The psychological mystery novel “Then She Was Gone” by bestselling author Lisa Jewell is a twisted yet rich story about family and grief. The novel follows Laurel Mack and her journey to find closure ten years after the disappearance of her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie Mack.
Throughout the story, Laurel is portrayed as a complex character who becomes deeply obsessed with her daughter Ellie’s disappearance and how her obsession impacts her family. Eventually, Laurel returns to the dating scene and meets Floyd, a seemingly perfect man with an equally perfect daughter who bears a striking resemblance to Ellie. Laurel and Floyd’s relationship sets off a whirlwind of mysteries, compelling readers to turn page after page as they explore the unsettling world surrounding Laurel.
At first glance, “Then She Was Gone” seems like a very surface-level mystery novel, but as soon as you get past the world-building, Jewell does a wonderful job mixing distressing truths with a mother’s journey of grief. There is no unnecessary gore or explicit language that takes away from the eerie calmness of Laurel’s life and her relationship with Floyd, creating an almost “normal” story as readers slowly realize what happened to Ellie.
Reading the novel, it’s hard to envision what it would be like to be in Laurel’s position. Not only did she lose her daughter in a tragic manner, but she also lost a part of herself. The story gradually reveals her journey as she struggles to escape from the deep, sorrowful hole into which she has been reluctantly pushed.
Many modern novels struggle with what Jewell accomplishes – a layered story without unnecessary filler plots. Everything ties together beautifully, leaving readers haunted by the truth of Ellie but satisfied with the answers given.
If you love an eerie, yet satisfying mystery novel that is more than just gruesome discoveries, “Then She Was Gone” is the perfect choice for you.
