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A Psychological Thriller Worth Reading by Lisa Jewel
- Sydney Denise
- Jul 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2024
The Summary
Laurel Mack’s world was shattered the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left home to study at the library and never came back. As the days turned into years, she found herself drifting away from her other children, Hanna and Jake, and her marriage to Paul ended in divorce. A decade later, when Ellie’s remains and her backpack are discovered, the mystery of her disappearance remains unsolved. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming man she encounters in a cafe, and they begin a relationship. However, when she meets Floyd’s young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is struck by how much Poppy resembles Ellie. Determined to uncover the truth about Ellie’s fate, Laurel delves deeper, uncovering a strange link between Poppy’s mother and her own daughter. As Laurel’s relationship with Floyd deepens, Jewell’s latest thriller, filled with gripping twists and turns, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story unfolds in three parts, alternating between the past and present, giving voice to different narrators, including Poppy’s mother and Floyd. This narrative structure not only builds tension but also adds layers of complexity to the plot, making the emotional journey all the more intense. Jewell masterfully navigates through these complex storylines, creating a suspenseful and deeply affecting tale that will connect with readers.
The Review
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Ellie Mack's story is quite sad, and I found myself wishing she had been able to escape her fate. One aspect I grew tired of was having Laurel Mack (Ellie's mother) as the sole narrator. It would have been more engaging to see Lisa Jewell explore the perspectives of the entire Mack family since Ellie's disappearance affected everyone. I understand that Jewell might have focused on the mother's point of view because of Laurel's struggle to move on with her life. Another narration, which appeared halfway through the book, was from Ellie's tutor, Noelle Donnelly. I thought her character was creatively crafted, complete with her flaws, desires, and wants. I appreciated that we got a backstory on the villain, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, the story was amazing. I enjoyed the mystery journey it took me on and twists that the author threw in there to make sure I was still locked in. I highly recommend this book for all my thriller book lovers. Also, the Audible narrator for this story is amazing as well. Get into this book sis!
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