A novelist probes into the disappearance of a young couple in Lisa Jewell’s latest—THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPPEARED.

The story unfurls in three intertwined timelines—months prior to the disappearance, the events more directly leading up to the night in question, and a year later, when mystery author Sophie Beck moves into the house where it all happened.

We meet 19-year-old Tallulah Knox, who along with her boyfriend Zach, care for their baby Noah. And while Tallulah could never regret her infant son, she longs to escape Zach’s cruel and possessive vise.

In college, Tallulah meets Scarlett Jacques, a girl who seemingly has it all. As Tallulah’s relationship with Zach continues to deteriorate, her friendship with Scarlett takes a tumultuous turn—all events which lead to the night Zach and Tallulah vanish after a late-night party at Tallulah’s cottage at the edge of the woods, dubbed “Dark Place” by locals.

The mystery of the disappearance grips Sophie, who begins to ask questions. Then, a cryptic clue sends Sophie spiraling even deeper, unearthing new evidence that could shed new light on what happened to the young couple. It’s clear someone knows something, and together with Tallulah’s mom, Kim, she’s determined to draw out the truth.

Jewell’s latest is a slow-burning, character-driven psychological suspense. Engrossing at every level, the story immerses you in the drama and intricacies of its characters, pulling you in so deeply that before you know it, you’re lost to the narrative, deeply invested and clamoring to unravel the mystery. There’s an almost procedural-like feel to this one too, as Sophie and Kim sleuth away to uncover the truth.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Jewell’s and THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED brims with everything I love about her novels: rich characters, a compelling mystery, simmering tension, and immersive storytelling to keep you turning the pages.

Lisa Jewell never disappoints. She consistently delivers thrillers that feel fresh, with characters that are well developed and interesting.. Oddly the title of this was made me feel like it was too close to Then She Was Gone, but besides a mother's anguish explored in both, the stories are vastly different.
Very enjoyable.