Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

4.63 out of 5
(40 customer reviews)

$29.97

“Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell is an exciting psychological thriller. It’s about a mom, Laurel, who is looking for her missing teenage daughter. While she tries to find her daughter, some hidden secrets and surprising turns in the story come up, and they eventually lead to a shocking discovery. The book deals with topics like losing someone, love, and how the past can have a lasting effect on our lives.

Book Summary

Ten years ago, Laurel Mack’s world fell apart when her daughter, Ellie, vanished. Her marriage to Paul ended, and her relationship with her other children, Jake and Hanna, suffered. Laurel struggled to find meaning in her life. When Ellie’s partial remains were found, Laurel hoped for closure but instead found a new mystery.

Meeting Floyd Dunn brought happiness and hope back into Laurel’s life. However, when she met Floyd’s daughter, Poppy, she noticed eerie similarities to Ellie. As her relationship with Floyd deepened, Laurel began to heal old wounds. She sought forgiveness from her ex-husband, reconnected with her family, and started finding joy in everyday activities.

During this healing journey, Laurel uncovered strange connections. Poppy’s mother, Noelle, had disappeared years ago and had been Ellie’s tutor before her disappearance. Laurel also found unsettling clues at Noelle’s house, including a strange basement full of hamster cages. Suspicion began to grow about Floyd and Poppy’s behavior, as Laurel noticed oddities in their actions and lies.

Meanwhile, through flashbacks, Noelle’s obsession with Floyd and her desperation to keep him were revealed. Noelle believed Ellie could solve her relationship problems and resorted to drastic measures. She drugged Ellie, kept her captive, impregnated her with a donor’s sperm, and abandoned her to die in the basement.

As the story returned to the present, on Christmas day, Laurel confronted Floyd and watched his taped confession. He admitted to killing Noelle and entrusted Poppy to Laurel before taking his own life. Despite the traumatic revelations about Ellie’s disappearance, Laurel found new purpose in her life. She rebuilt close relationships with her family, especially Hanna, and embraced her role as Poppy’s grandmother. Uncovering the past’s dark secrets led Laurel on a path of healing and redemption.

Specifications

ISBN: 1501154656
EAN13: 9781501154652
Language: English
Release Date: Nov 6, 2018
Pages: 384
Dimensions: 0.7″ H x 8.25″ L x 5.31″ W
Weight: 0.63 lbs.
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Atria Books

40 reviews for Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

  1. Vivienne Atukunda
    3 out of 5
    The story began as a decent mystery but charged into a very predicable story. The "big" twist was obvious for 150 pages.
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    Electa Walter
    4 out of 5
    Ellie Mack is the light in every room she walks into. Noelle sees that all too well. This story was really good. I knew what was going to happen long before it did. Oddly, this did not spoil it for me.
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    Briana Lindgren
    5 out of 5
    I loved the story itself, the characters were exceptionally developed, and the ending was gratifying. I especially loved how there was a definitive mood shift in the writing once all was known towards the boyfriend. I do wish it wasn't so predictable. One I was 2/3 through the book, I knew the ending. I also wish there was more of a climax with how the mom finds out the truth. He writes a letter spilling his guts then leaves? I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.
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    Nawab Palan
    5 out of 5
    New book and looks exactly as shown. Bought as a Christmas gift.
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    Jasper Kisitu
    5 out of 5
    So far the book takes twists that you do not expect.
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    Sam Nayebare
    5 out of 5
    The story has many twists and turns that keeps you interested from page one. Great story!
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    Faith Ellis
    5 out of 5
    The psychological thriller did not disappoint.I felt like I had the book figured out early but there were enough twists and nuances that kept it interesting!Quick read in two days :)
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    Vaishali Manne
    5 out of 5
    Tightly plotted with twists and turns that caught me off guard time and again. I couldn't put it down. Excellent.
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    Evie Palmer
    2 out of 5
    Overall, this is a quick and easy read. The plot is extremely predictable and you learn the culprit pretty quickly. It is not by any means a deep plot. It is a shallow story that doesn't require much of a delve into the clue work strung about the chapters. It also doesn't make as much sense as other novels of the genre. The characters really didn't behave like normal people when the crime was revealed. Unlike many similar books, the human aspect is low and more horror movie than criminal mystery. I would rebrand this theming as a shock/horror instead of mystery/thriller. All the same, the book will keep you engaged enough to finish the story.
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    Nichole Biyinzika
    5 out of 5
    This is a riveting thriller. I could not put it down. There are twists and turns that you never see coming and through it all, you become deeply involved with the characters. I recommend this book highly.
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    Nonkululeko Mtshali
    5 out of 5
    This book was excellent. First 100 pages I didn't think the story was any good, but then it got really good. Hard to put down. Good good book
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    Stanford Volkman
    5 out of 5
    I couldn't put this book down !!!! Great read !!!I will now be purchasing more books from this author. Read it on a Sunday afternoon. 5 star review
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    Keyshawn Kiehn
    5 out of 5
    I listen to this book it was written, so phenomenal the author from the beginning of the book, get you spellbound and it's sad and shocking I did not want this book to end great reading, and I am glad I found this author because I will be reading or listening to more of his books
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    Patrick Simpson
    5 out of 5
    It took me a few detective get through this one but it was worth the read. An emotional roller coaster and the end left me sad
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    Chiamaka Ismail
    4 out of 5
    Very good read. Look the suspense and the twist. Will be checking out other titles by this author. Check it out
    Helpful? 0 0
    Selina Casper
    4 out of 5
    It couldn't have happened. However, I did enjoy the book.
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    Felton Schmitt
    5 out of 5
    This book was so good. This is my first book reading from Lisa and she has thoroughly impressed me and persuaded me to check out her other books. The description and imagery she paints in your head is absolutely impeccable and the twists on twists in this book really keeps you wanting more. This deserves no less than 5 stars. Props to Lisa for such a good book.
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    Martin Anderson
    5 out of 5
    I basically read this book in one sitting. I could not stop! An incredible twisty turn book! I love that it was a wrapped up book but also left me wanting more.
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    Mark Simpson
    5 out of 5
    This book was amazing! Once I started it I couldn't put it down! Definitely a must read
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    your Els
    4 out of 5
    The drive to keep reading wasn't so much based on "who did it?" But on how do the pieces fit together. You get all the pieces early on, which was ldisappointing for me. However, the author does keep you engaged by leaving enough unknowns that you can't foresee how it will all come together. I would recommend it for someone that is just getting into thrillers.
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    Virginia Heller
    5 out of 5
    Great Book Club read!
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    Adeboye Motalo
    5 out of 5
    I couldn't put this book down. If you like psychological thrillers, this book is for you. This book will send you through all your emotions. I even shed a tear. Highly reccomend this book
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    Guadalupe Schmitt
    5 out of 5
    This book was SO good definitely recommend
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    Elizabeth Truter
    5 out of 5
    It was so great. I was invested heavily in the main characters relationship with her new beau. The twist blew my mind. I expected it sort of, but not the extent that it happened. It's a heartbreaking mystery that leaves you thinking about it for a little while after you read it
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    Gary Phillips
    5 out of 5
    Lisa jewel is my new favorite author! You cannot put this book down, and once you finish you will be looking for the next jewel book to read🙌🏻
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    Vernie Gleason
    5 out of 5
    Wow. This book has left me breathless and navigating feelings that weren't mine! This book will draw you in and won't let you put it down. Don't start it if you don't want to stay up all night
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    Laura Hammes
    5 out of 5
    Really enjoyed. Couldn't put it down! Reminded me of The Collector by john fowles. Buy it and know you'll be down asap!
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    Ifunanya Okonkwo
    5 out of 5
    I loved the way this is written!! You have an idea of what probably happened, yet, you NEED to know how, what and why?!?! You get some answers a long the way, but still have so many questions until the end!
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    Nancy Kulkarni
    1 out of 5
    Please, read all 1 star reviews.They are spot on.The plot is so far-fetched and has so many holes in it.It's more like an insult to reader's intelligence.Such a disappointment.
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    Vincent Strosin
    5 out of 5
    Couldn't put it down!
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    Yusuf Moagi
    5 out of 5
    My mouth dropped several times reading this. Another Lisa Jewell that has knocked me off my feet. So disgusting but the last two pages were tear jerking material. 4.5 stars rounded up
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    Taurean Ortiz
    5 out of 5
    This book caught my attention immediately & it was hard to put down.
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    Priscilla Daniels
    4 out of 5
    I just finished it so I need time to absorb and gather my thoughts. Lisa Jewel's storytelling? A gem….. Thank you
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    Mohammed Hill
    5 out of 5
    Arrived timely and in good condition. Easy read and captivating. You won't want to put it down after you start reading!
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    Julio Muyambi
    4 out of 5
    4/5⭐️i picked up this book today with the intention of reading it over the upcoming weekend and found myself finishing it 4 hours later. this was my first book by lisa jewell and i was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the story was. although it is pretty obvious what happens to ellie at the beginning of the story, the reasons behind what happened are not completely clear which is where the mystery lies. i felt like lisa's writing hooked me from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout the entire story by revealing little snippets throughout the story. i also really loved her characters and all of the different ways that lisa created her characters. although parts of this story were really really bizarre (which lisa herself acknowledged in her acknowledgements), i found that i really enjoyed this story. this is a dark and fast paced read revolving around motives, secrets, twists, and psychopaths!“when i read a book it feels like real life and when i put the book down it's like...More
    4/5⭐️i picked up this book today with the intention of reading it over the upcoming weekend and found myself finishing it 4 hours later. this was my first book by lisa jewell and i was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the story was. although it is pretty obvious what happens to ellie at the beginning of the story, the reasons behind what happened are not completely clear which is where the mystery lies. i felt like lisa's writing hooked me from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout the entire story by revealing little snippets throughout the story. i also really loved her characters and all of the different ways that lisa created her characters. although parts of this story were really really bizarre (which lisa herself acknowledged in her acknowledgements), i found that i really enjoyed this story. this is a dark and fast paced read revolving around motives, secrets, twists, and psychopaths!“when i read a book it feels like real life and when i put the book down it's like i go back into the dream.”
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    Darrion Rath
    5 out of 5
    Just when you think you know, you realize you know nothing at all.
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    Ethan Rogers
    5 out of 5
    Kind of book you can't put down! Loved it. Great story and characters. Keeps you guessing!
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    Edmund Kagambira
    5 out of 5
    Loved this book. Couldn't put it down.
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    Santos Heller
    5 out of 5
    So beautifully written. The characters are so well defined by their gestures and words. A clever, heartbreaking, heartwarming, deftly evolved, and utterly astonishing story.If someone were to ask me now what book was my favorite, it would this one.
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    jacobus Williams
    5 out of 5
    This is my first read of Lisa's and it wasn't too bad, finished in two days. The big plot was pretty predictable, but the wrap up kept me interested and what ultimately changed my four stars to five.
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