Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. What did I just read?! This was incredible mystery/thriller mad I loved every single page. I couldn't put it down and finished the entire book in two sittings! Highly recommend

Thank you @SimonBooks @SimonAudio #SimonBooksBuddy for the free book and audio.

ARC/ALC Review ↝ Emiko Jean has easily become one of my favorite thriller writers. This story while fiction is not far from the true heinous crimes being committed daily. So often we hear of missing person cases and never receive answers behind the abduction. With this story however, readers are taken on a rare journey with the victims, investigators, and families of the crime. Due to the subject matter, I did find myself taking breaks during pivotal scenes as they were viscerally hard to get through. Nonetheless, it was a page turner, and true testament to Jean’s bold and beautiful writing ability.

I highly recommend the tandem reading experience of the audio & physical book as I did. The full cast performance was unforgettable.

When Ellie Black wants to buy a new phone, she decides to have a motel party and charge a fee for everyone coming to raise the funds for it. When the only bathroom is in use and will be for an unknown amount of time, she runs across the street to go to the bathroom, and never returns. Her sister and parents are devastated and when the police come, it's Detective Calhoun that is taking the case. As her first case as a Detective, she can't help but feel connected to it personally - while she was a teen her sister disappeared and later declared murdered by her boyfriend. Two years after Ellie Black vanishes, she is found by hikers in the woods, dirty and malnourished. While being questioned, Ellie has no words to offer of where she was or her captors. There is very little she is willing to share, and she is acting like a totally different girl than the one who disappeared. As anyone who may have been captured she may have severe trauma that has changed the fabric of who she is. With many unanswered questions, Detective Calhoun must try and piece together what happened to Ellie and find the perpetrator who took her. This book has a few twists and surprises and I felt compelled to find out what happened. There were things that I did not expect, which was refreshing!

This book came onto my radar because I had read Emiko Jean’s previous contemporary / romance novel Mika in Real Life and loved it. If Jean’s name sounds familiar, that’s because she also wrote the popular YA series Tokyo Ever After. Now with The Return of Ellie Black, Jean takes on the mystery / suspense / thriller genre through the case of Elizabeth Black, a missing girl who reappears out of the blue after disappearing without a trace two years ago from a town in Washington. Ellie’s case is being handled by Detective Chelsey Calhoun, a small-town cop whose passion for solving missing person cases stems from her own sister’s disappearance 20 years ago. Chelsey sets about investigating what happened to Ellie, but the task proves to be more difficult than anticipated due to Ellie’s refusal to cooperate. When links to other missing girls start to surface -- some of whom, like Ellie, might still be alive – the urgency to solve the case reaches fever pitch. But with Ellie not cooperating, will Chelsey crack the case in time to prevent other girls from being taken as well?

This is a story that surprised me in many ways. First (and most important) is the fact that this is definitely NOT another one of those run-of-the-mill thrillers with a helpless (and usually stereotypically drawn) female protagonist at its center who is eventually saved by some guy in uniform (and maybe they live happily ever after if a romantic attraction is thrown in there somewhere). Instead, this story deals with many real-life issues that we continue to face in our society on a daily basis -- toxic relationships, discrimination of all types (i.e. race, gender, class), misogyny, racism, dysfunctional families, police corruption, class distinctions (i.e. rich versus poor), etc. – in a way that gave the story depth (which meant that, at times, I forgot that I was reading a thriller). The narrative alternates between the third person perspective (where we get to “hear from” various characters in the story, though mostly from Chelsey) interspersed with a first person “confession” of sorts from Ellie herself, where she recounts in detail everything that happened to her. For me, this type of narrative (alternating between different voices) can be a bit of a hit or miss, but in this instance, it was done in a way that made sense and also didn’t feel jarring. In terms of the plot, this one was particularly well done in the sense that I was truly kept at edge of my seat and most significantly, I actually didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming. I mention this because I’ve read my fair share of mysteries / thrillers over the years where I’m usually able to figure everything out by the halfway point, but that was definitely not the case here – I was genuinely surprised by how things turned out, not to mention all my guesses ended up being wrong (not a bad thing at all when it comes to thrillers).

Having said all that though, what I loved most about this book was the main protagonist (Detective Chelsey Calhoun). It’s not lost on me how rare it is to have the main character of a mainstream mystery (thriller/suspense) novel be a strong, smart, competent, kick-ass, no nonsense cop who is both female and Asian (full Japanese, not mixed race). And yes, it is Chelsey (as the lead detective on the case) who “saves the day” throughout the story, including at the end (I’m proud to admit that I cheered each time Chelsey triumphed, lol). Most importantly though, Chelsey came across as a real-life person – someone who has her own vulnerabilities and insecurities (especially in her personal relationships) while also having to deal with the realities that come with being female and Asian in a cut-throat profession where she has to fight like hell to prove herself every step of the way.

Emiko Jean is an author whom I’m glad to have discovered and whose backlist I’m happy to explore. I admire authors who are able to write across multiple genres and so far, based on what I’ve read of her work, Jean seems to have talent in this area. I hope to read more of her work soon.

Received ARC from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley.

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. Let me explain. 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. Is her instinct accurate, or is her own past narrative influencing her current perspective?

The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed. However, it's important to note that the story contains potentially triggering topics such as captivity, manipulation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Black has been missing for two years when she shows up on a wooded trail. She has no answers as to where she has been, how she got to the trail, nor does she want to talk about the years she has been missing. Detective Chelsey Calhoun has been on this missing person case since the day Ellie disappeared. Without new information from Ellie there is no way to bring her captors in for justice. Chelsey zeroes in on one detail and from there the subsequent small details she finds open up new leads to investigate. This story is told from multiple POVs, in both the past and the present. Ellie frustrated me, but I had empathy for her just the same. I really liked Chelsey's drive and fierce determination to find the truth, which was shocking at times. The woods and the small town lent an atmospheric feel to the story.

I have read one of Emiko's YA/romance books and liked it. So I was very curious to see if she could pull off the switch to the mystery/thriller genre. She far exceeded my expectations for this book. This story was realistic and a little dark and twisted in subject matter. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn't read the end fast enough as I had to know how everything would play out. I hope this is a genre Emiko will return to. I have huge respect for an author who can successfully write multiple genres.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chelsea Calhoun’s sister went missing when they were teens and has never been found. Now a detective Chelsea makes it her mission to try and locate missing girls. When she learns that Ellie Black, missing for two years, has been found, Chelsea wants to learn more about the kidnapping details, but Ellie doesn’t want to talk about it. Will she learn enough facts about the case to catch the perp, or possibly more than she ever wanted to know?

Keeps you guessing, but a few too many coincidences and stereotypes for my liking.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was totally gripping. I loved the dual timelines and narrators, the unfolding of the plot, and the suspense that built on every page. I was totally surprised and loved the twists and turns that I never even thought to look for.

I loved the psychological aspects that were interwoven but not overdone. For example, the allusion to stockholm syndrome and how David's victims coped with their captivity. The horrors that went down at the compound were unfathomable and I appreciated that the picture was painted without too many graphic details.

In some ways, this book felt like a series. Chelsey's back story with her sister felt like it could be an entirely separate novel and my investment in Chelsey and her life has me hoping Jean isn't done with her story yet. It may have also helped that she has the exact same name as me! A name admittedly I haven't seen often and definitely not in fiction!!

Overall, this book was totally unputdownable. It kept me guessing and totally surprised me multiple times.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the copy. The Return of Ellie Black is available now and cannot be missed!

I haven't read a suspense/thriller that was this good in quite a while. Ellie Black is found after being missing for two years, and Detective Chelsea Calhoun tries to figure out who is responsible for her abduction and what has happened to her during that time. The answers are layered and twisty and intense and fantastically put together. I liked the writing style and the flow. The pacing is great - the pages turned themselves and the puzzle kept evolving. Having two POVs provided good complexity. Loved it!

Wow — what a book!

THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK is much deeper than some may think based on the synopsis and genre. You don’t often think of thrillers as poignant commentary on deeply rooted issues with society, but Emiko Jean does just that in ELLIE BLACK.

I was hooked from the first page, always looking forward to the next time I’d be able to pick it up. The story is engaging, thought-provoking, and horrifying. I was often so scared for myself, my daughters, and other women and girls knowing that there are sick people out there who think just like the villains do in this book.

The writing is also excellent! I was so impressed by how well done the writing is. Such beautiful lines, sentences and word choice.

I will definitely recommend this one and I know it’ll make a top reads of the year list for many!

Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since, she’s been searching for missing girls. Her first case on the job was the disappearance of Ellie Black. Two long years later, she resurfaces in the woods of Washington state. But with her return only comes more questions. She won’t say where she’s been or who she’s been with, or more importantly, who she’s protecting. It’s up to Chelsey to find the answers before time runs out - to save the next girl who, unlike Ellie, might not ever return. Ugh this just didn’t work for me. And I know other people are loving this but it really just didn’t sit right. I’m usually a fan of dark but this really gave me the ick, maybe bc one of the MCs is a teenager? (Check your trigger warnings.)

This felt too long and drawn out for not a lot to be happening. I couldn’t connect with Ellie or Chelsey. This is not the feminist thriller it’s billed as. And the end, the big reveal? It honestly didn’t add up for me.

2.75⭐️

You’re taken from a parking lot and 2 years later wander out of the woods. You don’t want to talk about it and understandably so. Everyone around you treads lightly but you have a secret and you have something you need to do. Nobody would understand so you can’t let anyone in.

The Return of Ellie Black was an astonishing suspenseful page turner with a brutal twist.

Thanks to netgalley, Simon and Schuster, and of course Emiko Jean for this arc in exchange for my
honest review

Emiko Jean is a fabulous story teller, and her newest book is powerful. Chelsey Calhoun is the adopted (Japanese) daughter of a white family, whose other (bio) daughter went missing and was presumably killed by her boyfriend in a murder suicide. This turn of events left Chelsey bitter and distraught, leading to her decision to become a cop like her father.

When Elizabeth (Ellie) Black reemerges after two years missing, Chelsey vows to find out what happened to her. She becomes obsessed with the case, even defying orders to leave it alone. She distances herself from her husband in an effort to get to the bottom of whatever it was that had happened to Ellie and other girls who had gone missing.

As Chelsey gets closer and closer to solving the case, we know that she will undoubtedly put all of the pieces together. The ending gives the reader a real page turner, leading to a huge twist. A fast read that will keep you glued to it until the end.

#netgalley

This feels like an “it’s not you, it’s me kind of review.” While I enjoyed the story and the twists (totally unexpected), I just felt like the character development was lacking for me. I couldn’t connect with either of the women and I found myself putting the book down more than I wanted to pick it up. The saving grace for me was the ending but even that wasn’t as big of a shock to me as I would have thought. Overall, a decent read that fell a bit short.

This was fantastic. Twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. I loved the story devlopment and didnt see that ending coming at all.. Thank you netgalley.

I really enjoyed the way this book was written through the POV of detective Chelsey and Ellie Black’s journal.
This is a full out thriller. I burned pages dying to know the ending.
The story itself is tragic, disturbing, and mysterious. I didn’t guess the ending, but it didn’t really have whodunnit vibes. I was satisfied with the ending and really enjoyed the book.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

Title: The Return of Ellie Black
Author: Emiko Jean
Genre: Fiction, thriller
Rating: 4 out of 5

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.

It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.

Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State.

But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who she’s protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.

Honestly, I almost put this down about 15% of the way through, but I stuck it out a little bit longer and it picked up. I didn’t really feel a connection with any of the characters, so it was a struggle for me to get into the story. Ellie…well, I didn’t really care for her. And Chelsey just felt chaotic and cold, frankly. This was a solid read, I just didn’t have much invested in the characters.

Emiko Jean is a bestselling author. The Return of Ellie Black is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.)

Thank you to @SimonBooks and @netgalley for the e-arc!

Chelsey’s sister Lydia went missing back in high school, and the guilt Chelsey feels drives her passion as a detective. Ellie Black went missing two years ago, and Chelsey was the detective. Now she’s back, but there are so many questions unanswered. Who took her? How’d she escape? Did he let her go? Was she the only one? Why isn’t she cooperating with the investigation?

This was not a fast paced thriller- but a slow look into the manipulation and horror of a monster. It turned dark quickly and I really felt the characters despair and depression. I really enjoyed the many POVs that allowed us to learn particular details as the story evolved. The plot held me until the end, when it was exciting, but the twists felt a little too far. I didn’t see it coming because of how unbelievable it was.

In summary- it entertained me for a bit, but it’s not something I’ll be thinking about for very long.

It wasn’t until I finished the book that I realized the author also wrote Mika in Real Life, a book I enjoyed for completely different reasons as that was contemporary fiction while this is a modern mystery.

The differing perspectives of Detective Chelsey and Ellie Black are what made the story for me. Had we only had one or the other, it would not have worked nearly as well.

Also, this reminded me of the early books of Mary Kubica and Karin Slaughter as far as pacing but not quite as much graphic violence. The lead-up to the capture wasn’t as haunting as the psychological aftermath of what happened once Ellie was found after being held captive for two years.

THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK made my tbr by virtue of having been written by Emiko Jean - I remember liking her last book, Mika in Real Life.

These two books are definitely different, genre-wise - Ellie is more of a thriller, whereas Mika was contemporary fiction. I've seen Ellie called "dark," and Mika described as "utterly heartwarming."

But what they have in common is that they're both really engaging and readable. THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK was exactly what I wanted to sink into after a long week.

Detective Calhoun gets a call that Ellie Black, who went missing a few years earlier, has emerged from the woods of Washington state. Missing girls cases are personal for Calhoun, but Ellie doesn't want to participate in the investigation.

What ensues is a page-turner for sure. This one's out now - love to hear your thoughts if you pick it up!