Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
Helpful Score: 3
Ahhh, a very satisfying read!!!
Although I thought I had figured out part of this mystery, I was pleased that the author threw in enough curves to keep me guessing but still stay true to the story. It was at times horrifying and totally had me wiping tears from my face while still offering a look at the resilience of the human soul.
All of the characters were well flushed out and even the minor ones were believable. The villains were evil but still humanized by the events in their lives. In general, I don't like a story told from multiple viewpoints but it absolutely worked in this instance.
As a parent, I can't imagine the unbelievable horror of having a child disappear without knowing what has happened but I'm not sure if Laurel had known the intimate details of Ellie's disappearance if it could have been any less horrifying. While there is a satisfying ending to the story, the trip is full of bumps and turns that makes it impossible to slow down or take a break until the end is reached.
Although I thought I had figured out part of this mystery, I was pleased that the author threw in enough curves to keep me guessing but still stay true to the story. It was at times horrifying and totally had me wiping tears from my face while still offering a look at the resilience of the human soul.
All of the characters were well flushed out and even the minor ones were believable. The villains were evil but still humanized by the events in their lives. In general, I don't like a story told from multiple viewpoints but it absolutely worked in this instance.
As a parent, I can't imagine the unbelievable horror of having a child disappear without knowing what has happened but I'm not sure if Laurel had known the intimate details of Ellie's disappearance if it could have been any less horrifying. While there is a satisfying ending to the story, the trip is full of bumps and turns that makes it impossible to slow down or take a break until the end is reached.
Karen P. (emeraldfrog) reviewed Then She Was Gone (Audio MP3 CD) (Unabridged) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This was a book club choice, and the feedback was mixed. Half of the club loved it, and the other half couldn't stand it. I'm in the latter. The author's writing style was brisk, but it wasn't hard to figure out what happened, the only question was how. And the missing girl and the terrible impact it had on her family was heartbreaking. I couldn't get past it.
Laurie M. (reading-galore) -
Helpful Score: 3
Each chapter of this suspenseful story reveals a little bit more of the truth about what happened to the missing daughter, Ellie Mack. Told from multiple points of view, it is a disturbing and gripping story that is difficult to put down. I found that it played upon my own fears as a mother in wanting to protect my children from those who are sick and disturbed. Yet you realize that it is impossible to totally do so. This book propels you down a path that you hope in reality you will never have to take yourself. My only real complaint as an American is that this book has far too many British usage words that make reading it a bit slower as you convert the British word to an American word (jumper=sweater, boot=trunk, etc.) However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this somewhat twisted thriller.
Helpful Score: 2
An addictive tale of a missing 15 year old girl that had me hooked in the beginning.
The twists and turns made me dizzy, the ending was heartbreaking, spellbinding and kind of creepy.
A very emotional, sad book.
The twists and turns made me dizzy, the ending was heartbreaking, spellbinding and kind of creepy.
A very emotional, sad book.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Helpful Score: 1
When Laurel Mack's daughter, Ellie, disappears, Laurel's family and life falls apart. 10 years have past and Laurel has decided to move on. She meets a man who has a daughter named Poppy who reminds Laurel of Ellie which gives Laurel a lot of unanswered questions once more. This book kept me hooked from the very beginning. The story is told with 4 POV and just when you think that you have figured out what happened to Ellie, Lisa Jewell throws out some twists and the doubts begin. It is a very emotional and heart wrenching read. This was my first Lisa Jewell book but won't be my last.
