Book review: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Title: Then She Was Gone
Author: Lisa Jewell
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Publisher: Cornerstone Digital
Publication date: 27th July 2017
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Summary:
THEN
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.
NOW
It’s been ten years since Ellie disappeared, but Laurel has never given up hope of finding her daughter.
And then one day a charming and charismatic stranger called Floyd walks into a café and sweeps Laurel off her feet.
Before too long she’s staying the night at this house and being introduced to his nine year old daughter.
Poppy is precocious and pretty – and meeting her completely takes Laurel’s breath away.
Because Poppy is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age.
And now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back.
What happened to Ellie? Where did she go?
Who still has secrets to hide?
My review:
To give you an idea of just how gripping this book was, I read it in 2 sittings – the first on a flight and the second as soon as I arrived home. I was already aware of the hype surrounding Lisa Jewell and her books and felt compelled to read it after it was recommended to me by Stephen (many thanks for the recommendation!). As soon as I started it I felt compelled to find out what happened to Ellie and who was responsible for her disappearance. Storytelling is Lisa Jewell’s main strength and I was impressed with the varying changes of scene and narrators, especially as this also presented the perfect opportunity for the reader to understand each character’s motive and involvement in Ellie’s disappearance.
Original and captivating from the very beginning, this book is very different to most recent thrillers because there are many hints of the kidnapper from the start and it becomes more apparent as the events unfold that our suspicions were right. Nevertheless, the author used this technique to her advantage and created a unique story, both character and plot driven, which ultimately delivers in nearly all respects. There was never a chapter where the character’s emotions were not fully analysed and despite identifying the culprit from early on, I felt compelled to carry on reading until the end.
My only complaint about this book, and also the reason to downgrade to a 4-star rating, revolves around the slightly far-fetched events involving Ellie’s disappearance. (I don’t want to give too much away here but if you have read the book you would probably know which part I am referring to.) Despite this shortcoming, I was still able to warm to the characters and appreciate the plot, thick with suspense as Laurel’s story line developed in ways I didn’t anticipate. The epilogue was bittersweet and perhaps the most near-perfect scenario in such delicate and somber circumstances. I greatly enjoyed this mystery and have already made plans to read some of Lisa Jewell’s other books.
13 Comments
Christina - Recipe & A Read
Ahhhh even with some far fetched aspects I’m so excited to read this! Great review!!
facingthestory
I hope you enjoy it! Thank you 🙂
Annie Lalova
I have just finished the book – thank you for the recommendation, Darina! I throughly enjoyed it and was horrified by it in equal measure. It definitely is a book which will stay with me for a long time, such is the author’s talent to describe the characters and their inner world. I could easily relate to most characters and I genuinely cared for Ellie and her family, eager to see some justice done and some closure. A great review and insightful comments, Darina !!!
jennifertarheelreader
Darina, this sounds so good, far fetched elements included. I still have not read Lisa Jewell, and I need to. Loved your engaging review!
facingthestory
I think you’ll like her style of writing. I would love to know what you think once you read a book by her! Thank you!
Stephen Writes
Lovely review, Darina, and you are more than welcome for the recommendation! You describe the book really well and you are right that the hints were there from the start, although the story beyond that is pretty complex.
My favourite thing about Lisa Jewell’s books is her storytelling and her character-driven plots. I hope you enjoy her other ones.
Happy reading 🙂
facingthestory
Thank you! I agree with you that the storytelling aspect is brilliant and I am definitely looking forward to some of her other books.
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Michelle Booksonthebookshelf
This book is on my radar. Great review!
facingthestory
Thanks, Michelle!
delightfulnarratives
Thank you for another book I can add to my list! This was great review. I haven’t heard of this one and now I definitely want to read it. I’m usually horrible at figuring out who did it, so I’m very interested in how this one goes.
facingthestory
Thanks! I think the “whodunnit” element in this book is quite prominent from the start so you won’t have much trouble figuring it out. Happy reading!
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles
I’m curious about the events that made you give it a 4-star review 🙂 Great review!