Gone

Nell Brach #0.5

by S.E. Green

After her beloved grandfather’s unexpected death, twenty-one-year-old Nell—along with her mom and little brother Tyler—move back to Tennessee to live in her mother’s childhood home. They’ll have a house that’s paid for, friends nearby, and Nell will finally be able to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps in attending the police academy.

But while they’re unpacking, six-year-old Tyler disappears without a trace. Nell is sure the old station wagon that her brother was peeking into is somehow related to his disappearance. But how?

The sheriff forbids Nell from getting involved in the investigation. But when she discovers a corpse in the prime suspect’s basement and a history of abductions that are chillingly similar, there’s no stopping her. She’s determined to find her little brother…before it’s too late.

Genres: Suspense

Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

S. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.

Reviews

[Melissa Colwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book couldn't put it down.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

She does it again. I'm a fan of her books because they generally keep me on the edge of my seat. This one was no diffrent I loved the story line. But I'm a true crime fan as well. If you love true crime you'll love this one. While reading I was keeping track of who did what while trying to figure out who it was before getting to the end. I was pleasantly surprised by the way things tied them selves up can't wait to continue reading this series

[Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I would like to thank Hidden Gems Books for granting me a copy of this book! I always appreciate them giving me books.

This book was such a good read I didn’t want to put it down! It keeps me on my toes and I can visualize what is going on throughout the book. I would love to see this be put out into a movie adaptation! I’m so excited to read the other books in this series. Would definitley recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers!

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

All too familiar…

The plot and execution of this book was EXACTLY like the movie Prisoners which starred Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhal. If you’ve seen it then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about if not, the movie’s on Netflix. There are some subtle differences between the two but overall everything else is to a T. Two boys (in the movie it was two girls) go missing, theres a corpse locked in a hidden room of a priests house that gives you some back story into multiple unsolved child abductions in the area dating back decades, the detective on the case is arrogant and therefore sloppy. The only difference is that instead of the Dads of the girls being the one’s to look for the missing kids it’s a wannabe detective sister who kidnaps the suspected captor while he’s out walking his dog (just like in the movie) after he whispers to her that “they only cried once” and holds him captive in an old run down building to torture him for information. It’s all exactly the same right down to the sister being trapped in a hole covered by a board with a mustang parked over the top to conceal it etc* the only other difference is that the dad didn’t make it out of the hole before it ended but in the book the sister got herself out and rescued her brother. I looked into seeing if the movie was inspired by this book and since it was not I felt like this story was very heavily plagiarized.

[Buttercupp77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Nell and her family move back to her deceased grandfather's house, Nell sees it as a generally happy homecoming, and she hopes the stability of having a house will improve their fortunes. Shortly after arriving, her younger brother and his friend are abducted. Desperate to recover the boys, and doubting the competence of the local police, Nell launches her own investigation, to shattering consequences.

There were a lot of strengths in this novel. The pacing was exception. The story was very interesting. Most importantly for me, the characters were richly developed and interesting to read about.

The one thing that really stretched my credulity, and took me out of the story, was Nell's age. Her choices and thought processes just didn't match up to her age for me, and I couldn't get past it.

I have read several other novels by this author and always enjoy the dark edge in them. I look forward to reading the next one.

I received an ARC via Booksprout.

[Rosti · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it until I discovered that it's a cheap rip-off of a movie called Prisoners starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman. Only a few minor changes have been made to make it look like it's an original. Nice try, but it's still the same story down to every single twist and turn. It's absolutely despicable!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me second guessing myself throughout. I liked the way everything was made clear at the end. The story is fast paced and very enjoyable. I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book the I’ve listened to with the same trope: abducted children. I’ve enjoyed them all for different reasons. This is the first in the Nell Brach series and is dark, but the story is great. The narrator was perfect.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little unsure

I know this a get to know you book. Setting the scene for the series to begin. It did hold my interest enough that I will more than likely will read book 1. A little simplistic, but time WILK tell.

[Kim Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone

Wow what a story! After reading the Nell Brach books, this prequel finished the mystery has to the kidnapping of the two boys & the relationship between Nell & her mother. Definitely worth the read.

[Cherie Williams Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shocked

It should say it is a short story, I settled in for a trilogy of at least 600 pages total and I barely get 100? 86 to be exact... Everything happened very fast and it lead to the abductor way too soon... But then 88 pages???

[Jeff Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted story of abduction in a small town. Somewhat predictable but interesting, This is a short read as a part of a series. I like the writing style and I'm curious how the story continues and develops.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

GONE

This story was different, It kept me reading to the end. The author sure knows just how to keep a reader's attention. Be ready to sit and turn the pages until you get to the end. I highly recommend this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured

Loved it, I read it all in two nights. Wish there were more to read. Waiting for book two like….

[Donna Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved 🖤

I have yet to find a book from this author that I haven't been able to put down and can't wait to read the next in this series 🖤

[Katie Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even faster read!

[Carol Puleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! S.E. Green is awesome.
I love her books.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

prequel

I wish id read this before the two accompanying books, but it was still super enjoyable. Highly recommended, if you like non-ending excitement

[Nathan Snowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun thriller with lots of plot twists. If you’re looking for a thrill check it out.

[Martha Lynn Lee]

Plagiarism of the movie “Prisoners”! Story is the same. Actually uses exact quotes from the movie!

[Tiffney McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable but such a short story.

[sue coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Just start with this Author! Great work couldn't put it down. Read it in one day. Now reading all of her books

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Linda Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome read

Needed a little more drama. But it was a good read. Looking forward to reading more of her books though.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite author! I've devoured so many books in such a short time.

[Gloria S. Overby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good exciting short read

This book depicts an adult who has
Made bad decisions and ultimately causes a lot of pain for his family.

[Gary C White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Great storyline. Couldn't put this one down. The twists and turns had me guessing until the very end. Recommend this prequel.

[Tanya Embly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good but early on in the book you could tell who the bad guy was.

[Kim Galiungi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a prequel this got my attention. Read in a couple of hours and has left me wanting more!!

On to the next book in the series!!

[Maureen Krpan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Held my attention throughout. Have the other 2 in series downloaded, will get to them as soon as my kindle has finished charging.