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She's Missing
Her baby is missing. She shouldn’t have trusted a stranger…
When Ellen arrives at the Land’s Edge Bed and Breakfast with her baby and the man pretending to be her husband, she thinks she’s escaped her tortured past.
But when her baby disappears two days later, a desperate search quickly involves the police, who become suspicious about her strained relationship with her “husband.”
Daniel thought he was doing the right thing by helping the frantic woman and her baby and pretending she was his wife. The fact that he had ulterior motives was irrelevant, but the missing baby draws him into a deepening mystery with so many twists and turns, it makes his head spin.
Who is Ellen and what is she running from? Did a monster from her past finally catch up with her and her child, or is there another suspect lurking in the shadows?
When the truth finally surfaces, no one will be safe from the fall-out…
A thrilling psychological thriller that you won't be able to put down!
When Ellen arrives at the Land’s Edge Bed and Breakfast with her baby and the man pretending to be her husband, she thinks she’s escaped her tortured past.
But when her baby disappears two days later, a desperate search quickly involves the police, who become suspicious about her strained relationship with her “husband.”
Daniel thought he was doing the right thing by helping the frantic woman and her baby and pretending she was his wife. The fact that he had ulterior motives was irrelevant, but the missing baby draws him into a deepening mystery with so many twists and turns, it makes his head spin.
Who is Ellen and what is she running from? Did a monster from her past finally catch up with her and her child, or is there another suspect lurking in the shadows?
When the truth finally surfaces, no one will be safe from the fall-out…
A thrilling psychological thriller that you won't be able to put down!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2019
3548 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books369 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 22, 2020
I have to say I read my first Cole Baxter book” Perfect Obsession” and loved it so much that even before I had finished my review I was downloading this book!!!
WOW how do I start ... MMM deep breathe!!!
I wasn’t blown away by this book, I started it with high hopes and was intrigued with the baby going missing storyline. I guessed the twist but I was still intrigued enough to finish the book.
Major annoyance alert!!! Was the baby a boy or a girl as the sex kept changing throughout the book.
Will definitely be on the hunt for another Cole Baxter book. This one wasn’t my cup of tea but I did love Perfect Obsession!!!!
WOW how do I start ... MMM deep breathe!!!
I wasn’t blown away by this book, I started it with high hopes and was intrigued with the baby going missing storyline. I guessed the twist but I was still intrigued enough to finish the book.
Major annoyance alert!!! Was the baby a boy or a girl as the sex kept changing throughout the book.
Will definitely be on the hunt for another Cole Baxter book. This one wasn’t my cup of tea but I did love Perfect Obsession!!!!
February 18, 2020
Hot. Mess. *Contains Spoilers*
This book is tragically awful. The narration jumps between multiple characters with no indication. The plot was interesting at first but the deeper it went, major holes opened up. For instance, Ellen gets on a plane to escape from her home but ends up only 100 miles away. Her baby is referred to as a boy for the first half of the book but then magically starts being referred to as a girl. There are details in the story which allows you to make an assumption as to why but it’s just confusing and comes across as an error. One of the main suspects can’t be located but then the Sheriff magically knows about her. I could go on and on. I quit at about 65% read. I couldn’t take anymore.
This book is tragically awful. The narration jumps between multiple characters with no indication. The plot was interesting at first but the deeper it went, major holes opened up. For instance, Ellen gets on a plane to escape from her home but ends up only 100 miles away. Her baby is referred to as a boy for the first half of the book but then magically starts being referred to as a girl. There are details in the story which allows you to make an assumption as to why but it’s just confusing and comes across as an error. One of the main suspects can’t be located but then the Sheriff magically knows about her. I could go on and on. I quit at about 65% read. I couldn’t take anymore.
February 2, 2020
This book started out so strong. I loved the idea of this book and the storyline it took on. However, from one chapter to the next, it went from one suspect to solving the kidnapping with no explanation of what had happened with 2 huge suspects. I thought maybe I missed something or skipped a couple chapters by mistake and so went back again. Nope just nothing there. Missing important chunks of the story is why this is a 2 star rating for me.
February 22, 2020
Aggravating
I hate reading these self published books when there are missing words and or typos. Do you not care enough about your work to have someone proof read it for you? And in this one the author can't even keep the gender of one of the most important characters, the baby in "She's Missing" straight. The first half the baby is referred to as a he and I kept thinking who is the she that is missing then. Then the gender switches briefly mid to end of novel and then switches back again! I still gave it a 2 because the premise was good.
I hate reading these self published books when there are missing words and or typos. Do you not care enough about your work to have someone proof read it for you? And in this one the author can't even keep the gender of one of the most important characters, the baby in "She's Missing" straight. The first half the baby is referred to as a he and I kept thinking who is the she that is missing then. Then the gender switches briefly mid to end of novel and then switches back again! I still gave it a 2 because the premise was good.
January 9, 2020
Not my cup of tea
I loved the start and the mystery of it all however the book Jumps and there is a whole chunk missing and jumps from one part o the next and u don’t find out what happend in between
I loved the start and the mystery of it all however the book Jumps and there is a whole chunk missing and jumps from one part o the next and u don’t find out what happend in between
February 11, 2020
Predictable. Sometimes I felt part of the story was missing and I would go back and reread to see if I had just missed it.
May 11, 2020
I got this book after loving my first Cole Baxter book Perfect Obsession.
Although I didn’t love this one as much I can’t say it was an awful read either.
I’m confused on how Ellen was so mentally unstable for 90% of the book and then completely lucid the next.
The fact that the baby’s sex changed from boy to girl throughout the book was a bit annoying as well.
I do look forward to reading more books by this author though I love the writing style. He has a way of pulling you in.
Although I didn’t love this one as much I can’t say it was an awful read either.
I’m confused on how Ellen was so mentally unstable for 90% of the book and then completely lucid the next.
The fact that the baby’s sex changed from boy to girl throughout the book was a bit annoying as well.
I do look forward to reading more books by this author though I love the writing style. He has a way of pulling you in.
February 15, 2020
N
Needs more character development. The story felt rushed like the author couldn't wait to finish it. The punishment the parents received needed more explanation. This is the second book I read by this author and in both cases the reviews are pretty much the same. The storylines are interesting but it needs more care in the development.
Needs more character development. The story felt rushed like the author couldn't wait to finish it. The punishment the parents received needed more explanation. This is the second book I read by this author and in both cases the reviews are pretty much the same. The storylines are interesting but it needs more care in the development.
February 14, 2020
Where do I begin
Sadly this is one of the weirdest books I've read. I figured out what was going on mid way. Lots of typos and just off the whole way through ,but did I stop? No just kept on reading in one night. I didn't finish because just became a waste of time.
Sadly this is one of the weirdest books I've read. I figured out what was going on mid way. Lots of typos and just off the whole way through ,but did I stop? No just kept on reading in one night. I didn't finish because just became a waste of time.
December 12, 2021
RAD Project #2 | Ms. Tripp | Period 5
SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY*:
*Spoiler Summary Below
Ellen Rathbone is a bereaving single mother, on the run from her abusive past with nothing but the clothes on her back and her cooing bundle of joy. While at an airport attempting to flee the state, Ellen is told that her flight was overbooked and is instead offered vouchers to stay for a short duration--she isn’t having it. Witnessing her fit of distress is another passenger, Daniel O’Brien. Daniel is traveling on the same flight to meet with a high-paying client in his insurance company who lives in Land’s Edge, CO, a small tourist boondocks town that can simply be summed as being a place where everybody is bound to know everybody.
Moving on, Daniel is looking through documents and files on the client at the time of Ellen’s mishap when he proceeds to feel an inexplicable motivation to help her. Daniel decides to let Ellen come with him to stay at the resort town, and Ellen accepts it graciously. As the two of them drive there from the airport, the author reveals that Daniel is evidently not much of a family man--he doesn’t care for Ellen’s baby at all and is even angered at it possibly ruining his trip. The two of them pose as a married couple so as to not receive weird looks--this is backcountry, after all. Their stay is rather abysmal: Ellen is meek and anxious, never wanting to leave her baby, while Daniel does what he can to both land the client and enjoy himself. While Daniel is off to visit the client, Ellen one day decides to leave the hotel with her baby and meets a lady at a coffee shop named Carrie: she is a lone tourist, claiming that her boyfriend had to work and so she was all alone on this trip. With how introverted Ellen is, she immediately collapses upon returning to her hotel, with the baby peacefully in the bassinet.
When she awakens--I’ll bet you’ve never heard of this plot archetype--the baby is missing. Ellen is hysterical, and Daniel feels both a sincere regret for having taken this chance with her and a superficial sympathy for Ellen’s loss. Nevertheless, local enforcement jumpstart a full-scale investigation--it was time to find this baby and uncover the histories of Ellen’s beleaguered past and Daniel’s more complex agenda in pursuing this trip (and in choosing to take Ellen too). All signs point to Daniel, of course, but it seems that there’s something bigger.
ONE-LINER/AFTER READING REACTION:
This is one of the best “missing child, whodunit” stories I’ve read in a while! Of course begrudging histories have some influence in finding the suspect with these narratives, but “She’s Missing” by Cole Baxter uses such nuanced histories and such an odd sequence of events that make this work all the more unique and enjoyable.
BIGGER ANALYSIS:
These sort of mystery stories are always a treat for me, however my experience with “She’s Missing” evidently wasn’t all that exciting--unique, but not so much so exciting admittedly. I love the multiplicity of the narration--each chapter would transition perspectives, developing a set of three primary viewpoints that the reader experiences in Daniel’s, Ellen’s, and one of the investigator’s. This allows me in my reading to begin to make connections and assumptions on the conduct of different characters based on the situation that is created/left off from another character’s actions of a previous chapter. This created a distinct and interesting flow to the story. This did create certain issues, however, in having each chapter be alternating because it was evident that when witnessing one character’s chapter, the timelines of the other characters were not static, so detail would evidently be overlooked or conveyed through the lens of a character whose opinion is not as important to it. One BIG bombshell that was overlooked or only casually conveyed as a sort of afterthought was the evidence of Carrie’s confession to the baby having a GPS tracker inside its head. Can you imagine how much “aha!” potential there was in actually letting the reader experience the investigators hearing that!? Instead we are merely told through Daniel’s view or a second-hand investigator about how they had found out those incriminating details as a sufficient probable cause for a direct home visit. Beyond this complication and a few minute details such as characters’ attitudes at certain times, the read was fairly enjoyable for me and very complex in the storytelling.
RATING/RECOMMENDATION:
I rate “She’s Missing“ a solid 3/5 stars--it uses relatable language with a respect for readers that may be living similar devastations as Ellen does. I learned about reborn baby dolls with this read, so it was certainly eye-opening (and admittedly not in the best way). I chose this book because I have read a lot from Cole Baxter previously, and this book, frankly, doesn’t rival others of his in brevity and complexity of the work, namely in just the general premise of the conflict.
(+) - Good direction, Good word choice, Unique characters despite the seemingly unoriginal plot; (-) - Unoriginal plot, Odd flow and structure at times, Insufficient length, Insufficient likeable characters
*SPOILER SECTION:
It is revealed that Daniel had gone on the trip primarily in order to find temporary escape from his needy and no-longer-desirable wife named Marianne. Furthermore, he detests his job as an insurance salesman and truly is considered “off the grid” when he comes to Land’s Edge: this is why when the entire mess of Ellen’s baby kidnapping is brought to light, he cannot simply give his statement and exit the situation. Investigators continue to press her and Daniel, and the two of them eventually admit their lie--their history of each other does not extend to more than a few days before the kidnapping. In a series of investigative segments involving primarily interrogation, Ellen helps investigators narrow down their suspects to being Ellen’s parents, a disgruntled and oppressive drunkard father and a sheepish and broken housewife mother. Eventually--though in a highly anticlimactic, “oh-by-the-way”-esque format, the detectives reveal to the reader that they deduced that Carrie--the girl that Ellen briefly had coffee with--was a paid informant and kidnapper of her baby, who then had it shipped to the parents address. Upon reaching Ellen’s family home, the father continually stonewalls investigators--denying abuse, theft, and their right to even be talking to him. In an emotional outburst by Ellen, she convinces her mother to stop hiding her pain and come clean about Ellen’s baby. The story then reveals that Ellen’s parents were so opposed with having the baby because it was actually a result of sexual assault by her father--unbenounced to her--and when Ellen had refused abortion, her father pushed her down stairs, sending Ellen into a coma and killing the baby internally. The baby was then replaced with a doll with a GPS tracker inside for the parents’ sake--hence, their ability to have Carrie locate Ellen. They are arrested and Ellen and Daniel go into therapy, everything turns out alright.
SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY*:
*Spoiler Summary Below
Ellen Rathbone is a bereaving single mother, on the run from her abusive past with nothing but the clothes on her back and her cooing bundle of joy. While at an airport attempting to flee the state, Ellen is told that her flight was overbooked and is instead offered vouchers to stay for a short duration--she isn’t having it. Witnessing her fit of distress is another passenger, Daniel O’Brien. Daniel is traveling on the same flight to meet with a high-paying client in his insurance company who lives in Land’s Edge, CO, a small tourist boondocks town that can simply be summed as being a place where everybody is bound to know everybody.
Moving on, Daniel is looking through documents and files on the client at the time of Ellen’s mishap when he proceeds to feel an inexplicable motivation to help her. Daniel decides to let Ellen come with him to stay at the resort town, and Ellen accepts it graciously. As the two of them drive there from the airport, the author reveals that Daniel is evidently not much of a family man--he doesn’t care for Ellen’s baby at all and is even angered at it possibly ruining his trip. The two of them pose as a married couple so as to not receive weird looks--this is backcountry, after all. Their stay is rather abysmal: Ellen is meek and anxious, never wanting to leave her baby, while Daniel does what he can to both land the client and enjoy himself. While Daniel is off to visit the client, Ellen one day decides to leave the hotel with her baby and meets a lady at a coffee shop named Carrie: she is a lone tourist, claiming that her boyfriend had to work and so she was all alone on this trip. With how introverted Ellen is, she immediately collapses upon returning to her hotel, with the baby peacefully in the bassinet.
When she awakens--I’ll bet you’ve never heard of this plot archetype--the baby is missing. Ellen is hysterical, and Daniel feels both a sincere regret for having taken this chance with her and a superficial sympathy for Ellen’s loss. Nevertheless, local enforcement jumpstart a full-scale investigation--it was time to find this baby and uncover the histories of Ellen’s beleaguered past and Daniel’s more complex agenda in pursuing this trip (and in choosing to take Ellen too). All signs point to Daniel, of course, but it seems that there’s something bigger.
ONE-LINER/AFTER READING REACTION:
This is one of the best “missing child, whodunit” stories I’ve read in a while! Of course begrudging histories have some influence in finding the suspect with these narratives, but “She’s Missing” by Cole Baxter uses such nuanced histories and such an odd sequence of events that make this work all the more unique and enjoyable.
BIGGER ANALYSIS:
These sort of mystery stories are always a treat for me, however my experience with “She’s Missing” evidently wasn’t all that exciting--unique, but not so much so exciting admittedly. I love the multiplicity of the narration--each chapter would transition perspectives, developing a set of three primary viewpoints that the reader experiences in Daniel’s, Ellen’s, and one of the investigator’s. This allows me in my reading to begin to make connections and assumptions on the conduct of different characters based on the situation that is created/left off from another character’s actions of a previous chapter. This created a distinct and interesting flow to the story. This did create certain issues, however, in having each chapter be alternating because it was evident that when witnessing one character’s chapter, the timelines of the other characters were not static, so detail would evidently be overlooked or conveyed through the lens of a character whose opinion is not as important to it. One BIG bombshell that was overlooked or only casually conveyed as a sort of afterthought was the evidence of Carrie’s confession to the baby having a GPS tracker inside its head. Can you imagine how much “aha!” potential there was in actually letting the reader experience the investigators hearing that!? Instead we are merely told through Daniel’s view or a second-hand investigator about how they had found out those incriminating details as a sufficient probable cause for a direct home visit. Beyond this complication and a few minute details such as characters’ attitudes at certain times, the read was fairly enjoyable for me and very complex in the storytelling.
RATING/RECOMMENDATION:
I rate “She’s Missing“ a solid 3/5 stars--it uses relatable language with a respect for readers that may be living similar devastations as Ellen does. I learned about reborn baby dolls with this read, so it was certainly eye-opening (and admittedly not in the best way). I chose this book because I have read a lot from Cole Baxter previously, and this book, frankly, doesn’t rival others of his in brevity and complexity of the work, namely in just the general premise of the conflict.
(+) - Good direction, Good word choice, Unique characters despite the seemingly unoriginal plot; (-) - Unoriginal plot, Odd flow and structure at times, Insufficient length, Insufficient likeable characters
*SPOILER SECTION:
It is revealed that Daniel had gone on the trip primarily in order to find temporary escape from his needy and no-longer-desirable wife named Marianne. Furthermore, he detests his job as an insurance salesman and truly is considered “off the grid” when he comes to Land’s Edge: this is why when the entire mess of Ellen’s baby kidnapping is brought to light, he cannot simply give his statement and exit the situation. Investigators continue to press her and Daniel, and the two of them eventually admit their lie--their history of each other does not extend to more than a few days before the kidnapping. In a series of investigative segments involving primarily interrogation, Ellen helps investigators narrow down their suspects to being Ellen’s parents, a disgruntled and oppressive drunkard father and a sheepish and broken housewife mother. Eventually--though in a highly anticlimactic, “oh-by-the-way”-esque format, the detectives reveal to the reader that they deduced that Carrie--the girl that Ellen briefly had coffee with--was a paid informant and kidnapper of her baby, who then had it shipped to the parents address. Upon reaching Ellen’s family home, the father continually stonewalls investigators--denying abuse, theft, and their right to even be talking to him. In an emotional outburst by Ellen, she convinces her mother to stop hiding her pain and come clean about Ellen’s baby. The story then reveals that Ellen’s parents were so opposed with having the baby because it was actually a result of sexual assault by her father--unbenounced to her--and when Ellen had refused abortion, her father pushed her down stairs, sending Ellen into a coma and killing the baby internally. The baby was then replaced with a doll with a GPS tracker inside for the parents’ sake--hence, their ability to have Carrie locate Ellen. They are arrested and Ellen and Daniel go into therapy, everything turns out alright.
September 7, 2020
How are there so many 4 & 5 star reviews? This is not a matter of personal preference- part of this story is missing! This was not a psychological thriller. I lost nearly all interest in this book when the baby was referred to repeatedly as Baby (as if that was it's name). The relationship between Ellen and David felt awkward and disingenuous, and the idea that they are drinking/eating at a bar and then discussing how she would repay his financial help physically while Baby (See how irritating that is?) is missing for only a couple hours had me rolling my eyes. Half way through you can predict the shocking twists. It started out interesting, but unfortunately lost me. Also, at one point I thought I had accidentally skipped ahead, but realized the plot just jumps, with zero explanation. It's like a portion of the story was removed.
Also, can someone explain why the title is "She's Missing" when the baby is a male? It doesn't make sense in reference to Ellen, the main female character either, because although she is running from someone, she is not missing...
Also, can someone explain why the title is "She's Missing" when the baby is a male? It doesn't make sense in reference to Ellen, the main female character either, because although she is running from someone, she is not missing...
February 10, 2022
I initially gave this three stars but then I dropped it down to two as I was just being generous.
The storyline, in theory, is good. The mystery at the beginning really sucks you in but after that "Aha!" moment when you figure out the twist it goes downhill.
In honesty, after chapter 20 it seemed like the author was getting close to deadline and just needed to finish it. There were huge chunks of information missing, so big that I was almost convinced there was an issue with my kindle and it had cut out a few chapters, but no. The character development was unrealistic and totally threw off the initial feel of the story.
Come to think of it, the book reads as though two authors wrote it, one doing up until chapter 20 and then a completely different author for the "big reveal".
I really wanted to like it but the latter part of the book really let it down.
The storyline, in theory, is good. The mystery at the beginning really sucks you in but after that "Aha!" moment when you figure out the twist it goes downhill.
In honesty, after chapter 20 it seemed like the author was getting close to deadline and just needed to finish it. There were huge chunks of information missing, so big that I was almost convinced there was an issue with my kindle and it had cut out a few chapters, but no. The character development was unrealistic and totally threw off the initial feel of the story.
Come to think of it, the book reads as though two authors wrote it, one doing up until chapter 20 and then a completely different author for the "big reveal".
I really wanted to like it but the latter part of the book really let it down.
October 22, 2020
So many spelling errors
I couldn’t finish the book... so take what I say with a grain of salt knowing that much. I didn’t pay for the book, so I’m grateful for that.
I’m all about finding spelling errors in published books (does that make me a bad person? Lol) but this one had far too many. Enough that it became distracting for me and I couldn’t keep reading. It seemed like it had potential to turn into a great thriller. But it didn’t pick up enough steam to overcome the spelling errors for me.
I couldn’t finish the book... so take what I say with a grain of salt knowing that much. I didn’t pay for the book, so I’m grateful for that.
I’m all about finding spelling errors in published books (does that make me a bad person? Lol) but this one had far too many. Enough that it became distracting for me and I couldn’t keep reading. It seemed like it had potential to turn into a great thriller. But it didn’t pick up enough steam to overcome the spelling errors for me.
October 14, 2020
This book started out so well and I like the author but it seemed to miss a massive chunk out of the book going from barely having one suspect to solving the case in the following chapter. I thought I'd missed something out. It got so farfetched, unbelievable and disappointing I didn't waste my time finishing it. Such a shame. Has put me off the author now.
February 12, 2020
Absolutely predictable. Story all over the place. It feels like there are parts of the book missing, because it jumped from one chapter to the next without giving all or part of the information. Really bad.
May 17, 2020
Is it just me or was there a huge bit missing from the middle of the story? One chapter: we’ve identified a suspect. The next: weeks have passed there’s obviously been loads of other “investigation” and now we’re heading somewhere else. I had to go back to make sure I hadn’t skipped past anything!
November 26, 2024
I've read a few from this author before and liked them. This, however, was a very different experience. The story felt disjointed and there were big red flags that drove me crazy and I had to force myself to finish it.
As a budding author, I really appreciate the level of creativity and effort that goes into writing a book, so I hate giving negative reviews. However...
Ironically, instead of "She's Missing," something felt missing in this story. As many other reviewers have mentioned, it does just jump forward with this whole story that is never even mentioned. There are missing conversations with zero lead-up. There isn't even a covering of a few months having passed to account for gaps in serious plot points, but it's all supposed to have happened within 3 days.
- Spoiler Alert -
It drove me crazy that the baby was only ever referred to as "Baby" by the "mother" and that no one, not even the police, ever questioned it. At the very least, even if the "mother" did not name it, the police would have questioned it. I also feel that more realistically, if a person were truly in a crisis meltdown, that "baby" would have been given a name and not just named "Baby."
Dealing with severe traumatic abuse, it just didn't jive with how Ellen was written, going from possibly crazy and not being able to function, to suddenly being this mastermind in moments of clarity. Also, the level of self-realization in such a short period of time... from Ellen and Daniel.
The forced "love" story... just ick! Daniel is a terrible character. If he was written to try to make us believe he was trying to convince himself he was still an uncaring guy, something was lost in translation. Nothing about him is good or decent. His internal dialogue is purely selfish throughout, yet the end is written as though he were a reformed savior with nothing but pure intentions. This is categorically a hot mess. Ellen as a victim should never be with someone like Dan who was married to another woman, forcing her to sleep with him (but not raping her so that's ok?!), and so on. Just so very gross how the end is written like this very weird romantic epic love story when it is all sorts of toxic.
The parents are not written very well. Blake is cliche lacking depth. Jodi is disjointed. Too much telling and not enough showing in this story, ironically, even though crucial plot points are just jumped over.
This story had a good idea, it just wasn't executed very well. It felt like it was rushed to publish and release before it was truly ready for print. I wonder where the editor was on this... I wish it had been developed longer, then I think it could have been really good. It just didn't work for me as a complete package.
As a budding author, I really appreciate the level of creativity and effort that goes into writing a book, so I hate giving negative reviews. However...
Ironically, instead of "She's Missing," something felt missing in this story. As many other reviewers have mentioned, it does just jump forward with this whole story that is never even mentioned. There are missing conversations with zero lead-up. There isn't even a covering of a few months having passed to account for gaps in serious plot points, but it's all supposed to have happened within 3 days.
- Spoiler Alert -
It drove me crazy that the baby was only ever referred to as "Baby" by the "mother" and that no one, not even the police, ever questioned it. At the very least, even if the "mother" did not name it, the police would have questioned it. I also feel that more realistically, if a person were truly in a crisis meltdown, that "baby" would have been given a name and not just named "Baby."
Dealing with severe traumatic abuse, it just didn't jive with how Ellen was written, going from possibly crazy and not being able to function, to suddenly being this mastermind in moments of clarity. Also, the level of self-realization in such a short period of time... from Ellen and Daniel.
The forced "love" story... just ick! Daniel is a terrible character. If he was written to try to make us believe he was trying to convince himself he was still an uncaring guy, something was lost in translation. Nothing about him is good or decent. His internal dialogue is purely selfish throughout, yet the end is written as though he were a reformed savior with nothing but pure intentions. This is categorically a hot mess. Ellen as a victim should never be with someone like Dan who was married to another woman, forcing her to sleep with him (but not raping her so that's ok?!), and so on. Just so very gross how the end is written like this very weird romantic epic love story when it is all sorts of toxic.
The parents are not written very well. Blake is cliche lacking depth. Jodi is disjointed. Too much telling and not enough showing in this story, ironically, even though crucial plot points are just jumped over.
This story had a good idea, it just wasn't executed very well. It felt like it was rushed to publish and release before it was truly ready for print. I wonder where the editor was on this... I wish it had been developed longer, then I think it could have been really good. It just didn't work for me as a complete package.
February 23, 2020
Might contain spoilers! Not sure what the book description gives away.
At first I thought this book was interesting and going to be great... but then everything fell apart. Not sure if it’s the digital copy or just the way it was written, but halfway or so through, spelling and grammar mistakes abound. The title is “She’s Missing” ... are they talking about baby or Ellen? The book seems to start out with the baby as a boy, then a girl. Then it is switching right and left, sometimes in the same sentence! And not one character notices! It drove me CRAZY how Baby was not named and no one asked what his/her name was until halfway through the book. I’m sorry but if your child was kidnapped, I think the police would ask their name! It is so unbelievable that not one person seems to ask about this or what the baby’s name is.
It is also incredibly unbelievable that Daniel is a garbage human, then suddenly has this revelation and is a great man, completely changed. He is so unlikeable throughout the book and it seems like the author wants us to like him by the end. Impossible.
Spoiler area! It seems as if the author wants us to feel sorry for Ellen and at some parts you do, but by the end, it was just such a hot mess of a story. She wasn’t actually fully crazy, didn’t believe fully in baby, had a plot to trap the parents, and the police are congratulating her for being so clever. Not.. I don’t know.. angry that she wasted valuable time and resources pretending her actual child was kidnapped and she had no idea who did it? So, faking a crime?! Not super plausible.
Still gave it two stars because I read it until the end, so it wasn’t so terrible I legitimately couldn’t finish it. Also, it was free on Kindle, so I’m not mad about it.
At first I thought this book was interesting and going to be great... but then everything fell apart. Not sure if it’s the digital copy or just the way it was written, but halfway or so through, spelling and grammar mistakes abound. The title is “She’s Missing” ... are they talking about baby or Ellen? The book seems to start out with the baby as a boy, then a girl. Then it is switching right and left, sometimes in the same sentence! And not one character notices! It drove me CRAZY how Baby was not named and no one asked what his/her name was until halfway through the book. I’m sorry but if your child was kidnapped, I think the police would ask their name! It is so unbelievable that not one person seems to ask about this or what the baby’s name is.
It is also incredibly unbelievable that Daniel is a garbage human, then suddenly has this revelation and is a great man, completely changed. He is so unlikeable throughout the book and it seems like the author wants us to like him by the end. Impossible.
Spoiler area! It seems as if the author wants us to feel sorry for Ellen and at some parts you do, but by the end, it was just such a hot mess of a story. She wasn’t actually fully crazy, didn’t believe fully in baby, had a plot to trap the parents, and the police are congratulating her for being so clever. Not.. I don’t know.. angry that she wasted valuable time and resources pretending her actual child was kidnapped and she had no idea who did it? So, faking a crime?! Not super plausible.
Still gave it two stars because I read it until the end, so it wasn’t so terrible I legitimately couldn’t finish it. Also, it was free on Kindle, so I’m not mad about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
She’s Missing is by Cole Baxter. This is a psychological thriller that will keep your interest until the last page, and then you will want more. It is realistic with shades of science fiction, although the science fiction isn’t really there. It will keep you confused .
Daniel was an insurance salesman in an unhappy marriage and business situation. He had taken the chance to see a possible wealthy client and headed for the ski resort the client owned. On the way, he had picked up a beautiful girl and hoped she would spend the week with him. His attraction to her was unusual as she wasn’t tall and sexy; but the opposite plus she had a baby and he wasn’t into children at all. However, she was so lost and alone and scared that he couldn’t resist. At least the baby didn’t cry as much as other babies seemed to. Ellen talked about how good her Baby was.
Although she was hesitant to have him help her, Ellen was attracted to Daniel and was willing to help him in whatever way she could. If pretending they were married and having sex with him was what it too, she could do that. She just wasn’t sure she had really moved to a better place. She wasn’t sure she hadn’t been followed. Would her past catch up with her?
Daniel was an insurance salesman in an unhappy marriage and business situation. He had taken the chance to see a possible wealthy client and headed for the ski resort the client owned. On the way, he had picked up a beautiful girl and hoped she would spend the week with him. His attraction to her was unusual as she wasn’t tall and sexy; but the opposite plus she had a baby and he wasn’t into children at all. However, she was so lost and alone and scared that he couldn’t resist. At least the baby didn’t cry as much as other babies seemed to. Ellen talked about how good her Baby was.
Although she was hesitant to have him help her, Ellen was attracted to Daniel and was willing to help him in whatever way she could. If pretending they were married and having sex with him was what it too, she could do that. She just wasn’t sure she had really moved to a better place. She wasn’t sure she hadn’t been followed. Would her past catch up with her?
May 16, 2020
Thrilling
Ellen and her baby have run away with nothing but the clothes on their back and the babies diaper bag to get away from the abuse.
Ellen gets lucky when she meets Daniel at the airport when he buys her a ticket on the same plane with him. He tells her that he's taking her to a resort where the man who has abused her will never find her, and he also tells her that he'll protect her. The only problem is he doesn't like children. He tells her that they'll have to be known as husband and wife so the locals don't start gossiping.
He goes to meet with a client the next day and lands the insurance policy that'll put more money in his pocket.
The same day the baby goes missing from their room where Ellen had layed down for a nap. Now the entire town and the police are looking for the kidnapped baby.
This is a good book, but you have to overlook the errors. When the book first starts the baby is a boy. Hit the middle and it's a girl, in the end it's a boy again. But I have to admit it's been a while since I've read a good physiological thriller! This book will have you on the edge of your seat reading as fast as you can to see what happens next!
Ellen and her baby have run away with nothing but the clothes on their back and the babies diaper bag to get away from the abuse.
Ellen gets lucky when she meets Daniel at the airport when he buys her a ticket on the same plane with him. He tells her that he's taking her to a resort where the man who has abused her will never find her, and he also tells her that he'll protect her. The only problem is he doesn't like children. He tells her that they'll have to be known as husband and wife so the locals don't start gossiping.
He goes to meet with a client the next day and lands the insurance policy that'll put more money in his pocket.
The same day the baby goes missing from their room where Ellen had layed down for a nap. Now the entire town and the police are looking for the kidnapped baby.
This is a good book, but you have to overlook the errors. When the book first starts the baby is a boy. Hit the middle and it's a girl, in the end it's a boy again. But I have to admit it's been a while since I've read a good physiological thriller! This book will have you on the edge of your seat reading as fast as you can to see what happens next!
January 5, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I really like his writing style! And I blew through this book—very quick, easy, and enjoyable read.
The book is told in 1st person, but the chapters alternate between the two main characters (and one random one from the POV of a cop). But by about halfway through the book, I found it to be just a little too much inner dialogue. And maybe it’s because I’ve been watching Servant on Apple Plus, but I kind of guessed one of the big twists. And I also found it a bit odd that none of the characters had a big reaction that the baby wasn’t real.
So...good for more than half of the book, slightly underwhelming for the remainder, but overall...enjoyable.
The book is told in 1st person, but the chapters alternate between the two main characters (and one random one from the POV of a cop). But by about halfway through the book, I found it to be just a little too much inner dialogue. And maybe it’s because I’ve been watching Servant on Apple Plus, but I kind of guessed one of the big twists. And I also found it a bit odd that none of the characters had a big reaction that the baby wasn’t real.
So...good for more than half of the book, slightly underwhelming for the remainder, but overall...enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
So confused —lots of spoilers
I am just so confused by this story. I don’t know where to even begin. First and foremost the fact that I don’t know if the “baby” in question is male or female and the fact that no one around Ellen is confused by the changing sex of the baby. At first I wondered if that was just part of the story because Ellen is “impaired” or if it was a typo. Then it just kept happening!
I also figured it out just a little while in. A baby that never cries and didn’t wet a diaper the entire day? Hmmm
Also the main character takes a plane to get away but is just a short while from her home?
I could go on but why?
I read another story by this author and really enjoyed it so I’m hoping it was just this one.
I am just so confused by this story. I don’t know where to even begin. First and foremost the fact that I don’t know if the “baby” in question is male or female and the fact that no one around Ellen is confused by the changing sex of the baby. At first I wondered if that was just part of the story because Ellen is “impaired” or if it was a typo. Then it just kept happening!
I also figured it out just a little while in. A baby that never cries and didn’t wet a diaper the entire day? Hmmm
Also the main character takes a plane to get away but is just a short while from her home?
I could go on but why?
I read another story by this author and really enjoyed it so I’m hoping it was just this one.
May 17, 2020
Great Story, But...
I loved this psychological thriller, but the editing was not thorough enough. I can deal with a few words not caught and fixed. I can even make meaning when there are a few words in wrong places. But when you've thought the Baby was a boy yhrough the first 61% of the book and then for the next 10% the Baby is referred to as a she it leaves a huge disappointment and dissatisfaction. But then to have the gender of the baby go back to a boy after 72% of the book, it is just unfathomable that big of a mistake wasn't caught. I still was mesmerized by the story and would recommend it for that value, but please consider another edition after fixing that big error.
I loved this psychological thriller, but the editing was not thorough enough. I can deal with a few words not caught and fixed. I can even make meaning when there are a few words in wrong places. But when you've thought the Baby was a boy yhrough the first 61% of the book and then for the next 10% the Baby is referred to as a she it leaves a huge disappointment and dissatisfaction. But then to have the gender of the baby go back to a boy after 72% of the book, it is just unfathomable that big of a mistake wasn't caught. I still was mesmerized by the story and would recommend it for that value, but please consider another edition after fixing that big error.
February 17, 2020
Its hard to say much about this book without spoiling the story. I did like the desolate atmosphere the book conjured up from the start. Creepy and makes you feel sort of weird, odd. however there were mistakes in language and sentences that threw me off. Baby is sometimes referred to as he others as she...The book seems to have two distinct halves. The second half has jumped and I felt Id missed something. Then I felt the author was rushing to finish it up. Disappointing in the end. I did guess early on one of the big secrets...not saying here as I dont want to spoil it but it was clever. So mixed feelings.
April 15, 2020
Really inconsistent
First the baby is a boy. Mid book it's a girl . Then back to a boy again. He picks her up in an airport in Chicago but she's from a town in Colorado a 100 miles away from where they're staying. He is a jerk who just wants sex. She goes with
it willingly saying it's the only time she felt true intimacy? This is after knowing him a day, him saying she owes him for the money he spent on her, and years of sexual abuse from her father. Really poorly written with major inconsistencies!
First the baby is a boy. Mid book it's a girl . Then back to a boy again. He picks her up in an airport in Chicago but she's from a town in Colorado a 100 miles away from where they're staying. He is a jerk who just wants sex. She goes with
it willingly saying it's the only time she felt true intimacy? This is after knowing him a day, him saying she owes him for the money he spent on her, and years of sexual abuse from her father. Really poorly written with major inconsistencies!
August 2, 2020
What a disappointment! Good start to the book - storyline was fairly gripping however soon the spelling mistakes/typos were disastrous and off putting. The worst was yet to come though when halfway through the author started referring to the baby as a girl when it had been a boy from the start of the book! If an author can’t be bothered to remember their characters then I don’t think they deserve to have their books published let alone read! A suggestion - perhaps employ a proof reader for your next novel...
October 29, 2020
Disappointing throughout
Had this been written better and been consistent throughout the story, it would have been a great read. How did the baby go from a boy in the beginning of the book, to a girl in the middle, AND THEN toward the end it was referred to as him and her in the same paragraph, back to a him at the end. I had to read many sentences numerous times to decipher what was being said due to incorrect spelling and poor grammar. I feel like the last third of the book was rushed, which was extremely disappointing.
Had this been written better and been consistent throughout the story, it would have been a great read. How did the baby go from a boy in the beginning of the book, to a girl in the middle, AND THEN toward the end it was referred to as him and her in the same paragraph, back to a him at the end. I had to read many sentences numerous times to decipher what was being said due to incorrect spelling and poor grammar. I feel like the last third of the book was rushed, which was extremely disappointing.
December 4, 2020
Hard to put down
Despite numerous editing mistakes this book was excellent and kept me on the edge of my seat. However there was one discrepancy that affected the story of the book and that is the fact that the baby was referred to as a male by using male pronouns in the beginning of the book and at the end of the book but in the middle of the book the baby was referred to as a female by use of female pronouns. It is due to these reasons that I am giving the book four stars instead of the five that I would have given it
Despite numerous editing mistakes this book was excellent and kept me on the edge of my seat. However there was one discrepancy that affected the story of the book and that is the fact that the baby was referred to as a male by using male pronouns in the beginning of the book and at the end of the book but in the middle of the book the baby was referred to as a female by use of female pronouns. It is due to these reasons that I am giving the book four stars instead of the five that I would have given it
December 27, 2019
ARC review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Ellen and her son is on the run and find that Daniel a stranger is willing to help her, so they end up in lands edge where truths and twist from both unwind. This story will boggle the mind at first then going to take you on a ride that you will not be able to put down or think you got off at the wrong station . 10 stars for telling a story that twist you up.Awesome
February 22, 2020
Gender switch
So the title includes, "she," but when you start reading, the missing person is a boy. Okay, there must be twists and turns in this story. Later, the baby's gender is changed to she. And back again! In the same page in one case. All I can think is that the author first thought a girl baby would be best for the book and changed his mind without changing all occurrences of " her" and " she, " and inexplicably, didn't change the title!
So the title includes, "she," but when you start reading, the missing person is a boy. Okay, there must be twists and turns in this story. Later, the baby's gender is changed to she. And back again! In the same page in one case. All I can think is that the author first thought a girl baby would be best for the book and changed his mind without changing all occurrences of " her" and " she, " and inexplicably, didn't change the title!
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