Vanished Without a Trace: A Gripping Mystery "Losing Austin"
- Kim Bartosch
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
I'm thrilled to be joining the Losing Austin book tour, hosted by Rockstar Book Tours! This gripping YA mystery by Michael J. Bowler, published by Michael J. Bowler Publishing, hits shelves on June 10, 2025, and trust me—you won't want to miss it. With a haunting premise, a raw emotional core, and a twist that left my jaw on the floor, Losing Austin is a page-turner from start to finish. Be sure to scroll down after the review for a chance to enter the book giveaway and snag your own copy!

My Review of "Losing Austin" by Michael J. Bowler
What happens when someone you love disappears without a trace? That’s the chilling premise of Losing Austin by Michael J. Bowler—a haunting and thought-provoking YA novel that blends mystery, science fiction, and emotional depth in equal measure.
Fifteen-year-old Austin Bowman vanishes one rainy afternoon, and what follows is a compelling journey told mostly through the eyes of his older brother, Colton. Rumors swirl. Fingers point. Was it an accident? Foul play? Aliens? While the community whispers, Colton lives with a crushing weight of guilt—he was there that day, and he may know more than he realizes.
Bowler doesn’t shy away from exploring complex emotional territory. Colton’s grief is raw and layered, complicated by a stormy family dynamic and his own “troubled teen” label. As years pass, his obsession with uncovering the truth only deepens, leading him into the murky world of online forums, conspiracy theories, and missing persons reports. That’s where he meets Keilani, a fellow seeker whose brother disappeared on the same day, also during the rain.
The pacing is masterful—steady at first, building tension with every new clue Colton uncovers. Just when you think you have it figured out, Bowler hits you with a twist that throws everything into question. The final act, especially, is jaw-dropping and emotionally intense, bringing in media, law enforcement, and even Homeland Security as the mystery explodes into the public eye.
Bowler’s writing style is accessible and engaging, perfectly suited for young adult readers but also mature enough for adults who enjoy layered storytelling. He treats his characters with empathy, especially Colton, whose internal battles feel achingly real. The dialogue feels authentic, and the emotional stakes are high without ever slipping into melodrama.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Losing Austin is its subtle sci-fi undertone. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say the novel walks a fine line between the realistic and the speculative, giving readers just enough to wonder what’s really going on. The alien abduction angle isn’t just a quirky theory—it’s a clever narrative thread that adds suspense and thematic depth.
What I Loved:
Deep emotional core, especially through Colton’s perspective
A smart, slow-burning mystery with sci-fi hints
The bond between Colton and Keilani—bittersweet and believable
That shocking twist in the final third (no spoilers, but wow!)
What I Wanted More Of:
A little more time exploring the fallout post-reveal
More insight into Keilani’s story—she’s compelling, and I wanted more chapters from her POV
Overall, Losing Austin is a powerful coming-of-age mystery with a speculative twist that keeps you turning pages. It’s about loss, guilt, and the lengths we go to for those we love. If you're a fan of books that blend real-world emotion with eerie mystery—think Paper Towns meets Stranger Things—this one should be on your TBR.
📚 Final Verdict: Losing Austin is a moving and mysterious YA read with a sci-fi edge that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommend for fans of emotional suspense and genre-blending storytelling.
Comments