A review by jorrdy
The Night She Disappeared, by Lisa Jewell

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

(Note: I was provided an advanced copy of The Night She Disappeared by the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.) 

 The UK cover of The Night She Disappeared says it’s Lisa Jewell’s best thriller yet – and it’s absolutely right! 

The story is told from multiple perspectives, at different points in time - eventually coming to meet in the present. 

The novel starts in the year 2017, with young mom, Tallulah, heading out on a date to the local pub with her boyfriend Zach, leaving her baby at home with her mother, Kim. The next morning, Kim notices neither have returned from their date. She learns that the couple ended up at a party at a mansion in the woods called The Dark Place. They’ve never been seen since. 

Two years later, in 2019, detective novelist, Sophie, moves to a cottage behind a local boarding school with her boyfriend, the school’s new head teacher. While walking in the garden, she finds a carboard sign - “Dig Here.” What she digs up sends her spiraling into her own, very real, mystery… 

The Night She Disappeared was a book that was full of twists. As a seasoned reader of thrillers, I was pleased at how often Jewell was able to surprise me and keep me from guessing what was going to come next. 

The writing was descriptive and smart. The characters are multi-dimensional and full of intrigue. The ending, though seemingly nicely tied up, leaves you with one last shocking surprise. 

If you love thrillers, I absolutely recommend picking up The Night She Disappeared – I promise it won’t disappoint! 

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