What do you think?
Rate this book
Woman Missing
Two strangers. One island. What could possibly connect them?
Susan Keller is a devoted wife and mother whose children have left home for college. On a weekend island getaway with friends, she begins to wonder what life might look like if she were free to start again.
Ethan Morro works two exhausting jobs to support his wife and young children. Every day he watches wealthy tourists live the life he feels was meant for him.
When tragedy strikes the island, investigators begin searching for answers.
But what could possibly connect these two strangers?
And what secrets were they both carrying that led them there?
A chilling psychological suspense about desire, resentment, and the dangerous secrets people carry beneath ordinary lives.
Susan Keller is a devoted wife and mother whose children have left home for college. On a weekend island getaway with friends, she begins to wonder what life might look like if she were free to start again.
Ethan Morro works two exhausting jobs to support his wife and young children. Every day he watches wealthy tourists live the life he feels was meant for him.
When tragedy strikes the island, investigators begin searching for answers.
But what could possibly connect these two strangers?
And what secrets were they both carrying that led them there?
A chilling psychological suspense about desire, resentment, and the dangerous secrets people carry beneath ordinary lives.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
A.B. Whelan
21 books753 followersNew release: Woman Missing is a chilling psychological suspense about desire, resentment, and the dangerous secrets people carry beneath ordinary lives. Releasing on June 2, 2026.
Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.
She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.
Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan
Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.
She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.
Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 8, 2026
4.5⭐️
Woman Missing by A. B. Whelan is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of ageing, personal safety, loneliness, relationships, and the vulnerability that can come with feeling invisible in later life. From the very beginning, the story creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps building with every chapter.
The novel follows Susan, a brilliantly written main character whose emotions and experiences felt authentic and relatable. Susan is navigating a stage in life filled with reflection, uncertainty, and loneliness, and I really appreciated how realistically the author portrayed the complexities of ageing and relationships. She was a character I genuinely cared about and rooted for throughout the story.
One of the things that stood out most to me was how cleverly A. B. Whelan handled Ethan’s character. Even though we become aware of Ethan’s intentions fairly early on in the book, it didn’t take away from the suspense at all. In fact, it made the story even more compelling because the tension came from watching events slowly unfold and wondering what would happen next. Ethan was a deeply disturbed and unhappy individual, and the author portrayed his mindset in such a believable and unsettling way.
The themes of personal safety and trust were woven throughout the story so effectively, especially from a woman’s perspective. It added an extra layer of realism and tension that made the book even more impactful.
A. B. Whelan’s writing was clever, sharp, and remarkably engaging. The story flowed effortlessly and was such an easy read despite the darker subject matter. Every chapter kept me invested, and the pacing was done perfectly.
The ending was extremely satisfying and genuinely unexpected. Just when I thought I had worked everything out, the story surprised me in the best possible way. It wrapped everything up brilliantly and left a lasting impression long after I finished reading.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-Op, and author A. B. Whelan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 2nd 2026
Woman Missing by A. B. Whelan is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of ageing, personal safety, loneliness, relationships, and the vulnerability that can come with feeling invisible in later life. From the very beginning, the story creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps building with every chapter.
The novel follows Susan, a brilliantly written main character whose emotions and experiences felt authentic and relatable. Susan is navigating a stage in life filled with reflection, uncertainty, and loneliness, and I really appreciated how realistically the author portrayed the complexities of ageing and relationships. She was a character I genuinely cared about and rooted for throughout the story.
One of the things that stood out most to me was how cleverly A. B. Whelan handled Ethan’s character. Even though we become aware of Ethan’s intentions fairly early on in the book, it didn’t take away from the suspense at all. In fact, it made the story even more compelling because the tension came from watching events slowly unfold and wondering what would happen next. Ethan was a deeply disturbed and unhappy individual, and the author portrayed his mindset in such a believable and unsettling way.
The themes of personal safety and trust were woven throughout the story so effectively, especially from a woman’s perspective. It added an extra layer of realism and tension that made the book even more impactful.
A. B. Whelan’s writing was clever, sharp, and remarkably engaging. The story flowed effortlessly and was such an easy read despite the darker subject matter. Every chapter kept me invested, and the pacing was done perfectly.
The ending was extremely satisfying and genuinely unexpected. Just when I thought I had worked everything out, the story surprised me in the best possible way. It wrapped everything up brilliantly and left a lasting impression long after I finished reading.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-Op, and author A. B. Whelan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 2nd 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just WOW! A. B. Whelen has written a unique suspense novel that checks all the boxes! It is a bit of a task for me to write a review without a spoiler but here goes.
Do you love suspense with a few twists you never saw coming? Then this book is for you. The three main characters tell us the story in a very interesting manner that held my attention. If you are thinking this is just another story of friends going on vacation and one goes missing you are mistaken. When I said unique I truly meant it. I could not read it fast enough!
Beyond all of that, this book contains much insight into the human condition. The broken and how they break others. It shows us that a Mother's love is endless. And that maybe even the not so perfect spouse's really is too. Sometimes. Mark, Susan and Melissa will stay with me for quite some time.
I guarantee you will not regret this read.
*I received an ARC from the Author. I voluntarily wrote this review.
Do you love suspense with a few twists you never saw coming? Then this book is for you. The three main characters tell us the story in a very interesting manner that held my attention. If you are thinking this is just another story of friends going on vacation and one goes missing you are mistaken. When I said unique I truly meant it. I could not read it fast enough!
Beyond all of that, this book contains much insight into the human condition. The broken and how they break others. It shows us that a Mother's love is endless. And that maybe even the not so perfect spouse's really is too. Sometimes. Mark, Susan and Melissa will stay with me for quite some time.
I guarantee you will not regret this read.
*I received an ARC from the Author. I voluntarily wrote this review.
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Thank you to the author for personally reaching out to me and providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
—
Woman Missing is a dual POV thriller novel that tells the story of Susan and Ethan, and how their stories —at some point— collide with each other’s. Susan is a soon-to-be divorcée who takes a girls’ trip with her friends to Catalina island, the island where Ethan, a married young father of two little boys, lives and works. The premise of this book was very intriguing and promising, however the execution of it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
It all starts with the way the book is written. The author writes very short paragraphs, sometimes just sentences for a whole page, which is not only annoying to read but disrupts the flow of the story. Ironically enough, the book has a big amount of purple prose that, yet again, impacts the clarity of the book. I am in no means an expert, and I don’t mean this in an offensive way, but the author would benefit from a different editor (if she has one).
The first half of the book was a huge slow burn, and I never really knew where the story was going. I also never perceived a “twist” as is usual on a thriller book.
The ending was anticlimactic and it left me with many questions that went unanswered as well. It just wasn’t the resolution I would’ve hoped for after what happened in the second half of the book.
I believe this book could be a good, mild introduction of a thriller for readers who’d like to read one for the first time, but overall I would not recommend this book.
Thank you to the author for personally reaching out to me and providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
—
Woman Missing is a dual POV thriller novel that tells the story of Susan and Ethan, and how their stories —at some point— collide with each other’s. Susan is a soon-to-be divorcée who takes a girls’ trip with her friends to Catalina island, the island where Ethan, a married young father of two little boys, lives and works. The premise of this book was very intriguing and promising, however the execution of it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
It all starts with the way the book is written. The author writes very short paragraphs, sometimes just sentences for a whole page, which is not only annoying to read but disrupts the flow of the story. Ironically enough, the book has a big amount of purple prose that, yet again, impacts the clarity of the book. I am in no means an expert, and I don’t mean this in an offensive way, but the author would benefit from a different editor (if she has one).
The first half of the book was a huge slow burn, and I never really knew where the story was going. I also never perceived a “twist” as is usual on a thriller book.
The ending was anticlimactic and it left me with many questions that went unanswered as well. It just wasn’t the resolution I would’ve hoped for after what happened in the second half of the book.
I believe this book could be a good, mild introduction of a thriller for readers who’d like to read one for the first time, but overall I would not recommend this book.
Currently Reading
May 15, 2026
GIVEAWAY ENDS: JUNE 7, 2026
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Review of advance copy received from Author
All my thanks to author A.B. Whelan for trusting me with her new book.
The story follows two main characters. One is Susan Keller, a devoted mother and wife who left her rising career behind to care for her family. On a weekend island getaway with her friends, she begins to wonder what life would be like if she were free to start again. The other is Ethan Morro, a young father and husband who lives on the island and works two exhausting jobs to support his family. Every day, he watches the rich tourists come to the island and live the life he thinks he was meant to live while resenting his parents and the troubled life he has lived until now. Tragedy strikes the island when the paths of these two strangers cross, and a page-turning psychological thriller is born.
I must say that this book shook me deeper than I anticipated, as I am also a victim of a serious stalker encounter that lasted for months and eventually drew me out of my home and forced me to move elsewhere. However, I am glad the book did what it did because it let me take a peek into a stalker's mind and possible life circumstances.
That being said, because of my own experience and the proximity of my generation, I instantly connected with Susan through her dilemmas and questionings. Although I'm not a mother, I could feel her longing for the days when she could have achieved so much more instead of scheduling and organizing everything for her family. For me, she was one of the most relatable characters I've read about.
The book itself can be divided into two acts, in my opinion. The first act, or the first half if you please, builds a slow-burning tension and character backgrounds, and is crucial for understanding the path leading to the tragedy. The second act is where the real action and the page-turning start, and at that point, it is not easy to put this book down. My only wish as a reader was a bit more closure at the end, but I believe that was left to the reader's imagination.
Overall, it was a quick and gripping thriller, and I recommend it to anyone in search of such a story.
The story follows two main characters. One is Susan Keller, a devoted mother and wife who left her rising career behind to care for her family. On a weekend island getaway with her friends, she begins to wonder what life would be like if she were free to start again. The other is Ethan Morro, a young father and husband who lives on the island and works two exhausting jobs to support his family. Every day, he watches the rich tourists come to the island and live the life he thinks he was meant to live while resenting his parents and the troubled life he has lived until now. Tragedy strikes the island when the paths of these two strangers cross, and a page-turning psychological thriller is born.
I must say that this book shook me deeper than I anticipated, as I am also a victim of a serious stalker encounter that lasted for months and eventually drew me out of my home and forced me to move elsewhere. However, I am glad the book did what it did because it let me take a peek into a stalker's mind and possible life circumstances.
That being said, because of my own experience and the proximity of my generation, I instantly connected with Susan through her dilemmas and questionings. Although I'm not a mother, I could feel her longing for the days when she could have achieved so much more instead of scheduling and organizing everything for her family. For me, she was one of the most relatable characters I've read about.
The book itself can be divided into two acts, in my opinion. The first act, or the first half if you please, builds a slow-burning tension and character backgrounds, and is crucial for understanding the path leading to the tragedy. The second act is where the real action and the page-turning start, and at that point, it is not easy to put this book down. My only wish as a reader was a bit more closure at the end, but I believe that was left to the reader's imagination.
Overall, it was a quick and gripping thriller, and I recommend it to anyone in search of such a story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅.
WOMAN MISSING follows two seemingly unconnected people on the same island, both quietly unraveling beneath the weight of the lives they’ve built. Susan Keller is a wife and mother staring down the unsettling possibility of reinvention now that her children are gone, while Ethan Morro is drowning beneath exhaustion, resentment, and the crushing awareness that the life he wants will probably never belong to him. When tragedy rocks the island, the connection between them begins to surface piece by piece, exposing secrets that have been festering beneath the surface all along. A.B. Whelan takes what could have been a straightforward psychological suspense story and turns it into something far more intimate and unsettling.
What I appreciated most about this book was how deeply it understood quiet desperation. This is not a thriller built on flashy twists every other chapter. It is built on tension, resentment, longing, and the dangerous things people convince themselves they deserve. Susan especially fascinated me because her choices often sit in morally uncomfortable territory, yet they still felt vulnerable and human. Whelan writes characters who are flawed in ways that feel recognizable, and that made the emotional undercurrent of the story affect me even harder. There’s a heaviness hanging over the entire novel that made me constantly feel like something terrible was inevitable, even when I could not fully see where the story was headed.
The atmosphere of the island setting added so much to the story because it created this illusion of beauty and escape while everything underneath was slowly rotting. I found myself completely absorbed in the unraveling of these characters and the secrets binding them together. WOMAN MISSING is the kind of psychological suspense that lingers because it understands that the most frightening thing is not always violence or betrayal. Sometimes it is realizing how easy it is to become trapped inside a life that no longer feels like your own. Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy that will publish June 2, 2026.
WOMAN MISSING follows two seemingly unconnected people on the same island, both quietly unraveling beneath the weight of the lives they’ve built. Susan Keller is a wife and mother staring down the unsettling possibility of reinvention now that her children are gone, while Ethan Morro is drowning beneath exhaustion, resentment, and the crushing awareness that the life he wants will probably never belong to him. When tragedy rocks the island, the connection between them begins to surface piece by piece, exposing secrets that have been festering beneath the surface all along. A.B. Whelan takes what could have been a straightforward psychological suspense story and turns it into something far more intimate and unsettling.
What I appreciated most about this book was how deeply it understood quiet desperation. This is not a thriller built on flashy twists every other chapter. It is built on tension, resentment, longing, and the dangerous things people convince themselves they deserve. Susan especially fascinated me because her choices often sit in morally uncomfortable territory, yet they still felt vulnerable and human. Whelan writes characters who are flawed in ways that feel recognizable, and that made the emotional undercurrent of the story affect me even harder. There’s a heaviness hanging over the entire novel that made me constantly feel like something terrible was inevitable, even when I could not fully see where the story was headed.
The atmosphere of the island setting added so much to the story because it created this illusion of beauty and escape while everything underneath was slowly rotting. I found myself completely absorbed in the unraveling of these characters and the secrets binding them together. WOMAN MISSING is the kind of psychological suspense that lingers because it understands that the most frightening thing is not always violence or betrayal. Sometimes it is realizing how easy it is to become trapped inside a life that no longer feels like your own. Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy that will publish June 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Woman Missing is one of those slow‑burn psychological suspense novels that draws you in with its quiet, ordinary lives—and then gently twists the knife. The story moves between Susan and Ethan, two strangers whose worlds couldn’t look more different on the surface, yet both carry that same simmering sense of longing, resentment, and quiet dissatisfaction that makes the tension feel so human.
Susan’s island getaway has this bittersweet glow to it: a woman on the cusp of reinvention, wondering who she might be now that her children have flown the nest. There’s a tenderness to her restlessness, a sense of possibility threaded with guilt. Ethan, meanwhile, is all strain and sacrifice, watching the wealthy tourists drift through the life he believes should have been his. His chapters hum with frustration, envy, and the weight of responsibility.
When tragedy strikes the island, the story shifts into something darker and more tightly wound. The question of how these two lives intersect becomes the heartbeat of the novel, and the author handles that slow reveal with a deft, almost delicate touch. Secrets surface, motives blur, and the island itself becomes a pressure cooker—sunlit, beautiful, and quietly dangerous.
What I loved most is how the book explores the hidden corners of ordinary people: the desires they bury, the resentments they swallow, the choices that seem small until they aren’t. It’s chilling not because of grand twists, but because of how easily you can imagine standing in either character’s shoes.
Atmospheric, unsettling, and quietly compelling, Woman Missing is a thoughtful psychological suspense that lingers long after the final page—an exploration of the fault lines beneath everyday lives and the moment they finally crack.
With thanks to AB Whelan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Susan’s island getaway has this bittersweet glow to it: a woman on the cusp of reinvention, wondering who she might be now that her children have flown the nest. There’s a tenderness to her restlessness, a sense of possibility threaded with guilt. Ethan, meanwhile, is all strain and sacrifice, watching the wealthy tourists drift through the life he believes should have been his. His chapters hum with frustration, envy, and the weight of responsibility.
When tragedy strikes the island, the story shifts into something darker and more tightly wound. The question of how these two lives intersect becomes the heartbeat of the novel, and the author handles that slow reveal with a deft, almost delicate touch. Secrets surface, motives blur, and the island itself becomes a pressure cooker—sunlit, beautiful, and quietly dangerous.
What I loved most is how the book explores the hidden corners of ordinary people: the desires they bury, the resentments they swallow, the choices that seem small until they aren’t. It’s chilling not because of grand twists, but because of how easily you can imagine standing in either character’s shoes.
Atmospheric, unsettling, and quietly compelling, Woman Missing is a thoughtful psychological suspense that lingers long after the final page—an exploration of the fault lines beneath everyday lives and the moment they finally crack.
With thanks to AB Whelan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOMAN MISSING is a domestic psychological suspense thriller by Amazon bestselling author, A.B. Whelan.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
14 Days to Die (2016)
As Sick as Our Secrets (2018)
If I Had Two Lives (2019)
This Love Kills Me (2021)
No One Can Hear You Scream (2021)
Big Little Secrets (2022)
Easy Prey (2025)
Woman Missing (2026)
This is my review of Woman Missing.
Susan Keller, a devoted wife and mother whose children have left home for college, takes a trip to Catalina Island with some friends of hers, a much-needed break from her husband, Mark, to reflect on their marriage. Susan needs to feel young again and needed and appreciated, and this time away will allow her to determine if she wants to recommit to her marriage when she returns home, or break things off for good.
What would life be like if she were free to start again…
The women spend their days drinking, enjoying the sunshine, and reminiscing about being young again. One evening while out at dinner, Susan catches the attention of a server named Ethan.
Ethan Morro, also in a stressed marriage, works two exhausting jobs, one at the marina in maintenance and at night as a server in a restaurant, to support his wife, Melissa and young children. Every day he watches wealthy tourists live the life he feels was meant for him.
Ethan starts to obsess over Susan…and danger is just around the corner.
The novel was told through three POVs, Susan and Ethan, and then later from Mark, Susan’s husband. Each character had their own baggage and history.
This was a chilling psychological suspense about desire, and bitterness, and secrets people hide beneath ordinary lives.
Many thanks to AB Whelan for the gifted digital copy.
Expected publication June 2, 2026
Her Standalone Novels Include:
14 Days to Die (2016)
As Sick as Our Secrets (2018)
If I Had Two Lives (2019)
This Love Kills Me (2021)
No One Can Hear You Scream (2021)
Big Little Secrets (2022)
Easy Prey (2025)
Woman Missing (2026)
This is my review of Woman Missing.
Susan Keller, a devoted wife and mother whose children have left home for college, takes a trip to Catalina Island with some friends of hers, a much-needed break from her husband, Mark, to reflect on their marriage. Susan needs to feel young again and needed and appreciated, and this time away will allow her to determine if she wants to recommit to her marriage when she returns home, or break things off for good.
What would life be like if she were free to start again…
The women spend their days drinking, enjoying the sunshine, and reminiscing about being young again. One evening while out at dinner, Susan catches the attention of a server named Ethan.
Ethan Morro, also in a stressed marriage, works two exhausting jobs, one at the marina in maintenance and at night as a server in a restaurant, to support his wife, Melissa and young children. Every day he watches wealthy tourists live the life he feels was meant for him.
Ethan starts to obsess over Susan…and danger is just around the corner.
The novel was told through three POVs, Susan and Ethan, and then later from Mark, Susan’s husband. Each character had their own baggage and history.
This was a chilling psychological suspense about desire, and bitterness, and secrets people hide beneath ordinary lives.
Many thanks to AB Whelan for the gifted digital copy.
Expected publication June 2, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, this book was just overall very sad to me. I can't really say that it was my favorite as I found so many parts to be depressing. It starts when empty nester Susan Keller, disenfranchised with her twenty year marriage, takes a trip to Catalina Island with some friends of hers. The women spend their days drinking, enjoying the sunshine, and reminiscing about being young again. For Susan, it's a much-needed break from her husband, Mark, and a chance to see if she wants to recommit to her marriage when she returns home, or break things off for good.
Ethan is living on Catalina Island as well, but his life is vastly different. Working two jobs to support his young family, he finds himself filled with bitterness and rage. Ethan can't help but be envious of the wealth that is seemingly smothering the island. Ethan also questions his marriage. He is filled with a hunger and a darkness that cannot be satiated.
Without giving too much away, Susan and Ethan's lives intersect during a tragic moment that changes everything. When Mark finds out what has happened, he is determined to find out who was responsible for the horrific chain of events. He will stop at nothing to see the justice that he feels is due.
This story was saturated with so much sadness, discontentment, betrayal, and violence. Furthermore, the first half altogether was a slow burn for me. It picks up pace about 60% of the way through the novel, but is overall just a tragic story that left me feeling very unfulfilled. I would give this 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.
Ethan is living on Catalina Island as well, but his life is vastly different. Working two jobs to support his young family, he finds himself filled with bitterness and rage. Ethan can't help but be envious of the wealth that is seemingly smothering the island. Ethan also questions his marriage. He is filled with a hunger and a darkness that cannot be satiated.
Without giving too much away, Susan and Ethan's lives intersect during a tragic moment that changes everything. When Mark finds out what has happened, he is determined to find out who was responsible for the horrific chain of events. He will stop at nothing to see the justice that he feels is due.
This story was saturated with so much sadness, discontentment, betrayal, and violence. Furthermore, the first half altogether was a slow burn for me. It picks up pace about 60% of the way through the novel, but is overall just a tragic story that left me feeling very unfulfilled. I would give this 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.
May 8, 2026
🏃♀️ F R I G H T E N I N G F R I D A Y review 🏃♀️ featuring “Woman Missing” by A.B. Whelan!
Susan Keller is having a mid life crisis: she’s been married for 20 years, her children are grown and she hasn’t “had” to work for years and instead stayed at home. But she has yearned for so much more … to use her brain and have a life outside of the day to day household grind.
Susan and her friends go on a girls getaway to Catalina Island for an escape from their lives. Susan wants to take this time to self reflect and figure out if her marriage is still salvageable or if it’s time to move on and start over.
The trip is full of relaxing in the sunshine, checking out the tourist town and wining and dining themselves. While out at dinner one evening, Susan catches the attention of a server named Ethan.
Ethan is also in a strained marriage and is working two jobs to take care of his wife and 3 kids. He is constantly exhausted and frustrated from all the nagging from his wife that he doesn’t do enough or spend enough time with the kids. Ethan has a hard time keeping his anger in check due to the dark urges that he keeps bottled up inside of him. He sees Susan and starts to obsess over her. He won’t be able to satisfy his urges until he acts on them … and the time will come soon enough.
💭 WOAH! This story goes from 0 to 100 and is a sucker punch to the gut! What starts out as a beautiful girls trip that is geared towards letting loose and finding self reflection, quickly turns into a horrific nightmare that will sit with you long after reading. The tension is off the charts, emotions run wild and the pressure builds with every chapter. Just make sure to check trigger warnings before reading!
Thank you kindly to @authorabwhelan my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on June 2, 2026!
Susan Keller is having a mid life crisis: she’s been married for 20 years, her children are grown and she hasn’t “had” to work for years and instead stayed at home. But she has yearned for so much more … to use her brain and have a life outside of the day to day household grind.
Susan and her friends go on a girls getaway to Catalina Island for an escape from their lives. Susan wants to take this time to self reflect and figure out if her marriage is still salvageable or if it’s time to move on and start over.
The trip is full of relaxing in the sunshine, checking out the tourist town and wining and dining themselves. While out at dinner one evening, Susan catches the attention of a server named Ethan.
Ethan is also in a strained marriage and is working two jobs to take care of his wife and 3 kids. He is constantly exhausted and frustrated from all the nagging from his wife that he doesn’t do enough or spend enough time with the kids. Ethan has a hard time keeping his anger in check due to the dark urges that he keeps bottled up inside of him. He sees Susan and starts to obsess over her. He won’t be able to satisfy his urges until he acts on them … and the time will come soon enough.
💭 WOAH! This story goes from 0 to 100 and is a sucker punch to the gut! What starts out as a beautiful girls trip that is geared towards letting loose and finding self reflection, quickly turns into a horrific nightmare that will sit with you long after reading. The tension is off the charts, emotions run wild and the pressure builds with every chapter. Just make sure to check trigger warnings before reading!
Thank you kindly to @authorabwhelan my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on June 2, 2026!
May 10, 2026
👟👟👟👟.5 : keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Omg I want to just discuss this book but can’t because it will give some things away!! If you’ve read this… let’s discuss please!!! I totally thought I had this book pegged (I was very wrong!) and man was it a page turner! Fast paced and suspense kept me on my toes and away from my chores (thank you 😂).
Susan is going through a rough time in her life, going through the motions because it’s what’s expected. She’s a mom to grown kids and does mundane work around the house. She wants more, she wants to be seen again, to be wanted. She goes on a girls trip and let’s loose. There’s flirting and dancing and the feeling of being watched. Ethan is an overworked husband catering for the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
The dual point of view was a great way to write this book. It added so much depth to the stories. My favorite was Ethan’s points of view. His inner spiral seemed so realistic.
This book was totally not what I expected in a fantastic way. The twists and turns devoured me! What a creative way for a suspenseful psychological thriller to develop. Could not get enough of it!
A. B. Whelan painted a picture of unease after being in a stagnant relationship, the inner turmoil when making decision because “you just can’t help it.” I was in their minds making these decisions with the characters.
Read this if you enjoy: suspense, wrong place wrong time, murder mystery
⚠️: please read the trigger warnings before reading!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authorabwhelan I am so thankful for the opportunity to read early!
Omg I want to just discuss this book but can’t because it will give some things away!! If you’ve read this… let’s discuss please!!! I totally thought I had this book pegged (I was very wrong!) and man was it a page turner! Fast paced and suspense kept me on my toes and away from my chores (thank you 😂).
Susan is going through a rough time in her life, going through the motions because it’s what’s expected. She’s a mom to grown kids and does mundane work around the house. She wants more, she wants to be seen again, to be wanted. She goes on a girls trip and let’s loose. There’s flirting and dancing and the feeling of being watched. Ethan is an overworked husband catering for the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
The dual point of view was a great way to write this book. It added so much depth to the stories. My favorite was Ethan’s points of view. His inner spiral seemed so realistic.
This book was totally not what I expected in a fantastic way. The twists and turns devoured me! What a creative way for a suspenseful psychological thriller to develop. Could not get enough of it!
A. B. Whelan painted a picture of unease after being in a stagnant relationship, the inner turmoil when making decision because “you just can’t help it.” I was in their minds making these decisions with the characters.
Read this if you enjoy: suspense, wrong place wrong time, murder mystery
⚠️: please read the trigger warnings before reading!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authorabwhelan I am so thankful for the opportunity to read early!
June 2, 2026
Wow! Nothing I like more than a good twisted tale – and this one pretty much hit the mark, at least for me.
Susan and Melissa – two wives who don’t know each other. Mark is Susan’s husband, and Ethan is Melissa’s husband. Both of these marriages had their own set of troubles. Both Susan and Melissa wanted something different. They both had two children. The only difference between these two is that Melissa chose to stay and Susan chose to take a girls’ weekend away to try and figure things out.
Mark – a defense attorney. Busy with work. Too busy.
Ethan – seemingly a good provider to his wife and children. Melissa knew something was ‘off’ but couldn’t quite define it.
I was beginning to wonder how these four lives intersected and then they did. Poor Daniel though, a fellow who was in Avalon at the time Susan and her girlfriends were.
Something happens to Susan. Mark has some realizations about her, some truths he didn’t see before the girls’ weekend.
Needless to say, Ethan’s troubles caught up with him.
Mark got the answers he had been waiting for, for a year. Mark’s decision in the end caught me off guard.
I liked the twistedness of this tale, how these four lives finally intersected, how everything was tied up in the end. It’s an interesting look into human nature and how one wrong decision can make everything go sideways. How dark thoughts can pop up when they are least expected. It’s interesting how people deal with the same problem in different ways, some healthy, some not so much.
Susan and Melissa – two wives who don’t know each other. Mark is Susan’s husband, and Ethan is Melissa’s husband. Both of these marriages had their own set of troubles. Both Susan and Melissa wanted something different. They both had two children. The only difference between these two is that Melissa chose to stay and Susan chose to take a girls’ weekend away to try and figure things out.
Mark – a defense attorney. Busy with work. Too busy.
Ethan – seemingly a good provider to his wife and children. Melissa knew something was ‘off’ but couldn’t quite define it.
I was beginning to wonder how these four lives intersected and then they did. Poor Daniel though, a fellow who was in Avalon at the time Susan and her girlfriends were.
Something happens to Susan. Mark has some realizations about her, some truths he didn’t see before the girls’ weekend.
Needless to say, Ethan’s troubles caught up with him.
Mark got the answers he had been waiting for, for a year. Mark’s decision in the end caught me off guard.
I liked the twistedness of this tale, how these four lives finally intersected, how everything was tied up in the end. It’s an interesting look into human nature and how one wrong decision can make everything go sideways. How dark thoughts can pop up when they are least expected. It’s interesting how people deal with the same problem in different ways, some healthy, some not so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖”WOMAN MISSING” by A.B. Whelan
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
That cover? Instant grab. Zero need to read the description—not with Whelan as the author. Snacks, water, phone on silent, let’s go. I was ready for a wild ride.
#GiftedARC #BurbankBooksPublishing
All opinions are my own.
Susan heads off to an island with some friends for a girls’ weekend, freshly launched into empty‑nest life and quietly spiraling about what comes next. Her kids are grown, her career is ancient history, and her marriage isn’t exactly lighting up her life. At first, I wasn’t sure about Susan, but she totally won me over.
Ethan’s stuck on the same island, juggling two jobs and two little kids with a wife he can’t seem to agree with on anything anymore. He’s running on fumes, volatile, and wondering how his life veered so far off course. Ethan gave me the creeps from the start, and I was just waiting for him to snap.
We get both perspectives, two strangers, two unraveling lives, and for a while, the story moves with a steady, simmering pace. But this is A.B. Whelan. I’ve read enough of her work to know the calm never lasts. There’s always a storm brewing, and when Susan and Ethan’s paths finally collide, that storm hits like a full‑force hurricane.
What starts as a character‑driven setup morphs into a mind‑bending, full‑blown thriller. The final act? Nowhere near anything I could’ve predicted. This is exactly why I beg for her ARCs. A.B. Whelan delivers twists that detonate!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
That cover? Instant grab. Zero need to read the description—not with Whelan as the author. Snacks, water, phone on silent, let’s go. I was ready for a wild ride.
#GiftedARC #BurbankBooksPublishing
All opinions are my own.
Susan heads off to an island with some friends for a girls’ weekend, freshly launched into empty‑nest life and quietly spiraling about what comes next. Her kids are grown, her career is ancient history, and her marriage isn’t exactly lighting up her life. At first, I wasn’t sure about Susan, but she totally won me over.
Ethan’s stuck on the same island, juggling two jobs and two little kids with a wife he can’t seem to agree with on anything anymore. He’s running on fumes, volatile, and wondering how his life veered so far off course. Ethan gave me the creeps from the start, and I was just waiting for him to snap.
We get both perspectives, two strangers, two unraveling lives, and for a while, the story moves with a steady, simmering pace. But this is A.B. Whelan. I’ve read enough of her work to know the calm never lasts. There’s always a storm brewing, and when Susan and Ethan’s paths finally collide, that storm hits like a full‑force hurricane.
What starts as a character‑driven setup morphs into a mind‑bending, full‑blown thriller. The final act? Nowhere near anything I could’ve predicted. This is exactly why I beg for her ARCs. A.B. Whelan delivers twists that detonate!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two strangers arrive on the same island, each carrying the weight of the life they’ve built - and the quiet longing for something more. Susan, a devoted mother facing an empty nest, begins to question what a fresh start might look like, while Ethan, worn down by endless work, watches others live the life he believes should have been his. When tragedy strikes, their paths collide in ways no one could have predicted.
I absolutely devoured this one. I flew through it in a couple of hours because putting it down simply wasn’t an option.
Told through three POVs, we start with Susan and Ethan. Susan is a 40-something woman tasting freedom for the first time in years, while Ethan is stuck grinding through life on the island, doing everything he can to support his family. Their lives couldn’t be more different - but the deeper you go, the more you realise something isn’t quite right. When their stories finally collide… it’s in the worst possible way.
From there, we get a third POV - Mark, Susan’s husband - and that’s when everything really starts to unravel.
This is definitely a slow burn at first, but the second Susan goes missing? The tension spikes and does not let go. And that ending was one I genuinely did not see coming. It left me sitting there feeling pretty emotional.
My heart absolutely broke for Susan, Mark, their kids - honestly, everyone involved.
This was my first book from this author, but safe to say it will NOT be my last.
I absolutely devoured this one. I flew through it in a couple of hours because putting it down simply wasn’t an option.
Told through three POVs, we start with Susan and Ethan. Susan is a 40-something woman tasting freedom for the first time in years, while Ethan is stuck grinding through life on the island, doing everything he can to support his family. Their lives couldn’t be more different - but the deeper you go, the more you realise something isn’t quite right. When their stories finally collide… it’s in the worst possible way.
From there, we get a third POV - Mark, Susan’s husband - and that’s when everything really starts to unravel.
This is definitely a slow burn at first, but the second Susan goes missing? The tension spikes and does not let go. And that ending was one I genuinely did not see coming. It left me sitting there feeling pretty emotional.
My heart absolutely broke for Susan, Mark, their kids - honestly, everyone involved.
This was my first book from this author, but safe to say it will NOT be my last.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as an ARC, and the premise immediately pulled me in—two strangers, one island, and the question of what could possibly connect them.
What really worked for me was the character development, especially in the first half of the book. Susan’s stage of life and the idea of a getaway that makes you reflect on what’s next, felt very relatable. I also liked the contrast between her and Ethan, and how their individual stories were built before everything started to come together.
The beginning had a strong, steady build with just the right amount of intrigue to keep me turning pages. I found myself really invested in the characters and their situations.
As the story leaned more into the thriller aspect, I was expecting that tension to ramp up even more. While everything made sense and was easy to follow, the second half didn’t quite match the intensity of the first for me.
The subtle time jump toward the end also felt a little off. I understood how it tied everything together, but I would have loved a little more time there to fully take it in more of the story.
Overall, this is a thoughtful psychological suspense with a strong start and well-developed characters.
I’d definitely be interested in reading more from this author, especially with the kind of character-driven storytelling shown in the first half.
What really worked for me was the character development, especially in the first half of the book. Susan’s stage of life and the idea of a getaway that makes you reflect on what’s next, felt very relatable. I also liked the contrast between her and Ethan, and how their individual stories were built before everything started to come together.
The beginning had a strong, steady build with just the right amount of intrigue to keep me turning pages. I found myself really invested in the characters and their situations.
As the story leaned more into the thriller aspect, I was expecting that tension to ramp up even more. While everything made sense and was easy to follow, the second half didn’t quite match the intensity of the first for me.
The subtle time jump toward the end also felt a little off. I understood how it tied everything together, but I would have loved a little more time there to fully take it in more of the story.
Overall, this is a thoughtful psychological suspense with a strong start and well-developed characters.
I’d definitely be interested in reading more from this author, especially with the kind of character-driven storytelling shown in the first half.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a digital ARC from the author to review.
I'm new to A. B. Whalen and I am truly glad I was able to read this binge-worthy domestic thriller. We are introduced to Susan Keller, wife and mother who after 20 years of marriage is questioning who she really is. Losing sense of self in her marriage, she finds herself lost, especially with the kids away at college and her husband all but ignoring her. So when friends suggest a weekend getaway, she's all for it.
What happens when strangers meet and secrets and lies unfortunately connect you? Ethan Morrow is a hardworking man who is doing his best to support his wife and 2 children.
Here we have 2 perfect strangers that are unfortunately bound in the worst possible way. You know, secrets are a funny thing. They connect the least likely of people with no logical explanation. Lies, deceit and all else that accompanies it, is a recipe for disaster which is the backdrop of this psychological twister A. B. Whalen has written. The character-building provides a slow burn building into an explosive crescendo which I found quite interesting.
My first but certainly not my last A.B. Whalen novel. I highly recommend picking up this novel.
I'm new to A. B. Whalen and I am truly glad I was able to read this binge-worthy domestic thriller. We are introduced to Susan Keller, wife and mother who after 20 years of marriage is questioning who she really is. Losing sense of self in her marriage, she finds herself lost, especially with the kids away at college and her husband all but ignoring her. So when friends suggest a weekend getaway, she's all for it.
What happens when strangers meet and secrets and lies unfortunately connect you? Ethan Morrow is a hardworking man who is doing his best to support his wife and 2 children.
Here we have 2 perfect strangers that are unfortunately bound in the worst possible way. You know, secrets are a funny thing. They connect the least likely of people with no logical explanation. Lies, deceit and all else that accompanies it, is a recipe for disaster which is the backdrop of this psychological twister A. B. Whalen has written. The character-building provides a slow burn building into an explosive crescendo which I found quite interesting.
My first but certainly not my last A.B. Whalen novel. I highly recommend picking up this novel.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one builds its tension through ordinary lives hiding uncommon secrets. You have Susan, a wife and mother standing at a crossroads, wondering what life might look like if she chose something different. Then you have Ethan, worn down by hard work and carrying the kind of resentment that grows heavier by the day. Two strangers living separate lives, yet you know from the start something is pulling them toward the same dark moment.
What works best here is the slow creeping unease. The story does not rush itself. Instead, it lets the pressure build piece by piece, showing how desire, frustration, and buried secrets can quietly twist people in dangerous ways. That steady unraveling gives the book a strong psychological edge.
Both characters feel layered and human, with flaws that make them believable. You may not always agree with them, but you understand how they got where they are. That makes the mystery of what connects them even stronger.
The payoff lands well, and the suspense keeps you invested the whole way through. It is thoughtful, tense, and carries that unsettling feeling that trouble can grow beneath even the most normal looking lives.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
This one builds its tension through ordinary lives hiding uncommon secrets. You have Susan, a wife and mother standing at a crossroads, wondering what life might look like if she chose something different. Then you have Ethan, worn down by hard work and carrying the kind of resentment that grows heavier by the day. Two strangers living separate lives, yet you know from the start something is pulling them toward the same dark moment.
What works best here is the slow creeping unease. The story does not rush itself. Instead, it lets the pressure build piece by piece, showing how desire, frustration, and buried secrets can quietly twist people in dangerous ways. That steady unraveling gives the book a strong psychological edge.
Both characters feel layered and human, with flaws that make them believable. You may not always agree with them, but you understand how they got where they are. That makes the mystery of what connects them even stronger.
The payoff lands well, and the suspense keeps you invested the whole way through. It is thoughtful, tense, and carries that unsettling feeling that trouble can grow beneath even the most normal looking lives.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
Review of advance copy
This story starts with a girl's trip to Catalina. Susan is spending time with her girlfriends now that the kids are out of the house. Her husband, Mark has his own law firm and is very busy with his business. Susan is leaning toward a divorce because with the kids gone and Mark busy, she feels invisible. She is missing the way she once was when she had a career and interests of her own. She is hoping this trip will give her some clarity on what she wants for her future.
The ladies spend days at the beach, visiting shops, and enjoying the café. Their evenings are spent dining, dancing and bonfires. On more than one occasion, Susan has the feeling of being watched but never seems to see who it could be and it doesn't stop her from having a good time...until it does.
This story is more than a story of someone going missing. I think it is also about how sometimes women feel lost when they go through the empty nest period and how marriages can suffer then, too.
This is a 4 star book for me. I enjoyed the plot. I liked that there were several layers to the story. It did not end how I thought it would. It really surprised me!
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ladies spend days at the beach, visiting shops, and enjoying the café. Their evenings are spent dining, dancing and bonfires. On more than one occasion, Susan has the feeling of being watched but never seems to see who it could be and it doesn't stop her from having a good time...until it does.
This story is more than a story of someone going missing. I think it is also about how sometimes women feel lost when they go through the empty nest period and how marriages can suffer then, too.
This is a 4 star book for me. I enjoyed the plot. I liked that there were several layers to the story. It did not end how I thought it would. It really surprised me!
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
" Island Adventures - Explore at your own risk."
This psychological thriller is incredibly complex and is told from the perspective and emotional world of the victim, perpetrator, and husband.
The need to be seen and wanted is strong. Victim and perpetrator feel restricted and strive for more control over their lives. Ethan's loss of control escalates here in a way from which there is no turning back. And for Susan, all that remains is the realization that "Moments that once seemed ordinary, now felt impossible, precious." Susan's husband, on the other hand, feels the weight of his hesitation, of his own helplessness. - Control is a very fleeting concept here, as Ethan ultimately learns firsthand. – “Only this time, it’s fear. A fear that doesn’t disappear, that doesn’t weaken. That stays. That grows. And that waits…”
"Woman Missing" is both a thriller and a drama. It portrays not only the escalation that turns a family man into a perpetrator, but also a marriage at a crossroads. What lingers here is the regret of the hesitation... and the realization that we ourselves decide who we want to become. - I really liked the way this idea was implemented.
This psychological thriller is incredibly complex and is told from the perspective and emotional world of the victim, perpetrator, and husband.
The need to be seen and wanted is strong. Victim and perpetrator feel restricted and strive for more control over their lives. Ethan's loss of control escalates here in a way from which there is no turning back. And for Susan, all that remains is the realization that "Moments that once seemed ordinary, now felt impossible, precious." Susan's husband, on the other hand, feels the weight of his hesitation, of his own helplessness. - Control is a very fleeting concept here, as Ethan ultimately learns firsthand. – “Only this time, it’s fear. A fear that doesn’t disappear, that doesn’t weaken. That stays. That grows. And that waits…”
"Woman Missing" is both a thriller and a drama. It portrays not only the escalation that turns a family man into a perpetrator, but also a marriage at a crossroads. What lingers here is the regret of the hesitation... and the realization that we ourselves decide who we want to become. - I really liked the way this idea was implemented.
Read
April 4, 2026*I received an ARC from the author, all opinions are my own.*
"Two strangers. One island. What could possibly connect them?"
This story is told by alternating chapters for Susan and Ethan. They have nothing in common and no reason for their paths to cross.
Susan is on a girl's trip with her friends. I thought she was quite whiney and annoying, but as the story continued, she became more relatable and vulnerable. She is in an empty-nester phase of her life and is questioning her worth in her marriage.
Ethan is younger and lives on the island with his wife and kids and works two jobs. He hates his life and carries barely disguised rage just waiting to explode.
The pace was slow, and I almost gave up, but about 55% into the book, the thriller elements start, and I am so glad I stayed with it. The way the author peels back the evolution of Susan and Ethan's world colliding is excellent. I was fully immersed and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I will give nothing more away, as the last 30% of the book is chilling.
Overall, a good thriller read with some unexpected twists.
3.75 🌟
"Two strangers. One island. What could possibly connect them?"
This story is told by alternating chapters for Susan and Ethan. They have nothing in common and no reason for their paths to cross.
Susan is on a girl's trip with her friends. I thought she was quite whiney and annoying, but as the story continued, she became more relatable and vulnerable. She is in an empty-nester phase of her life and is questioning her worth in her marriage.
Ethan is younger and lives on the island with his wife and kids and works two jobs. He hates his life and carries barely disguised rage just waiting to explode.
The pace was slow, and I almost gave up, but about 55% into the book, the thriller elements start, and I am so glad I stayed with it. The way the author peels back the evolution of Susan and Ethan's world colliding is excellent. I was fully immersed and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I will give nothing more away, as the last 30% of the book is chilling.
Overall, a good thriller read with some unexpected twists.
3.75 🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
When your children leave home, what do you do with yourself? You were on call 24/7, and now you wait for the occasional phone call. Susan Keller decides a girlfriends getaway will help her refocus on what life has in store for her. Santa Catalina Island is the perfect escape. After years of being someone's mom or wife, Susan felt invisible. Out on the island, she was seen. She enjoyed the freedom.
Ethan lives on Santa Catalina and works repairing boats for the rich and entitled tourists. He hates seeing how they use his home so thoughtlessly. He is trying to support his family, works two jobs, and feels invisible. He feels angry all the time.
When their paths cross, will they recognize the invisible feeling they share?
Woman Missing explores loneliness, marital stagnancy, female friendship, and longing. A.B.Whelan grabs readers immediately with her lyrical descriptions and captivating characters. Be ready to be obsessed with the story. She perfectly describes how lost and adrift Susan feels as she faces an empty house. Set aside time because once this story grabs you, it doesn't let go.
Thank you A.B. Whelan, for another captivating book!
Ethan lives on Santa Catalina and works repairing boats for the rich and entitled tourists. He hates seeing how they use his home so thoughtlessly. He is trying to support his family, works two jobs, and feels invisible. He feels angry all the time.
When their paths cross, will they recognize the invisible feeling they share?
Woman Missing explores loneliness, marital stagnancy, female friendship, and longing. A.B.Whelan grabs readers immediately with her lyrical descriptions and captivating characters. Be ready to be obsessed with the story. She perfectly describes how lost and adrift Susan feels as she faces an empty house. Set aside time because once this story grabs you, it doesn't let go.
Thank you A.B. Whelan, for another captivating book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
This was a tense, character-driven psychological suspense that slowly pulls you under and doesn’t let go.
Woman Missing builds its intrigue through dual perspectives and a setting that feels both beautiful and isolating. The contrast between the characters’ lives—and the quiet unraveling of their inner worlds—adds a compelling layer to the mystery. There’s a strong sense that something isn’t quite right from the very beginning, and that unease only deepens as the story unfolds.
What I appreciated most was the emotional complexity behind the suspense. This isn’t just about what happened—it’s about why, and how ordinary lives can hide extraordinary secrets. The pacing leans more on slow-burn tension than nonstop action, but it works well for the type of story being told, allowing the psychological elements to really take center stage.
At times, the buildup feels a bit gradual, but it ultimately pays off in a way that feels satisfying and thought-provoking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Burbank Book Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A gripping and atmospheric read for fans of layered, character-focused thrillers.
This was a tense, character-driven psychological suspense that slowly pulls you under and doesn’t let go.
Woman Missing builds its intrigue through dual perspectives and a setting that feels both beautiful and isolating. The contrast between the characters’ lives—and the quiet unraveling of their inner worlds—adds a compelling layer to the mystery. There’s a strong sense that something isn’t quite right from the very beginning, and that unease only deepens as the story unfolds.
What I appreciated most was the emotional complexity behind the suspense. This isn’t just about what happened—it’s about why, and how ordinary lives can hide extraordinary secrets. The pacing leans more on slow-burn tension than nonstop action, but it works well for the type of story being told, allowing the psychological elements to really take center stage.
At times, the buildup feels a bit gradual, but it ultimately pays off in a way that feels satisfying and thought-provoking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Burbank Book Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A gripping and atmospheric read for fans of layered, character-focused thrillers.
Review of advance copy
A.B. Whelan knows exactly how to hook a reader right from the first page.
Woman Missing starts with every family’s worst nightmare and quickly spiraling into a tangled web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. What I loved most about this book was the pacing—the chapters fly by, and the tension builds beautifully as the layers of the mystery are peeled back.
What worked for me:
The Atmosphere: It has that perfect, claustrophobic domestic thriller vibe where you start questioning everyone’s motives, even the characters you want to trust.
The Twists: Just when I thought I had the "missing woman" puzzle completely figured out, the plot threw a curveball that caught me off guard.
Unreliable Narratives: The character dynamics are deeply flawed and highly compelling, making the psychological aspect of the story really shine.
If you are a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with neighborhood secrets, domestic drama, and solid twists (think Shari Lapena or Lucy Foley vibes), this is definitely worth adding to your TBR list!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a great ride. Highly recommended for a weekend binge-read!
Woman Missing starts with every family’s worst nightmare and quickly spiraling into a tangled web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. What I loved most about this book was the pacing—the chapters fly by, and the tension builds beautifully as the layers of the mystery are peeled back.
What worked for me:
The Atmosphere: It has that perfect, claustrophobic domestic thriller vibe where you start questioning everyone’s motives, even the characters you want to trust.
The Twists: Just when I thought I had the "missing woman" puzzle completely figured out, the plot threw a curveball that caught me off guard.
Unreliable Narratives: The character dynamics are deeply flawed and highly compelling, making the psychological aspect of the story really shine.
If you are a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with neighborhood secrets, domestic drama, and solid twists (think Shari Lapena or Lucy Foley vibes), this is definitely worth adding to your TBR list!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a great ride. Highly recommended for a weekend binge-read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I rated this book 3.5 ★s out of 5.
New to me author, A. B. Whelan offered me a digital copy of her ARC Woman Missing and I was super excited to read it after checking out the premise and reading a few non-spoiler reviews.
First, I super love the cover of a strong woman running into the sunset colors. I also really liked the setting in Catalina Island.
The main character, Susan, was relatable to me as I am a similar age and my last child has just a year left before leaving home. There were a few gems as her place in life was pondered. I didn't relate with the other main character Ethan, but I suppose that makes sense since it's pretty clear up front that there is something not quite right with him. I did sympathize with his struggles as he was working hard trying to provide for his family. The story was nicely woven, switching between these characters, keeping you guessing how their paths will intertwine.
The final result wasn't completely satisfying for me personally. But that is what makes a story interesting, it's not always the ending you would have picked.
I enjoyed the reading experience and plan on reading more books by A. B. Whelan.
New to me author, A. B. Whelan offered me a digital copy of her ARC Woman Missing and I was super excited to read it after checking out the premise and reading a few non-spoiler reviews.
First, I super love the cover of a strong woman running into the sunset colors. I also really liked the setting in Catalina Island.
The main character, Susan, was relatable to me as I am a similar age and my last child has just a year left before leaving home. There were a few gems as her place in life was pondered. I didn't relate with the other main character Ethan, but I suppose that makes sense since it's pretty clear up front that there is something not quite right with him. I did sympathize with his struggles as he was working hard trying to provide for his family. The story was nicely woven, switching between these characters, keeping you guessing how their paths will intertwine.
The final result wasn't completely satisfying for me personally. But that is what makes a story interesting, it's not always the ending you would have picked.
I enjoyed the reading experience and plan on reading more books by A. B. Whelan.
Review of advance copy
I received a free advanced copy of Woman Missing by A.B. Whelan for an honest review, and all opinions are my own. Thank you so much to the author and the BookFunnel team for the ARC!
I enjoyed reading this one. What could be better than a thriller told from multiple viewpoints and keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next?
Susan is on her island vacation with her girlfriends, trying to find herself. Ethan is a local, just struggling to survive and meet up with the demands of family life. We’ve all been there - both characters are relatable.
An island vacation should be perfect, right? Sand, water, adventure, time with the besties.
But what should be a perfect, much-needed getaway for Susan leads to a tragedy once these two worlds cross paths.
Entering into the crosshairs of someone who is dark and struggling to fight their inner rage can only mean that the perfect vacation is about to become a living nightmare.
It may make you think about not taking that perfect vacation yourself! But you should definitely check this book out!
I enjoyed reading this one. What could be better than a thriller told from multiple viewpoints and keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next?
Susan is on her island vacation with her girlfriends, trying to find herself. Ethan is a local, just struggling to survive and meet up with the demands of family life. We’ve all been there - both characters are relatable.
An island vacation should be perfect, right? Sand, water, adventure, time with the besties.
But what should be a perfect, much-needed getaway for Susan leads to a tragedy once these two worlds cross paths.
Entering into the crosshairs of someone who is dark and struggling to fight their inner rage can only mean that the perfect vacation is about to become a living nightmare.
It may make you think about not taking that perfect vacation yourself! But you should definitely check this book out!
June 2, 2026
Synopsis:
Susan is in her late forties and feeling lost. Her children are grown, her career took a back seat to family life, and her marriage to Mark feels more like a friendship than a partnership. Hoping to rediscover herself, she heads away on a trip with friends. But what should be a chance to reset soon takes a very sinister turn...
My Thoughts:
WOW, this book completely pulled me in!
The short chapters kept the pace moving, and the tension steadily built throughout. I felt a whole range of emotions while reading – hope, fear, heartbreak, anger, and a strong need for justice.
What stood out most was how realistic it felt. Susan's struggles with ageing, identity, and loneliness felt authentic and relatable, while the darker aspects of the story were disturbingly believable.
Creepy, suspenseful, and emotionally impactful, this psychological thriller kept me hooked and delivered a satisfying ending. I'd definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
Thank you to A.B. Whelan for the gifted advanced copy! Views and opinions expressed are my own.
Susan is in her late forties and feeling lost. Her children are grown, her career took a back seat to family life, and her marriage to Mark feels more like a friendship than a partnership. Hoping to rediscover herself, she heads away on a trip with friends. But what should be a chance to reset soon takes a very sinister turn...
My Thoughts:
WOW, this book completely pulled me in!
The short chapters kept the pace moving, and the tension steadily built throughout. I felt a whole range of emotions while reading – hope, fear, heartbreak, anger, and a strong need for justice.
What stood out most was how realistic it felt. Susan's struggles with ageing, identity, and loneliness felt authentic and relatable, while the darker aspects of the story were disturbingly believable.
Creepy, suspenseful, and emotionally impactful, this psychological thriller kept me hooked and delivered a satisfying ending. I'd definitely recommend it to thriller fans.
Thank you to A.B. Whelan for the gifted advanced copy! Views and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is definitely up there for me, in terms of murder/suspense novels!
The majority of the story is told through two perspectives, which was incredibly interesting and fun to read. Getting to see both sides of the story unfolding at once was really cool and definitely kept me engaged. If I had one complaint about it, it would be that you immediately know who the bad guy is. You see them morph and change, and some of the suspense is minimized because you're already expecting it. However, there are a couple small twists that really got me thinking and wondering if maybe I had it all wrong (which I did) that just made the book even better!
I'm not sure I'd classify it as a psychological suspense, but it's possible my view on that genre is skewed.
Overall, even with the early reveal, it was still a really engaging read that kept me hooked, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good murder story.
The majority of the story is told through two perspectives, which was incredibly interesting and fun to read. Getting to see both sides of the story unfolding at once was really cool and definitely kept me engaged. If I had one complaint about it, it would be that you immediately know who the bad guy is. You see them morph and change, and some of the suspense is minimized because you're already expecting it. However, there are a couple small twists that really got me thinking and wondering if maybe I had it all wrong (which I did) that just made the book even better!
I'm not sure I'd classify it as a psychological suspense, but it's possible my view on that genre is skewed.
Overall, even with the early reveal, it was still a really engaging read that kept me hooked, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good murder story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 stars
Woman Missing by A.B. Whelan is a gripping psychological thriller that builds tension through atmosphere and character rather than nonstop twists. The story feels unsettlingly real, with believable characters and a mystery that slowly tightens its grip as assumptions are challenged.
As the story shifted more firmly into thriller territory, I expected the tension to escalate further. While everything remained clear and cohesive, the second half didn’t quite match the intensity of the opening for me. The subtle time jump toward the end also felt slightly abrupt—while I understood its purpose, I would have loved a bit more space there to fully absorb how everything came together.
Overall, this is a thoughtful psychological suspense with a strong start and well‑developed characters.
Thank you to the author. I read this as an ARC, and the premise immediately hooked me.
Woman Missing by A.B. Whelan is a gripping psychological thriller that builds tension through atmosphere and character rather than nonstop twists. The story feels unsettlingly real, with believable characters and a mystery that slowly tightens its grip as assumptions are challenged.
As the story shifted more firmly into thriller territory, I expected the tension to escalate further. While everything remained clear and cohesive, the second half didn’t quite match the intensity of the opening for me. The subtle time jump toward the end also felt slightly abrupt—while I understood its purpose, I would have loved a bit more space there to fully absorb how everything came together.
Overall, this is a thoughtful psychological suspense with a strong start and well‑developed characters.
Thank you to the author. I read this as an ARC, and the premise immediately hooked me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't use the word "enjoyed" for this book. I couldn't stop reading it, but I found myself feeling sorry for both of the main characters in the story. Susan is a woman who is disenchanted with her marriage of two decades, and she goes away with friends to Catalina to have some fun and to decide what to do with the rest of her life.
Ethan lives on Catalina with his wife and children, where he works two jobs and feels nothing is going right, which fills him with bitterness and rage. Their lives intersect a few times in a peripheral way and eventually in a tragic moment.
Susan's husband, Mark, arrives on the island determined to find his wife as well as the person who is responsible for her disappearance.
The story is told from alternating perspectives from Susan, Ethan and Mark....and the last several chapters are FAR from how I expected the story to end, but they helped to rehab my feelings for one of the characters.
Ethan lives on Catalina with his wife and children, where he works two jobs and feels nothing is going right, which fills him with bitterness and rage. Their lives intersect a few times in a peripheral way and eventually in a tragic moment.
Susan's husband, Mark, arrives on the island determined to find his wife as well as the person who is responsible for her disappearance.
The story is told from alternating perspectives from Susan, Ethan and Mark....and the last several chapters are FAR from how I expected the story to end, but they helped to rehab my feelings for one of the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy! All of the following thoughts and opinions are strictly honest:
Had my heart racing the whole way through!
This book took me on a full journey filled with real, viceral voices and suspense that had me clinging to the edge of my seat from the very get-go. The characters were raw and honest, in a way that made me feel so uncomfortably and yet therapeutically exposed. It deepened my understanding of our main cast and dumped me directly into the pages.
Truth be told? I finished this book in less than 24 hours.
A.B. Whelan truly is a master at her craft. The pacing was undeniably intentional, pushing wariness to mount with every page turn and a twist that had me questioning my entire understanding of the pieces I thought I had put together. I could not get enough and I certainly plan to check out more of Whelan's work, if they resemble anything like what I read here.
Had my heart racing the whole way through!
This book took me on a full journey filled with real, viceral voices and suspense that had me clinging to the edge of my seat from the very get-go. The characters were raw and honest, in a way that made me feel so uncomfortably and yet therapeutically exposed. It deepened my understanding of our main cast and dumped me directly into the pages.
Truth be told? I finished this book in less than 24 hours.
A.B. Whelan truly is a master at her craft. The pacing was undeniably intentional, pushing wariness to mount with every page turn and a twist that had me questioning my entire understanding of the pieces I thought I had put together. I could not get enough and I certainly plan to check out more of Whelan's work, if they resemble anything like what I read here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews