Masterfully written with a fantastic plot, And Now She’s Gone is a must-read for 2020! I adored Grayson Sykes character and the way that Hall incorporated Grayson’s past with the current case that she was investigating. The two plot lines were woven together perfectly throughout the novel, creating a dynamic story that I did not want to put down.

While a great thriller, I also liked how Hall brought attention to a serious topic in our society, domestic abuse, and what many women often experience at the hands of their abusers: isolation, physical and mental abuse, and fear of leaving, just to name a few. Even though this was a work of fiction, this certainly contained elements that are all too relatable for victims of domestic abuse, and I hope that other readers will have this as a takeaway as well.

I would highly recommend that everyone read this amazing novel. A powerful, dynamic thriller, And Now She’s Gone will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end! Go preorder your copy now before it comes out September 22, 2020!

Grayson Sykes is a rookie, private investigator with her own dark past that she's trying to outrun. Her first case turns out to be a missing woman and dog but nothing is what it seems and everything becomes a tangled web. Can Grayson dodge her own past and find Isabel Lincoln at the same time?

When I first started reading, I had a few doubts about the book but that boiled down to getting used to the authors style of writing and once that was established for me, I had to buckle up for a wild ride. With down to earth characters, parallel story lines, twists, turns, and a shock of a reveal, And Now She's Gone was a fabulous read. There was great buildup to the ending and while there was a big reveal, I was left wanting a little bit more.

Grayson, an investigator, is trying to find where Isabel is currently hiding at. But is Isabel alive or is she someone who is an expert at hiding? What is the real deal with her and her boyfriend? Grayson also has a past somewhat similar to Isabel but things get crazy at that point.

It kept me hooked all the way to find out how it was going to end even though it was twisted and a bit lengthy too. If you excuse the length, it is a cat and mouse chase kind of mystery. Gray, as a strong investigator, is also a vulnerable person and makes you root for her constantly. The only issue was the chapters moved between past and current and also between different characters which was confusing for a while. Also I wished there was more of an explosive face-off when Gray meets her husband but it was anticlimactic. Gray’s love story was a good break between the chase and was cute as well.

TW - The plot has miscarriages and domestic abuse a couple of times.

And Now She’s Gone by Rachel Howzeel Hall Reviewed August 5, 2020 3
The story sounded like my kind of a book, as I love thrillers with twists & turns etc.
Garyson Sykes does sound a bit like Stephanie Plum. She is on her first case and I did laugh out loud that some of her PI training was from You Tube videos. Gray is searching for Isabel Lincoln and finds secrets which are similar to the truth she has hidden from her friends and family.

I was so sure I was going to like this but it turned out to be just an okay read for me. I am not a fan of nasty language. I realize that is it normal for many. I have no doubt this novel is going to find readers who will enjoy it.

Note: I am in a book club and also have joined several virtual book groups. It is always fun reading the same novel and finding many readers having so many different takes on it….luckily for all of us that we have many great choices.

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan–Tor/Forge for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 22, 2020

And Now She’s Gone is a riveting book full of secrets galore. Gray Skyes was just assigned her first case as a private investigator. A wealthy physician hires her to track down his missing wife, Isabel, who recently disappeared with his dog. The case hits close to home for Gray because, like Isabel, Gray is a woman on the run. At first glance, it appears that Isabel left to escape a domestic violence situation but it quickly becomes apparent that there is much more to the story than meets the eye. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the realities and long-term effects of emotional and physical abuse. Because of this, Gray’s character evokes feelings of empathy and relatability in all her flaws. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t quite work for me and prevented me from fully engaging with and enjoying the story. The passages jump around from thought to thought, which made it hard to follow and left me re-reading passages. The plot was strong, but again, because of the way it was written, it just didn’t flow smoothly and I found myself asking “wait, how did we get here?” That being said, the positive aspects of the book, including the characterization and plot twists, make it well worth the read. Thank you to MacMillan/Tor-Forge and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

Rachel Howzell Hall has knocked it out of the park with this one.

I saw this book compared to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, which I can see early on because the novel starts deceptively light and it covers every, so called "chicklit sleuth" convention: Grayson, main character who just got her first real case to investigate, fumbles interview after interview with witnesses, she has a very S&tC's Samantha-like colleague/friend, her others colleagues are quirky, she makes out with the ex-marine/hot owner of the bar they frequent and her client seems more concerned about his dog than his missing girlfriend. But, where "Stephanie Plum is a klutz" is the theme of that series, this novel makes our heroine suffering from real things and having real problems while having laugh and fun and very "girlfriends in a cafe" convos. It's interesting to read how Grayson fakes being fine so well none of her friends can tell. Hence, Grayson's missteps which can be annoying for seasoned mystery readers, are more due to this being her first big case that's also a very triggering one considering her past. And that's the other thing. Grayson's investigation is intersected in few places with Natalie's relationship gone bad story set in earlier times which is not fun to read at all. It's all too familiar story of marital abuse digested into most critical points of it without making it to anything else but story about that.
And, yes, there is a romance arc intertwined which I really didn't mind. Funny, but thrillers and romances are so dominated by female writers (and reading audience), and yet oddly frowned upon when intersect. In that sense, and in some other little tidbits, like Grayson's inner thoughts about people she meets, weird, sexist and racist microagressions she's experiencing and you recognize them for what they are without her having to voice them, this novel is quite unapologetic in being mash of several tropes typical for both genres.
One of Hall's strengths are definitely descriptions of Los Angeles and Vegas that go from your usual colorful skies and heat to hip and modern quips about the city. One thing I noticed is how very vibrant and diverse picture of a city she paints: it's all about the movement, the people and shifting colors. So, when I say it's an atmospheric book, a word usually reserved for gothic mansions and haunted wives who live in them, I actually think how well she brought the whole vibe of the place on the page.
Funny, but with the case being so breezy early on, I was more anticipating to see how Natalie's inevitable encounter with her abusive husband will happen which was rather anticlimactic. On the other hand, twist after twist kept making Greyson's case more convoluted and by the end, I was dying to get to the bottom of it. And it was absolutely bonkers.

I had so much fun with this book. There is an engaging, unpredictable mystery, there is a relatable main character with unique voice, there is a tremendous sense of place and when she touched some of sensitive sociocultural issues it happened organically within the story. And Now She's Gone is a genre-crossing, unabashedly quirky and twisty novel.

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for this ARC! So many twists and turns with two different stories in one. Kept me guessing to the very end.

This was fantastic!! At first I was a little bit confused with the going back and forth between the characters but then I got it! Really really loved the suspense and thrill.

I finished this book and went right back to read the ending again. There are SO many things happening in this book so I had to read it twice to understand all of the moving parts. But, wow, this was a good one. I loved the multiple story lines, the alternating timelines and the fascinating characters. There are twists and turns that keep the reader surprised and interested while the story meanders from one mystery to the next. This is a quick, can't-put-it-down read and, while I'm happy there was an epilogue, I'm hoping Nick and Grayson will continue to investigate after this book. Any chance this is the first in a series??

It's hard to write too much about the plot without giving anything away. And Now She's Gone starts with a bang - a woman driving her car and worried that someone might be following her. "He was not the man who had promised kill her. Not this time." I was hooked immediately. We learn that Grayson Sykes works for Rader Consulting and is about to get her first case as a private investigator. Isabel Lincoln's boyfriends hires her to find the missing Isabel. However, as Grayson gets more involved in the case, things don't add up and she begins to question whether Isabel is really missing. At each new twist and turn, secrets are revealed and more questions arise. Grayson follows lead after lead, adding suspects as soon as she clears someone and is determined to follow this case until the end. Will Grayson figure out what happened to Isabel before her own past catches up to her?

Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Woo! That was a wild twisty ride all over the place. A smidge too long and some things could have been tightened up but it kept me reading straight through to the end; I liked the protagonist and definitely wanted more of her and the rest of the Rader group. If this a series about Gray, I'd definitely read about their cases. There is very graphic descriptions about domestic violence so if that is a touchy subject for you, it'd be best to skip this. Overall though recommended read and I think this author is one to watch.

3.5 Stars
This book has 2 storied running in parallel, one of Gray-her past and present and another of the missing woman Isabel. There are some great characters in this story and they are well created. You will love or hate them as the author intends you to. That’s a great job done by Ms. Hall. I enjoyed Isabel’s plot throughly, the ending was appropriate the journey to Isabel was full of twists and turns and intriguing. It was satisfying to read her story. Ian was extremely annoying and a tad too flippant about his girlfriend.
Gray’s story on the other hand left me unsatisfied. The plot to her life is good, well laid but I hated 2 things- for an intelligent PI she sure made some ridiculously stupid decisions. I hate to see smart women behave dumbly in books. And the other thing is how the ending required a knight in shining armor to save her. Her story could have been written to give her credit for handling Sean and getting herself a happy ending.
Also I found the book too detailed and unnecessarily verbose. While I appreciate that Ms. Hall wants to give us a detailed picture I don’t think it was required. This isn’t a movie script that needs to describe each scene and character in so much visual detail.
If you can look past the problems above then this is a good engaging read. The plot is well handled and keeps your interest all throughout

3.5 Stars.

Gray Sykes is a private investigator who works for Rader Consulting - a firm that digs into people's pasts and, sometimes, creates new futures for them. Gray has a secret past of her own, one that includes several foster families and an abusive husband. Her first official case for Rader seems like a simple one - find a lost woman and the dog she stole from her ex-boyfriend. Gray is sure she can solve this within a couple of days and move onto a "real" case, but then the twists fly at her and she spirals into world she never imagined.

Gray is a wonderfully complicated, damaged, strong character. She made me want to tip this toward four stars. She's new at her job and it's written well. She's clumsy, doesn't always do or say the right things, and make messes for herself, but she's strong and smart and quick. You'll be rooting for her as she weaves her way through this crazy, gritty, and surprising thriller.

Though it is a great thriller, there were several things that bugged me about the book. In the beginning, the character descriptions are all outdated references (like a mother being compared to the Cosby Show mom, another to two dancers from the 30s) or stereotypes. I didn't enjoy this type of description. I don't need paragraphs on a person's looks but a simple rundown would be better than comparing them to people it's likely most readers won't recognize.

Another thing that nagged at me from the beginning was a transphobic exchange that was never properly addressed. I don't want to quote an advanced copy but the word "transgender" is used to describe a character that is not transgender. It's clearly meant as an insult. The event is mentioned more than once in the book but never in a way that felt like it was being addressed as a bad thing. The character doesn't seem pleased to have been described as transgender, but not for the right reasons. Transgender is not something that should be thrown around like an insult. This was not advertised as an LGBT+ book, and I'm not asking for it to be, but there's never a need for transphobia that is not clearly admonished, not in any genre.

It is often said that the ending can make or break a book. For me, this one definitely tipped it back toward 3 stars. I'm not a fan of loose ends, so the ending left me only somewhat satisfied. I should say that this book has two sides, two stories being told - one of the missing woman, one of Gray's past. The missing woman's story gets a powerhouse ending that had be shouting, "YES!" at my Kindle as it finally wrapped up. Gray's story, however, gets only a somewhat satisfying end that left me wanting more. That may just be my attachment to the characters, though. I was heavily invested in Gray Sykes.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was frustrating and complex, but it was a good mystery with good characters. You definitely hated who you were supposed to hate and loved who you were meant to love. I'd recommend it to lovers of intense, gritty thrillers, especially if you're looking for something that features strong black female main characters.

#AndNowShe'sGone #NetGalley
"Everyone lies. Everyone leaves something
out of the narrative...There were big secrets everywhere"
special thanks to NetGalley and forge books for providing me with ARC.
This is the first novel to me by Rachel but hell it's freaking amazing, i really really enjoyed it and loved it so much.

Loved, loved, loved this book!

Five big enthusiastic stars !

This author is definitely one to watch

And Now She’s Gone is another satisfying mystery by Rachel Howzell Hall. This fast-paced detective procedural quickly thrusts the reader into the action. The main character is Grayson Sykes (aka Gray), a newly minted private investigator at Rader Consulting, eager to fly solo on her first case. Her assignment? Find Isabel Lincoln and the dog. For two years, Gray worked as a contractor for Rader Consulting, writing reports and transcribing recordings. This new case gets her away from that drudgery. We ride along with Gray as she gets her sea legs as a detective. She shows a healthy dose of self confidence, bordering on arrogance, as she trades jabs with her frenemy-coworker Jennifer, who thinks Gray is not ready to handle a case on her own.

We’re rooting for Gray as well as chastising her for her rookie blunders; such as wearing a yellow linen pantsuit to a stake out, or not having a working pen to take notes with during her first meeting with the client and trying to memorize what is said! Then we laugh as she has to weather the same embarrassment with the very next lead she interviews later that day. With no working pen, she quickly opts to record her interview on her phone’s voice recorder, but we cringe for her yet again as her battery dies before the interview is over. These foibles make Gray very human, likable, and a sympathetic heroine that we root for. As the mystery unfolds and Grey chases leads and uncovers clues, we get a glimpse of her backstory and understand how the case triggers her own personal tragedy. She quickly finds her missing person, but is presented with a huge dilemma. Things are not so simple when your client is the bad guy. Or is he?

Ms. Howzell Hall has successfully created another thrilling page turner in And Now She’s Gone. It has all the elements of a fun ride. While we try to figure out the mystery, we are entertained with snappy dialog, likable vividly drawn characters, swift plotting, numerous red herrings and a twist you won’t see coming.

And Now She’s Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall is a suspenseful thriller with an engaging plot. Did Isabel leave willingly or did something sinister happen to her? Private Investigator Grayson Sykes is on the case and given her troubled past, she is going to find Isabel. This is an excellent book with many twists and turns. Definitely recommend!

The way this story was told was very unique. This book starts off slow and simple, but as you get more into it, you realize how much is going on. It is very detailed and intricate with a lot of twists and turns.

Grayson Sykes is a private detective tasked with an unusual case. I found Gray's story more interesting than the case itself, and I appreciated how it touched on issues of race and gender as well.

How do you find a woman who doesn’t want to be found?

Shortest Summary Ever: Private Investigator Grayson Sykes is on her first case - finding a woman named Isabel Lincoln. The problem is Isabel may not be missing, she might be in hiding, and Grayson isn’t sure how she feels about that.

Thoughts: What I liked is the unique plot. Most missing person books it’s always so clear cut - help, our daughter/sister/wife is missing and a PI or cop comes in to find nefarious people doing sketchy things, finding the missing person - over, yay! In this case, the odd twist is that Isabel might not be lost... or maybe she is... Any more would be a spoiler. That suspense is done extremely well and made the book move quickly - a taut pace with quick page-turns. I found myself thinking about the book - it was unpredictable and that’s rare for me. Reading mysteries like I do I tend to find similar foreshadowing that reveals too much too soon, but not this book.

But a pet peeve of mine reared its head - weak female protagonist who does foolish, uneducated actions, has to be rescued by wealthy handsome man. I’m so OVER this trope. This book would have been so much better had Grayson been a stronger woman and not (literally) a bumbling nonprofessional. It’s a personal thing, so it might not bother other readers as it does me.

All my reviews available at scrappymags.com

Genre: Mystery/Domestic Thriller

Recommend to: If the “damsel in distress” archetype doesn’t bother you, you’re going to love this book - it’s well-written and fast-paced.

Not recommended to: If you’re like me and SO over the protagonist who has to rely on a wealthy man to save her. You’ll roll your eyes a bit.

Thank you to the author, Forge Books, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my always-honest review.

This book really intrigued me. The timelines got me somewhat mixed up at the beginnings of chapters but I quickly got caught up so that wasn't too bad. I loved the fact that the main character was a black woman, and I found myself rooting for her all along the way. I would definitely read another book by this author, especially another Grayson Sykes story. I did find myself wondering how all the plotlines were going to resolve in the last 5% of the book, and I will echo those that say it all felt a bit rushed, but it doesn't deter me from recommending it to others. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the advanced copy.

Wow. This one kept me guessing. It gripped me from the offset and I couldn’t put it down. It was so twisty and so well written. I can’t praise this book enough, I’ll definitely be recommending it to everyone I know. I don’t want to say too much about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away and spoil it for the next reader so all I will say is read it. It’s one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read this year and is my favourite book of the year so far.

I really hope the author does more because it was so good, I would definitely read more books in this series. I’ll definitely be looking into her other books and giving those ago as well.