Missing

by Paula Quig

They thought they would be best friends forever...

Nearly everyone in Prince Edward County remembers what they were doing when they heard about the disappearance of Crystal Watts. One hot August night, the sixteen-year-old vanished from the summer camp where she had been working as a counsellor, never to be seen again.

Twenty years later, Crystal's childhood friend Sarah returns to The County to find out what happened that horrible night. Sarah soon finds herself immersed in the memories of that summer, and of her time at Camp Adventure with Crystal and their other childhood friend Lacey. In her search for the truth, Sarah realizes that she may not actually be prepared for what she will learn about the people in her hometown, or about herself.

Missing is a propulsive psychological thriller that examines the complex dynamics of teenage friendships, the universal need for belonging, the secrets we all keep, and the lengths we will go to hide the truth - even from ourselves.

312 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2024

Reviews

[Francine Hachey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Loved it! Small chapters are the best. Looking forward to reading more books from this author!!

[Cori Nevruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thriller was an exciting tale of back and forth from the pressure of teenage expectations to present day regrets. Three girls torn apart when the importance of popularity begins to outweigh friendship. One girl is not only left behind socially but goes missing… what happened and who was to blame?
Loved this book and highly recommend!

[Michelle Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Missing" by Paula Quig is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of disappearance and its aftermath. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, adding layers of suspense and intrigue as it progresses.

The novel centre’s around the disappearance of Crystal, a teen with a seemingly ordinary life. As her family and friends grapple with the anniversary her disappearance, secrets from Crystal's past begin to surface.

Quig skillfully weaves together a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge until the final page. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets that contribute to the overall mystery.

One of the strengths of "Missing" is its exploration of the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters secrets of teen angst. The author sensitively portrays the grief, guilt, and uncertainty that accompany such a traumatic event, making the story resonate on a deeper level.

Overall, "Missing" is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful fiction. Paula Quig demonstrates her prowess in crafting a suspenseful plot with well-drawn characters, making this novel a standout in the genre.

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula Quig’s Missing is a gripping psychological thriller that unearths the dark complexities of memory, friendship, and long-buried secrets. Set in the evocative landscape of Prince Edward County, the novel follows Sarah as she returns to her hometown to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her childhood friend, Crystal Watts, who vanished from a summer camp twenty years ago. As Sarah delves into the past, the idyllic memories of their time at Camp Adventure begin to unravel, revealing chilling truths about the town, her friends, and even herself.

What sets Missing apart is its masterful blend of suspense and emotional depth. Quig crafts a story that is as much about the psychology of teenage friendships and the need for belonging as it is about solving a long-cold mystery. The novel’s immersive descriptions, keenly observed dialogue, and well-paced twists keep the tension high, making it a compulsive read. With revelations that will leave readers questioning everything, Missing is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven mysteries alike

[Angelik Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A READ! If you are a fan of psychological thriller books or murder mysteries then this is definitely the book for you! Finished it quickly while on vacation and enjoyed it thoroughly! Highly recommend! Paula Quig’s book The Dark Place was also an incredible read.

Note: Both books are easy to read! If you are someone like me who struggles to stay focused on a storyline, dislikes long chapters, big words and small writing this is the book for you! It has the opposite of all of those things! The author has made this book extremely reader friendly! Perfect book if you’re in a reading slump and trying desperately to get back on the horse! I have struggled to get back into reading (which I used to love) since finishing university but this authors books have helped me get back on the horse!! I read this one in less than a week and the other in under a month! Both incredible reads! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished "Missing," and it was a truly suspenseful read that kept me guessing until the very end. The story, set in Prince Edward County, took me back to my recent visits there, making the experience all the more enjoyable. It also evoked fond memories of my summer camp days as a teenager, adding an extra layer of nostalgia. The writing is engaging and easy to digest, making it hard to put down. I enjoyed it even more than the author’s first book and appreciate their growth in storytelling. I can’t wait for the next one! Highly recommend to anyone who loves a gripping mystery.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story and the characters. I liked that it took place in Prince Edward County. I had a hard time keeping track of who I was read about in the chapter. Overall it was a very well written book. I found it fun to read and try to figure out who did it and where it might have happened.

[Marianne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying Thriller

A plausible storyline about the mystery surrounding a bullied teen who disappears while at a summer camp. Plenty of twists and turns as well as insights into adolescent relationships.

[Edith Larose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Well written and kept me engaged and guessing until the end.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Very captivating story and kept me guessing until the very end. I devoured Paula Quig’s book and just couldn’t put it down. Great read.

[Annie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, kept me guessing until the end.

[Lesa Leggore · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read

As someone bullied as a kid I really felt tethered to the characters of this work. It’s a tad slow but intriguing enough to keep me coming back.

[Katie Corbett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much better than the dark side - read both this weekend at the cottage - but I found this to be simple and predictable, with the story really just ramping up for the last 20 pages.

[Heather Rivet · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book, it was a quick read with short chapters but kept you wanting to find out what happens in the next chapter. Would love to read another book by this author.

[Jacynthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book to encourage someone from my community. Having learned that she had recently written her first book The Dark Place, I was first tempted to purchase her second book when it came on sale on Amazon. I wasn't expecting much in terms of depth, seeing it was just her second book but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and style of writing. The story was well-balanced having just enough detail and story-building to captivate the reader. Loved the short chapters, made for a quicker read-through. The story kept me guessing, all the way to the end, with light twists and turns that surprised me. I enjoyed the emotions she incorporated into the story, making it feel relatable and genuine. I truly enjoyed reading her book and will now order her first book. :)