Then She Was Gone: A Novel

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the New York Times bestselling author of Invisible Girl and None of This Is True comes a "riveting" (PopSugar) and "acutely observed family drama" (People) that delves into the lingering aftermath of a young girl's disappearance.

Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three. Beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers, and half of a teenaged golden couple. Ellie was days away from an idyllic post-exams summer vacation, with her whole life ahead of her.

And then she was gone.

Now, her mother Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together. It's been ten years since her daughter disappeared, seven years since her marriage ended, and only months since the last clue in Ellie's case was unearthed. So when she meets an unexpectedly charming man in a café, no one is more surprised than Laurel at how quickly their flirtation develops into something deeper. Before she knows it, she's meeting Floyd's daughters--and his youngest, Poppy, takes Laurel's breath away.

Because looking at Poppy is like looking at Ellie. And now, the unanswered questions she's tried so hard to put to rest begin to haunt Laurel anew. Where did Ellie go? Did she really run away from home, as the police have long suspected, or was there a more sinister reason for her disappearance? Who is Floyd, really? And why does his daughter remind Laurel so viscerally of her own missing girl?

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384 pages

Average rating: 7.45

1,727 RATINGS

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79 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

bookshelf.at.tiffanys
Dec 19, 2024
8/10 stars
This book started off a little slow for me. It jumps back and forth in time and later in the book it switches back and forth between narrators with no warning.

I honestly enjoyed this read, I gave it 4 stars due to the storyline becoming predictable about halfway through the book and that’s the opposite of what I prefer in a thriller. Looking forward to reading more titles by Lisa Jewell.
BookClubAddict
Dec 15, 2024
8/10 stars
Interesting book. I figured out the twist by mid book. My husband wanted me to read it so we could discuss it. Very creepy, psychological thriller. I wanted a happier ending for the mother and the missing girl, but it was ok.
samspams
Dec 10, 2024
9/10 stars
this was my first suspense novel, tbh it was quite good. i dont care about the negative reviews about this book, i will just say you should give it a go!
NikkyReads
Dec 02, 2024
6/10 stars
Then She Was Gone is more of a sad, suspenseful story than a traditional thriller. While it does include mystery elements, the plot twist isn’t exactly shocking—it’s more about the emotional journey. Lisa Jewell is a master at crafting stories that are equal parts nostalgic and heartbreaking, and this novel is no exception. It’s a great pick for anyone easing into thrillers or trying to get out of a reading slump. The writing flows beautifully, and the melancholy undertones will linger with you long after you’ve finished.
kboog
Nov 08, 2024
7/10 stars
I could predict the storyline just by reading the back cover. I found myself getting bored as I read but the unsettling way the story was written kept me going. Even though it was predictable, I really enjoyed the way the story was presented and the narrator’s voice. I lowkey cried at the end because I loved Poppy so much and wanted the best for her.

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