A review by thenovelmaura
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to Simon Books for the gifted copy of this engrossing thriller! Engrossing and infuriating because so much of the crime depicted was rooted in misogyny and the reality that missing girls are often not given enough police resources to be found unless they are wealthy, well-connected, and white. The lead detective on the case was a Japanese transracial adoptee, but that was just one part of her identity and not the focus of the story, which I loved. 

Honestly it's a bit hard to verbalize why this book was so enjoyable for me; I think the truth is simply that I had no idea where it was going the entire time I was reading it. It was so dark and so compelling and so well-plotted. I've already told a friend to read this book and I'll be continuing to recommend it to thriller fans!
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