The Return of Ellie Black: A Novel

I had a difficult time reading this book. I joined a book group and I was determined to get through it. Initially I had bad dreams if I tried reading it before bed. The story is a mystery that includes abduction, starvation, rape, and misogyny. this is a makings of a dark horror novel for those that devour this genera. It was my first timid step into this genera and the author Emiko Jean is a great writer. You are there in the story. It is like you are standing in the background. You can see what the main character sees and you are with her through her trials and challenges as she works through this complex web of crime and hate. I could not put it down once she started putting pieces together, the parts started to fall into place, but you still do not know the story until the end and it hits you! Well written, storyline was sinister and pulled you in.

Different from other thrillers I've read, and a quick read! I really enjoyed following the mystery and the aftermath of Ellie's reappearance! My only complaint is the very end and the big reveal - I just didn't find it very believable and I didn't think Chelsea's reaction was extreme enough for her character.

Complex story- ver disturbing portions of book

In the prologued, it got me hooked. With a single question and response. " Tell me, what would you do for someone you love? And the response - " anything, I would do anything." When I saw that sense, I was like, " is this even a question ? When reading the book. You follow many characters and see the development and how they change, overcome their own battles, and the reason behind their choices. Honestly speaking, I didn't like the detective. I was slowly and slowly being to hate her. It wasn't till the very end I realized why. I didn't like, just like how Noah, her family, wasn't included and finally she made that change.

I am truly torn about this review. The plot is fast paced and completely held my attention right until the end. The author really drew me into the setting especially what Ellie experienced in captivity- the bus, the compound, meeting the other girls. And then we get to the end. Several of the twists just didn’t add up including who did it. And the author felt the need to give us “the moral of the story” rather than letting us draw our own conclusions. So if I could I would give this 3.5 stars because the first part was really good and I would be willing to try another book by this author.