Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Then She Was Gone was one of the best books that I have ever read.

It was one of the most terrifying tales of psychological suspense that I have read to date – as a mother, this book will for sure give me nightmares for the rest of my life.

The story, though – was so perfectly crafted and written in a way that made me want to keep turning pages and reading more and more – and I finished this book in the span of pretty much a single day because it was just so impossible to put down.

Laurel loves her daughter – she has always felt close to her and always wanted the best for her. However, one day, when Ellie went out for an afternoon, she never returned – and she was never seen by her family again.

Laurel tries her hardest to put together the pieces of the puzzle, searching for her daughter for years. Ellie was only fifteen, after all – and still, ten years after her disappearance, Laurel wants closure. She holds on to some hope that somehow, somewhere out there, her beautiful daughter Ellie is still alive.

And all she has to do is find her.

When Laurel meets a man named Floyd, it’s almost love at first sight. Laurel finds herself drawn to Floyd’s charm and sweet demeanor, even though she has her concerns about him. When she meets his daughter, Poppy, who is nine years old, she is even more haunted by her daughter – Poppy looks just like Ellie. But how? There are so many questions that Laurel has that need answered – now more than ever.

Then She Was Gone is the kind of thriller that you just can’t help but devour in one sitting. There was so much going on – some chapters were focused on Laurel, some on Ellie, and others on a mysterious tutor that was helping Ellie before she disappeared.

I honestly wasn’t able to put the mystery together until it completely unraveled through the novel, which I loved. It was a twist that I honestly could never have seen coming, and wow was is shocking. In fact, I can’t even give too many details about this book because if I do, I’m going to give that twist away, and it’s definitely one that readers should discover for themselves.

Another thing about Then She Was Gone was how the characters were intertwined in the story, and how everything plays out. Lisa Jewell has such a talent for creating characters who are all somehow linked in her stories, with the twist affecting all parties. It’s such a fantastic technique that really makes her stories stand out.

Out of all the Lisa Jewell books that I have read so far, I think this one my be my favorite. I really enjoyed The Family Upstairs and Watching You, but this one just really drew me in and wouldn’t let go until I turned the last page. It was also the kind of book that left me wishing for me, wishing for perhaps a sequel or another 100 pages or so. I  just really enjoyed it that much.

Needless to say, this is the book that started my thriller binge, because those have been the only types of books I have been reading for a few weeks now, nonstop.

If you like psychological suspense and thrillers, please please please do NOT miss this book. It is incredible. I wish I could give everyone I know a copy of this one.

Then She Was Gone has definitely earned a spot on my favorites shelf.