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The Return of Ellie Black: A Novel
“The Return of Ellie Black is a page-turning suspense novel, a shrewd character study, and a captivating mystery, all at the same time. The last fifty pages are magnetic. I couldn’t put it down until I’d experienced every last twist and turn.” —Stephen King
Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life is turned upside down when she gets the call Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years earlier, has resurfaced in the woods of Washington state—but Ellie’s reappearance leaves Chelsey with more questions than answers.
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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.
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 didnât add up including who did it. And the author felt the need to give us âthe moral of the storyâ 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.
â ï¸ Warning triggers: Kidnapping; Stockholm syndrome; abduction; anxiety; captivity; PTSD;
Having delved into several other novels by the same author, I can confidently assert that none have come close to the emotionally charged journey offered by this particular work. If you are a big fan of the Tokyo Ever After series, this is a 180° opposite direction. This is adult fiction and not a light read. As with all of Emiko Jeanâs books, the story and characters draw you in.
Ellie Black, hailing from a low-income family, vanished two years ago. Her eventual discovery, however, leaves Detective Chelsy, who initially investigated Ellie's disappearance, with an uneasy feeling. As Ellie is found, Detective Chelsy senses an impending doom and things are not as they seem to be. Are her instincts accurate, or is her past narrative influencing her current perspective?
The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed.
To help you keep track of which character becomes who after the kidnapping, here is a list of names for easy reference:
Ellie --> Destiny
Gabby -->Hope
Hannah --> Charity
Willa --> Grace
Having delved into several other novels by the same author, I can confidently assert that none have come close to the emotionally charged journey offered by this particular work. If you are a big fan of the Tokyo Ever After series, this is a 180° opposite direction. This is adult fiction and not a light read. As with all of Emiko Jeanâs books, the story and characters draw you in.
Ellie Black, hailing from a low-income family, vanished two years ago. Her eventual discovery, however, leaves Detective Chelsy, who initially investigated Ellie's disappearance, with an uneasy feeling. As Ellie is found, Detective Chelsy senses an impending doom and things are not as they seem to be. Are her instincts accurate, or is her past narrative influencing her current perspective?
The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed.
To help you keep track of which character becomes who after the kidnapping, here is a list of names for easy reference:
Ellie --> Destiny
Gabby -->Hope
Hannah --> Charity
Willa --> Grace
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