Many thanks to my friends at @simonbooks and @simon.audio for the free #gifted copies of this book.  

“Why did no one ever tell [her] that the most dangerous thing in the world isn’t natural disasters or wars or weapons. It is unremarkable men with beautiful smiles and even bigger promises.”

Dark.  Twisty.  Captivating.  Jean’s other stories in other genres may indeed be good, but THIS is where she belongs.  

Ellie is back. But she’s not cooperating.  

This isn’t your typical missing girl storyline.  It’s cleverly constructed with a unique focus on the return of the victim which allows a deep dive into the psychological turmoil victims face.  

While not gory, this is a dark read.  Ellie’s perspective gives a first-hand accounting of the torture she experienced, and the psychologist’s perspective underscored the effects of trauma on her mind and body.  At times, it’s hard to read.  

And yet, I couldn’t stop reading. 

This book was a gripping from start to finish.  Well-crafted with propulsive writing and rich characterization, this thriller was both gritty and realistic.  There was a steadiness to the tension laced unfolding as it concentrated on the depravity of women-- primarily ones deemed “unworthy” of resources-- being preyed upon.  This adeptly stressed the timely and pertinent messaging without ever feeling heavy-handed.  

And those twists!  The way my jaw dropped!  A shocking turn of events that led to a pulse pounding ending.    

I don’t know what Jean is working on next, but I can only hope it’s another haunting thriller like this one! 

🎧 I could NOT put this book down.  And so, on long afternoons at the ballfield, I turned to my audiobook to keep me plugging forward.  The Return of Ellie Black is read by a full cast and gives a fullness to each POV.  The audiobook narration intensified the sense of dread and tension making this a fully immersive experience.