Barnes & NobleThen She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Intricate story of family and a disappearance

Told from multiple viewpoints and different timeframes, this was an intriguing story of family and a child's disappearance. Laurel's daughter Ellie disappeared ten years ago, and Laurel has never really been the same. The stress of it took it's toll on the Mack family, causing a rift between Laurel and her other daughter Hanna, along with the cost of her marriage. Although we find out relatively early-on who took Ellie, the case was never solved and we don't know what happened after she was taken. When Laurel meets Theo Goodman, everything changes. She's happy again and in a fulfilling relationship. Seeing his daughter Poppy startles her a little bit because she looks so much like Ellie. Laurel starts to feel like she's moving on when Theo leaves her a surprising video. What happened to Ellie Mack, and how can Laurel get past her grief? All in all, this was a well-paced, intricate story of a family traumatized by a loved one's disappearance, how they handled it, and the truth behind what really happened. If you enjoy twisty mysteries, give this one a look.

AMAZINGGG

It was definitely a thriller, maybe a little predictable but honestly SO good. It kept me guessing until the very end seriously LOVED it.

Very predictable

I predicted the entire plot within the first 1/3 of the book, but it is still a good true crime read.

Wished for a little more

4.25 stars Okay, so I really, really, really enjoyed this book up until the very, very, very end. It wasn't really the ending, it was more the way a few characters ended up that I disliked. First, Floyd. I mean, he was the mastermind of the post-Poppy world we were now living in somewhat and he just floats away into the world doing the right thing and ending up being a "hero"? Why not keep him villainous and keep the creep factor 50 going? His relationship with Poppy was already creepy, so why not capitalize on that? Him having a change of heart, to me, was a let down, but I guess it will give most the fuzzies. SJ. I wanted more from her, about her, with her. She was such an interesting character to me. She just kinda flitted in and out of the story with no real purpose other than to compare Poppy and her as both being children of Floyd. I really, really, really was hoping there'd be more on her, but, she just kinda stayed one-dimensional and on the outskirts. However, even with the above criticisms, I really enjoyed this book. I went in blind and had no idea where this was supposed to go which, I think, helped keep my interest and kept me guessing. I did start putting the pieces together about 1/2 through, but it didn't kill the vibe.

Unexpected ending!

Overall, this was a great book. You kind of figure out early on who was behind the kidnapping. However, you won’t expect the reason behind it or the outcome. Much of this book is focused on romance rather than solving the mystery, but the pieces fall into place. The author did a nice job writing this.

Real page turner

finished in one day!

I absolutely loved this book so much, a little predictable but it was an amazing book I will recommend this to anyone who is just now starting their thriller journey! you will not regret it.

Predictable

When teenager Ellie leaves home to visit the library, her family have no idea of what's about to happen — Ellie doesn't return. The years pass without news or sightings but her mother Laurel never gives up hope. Now single, Laurel begins a new relationship with the enigmatic Floyd. When introduced to his young daughter Poppy, Laurel is shocked to discover she's the image of Ellie. With her suspicions now raised, a determined Laurel sets out to find the truth behind her daughter's disappearance. Whilst I enjoyed the story, I wasn't blown away. There wasn't a jaw-dropping twist that I so much wanted. Revelations that appeared later in the book were pretty obvious from quite early on, which lessened the suspense and tension. The writing and pacing were excellent and characters fully developed but I felt the story needed an extra 'something' to elevate it to the next level. It was a good, quick read but predictable.