REVIEW: Then She Was Gone

Then She Was Gone
Author: Lisa Jewell
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Rating: 4/5
Publisher: Penguin Books
Source: Publisher


So, I have read some books before by Lisa but this was the one which moved me to tears in the end. I totally loved this book.

 The narrative goes back and forth between the present day and the past, and is told from the perspective of four different characters, at different times throughout the book, although mainly from the pov of Laurel and Ellie. As a reader it's not at all difficult to keep on track, the perspectives don't keep changing continually, but rather gently weave in and out. 

Other than that, Then She Was Gone, is an enjoyable suspenseful read, filled with characters with shady secrets and questionable pasts. There are many emotional parts with plenty of moving moments. The book has some twists and turns, but I think I may have read so many books of this genre.

It's not a fast paced story but it does contain a couple of unexpected twists and some heart breaking moments towards the end.I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written,engrossing drama/thriller

 The book centres on Laurel Mack whose youngest daughter 15 yr old Ellie went missing on her way to the library.

Ten years later Laurel is divorced from husband Paul and rarely sees her two surviving children Hanna and Jake. Then she receives a phone call from the police, Ellie has been found dead with the same rucksack and clothes she went missing with 10 years earlier.

Laurel meets Floyd in a chance encounter in a cafe. Things are going well and she meets Floyd's 9 yr old daughter Poppy. Poppy reminds Laurel of Ellie, as she gets to know Poppy she finds out some disturbing things about her background.

Keeping things mostly unpredictable, the story flows outwards and back on itself, cleverly allowing certain things to come to light at well placed moments. It is both psychological thriller and family drama, a gorgeous mash up of the two which makes for a highly addictive read.

It was a page turner for me ! Highly recommended !

Thank you Penguin Random House for sending this book for review.