"College Girl, Missing" explores the story and history behind the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a college student who disappeared after a night of partying with friends back in 2011. I was new to the story, and was engaged with Shawn Cohen's narration of the events. Upon further review after the book, many of the details and events are not new, but it was still an engaging read. A quick read for fans of true crime.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Lauren Spierer, a student at Indiana University, went missing after a night out with friends in 2011. The author, who covered her disappearance when it happened, returns to the still-unsolved case years later, hoping to come up with new information. Cohen also touches on broader themes such as the media’s obsession with missing white women, and what it’s like to see your life reduced to headlines. (Something he learned first-hand when he became embroiled in a NY journalism contretemps.)

The most affecting part of the book may be the reflections of Lauren’s friends — now well into adulthood — on what they wish they’d done differently and how they feel they failed her.

The book might have benefited from a timeline and a cast of characters. The night Lauren disappeared involved multiple friends, multiple locations, conflicting stories and missed phone calls.

Oh, oh, this one is good! I was enthralled with the story. The book was written very well. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow what an absolute gripping book. I got instant chills. This book was so well written & captivated me from the start. Highly recommended and I need a physical copy of this asap!

"College Girl, Missing" is a thrilling and thought-provoking true crime story about a missing girl from Indiana University, where Spierer studied. Cohen does a brilliant job of relating what happened when Lauren Spierer vanished, painting a detailed picture of the case that kept the nation on its toes.

This book differs from other true crime stories in terms of how it addresses the events that followed the disappearance of Lauren. Subsequently, the author sheds light on innocent people abandoned by such cases. Using new evidence, testimonies, and interviews, the author makes the reader doubt the initial finding and suspect a cover-up.

The story moves at a good pace such that the readers never feel bored. Cohen has accumulated a large amount of facts, detailing every step leading to Lauren's disappearance and the police investigation that followed. As they watch witness accounts and clips from security cameras, the audience wonders how a high-profile case can run to a dead end.

Cohen's writing style is simple and precise, rendering the complex details of the case understandable to the readers. The book amiably lies between telling the truth and letting the readers conclude. Thus, Cohen does not engage in sensationalism but presents a complete picture of the events, which the reader can interpret.

The one area that could have been investigated further was an analysis of the possible motives and role of the wealthy, well-connected male students who were in the presence of Lauren on the night she disappeared. While the book suggests a conspiracy, it fails to provide hard evidence or rival hypotheses. Yet, the general effect of the story remains.

In conclusion, in "College Girl, Missing," Cohen demonstrates careful research and gives us a comprehensive picture of the investigation that leaves us with many unanswered questions about the Spierer case. This book is an eye-opener and a must-read for true crime fans and people interested in the intricacies of criminal investigations.

I want to thank SOURCEBOOKS (non-fiction), and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

"College Girl, Missing" is a riveting true crime account that delves into the mysterious disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a young woman at a crucial juncture in her life. Cohen skillfully navigates through the intricacies of a case that captured global attention, drawing in celebrities and major news outlets.

Set against the backdrop of Indiana University, the narrative unfolds with Lauren vanishing in plain sight during a night out with dozens of classmates in an active university town. The perplexity of her disappearance lies in the fact that she was seen by witnesses and captured on security cameras, eventually ending up in a townhouse with well-connected male students. Despite the media attention, the police case went cold, and Lauren's body was never recovered.

Cohen presents readers with a suspenseful exploration, armed with never-before-seen evidence that exposes a cover-up, a flawed investigation, conflicting testimony, and new interviews. The author skillfully guides us through a minute-by-minute recap of the last hours of Lauren's life, leading to the pivotal question: What happened to Lauren Spierer?

What sets "College Girl, Missing" apart is Cohen's dedication to shedding light on the often overlooked aspect of true crime—the innocent and forgotten. With the full cooperation of Lauren's parents, the narrative builds tension and intrigue as it exposes the heart-wrenching aftermath of a tragedy. This book is a compelling and emotionally charged journey that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, seeking answers to a haunting question that lingers long after the final page is turned. As a true crime documentary producer, I could see this as an ID or Netflix limited series or feature documentary.