Lisa JewellThen She Was Gone: A Novel

Laurel experiences the unthinkable: her fourteen-year-old child goes missing. Not just her child — it is THE child, the one she favors over her three children. Ellie goes to school one day and never comes back. She’s there one moment, and then she’s gone. Ellie is a smart, carefree girl with a crush on a guy who shares her passion for academics and good grades, so she’s no runaway. The years go by, and just when the police give up, Laurel gets some rather devastating news...The years pass. Laurel trudges through her days, picking up the pieces of her broken life. She tries to make amends with her daughter Hannah and her son Jake, but they’re all grown now, with their own lives to worry about. Her marriage is long over, her ex now in a steady and loving relationship with a pleasant lady. Laurel's life couldn't be worse if she tried...And then she meets Floyd. It’s a chance encounter, a semi meet-cute at a café. He tells her about his books — academic books about math — and about his #1 fan: his nine-year-old daughter, Poppy. Hope flares for Laurel. Will she find happiness with Floyd? And then she meets his daughter — and it’s like taking a trip to the past. Poppy is almost the splitting image of Ellie. Laurel is floored. How is it possible? This is only the beginning though. She’s opened a Pandora’s Box of disturbing revelations that even she wouldn’t have been able to imagine.I’m not a fan of child abduction thrillers, but THEN SHE WAS GONE is one harrowing and amazing read! I couldn’t put it down. This book was on my TBR pile for over a year. I took it with me for my French Polynesian holiday because, why not? I’m so glad I did. The sea-salt breeze, the hammock, the sunset, this book — sweet memories are made of this! I took three books with me, and this one practically read itself. The writing is amazing, well crafted and riveting, with no over the top twists for shock value. Everything serves a purpose in this book. Many of us will guess the outcome, but that’s beside the point. There are so many surprises — so many “mini twists” — that you’ll love it for the character-driven piece of brilliant suspense that it is. The psychological aspects are amazing. There’s a character with Borderline Personality Disorder in this book, and the author touches on various subjects, like triangulation and toxic enmeshments. It’s all done in an organic, not-in-your-face way, which makes it more appealing. I’ve always loved Lisa Jewell, have loved her since her early “chick lit” days. I’m glad she now gets to write the genre she loves.Downsides? Just one. Floyd is a socially awkward mathematician, but he says “Brangelina” at one point. I can’t picture a man — let alone a middle-aged one — saying something like this. I’m surprised the editor didn’t pick up on it. Other than that, I love this novel. One of my favorites this year. Five solid Pecan and Toffee iced lattes, with extra vanilla-flavored oat milk!

I just want people to be aware, because I probably wouldn't have bought it if I had known it's really not much of a mystery. You will know who did it almost from the get go. You won't know how or why until later, but you'll know the end result and who perpetrated it. I am truly baffled by all the people talking about twists and being on the edge of their seat, etc.. The girl tells you who took her in the first couple chapters and it never wavers.It is, however, a well written book. I cared about the characters, even if I didn't agree with everything they said or did, and I have enough empathy (in short supply these days in America) to understand I couldn't really judge Laurel for her reactions because I haven't (thankfully) ever been in those particular shoes.So, overall, it's a good family drama with some mysterious elements but be aware, you will know right away what happened, and when you get to the details of why and how it played out, you WILL be disturbed and angry and want justice for the girl.....but you won't get it. The most you'll get is some vaguely unsatisfying closure. (I wanted wanted to see the guilty party suffer sufficiently and she does not) So. Know it going in.

As someone who loves all kinds of books from the many fascinating sciences to the often strange esoteric. I also like unusual thrillers that force you to turn the page to hurry and find out what happens next. While browsing on Amazon I came across this unusual and interesting 384-page soft cover book (Then she was gone by Lisa Jewell) book. This story takes place in Great Britain, but it could have been anywhere.I admit to finding this to be a page turning compelling read that was difficult to put down once I started the book. As someone with a law enforcement (many years ago) background I immediately suspected the person who is mentioned early in this thriller; however, I also found this book disturbing for reasons I am not going to reveal in this review. You will find out soon enough if you read this book.Unlike some reviewers who seem to enjoy giving too much information, which in my opinion may spoil it for those who are thinking of reading the book, I will just say, that if you like mysteries with an unusual theme with some strange and sometimes disturbing results, you may want to read this book. This is also a book about family who must deal with various issues.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton).

New favorite book. It’s captivating, you’re constantly wanting to keep reading and keep figuring out what’s happening. It’s awesome. If I didn’t have small children it would have easily been read in a day. It really is a great book. I loved it.

I’ve never written a review on a book before but after having to read this novel,twice trying to get answers that I had, I decided it was time. This was definitely a mystery that leaves the reader with questions. I’ve never read a novel from this author. It was definitely well written, and I will look for more or her novels. There is a BUT though. My question never really was answered after reading it twice and taking notes all along. The question is still…do you want to read a book like this? That’s up to you, but I say read it and see if you agree with me.