What Happened to Charlotte?

by Julia Jewell

Charlotte’s boundless kindness and adventurous spirit had always cast a warm glow over everyone around her.

To her friends, she’s a ray of sunshine, chasing away their darkest moments. But one night, Charlotte vanishes without a trace.

Desperate to find her, her friends band together, only to discover they're not just searching for Charlotte—they’re up against evil forces that threaten to tear them apart. As they delve deeper into a world where shadows hold secrets and trust is a dangerous gamble, they realize that Charlotte’s light is fading fast. To save her, they must unravel the mystery of her disappearance before she’s lost to them forever.

In this gripping young adult paranormal thriller, friendship and courage are tested as the line between good and evil blurs. Will they be able to bring Charlotte back, or will the darkness claim them all?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Charlotte Rebecca Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ✩ ✩

~

This was a nice little YA supernatural thriller nothing intense and was a very quick, easy and enjoyable read. Sometimes I felt it fell a little flat and in places was a little hard to follow but nothing to make me dislike the book. The ending also felt a little rushed / abrupt, I would’ve enjoyed more if it had little more to it. Overall, not a bad little read at all and I would recommend giving it a go if you like the supernatural / mystery reads.

~

Thanks to BookSirens and Julia Jewell for the ARC copy 🫶🏼

[Hannahhh ;) [free palestine]]

💙Pre-read:💙
I haven’t read a thriller in so long so I’m excited to try this one. It looks rlly good. It’s on KU & the author is offering arcs so I highly recommend u check it out.

and who knows? Maybe I’ll become a thriller girlie

[evie *s-ia* · Rating 2 out of 5]

me realizing i never wrote a review 💀💀

but here it is now three months late in all of its glory.

when i originally read this, i was having trouble writing a review bc i just didn't know what to say. On one hand, the thriller part was kinda good, and it def was an interesting read. on the other hand, i kinda hated every character.

what i liked
the language was pretty ya-ish and easy to read, which was nice. Not super complicated, not super crazy, but short and easy to get through. The thriller aspect was good too!! I definitely was wondering what was going on the whole time and i felt like it all tied together really nicely. i remember reading oit at lunch and ranting to my friends about it lol.

i also LOVED the premise! the idea of this one person who ties the whole group togetehr being taken away was really interesting. it just... kinda fell flat for me.

what i didn't like

to continue on what i was saying, i loved the premise, but hated the execution. and that, at least for me, has to do with the fact that i hated the characters.

they were mostly annoying to me. daniel had no character except love for charlotte. matt was more interesting but he also pissed me off bc his main trait was love for charlotte. blair was *fine* but again her whole life seemingly revolved around Charlotte. The characters were all pretty one-dimensional and only cared about Charlotte.

when we go to the end and got Charlotte back the ending just felt annoying to me bc of how much they loved charlotte. it made the end result less interesting and i just didnt care. it would've been more interesting is they never got Charlotte back and they had to learn to live and cope. there wouldve been more of chrcater development and arcing and they could fine out who they were without the shadow of charlotte. idk i just feel like we missed out on that

anyways to sum up iot was a nice fast easy read that i just had trouble with. im def in the minority bc a lot of people loved it so i would read it for yourself?? if your looking for a fast semi- hig stakes thriller this is fine to read. its not bad i just hated the characters and the way charlotte was like seemingly the only importan thing idk

anyways 2.5/5


pre- read-

got an arc from the author!! really excited to read!

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even the brightest candles burn out eventually.

Charlotte is loved by her friends. We learn early on that Charlotte is the lynchpin holding this group together.
So when she suddenly goes missing, the gapping hole in their lives and friendship alters every inch of their world.

Her friends are desperate to find her, but quickly learn the mystery of her disappearance runs much darker than they thought.

I'm not sure if this is listed as YA, but it reads like one in a really nice way. I would gladly let my pre-teen reads this, in fact I think it's the perfect introduction into fantasy and paranormal thrillers for some younger folks.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the chance to read this one!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was the way each chapter was narrated by different characters. It added so much depth to the story, allowing readers to see the mystery unfold from multiple perspectives. This approach made the plot more engaging and immersive. I especially enjoyed the different perspectives on the same things—like how some characters described Charlotte's eye color as teal, while others saw it as green or blue/green. It added an interesting layer to the character development and highlighted how each person saw Charlotte in their own unique way.

However, while the multiple viewpoints add richness, there were times when it felt a bit disjointed. Some transitions between characters could have been smoother, and certain perspectives seemed less developed than others.

Overall, a fast-paced and intricately woven tale about friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil. If you enjoy gripping mysteries with a supernatural twist, you'll love this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reading with Ren🍒📖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh.

This is the best book I have read in a hot minute. I absolutely cannot put into words the emotions his book brought out of me. What a masterpiece.

I’m usually not a fan of this many point of view changes, but it made the story so much better. There was not a single point in reading this book where I had any idea what was going on and I absolutely loved it. Twist after twist after twist.

This author’s writing style is amazing. I absolutely ate it up. I need more from them IMMEDIATELY.

Highly recommend this psychological, paranormal thriller with intense emotional elements.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as the author says what begins as a hunt for Charlotte turns into a fight against evil bit this book is so much more than that.

This is a book about friendship, love, and so much more. People who grew apart came back to each other with a common goal. Figuring out what happened to Charlotte. They are basically in a race against the clock to discover their missing friend. Will they find her? How will they find her? And when and if they do what condition will she be in.

This is a book about how friends can grow apart but come back together. You get glimpses about what happened in high school events that shaped them into who they are and how one you think it was an honest choice with no malicious intent could lead up to the question What Happened to Charlotte

[Alex Winsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
This book was absolutely binge worthy! I picked it up and was not able to put it back down! This book was so well written. On page 1 you are already holding your breath and as you see from all the different POVs you start with question everything. The paranormal side of it was written beautifully and the plot twist at the end was the icing on the cake.

I am so happy I chose to read this book. It got me out of my book slump I had been in and the only downside to this all is, I wish there was more!! I absolutely will be recommending this to everyone I know.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of the book and read its summary, I immediately knew I had to read it. The book is not too long, which was a plus right from the start. I am not a fan of books that span hundreds of pages because they often stray from the main point and the book can be boring. This length of the book for this genre is more than enough.

The book was written simply and is very easy to read. The chapters are action-packed enough and I like that each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the characters. It also shows the past along with the present, so we have the opportunity to see the story from multiple angles, and from the perspective of the past and the present.

The entire book revolves around Charlotte. Also all the characters revolve around her. Charlotte is a person everyone loves, who shines with kindness and love. And that's what I don't like. The main character is shown as a little angel who is incapable of making mistakes and the lives of the people around her just revolve around her. The characters are unique in themselves and everyone is different. It's interesting that so many different people found each other and created a circle of friendship. And that part is great for me. It shows how people with different views and lives can find each other in the middle and create a beautiful friendship. Again, the question arises whether that friendship would exist without Charlotte.

The story itself is quite good and interesting. A little voodoo game, a little evil that steals someone else's body and the fight of friends to save the one who is the best of them all. As I said interesting, but a little too much focus on just one person. Unfortunately, because of this, the rest of the characters did not manage to develop or be shown in their full glory. It's a shame, because I think that's what could have made the book fantastic. As it is, in my opinion it's good, but it could have been better.

Thanks so much to BookSirens and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book and I leave this review voluntarily.

[Fayette Dávila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll always love a story with a happy ending.

This book was well written, the characters’ development could be felt and each of them give you some lessons to learn. Reading this book in the point of view of every character helps you understand what they’re each going through and how they’ve learned from their actions and mistakes.

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

I found this book very heartwarming and thrilling. It gives you so much to think about and shows you how friendships are all so different yet similar when you really care and love your friends.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice little thriller where people bind together against the forces of evil for the greater good of one and many. It made for a very interesting tale.

[Sam Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was very smooth to read, but I found the cast of characters one dimensional. If you are into the game “What Remains of Edith Finch” or dark interpersonal connections with loss, this may be for you. If your interest is supernatural, it may leave you disappointed. If the characters were more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed the book. The supernatural aspect felt forced, and this may have been better without it. That said, if people dealing with loss is of interest to you, this may be your book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Very well developed characters and great details given to each of them to make you feel as if they were walking down the street to meet up with you. So, in that sense, I cared about them. Eerie, sad and mysterious. Would recommend this YA book to adults too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me from the beginning. I love how the author told the story through the different characters pov. It made you feel like you were actually there with them. The storyline just had me rethinking every thought I had one mintute then having it change completely the next.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 for this twisty new take on a group of kids from high-school hit rhe reality of life and try to stay close. There is a bit of the supernatural that doesn't always work with the plot twists but the characters were engaging enough to keep reading. Very relatable story for any of us. Communication is key because you may think you know every thing about your friends but do you really? So what happens when school is no longer there?
I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.

[Latoya Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Happened to Charlotte by Julia Jewell is a gripping and intricately woven mystery that explores themes of family secrets, grief, and the complexities of memory. The book centers on the mysterious disappearance of Charlotte, a young girl whose sudden absence haunts her family and the small town where she lived. Jewell creates a deeply atmospheric setting that keeps readers engaged, blending psychological suspense with a nuanced portrayal of each character’s struggles and flaws.

One of the book’s strengths is Jewell’s ability to delve into the emotional lives of her characters, particularly those affected by Charlotte’s disappearance. Each character’s perspective sheds light on different aspects of loss and guilt, which makes for a rich, layered narrative. Jewell’s writing is engaging and often poetic, adding depth to the story without losing the tension and pacing essential for a mystery novel.

The plot unravels through a mix of present-day events and flashbacks, giving readers clues to piece together the truth. While some twists may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers, Jewell compensates with well-crafted character development and an emotionally resonant ending that leaves a lasting impact.

Overall, What Happened to Charlotte is an engaging read for fans of psychological thrillers and family dramas. Its exploration of love, memory, and forgiveness adds a unique touch, making it more than just a straightforward mystery. This book is likely to resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a haunting, suspenseful edge.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of friends take a spell book to a supposedly haunted house and perform a spell from the book. Each character makes a wish that is only known to them and then when wishes start to come true, they realize the horror they’ve created.

This is a supernatural thriller and it was an interesting concept. I feel it fell a little flat, but overall I liked it. I liked the multiple character points of view, but in some places it was a little hard to follow and remember whose point of view it was.

I also felt the ending was a little abrupt. I would’ve liked a little more at the end. That being said, I would recommend giving it a read if you like a supernatural theme.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Kerrette · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What Happened to Charlotte?" by Julia Jewell follows a compelling narrative filled with mystery and supernatural elements, centering around a group of young adults navigating relationships and the unknown. As the chapters are told from varying points of view, which I loved, we are thrown into the book with them. Riddled with romantic tension and eerie occurrences, as the characters' lives intertwine further, we, the audience, come along for the ride. The story echoes the themes found in popular series, which are some of my favorites, like "Teen Wolf" and "Harry Potter," combining YA angst with supernatural twists—a recipe for disaster for them but a thrilling adventure for us. Jewell masterfully incorporates the book's title into the story, which I always enjoy, and delivers an unpredictable journey that keeps readers guessing until the end. Ultimately, the novel captures the essence of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up while a twist of fate changes their lives forever.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book about a group of high school friends in a small town who are looking for a missing girl. I loved the insights into the characters thoughts although the multiple viewpoints from the ensemble cast of characters could get confusing sometimes.

There was enough suspense and spookiness to keep me engrossed in the mystery. The setup was great, and the ending twist was unexpected. I really felt drawn into the group dynamics as the story evolved in bits and pieces.

My main complaint is that the ending felt abrupt. After all the drama, the last scene played out quickly and needed, in my opinion, another paragraph or two. It felt like the author ran out of steam and just ended it. A little more graceful exit to the book is needed. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I will recommend it to lovers of clean YA suspense.

I read an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bia · Rating 3 out of 5]

☀️ Thank you to Booksiren for providing me with a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.☀️

Charlotte is one of those people that light up a room. So she obviously needs to disappear under mysterious circumstances.
I really like the premise, but I felt like the first quarter of the book dragged on about who everyone love Charlotte, and the rest of the book was too fast. Everything happened so quickly that I barely had time to assimilate everything.
That said, I love a book with split POVs and dual time line, and I wish the author took a bit more time to build up the tension for the big revelation.
Speaking of revelation, justice for Hannah, her "friends" were horrible to her.
Overall is a fast, entertaining reading, and I would recommend to binge read on a rainy afternoon.

[serysbookspace · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This was such an entertaining yet eerie read! We are following a friend group who are all going through certain things. When one of them goes missing, things take a dark and creepy turn! 🫣 for fans of paranormal reads, this thriller will be right up your alley as there were plenty of scenes to supply that creepy feeling in the air. The story was well crafted and was a fast paced fun read that was hard to put down.
Thank you so much to BookSirens and the author for this ARC copy! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

*I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily*

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie I struggled with this one, more than once I considered not finishing it. The story is fine, and I love something from different points of view but there is something missing here. It feels like it was rushed to a conclusion. Things sort of get wrapped up but it's like all of s sudden things end. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a good read. I loved everything about the book and found it difficult to put the book down.
The characters are well plotted and good word building

[Shrutika Tanawade (bookcultivation) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Happened to Charlotte is one of those YA paranormal thrillers you read that engages you with atmosphere, character connection and community aspects.

The story follows Charlotte's tight-knit group of friends as they deal with her disappearance, while also realizing they are fighting something larger than they had anticipated. I appreciate how each section flips POV, allowing for insight into the mystery and also how differently each one interpreted Charlotte.

That being said, I did feel that much of the story focused so much on Charlotte's "perfect" image, it didn't leave much space for some of the other characters to really glow. I wanted a bit more complexity from the whole cast.

But overall, the supernatural layer added intrigue, and the pacing kept me curious throughout. It’s also a refreshing pick for younger readers new to thrillers the tone feels appropriate, and the mystery keeps you flipping pages.

Worth checking out if you enjoy stories about friendship, secrets, and the blurry line between light and darkness.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maggie Crawford · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had the hardest time connecting with this book. It never grabbed me and pulled me in, and I think part of that was there wasn't anything that differentiated the POVs for me. They all felt like I was reading the same voice from chapter to chapter. I felt like the story itself wasn't nearly as strong as it could have been, and the ending felt extremely rushed to me. The pacing wasn't bad and I loved the premise, but the execution just didn't hit for me. I know this was an ARC, but there were so many instances of quotation marks not being at the front of a sentence, so I didn't realize they were bits of dialogue until I read them a second time, which also took me out of the story. I also felt like the writing itself wasn't very strong. It felt flat and not engaging. I'm very much in the minority, because so many other people seem to really like it, so I'm sure it will hit with its intended audience.

[Lauren Kutney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Supernatural Win of a Read!

For all my mystery and thriller lovers, this book is absolutely for you. First off, I’m a huge fan of multiple POVs, and this author Julia Jewell executed them flawlessly. It’s one of those stories you can easily imagine becoming a Netflix or Amazon Prime series, with its supernatural elements and well-developed characters who bring real depth to the storyline.

At the heart of the book is the mystery of what happened to Charlotte, and you’re taken on a roller coaster of emotions as each character recounts their time with her. The plot is a standout—engaging, addictive, and impossible to put down. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the author throws in twists that keep you second-guessing until the very end.

If you love supernatural, paranormal vibes paired with a gripping mystery, you need to pick this one up. This is my second read from this author, and I’m officially a fan for life.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble getting into this book b/c the chapters jump around from character to character and charlotte is the very last chapter. I found it a bit confusing and honestly didn’t enjoy it much. Some of the characters I straight up didn’t like, which I know affected my overall opinion of the book. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending as I had envisioned a different one so this one didn’t feel right to me. While some people may enjoy this book and not be bothered by the alternating chapters, it just didn’t work for me.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Kendra Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good ya thriller/mystery. Charlotte is the kind and loved FMC who is the center of her crumbling friend group. While facing the emotions of life changing from high school to young adult, she silently battles with her own shadows and darkness. Things come to ahead when she suddenly vanishes…

I really liked the character development in each character as well as the plot twist. It was really giving Fear Street vibes which I loved as a 90’s kid. The ending felt a little abrupt for me but I think after all the characters had gone through, I’m sure they would’ve rather been all done with any more drama.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the multiple POVs—it added depth and kept the story engaging. The supernatural aspect was a standout for me; it added an exciting twist that worked so well with the plot. I also loved how the book portrayed a tight-knit friend group; their bond felt real and heartfelt. I just wish there had been more character development for each individual—some of them felt like they had more to say. Overall, a solid and enjoyable read! Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happened to Charlotte? by Julia Jewell deserves so much more praise than it got! HOLY HELL who is this author??? I loved this book! The story was emotional, exciting, and full of mystery. Charlotte is such a bright and lovable character. Her friends' journey to find her had me hooked. I didn't expect the ending—WOW, just WOW. The twist surprised me in the best way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.