Missing Persons

by D.L. White

Some people go missing by accident. Others choose to disappear. Attorney Wesley Payne has watched Private Investigator Yvette Young retreat from the world since losing her fiancé three years ago. When he brings her a missing person case that should be routine, he's hoping that working together might crack the armor she's built around herself.

A missing construction worker. A desperate wife. What starts as a simple trace job becomes something far more dangerous when they realize nothing about the case is what it seems. From Atlanta's shadows to the Oregon coast, Yvette and Wesley uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of power. Someone is willing to kill to keep their secrets buried, and Edward holds the key to bringing them down.

As the case unravels, Yvette faces her greatest challenge yet. The danger closing in around them is nothing compared to the way Wesley makes her remember what it feels like to want something more than to merely exist.

Missing Persons is a romantic mystery set in Atlanta, with complicated characters, a slow-burn romance, and a case that refuses to stay simple.

Recommended for fans Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Iris Bolling, Christina C. Jones
Content Grief and loss, mental health themes including panic attacks and PTSD, gun violence and danger, disappearance and abduction, corruption and cover-ups, infidelity, military trauma, explicit sexual content, strong language

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2025

About the author

DL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.

Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.

Reviews

[Tonya Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever it says about me that the sex scenes were at the top of the list of what I enjoyed about this book, I'll own that. Especially the first one.

Outside of my, um, amorous appreciations...I liked the story. I was more into the developments between Yvette and Wesley than I was the case they were working on, as admittedly suspense isn't my bag but romance is. I had somewhat mixed-ish feelings about them both, for different reasons, but I liked when they came together (I'm not being fast when I say that, either).

I will say that I would've liked to have at least gotten more of an explanation of Yvette's parents' tolerance of Yancey's behavior. After the altercation and Yvette storming out, it was just somewhat forgotten about. Without that, the dissension between the siblings (or rather, the attention to it) felt kinda unnecessary, especially since it didn't really seem that much of anything changed by the end.

Overall, though, I dug it.

[Selena Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Missing Persons did very well with blending the romance and suspense while completing the missing persons' case. This story is a slow burn-- in regard to the relationship and the case that Wesley and Yvette were working on. The pieces slowly fell into place as they continued spending time together, finding evidence and being a comfort for each other. Their past was a bit complicated, but the yearning was so real.

The only part that I didn't care for was Yvettes dynamic with her brother Yancey. Could have done without it especially considering it didn't do much for the story.

Thanks to DL White for the ARC and opportunity to share my honest opinion on Missing Persons.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant to Be

This was a fun read that mixed romance and mystery. Wesley and Yvette had a long history that created the right amount of tension between them. I was so ready for Yvette to get out of her own way and let happiness back into her life. I appreciated how patient and encouraging that Wesley was with Yvette and her baggage. They worked well together. Their journey to find the missing man was really interesting. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to him. Uncovering the truth was twisty with a lot of layers. In the midst of that action, a sweet love story was developing. I was happy with how things turned out.

[Marcena Hooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Yvette and Wesley. It was a long and rough road to their HEA, but well worth it! I loved the character development and expansion as they investigated cases and each other. They have known each other for a long time, but love finds them! There are many relatable themes and I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for an action-paced suspense novel with a love story. This was my first read (I got the ARC) by DL White, but I have many of her books in my TBR list and downloaded. It won’t be my last!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Wesley and Yvette have had feelings for one another forever. The problem, Yvette was engaged. They continued to have a professional relationship. Wesley has been there for Yvette and has made his feelings known. Yvette has to admit she's got feelings for him too. Working this missing persons case together brings them much closer.

[Mo Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this ARC book for a honest review. Loved it. This was a true page turner. A lot of romance mixed in with finding a missing person. Wesley and Yvette confront the feelings that were being denied. I definitely recommend this book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars!!

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Persons was a new mystery story for this author. I was pleased that the story also had a romantic element. The opening with Yvette on a mission was the hook for sure. The fact that she lost her fiancé within the first few pages of the chapter was another telling point. I like a mystery that isn't so predictable. This one grabbed me by the shirt and tugged me along the way. Here is the premise: The missing person in this case was a father with a wife and two children. The wife initially acted a lot like a suspect. I started looking at her, all crazy and such, the way she responded to her husband's disappearance was kind of cold. She seemed self-centered. Numerous clues kept me guessing about Edwards' motives to leave his family. You will need to follow the breadcrumbs to understand this one. Anyway, Wesley was an attorney; his firm received the case to find Edward. Wesley hired the best PI in Atlanta to help him solve the mystery- the PI happened to be Yvette, the Special Agent he'd served with in the Military. He continued to give her cases in their civilian roles. Did I mention that he was also in love with Yvette? I don't want to give to spoilers, so listen- The story has two basic plots with Wesley and Yvette, and Edwards' disappearance that seemed too cut and dried. The idea that he was a deadbeat was debunked as the story unfolded. The undercover road trip mission with Wesley and Yvette had a sexy, vibing steam factor you will not want to miss. I highly recommend this story. 5 Stars.... This review is an ACR Review...

[BookNotes by Niecy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this slight departure for DL White to have a bit of mystery mixed with the romance. The story had layers and I appreciated how Yvette had to work through her pain, grief, and guilt to get to her happiness.

I look forward to more from Vette and Wes!

[Shanquelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much love and love making. Just too damn much for the type of book I thought I was going into. Nothing special. We were supposed to be finding a missing man with the help of a female PI and male lawyer but we spent more time in beds.

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming

Format: ebook
Romance tag: labeled romantic fiction but easily could be mystery with romantic elements or romantic suspense light regardless open door
CN: PTSD, grief, microagressions, blackmail, corruption, killing, gun use