Then She Was Gone

 

By Lisa Jewell

Review

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.        

★★★☆☆

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Arrow
• Publication Year: 2017
• Author: Lisa Jewell
• Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller 

Synopsis

She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl.
She had her whole life ahead of her.
And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.

Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie. And then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet.

But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter.

Because his daughter is the image of Ellie.

Now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back.

What really happened to Ellie? And who still has secrets to hide?