MISSING PERSONS, the new Stephen White novel, is hitting stores on March 3rd. This is number 13 in the Alan Gregory series. You can discuss the book at length here. Remember, spoilers are allowed under this topic, so be warned.

By Missy on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 11:38 am:

Finished it last night! All I can say is wow! I was not expecting the tunnel. I didn't see the twist with the father at the end at all. I love books where I don't see it coming.

I really loved the sections with Bob. And poor Diane, she is really going to need a vacation after this book!

Thanks again Stephen for a great read!

By Donna Metcalf on Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 11:51 am:

I just finished this book! I believe it is the best book Stephen White has written and one of the best mysteries I have ever read. It is just amazing! I have two questions:
What does Whole Foods think of Alan leaving his fish behind? (don't you just hate it when people do that?)
and
what is the secret Patricia Limerick knows about? I am guessing it is the connection between the little girl who was kidnapped and Mallory. Am I correct?

By Judy S. on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:22 pm:

I finished Missing Persons and it was like visiting old friends and catching up on what has been happening with them. Thank you for a wonderful read. I wrote a review of it on Amazon. I wanted to thank you here in case you miss the review.

By Jane on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 03:36 pm:

Stephen White has an uncanny ability to bring his characters to life and draws the reader into the scenes. After reading several of his books, it is difficult to imagine his characters are not true people. I was amazed at the twists and turns in the story, and was startled by the amazing way the book ended. At one point, I thought "this would make a fantastic movie", but then realized that Hollywood would not be able to create the 'sense of intrique' that Stephen White accomplishes. I should mention that I listened to the audio-book and found the narrator is excellent.

By Jean White Corkins on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 02:57 am:

Hi,
I am an avid fan of Stephen White. I,too, am a "White" (my maiden name). Also, I lived in Colorado Springs many years. The places he writes about are so familar to me that it is just like being home again. My daughter lives in Northglen and she, too, is a Stephen White fan. Loved his newest book, "Missing Persons". Can't wait for the next one!!!Jean

By Anonymous on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 03:24 pm:

I got a chuckle out of the entendre Dr. White used referring to the scientific method: "correlation doesn't imply causality." And then Alan's following thought, "ah yes, science." I totally got that.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 02:28 pm:

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first Stephen White novel. I will definitely be buying more. I think it is rare to find crime thrillers with realistic characters in them. So many other books seem to have superheroes as the detective or cop. I loved that Alan seemed real--but funny and intelligent. I will be reading more.

By Anonymous on Sunday, April 17, 2005 - 09:53 am:

I love Stephen White novels (except Harms Way - didn't really like that one). This one was good and enjoyable to read, but not my favorite. I didn't find it to be as compelling of a page turner as Stephen usually puts out. I didn't see the end coming, but then wasn't all that interested in how it ended either.

By Anonymous on Monday, April 18, 2005 - 06:20 pm:

The twists and turns of this novel was typical Stephen White. The reader is placed into the winter of Boulder. Great read. Keep the books coming.

By Judy B on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 04:06 pm:

I love the relationship between Alan Gregory and his family. It just proves that the hero does not have to "Tom Cat" around to be interesting.

By Conrad on Thursday, April 28, 2005 - 11:55 pm:

Dr. White:

1. I guess it OK that Alan Gregory now drives an Audi. But, do not, I repeat, do not, allow him to purchase a Range Rover. There are way too many of those around Boulder being driven by the trustfunders.

2. The alternate name for Devil's Thumb that you so masterfully danced around is **** Rock.

3. I am a Realtor and was going to critisize your portrayal of Virginia Danna as a ditz. After reading why she was in the book, however, I changed my mind.

Thank you for another enjoyable read!

Conrad Thomaier
Boulder, CO.

By marilyn/ raleigh nc on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:45 am:

Dear Stephen..i just today started to read Missing Persons.i'm reading it as slowly as possible, in order to make it last and digest every single word and thought.
but you are such a genius......so many details make this and all your writing so enjoyable.
how do you think of such great writing ideas??
in your counseling session with the Millers, your words on pg 56 "it represented an injection of helium to provide enough lift to keep his airship of hope afloat" is SO BRILLIANT.i am amazed that you and so many authors have such a gift with/of words! i will take as long as possible to read this latest novel of yours, and anxiously await your next when i finish Missing Persons.
thank you so very much for this and for all your previous exciting novels!

By Reynette Lakin on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 01:52 pm:

I must be the only person in the world who did not particularly like "Missing Persons." Way too much gobbledy-gook and soul searching especially during conversations. If you actually took long enough to think of all those things before replying, people would think you were autistic or a moron or both. Complicated thoughts like those just take a while. This is my thirteenth book of Stephen White's and to me it was very different than all his others. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it. I got real bored with all the angst and recriminations, and explanations.
But I will be waiting for your next. Titusville, Fl.

By Anonymous on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 08:39 pm:

I felt the same Reynette (by the way, what a beautiful name) it happen sometime, but i will still wait for the next one. Holly Molly! *laughs*
Lyne, Montreal, Canada

By Anonymous on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 06:11 pm:

I have read Missing Persons. Different.
It may best be described as the book Stephen White wishes he had lived, but glad he wrote. Or maybe is is really his fantasy autobiography, but more exciting, especially if he has never had privileged information worth keeping secret.
The only thing that made sense in this book, besides the last chapter being titled BOB, is that the Cheetos lady had orange fingers.
The good thing from the book is that I am giving up my path of becoming a dermatologist, and changing my major to become a clinic psychologist where I can keep patients even longer.
Thank you Stephen White

By lisa on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:19 am:

been reading a couple of good books. I finished this one good book that I recommend whomever that loves mystery etc to check out. There is some great surprises there.

One part that plays through my mind alot regarding this book is the way the author keeps talking about how every year during christmas someone goes missing. I mean it doesnt need to be repeated alot though and it has.

It really does bring out the story though, but not the way you would expect in the end, it really holds no substance at all in the book, but that is the beauty of it. That really stands out.

Its really a good book and like I said if you have the time you should really check it out. One other note sometimes I read books that really try to keep the reader interested in and they keep adding same stuff or new stuff to entice a reader, but I find it really bogus because it has nothing to do with the story line.

To be quite honest though this book has the same phrases that are repeating, but it brings out the suspense in the book. This is one hell of a book if you ask me. It has some great detail and really keeps the reader on their seat. If you ever think about reading a book that will keep your adrendalin rushing this book is it.

Besides the detail I really think the way he describes whats happening and the way he keeps you guessing is what makes the difference in keeping the reader glued to this book

By Cynthia on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:05 am:

I've read all Stephen White's books now, and have loved every one. Just finished Missing Persons, and it too was excellent. What I noticed that nobody above mentioned, was the super cleverness and laugh-out-loud humor in this book. There is usually a lot of self-deprecating humor from Alan, but there are places in Missing Persons that are just hysterical. Maybe a bit irreverent, but the manifestations of Rachel Miller's schizophrenia were too funny (i.e., her total obsession with weddings) and of course, the description of Bob Brandt's shimmying eyes and other very strange characteristics, were so very entertaining. Oh, and how Alan noticed that Hannah Grant's thumb was hooked in her blouse near her armpit, as though she'd been thinking about hitchhiking someplace when she died... His comparing a color in a house to the color of the liquid that emitted from Grace's nose when she had a sinus infection, and on and on. I found myself absolutely falling apart with laughter on nearly every page---fortunately, I was alone when reading the book! I've found some fun and humor in all the books, but this one was far and away the funniest.

Stephen asked his fans to tell him, in speaking about Missing Persons, what it is about his characters that draws us to them. Alan himself is just such a kind, sweet, good person, and makes me wish I knew him personally---actually, I feel like I do! Stephen's made us love Lauren and Gracie, as Alan's feelings toward them are so overwhelmingly adoring---almost too good to be true, sweetheart of a husband and father.

I like Sam Purdy and his brusqueness, but in this book, he disappointed me when he and his two cop buddies ganged up on Alan in the restaurant. He's supposed to be a tough-as-nails, no-funny-business cop, but he should value Alan's friendship more than he appears to sometime. Their conversation is so clever and so real---one of Stephen White's strong points!

Stephen White is my VERY FAVORITE WRITER, and I'll be anxiously waiting for Kill Me to be available. In the meantime, withdrawal will be a real problem... Might have to read some of his books again while I wait.

By Sam Watson on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:12 pm:

I just finished "Missing Persons" and enjoyed it a great deal as I have all the others. Stephen, you've done it again. I especially enjoyed Bob Brandt and the very accurate description and portrayal of his schizoid personality. Being a therapist I find all of your clinical descriptions to be very good and even enjoyable to read. It is much better to read about dysfunctional clients than to have them. I also enjoyed the humor that Cynthia above described. Not much else except to say keep up the good work and I only wish you could pump them out as fast as I can read them. Thanks.

By Will Behnke on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 08:47 pm:

Surprise, surprise! They all came back to life - or, more accurately - never died in the first place. Except the bad guy. This was different for sure. I love the evolution of your writing style. The change from book to book is wonderful. My anticipation of this particular facet of your output is nearly as great as that of the story itself.

I still run some of your clinical situations by my therapist bride - and she is still usually in agreement.

Best regards to Alan and family.

Will

By Angela on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 08:57 am:

Stephen White is my absolute favorite novelist. He has a way with words that is almost magical.

QUESTION FOR EVERYONE: Does anyone else out there dislike this new paperback size that is "specially designed for comfortable reading?" Specially designed for who? People with giant hands?

By Marilyn on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 12:46 am:

Hi. I liked the book. Most of all I liked the underlying warmth in the relationships. It was comforting. Thank you

By Bruce Karl on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 04:18 pm:

I agree with Reynette Lakin's revue. I have read all his books, but I found his soul searching in this one particularly annoying. Just stick with the
story and leave out the ethics questions. This
book is not one of my favorites.

By larks on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 02:31 pm:

Yeah - maybe there was a little too much soul searching and deliberating on the ethics of divulging information to various people (Sam, Diane, Lauren, Bob, Raoul, Gracie, etc.). After this long, Alan should be able to have a conversation for more than a few minutes without having to question whether something is privileged information.

That said, I still enjoy this series and the fact that Alan has stayed married through thick and thin. I have really grown tired of the "new, beautiful, blonde partner" that appear in so many detective novels, or the sexual magnetism that attracts every woman in the Alex Delaware series. It makes Alan a lot more normal/believable as a character.

Looking forward to the next book.

By Anonymous on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 02:06 pm:

This book was just too busy. There were too many plots and subplots going on -- Hannah, Mallory, Rachel, Diane, Canada, Bob, Bill. It was not a book I could just sit down and follow the story -- I had to occasionally pause and go back to remember what had occurred before because the story lines kept jumping around. None of the characters was fully developed in my opinion.

Frankly, the last few books of Stephen White's that I've read have been disappointing. I had made up my mind not to read him anymore, but this book was right there at the grocery checkout line and I was wanting something to read. I'm really done with him now, though -- he's not writing as well as he used to.

By Johanna Burton on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 01:43 pm:

I enjoyed Missing Persons a great deal. I have been an Alex Delaware fan since book one and have just found Stephen White's books. I can't wait to catch up and read his earlier books. Alan Gregory is a superb character. I just graduated to large print and my only complaint is that not all of White's books are available in large print. Thanks for a great read.

By Anonymous on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 05:27 am:

THis is the first Stephen White book I have read and I did enjoy it, however, I would like to know why the blood at Mallory's house and the blood at Camaro Bob's house went unexplained ( or did I miss something). Is this something I should learn to except if I read more books by this author?

By Kathy on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:25 am:

I thought that was explained. It has been a while since I read that but I thought it was explained by something like a bloody nose or cut. It wasn't a lot of blood. Check the pages again because it was there, I am pretty sure.

By David Smith on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 09:50 pm:

This fine work was such a pleasure and a means of relaxation. I enjoyed the funny comments and the good English! It was so relaxing that, while it certainly is a page-turner, I was able to solve an unrelated math problem while reading it. This was my first Stephen White; I have ordered a second today.

By Anonymous on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 03:30 am:

Dear Dr. White:
I have enjoyed several of your books. I just finished "Missing Persons". One thing that caught my eye, that I was surprised to see, was the use of the word "splatter" when Sam was discussing crime scene blood. It should have been "Spatter. Sam Purdy would know better. I don't know if this has ever been brought to your attention before, but in case you are going to print any new copies, It's good to know. Thanks for many hours of good reading.

By Debbie on Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - 03:01 pm:

Dear Mr. White,
I enjoyed your book "Missing Persons" and you
write with such dedication and passion. I
personally felt these characters pain and because
I understand that pain because my Uncle "John Victor Dial" has been missing since 1966 and
he was in the Air Force came home for a visit
to Texas reported back to his post stationed at
Panama Canal Zone after 1 month not heard from
for more info on the case do a google search type in John Victor Dial missing.

Keep up the good writing and best wishes to you.
Debbie

By helen on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 11:04 am:

i bought missing persons last year and loved it. it was the 1st stephen white book i've read, and i'm going to buy more. i think my favourite part was when that lawyer, cozier maitlin, is being all scary with the cops. i would love to see someone do that in real life, it was just so funny. :-)

By belvamckann on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 08:28 pm:

Stephen, the "grammar lesson" in Missing Persons was bass ackwards. The shrink's usage of things "lying around" was correct. "Laying around," as posited by his cop friend, was incorrect. "To lie" (around) is an intransitive verb. "To lay" is a transitive verb, meaning you have to lay something or somebody. I was disappointed to see that your editors let that one go.