When I read the back cover for this book, I was excited to start reading. The summary sounds like the kind of book I love. However, it didn’t live up to my expectations.

The plot was quite easy to figure out from early in the story. There were no edge-of-the-seat moments that make psychological thrillers jump off the page. And I didn’t like the different points of view and jumping around from different times. Personally, I would have liked it much more if the only voices were Laurel’s and Noelle’s. Also, if Laurel’s had been in the first person. I didn’t care for the omniscient present tense narration. It read as though a passive voice ran through it.

In addition, I didn’t really feel I got to know any of the characters well. Laurel and Ellie could have tugged at my heartstrings, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I also never felt the danger I believe I was meant to feel around Floyd. I think Noelle was probably my favourite character. She came across as suitably weird.

Despite all of this, I thought the book got better as I read through. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I enjoyed it, but, by the end, I didn’t not like it. It was an easy, quick read, and I read to the end because I wanted to see how everything would be uncovered. That said, there was no big, dangerous scene. Not even one!

Overall, okay. Readable.

A beach read. It’s quick and easy, and it doesn’t tax your brain too much.

The lack of suspense, the lack of danger. Honestly, I got bored while reading it. I didn’t like the writer’s style.

Disappointed.

Never read her before. I am interested to know whether this book is typical of her style, or if I would enjoy her other books more.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Then She Was Gone   from Amazon.Com!

Created Sep 21, 2019 at 10:18am • Submit your own review...