THEN SHE VANISHES
CLAIRE DOUGLAS
*****
When Jess goes to investigate a double homicide she finds her childhood friend at the centre of the allegations – but what actually happened and why?
I was excited to get to read Then She Vanishes as I have read and enjoyed one of Claire Douglas’ other books – Do Not Disturb (read my 5* review on my blog here: https://www.kindig.co.uk/post/review-do-not-disturb).
I’m happy to say that even with high expectations going in I wasn’t at all disappointed! Then She Vanishes is a slightly odd and hard to remember title but holds a great story within. There is a nice balance of perspective – from both mother Margot and friend Jess so we get a detailed insight into both women (although we are heavily aware they are both hiding secrets!) There are also flashbacks scattered throughout the narrative at various points to drip feed us extra information or provide details at just the right pace – something that I praised Douglas for in Do Not Disturb as well. I had not guessed where the story was going to go at all which is unusual for psychological thrillers and the ending surprised me but still felt realistic and in keeping with the rest of the book. There’s a lot of threads, topics and red herrings to keep you guessing all the way up until the last moment which was great.
The only criticism I have is that perhaps a few plot devices felt a little too convenient at times. There is a point where a conversation holding important information is cut off by something minor and not referred to again until much later which was a little frustrating.
Overall this is a complex and gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very end. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for a chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.