What do you think?
Rate this book
Going Dark
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz comes a ripped-from-the-headlines new adult mystery about all the missing girls who fall off the radar…
#WhereisAmeliaAshley
The Influencer
Amelia Ashley shares everything with her followers – her favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants, her best fashion tips, and her European trip-of-a-lifetime with her hot boyfriend.
The Boyfriend
Josh has no choice but to return home without Amelia after she abandons him in Rome. He has no clue where she went or how her blood got in his suitcase. Why won’t anyone believe him?
The Hacker
To Harper Delgado, Amelia Ashley is just another missing white girl whipping up a media frenzy. But with each digital knot she untangles about the influencer, Harper who is Amelia Ashley?
The Other Girl
Two years ago, another girl went missing, one who never made headlines or had a trending hashtag.
The Truth
Amelia’s disappearance has captured the world’s attention. What comes next? Watch this space…
#WhereisAmeliaAshley
The Influencer
Amelia Ashley shares everything with her followers – her favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants, her best fashion tips, and her European trip-of-a-lifetime with her hot boyfriend.
The Boyfriend
Josh has no choice but to return home without Amelia after she abandons him in Rome. He has no clue where she went or how her blood got in his suitcase. Why won’t anyone believe him?
The Hacker
To Harper Delgado, Amelia Ashley is just another missing white girl whipping up a media frenzy. But with each digital knot she untangles about the influencer, Harper who is Amelia Ashley?
The Other Girl
Two years ago, another girl went missing, one who never made headlines or had a trending hashtag.
The Truth
Amelia’s disappearance has captured the world’s attention. What comes next? Watch this space…
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
144 people are currently reading
11608 people want to read
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
187 books15.8k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews
January 26, 2023
This is a pretty decent read if you can get past the influencer/content creator storyline and see it for what it really is. The suspense is engaging and overall the plot is captivating. I definitely wanted to know what happened to Amelia Ashley.
This book centers around a couple, Josh and his food blogger/Instagrammer girlfriend Amelia. They take a trip to Europe and on the last day, he comes home by himself. He says they got into a fight and she walked away, but no one has seen or heard from her since. Was he responsible, or did something else happen to Amelia?
I thought many times during the reading of this book of the Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie story. Although it's not the same plot exactly, there are definitely shades of that case throughout this book. The ending of Going Dark isn't what I would have liked honestly, but I did feel satisfied.
The book is told from different points of view, and I liked how the voice of each was distinct and you can tell that some people aren't telling the truth to those around them. I also liked how my opinion of certain characters changed as more was revealed. It almost felt like true crime that evolves in the media, how one's opinion can be swayed as more information is uncovered.
de la Cruz is a solid writer, she drew me in and I really didn't want to put the book down until all was ultimately revealed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book centers around a couple, Josh and his food blogger/Instagrammer girlfriend Amelia. They take a trip to Europe and on the last day, he comes home by himself. He says they got into a fight and she walked away, but no one has seen or heard from her since. Was he responsible, or did something else happen to Amelia?
I thought many times during the reading of this book of the Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie story. Although it's not the same plot exactly, there are definitely shades of that case throughout this book. The ending of Going Dark isn't what I would have liked honestly, but I did feel satisfied.
The book is told from different points of view, and I liked how the voice of each was distinct and you can tell that some people aren't telling the truth to those around them. I also liked how my opinion of certain characters changed as more was revealed. It almost felt like true crime that evolves in the media, how one's opinion can be swayed as more information is uncovered.
de la Cruz is a solid writer, she drew me in and I really didn't want to put the book down until all was ultimately revealed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 2, 2023
Amelia Ashley, a popular social media influencer vanished while on vacation with her boyfriend, Josh. He has no idea where she is or why she went missing, he is questioned and not everyone believes him.
Harper Delgado is a hacker who investigates Amelia's disappearance and comes up with more questions. Will she find the answers she is looking for?
Who was the girl that went missing two years prior? Why did her disappearance not make headlines?
This started out on the slower side for me, but things did pick up. Readers are left wondering what happened to Amelia. Did she take off? Did someone harm her? There was blood in Josh's suitcase. Where is she now? Is she alive?
This book is told through social media posts mixed into the writing. This seemed very fitting as a social medial influencer has gone missing. I thought it was a nice touch and for me moved the book along.
As the book progresses, more is revealed and just when I thought I knew what was going on, I quickly learned that I was wrong!
3/3.5 stars
Thank you to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Harper Delgado is a hacker who investigates Amelia's disappearance and comes up with more questions. Will she find the answers she is looking for?
Who was the girl that went missing two years prior? Why did her disappearance not make headlines?
This started out on the slower side for me, but things did pick up. Readers are left wondering what happened to Amelia. Did she take off? Did someone harm her? There was blood in Josh's suitcase. Where is she now? Is she alive?
This book is told through social media posts mixed into the writing. This seemed very fitting as a social medial influencer has gone missing. I thought it was a nice touch and for me moved the book along.
As the book progresses, more is revealed and just when I thought I knew what was going on, I quickly learned that I was wrong!
3/3.5 stars
Thank you to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 25, 2023
4.5⭐️ The best YA mystery book I’ve ever read, this intricate and complex story is very reminiscent of Gillian Flynn’s writing style, but on a young adult/new adult level. I was blown away by the detail, character development, jaw dropping twists and pacing. If you like YA books or mystery/thrillers you’ll really enjoy this one.
Thank you Union Square & Co for the gifted copy.
Thank you Union Square & Co for the gifted copy.
January 5, 2023
#WhereisAmeliaAshley ??? When Josh Reuter returns from a vacation in Italy without his influencer girlfriend his friends become suspicious. Police however, do not suspect foul play. Amelia's influencer friends however, begin to rally interest and a hacker/detective gets involved.
Told via multiple points of view, flashbacks and social media posts this is a unique mystery that will keep you guess until the end. If you love thrillers, social media influencer stories or just are interested in a book that will keep you reading til the end, Going Dark is for you! #unionsquarepublishing #GoingDark #Melissadelacruz
Told via multiple points of view, flashbacks and social media posts this is a unique mystery that will keep you guess until the end. If you love thrillers, social media influencer stories or just are interested in a book that will keep you reading til the end, Going Dark is for you! #unionsquarepublishing #GoingDark #Melissadelacruz
February 16, 2023
Review coming soon.
October 4, 2023
When a beautiful and popular influence goes missing whilst vacationing with her boyfriend, her fans immediately notice her online absence. Pretty soon #WhereisAmeliaAshley is trending and everyone is looking into her past and where she could have possibly disappeared to.
Thrillers surrounding influencers are some of my favourite as I love delving below the seemingly perfect and filtered life the individuals put out online, to the real and juicy heart below. This novel did just that!
I read it at a time when I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to read but required thrills and chills alongside twists and turns to keep me engaged. This is another front where this novel delivered and I thought it the perfect fast-paced and slump-executioning read.
Thrillers surrounding influencers are some of my favourite as I love delving below the seemingly perfect and filtered life the individuals put out online, to the real and juicy heart below. This novel did just that!
I read it at a time when I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to read but required thrills and chills alongside twists and turns to keep me engaged. This is another front where this novel delivered and I thought it the perfect fast-paced and slump-executioning read.
May 29, 2023
Rating: 2 stars.
This had potential, but ultimately ended up being a pretty weak story. Maybe if you haven't read the book that this one is very obviously inspired by you will enjoy this one more. The concept behind this was fun, it just has been done before.
There were a few things I enjoyed about this, I liked the structure of the book and the writing style and I also enjoyed Amelia's POV. What I didn't enjoy were the plot twists that were obviously directly taken from a book that already exists, which pretty much ruined all the suspense that could have been there. Harper's POV was also completely unnecessary, it didn't add any info the reader didn't already have and just filled more pages. Josh's POV in the beginning was super misleading on purpose to misdirect the reader, which was a pretty lazy way to attempt more suspense. The different types of media were nice in theory, but ultimately didn't add any relevant info to the plot.
The ending was also weak, nothing was wrapped up properly and if the author hadn't filled so many pages with Amelia's vlogs in the beginning maybe there could have been one more chapter explaining the ending and the killer's motive.
This had potential, but ultimately ended up being a pretty weak story. Maybe if you haven't read the book that this one is very obviously inspired by you will enjoy this one more. The concept behind this was fun, it just has been done before.
There were a few things I enjoyed about this, I liked the structure of the book and the writing style and I also enjoyed Amelia's POV. What I didn't enjoy were the plot twists that were obviously directly taken from a book that already exists, which pretty much ruined all the suspense that could have been there. Harper's POV was also completely unnecessary, it didn't add any info the reader didn't already have and just filled more pages. Josh's POV in the beginning was super misleading on purpose to misdirect the reader, which was a pretty lazy way to attempt more suspense. The different types of media were nice in theory, but ultimately didn't add any relevant info to the plot.
The ending was also weak, nothing was wrapped up properly and if the author hadn't filled so many pages with Amelia's vlogs in the beginning maybe there could have been one more chapter explaining the ending and the killer's motive.
February 5, 2023
4.5 stars I love a good insta influencer themed thriller and this one truly had me wondering #whereisAmeliaAshely. The format changes and character pics are all insanely engaging in different ways and I love how certain characters are incorporated. Takes you into Amelia’s world even if she’s missing. This book had so many layers told in parts and the way the story build and uncovers itself as you slowly realize the full picture is stunning
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoSYAo-Lm...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoSYAo-Lm...
July 20, 2023
After I had seen one of my favourite tiktokers raving about this book, I had to read it. I’m so glad I did. I had no idea it was a YA book until now, it’s the best YA book I’ve read.
The story is engaging and is full of twists, so many I had whiplash. It also is told with mixed media, which is also my favourite kind of book.
The story is engaging and is full of twists, so many I had whiplash. It also is told with mixed media, which is also my favourite kind of book.
February 5, 2023
Before going in I wasn’t aware it was YA (or if I was then I forgot) and that’s not a deal breaker but could explain the less nuanced approach to this story. This is basically Gone Girl for teens but without the feminist social commentary.
The beginning started great but started to drag about 30% through. I wanted more sides of the story especially since it’s advertised as a multi-pov but we stayed with Josh for far too long. By the time things started to move I really just stuck around to tie up the mystery. The characters lack depth because the writing focuses more on laying track down for the plot. This wasn’t a bad reading experience just not optimal for me. I think for a younger reader (the intended audience mind you) this would be more successful.
There’s mentions of blood and some on screen physical violence. There’s no real mention of sex (which is actually a little weird now that I think about it). These 18-19 year old characters think and act around sex—making out and thinking about each other sexually but there’s no mention of intimacy, likely due to the YA of it all(?) Maybe a more mature 18/19 year old reader would find it a little basic.
This book wanted to make a point about social media, all missing girls mattering, and how mental illness is perceived but it’s overall pretty shallow on those points as well. There’s a lot of action without any substantial motivation and glossing over the immense amount of effort required to pull off certain aspects of the plot so it felt really unbalanced and super unrealistic.
The beginning started great but started to drag about 30% through. I wanted more sides of the story especially since it’s advertised as a multi-pov but we stayed with Josh for far too long. By the time things started to move I really just stuck around to tie up the mystery. The characters lack depth because the writing focuses more on laying track down for the plot. This wasn’t a bad reading experience just not optimal for me. I think for a younger reader (the intended audience mind you) this would be more successful.
There’s mentions of blood and some on screen physical violence. There’s no real mention of sex (which is actually a little weird now that I think about it). These 18-19 year old characters think and act around sex—making out and thinking about each other sexually but there’s no mention of intimacy, likely due to the YA of it all(?) Maybe a more mature 18/19 year old reader would find it a little basic.
This book wanted to make a point about social media, all missing girls mattering, and how mental illness is perceived but it’s overall pretty shallow on those points as well. There’s a lot of action without any substantial motivation and glossing over the immense amount of effort required to pull off certain aspects of the plot so it felt really unbalanced and super unrealistic.
March 1, 2023
This book is so genuinely amazing oh my gosh. I’m rattled I totally expected this book to be horrible just because it was like an influencer social media kind of book but it shocked me to my core. This girl is a genius holy cow.
August 25, 2024
Very predictable. From page one and so on, I knew who did it… 😅
March 12, 2023
this felt like a lifetime movie and an episode of law and order had a baby and i was thoroughly entertained. what a compelling read. i couldn’t put it down. the ending wasn’t my fave, but not enough that it made me want to deduct a star. i can’t wait to explore more of the author’s work.
also, how striking is this cover?! 😍👏🏽
also, how striking is this cover?! 😍👏🏽
Read
September 28, 2025It's just...not for me. Had to DNF, so sorry.
I think it's the writing style. I liked the idea of the plot (fizzled out at the end, I skimmed the last 60-ish pages to see how it ended because I knew I would DNF) but the prose was my biggest let down. I just couldn't get behind it, and I didn't love her writing style. It felt way too YA.
I'm not hating on YA or YA authors when I say that—I actually love YA—but for a murder-mystery/thriller type book, it shouldn't be so watered down and basic. It doesn't need to be explicit, but it doesn't have to be super kid-friendly either.
I don't know, just not my cup of tea.
I think it's the writing style. I liked the idea of the plot (fizzled out at the end, I skimmed the last 60-ish pages to see how it ended because I knew I would DNF) but the prose was my biggest let down. I just couldn't get behind it, and I didn't love her writing style. It felt way too YA.
I'm not hating on YA or YA authors when I say that—I actually love YA—but for a murder-mystery/thriller type book, it shouldn't be so watered down and basic. It doesn't need to be explicit, but it doesn't have to be super kid-friendly either.
I don't know, just not my cup of tea.
August 23, 2025
3.5 rounded up
July 9, 2023
4 stars.
I liked it purely on an entertainment level.
RTC
I liked it purely on an entertainment level.
RTC
January 5, 2023
Going Dark begins with Josh Reuter returning from his trip to Rome without his girlfriend, influencer Amelia Ashley. This might seem innocuous…but they argued before Josh left Rome and nobody has heard from Amelia since.
When Josh’s missing suitcase is returned, the police discover Amelia’s blood on a T-shirt inside. Suddenly Josh has gone from concerned boyfriend to suspect in a missing person’s case. He seems stunned by this twist in events, but there’s niggles of doubt from those around him.
Just as we have the shock news of Amelia’s blood revealed, we then shift viewpoints and start to learn a little more about Amelia. She is not who we thought…and sometimes going dark may be done for a very specific reason.
It was at this point that things become a little less predictable. While the story itself hinted at a darker and much more interesting focus - the way the media report on missing person’s cases and how easy it is for money to buy you anonymity - this shift in events made a tenser read than that which I originally thought we were in for.
The premise for this story really was absorbing, and it might have been nice to have some elements examined in greater depth. However, this was a tense and neatly plotted read, if a little predictable.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
When Josh’s missing suitcase is returned, the police discover Amelia’s blood on a T-shirt inside. Suddenly Josh has gone from concerned boyfriend to suspect in a missing person’s case. He seems stunned by this twist in events, but there’s niggles of doubt from those around him.
Just as we have the shock news of Amelia’s blood revealed, we then shift viewpoints and start to learn a little more about Amelia. She is not who we thought…and sometimes going dark may be done for a very specific reason.
It was at this point that things become a little less predictable. While the story itself hinted at a darker and much more interesting focus - the way the media report on missing person’s cases and how easy it is for money to buy you anonymity - this shift in events made a tenser read than that which I originally thought we were in for.
The premise for this story really was absorbing, and it might have been nice to have some elements examined in greater depth. However, this was a tense and neatly plotted read, if a little predictable.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
January 30, 2023
Privacy is basically an illusion, right? What happens if you just wanna drop from the face of the earth? You can't because your next door neighbour's dog could find you the way things are right now.
The cover of this book is so old school mystery thriller vibes - a fun throwback!
This book was a mixture of sugar, spice and everything bad about the world. Evidence: We have a lame-o boyfriend, missing girls, social media influencers, a hacker and the cops being flops. Everyone in this book is capital S stressed except for the flop boyfriend who was calmly eating a sandwich while his girlfriend was missing. I guess you gotta fuel on those carbs no matter the situation.
This book touches on a lot of important topics such as how missing women of colour and their families are treated. Trust me when I say I was clenching my teeth and feeling an intense need for vengeance as I was reading. I thought the twist felt a little predictable but was still enjoyable because of the flashbacks and social media aspect of it. I liked the inclusion of media sources and transcripts. It felt like I was watching the mystery unravel like I was following the disappearance of a real influencer.
Overall, I didn't think this was the most interesting mystery but it wove a lot of important factors into a fun little mystery. It's not deep, but it's not so shallow that you won't have a good time. I feel like I'd see this show on my Netflix homepage.
If you're like me and in the mood for quick, easy reads where girls are super smart and keep you wondering what's gonna happen next - then try this young adult mystery thriller out.
The cover of this book is so old school mystery thriller vibes - a fun throwback!
This book was a mixture of sugar, spice and everything bad about the world. Evidence: We have a lame-o boyfriend, missing girls, social media influencers, a hacker and the cops being flops. Everyone in this book is capital S stressed except for the flop boyfriend who was calmly eating a sandwich while his girlfriend was missing. I guess you gotta fuel on those carbs no matter the situation.
This book touches on a lot of important topics such as how missing women of colour and their families are treated. Trust me when I say I was clenching my teeth and feeling an intense need for vengeance as I was reading. I thought the twist felt a little predictable but was still enjoyable because of the flashbacks and social media aspect of it. I liked the inclusion of media sources and transcripts. It felt like I was watching the mystery unravel like I was following the disappearance of a real influencer.
Overall, I didn't think this was the most interesting mystery but it wove a lot of important factors into a fun little mystery. It's not deep, but it's not so shallow that you won't have a good time. I feel like I'd see this show on my Netflix homepage.
If you're like me and in the mood for quick, easy reads where girls are super smart and keep you wondering what's gonna happen next - then try this young adult mystery thriller out.
July 14, 2023
Going Dark was like Alix Earle + Gone Girl and it was a fun ride!
Mega Influencer Amelia Ashley and her boyfriend Josh Reuter take the trip of a lifetime to Rome, but Amelia doesn't make it back...
Josh quickly becomes a suspect in Amelia's disappearance after blood, with her blood type, is found in his suitcase and witnesses come forward with stories of the two fighting in Rome.
There is more to this disappearance than meets the eye and havker Harper Delgado is determined to solve the mystery - she soon discovers Amelia may not be who people think she is and she seems to be tied to another missing girl who vanished a few years ago.
I loved the premise of the book and thought the Influencer persona was fun - I loved reading Amelia's blogs and the transcripts of her vlogs! The twist was not a surprise to me, but the plot was pretty solid. I wish Harper's character were developed more - she was super flat. I also didn't really like the ending of the book, but I'm still rounding up to 4 from 3.5.
Mega Influencer Amelia Ashley and her boyfriend Josh Reuter take the trip of a lifetime to Rome, but Amelia doesn't make it back...
Josh quickly becomes a suspect in Amelia's disappearance after blood, with her blood type, is found in his suitcase and witnesses come forward with stories of the two fighting in Rome.
There is more to this disappearance than meets the eye and havker Harper Delgado is determined to solve the mystery - she soon discovers Amelia may not be who people think she is and she seems to be tied to another missing girl who vanished a few years ago.
I loved the premise of the book and thought the Influencer persona was fun - I loved reading Amelia's blogs and the transcripts of her vlogs! The twist was not a surprise to me, but the plot was pretty solid. I wish Harper's character were developed more - she was super flat. I also didn't really like the ending of the book, but I'm still rounding up to 4 from 3.5.
February 8, 2023
A new adult thriller, this story was a bit slow at times. The social media content that was typed out bored me. I like the twists and how we are expected to be on one person's side of the story.
Amelia and Josh both have their own deceptions and they're what make the story unique.
Amelia and Josh both have their own deceptions and they're what make the story unique.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
i started this on a whim and finished it in one sitting. whether the premise of it is cheesy or not, i actually really liked it. even though it was just a glimpse, the touch of mental illness in asian girls was really interesting. i felt like the different povs were a little unnecessary - but it still made for a decent read.
December 17, 2022
A YA mystery novel that is both predictable yet highly engaging. There were twists that I was not expecting, and twists that I expected. Whilst some of the writing was also not the best, I was still engaged and quite enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2023
This was so good, I didn’t want to put the book down and I was so interested in the plot. Such a fast, easy read that you didn’t have to think too much about. The plot twist was nothing I would have guessed at all. Overall a quick fun read.
February 27, 2025
I’m such a sucker for a good mystery. If a book can keep me on my toes and constantly second guessing my theories, I’m hooked. This book had all the right ingredients—an intriguing disappearance, a seemingly straightforward setup that unravels into something much more twisted, and that creeping sense of this could actually happen.
The premise alone was enough to reel me in: Amelia Ashley, a famous content creator, vanishes while on a trip to Rome with her boyfriend, Josh. He returns home without her, and suddenly, the internet is in a frenzy, dissecting every move, every post, and every theory. Where is Amelia Ashley? It reminded me a little too much of real life cases that have dominated social media (if you were online in August 2021... you know exactly what I mean). That eerie plausibility made the story hit different. I know that even if the real life mysteries don’t always get the answers we crave, at least in books, we usually get some closure.
I also loved how the book started from Josh’s perspective. I was so ready to defend this guy! The author did an incredible job of making him feel like a victim, like someone being framed for something he didn’t do! I was convinced. And then Harper’s POV enters the mix. She wasn’t the most dynamic character, but she served her purpose in pushing the plot forward just enough. Then—bam—the shift in the story happens, and suddenly it takes a turn I did not see coming. I had to keep going. There was no way I was putting the book down after that.
One of the strongest parts of this book was the way the author built both Josh's then Amelia’s backstories. Initially, I was all in on Josh’s side of things, but as more of Amelia’s history was revealed, I found myself more invested in her. The way the layers peeled back made it impossible not to be drawn into their lives. And then, as I got closer to the end, I had that sinking of 'oh no... is this about to let me down?' feeling… but thankfully, it stuck the landing.
This wasn’t a perfect five star read for me, but it came so close! A solid 4.5 stars for sure.
The premise alone was enough to reel me in: Amelia Ashley, a famous content creator, vanishes while on a trip to Rome with her boyfriend, Josh. He returns home without her, and suddenly, the internet is in a frenzy, dissecting every move, every post, and every theory. Where is Amelia Ashley? It reminded me a little too much of real life cases that have dominated social media (if you were online in August 2021... you know exactly what I mean). That eerie plausibility made the story hit different. I know that even if the real life mysteries don’t always get the answers we crave, at least in books, we usually get some closure.
I also loved how the book started from Josh’s perspective. I was so ready to defend this guy! The author did an incredible job of making him feel like a victim, like someone being framed for something he didn’t do! I was convinced. And then Harper’s POV enters the mix. She wasn’t the most dynamic character, but she served her purpose in pushing the plot forward just enough. Then—bam—the shift in the story happens, and suddenly it takes a turn I did not see coming. I had to keep going. There was no way I was putting the book down after that.
One of the strongest parts of this book was the way the author built both Josh's then Amelia’s backstories. Initially, I was all in on Josh’s side of things, but as more of Amelia’s history was revealed, I found myself more invested in her. The way the layers peeled back made it impossible not to be drawn into their lives. And then, as I got closer to the end, I had that sinking of 'oh no... is this about to let me down?' feeling… but thankfully, it stuck the landing.
This wasn’t a perfect five star read for me, but it came so close! A solid 4.5 stars for sure.
December 11, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader copy.
I thrive for this type of books: thrillers with a disappearing woman and a big twist that changes the story once you finish. I read the description of the book and was hooked: a woman that disappears in another country, her boyfriend going back to the US without knowing what happened AND WITH HER BLOOD ON HIS SUITCASE, another disappearance of another girl… Honestly, I had to know what was going on. But the reviews, they were all referencing Gone girl (which I absolutely love). So I kinda knew what I was getting into.
I started reading and I wasn’t as hooked as I thought I would be, but once I read around 50 or so pages… The whole book was finished in like 4 hours? I remember someone asking me something and me being: please tell me it is not urgent. I was into the story so much that even after the grand reveal, I still needed to know how it was going to end. That is something that I enjoyed a lot about this book. There is still suspense and tension even after revealing the twist.
The characters? I mean. I can’t even say anything without revealing even the slightest detail. I think it is a bit more YA than I would like, perhaps a more adult story would be better in the case of characters. But, honestly? No need. 5 stars.
I don’t want to give anything away, but if you have seen Promising Young Woman or read Gone girl or even Bad girls with perfect faces (one of our favourites), you are going to like this one. There is a bit of those in here.
I thrive for this type of books: thrillers with a disappearing woman and a big twist that changes the story once you finish. I read the description of the book and was hooked: a woman that disappears in another country, her boyfriend going back to the US without knowing what happened AND WITH HER BLOOD ON HIS SUITCASE, another disappearance of another girl… Honestly, I had to know what was going on. But the reviews, they were all referencing Gone girl (which I absolutely love). So I kinda knew what I was getting into.
I started reading and I wasn’t as hooked as I thought I would be, but once I read around 50 or so pages… The whole book was finished in like 4 hours? I remember someone asking me something and me being: please tell me it is not urgent. I was into the story so much that even after the grand reveal, I still needed to know how it was going to end. That is something that I enjoyed a lot about this book. There is still suspense and tension even after revealing the twist.
The characters? I mean. I can’t even say anything without revealing even the slightest detail. I think it is a bit more YA than I would like, perhaps a more adult story would be better in the case of characters. But, honestly? No need. 5 stars.
I don’t want to give anything away, but if you have seen Promising Young Woman or read Gone girl or even Bad girls with perfect faces (one of our favourites), you are going to like this one. There is a bit of those in here.
February 25, 2023
Popular social media influencer Amelia Ashley shares everything with her followers. She loves to share her favorite outfits, fashion tips, favorite restaurants, relationship advice and her trips around the world. So it’s no shocker that she shares her once in a lifetime European trip with her boyfriend Josh. When she leaves him after a very public fight in a cafe and doesn’t show up for the flight Josh is forced to return home alone. Soon all her followers realize she’s not posted and no one has seen or heard from her since that day. A massive investigation kicks off with Josh at the center of it. Then her blood is found on the inside of his suitcase and he goes from concerned boyfriend to possible suspect.
Y’all this book was addictive. It’s a tense ride that doesn’t really ease up until the very last page. Told in multiple povs the story is fast paced and kept me up late reading. Just when I thought I had it all figured out it takes a hard right and went a way I wasn’t expecting. I love a good thriller and I am a sucker for the girl goes missing type of thrillers so this one was right up my alley. Going Dark is a solid twisty ya mystery thriller that definitely be added to your tbr.
Y’all this book was addictive. It’s a tense ride that doesn’t really ease up until the very last page. Told in multiple povs the story is fast paced and kept me up late reading. Just when I thought I had it all figured out it takes a hard right and went a way I wasn’t expecting. I love a good thriller and I am a sucker for the girl goes missing type of thrillers so this one was right up my alley. Going Dark is a solid twisty ya mystery thriller that definitely be added to your tbr.
April 20, 2023
I was a little unsure about this to start with, but it pulled it all together by the end. I'm a liiiiiittle sick of influencer as main character (which is just because I've read a bunch in the last year or so) which was part of my issue here.
March 5, 2025
I throughly enjoyed this! There was some cheesy parts due to the fact this was written about an influencer, but overall the plot was a 10/10! Some twists I didn’t see coming and the ending had me in tears! Highly recommend for an easy read!
June 7, 2024
Amelia Ashley, social media influencer, goes missing on holiday with boyfriend, Josh. Josh arrives back home without Amelia & says he had no choice but to leave after she abandoned him during their last meal in Rome & won't answer her phone.
Harper Delgado sees #WhereisAmeliaAshley trending & looks into the case. None of Amelia's bank accounts or cards have been used, there are no sightings, & her social media presence is dead. She has gone completely dark, but as Harper looks further, certain things make no sense & does Amelia's disappearance have anything to do with the disappearance of another girl two years ago?
This is a fast-paced, quick read. The reader gets to hear from Josh, Amelia, & Harper along the way & the timeline skips around quite a bit. I can't give it full marks as it was obvious which way the storyline was going to go from fairly early on, but the journey was a gripping read. I couldn't put it down.
Harper Delgado sees #WhereisAmeliaAshley trending & looks into the case. None of Amelia's bank accounts or cards have been used, there are no sightings, & her social media presence is dead. She has gone completely dark, but as Harper looks further, certain things make no sense & does Amelia's disappearance have anything to do with the disappearance of another girl two years ago?
This is a fast-paced, quick read. The reader gets to hear from Josh, Amelia, & Harper along the way & the timeline skips around quite a bit. I can't give it full marks as it was obvious which way the storyline was going to go from fairly early on, but the journey was a gripping read. I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews