Emiko Jean

Twenty years ago, Chelsey Calhoun’s sister disappeared. It was concluded that she had been killed by her boyfriend who then committed suicide. Now a detective in the same police department where her father was once chief, Chelsey is notified that Ellie Black, another female who disappeared a few years ago, has been found wandering in the woods. Traumatized, Ellie is reluctant to share any information about her captivity. As Chelsey seeks information and answers, she begins to wonder about other missing girls/young women in her area of Washington State.

This is a very disturbing story with lots of twists. It touches on some very important topics; women as targets, the fear that must be instilled in all girls and women of men who may harm or exploit them, missing girls who receive no real notice if they are minorities or poor, and a point that Chelsey makes about society’s acceptance of women dying at the hands of men.

The main characters are well developed. Chelsey is laser focused and indomitable in her quest to find the truth and perhaps save other lives. Somewhat damaged herself by the loss of her beloved sister and her parents’ reaction to it, she is driven to close this case, even when she is removed from it and her personal happiness is at stake. The physical and psychological toll of Ellie’s abduction and treatment is a comprehensive case study in victimology.

Thanks to @netgalley and @simonbooks for the DRC.… (plus d'informations)

My two main issues with this book were the character herself and the fact that nothing new was brought to the table with this story. The second issue is self explanatory, but the first is now specific to me. 

Izumi speaks like people 15-25 sound on social media. The people I usually cringe at despite being around that age myself. It's full of the overly dramatic writing style of Instagram and Twitter and tumblr. I hated it, which made me dislike her, which made me not enjoy the book. I also called the "twist" getting the introduction of a character. Meh. … (plus d'informations)