had me hooked from page one. What starts as a straightforward missing person case quickly spirals into something darker, layered with secrets, lies, and well-crafted suspense. It’s the kind of story where you think you know what’s going on, until you don’t. The writing is sharp, the atmosphere is moody and immersive, and the characters feel refreshingly real, especially the protagonist, who’s both tough and vulnerable in equal measure. I tore through the last third of the book in one sitting. James, QLD, 4 stars

A dual timeline novel exploring friendship, grief and guilt, ‘A Disappearing Act’ follows four friends living together in 1999, and then in 2024 gathering in a house in Tasmania. Marnie is a successful author and has invited Sarah, Poppy and Xanthea to Tasmania. Each friend has a reason to be there other than a friendly catch up, and as the story of their time living together in the warehouse they named Ellezon unfolds we begin to understand these women. Marnie and Sarah have lived with guilt about their actions long ago, while Poppy mourns her lost love and regrets her marriage to Nathan. Xanthea, never became a successful artist, and mourns the lost chances while struggling with family and a terrible addiction. With many twists and turns this novel kept me fully engaged. The characters are well developed each with their own secrets, and regrets, and each in need of support. Just when I thought I had worked out ‘whodunnit’ there was another twist, and then another. Catherine, QLD, 4 stars

This opens with the disappearance of Marnie on a girls’ weekend away, before going back to events in the days prior. We’re also taken back to 1999 when Marnie first meets Sarah, Poppy and Xanthea. She’s drawn to the group and thrilled when they invite her to move in to their eclectic warehouse. Desperate to be respected as a fellow creative, wannabe-author Marnie puts herself under pressure to be published. It’s this desperate need that precipitates everything that follows. Sarah is our narrator in the present and in 1999 our host is Marnie. It’s a clever approach as it means we get to know past Marnie without needing to be in her head (keeping secrets buried for as long as possible) and Dixon times the reveals well – the past meeting the present at the most pivotal of moments. We have an idea of what transpires in the past but can’t be sure. Friendship and the need to belong is a strong theme here… our desperate need to be accepted and the lengths we’re prepared to go. As an adult reading this I wish 20yr old Marnie understood that she’d be accepted without triggering events that reverberate into the future. Deborah, QLD, 4 stars

This group of women friends all had secrets which were hinted at in this dual timeline novel. Old lies and subterfuge come back to cause the mysterious disappearance of one of the group. We feel the different responses of the remainder of the group and it becomes evident that any one of the other characters could know more than they are revealing. As time progresses different characters seem to become more likely to be involved in the mystery. Old boyfriends and girlfriends loom large as possible culprits. Loved the clever ending Sue, NSW, 4 stars

The story ‘A Disappearing Act’ by Jo Dixon is set in two time periods and locations; Melbourne in the late 1990’s and Tasmania in 2024. As the story unfolds by switching between two protagonists in both settings, the reader may piece together parts of the story, but not the ending, until it all comes clear. After recently arriving in Melbourne from her home state of Tasmania, the self-conscious and shy Marnie is introduced by a fellow bartender to three artists living in a multi-storey warehouse. This artistic space is host to many exotic parties and gatherings; a world Marnie craves to join. With a goal to advance her social standing, Marnie manages to score a room and move in with Xanthea, Poppy and Sarah. However, the price was to demonstrate how she is also a creator of work with artistic merit, with the medium in this case, the written word. A tale of multiple personalities, some awful, some seemingly innocent, some lovable and some who harbour secrets which threaten to destroy others. An intriguing read of entanglements salted with subterfuge; it will keep you guessing and continue reading at every opportunity to see what happens next. Merilyn, WA, 4 stars

Four friends that lived a rather bohemian lifestyle in their teens reunite many years later for a getaway in Tasmania. Marnie the successful author organises this retreat then goes missing when taking a bushwalk. Is this a genuine disappearance, has she been abducted, is it murder – no one knows. Each of these friends has secrets. This was a relatively well paced novel and I really enjoyed it. Kept you guessing until the very end. This is the second book by this author I’ve read. Need to go back to read her other one. Another good Australian writer! Janine, VIC, 4 stars

Joe Dixon’s A Disappearing Act is set over two timelines about four friends who reunite for a holiday getaway in Tasmania. This is a slow burn psychological thriller with lots of twists and turns. When one of the women goes missing the mystery intensifies and shows maybe you don’t know your friends as well as you thought you did. A great read that I devoured. Trudy, SA, 4 stars

A cleverly written, well-structured story full of what ifs and if onlys. The writing style is punchy and succinct without being overly descriptive. It raises thought-provoking questions: how far should someone go to protect the people they love, and could it all have been avoided? Although somewhat predictable at times, I still felt a strong urge to keep reading to see whether my assumptions were correct. The ending leaves clear scope for a sequel—one I would eagerly read. Sue, NSW, 4 stars

I’ve literally just put the book down and I loved it but I also hated it! The novel was an easy read, the characters all likeable in their own ways and the descriptive language made you feel part of the friendship. It did end very abruptly though – am I sensing a second book? If so, I love it and need to know more! If not, I’m disappointed that so many things went unsaid. Overall a good read and I will look forward to devouring more Jo Dixon novels. Kristy, NSW, 4 stars

This novel draws us into the lives of four women who became friends when sharing a house in their twenties in 1999, living a bohemian free and easy lifestyle – on the surface. Each is creative in her own way and they are catching up in 2024 in an isolated part of Tasmania. Each character has issues and flaws and there are obvious secrets between them. Not all their decisions are sensible and there are unwelcome repercussions. It becomes difficult to know who to believe and trust. As things unravel, we discover what happened back then and how it has affected their lives now. I found the writing flowed well and felt involved, wanting to discover what had happened previously and what was going to eventuate. The Tasmanian bush adds another dimension when one disappears on a bush walk. There is a deepening mystery which kept me turning the pages and wanting to know the links between the time lines and happenings in between. Marg, TAS, 4 stars

Four close friends meeting up for a holiday in Tasmania, organised by Marnie, a successful writer and far wealthier than the other three. After some revelations Marnie goes missing. This timeline is from Sarah’s point of view who has a shared secret with Marnie that is revealed in the other timeline set 25 years earlier (from Marnie’s point of view). I enjoyed this mystery, it was hard to put down with plenty of surprises along the way. The structure bouncing back and forward works well and it’s well written. Janelle, NSW, 4 stars

This cleverly crafted story of friends reuniting has mystery from the get go. Each female character has an interesting life story running parallel to each other and secrets that test loyalty. Some are not who they seem and others are quite complex. You will be guessing who is telling the truth and who really has something to hide the entire time. I especially enjoyed the imagery of the Southern Tasmanian towns as I grew up there. Brooke, SA, 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was very well written. A story about 4 friends, each with their own secret. One becomes quite wealthy from hers and the others need some of her money for one reason or another but she disappears and it isn’t known until the end whether the disappearance is murder or just a wish to disappear. Vivien, ACT, 4 stars

A Disappearing Act was a pleasure to read. This story was well constructed, packed full of interesting characters, with an ending that had a huge wow factor! With chapters from both 1999 and 2024 telling this gripping story, I spent every spare moment I had reaching for this book to get to its intriguing very satisfying conclusion. Christine, QLD, 4 stars

‘A Disappearing Act’ by Jo Dixon was an engaging and enjoyable read that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy a solid mystery. The characters are layered and interesting, and following each of their journeys kept me turning the pages. Each life is marked by a unique set of challenges, making them both relatable and likeable. The binding force between them is their creative outlets – each different but equally compelling to explore as a reader. Dixon captures the Australian landscape with authenticity, from the edgy urban backdrop of Sydney to the beauty and ruggedness of the Tasmanian bush. The disappearance is set up skilfully, with well-placed clues that keep you guessing until the very end. The ending was both unexpected and entirely plausible – a satisfying conclusion to a story threaded with themes of enduring friendship and the secrets that bind people together. Miranda, VIC, 4 stars

Gripping, suspenseful and haunting! A tale spun over decades, intertwining friendships, love, drama and the beautifully rugged Tasmanian landscape. I couldn’t put this book down – from the first chapter to the very last line, all I could keep thinking about was where the story was heading. And it truly didn’t disappoint! Watch out for Jo Dixon in the future! Nicole, QLD, 4 stars

It took me a while to get into this book as the beginning was a little slow to get going. Once it did though, I was more invested in the story and characters and it kept me guessing until the end as to how and why. I found the ending a little rushed but it was still an enjoyable read Natalie, NSW, 4 stars

The things we will do to be accepted. To be part of a group of peers is very powerful and allows you to develop a confidence to take on the world, although sometimes how you take on the world is not always ethical. The character of Marnie is very relatable as someone who has struggled to find their place in the world. I enjoyed her journey of finding her tribe and that friendship lasting through life’s hurdles until it doesn’t. The twists and turns the novel takes kept me enthralled from start to finish and the setting in southern Tasmania made me want to gather my tribe to spend some time in the wilderness. I also enjoyed the back and forth of the time settings and getting to know the characters as their younger selves as well as their older selves. A Disappearing Act is a contemporary mystery which is easy to read and understandable. I highly recommend reading it. Robyn, QLD, 4 stars

Two timelines, one set in 1999, and one in 2024, are the backbone of this novel about four friends who all used to share a warehouse in Melbourne in 1999. They were all ‘artists’ of one kind or another with Marnie desperate to fit in but with a big secret. Meanwhile in 2024 Marnie has become a writer of international renown and has invited all three of the friends, Sarah, Poppy and Xanthea down to Tasmania for a catch-up. Marnie has been very successful but the other three now have their own secrets giving rise to some tensions. Then one of them disappears. The characters are well-developed and the pace moves swiftly. As with Dixon’s other books, the plot is complex as she expertly reveals snippets of information that intensifies the mystery throughout the book. I certainly didn’t guess the culprit at the heart of the disappearance, but it all makes perfect sense once the reader knows the whole story. Dual timelines can be tricky, but Dixon knows what she is doing so that the reader doesn’t become lost or confused. This is a great read that I demolished in two sittings. Looking forward to her next novel. Barbara, SA, 4 stars

Marnie has invited her three best friends on a secluded getaway and boy are they all in for a treat. The setting felt eerily quiet and peaceful as I waited for the monster in this to unleash. I was captivated by the suspense and the characters are masterfully crafted from young naive girls to cunning women. The past to present chapters got a bit confusing but the date on the beginning of each chapter made it a little easier to prepare to swap from past to present. The secrets are a plenty and the lies a prominent part of the mystery. This is a well established plot that keeps you speculating. Leanne, QLD, 4 stars

Jo Dixon has done it again. She has a real knack for blending psychological suspense with realistic characters you really feel for. Recommended to thriller lovers and women in general. Zephyr, WA, 4 stars

Set in the harsh wilderness of Tasmania 4 girlfriends meet to catch up for a week but life has changed them and their friendship and as they no longer the people they once were. After some initial excitement at seeing each other old secrets come to the surface then one of them doesn’t return from a walk and is declared missing , a can of worms is opened has she been murdered, fallen and injured herself or just disappeared. Lots of mystery, questions and blame as they all hope their friend is alive. Jo Dixon really held my interest and I found it hard to put down. Sally, VIC, 4 stars

I had no idea where this book was going to take me, it was a guessing game till right near the end. I was totally engrossed in the story and thought I had it all figured out but boy was I wrong. This is a story of friendship, wanting to fit in, betrayal, lies and deception and blackmail. Who is telling the truth and who is not. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Michelle, VIC, 4 stars

As with Dixon’s earlier novels, strong characters make this a compelling novel. The plot is interesting and engaging, but it’s the characters who really kept me reading. The mystery plot is serviceable and interesting, but not particularly outstanding. I picked most of the “twists” well before they were revealed, and I wasn’t shocked or startled by anything. Nevertheless, this is a strong read that was hard to put down, largely because of the characters. They’re strong and vivid, and it’s easy to believe in them. It’s easy, too, to see the trajectory between their younger selves and the people they are today. Their compromises, regrets, and joys are all believable. Equally, the relationships are recognisable and believable: the support, conflicts, insecurities and protectiveness. These women and their actions and thoughts are entirely real. I was really invested in finding out how the story would play out, although I was less interested in the plot itself than in how the women would react. Regardless of what exactly engaged me, this was a book I read without my interest flagging once. Strongly recommended not just for those interested in crime or domestic thrillers, but also those for whom strong characters are vital. Lorraine, ACT, 4 stars

I found this book very difficult to read. The story itself is an interesting idea. But I found the short chapters and the moving between 1999/2000 and 2024 difficult to keep the main characters clear in my mind. I was happy to get to the end and find out all the puzzles solved. Anne, NSW, 3 stars

When Marnie, a successful author with a disputed past, disappears in the Tasmanian wilderness, her long time best friends don’t know what to think, as the last time they were together was 25 years ago, when they lived together. I found A Disappearing Act an enjoyable fast-paced suspenseful read, with complex characters, and a good storyline. Amanda, VIC, 3 stars

This dual timeline psychological suspense novel kept me turning the pages. The ‘past’ thread was great – the references were perfect for the time and well researched/(remembered!). The ‘present’ thread in Tasmania was also well-written. Suze, QLD, 3 stars

Although this was a good book, I really wanted to enjoy it more, however it just seemed to lack character depth. I enjoyed the way the alternating timelines from different character views came together, but I felt like the ‘twists’ for the main plot point was glossed over and some things were a bit far-fetched. Overall I think this would make for a great weekend getaway read. Kirra, NSW, 3 stars

A Disappearing Act had potential but the story left me disappointed. The story was unrealistic and overworked. At the crux of the storyline was a friendship that the reader was meant to believe was strong and unbreakable but the reality was that it was based on lies. The story was slowed paced and the unrealistic storyline didn’t keep me engaged. Nicole, NSW, 3 stars

The reunion of four old friends at a secluded Tasmanian holiday house does not go to plan. Although they’ve been friends for 25 years, the women have clearly grown apart and the ‘the intense entwining of their lives that had been the foundation of their friendship’ no longer exists. Each arrives with her own motives and priorities, relegating friendship to the background. The four main characters: Marnie, the hostess of the gathering, along with Sarah, Poppy and Xanthea are each artistically inclined but with very different personalities. None of them are very likeable and all are harbouring secrets. As the days pass, the group is plagued by friction, envy, distrust, and deceit. The tension escalates until one of the friends goes missing. Is it a planned disappearance, or is it murder? Thanks to Better Reading for sending me the book to review. They asked me to be honest, so I have to say that I found the plot largely predictable. However, I was charmed by the vivid descriptions of the untamed Tasmanian landscape which provides a fitting backdrop for the moody atmosphere and underlying sense of unease that underpins the narrative. Overall, it makes for a light, easy read. Sandra, NSW, 3 stars

A slow burn thriller, which being set across two timelines in 2024 and 1999 worked well and eventually tie into each other nicely. However, it felt that there were parts of this story that felt skimmed over or missed entirely, such as depth to characters as many of these characters seem to be interconnected in more ways then were written but never fully explained. This lack of penetrating insight made it more difficult to connect to certain characters at times. The story, however, does enough to hold attention from beginning to end. David, TAS, 3 stars

A Disappearing Act tells the story of four friends who live together in their 20’s and remain friends over a couple of decades. The author skilfully goes back to when they are living together and present day. I wanted to find out what was going to happen and could relate to the characters. It left me wanting to know more. Jennifer, WA, 3 stars

Although I didn’t find this book quite as captivating as Jo Dixon’s first two, it was nevertheless an enjoyable read. I felt that I was quite a long way through the book and still waiting for something to happen. Once it did though, there were several unexpected twists and turns and I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Even right at the end there were a few more surprises. Liz, QLD, 3 stars

While I enjoyed A Disappearing Act by Jo Dixon and it was an easy read, something about this book just didn’t hit the mark for me. I didn’t actually like any of the characters and found their friendship to be unrealistic. The author spent a lot of time developing the characters at the start of the book but there was still not enough depth to the girls and I never really felt like I knew them, or that they actually knew each other. Although I guess this was kind of the point as their relationships were all built on lies and deception! The ending was an interesting twist but not enough to salvage an extra star from me unfortunately. Ruth, NSW, 2 stars

Australian thrillers are usually my go to and I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of Jo Dixon’s A Disappearing Act. However, I the writing style lacked depth, vivid imagery and atmosphere, given that it was set in Tasmania- a gorgeous and rugged land. Similarly, I found the characters rather desperate – and unlikable. I guess I was looking for a Jane Harper – style novel. Helen, NSW, 2 stars

Buy a copy of A Disappearing Act here.