This is a book I definitely have mixed feelings about. Some elements that I disliked were resolved by the end, yet I still feel that the events the book's plot revolves around were disjointed to the point of being nonsensical. This isn't exactly a mystery book, because the characters aren't playing detective.

Instead, their plan to end a kidnapper's reign of terror comes to fruition mostly by accident, resulting in a rushed and melodramatic rescue.

All this feels strangely out of place with the rest of the novel's sensitive portrayal of a young man struggling to form a sense of identity in the aftermath of outliving his abuser, and slowly realizing that he will next outlive his lifelong friend. Beaufrand's writing is strongest in the moments where she's describing the relationships between her characters. I think the book would have been more satisfying to read if the "disappearing girls" subplot had been scrapped altogether, allowing us more time to discover Noah's sense of self alongside him. I would still recommend this book to those interested in it. While imperfect, the book's merits are undoubtedly worth the time it takes to read it.