Luca and Merritt are living their best life. They have a small daughter with another baby on it's way. Their restaurants might not be doing that well but that is in no way creating a problem in their lives. It's the regular ups and downs which a family goes through.
Until the unthinkable happens...
One night there is a knock at their door. Merrit is alone with her kid since Luka is out of town, away on business.

Merrit opens the door and is shocked what who is standing at the door. This stranger introduces herself as Luka's first wife, Lydia. That itself would not have been an issue but Luka's first wife was dead! She went missing while hiking and it's been 10 years since the incident.

And that's when the twists and turns start. I don't want to reveal more but trust me when I say you will be turning the pages quickly to know how the story pans out.
This is a well-paced, quick and twisty book which engages you from the start.

The rating for this book is 4.5 and I'm rounding it up to 5.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. There were two twists that were so delicious that I nearly threw my Kindle across the room (but didn't, because I didn't want to wake up my household at the ungodly hours of morning that I spent racing to get to the end).

Lydia has been missing for nearly a decade when she knocks on her husband Luca's door. When they'd had their whirlwind romance, they were two broke twenty-somethings living on a prayer and barely making ends meat. Now, he has what appear to be a successful string of restaurants, a gorgeous wife, a house fit for Architectural Digest, a toddler, and another baby on the way. It's hard for Lydia not to bristle at his success. After all, he's peddling thirty dollar salads to the local elite while she's only been given just enough food to keep her alive and miserable.

With Lydia showing up bruised and emaciated after being presumed dead, Luca's in for the shock of his life. He's moved on, but it's clear to both Luca and his new wife that Lydia doesn't intend on going anywhere. What are they to do?

Giving this book an enthusiastic five stars. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Thomas and Mercer for the early access copy.

Unmissing is officially my very first Minka Kent novel and I am already completely sold on her. I feel like there is so much to this plot that I could easily give away, so I am going to keep things as brief as possible. This book was unputdownable from the very first page and had quite a few twists and turns, none of which I saw coming. I saw a lot of people gushing over how good it was and I am definitely in the same camp as well as being really excited about the fact Kent has a decent-sized backlist. Her writing immediately drew me in, and I loved the viewpoint changes between Lydia and Merritt. The majority of the characters aren't very likable (including Lydia and Merritt), but this wasn't a problem for me, and it actually made things really interesting. There are a lot of choices made that wouldn't be mine, but then we wouldn't have had the book we did.

I would also recommend the audiobook which is narrated by Carly Robins and Jane Oppenheimer. I really enjoyed listening to both of them, and I was a fan of both of their voices. Robins has a slight lisp that I thought fit very well with Lydia's character and made her seem a bit younger. You are definitely going to have to suspend some disbelief if you want to read Unmissing, but it is quite a ride and I loved just letting Kent take me away on it. I listened to the whole book in just an afternoon and I'm sure it would be just as quick reading it. I thought Kent's writing was very seamless and natural, and she certainly knows how to hook and bait the reader! I loved every second of this one and will be looking forward to reading more of this author.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My first Minka Kent book. It certainly won't be the last.

This book pulled me in from the very start and held me captive all the way through. All the twists and turns. All the surprises along the way. It does contain some talk about being raped and horribly abused but doesn't go into any detail so that should make it a safe one. It did for me...

One quote that I really liked in this story:
I was simply missing, and now I'm unmissing...

The main characters in this book are: Lydia, Merritt, Luca and Delphine.
Lydia was married to Luca for just three short months. One day she went for a hike and simply disappeared. Just vanished into thin air. She was presumed dead and after a couple of years was considered legally dead. But she was not dead. She was very much alive. And she came back to get her life back. What she finds after nine years gone is her husband has remarried. His second wife, Delphine, is pregnant with their second child.

When Delphine opens the door and sees Lydia standing there she doesn't know what to think. She is very afraid for herself and her children. She's not totally sure it's really Lydia. Possibly a drug addict of someone from the commune who could hurt them. Even when Lydia tells her who she is Delphine is not convinced. How could she be alive after all that time. And if she was alive where had she been. Why is she just now coming back...

Luca is the husband of both Lydia and Merritt. He's away when Lydia first comes back so is very surprised when he comes in and she's there. He has worked hard to build his business and make a life for his wife and children. He doesn't know what to think of Lydia's sudden appearance. Where has she been and why now. Why after nine years is she suddenly here. He loves his life and his family. Nothing has prepared him for this.

Delphine has a business in town and helps Lydia out when she applies for a job. She gives her a place to live until she can get on her feet. She's a wonderful woman who you will really like a lot.
I liked all the characters to a point. I found Merritt to be a bit petty and brash in ways. Too hung up on trying to impress Lydia. Luca was a jerk and a bit self centered. At least for a while. I didn't really like either him or Merritt but they do play a very important role in this book.

This book is told from Lydia and Merritt's POVs. Each telling a story that is unbelievable. A story that will have you on the edge. Have you feeling sorry for each of them. They both have a lot to lose and a lot to gain. Lydia doesn't know that Luca and Merritt are in a bind where money is concerned. She only wants something to help her start over. Build a life for herself. After all she has been through she definitely deserves that.

I found this story to be very good. A page turner. There was so many twists that I never guessed who did what to whom. I didn't figure out who the kidnapper was nor what actually happened that day. It was good to read one that gave me so many surprises.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MinkaKent, #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 stars and a very high recommendation. Grab this one and get lost in the story of what happened to Lydia... It's very good.

Hands down, the BEST psychological thriller I’ve ever read. Ever.

“There’s nothing natural about marrying a widower, having his children, spending years crafting our dream life - and then answering the door to his dead wife.”

You read that correctly. What would you do if you were in Merritt Coletto’s place? She’s been married to Luca for almost a decade, has a young daughter and is 8 months pregnant. She wants for nothing. Hard work - teamwork - has got both of them their social status. Would you open the door to Lydia, a woman who was declared dead 10 years ago? Risk it all by opening the door? Did I mention she was dishevelled, unclean, had holes in her shoes, and was wearing clothes several sizes too small?

I can’t share any more without spoiling it for you. You absolutely have to get this book and read it to find out what happens next.

I’d never heard of this author before, but when a trusted Instagram friend posted it and suggested I should read it, I followed through on her suggestion. I’ve never read a book with such a clever plot and masterfully orchestrated twists. The prologue hooked me and nothing on my to-do list topped finishing this book.

Minka Kent has zipped right to the top of my trusted psychological thriller authors. Check the trigger warnings for this book prior to reading.

I was gifted this copy by Minka Kent, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Merritt Coletto is a happily married mom expecting her second child anyday when her husband dead ex wife appears at her doorstep very much alive.
Lydia Coletto disappeared some 10 years prior and was declared dead so what is she doing at Merritts home looking for her husband Luca.
This story is a cat and mouse style thriller. To be completely honest, I figured out the twist fairly early on but that’s only because I’ve read so many books similar. If you’re new to the thriller genre or someone who doesn’t read as much, I think you would enjoy it more.
This was an easy read, short chapters, and had two alternating narrators, Merritt, wife 2 and Lydia, wife 1.
I enjoyed the story but it left something left to be desired. I wanted more meat and substance to this story. I needed that Wham- Bam effect and it was flat at the end.
Also, so much was left out or barely skimmed over as to why the characters were the way they were. Sociopaths aren’t just sociopaths for no reason. I wanted to understand the back story of these three characters more.
While this was my first Minka Kent novel, and it was just okay for me, I would like to read some of her other ones. She has the twisty thriller thing going on which I enjoy!

TRIGGERS: kidnapping, confinement, rape, murder (not detailed

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Minka Kent for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Review of Unmissing by Minka Kent

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Okay this book blew my mind. I read it in just a touch over a day. And it was a busy day yet I read it. We had a buddy read discussion with #theyearofnetgalley crew and everyone seemed to be in agreement they they loved this one. I did not see all of those crazy twists coming at all! I literally was totally invested from the first page. It drew me right in and there wasn’t a dull moment the entire book. I’ve never read any books by this one certainly will not be my last.

Quick synopsis: Lydia is a young newlywed out for a hike one day when she is kidnapped. Her husband Luca eventually has her declared dead and remarries. He has a toddler with his wife who is expecting their second child. One night while Luca is out of town on business his wife open to door to find Lydia standing in the porch nine years after she disappeared. I won’t say more to keep this totally spoiler free.

This is a must read for all thriller lovers. A big thank you to @netgalley for the advance copy.

This is the first book by this author I've read..First wife coming back after everyone thought she was died really sounded interesting to me..Something new I haven't read before and how the husband and new wife would react.It didn't disappoint me..I read this book before it came out and forgot to write my review but that doesn't mean I didn't like it..I just needed time to think about my review.. So if this intrigues you please read it you won't be disappointed.

I absolutely loved this book. It starts out with the reader thinking that Lydia managed to escape her captor and returns back to claim the life she could have had. But then there are epic twists to the story that you won't see coming at all.
I've read other books by this author as well, and am never disappointed with her stories. This one is definitely worth 5 stars and it was a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reading copy, I loved this book.

3.5 rounded to 4 for goodreads!

TRIGGERS: kidnapping, confinement, rape, murder (not detailed)

When I read the synopsis briefly on goodreads, I was pretty intrigued... newlywed goes missing, 10 years later, becomes UNMISSING, only to find her husband has a new wife and family. What is she willing to do to get her husband back? sounds great right?? Partially...there were bits and pieces that I liked, and than other things I didn't.

What I liked: Quick chapters, alternating POV between old wife, Lydia and new wife, Merritt. All told in present day. The pacing of this book was quick!! I read it so fast, I didn't even realize it was almost over, which was great. Characters were all unreliable, which is great for a thriller.

What I didn't like: I loved the idea and the twist was GREAT... however, after that it just fell kinda flat. I was hoping for more of a BAM, TAKE THAT, ending and it didn't happen. Also, I didn't like how loosely the author allowed Lydia to describe her "rape" and torture as if it were just a trip to the grocery store. it was not detailed by any means, but it just made me feel gross reading it, and its not a trigger for me.

Overall, a quick thriller. Would probably be great for new readers of thrillers since its not so graphic and its kinda light. I just wish the ending packed more punch and left me like more speechless, instead of bored. I will definitely try Minka Kent again, because it was a quick read and maybe the other ones are more thrilling.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Minka Kent for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Knock, Knock! ✊

Luca and Merritt are living their best life that feels very close to perfect…. Until Merritt answers the door-bell one night. Standing before him is a woman…a woman claiming to be Luca’s first wife. But that’s impossible! His first wife Lydia is dead!

Ooh, what a twisty one this was! You’ll think you have this one figured out. You may think you know the direction the author is headed. Not even close! Be prepared to be taken on a slippery, thrill ride filled with one shock after another! I’m keeping this brief to avoid any spoilers.

Mina Kent is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Luckily I have a few more of her older books on my shelf to keep me busy until her next release!

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas &Mercer

Huge fan of Minka Kent over here and I was so thrilled for the opportunity to read her latest, Unmissing, This story was thrilling, fast-paced, and with a dark twist I did not see coming. A great read for any who love psychological thrillers! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Merritt and Luca are a golden couple. They have a new family and many, many restaurants in their Oregon haven a small child and a baby on the way. They seem perfect and perfectly happy. This will all change as Luca's missing first wife (of 9 years ago) knocks at their door.

Lydia, it seems, truly is his missing wife. But what happened to her? And why doesn't her story make sense? Thus begins a cat and mouse game between Luca and Merritt and the newly found Lydia. Merritt will do whatever it takes to protect her family and the life they have built. But maybe she doesn't know who she is up against...

Unmissing is a twisty thriller with lots of great descriptions and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2/3rds of the book. I think the ending could have used a rework, but still enjoyed having everything tied up at the end. If you like twisty domestic thrillers this will not disappoint! #NetGalley #Unmissing

I freaking love Minka Kent! She’s brilliant and her writing is always on point. I really enjoyed reading this book.

This book follows Lydia she went missing for 9 years. She back now on the doorstep of her husband and his new wife. Everyone thought she was dead but here she alive. What does she want? What happened to her all those years ago?


This is a great fast paced thriller and it’s written in a way that you aren’t really sure who to cheer for. There are no logical adults in this story, but if there were this would be a novella. The twists and turns are great and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

10/10 would recommend.

Unmissing is told from the perspectives of Luca Coletto's two wives: Lydia and Merritt. Two wives? Is Luca a bigamist? Nope. His first wife Lydia went missing nine years ago and was declared dead; so needless to say when she shows back up on his doorstep very much alive, everyone is shocked and there are plenty of questions that need answering. Who kidnapped Lydia all those years ago and how did she escape?

With a second child on the way and the "new" Coletto's restaurant empire going down the drain, the timing of Lydia's miraculous return could not be worse. Merritt is immediately suspicious wondering why Lydia has returned to them instead of going straight to the police after being held captive by a sociopath all these years. Does Lydia want to win back Luca?

Most of the chapters were short which kept the pacing fast and had me flipping pages quickly in order to find out just what the heck was going on. I found myself rooting for Lydia, then Merritt, then Lydia again which was fun and a testament to the author's ability to tell a good story. The twists were well done and I didn't see them coming. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but I was fine with that because at least it still provided closure. This was my first @minkakentauthor book and it won't be my last.

Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of Unmissing for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Ah, this was a twisty, dark tale that spins round and round. I was fairly entertained through the whole book and could easily visualize this one becoming a movie. I can't say too much, it will give it all away. If you like reading about totally crazy people that you are very happy are not in your life whatsoever, enjoy! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an early release copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Unmissing is now available.

This book was quite the ride. Lydia Coletto had a whirlwind romance with her new husband, Luca. And then something terrible and unexpected happens. Lydia goes missing. Almost ten years later, Lydia shows up at Luca’s front door, only, he’s not the one that opens it. His very pregnant wife, Merritt, opens the door. She wants to take back what was stolen from her. The story that unfolds is one of grief, jealousy, betrayal, madness, greed, love and survival. To be honest, I spent much of the story going back and forth on whether I liked or hated Lydia and Merritt. Minka Kent weaves a suspenseful tale that will keep you wondering where the next twist will take you. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be the last.

I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

What did I just read? Unmissing by Minka Kent has a storyline that packs many punches. There are three main characters : Luca Coletto, a restaurant owner and developer; Merritt Coletto, Luca’s pregnant wife; and Lydia Coletto, Luca’s first wife, who disappeared without a trace ten years ago and was presumed dead and officially declared as such. Life is fairly good for Luca and Merritt, when out of nowhere appears Lydia, wife number one who had been kidnapped and tortured for years. And that is as far as I can go with this. The rest is up to the readers. No matter how much I attempted to guess how this mystery would unfold, I was always wrong. Unmissing’s plot is so original and well-developed that the book takes the reader on quite a ride. Who kidnapped Lydia? Why did she not go to the police when she escaped her captor? Which wife will Luca chose over the other? Why does Merritt want to befriend Lydia? I have thoroughly enjoyed Unmissing and I would not hesitate to read more books written by Minka Kent. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Minka Kent - 4.5 stars for one of the twisty books you'll read!

Merritt and Luca are living a charmed life - on the surface. After the disappearance and presumed death of his first wife, Lydia, ten years ago, Luca met and married Merritt, they have a daughter and a son on the way, along with a chain of successful restaurants. Except the restaurants aren't doing so well now and Luca is out of town trying to sell franchises. Merritt is shocked when she answers the door in the evening and discovers Lydia standing there. Merritt and Luca do their best to help Lydia but all is definitely not what it seems.

This is a fast read, made more so by the fact that you will be racing through all the twists and turns to figure out what will happen. Told in short chapters alternating POV between Merritt and Luca, this was the perfect book to lose myself in. I love Kent's writing and have been a fan of her other books - don't miss this one either!

Happy Publication Day to Unmissing by Minka Kent!
Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was the first book I read by the author and it was such a great one!
Unmissing is a gripping psycological thriller with a genious plot. I kept turning pages trying to get my head round what was happening and who could be trusted.
It's a character driven story which will throw you off balance several times.

Synopsis:

What happend to Lydia is nothing short of a nightmare. She's been abducted in broad daylight while taking a short hike in a desolate piece of forest close to home.
For the next 10 years she's been kept hostage under terrible circumstances.
When she finally manages to escape her captor, who she refer's to as "the monster", she only has one goal in mind. To get her life back and return to her husband in their home town Bent Creek.

Unfortunately the welcome Lydia gets from her husband Luca and his new wife Merritt is not what she hoped for...

Merritt does not know what to think of the unkept ghostlike woman she finds on her doorstep claiming to be her husband's dead wife.
Shocked an afraid Merritt asks Lydia to leave and closes the door on her.
Merit has enough on her plate as it is being heavily pregnant with her second child and her husband out of town in an attempt to sell their failing chain of restaurants.
All Merit knows for sure is that she will do anything to protect her family and the cushy lifestyle they worked so hard for.

Don't want to give away too much but trust me you want to read this!
Highly recommend this expertly crafted psycological thriller!

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