Then She Was Gone, by Lisa Jewell

Arrow Books (2017), ISBN-10: 9781784756260

It’s a rare writing talent that can compel you to read on when you know that the worst has already happened. Ellie was fifteen, her mother Laurel’s golden girl. Then, in the blink of an eye, she was gone. Ten years on, her family torn apart, her remaining daughter alienated and angry, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie. But a chance encounter with a charming and charismatic stranger brings joy back into Laurel’s life – and a new obsession. Because his nine-year-old daughter is the image of missing Ellie.

This novel had me hooked. Although I predicted some of the plot elements, and some of those were somewhat implausible, I did want to read on, because it’s entertaining, disturbing, and very well written – and I so liked Ellie, whose voice is heard throughout.

Then She Was Gone is available on Amazon

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