Publish date: January 14, 2025 (ARC)
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Trigger warnings: violence, murder, mental health issues, body horror
Short description (created with AI):
Cora Valentine, a young gymnast, escapes from a kidnapping that becomes a public spectacle, overshadowing her Olympic dreams. Years later, she strives to protect her daughter from the horrors of her past, but on Halloween, her daughter disappears. Cora must confront her trauma and is faced with a desperate choice: to take another child in order to rescue her own. As the haunting memories resurface, Cora realizes the past is not yet finished with her.
Frey did a fantastic job of capturing a mother’s desperation and determination. Imagine losing your kid to crazy kidnappers? The twist was predictable, but still gripping. I loved the complex family dynamics and secrets into the plot, making it feel authentic and raw. The pacing was consistently just right and definitely not dragging. I also appreciate that we made Cora a smart MC. It’s very rare in thrillers nowadays. May I also say (though I’m not sure if it’s intentional or it’s just me) I loved the subtle ~humor~.
I got this good little ebook from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review before its publication. It was my first time picking up a Rea Frey book, so I was super excited and even more so when I saw the average rating of the book on Goodreads (she got above 4!) and I thought i’s pretty high for a pre-published work.
I am a thriller girlie. Yes, I do read wide varieties of genre, but my go-to is and always will be a thriller pick. Thriller books are like a rollercoaster ride for my mind (and sometimes, heart). They keep me on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, desperate to uncover the next twist or turn. The best thrillers pull me into their world, making me feel like I’m right there with the characters, solving the mystery or escaping danger. And that’s exactly what Rea Frey delivered. Will I read more of her works? OF COURSE.
This book is like a thriller on caffeine. It follows a mother who’s just enjoying the Halloween and suddenly finds her daughter missing, and the only clue is a cryptic note. (Yeah, my way of saying it is lame, but it’s more scary when you actually read it from the book.) Of course, she does what she can (some are horrrible things uhuh) just to find her daughter. It’s a wild ride where every page turn feels like a plot twist waiting to happen. And I’m not even exaggerating. Maybe it sounds overreacting but hey, I’m a mom. This kinds of plots are a horror for me.
I am judging just for this book, but I sure will read more. Rea Frey masterfully crafts a tale that starts with a bang, walks into a non-stop thrill ride. To be honest, the plot is kind of predictable, and all the characters’ actions are expected. But still, the thrill is so good in jolting you awake just when you think you can relax. Frey’s writing is on point, easy and light, and oh, so witty. I really am bothered that the subtle humor and funny points were not mentioned in some reviews, but I bet you’ll find yourself.
It’s a perfect blend of heart-pounding action and emotional depth, making it a must-read for any thriller enthusiast. So, if you’re looking for a book that will keep you up all night just so you have your eyes to your kid 24/7, When She’s Gone is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.
View my vlog about When She's Gone!
I am using the CAWPILE rating system, though please remember a reader’s taste may change from time to time, so I’m not sure if you can trust me here unless this was a recent read. Leaving my ratings anyways because this was totally how I felt the time I read this book. *winks*
Reading an ARC is such a challenge I’d like to face everyday. And yes, I do like being challenged despite the pressure. I live for it. If you think there’s a book you can recommend for me to read, please do not be shy to leave the titles in the comments or a link to where I can get them! Thanks!
Here are other reads if you liked or interested with When She's Gone:
Click the book covers to go to Goodreads.
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