Another great book by an amazing author. I read half the book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. I loved the way the characters were developed as I feel that I really got to know them. Great plot, didn't see that ending coming.

I couldn't put this book down and read it in two sittings. Very easy reading and a great (but sad story). Ellie, Lauren & Paul Mack's youngest daughter goes out to the library to study for her exams and disappears. Ten years pass but Lauren never gives up hope of finding Ellie who was the light of her life. Her life has fractured in this time, her marriage has broken up and she's never needed her other kids as much as Ellie.

She randomly meets a handsome stranger called Floyd who sweeps her off her feet. She has a whirlwind romance and meets his young daughter Poppy who looks remarkably like Ellie. She starts to question who are they and why have they come into her life right now...I found the book hard to put down as it's such an engrossing but sad and hopeful tale also. Highly recommend.

I have read some of this authors earlier books, so when this popped up as a 'read now' on Netgalley I decided to read it as I normally read romance novels but good ones of those are few and far between of late.

I read this book in one go so I would say it kept me gripped but I think I was waiting for a twist in the tale but there isn't one and there isn't really any mystery as to why Ellie went missing as we get POV's from a few characters early on and nothing is a surprise as the story progresses. I would say I was only slightly surprised by one reveal.

It was an OK read but unfortunately, I didn't really like Laurel! She didn't seem that nice a person to me. Yes I know she's been through a traumatic 10 years but the author didn't endear her to me. In fact, none of the characters were endearing apart from perhaps Poppy who is very mature for her age.

The author says she wrote the book in 10 weeks. I think she should have fleshed out some of the characters more and given them more of a personality. I didn't 'feel' anything, even for Ellie. I would say the book did have a rushed feel to it and it would have worked better if it was a longer read.

I think it could have been better if we got to know each character more but as I say, it kept me gripped, so I would recommend it but not to those looking for a 'mysterious' read.

The author has created some extraordinarily bruised and damaged characters in this book. Laurel whose favourite daughter disappeared. She feeds on negativity and loses her children's childhoods through grief. I thought that was sad as it can never be recouped. I couldn't believe she demanded £30 to clean her daughter's flat. Nor her idealistic expectations of life that had never been met. Her thought processes were intriguing but sad. I kept thinking she should get a grip as her hold on life and people was so false and tenuous. Noelle is the stranger woman but I'd give the plot away if I commented on her so I shall just say she was an odd ball. A very interesting theme that is well written and compelling. A brilliantly mastered novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I shall post this review on Amazon, Facebook and my blog when it is published. .

A fast, easy read but very predictable storyline. I hoped I was wrong and there would be some twist at the end but it was not to be.

I love Lisa Jewell's books and am slowly making my way through her entire back catalogue and was delighted to be given an ARC of her latest book from the publishers and Netgalley so it jumped straight to the top of my toppling TBR pile.

This book focuses on missing teenager Ellie and her distraught mother Laurel. One of this authors' many talents is breathing life into her characters and making them so real that you can totally empathise and sympathise with both Ellie and Laurel throughout the story. Then She Was Gone has a distressing and disturbing story line, but I was hooked by the first chapter.

You are always guaranteed a gripping story line from Lisa Jewell as well as also a book full of interesting characters, some humorous situations and more importantly relationships filled with plausible and realistic emotions. This was an utter page-turner for me and I thoroughly recommend it.

Then She Was Gone was a quality read as I’ve come to expect from Lisa Jewell – a beautifully twisted plot and entirely engaging characters with an emotional core that always leaves you slightly reeling

In this novel, a teenager goes missing – her parents fall apart but eventually things move on. Then a new man enters the picture with a daughter who looks incredibly like the missing girl – and things are turned upside down.

I like the way the author digs deep into the lives of her cast of characters, creating intricate relationships, many nuances and a healthy dose of reality. Laurel was a particularly sympathetic person to follow along with, she is so very human dealing with such a horrific loss and determined to find some way to come to terms with it. Lisa Jewell throws everything and the kitchen sink at her and all the way through you are rooting for her to discover the truth and some kind of peace.

Keeping things mostly unpredictable, the story flows outwards and back on itself, cleverly allowing certain things to come to light at well placed moments. It is both psychological thriller and family drama, a gorgeous mash up of the two which makes for a highly addictive read.

Overall excellent as ever and I have no hesitation recommending it.

**Review also available on Goodreads**

I have always been a fan of Lisa Jewell's writing, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Ten years ago, 15 year old Ellie Mack disappeared and was never seen again. The story is told mainly from the view point of Ellie's mother, Laurel, but also parts are told by Ellie herself and by the person responsible for her disappearance. The plot is quite complex, and I found it quite disturbing at times. It's a real page turner and I thoroughly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.

Then She Was Gone is the new novel by one of my favourite authors Lisa Jewell. Once again Lisa delivers a story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster and keeps you completely absorbed.

I loved this character driven riveting story and found it hard to put down, it kept me up into the early hours to finish. A compelling read from a very talented storyteller, Lisa Jewell is one of the best writers around at the moment and I can't wait for her next book. Simply brilliant, and an absolute must-read!

Thank you!

I literally don't know what to say other than WOW. This novel is breathtaking, as in I was literally holding my breath reading it, I had wept within the first 20 minutes and I read the entire thing in one sitting, ignoring the children! It was just so powerful and true, I could believe the entire book, nothing was false or overplayed - you knew just where it was going yet still couldn't believe it.

It the best thing I have read in a long time, and am going to start it all over again immediately.

So sad. Ellie was fifteen, in love and the apple of her mother's eye when she disappeared. Laurel will never stop hoping that she is found, but realises this is an unlikely dream. It's time to let go - it's already destroyed the family.

So she moves on, as one does. She meets Floyd, who seems too good to be true, and has a daughter who looks very much like Ellie.

Lisa Jewell wrote of this book - "Then She Was Gone is my fifteenth novel and probably my darkest to date. I can't tell you too much here about the genesis of the book because that would be a total spoiler, but I can tell you that I went down a few wrong turnings on the way to the finished book and that when I finally worked out where I was supposed to be going the whole thing came racing out of me pages at a time and I wrote it in just over ten weeks - which was pretty exhilarating!"

That intrigued me. And I have to say I LOVED how this book turned out. Dark - yes. Sad - I already said that. True to life - absolutely. The characters were great, and the plot exceptional. The family inter-relationships, as usual, sound as clear as bells through all the witty dialogue.

Another eminently readable unputdownable Jewell.

Excellent, excellent, excellent. I couldn't put it down and this book is going to be a hard act to follow.

Wow I absolutely loved this book. It had me gripped from the very first page to the very last. It is by far the best book I have read this year. It's a great psychological thriller with a twist and I honestly didn't see where it was going. Fantastic read

This book has been elevated into the lofty positon of being my favourite book so far this year!
I won't mention the plot because others have done that, except to say that this is a gripping mystery which does not disappoint. I found that this story was both simple and complex; comparing old relationships with new - relationships and extended family. It was riveting and heartbreaking all at once. The ending was just fabulous. I intend to buy this book as a gift for a couple of friends when it is released. Loved it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my! what a brilliant read this turned out to be. I read it every morning and evening for 3 days, not wanting to put it down.

I was drawn into the sadness of a missing 15 year old daughter Ellie very quickly. Ellie had coaching for maths from a local woman who she didn't feel exactly comfortable with and asks for the lessons to end. Soon after a chance encounter..with the woman and Ellie vanishes. . Laurel her mum meets a gorgeous, interesting man in a cafe 10 years later and soon they are in a relationship. This all seems perfect until she meets one of his daughters, Poppy who weirdly has an uncanny likeness to missing Ellie ..

Lisa has grabbed my heart and mind in this book, I cried, even dreamt of the story, it's wonderful. The best Lisa Jewell book so far in my opinion.A book where you long to know the end of the story then feel bereft because it's done!

Totally 5 stars., you have to read it, give to friends for presents, sad, enthralling, gripping, heartbreak. Brilliant!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it in return for an honest opinion..

I was very excited for this book, because I really enjoyed previous books by Lisa Jewell. Unfortunately, this book is not nearly as good as "I Found You". The book was very dark and made me feel uncomfortable at times, so beware it is not by any means a light read. I had shivers down my spine after I finished reading this book, which I did in one go - I read it on a plane. It is easy to read, and I enjoyed the writing style. My issue is with the storyline: it was pretty obvious from the start, who is the main villain and therefore, there was no intrigue to keep me on my toes. I feel like the author is trying too hard to complicate the story and creates more villain characters. Without spoiling, I would say if you looking for a gripping twist and turn thriller, this is not a right book for you. I would recommend other books such as The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware and The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.

Lisa Jewell has long been one of my favourite authors and this latest book doesn't disappoint. After Laurel's life is torn apart by the disappearance of her daughter she is given new hope by the arrival in her life of a loving partner. The story that develops can be second guessed in many aspects but the fact that it is a tragedy for all concerned and doesn't have a conventional happy ending is a brave move by Jewell. The characters are beautifully rounded and the plot remains readable even though it is sometimes uncomfortable. I will be recommending this to my book club and in on-line discussion groups.

A fabulous read, Lisa Jewell is a great writer who's books drag you in and then spit you out at the end truly wrung out, kind of guessed where story was going around halfway through, but still didn't spoil the enjoyment of it, it was a great, really great

Then She Was Gone is quite a fast-paced and gripping read It hooks the reader early on and builds a level of tension and discomfort throughout. I have to say I figured out some stuff early on, which meant I wasn't shocked or surprised with the way the book went. It's still a good read though. There is real emotion in the characters, but I just found it a bit implausible on the whole.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy.

15 year old Ellie Mack disappears one day on the way to the library. Understandably, her mother Laurel and the rest of the family are distraught. Laurel’s life spirals out of control, her marriage falls apart and she stops being a mother to her other two children. 10 years on, Ellie’s remains are found. This gives Laurel and the rest of the family some closure. One day, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming stranger in a café. He sweeps her off her feet, and introduces her to his 9 year old daughter Poppy. Poppy is a clever, pretty bright girl who looks like Laurel’s daughter Ellie. In fact, she doesn’t just look like her, she is the spitting image of her. What happened to Ellie that day, and who are the mysterious Floyd and Poppy?

I loved this book! I knew I would as Lisa Jewell is a very good author! The book is split into 5 parts and the story switches from present time to what has happened in the previous 10 years since Ellie went missing. I find some books which switch between the years confusing, but this one flowed well and I knew exactly where I was and with whom all the time! The story caught me from page one and I have been barely able to put this down as I just wanted to find out how it ends. I did guess the plot, to a certain degree, halfway through the book, but I was wrong with some parts and it was great how the story twisted as it went on. I didn’t feel it was a fast paced book, but the suspense built up nice and slowly. It did feel a little creepy at times, and left me with a bit of a chill! Without giving away too much of the plot, Ellie is the character that stands out the most for me and I have to admit by the end, I did have a few tears in my eyes.

Excellent, well recommended! 5 Stars!