“Impeccable pacing, unexpected twists and turns, and memorable characters that leave a lasting impression long after you’ve finished the book.”
Book review: Then She Was Gone
The Book Blurb
Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three. She was beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend made a teenaged golden couple. She was days away from an idyllic post-exams summer vacation, with her whole life ahead of her.
And then she was gone.
Now, her mother Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together. It’s been ten years since her daughter disappeared, seven years since her marriage ended, and only months since the last clue in Ellie’s case was unearthed. So when she meets an unexpectedly charming man in a café, no one is more surprised than Laurel at how quickly their flirtation develops into something deeper. Before she knows it, she’s meeting Floyd’s daughters – and his youngest, Poppy, takes Laurel’s breath away.
Because looking at Poppy is like looking at Ellie. And now, the unanswered questions she’s tried so hard to put to rest begin to haunt Laurel anew. Where did Ellie go? Did she really run away from home, as police have long suspected, or was there a more sinister reason for her disappearance? Who is Floyd, really? And why does his daughter remind Laurel so viscerally of her own missing girl?
My Review
Then She Was Gone was riveting!
“Impeccable pacing, unexpected twists and turns, and memorable characters that leave a lasting impression long after you’ve finished the book.” -Alina Yates
Ellie Mack is a 15-year old teenager, at the peak of her existence and full of life and character.
Then, suddenly, she’s gone.
With an on the edge of your seat drama and watching the methodically landscaped plot unfold, “Then She Was Gone,” was a thrilling read.
As Laurel tries to put her life back together, she unexpectedly falls for a man that could have more answers than she bargained for. Since Ellie’s disappearance, Laurel’s mind had been a world-wind of pain, loss, and grief that would not let go. As her love affair with her new boyfriend intensifies, this sends Laurel’s mind into a renewed sense of hope when she befriends his little girl, Poppy. Laurel doesn’t know why she is drawn to Poppy or perhaps she hadn’t truly gotten over the disappearance of her own daughter, Ellie.
The story moves from the past to the present unveiling the truth behind Ellie’s disappearance. Since meeting Floyd, Laurel is unknowingly discovering the answers to the lingering questions she’s held in for over 10 years. With clearer vision, Laurel realizes how she neglected her oldest daughter because she became consumed with the overwhelming grief of not knowing what happened to Ellie. As Laurel’s life takes a new turn, the dark secrets are revealed and soon it seems that everyone is hiding something.
The story unfolds beautifully, with a sadness unimaginable but with each chapter untangling the mystery of Ellie’s disappearance. Well-paced, well written, and a riveting thrill ride – I enjoyed this book!
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Stars: 4.5