17 April 2024

Alicia’s Review

Local Woman Missing is a total nail-biter! Picture this: a community is at odds after two women and a child go missing in the span of a week. However, eleven years later, the child comes back and everyone is trying to figure out where this girl has been and how she got lost in the first time.

What I loved most was how she told the story from different viewpoints and jumped back and forth in time. It’s like putting together a puzzle with missing pieces. You’re constantly guessing and second-guessing, trying to figure out who’s hiding what.

And the characters? They’re so real you’ll feel like you’re eavesdropping on your neighbours’ drama. Everyone’s got skeletons in their closets, and you suspect everyone at least once throughout the book. What’s so fascinating about these characters is that they’re all flawed in their own way. They make mistakes, they hide things from each other, and they’re not always likeable. But that’s what makes them feel so real. You’ll find yourself rooting for them one minute and suspecting them the next.

I will say although the book was really good and the plot twist had me floored, I fully think there were too many plot holes in the story and it left me with so many questions.

But fair warning: once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop. The suspense is killer, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Kubica throws in another twist that’ll leave your head spinning.

I really enjoyed this buddy read and looking forward to our next one.

Overall, if you’re into heart-pounding thrillers that’ll keep you up all night, “Local Woman Missing” is a must-read. I could not recommend it more.

Zelda’s Review:

This book has been on my TBR for ages. The story delves into the dark complexities of small-town disappearances and the haunting secrets that unravel over a decade. From the outset, the novel grips you with its eerie premise: three individuals vanish without a trace, leaving a community bewildered and fearful.

The narrative unfolds with Shelby Tebow’s mysterious disappearance, followed closely by Meredith Dickey and her young daughter, Delilah. The proximity and timing of these events spark dread, suggesting a sinister connection. The author weaves a web of suspense and intrigue, propelling you through a labyrinth of unanswered questions. Fast forward 11 years, and Delilah reemerges, shattering the community’s fragile tranquillity. The author’s portrayal of the aftermath is gripping, as residents grapple with revived hope and unsettling revelations. The author adeptly explores the psychological aftermath of trauma, portraying characters haunted by their pasts and driven by a relentless pursuit of truth.

The writing is tense and atmospheric, evoking a palpable sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative. The depiction of domesticity tinged with menace adds depth to the story, highlighting the sinister undercurrents beneath seemingly ordinary lives. As the plot thickens, the author manipulates tension, keeping you on edge with unexpected twists and turns.”Local Woman Missing” excels in its characterization, presenting flawed yet relatable protagonists whose vulnerabilities mirror universal fears. The author’s exploration of the lengths some will go to bury secrets is chillingly realistic, offering a sobering reflection on human nature and the masks we wear.

Ultimately, Mary Kubica delivers a riveting and thought-provoking thriller that transcends genre conventions For fans of psychological thrillers seeking a compelling read that lingers long after the final page, “Local Woman Missing” is a must-read. Mary Kubica has proven herself a force in the genre, delivering a haunting tale that resonates with raw emotion and chilling authenticity. I cannot wait to read more of her work.