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The Missing Woman
They live in the big houses on the pretty street. Those other women, as we call them. And to think I used to want to be like them, to have their money and happiness, to live and laugh and play like them. Not any more.
It’s the fourth of July and the whole town is gathered at the local pool. Through the sweltering afternoon, we single mothers don’t mix with the other women—the ones with the perfect lives and happy marriages. Women like Sabine Miller. But when Sabine shoots me a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears, my blood runs cold…
Running to the back gate, all I find is a gold charm bracelet she dropped on her way out. I convince myself I’m imagining things until Sabine’s husband Mark appears. When he realizes she’s missing, he phones the cops straight away. “Someone has been threatening Sabine,” he says. “Now they’ve kidnapped her.”
Hours later, I wish I’d run faster. The whole town is searching the streets, calling Sabine’s name over and over. On the TV, Mark is begging for someone to bring his wife home.
The truth is, I was the last person to see her alive—and it’s killing me inside. Now the cops are at my door asking questions. I’m terrified they’ll find out what happened years ago between me and Sabine. Something I’ve never told anyone.
But I need to tell someone. Can you keep a secret?
It’s the fourth of July and the whole town is gathered at the local pool. Through the sweltering afternoon, we single mothers don’t mix with the other women—the ones with the perfect lives and happy marriages. Women like Sabine Miller. But when Sabine shoots me a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears, my blood runs cold…
Running to the back gate, all I find is a gold charm bracelet she dropped on her way out. I convince myself I’m imagining things until Sabine’s husband Mark appears. When he realizes she’s missing, he phones the cops straight away. “Someone has been threatening Sabine,” he says. “Now they’ve kidnapped her.”
Hours later, I wish I’d run faster. The whole town is searching the streets, calling Sabine’s name over and over. On the TV, Mark is begging for someone to bring his wife home.
The truth is, I was the last person to see her alive—and it’s killing me inside. Now the cops are at my door asking questions. I’m terrified they’ll find out what happened years ago between me and Sabine. Something I’ve never told anyone.
But I need to tell someone. Can you keep a secret?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2021
989 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
Georgina Cross
6 books781 followersAuthor of ONE NIGHT and NANNY NEEDED with Bantam, Penguin Random House, and author of THE STEPDAUGHTER, THE MISSING WOMAN, and THE NIECE with Bookouture, Hachette Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
January 7, 2021
The Missing Woman has multiple twists I didn’t expect. There is a lot of suspense throughout the book. The police are suspecting everyone of being involved with Sabine’s disappearance. Everyone suspected is trying to push the blame off on someone else. The Missing Woman is a great thriller. I liked the characters. Erica is trying to figure out what happened to Sabine while also supporting her friend Tish. Tish has revealed some concerning secrets, but Erica is still completely supportive of Tish. Erica and Tish are very loyal. Sabine is an interesting character with so many secrets that get revealed throughout the book. The more I learned about Sabine and her story, the more I liked her. I liked how there were unexpected allies, and everything was explained and tied up nicely.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for The Missing Woman.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for The Missing Woman.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
March 21, 2023
This is a Suspense Mystery/Thriller. I feel the pacing was perfect in this book (at times the book moves slow and at times it is moving very fast), and There was no time while reading this book I felt books pacing was off. This book kept me guessing the whole time. I have to say that is took me a little bit to give totally in to this book. The twists and turns where so good, and I did not guess any of them. I loved this book so much. This book to me is more of a suspense mystery then a thriller because to me a thriller scares me or gives me on easy feeling, and this book did not give me that. It was written so well, and the characters was very developed by the end. I feel the twists was reveal at the perfect time in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Georgina Cross) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 18, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC. This is another nail biting thriller by Georgina Cross. Just like her previous book, The Stepdaughter, The Missing Woman is perfectly paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Sabine Miller has disappeared. All of Sabine’s loved ones and friends are either desperately searching for her, or anxiously awaiting her return. As the mystery unfolds, many suspects come to light. The past is resurrected and facades are shattered. Loyalties are tested, as lives are broken. I grew to care for many of the characters and despise others. Appearances are definitely deceiving in this well crafted, compelling suspenseful thriller! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15, 2020
Not bad
A quick read and ticks all the psychological thriller boxes and does have a couple of unexpected twists but its marred by insipid characters, from the lead lady ( I dont think we ever know her name, least I cant recall it ) to Sabine the lady who goes missing to ‘Tish’ who sounds more like a goldfish than a person, they all live in an insipid town, doing insipid things and it was kinda difficult to bring any reader enthusiasm to the party or to them
However at 60% the pace changed as more of the plot was revealed and even further on at 70% it did hot up again and it got a bit more exciting
The book was split into now, the recent past and the past past and I enjoyed the part from many years ago that detailed a road trip to Lake Tahoe
There are the inevitable secrets and lies and everyone finding out why and how Sabine is missing
There is not much else to say about it tbh, its seriously ok but thats as far as can go with the excitement for it
6/10
3 Stars
A quick read and ticks all the psychological thriller boxes and does have a couple of unexpected twists but its marred by insipid characters, from the lead lady ( I dont think we ever know her name, least I cant recall it ) to Sabine the lady who goes missing to ‘Tish’ who sounds more like a goldfish than a person, they all live in an insipid town, doing insipid things and it was kinda difficult to bring any reader enthusiasm to the party or to them
However at 60% the pace changed as more of the plot was revealed and even further on at 70% it did hot up again and it got a bit more exciting
The book was split into now, the recent past and the past past and I enjoyed the part from many years ago that detailed a road trip to Lake Tahoe
There are the inevitable secrets and lies and everyone finding out why and how Sabine is missing
There is not much else to say about it tbh, its seriously ok but thats as far as can go with the excitement for it
6/10
3 Stars
January 3, 2021
It’s the fourth of July and the whole town is gathered at the local pool. Through the sweltering afternoon, the group of single mothers don’t mix with the other women—the ones with the perfect lives and happy marriages. Women like Sabine Miller.
But then, Sabine shoots Erica a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears. As Erica reaches to the back gate, all she finds is a silver charm bracelet that Sabine dropped on her way out.
When Sabine’s husband Mark arrives and realizes she’s missing, he phones the cops straight away. “Someone has been threatening Sabine,” he says. “Now they’ve kidnapped her.”
Hours later the whole town is searching the streets, calling Sabine’s name over and over. On the TV, Mark is begging for someone to bring his wife home.
The truth is, Erica was the last person to see Sabine alive—and it’s killing her inside. When the cops arrive at her house asking questions, she’s terrified they’ll find out what happened years ago between her and Sabine. Something which she has never told anyone
I was so eager to read this book especially since I loved Georgina Cross’s debut book. I just couldn’t wait to get started! And I wasn’t disappointed at all. This was such an exciting read that I actually managed to finish it in just a few hours. I didn’t want to stop till I reached the end.
The plot is well written and the pace is maintained throughout the book. Both the main and supporting characters were good and added some element to the plot.
As you begin reading you wonder if Sabine was kidnapped because it’s difficult to find a reason why would she leave on her own and give up her comfortable life. But as the hidden secrets of each of the characters come tumbling out, you realize that this is something more than just a missing persons case.
There were definitely some amazing twists throughout the book but my favorite has to be the ending. It was simply perfect!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
But then, Sabine shoots Erica a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears. As Erica reaches to the back gate, all she finds is a silver charm bracelet that Sabine dropped on her way out.
When Sabine’s husband Mark arrives and realizes she’s missing, he phones the cops straight away. “Someone has been threatening Sabine,” he says. “Now they’ve kidnapped her.”
Hours later the whole town is searching the streets, calling Sabine’s name over and over. On the TV, Mark is begging for someone to bring his wife home.
The truth is, Erica was the last person to see Sabine alive—and it’s killing her inside. When the cops arrive at her house asking questions, she’s terrified they’ll find out what happened years ago between her and Sabine. Something which she has never told anyone
I was so eager to read this book especially since I loved Georgina Cross’s debut book. I just couldn’t wait to get started! And I wasn’t disappointed at all. This was such an exciting read that I actually managed to finish it in just a few hours. I didn’t want to stop till I reached the end.
The plot is well written and the pace is maintained throughout the book. Both the main and supporting characters were good and added some element to the plot.
As you begin reading you wonder if Sabine was kidnapped because it’s difficult to find a reason why would she leave on her own and give up her comfortable life. But as the hidden secrets of each of the characters come tumbling out, you realize that this is something more than just a missing persons case.
There were definitely some amazing twists throughout the book but my favorite has to be the ending. It was simply perfect!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
January 11, 2021
Ooooh, trust author Georgina Cross to run a great scam and fool me in her latest thriller.
Sabine went missing from the poolside after sending an indecipherable look at Erica. What did that mean? Her bracelet too was found at the edge of the area nearing the woods. A broken door and blood streaks at the doorway of her home were later found by her husband Mark. What happened to Sabine?
The book was from Erica’s POV as she along with her best friend Tish tried to make sense of the incident. Secrets were revealed and masks were thrown away as the claws came out. Each of them around Sabine had something to hide. The story in the present was conducted within the four walls of Erica’s home which I found to be quite intriguing; the world outside came alive via messages and apps.
I loved how the author made use of social media namely Facebook where a page devoted to Sabine was quickly created, a group was made, followed by discussion and inference of what could have happened to Sabine. It was fun to see how the world really revolved when someone went missing. The wicked ones soon came out of the woodwork.
The book changed its tangential course at 60% and moved at a warped speed at 70%. Nothing could have pulled me away from my kindle. There were a few things I suspected, though the author gave away nothing. But nobody would be a main character unless they had a bigger part to play. The twists hit me hard when the truth was finally revealed. Hoorah for girl power.
A note of humor – only a man would think that wearing only a mustache was a great disguise wherein nobody would recognize him.
Sabine went missing from the poolside after sending an indecipherable look at Erica. What did that mean? Her bracelet too was found at the edge of the area nearing the woods. A broken door and blood streaks at the doorway of her home were later found by her husband Mark. What happened to Sabine?
The book was from Erica’s POV as she along with her best friend Tish tried to make sense of the incident. Secrets were revealed and masks were thrown away as the claws came out. Each of them around Sabine had something to hide. The story in the present was conducted within the four walls of Erica’s home which I found to be quite intriguing; the world outside came alive via messages and apps.
I loved how the author made use of social media namely Facebook where a page devoted to Sabine was quickly created, a group was made, followed by discussion and inference of what could have happened to Sabine. It was fun to see how the world really revolved when someone went missing. The wicked ones soon came out of the woodwork.
The book changed its tangential course at 60% and moved at a warped speed at 70%. Nothing could have pulled me away from my kindle. There were a few things I suspected, though the author gave away nothing. But nobody would be a main character unless they had a bigger part to play. The twists hit me hard when the truth was finally revealed. Hoorah for girl power.
A note of humor – only a man would think that wearing only a mustache was a great disguise wherein nobody would recognize him.
December 10, 2020
This is an interesting slow burn mystery about a woman who goes missing after a gathering at a local pool that ended with an evening of fireworks. There are multiple suspects and reasons for wanting this woman gone or could it be a possible ruse? I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 6, 2021
I might be a little bit biased here since I wrote this book and love it! 5 stars all around! In all seriousness, thank you to everyone who has read my books, either THE MISSING WOMAN or THE STEPDAUGHTER. I appreciate readers & reviewers so much! More books coming your way: Book 3 in August, Book 4 in October, and Books 5 & 6 in 2022. Happy suspenseful reading, everyone!
January 9, 2021
The missing woman is centred around the disappearance of Sabine who is a local politicians wife . It's July 4th and the whole town is out watching the fireworks. Earlier in in the day Erica is at the pool with her best friends and kids, she sees Sabine leave who drops a bracelet and gives her a strange stare. Nothing is as it seems though and everyone is hiding something.
I enjoyed this book, would I call it a psychological thriller no but it doesn't fit into any other category for me the thriller aspect was quite minimal coming quite near the end but I didn't enjoy it any less because of that fact. I liked Erica she was a good main character she has a great group of friends and I liked the mystery surrounding her. Why had Sabine looked at her there doesn't seem to be an obvious answer so going along that journey with her was great.
The layout of the story is fascinating we go from present time to a few weeks before sabines disappears but in blocks rather than jumping back and forth I really enjoyed that because it isn't overly confusing. We get little nuggets of information throughout which set up a narrative but there is something about it that doesn't make sense and the time jump does to some point.
This review is hard to write without littering it with spoilers it's really hard to discuss what I loved without telling you everything. What I will say is it's a great book and I enjoyed it so much, I will be reading more by Georgina Cross. Her written style is clever I found myself asking but what happened and why did she look at her what's going on? That is what I love!!!
I recommend this book for a thought provoking read! Yes the thriller aspect is lacking but it makes it an easy and fascinating read. I enjoyed every page flew through 80% in the first sitting and couldn't wait to finish it! There are a few twist I guessed the one that was quite left field I'm not sure how I worked it out. The book is a testament to find friendship and how deep the bonds go. It's fantastic. 3.5" rounded up to 4 *!
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Georgina Cross for the digital advance copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this book, would I call it a psychological thriller no but it doesn't fit into any other category for me the thriller aspect was quite minimal coming quite near the end but I didn't enjoy it any less because of that fact. I liked Erica she was a good main character she has a great group of friends and I liked the mystery surrounding her. Why had Sabine looked at her there doesn't seem to be an obvious answer so going along that journey with her was great.
The layout of the story is fascinating we go from present time to a few weeks before sabines disappears but in blocks rather than jumping back and forth I really enjoyed that because it isn't overly confusing. We get little nuggets of information throughout which set up a narrative but there is something about it that doesn't make sense and the time jump does to some point.
This review is hard to write without littering it with spoilers it's really hard to discuss what I loved without telling you everything. What I will say is it's a great book and I enjoyed it so much, I will be reading more by Georgina Cross. Her written style is clever I found myself asking but what happened and why did she look at her what's going on? That is what I love!!!
I recommend this book for a thought provoking read! Yes the thriller aspect is lacking but it makes it an easy and fascinating read. I enjoyed every page flew through 80% in the first sitting and couldn't wait to finish it! There are a few twist I guessed the one that was quite left field I'm not sure how I worked it out. The book is a testament to find friendship and how deep the bonds go. It's fantastic. 3.5" rounded up to 4 *!
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Georgina Cross for the digital advance copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
February 26, 2021
I really hate to bash an author , but this book was not good and Goodreads needs to explain the ratings a bit better.
I am starting to mistrust this Goodreads site as this isn't the first time I turned to this site after reading a few chapters and rolling my eyes because the book was so bad. I cannot believe that there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews - readers, are you saying this is the BEST book you ever read because that is what a 5 star is. Five stars should be rarely handed out. Are these her friends and relatives banging off the same glowing review saying how great it was and they couldn't put it down? If this is 5 star to you, then what would a REALLY great classic be? I am stumped yet AGAIN and feel this site is disappointing to say the least.
This is not the first time I started reading a book that was so 'cookie cutter' with the silliest of story lines, and contains inexcusable grammatical errors for a published novel that clearly there was no editing. It's as if this was a teenager writing a short story for grade 9 who has poor knowledge of grammar and doesn't know the correct wording of an idiom. I am no English major but even I know when to use 'I' or when to use 'me' in a sentence. The clincher for me was when the author should have used 'pull the wool over my eyes' . I think she said something like 'put the wool beside me' or something. (I deleted the book from my reader so I can't refer back)
Too dumb to finish and too dumb to mention all the ridiculous 'psychologically thrilling' bits. Geesh I wish publishers would stop using that silly line.
Something fishy about this book and these reviews.
Sorry, I need to find a reputable site where I can trust the reviews or find a site with readers who have higher standards I guess.
I am starting to mistrust this Goodreads site as this isn't the first time I turned to this site after reading a few chapters and rolling my eyes because the book was so bad. I cannot believe that there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews - readers, are you saying this is the BEST book you ever read because that is what a 5 star is. Five stars should be rarely handed out. Are these her friends and relatives banging off the same glowing review saying how great it was and they couldn't put it down? If this is 5 star to you, then what would a REALLY great classic be? I am stumped yet AGAIN and feel this site is disappointing to say the least.
This is not the first time I started reading a book that was so 'cookie cutter' with the silliest of story lines, and contains inexcusable grammatical errors for a published novel that clearly there was no editing. It's as if this was a teenager writing a short story for grade 9 who has poor knowledge of grammar and doesn't know the correct wording of an idiom. I am no English major but even I know when to use 'I' or when to use 'me' in a sentence. The clincher for me was when the author should have used 'pull the wool over my eyes' . I think she said something like 'put the wool beside me' or something. (I deleted the book from my reader so I can't refer back)
Too dumb to finish and too dumb to mention all the ridiculous 'psychologically thrilling' bits. Geesh I wish publishers would stop using that silly line.
Something fishy about this book and these reviews.
Sorry, I need to find a reputable site where I can trust the reviews or find a site with readers who have higher standards I guess.
December 26, 2020
This is a great mystery thriller.
It reminded me of Big Little Lies at first and pulled me in immediately.
The neighbourhood is having a pool party and there’s lots and lots of people there.
Erica sees Sabine and her close friends having a great time but then she sees Sabine go off on her own. She turns and gives Erica a look as she goes through the gate, which troubles Erica.
Later, Sabine’s husband can’t find her and calls the Police as there’s signs of a struggle at their home.
Erica is still worried about the look Sabine gave her and her friend Tish has something to reveal as well.
No-one knows what happened to Sabine and social media is going into meltdown.
I won’t say any more about the story as there’s some great secrets that you just have to discover for yourself.
I really liked the way this story unravelled itself and I loved every part of it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It reminded me of Big Little Lies at first and pulled me in immediately.
The neighbourhood is having a pool party and there’s lots and lots of people there.
Erica sees Sabine and her close friends having a great time but then she sees Sabine go off on her own. She turns and gives Erica a look as she goes through the gate, which troubles Erica.
Later, Sabine’s husband can’t find her and calls the Police as there’s signs of a struggle at their home.
Erica is still worried about the look Sabine gave her and her friend Tish has something to reveal as well.
No-one knows what happened to Sabine and social media is going into meltdown.
I won’t say any more about the story as there’s some great secrets that you just have to discover for yourself.
I really liked the way this story unravelled itself and I loved every part of it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 29, 2020
Erica and her bestie Tish take their children to the neighborhood pool to swim, cool off and watch the annual Fourth of July fireworks. It's an annual event well attended by the neighborhood, including the wealthy Sabine, Carol and Monika. After sharing a weird look, Sabine leaves the pool. Shortly after her husband, Mark, arrives. Looking for Sabine. He goes home only to find the back door broken, blood and Sabine missing.
A whirlwind of activity and confessions ensue, including an online poll for the likelihood of Sabine still being alive.
Tish and Erica have their own secrets, closely guarded but about to pull them into the investigation.
Slow burn plot. Good twists. I loved the women's solidarity and friendships, support and kindess.
A whirlwind of activity and confessions ensue, including an online poll for the likelihood of Sabine still being alive.
Tish and Erica have their own secrets, closely guarded but about to pull them into the investigation.
Slow burn plot. Good twists. I loved the women's solidarity and friendships, support and kindess.
December 21, 2020
The Missing Woman is a thrilling read about secrets, loyalty, and the suspicion of what really goes on behind closed doors. With a fast-paced and an unpredictable twist, you won't guess what's going on in this neighbourhood.
There's a lot of thought process in the first section of the book which I liked, but I know this can be off-putting for a lot of readers. But stick with it, because things soon pick up. The final third is full of many unexpected turns as it slowly draws you in, eventually engrossing you completely as you find yourself caught up in Erica's dilemma.
Using Facebook posts to add additional perspectives on the story, I really enjoyed this modern narrative technique and how it emphasised the dangers of gossip in a tight-knit community. But you'll make judgements too, as you begin to suspect everybody closest to Sabine when it's revealed that nobody has the perfect life that they are pretending to lead.
I would have liked a few more things explained in the final chapter, but it's well written and the characters' emotions are described brilliantly, which is what kept me so on edge. I'm definitely looking forward to what Georgina Cross writes next.
There's a lot of thought process in the first section of the book which I liked, but I know this can be off-putting for a lot of readers. But stick with it, because things soon pick up. The final third is full of many unexpected turns as it slowly draws you in, eventually engrossing you completely as you find yourself caught up in Erica's dilemma.
Using Facebook posts to add additional perspectives on the story, I really enjoyed this modern narrative technique and how it emphasised the dangers of gossip in a tight-knit community. But you'll make judgements too, as you begin to suspect everybody closest to Sabine when it's revealed that nobody has the perfect life that they are pretending to lead.
I would have liked a few more things explained in the final chapter, but it's well written and the characters' emotions are described brilliantly, which is what kept me so on edge. I'm definitely looking forward to what Georgina Cross writes next.
January 6, 2021
When you look like a happy couple, you have to be one, right? Well, yes, it most certainly will be true for a lot of people, but some fake it for years and years.
When you have money and fame, you can take those little not so nice things and put them on the backburner, right? Well, yes some people can and it also depends on what those little not so nice things are. Others will come to their senses and deal with it, because enough is just enough.
From the very beginning you feel that something is not quite right, but you don’t understand what is going on. The author really knows how to make her readers wait until she is ready to throw them another bone.
Of course, you start writing your own story with all the facts you have and that’s when you see that big parts are still missing. Why? Who? How? Those questions play hide and seek in your brain until, little by little, the author gives us the glue to put the pieces together.
Even though years may have passed since, a bond formed in the past will stand the test of time and events will still reflect on the present.
I loved the fact we were kept in the dark for a long time and I was happy with the way the story developed. What happens in public can be very different from what takes place behind closed doors. 5 stars.
Thank you, Georgina Cross and Bookouture
When you have money and fame, you can take those little not so nice things and put them on the backburner, right? Well, yes some people can and it also depends on what those little not so nice things are. Others will come to their senses and deal with it, because enough is just enough.
From the very beginning you feel that something is not quite right, but you don’t understand what is going on. The author really knows how to make her readers wait until she is ready to throw them another bone.
Of course, you start writing your own story with all the facts you have and that’s when you see that big parts are still missing. Why? Who? How? Those questions play hide and seek in your brain until, little by little, the author gives us the glue to put the pieces together.
Even though years may have passed since, a bond formed in the past will stand the test of time and events will still reflect on the present.
I loved the fact we were kept in the dark for a long time and I was happy with the way the story developed. What happens in public can be very different from what takes place behind closed doors. 5 stars.
Thank you, Georgina Cross and Bookouture
October 19, 2024
Całkiem ciekawie zaplanowany thriller skupiony na sąsiedztwie i bogaczach. Pewne plot twisty do przewidzenia, ale bawiłam się nieźle.
January 25, 2021
It's the fourth of July and the whole town is gathered at the local pool. Green Cove is a mixed community where Sabine and her clique live in mansions, having perfect lives. Erica was envious of their lifestyle until Sabine shoots her a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears. There’s so many secrets and it gets twisty, this was unputdownable and suspenseful! Thank you to Bookouture, the author, and NetGalley for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.
February 19, 2021
I thought this book was a bit slow at first but then it picked up. I certainly didn't see the twist at the end. I ended up enjoying this book and have downloaded another by the same author.
January 18, 2021
The Missing Woman is Ms Cross's second psychological thriller to date and is a story simply fizzing with suspense, set in Huntsville, Alabama. It opens with a prologue in which Sabine Miller is running through a forest, frantically trying to escape the unidentified person chasing her before the plot cuts to present day. It's Saturday Fourth of July and Erica Holloway is enjoying time at the neighbourhood swimming pool with her two children, eleven year old Lydia and seven year old Taylor alongside her best friend Tish Abbott and her five year old son Charlie. Across the pool Erica observes the 'other' women, a clique she had once but no longer envied sunbathing in the ninety five degree heat and like them awaiting the firework display to round off the days celebrations. The group of wealthy friends comprises Sabine Miller, Monica Claiborne and Carol Castillo who all live on Honors Row and are lounging at the poolside together complete with monogrammed towels and matching green sun visors. Known for their large, luxurious homes and wealthy husbands all eyes are often on the three, which makes it even stranger when Sabine disappears off the face of the earth. But not before casting a strange glance at Erica when she left the poolside before the fireworks even kicked off...
A short time later her husband, prominent councilman Mark, discovers that their back door has been smashed open and what appears to be Sabine's blood coats the floor. But in a town where everyone has a secret and skeletons in their closet there are countless suspects who would kill to keep their dirty linen from being aired in public. This is a riveting, addictive and brilliant thriller that is simply overflowing with intense drama and explodes with secrets galore as the story unfolds. It's one of those reads you are pulled into almost immediately and stay glued to the pages through til the dawn chorus. It's believable with a large suspect pool and enough exciting twists and surprises to turn this into a one sitting spectacular. The cast is comprised of primarily unlikeable characters although it's testament to Cross's skill and talent that she manages to elicit sympathy despite this. Erica and Sabine have a past together that they have successfully kept to themselves until this incident and the moral of the story is that no matter how hard you try, your past will usually come back to haunt you when you least expect. It starts at a steady pace before Cross turns up the heat and the suspense continues to rise as the plot progresses until it's palpable. This is a compulsive and captivating domestic thriller and a page-turner I highly recommend.
A short time later her husband, prominent councilman Mark, discovers that their back door has been smashed open and what appears to be Sabine's blood coats the floor. But in a town where everyone has a secret and skeletons in their closet there are countless suspects who would kill to keep their dirty linen from being aired in public. This is a riveting, addictive and brilliant thriller that is simply overflowing with intense drama and explodes with secrets galore as the story unfolds. It's one of those reads you are pulled into almost immediately and stay glued to the pages through til the dawn chorus. It's believable with a large suspect pool and enough exciting twists and surprises to turn this into a one sitting spectacular. The cast is comprised of primarily unlikeable characters although it's testament to Cross's skill and talent that she manages to elicit sympathy despite this. Erica and Sabine have a past together that they have successfully kept to themselves until this incident and the moral of the story is that no matter how hard you try, your past will usually come back to haunt you when you least expect. It starts at a steady pace before Cross turns up the heat and the suspense continues to rise as the plot progresses until it's palpable. This is a compulsive and captivating domestic thriller and a page-turner I highly recommend.
January 15, 2021
Loved it! A great psychological thriller that so many twists and turns that keep you guessing who is involved and not finding out until the very end!
Thanks to Georgia Cross and Bookouture for this read!
Thanks to Georgia Cross and Bookouture for this read!
April 29, 2023
4,5/5⭐️
Recenzja Książki „Zaginiona” autorki Georgina Cross.
Autorka zgrabnie splata wątki fabularne, tworząc wciągającą opowieść, której nie sposób się oderwać. Bohaterowie są pełni tajemnic, a ich relacje nieustannie zaskakują czytelnika.
Opisy zdarzeń i emocji są tak realistyczne, że czytelnik ma wrażenie jakby był uczestnikiem tych sytuacji .
Czytając tę książkę, można porównać jej wspaniałą fabułę do misternie wykonanej pająkowej sieci, która pochłania czytelnika i nie pozwala mu się uwolnić, a bohaterów do postaci żyjących własnym życiem, z własnymi sekretami i problemami.
Podsumowując, książka ta zasługuje na wysoką ocenę 4,5/5 ⭐️za ciekawą i wciągająca fabułę, bardzo dobrze wykreowanych bohaterów i mistrzowskie połączenie elementów kryminalnych i psychologicznych . To niezapomniana lektura, która z pewnością zostanie w pamięci czytelnika na długo po przeczytaniu.
Recenzja Książki „Zaginiona” autorki Georgina Cross.
Autorka zgrabnie splata wątki fabularne, tworząc wciągającą opowieść, której nie sposób się oderwać. Bohaterowie są pełni tajemnic, a ich relacje nieustannie zaskakują czytelnika.
Opisy zdarzeń i emocji są tak realistyczne, że czytelnik ma wrażenie jakby był uczestnikiem tych sytuacji .
Czytając tę książkę, można porównać jej wspaniałą fabułę do misternie wykonanej pająkowej sieci, która pochłania czytelnika i nie pozwala mu się uwolnić, a bohaterów do postaci żyjących własnym życiem, z własnymi sekretami i problemami.
Podsumowując, książka ta zasługuje na wysoką ocenę 4,5/5 ⭐️za ciekawą i wciągająca fabułę, bardzo dobrze wykreowanych bohaterów i mistrzowskie połączenie elementów kryminalnych i psychologicznych . To niezapomniana lektura, która z pewnością zostanie w pamięci czytelnika na długo po przeczytaniu.
January 13, 2021
Juicy layers of intrigue and an unexpected twist make for a compulsively readable thriller that delivers a killer payoff-loved it!
December 24, 2020
I've been on a roll with thrillers, and I'm not ready to stop yet.
Attention-grabbing, tension so tight if it was a bed you could bounce a quarter off it.
Are we ever done with secrets? With 'who done it and why?' As readers, we love to be pushed up against the wall, promising ourselves, "just one more chapter! Just one more!" And before we know what's happened, our alarm goes off, and we are forced to start a new day.
If you love to keep guessing until the very end, this is the book for you!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Attention-grabbing, tension so tight if it was a bed you could bounce a quarter off it.
Are we ever done with secrets? With 'who done it and why?' As readers, we love to be pushed up against the wall, promising ourselves, "just one more chapter! Just one more!" And before we know what's happened, our alarm goes off, and we are forced to start a new day.
If you love to keep guessing until the very end, this is the book for you!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
December 21, 2020
I have two words for you if you decide to read this book: buckle up!
From the first chapter, hell, even before that, the prologue catches you, drags you in, throws you right into something so thrilling that you scramble to get to chapter one and deeper. The first chapter sets a scene that’s both griping with detail and very domestic. It makes you almost think: where’s the thrilling part that the prologue thrusted at us?
If you’re like me, it takes at least the first few chapters of a thriller, or any book, to really capture my attention. But definitely when it comes to thrillers. I need something to grip onto to keep wanting to turn the pages and delve deeper into the book. And not only does this book do this within the first few chapters, but it keeps you griping onto that lovely ‘who done it trope’ and doesn’t let you go until the final two chapters.
I don’t want to say too much since it’s always best going into thrillers not knowing much, but while reading it my mind was coming up with different solutions to problems, trying to find my own answers, trying to pin point the reveal/twist before it was shown, because sometimes it’s hard to find a thriller that keeps you guessing and not able to see the twist from a mile away.
BUT let me tell you, that twist had me audibly saying ‘whaaaaattt the heck’ and throwing my hands up. Because I didn’t see it coming, at all, and was shocked with myself that I didn’t. But I’m highly glad that I didn’t, for obvious reasons.
The only downfall of this book, if I had to give it one, was the ending. Not that it was bad, but I wanted more chapters. More story. But I don’t say that in a negative way. I say that for the feels of riveting excitement and detail this book gave.
I HIGHLY suggest this book if you’re into psychological thrillers, with a touch of domestic thriller within it.
“How could she imagine the lengths people will go to so we can protect each other’s secrets?”
From the first chapter, hell, even before that, the prologue catches you, drags you in, throws you right into something so thrilling that you scramble to get to chapter one and deeper. The first chapter sets a scene that’s both griping with detail and very domestic. It makes you almost think: where’s the thrilling part that the prologue thrusted at us?
If you’re like me, it takes at least the first few chapters of a thriller, or any book, to really capture my attention. But definitely when it comes to thrillers. I need something to grip onto to keep wanting to turn the pages and delve deeper into the book. And not only does this book do this within the first few chapters, but it keeps you griping onto that lovely ‘who done it trope’ and doesn’t let you go until the final two chapters.
I don’t want to say too much since it’s always best going into thrillers not knowing much, but while reading it my mind was coming up with different solutions to problems, trying to find my own answers, trying to pin point the reveal/twist before it was shown, because sometimes it’s hard to find a thriller that keeps you guessing and not able to see the twist from a mile away.
BUT let me tell you, that twist had me audibly saying ‘whaaaaattt the heck’ and throwing my hands up. Because I didn’t see it coming, at all, and was shocked with myself that I didn’t. But I’m highly glad that I didn’t, for obvious reasons.
The only downfall of this book, if I had to give it one, was the ending. Not that it was bad, but I wanted more chapters. More story. But I don’t say that in a negative way. I say that for the feels of riveting excitement and detail this book gave.
I HIGHLY suggest this book if you’re into psychological thrillers, with a touch of domestic thriller within it.
“How could she imagine the lengths people will go to so we can protect each other’s secrets?”
January 16, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Georgina Cross for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
2 stars.
This was ok. It had moments where it really got my attention but they didn't start to happen until after I was 50% of the way through and even then they were short lived.
I think the story was written well, but just wasn't for me. I didn't really care much for the characters and it was too much of a story about friends gossiping and that's not something I'm interested in.
By the last 90% I was skim reading because I really wasn't interested but I did want to keep reading to see if it picked up. It didn't.
While I wouldn't recommend it, there wasn't anything in it that would make me say, that it's because it was awful. It just wasn't for me and I hope that others out there enjoy it.
2 stars.
This was ok. It had moments where it really got my attention but they didn't start to happen until after I was 50% of the way through and even then they were short lived.
I think the story was written well, but just wasn't for me. I didn't really care much for the characters and it was too much of a story about friends gossiping and that's not something I'm interested in.
By the last 90% I was skim reading because I really wasn't interested but I did want to keep reading to see if it picked up. It didn't.
While I wouldn't recommend it, there wasn't anything in it that would make me say, that it's because it was awful. It just wasn't for me and I hope that others out there enjoy it.
January 16, 2021
The Missing Woman starts off really well. It's the 4th of July, and the entire neighborhood has gathered at the community pool to celebrate and watch the fireworks. On one side, you have the 'haves' - Sabine, Monica, and Carole - and on the other side are the 'have-nots' - Erica and Tish. Sabine and Erica have a history, one they've both chosen to keep secret. When Sabine goes missing that night, fingers soon start pointing.
While I liked the plot, I felt the story lost its way in the middle. After that, it was more telling than showing, which doesn't work for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
While I liked the plot, I felt the story lost its way in the middle. After that, it was more telling than showing, which doesn't work for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
December 26, 2020
Kinda boring domestic thriller about a missing well to do woman and the people who are around her. Told in the eyes of a neighbor... we find that everyone in the neighborhood is full of secrets and Sabine missing is only the beginning.
I read too many thrillers so being drawn into one takes a lot. This is just okay, nothing new or exciting or twists that really took my breath away.
Thanks to netGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I read too many thrillers so being drawn into one takes a lot. This is just okay, nothing new or exciting or twists that really took my breath away.
Thanks to netGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 11, 2024
Niby nie spodziewałam się wiele, a jednak to było bolesne rozczarowanie. Chciałam dobry kryminał, a dostałam rozwleczone flaki z olejem, postacie bez wyrazu i totalnie absurdalne rozwiązanie sytuacji (aż parsknęłam jak tego słuchałam, boże). Po trzech książkach stwierdzam, że autorka kompletnie nie jest dla mnie i jeśli się jeszcze kiedyś spotkamy to zupełnie przez przypadek.
May 1, 2023
Georginia Cross, autorka „Idealnej niani” i „Naszej dziewczynki” powróciła z nowym thrillerem psychologicznym, „Zaginiona”. Znacie twórczość autorki? Ja miałam przyjemność poznać jej pióro przy okazji książki „Nasza dziewczynka”. Tą historią autorka skradła moje serce, dlatego z ogromną niecierpliwością czekałam na kolejną książkę. Czy było warto?
„Chciałam być taka, jak one, mieć ich pieniądze i szczęście, żyć, śmiać się i bawić jak one. Ale już nie”.
4 lipca mieszkańcy miasteczka spotykają się przy lokalny basenie, by celebrować Dzień Niepodległości. Kobiety, takie jak Erica, mogą pomarzyć o życiu, które wiedzie Sabine Miller i jej przyjaciółki. Kiedy wszyscy wyczekują pokazu fajerwerków, Erica przechwyca skierowane w nią przerażające spojrzenie Sabine. Chwilę później kobieta znajdę bransoletkę należącą do Sabine, która, jak się okazuje, zniknęła. Mieszkańcy rozpoczynają poszukiwania kobiety. Erica zdaje sobie sprawę, że była ostatnią osobą, która widziała Sabine żywą. Jest przerażona, że policyjne śledztwo ujawni coś, co wydarzyło się wiele lat temu, coś, o czym wie tylko ona o Sabine.
Sięgając po najnowszy thriller Georginii Cross liczyłam na kolejną świetną historię, która będzie trzymała mnie w napięciu do samego końca, a ja z niecierpliwością i zaangażowaniem będę śledziła losy bohaterów, by wspólnie z nimi odkryć prawdę. Niestety, tak się nie stało. Choć pióro Cross należy do przyjemnych, a jej książki czyta się błyskawicznie, to tym razem historia, którą zaserwowała nam autorka, okazała się nad wyraz przewidywalna i niewyróżniająca się niczym spektakularnym. Już od pierwszych stron czułam, że „Zaginiona” nie przypadnie mi do gustu. Akcja rozwija się bardzo powoli, a momentami nawet staje się nużąca, dopiero pod koniec książki nabiera tempa i wzbudza ciekawość.
Thrillery to gatunek, który przede wszystkim powinien zasiać w czytelniku ziarno niepewności, powodować rosnące napięcie i przede wszystkim ciekawość, a tutaj niestety tych podstawowych aspektów zabrakło. Georginia Cross stworzyła naprawdę ciekawą historię, były momenty, kiedy czułam, że być może jednak nastąpi jakiś zaskakujący zwrot i jednak „Zaginiona” wskoczy na listę dobrych thrillerów psychologicznych, niestety, jej przewidywalność i zakończenie, które wydaje się mało realne, sprawiały, że odłożyłam ją na półkę nie do końca usatysfakcjonowana. Przeczytałam mnóstwo thrillerów, lepszych i gorszych, i naprawdę ciężko jest mnie zaskoczyć czymś nowym, świeżym. Jednak nie ukrywam, że po świetnej „Naszej dziewczynce” byłam przekonana, że kolejna powieść autorki utrzyma poziom. Szkoda, że tym razem było inaczej.
„Chciałam być taka, jak one, mieć ich pieniądze i szczęście, żyć, śmiać się i bawić jak one. Ale już nie”.
4 lipca mieszkańcy miasteczka spotykają się przy lokalny basenie, by celebrować Dzień Niepodległości. Kobiety, takie jak Erica, mogą pomarzyć o życiu, które wiedzie Sabine Miller i jej przyjaciółki. Kiedy wszyscy wyczekują pokazu fajerwerków, Erica przechwyca skierowane w nią przerażające spojrzenie Sabine. Chwilę później kobieta znajdę bransoletkę należącą do Sabine, która, jak się okazuje, zniknęła. Mieszkańcy rozpoczynają poszukiwania kobiety. Erica zdaje sobie sprawę, że była ostatnią osobą, która widziała Sabine żywą. Jest przerażona, że policyjne śledztwo ujawni coś, co wydarzyło się wiele lat temu, coś, o czym wie tylko ona o Sabine.
Sięgając po najnowszy thriller Georginii Cross liczyłam na kolejną świetną historię, która będzie trzymała mnie w napięciu do samego końca, a ja z niecierpliwością i zaangażowaniem będę śledziła losy bohaterów, by wspólnie z nimi odkryć prawdę. Niestety, tak się nie stało. Choć pióro Cross należy do przyjemnych, a jej książki czyta się błyskawicznie, to tym razem historia, którą zaserwowała nam autorka, okazała się nad wyraz przewidywalna i niewyróżniająca się niczym spektakularnym. Już od pierwszych stron czułam, że „Zaginiona” nie przypadnie mi do gustu. Akcja rozwija się bardzo powoli, a momentami nawet staje się nużąca, dopiero pod koniec książki nabiera tempa i wzbudza ciekawość.
Thrillery to gatunek, który przede wszystkim powinien zasiać w czytelniku ziarno niepewności, powodować rosnące napięcie i przede wszystkim ciekawość, a tutaj niestety tych podstawowych aspektów zabrakło. Georginia Cross stworzyła naprawdę ciekawą historię, były momenty, kiedy czułam, że być może jednak nastąpi jakiś zaskakujący zwrot i jednak „Zaginiona” wskoczy na listę dobrych thrillerów psychologicznych, niestety, jej przewidywalność i zakończenie, które wydaje się mało realne, sprawiały, że odłożyłam ją na półkę nie do końca usatysfakcjonowana. Przeczytałam mnóstwo thrillerów, lepszych i gorszych, i naprawdę ciężko jest mnie zaskoczyć czymś nowym, świeżym. Jednak nie ukrywam, że po świetnej „Naszej dziewczynce” byłam przekonana, że kolejna powieść autorki utrzyma poziom. Szkoda, że tym razem było inaczej.
April 27, 2023
W upalny lipcowy dzień całe miasteczko spotyka się przy lokalnym basenie. Erica jest tam wraz ze swoimi przyjaciółkami oraz dziećmi. Niedaleko nich przebywała elita mająca idealne życie i małżeństwa. Siedzi tam też Sabine, która patrzy na Ericę dziwnym spojrzeniem, kiedy kobieta wychodzi Erica podbiega do furtki, Sabine już tam nie ma pozostała tylko po niej srebrna bransoletka. Gdy pojawia się mąż Sabiny okazuje się że kobieta przepadła, rozpoczyna się śledztwo a Erica boi się że sprawa z dawnych czasów wróci i wszyscy dowiedzą się co zaszło wiele lat temu pomiędzy nimi.
Kiedy sięgałam po tę książkę byłam przekonana że to kolejna świetna propozycja książkowa i może tak jest, ale niestety nie dla mnie. Po przeczytaniu wielu thrillerów psychologicznych ta książka niczym specjalnym się nie wyróżnia. Posiada schematy już wielokrotnie powtarzane w tego typu książkach, jak dla mnie jest mocno przegadana a momentami nudnawa, mamy tu wiele perspektyw, książka podzielona jest na siedem części, przeplata się w niej teraźniejszość z przeszłością i najbardziej podobała mi się ta przeszłość, gdzie faktycznie poczułam się zaciekawiona. Mamy tu obraz elity z Instagrama takiej bez zmartwień, wiecznie szczęśliwych i uśmiechniętych, a to, co dzieje się u nich tak naprawdę nie wie nikt. Jeżeli rozpoczynacie przygodę z thrillerami to śmiało na początek polecam, ale jeżeli jesteście w tym gatunku dobrze obeznani to niestety nie spodoba się Wam ta książka.
Kiedy sięgałam po tę książkę byłam przekonana że to kolejna świetna propozycja książkowa i może tak jest, ale niestety nie dla mnie. Po przeczytaniu wielu thrillerów psychologicznych ta książka niczym specjalnym się nie wyróżnia. Posiada schematy już wielokrotnie powtarzane w tego typu książkach, jak dla mnie jest mocno przegadana a momentami nudnawa, mamy tu wiele perspektyw, książka podzielona jest na siedem części, przeplata się w niej teraźniejszość z przeszłością i najbardziej podobała mi się ta przeszłość, gdzie faktycznie poczułam się zaciekawiona. Mamy tu obraz elity z Instagrama takiej bez zmartwień, wiecznie szczęśliwych i uśmiechniętych, a to, co dzieje się u nich tak naprawdę nie wie nikt. Jeżeli rozpoczynacie przygodę z thrillerami to śmiało na początek polecam, ale jeżeli jesteście w tym gatunku dobrze obeznani to niestety nie spodoba się Wam ta książka.
April 24, 2021
This story gripped me from the first page and had me suspecting each character multiple times. I loved the themes of friendship and forgiveness, and the rollercoaster that Cross took me on with each chapter. Expertly crafted, with great writing that made me feel like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book, THE MISSING WOMAN is the perfect Spring and Summer read.
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