Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 5/20/2024 + 647 more book reviews

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean is an intriguing suspense novel that begins where most crime novels end. A young woman is found wandering in the woods, and her family and local law enforcement are surprised and relieved it's Ellie Black who suddenly disappeared two years ago. But she's completely traumatized - she won't share anything about her experience, she's can't sleep in her childhood bedroom, and she's constantly looking over her shoulder. Through flashbacks, readers learn about her captors and their abuse of her.

Police Detective Chelsey Calhoun is heavily invested in Ellie's case because her own sister vanished 20 years ago. This haunt her and impacts her personal and professional life. She's compelled to continue her investigation beyond protocol when Ellie's reappearance raises more questions than answers.

I appreciated that this story addresses the challenges of a crime victim's re-entry to reality, both for the person and their family members. This plot is compelling, well-written, and full of surprises. At the big twist, I gasped out loud.

Known for writing YA and adult romance, this is Emiko Jean's first suspense novel and the first of her books I've read. I hope she continues writing suspense and writes a sequel featuring Detective Calhoun.

Special thanks to the Thoughts From a Page podcast for allowing me to read this novel pre-publication and participate in an author interview as a patron perk.

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