The Rules for Disappearing

The Rules for Disappearing follows teenager Meg Jones, who has been placed in witness protection with her family and moved six times in the past year. Now in Louisiana under a new identity, she must navigate high school life while following strict protocols to maintain her cover and keep her family safe. At her new school, Meg tries to avoid making connections but finds herself drawn to Ethan Landry, a local boy who sees through her attempts to remain invisible. As their relationship develops, the pressure mounts between keeping secrets and allowing herself to trust someone with the truth about her past. The story combines elements of romance and suspense as Meg works to uncover why her family was placed in witness protection in the first place. Her investigation puts her at odds with the program meant to protect her, forcing her to choose between uncovering the truth and maintaining her family's safety. This young adult thriller explores themes of identity, trust, and the challenge of building genuine relationships while living under false pretenses. The story raises questions about the cost of secrets and whether it's possible to truly know someone who must hide their past.

Readers describe this YA thriller as a fast-paced witness protection story with an engaging mystery at its core. The protagonist's struggles to maintain a new identity while uncovering the truth resonated with many teen readers. Liked: - Quick pacing keeps readers invested - Realistic portrayal of high school dynamics - Romance develops naturally and doesn't overshadow plot - Strong family relationships, especially sister bond - Suspenseful ending Disliked: - Some found first third of book slow - Main character can be frustrating and indecisive - Several readers wanted more background on witness protection program - Romance takes up too much focus for some Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (80+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (25+ reviews) One reader noted: "The tension builds steadily and the ending delivers." Another mentioned: "Would have preferred less romance and more focus on the mystery elements."

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🔹 The book is part of a duology, with its sequel "The Rules for Breaking" completing Meg's story of life in witness protection. 🔹 Author Ashley Elston worked as a wedding photographer before becoming a novelist, which influenced her keen eye for detail in describing scenes and characters. 🔹 The witness protection program (WITSEC), central to the plot, has protected over 18,900 people since its creation in 1971. 🔹 The main character goes through six different identities and locations before settling in Louisiana as "Meg," reflecting the reality that many WITSEC participants must relocate multiple times. 🔹 The book received a starred review from School Library Journal and was nominated for several state reading lists, including the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award.