Full Review and Rating of Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Then She Was Gone

Lisa Jewell

Copyright 2017

356 Pages

Okay, deep breath. This book did not just hit me in the feels — it drop‑kicked me into an emotional bounce house and locked the door behind me. I was somber, nervous, happy, concerned, worried, skeptical, happy again, nervous again, sad again, MAD. In that order, and also in every other order known to humankind. Spoilers ahead. If you haven’t read the book yet, turn back now and go hydrate or something.

For a hot second, I thought this story was about to go full‑tilt grimdark. Like, “oh no, I need to go stare at a wall for twenty minutes” dark. But the author took us riiiiight to the edge of the cliff without shoving us off it, and honestly? Respect. Missing‑person stories always grab me by the heartstrings and yank, real or fictional. And I’m relieved this one gave us something resembling closure — or at least a new piece of the puzzle our Laurel desperately needed.

Now. Let’s talk about the “Psychopath Math Tutor Kidnapper” situation we just witnessed. Noelle. Sweetheart. Ma’am. What in the hamster‑hoarding hell was that. I get insecurity. I get feeling overlooked. But going full captor‑mode? That’s not a personality trait, that’s a DSM‑5 entry. You’ve got a fun Irish brogue and a quirky vibe — you could’ve leaned into that! You didn’t have to go full “I collect humans like Beanie Babies.”

And then there’s Floyd. Listen. I genuinely think this man was a decent human who got tangled in the web of Noelle’s “Stalker Wannabe Girlfriend” alter‑ego. Yes, I’m annoyed he didn’t immediately disclose the Laurel/Poppy connection. Yes, that’s a red flag the size of a parade float. But I also believe he fell for Laurel by accident and then got crushed under the weight of his own guilt. The man was emotionally waterboarded by circumstances he didn’t fully understand. I feel for him.

Now let me use my Big Smart Word of the Day: character evolution. Laurel was on the Tilt‑A‑Whirl of Life, spinning through grief, confusion, hope, dread, and whatever else the universe threw at her. And somehow, she stepped off that ride with more clarity, stronger relationships, and a little spark of herself restored. She may be fictional, but she was absolutely inspirational.

Laurel gets 5 stars. The book gets 4 stars. If you want something dark, twisty, emotional, and just a little unhinged (in the best Meredith‑and‑Cristina way), this one delivers.