This happened about 80 miles from where I live and I remember the case. I remember seeing her parents distraught faces. So I was interested to see what this author had to reveal. Honestly it wasn’t as much as I hoped. Lauren’s case has many different players and it is hard to keep them straight. I do get the feeling this book was put out to try to pressure those with knowledge to finally come forward. I’m hoping with this book it will bring her case back to light. With this day and age of video, gps tracking, etc we expect things to be solved easily. But even back at this time, they were lacking at places and without her having her phone it would not have been very helpful.


I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

The author does a great job giving the details we all know and adding in new details.

It’s a sad true story but you hope the any attention can get people talking and bring peace to the family.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

My heart goes out to the parents. All they want is answers to the whereabouts of their beloved daughter. The person’s of interest either can’t remember or flat out refuse to answer questions.

I'm honestly confused by this book and if the focus was the girl missing or the author's life? I couldn't believe the amount of attention that was spent on the author and what he was doing, what happened to him, inconsequential junk that meant nothing to the story.

I also felt (and was confirmed from the author's words via this text) this was being written to put pressure on those who he and the parents thought were behind the disappearance of the girl. While that is a tactic, I'm still unsure if publishing a book like this one (written the way it was) would honestly help... it just didn't provide anything actually new, except for the author getting his ass chewed out by those he is pointing the finger at, and the lack of response / co-help from law officials is rough and seen through the entirety of this.

While this girl's disappearance is still a mystery, and no new leads have popped up... I'm not sure if this was the person to write the book. Michelle McNamara's "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" has a better focus for someone being new to the game of writing books and presenting facts with a tight narrative.

It's a sad, true story and my thoughts go to the family... I just don't think that this book was the greatest end-product.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Shawn Cohen does a great job at objectively telling the disappearance of Lauren Spierer on June 3,2011. Sadly, the disappearance of Lauren has never been solved, but this book covers multiple theories and key information of the night she went missing. Her family was also involved and interviewed for this book. I recommend this book if you are interested in true crime.

I had never heard of this case before and was intrigued. It read like a true crime podcast. There wasn’t anything groundbreaking/too new that the author shared but gave it more of a chronological feel. If you are familiar with the case, you may not like the book as much, but as I had not read about it, I learned a lot.
Also, my child won’t be going to Indiana University!
Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley!

College Girl, Missing was quite the informative book, but I felt like some parts kept repeating themselves, especially about Rossman and Rosenbaum. I wish they would’ve talked more about what Lauren was like growing up.

"She visited friends. She walked to a bar. She was right there...until she was gone."

"College Girl Missing" is a gripping dive into the haunting disappearance of Lauren Spierer at IU. Now, I've been following this case since Day 1, as we were in college around the same time, both in the midwest. It's mind-boggling how a young woman could vanish in what we all assumed was a safe environment. If this sounds interesting to you, definitely pick it up - it's not like other true crime novels that are often too dense with unnecessary information. Cohen gets right to it.

Cohen doesn't hold back in this book—he leaves no stone unturned. It's an excellent summary of the events since Lauren's disappearance on 6/3/11, with meticulous details about key players, her exact last movements, and all the potential suspects and theories. I devoured this book in a single day, unable to tear myself away from the pages.

One of the things that struck me was Cohen's discussion of "white women syndrome," an important aspect of any missing person case. He doesn't away from tackling this issue head-on, shedding light on the disparities in media coverage and public attention based on race. Additionally, Cohen's upfront acknowledgment of his own shortcomings adds to the integrity of his depiction, making it all the more honest and compelling.

I particularly appreciated the inclusion of recent cases like the Idaho murders and Gabby Petito, which highlighted the impact of advancements in social media and technology on missing person investigations. It's a sobering reminder of how much has changed since Lauren's disappearance, and how far we still have to go.

Overall, "College Girl Missing" is an amazing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Cohen's thorough research and heartfelt approach to the subject matter make for a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. I can only hope that it brings some closure to the Spierer family and keeps Lauren's memory alive. Still hoping and praying for answers.

Don't miss this true crime mystery that comes out 5/28/24. Thank you to the publisher, author & NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"College Girl, Missing" by Shawn Cohen is a compelling narrative that draws readers in from the very first page. Cohen masterfully navigates the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a college student, skillfully blending elements of suspense and unexpected revelations. Through well-developed characters and a layered plot, the novel explores themes of trust, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of truth. My heart broke for Lauren's family and the pain they have endured all these years, adding an emotional depth to the story. With its gripping storyline, "College Girl, Missing" is a poignant and engrossing read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Shawn Cohen was one of the original reporters for this case and you can tell he was super invested. How does a good job of summarizing the case and how he learned the additional information. You can tell his desire to find out what happened to Lauren. I am curious what this book will lead to

I’ve read a number of true crime books, and I consider “You’ll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara and “Lost Girls” by Robert Kolker to be at the top of the class in terms of being both informative and empathetic. While I don’t think “College Girl, Missing” soars to quite the same heights, I do think the author did a good job of painting Lauren as a whole person, one who had struggles and who also had a lot of really great qualities. It’s clear from her family and friends’ quotes about her that she is very loved and very missed. The book is well-researched and was written in cooperation with the family, which provided the author access he wouldn’t have had otherwise. The author clearly did a lot of additional legwork and was able to secure interviews (however brief) with some of the key witnesses. Of course, it would have been big news if the author had solved the case, and so it’s no surprise that that’s not how this book ends. But I do think the author provided a comprehensive narrative that includes facts that aren’t easily accessible. This is definitely worth a read for anyone who is interested in the case, and I hope that it stirs up something that will help to move the case forward.

As a side note - I also live in Westchester, NY myself and appreciated that the author noted the stark difference in the way a case like Lauren’s is treated and cases involving people from lower-income areas are treated.

"College Girl, Missing" by Shawn Cohen recounts the true story of Lauren Spierer, who disappeared from Indiana University in June of 2011. Despite speculation about potential suspects, getting people to cooperate with the investigation proves challenging.

Cohen's extensive research is apparent, suggesting that his exploration of the Lauren Spierer case may not be complete. His compassion for the Spierer family is noticeable throughout his work.

"College Girl, Missing" is a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the complexities of missing persons cases and the enduring impact they have on communities. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability we all face, even in seemingly safe environments.

As someone that did not know anything about this story, I found this book to provide a thorough account. I did often fact check just to see and to also see what others had to say.
I feel like often times books like this can lack a connect between author/reporter and those impacted by the tragedy - this book provided both insight on the family and friends of Lauren and what all Cohen did to try to get justice for this young girl, while trying to present all the information.

Aside from the personal connection and factual writing, this book was so well written. Cohen is presenting so many difficult topics and does so in a way that is captivating as well as informative. This book was so hard to put down!

This happened in my hometown and it is always interesting to read an outside perspective. Lauren Spierer was a nineteen year old college student at Indiana University when she disappeared in the early morning hours after a night fueled by drugs and alcohol. At the time that this happened, I had just quit a university position to stay at home with my two young children. There was a sense of fear at first but once the details started to be released, most locals that I talked to believed what happened was also what was clearly alluded to in this book. There is not a ton of new information on the case but the author did get close enough to Lauren’s family and friends to provide new details that I hadn’t heard. I do like that he referenced the fact that there was another missing young woman in the area, also dealing with drug abuse, who did not get the same media coverage because of their lower economic status. Overall, this is a good book and one that will also be of interest to readers who are not familiar with the case. I received a digital arc of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Wowww this one kept me on my toes the whole way through! I love a good thriller/mystery and this one delivers!

I went into this book knowing nothing of this case. I don’t ever recall reading anything or seeing anything in the media at the time. This is the true story of missing college student, Lauren Spierer who disappeared from Indiana University in the very early morning hours of June 3, 2011.

I have to tell you, I could not put this book down. I will forever be thinking of this story. Author and reporter, Shawn Cohen tells this story in a very clear, concise, and linear way. He was fair, honest, and respectful to all involved. It is my hope that in the release of this book and the never before released information included, that Lauren’s family may find her and get her justice. My heart just breaks for them.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Sourcebooks for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I did not know of this case prior to reading the book, but given all the information that was discovered I hope the parents get their closure soon.


As I do not rate non-fiction books but Netgalley requires it, my rating doesn't reflect my thoughts on this book in particular.

In the early morning hours of June 3, 2011, 20-year-old Lauren Spierer was captured on surveillance video, going from her apartment building in Bloomington, Indiana, to that of a male acquaintance. She was at times stumbling, she fell more than once, and for most of the distance she was carried by the male acquaintance, her tiny body thrown over his shoulder. Other than her male companion and two of his male friends, no one ever saw Lauren again. What happened to her?

At the age of 20, Lauren already had a long history of alcohol and drug abuse and she had already done one stint in rehab prior to leaving New York to attend college in Bloomington. Once she arrived in the southern Indiana town, known for its party scene, Lauren emersed herself in social circles and activities that largely centered around the use of excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs. While it is not necessarily uncommon for college students to experiment with these things, Lauren had a heart condition that prompted her doctors to tell her not to engage in strenuous activities and to avoid anything that could cause a disruption in her heart rhythm. She should not have been consuming any alcohol or drugs at all. She was literally a ticking time bomb.

The night of her disappearance, Lauren drank a bottle of wine at a friend's apartment. She then went to another apartment where she drank vodka shots and snorted Klonopin. Later, she went to a bar (which she got into with a fake ID) with an acquaintance named Corey Rossman, where she drank even more. When Lauren left the bar at about 2:30 am, she was so drunk she lost her phone and she left her shoes at the bar. Make note of that, she wasn't wearing shoes and she was so heavily intoxicated that she didn't even realize she was barefoot.

Rossman took her back to her apartment building, where the two were captured on surveillance video. Lauren was stumbling and falling and the two were accosted by some friends of Lauren's boyfriend. One of them punched Rossman in the face presumably because they felt he was mistreating Lauren or was a danger to Lauren in some way... and then they left. They left Lauren alone with Rossman. Why?

Their next move was from Lauren's apartment to Rossman's. They were last captured on surveillance video during this time. Lauren fell at least twice, once flat on her face. At this point, Rossman threw her over his shoulder and carried her the rest of the way to his apartment. He stopped at several points, at one point calling a female friend out east. After Rossman got Lauren to his apartment he called a mutual friend, Jay Rosenbaum, and took her to his apartment. The details of this point in the evening are very foggy for two reasons: 1) each of the men involved tell a different story (and in some cases their stories changed), and 2) they immediately lawyered up and refused to provide law enforcement and private detectives with any information.

Only one thing has remained consistent. Rossman claims that he took Lauren to Rosenbaum's apartment. From there, Rosenbaum claims that Lauren wanted to continue partying so she left his apartment and walked up the street, alone.

Why don't I believe this?
1) Lauren was so intoxicated she couldn't walk. She wasn't just stumbling, Rossman had to throw her over his shoulder and carry her. She didn't magically sober up in under an hour to the point where she could walk out of his apartment on her own two feet (her own two BARE feet because she didn't have any shoes).
2) This supposedly happened around 4 am. Even the hardest partiers know that at 4 am in June the parties are over. If this happened in August or September or May, then it might be plausible for her to want to go in search of a party at that hour (unlikely, but plausible) but once the semester is over a college town clears out. She had literally nowhere to go; she wasn't going to find a party, and she had lost her keys so she couldn't even get into her own apartment.
3) These guys were going through the motions of taking care of her. Rossman carried her to his place, when he realized how intoxicated she was he called upon Rosenbaum (who was a closer friend of Lauren's than Rossman was) for assistance. And then they just... let her walk off alone in the middle of the night? Rosenbaum was concerned enough to watch her walk away but not concerned enough to walk the few blocks with her to make sure she was safe? In later tellings, he claimed to have seen a shadowy figure following her, but this didn't concern him enough to go after her and make sure she was safe?
4) Though there were several security cameras that captured Lauren's movements prior to her arrival at Rossman's apartment, there is no footage of her after that time. If she had left Rosenbaum's apartment and gotten more than a block away, there would have been surveillance video proving that. There is none. If Rosenbaum's story of him watching her walk away is true, Lauren would have had to be abducted immediately after he took his eyes off her.
5) All the men involved, Corey Rossman, Jay Rosenbaum, and Mike Beth, lawyered up immediately after her disappearance and made themselves unavailable to law enforcement. That's unusual under any circumstances but for a couple of 20-year-old kids whose friend has gone missing, it's tantamount to an admission of wrongdoing.

Judge Judy always says "If it doesn't make sense, it's probably not true." And I think that is the perfect tagline for this case. Nothing Rossman, Rosenbaum, or Beth has said (which is very little) makes sense. Nothing that these men claim to have done makes sense.

There is one scenario though, where everything these men have said and done makes perfect sense. That scenario is this: Lauren overdosed or had a heart attack that night and died. They didn't want to get in trouble so they somehow disposed of her body. They then concocted a story about her leaving and disappearing somehow after she left their apartment. Knowing they would need help to make sure their story didn't somehow come out, they hired lawyers to provide a layer of protection between themselves and law enforcement. They're guaranteed of each other's silence because they all know that if one blabs they all go down together.

In the weeks and months following Lauren's disappearance I heard a rumor that one or more of the men involved left town, driving home shortly after Lauren's disappearance. The presumption was that he/they had Lauren's body and disposed of it somewhere in between Bloomington and home. At the time, I never saw any articles referring to any of the men leaving town right after the disappearance. This book answered that question. Mike Beth had two friends staying with him at the time of Lauren's disappearance and they left town the day after she disappeared, returning to their home Michigan.

Imagine you're visiting a friend for the weekend and a friend of theirs, a 20-year-old woman, goes missing. What would you do? Would you immediately leave town? Or would you join your friends in helping to search for her? Any sane person would stay and help search for the poor missing girl. Although in this case, Beth, Rossman, Rosenbaum, none of them were searching for Lauren. Why not? Maybe because they knew exactly where she was?

The vehicle the friend was driving wasn't searched at the time. It was located many years later, having changed hands several times since June 2011. Not surprisingly, nothing was found. I would be very curious to know what route they took back to Michigan and if any unidentified remains have been found along that path. It's hard to believe that they could dispose of her body and it never be found, but I suspect that is exactly what has happened in this case.

All this to say, this book is worth reading if you're interested in true crime and unsolved cases. The book claims to contain never-before-seen information but there weren't any bombshells. This was definitely the most complete recounting of the events that occurred, however I would have liked to see a bit more chronological approach because the timeline is of supreme importance in this case.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This one gripped my attention as someone who enjoys a true crime podcast. It is interesting to see the details of what is shared, the places where things don't make sense, and how they proceed. I appreciated very much the opportunity to read this one. Thank you, publisher!