Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

When She’s Gone by Rea Frey is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that delves into the haunting aftermath of a kidnapping and the relentless pursuit of truth. Frey, known for her ability to weave suspense with deep emotional resonance, delivers a story that is heart-wrenching and unputdownable.

The novel centers around Cora Valentine, a young gymnast with Olympic dreams, whose life takes a dark turn when she is kidnapped on Halloween. The narrative spans three decades, exploring the long-lasting impact of this traumatic event on Cora and her family. Years later, when Cora’s own daughter disappears under eerily similar circumstances, she is forced to confront her past and unravel the mystery that has haunted her for years.

Frey’s writing is evocative and compelling, capturing the raw emotions of her characters with precision. The dual timelines are expertly handled, allowing readers to see the immediate aftermath of Cora’s kidnapping and the present-day investigation into her daughter’s disappearance. This structure adds depth to the story, highlighting the enduring effects of trauma and the complexities of memory.

One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. Cora’s determination to protect her daughter and uncover the truth is palpable, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum. Frey skillfully portrays the psychological toll of the kidnapping on Cora, making her a deeply sympathetic and relatable protagonist.

The suspense in When She’s Gone is masterfully maintained, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Frey balances the tension with moments of introspection and emotional depth, creating a well-rounded and satisfying thriller. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding layers to the story and enhancing the overall sense of mystery.

When She’s Gone is a standout thriller that combines psychological depth with a fast-paced plot. Rea Frey’s ability to create complex characters and maintain suspense makes this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. It’s a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

3.5 stars. This was a run of the mill thriller. There was a lot going on, but not a lot about the plot was believable.

This one hurts! More so towards the end.

Cora Valentine’s life is a cautionary tale for the girls not to get kidnapped. She was one of the most promising gymnasts who would have surely get into the Olympics. However, the unexpected happened. She got rescued and years later her little daughter gets kidnapped. She knows for sure the person who’s behind this knows her history pretty well.

This is one such easy thrilling fast paced read which will keep you on your toes!

I like how the writing never made me feel like the book could have been written with lesser words. The length is perfect for the story.

The twist towards the end will make you believe there’s no one you can actually trust anymore. God, it hurts reading the ending.

I would say for the primary thriller readers, unlike me, would guess the twist. But they will enjoy how short and interesting the writing is.

A good one and I will recommend the book to the thriller beginners and occasional readers.

Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the ARC.