I just finished this book… and wow. I don’t think I’m okay—but in that exact way you hope a book will wreck you a little.

Isabella’s Not Dead is one of those rare reads that sneaks up on you. It starts with this thread of mystery and emotional tension, then slowly, brilliantly unravels into something so much deeper. It's about grief, identity, memory… and the power of the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Beth Morrey has this quiet, lyrical way of writing that feels like she’s pulling your soul out through the page—softly, but with purpose. The characters? Fully realized, beautifully flawed, and achingly human. I found myself rooting for them, mourning with them, questioning everything alongside them.

It’s not just a story. It’s an experience. You feel it in your bones. And that ending? It lands like a whisper and a scream all at once. I’m still holding my breath.

If you’re looking for something poignant, smart, a little eerie, and utterly unforgettable—read this. Let it sit with you. Let it change you.

3.5 rounded up

THIS WAS SO FUN! Beautiful writing, hints of mystery, touches of drama, and excellent pacing. I love a woman-centric story. Some parts were predictable, but I did not mind them so much. I related to the pangs of trying to reconnect with lost friends and thoroughly enjoyed the realistic depiction of how hard it can be!

I really wanted to love this because the premise sounded right up my alley. However, this was a bit boring. Nothing really happens in this book, it's just all linear with no turns or shocks or any sort of emotion beyond mundane.

I had to DNF this around 20%. It didn’t grab my attention and just wasn’t the book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I always look forward to getting lost in Beth Morrey’s novels! Her latest book, “Isabella’s Not Dead,” is extremely original and will resonate with countless women in their 40s and 50s. Whether navigating the complexities of motherhood, balancing a marriage, or embracing life as a single woman, the characters in this book poignantly reflect the myriad expectations and challenges women face today.

The timeless adage that “everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind” reverberates throughout the novel, offering readers a gentle reminder of the silent struggles we all endure. It prompted me to reflect on the cherished friendships that sprouted during my teenage years and how they have transformed over the decades, shaped by life’s experiences. I love when a novel sparks self-reflection, and “Isabella’s Not Dead” does just that! As always, I look forward to reading Beth Morrey’s next book!

When Gwen's old school field hockey team gets together for a reunion, it reinforces that her best friend, Isabella, has been missing from her life for over a decade. When the women get out a Ouija board and it says messages are coming from Isabella, Gwen becomes determined to find out what happened to her old friend, and why she suddenly cut off all communication and disappeared. Now in their 50s, the women have all gone their separate ways but have kept in touch -- all except for Isabella. Gwen has recently been let go from her high paying job and has taken up selling some re-worked furniture online. Her three sons are nearly grown and so have lives of their own, while her husband has started an improbably popular podcast. That leaves Gwen with plenty of time on her hands to try to track down Isabella. She tracks down Isabella's parents, former employers, old boyfriends, and even former neighbors, who all seem rather guarded when it comes to discussing Isabella. Gwen leaves no stone unturned, even consulting people she believes have contacts in the government to see if Isabella might have gone undercover due to working as a spy.

While Gwen's search for Isabella is exhaustive, not much seems to happen in the book. There are no big twists or shocks and the book just goes on and on. We do eventually find out why Isabella when quiet, but even that is a bit of a letdown after wading through so much . . . nothing to get there. It was like reading a not-very-interesting diary of someone who had a hobby you didn't really care about.