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The Return of Ellie Black
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 02:11:54
10 copies available
U.S. only
Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life is turned upside down when she gets the call Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years earlier, has resurfaced in the woods of Washington state—but Ellie’s reappearance leaves Chelsey with more questions than answers.
“I stayed up late into the night turning the pages until I learned the truth of what happened to Ellie—and gasped when Jean delivered a truly jaw-dropping twist.” —Jessica Knoll, New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women
It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.
Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State.
But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who she’s protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.
The debut thriller from New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean, The Return of Ellie Black is both a feminist tour de force about the embers of hope that burn in the aftermath of tragedy and a twisty page-turner that will shock and surprise you right up until the final page.
“I stayed up late into the night turning the pages until I learned the truth of what happened to Ellie—and gasped when Jean delivered a truly jaw-dropping twist.” —Jessica Knoll, New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women
It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.
Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State.
But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who she’s protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.
The debut thriller from New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean, The Return of Ellie Black is both a feminist tour de force about the embers of hope that burn in the aftermath of tragedy and a twisty page-turner that will shock and surprise you right up until the final page.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Emiko Jean
8 books2,231 followersEmiko Jean is a New York Times best-selling author of adult and young adult fiction.Her books have been published in over thirty languages. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America as a GMA book club pick, by Reese Witherspoon as a young adult book club pick, and in publications such as: Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,211 reviews
January 4, 2024
Wow!
Seventeen year-old Ellie Black leaves a party in search of a bathroom. And poof… she vanishes. Two years later she’s discovered wandering in the woods. A shell of her former self.
Her parents and former boyfriend thankful she’s alive, rally around her to help any way they can. But oddly, when it comes time for Ellie to tell her story to police she stays silent, refusing to help the investigation.
As lead detective on Ellie’s case, Chelsey Calhoun desperately needs Ellie to open up and help now! She fears Ellie may not be the only victim. The clock is ticking…
I loved Chelsey’s character, with both her professional and personal life on display. She lost her sister to violence at a young age that not only shaped her into the strong woman she is today, but also guided her into her career in law enforcement.
This isn’t a rapid- paced thriller. Rather, it's a slow deliberate tale taking you deep into the depraved world of monsters preying on women. I was absolutely riveted by this storyline, devouring every word, losing myself within the narrative.
This author is new to me. She has an incredible skill for pulling you into the storyline. The fear and despair the characters experienced was palpable.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
⚠️There are portions of the book that are disturbing and unsettling so be prepared…but don’t shy away. It is one of my top reads.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss
Seventeen year-old Ellie Black leaves a party in search of a bathroom. And poof… she vanishes. Two years later she’s discovered wandering in the woods. A shell of her former self.
Her parents and former boyfriend thankful she’s alive, rally around her to help any way they can. But oddly, when it comes time for Ellie to tell her story to police she stays silent, refusing to help the investigation.
As lead detective on Ellie’s case, Chelsey Calhoun desperately needs Ellie to open up and help now! She fears Ellie may not be the only victim. The clock is ticking…
I loved Chelsey’s character, with both her professional and personal life on display. She lost her sister to violence at a young age that not only shaped her into the strong woman she is today, but also guided her into her career in law enforcement.
This isn’t a rapid- paced thriller. Rather, it's a slow deliberate tale taking you deep into the depraved world of monsters preying on women. I was absolutely riveted by this storyline, devouring every word, losing myself within the narrative.
This author is new to me. She has an incredible skill for pulling you into the storyline. The fear and despair the characters experienced was palpable.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
⚠️There are portions of the book that are disturbing and unsettling so be prepared…but don’t shy away. It is one of my top reads.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss
May 18, 2024
3 Stars
I enjoyed this and I actually read it in one sitting. The writing was good. The pacing was good. And I liked the multiple POVs.
HOWEVER.
I thought the twisty elements toward the end were lame. There were some eye-rolling moments on my part, for sure.
The biggest thing though?
The heavy-handed feminist message of "women are inherently vulnerable victims and men are mostly predatory and evil."
Yes, as women we are more vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Yes, we are more prone to being victims of abuse and sexual harassment and assault. Yes, men have more "power" and standing in the world, so to speak.
But not all men are evil. Not all men seek to harm and take advantage.
I am a female who has worked for close to 20 years in a very high power, male-driven environment. In an environment where I have a lot of room to complain. But you know what? Not all men are bad. Sure, there are bad men out there. But there are a lot of good ones too.
And while I recognize that a lot of people are in vulnerable positions, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. People of all genders and gender identities can be amazing...or they can suck. Because we are all just humans. We all have the potential for evil.
So let's stop acting as if only men are "bad" and/or predatory.
I am tired of this narrative.
I enjoyed this and I actually read it in one sitting. The writing was good. The pacing was good. And I liked the multiple POVs.
HOWEVER.
I thought the twisty elements toward the end were lame. There were some eye-rolling moments on my part, for sure.
The biggest thing though?
The heavy-handed feminist message of "women are inherently vulnerable victims and men are mostly predatory and evil."
Yes, as women we are more vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Yes, we are more prone to being victims of abuse and sexual harassment and assault. Yes, men have more "power" and standing in the world, so to speak.
But not all men are evil. Not all men seek to harm and take advantage.
I am a female who has worked for close to 20 years in a very high power, male-driven environment. In an environment where I have a lot of room to complain. But you know what? Not all men are bad. Sure, there are bad men out there. But there are a lot of good ones too.
And while I recognize that a lot of people are in vulnerable positions, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. People of all genders and gender identities can be amazing...or they can suck. Because we are all just humans. We all have the potential for evil.
So let's stop acting as if only men are "bad" and/or predatory.
I am tired of this narrative.
May 6, 2024
Wow!! Guys… trust me.. DON’T miss this book!! 😍 Hands down 5 fantastic stars!! ⭐️ Pub date is tomorrow!!! May 7th!! 🥳🥳🥳 Huge shoutout to @simonbooks for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰🥰🥰
Ellie… wow… where have you been girl?? 😳 I absolutely loved the way this played out!! The POV of Ellie was absolutely terrifying. I felt like I was listening to an abducted girl tell us her story. It seriously felt like true crime… it was that realistic… that horrifying.. and just that well done👏👏
Our girl Ellie was just a bit of a wild child… having herself a motel party… no good will come of that.. 😬…she wanders off to find a ⛽️ gas station bathroom… and just like that… she has vanished… 💥 … nobody has a clue what happened to her.. 🤷♀️
Except… WE know what happened to her! 😬😳🥺🤬 Another thing that I loved about this book is it focused alot on victim’s psychological state during and after the abuse. We literally were living the nightmare with Ellie. 😭
Then the twists… 😳… for a hot minute I questioned everything… and I do mean EVERYTHING!! I absolutely binged this book!! I had to know… what was going to be Ellie’s fate. It’s a race against time to find the creep that took her… 😡… The alternate POV’s just added to the pure intensity!!
🖤🖤🖤 Absolutely loved it!! Is this on your TBR?
Ellie… wow… where have you been girl?? 😳 I absolutely loved the way this played out!! The POV of Ellie was absolutely terrifying. I felt like I was listening to an abducted girl tell us her story. It seriously felt like true crime… it was that realistic… that horrifying.. and just that well done👏👏
Our girl Ellie was just a bit of a wild child… having herself a motel party… no good will come of that.. 😬…she wanders off to find a ⛽️ gas station bathroom… and just like that… she has vanished… 💥 … nobody has a clue what happened to her.. 🤷♀️
Except… WE know what happened to her! 😬😳🥺🤬 Another thing that I loved about this book is it focused alot on victim’s psychological state during and after the abuse. We literally were living the nightmare with Ellie. 😭
Then the twists… 😳… for a hot minute I questioned everything… and I do mean EVERYTHING!! I absolutely binged this book!! I had to know… what was going to be Ellie’s fate. It’s a race against time to find the creep that took her… 😡… The alternate POV’s just added to the pure intensity!!
🖤🖤🖤 Absolutely loved it!! Is this on your TBR?
July 9, 2024
Wow! Inhale! Exhale! I recently watched a viral TikTok video where readers were left stunned by a jaw-dropping twist in "Keep It in the Family" by John Marrs. The video had people staring at the camera in shock, exclaiming "WTF!" I decided to film my reaction when I reached the most talked-about twist, and let me tell you, I never saw it coming—even though it was right in front of me the entire time. When I hit that twist, I screamed "WTF" so loudly that I spilled my entire latte on my jeans and cried, both because of the twist and because I had spent way too much on that latte (which I was supposed to cut back on due to my latte expense overtaking my Chardonnay budget). I also loved those jeans! But the twist was worth it—utterly shocking. My jaw hit the floor, and my eyes practically popped out, giving me a young Gene Wilder meets Jeremy Allen White look.
Now, back to my review: This book is riveting, disturbing, surprising, dark, sad, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking. It tackles several heavy subjects like mansplaining, abuse, mental health, psychological torture, alcoholism, dysfunctional family issues, grief, and violence. The content is intense and may be triggering for some, but it's also realistic and well-written, tapping into deep-seated fears and identity issues. It explores the impact of family secrets, how closed doors can shape children's lives, and the ways in which their mental health can deteriorate, influenced by their parents' distorted perspectives.
Detective Chelsey Calhoun, a Japanese American adopted and raised with her sister Lydia, faced a devastating family tragedy when Lydia ran away one night and was later found dead with her boyfriend, who also took his own life. This tore their family apart, with Chelsey’s mother leaving and her father coping by taking Chelsey to hunting parties, teaching her to be tough and self-reliant, eventually turning her into a controlled police officer like him.
Chelsey is haunted by guilt for not being able to save her sister and is consumed by her quest to find missing girls, which strains her marriage with Noah. She’s trapped in her past, especially after her father's recent passing and her efforts to rid herself of childhood memories.
When Ellie Black, missing for two years, is found alive in the woods of Washington State, Chelsey believes she can use this breakthrough to find other missing girls connected to Ellie’s case. However, her hopes are dashed when she meets Ellie, who is now a socially dissociated young woman nearing 20. Ellie is uncooperative, avoids physical contact, and likely hides something. Why won't she cooperate? How did she escape when another girl, likely taken by the same abductor, was found dead? What secrets is Ellie keeping?
Chelsey is determined to uncover the truth, bring the missing girls home, and imprison their captors. But what if digging deeper forces her to confront harsh truths that could change her life forever? What if the mental cage she's in is as dangerous as the physical one the girls were kept in?
Overall, this novel features excellent character development, balanced pacing, a jaw-dropping climax, and a well-constructed conclusion. Emiko Jean has firmly established herself as one of my favorite authors. I can't express how much I enjoyed this book—one of the best thrillers I've read this year, and I highly recommend it!
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Now, back to my review: This book is riveting, disturbing, surprising, dark, sad, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking. It tackles several heavy subjects like mansplaining, abuse, mental health, psychological torture, alcoholism, dysfunctional family issues, grief, and violence. The content is intense and may be triggering for some, but it's also realistic and well-written, tapping into deep-seated fears and identity issues. It explores the impact of family secrets, how closed doors can shape children's lives, and the ways in which their mental health can deteriorate, influenced by their parents' distorted perspectives.
Detective Chelsey Calhoun, a Japanese American adopted and raised with her sister Lydia, faced a devastating family tragedy when Lydia ran away one night and was later found dead with her boyfriend, who also took his own life. This tore their family apart, with Chelsey’s mother leaving and her father coping by taking Chelsey to hunting parties, teaching her to be tough and self-reliant, eventually turning her into a controlled police officer like him.
Chelsey is haunted by guilt for not being able to save her sister and is consumed by her quest to find missing girls, which strains her marriage with Noah. She’s trapped in her past, especially after her father's recent passing and her efforts to rid herself of childhood memories.
When Ellie Black, missing for two years, is found alive in the woods of Washington State, Chelsey believes she can use this breakthrough to find other missing girls connected to Ellie’s case. However, her hopes are dashed when she meets Ellie, who is now a socially dissociated young woman nearing 20. Ellie is uncooperative, avoids physical contact, and likely hides something. Why won't she cooperate? How did she escape when another girl, likely taken by the same abductor, was found dead? What secrets is Ellie keeping?
Chelsey is determined to uncover the truth, bring the missing girls home, and imprison their captors. But what if digging deeper forces her to confront harsh truths that could change her life forever? What if the mental cage she's in is as dangerous as the physical one the girls were kept in?
Overall, this novel features excellent character development, balanced pacing, a jaw-dropping climax, and a well-constructed conclusion. Emiko Jean has firmly established herself as one of my favorite authors. I can't express how much I enjoyed this book—one of the best thrillers I've read this year, and I highly recommend it!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
June 28, 2024
Ellie Black has been missing for 2-years when she's suddenly found by hikers in the woods of Washington State.
She's distraught and disheveled, but where exactly has she been? Detective Chelsey Calhoun is shocked by Ellie's reappearance, but unfortunately, Ellie's not offering up a lot of answers. The mystery lingers.
For Chelsey, any missing person case hits close to home. Her sister, Lydia, went missing when they were just teens, and ever since, Chelsey has been searching for closure for herself, and any other missing girls out there.
As Chelsey begins questioning Ellie, she's not able to get any real answers from her. It feels off, like Ellie is hiding something, but what? She's a victim here, right?
This novel is insta-compelling. We kick off with Ellie being discovered and from there, it's a ride. We get a lot of different perspectives, and even different points in time, as we begin to build out the truth behind this mystery.
I was initially surprised by all the perspectives, but somehow, it just worked. I also loved the tone from the start, how mysterious it all was.
This definitely kept me guessing and I appreciated how Jean continually added to the mystery. What started out as the mystery of what had happened to Ellie, ultimately evolved into so much more.
I thought Jean had some very clever reveals and I loved the thoughtful way she explored the topic of the exploitation and victimization of women.
Overall, I was impressed with this. The tone stood out for me. I'm not sure quite how to explain it, but it felt distinctive from other Missing Persons Thrillers. It's quite character-drive, but so well-executed.
Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to reading more from Emiko Jean!
She's distraught and disheveled, but where exactly has she been? Detective Chelsey Calhoun is shocked by Ellie's reappearance, but unfortunately, Ellie's not offering up a lot of answers. The mystery lingers.
For Chelsey, any missing person case hits close to home. Her sister, Lydia, went missing when they were just teens, and ever since, Chelsey has been searching for closure for herself, and any other missing girls out there.
As Chelsey begins questioning Ellie, she's not able to get any real answers from her. It feels off, like Ellie is hiding something, but what? She's a victim here, right?
This novel is insta-compelling. We kick off with Ellie being discovered and from there, it's a ride. We get a lot of different perspectives, and even different points in time, as we begin to build out the truth behind this mystery.
I was initially surprised by all the perspectives, but somehow, it just worked. I also loved the tone from the start, how mysterious it all was.
This definitely kept me guessing and I appreciated how Jean continually added to the mystery. What started out as the mystery of what had happened to Ellie, ultimately evolved into so much more.
I thought Jean had some very clever reveals and I loved the thoughtful way she explored the topic of the exploitation and victimization of women.
Overall, I was impressed with this. The tone stood out for me. I'm not sure quite how to explain it, but it felt distinctive from other Missing Persons Thrillers. It's quite character-drive, but so well-executed.
Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to reading more from Emiko Jean!
June 5, 2024
Is it me or are thrillers not hitting the same way they use too??
The Return of Ellie Black or if you are in the UK like myself it is titled as ‘The Next Girl’ is following Detective Chelsey Calhoun, who is very hyper focus on her role for missing girls as her own sister vanished without a trace 20 years earlier. Chelsey has now received a call that Ellie Black (a teenage girl who has been missing for two years) has been found. Chelsey wants to solve and get to the bottom of who took Ellie and to prevent the kidnapper from taking another, but it seems Ellie’s reappearance is spiking up more questions than answers… DUN DUN DUN
Truthfully the first 30% of this book had me on ropes! There was so much potential, and I was LIVING for the multiple POVS, from Chelsey, Ellie and her family members. The social commentary was delivering ad had me bopping my head like ‘yep, yep, yep’ and it was heartfelt listening to the POVS of family members and their aftermath of what it felt like having a missing child.
Then the middle came and suddenly, the writing felt OFF! It was like the author had decided we could no longer comprehend basic information and had to gives us the dummies guide of everything that was happening. It felt like I was being spoon fed to the point of vomiting.
Then the last 20% shouted ‘SUSPEND YOUR DISBELIEFS TO HIGH HEAVENS AND THROW YOUR COMMON SENSE OUT THE WINDOW’. I questioned whether I had picked up a different book, because the reveal was so egregious and giving YA WATTPAD, I was stumped into what reaction should I be having right now?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Ellies POV (backstory) was sooo good and broke my heart. I felt like I was trapped with her and
could feel every emotion
➽ The Social commentary
➽ First 30% was a solid psychological thriller
➽ Even Paced
➽ Didn’t see one of the twists coming
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The writing became very juvenile and drawn out
➽ Would have enjoyed more of Ellie’s parents POV especially her mum
➽ Why was Chelsey boyfriend even introduced in this story. Poor sod was a non factor throughout.
➽ The ending… EVERYBODY GO TO JAIL IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!
➽
The synopsis is very cheeky as its portraying as a heavy plot based book, but this was definitely more character driven with a whiplash ‘I beg your finest pardon’ ending…
I’ve been going back and forth with what to rate this, because I’m still confused and bamboozled. So I’m going to leave it at a 3 star. I do think a lot of people would enjoy this (hence the high ratings) but I can also see a lot of people shouting BSFR!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I am only reading this because all my mutuals have rated this either a 4 or 5 ⭐️
I want to experience that high buzzed rating too! Fingers crossed 🤞🏾❤️💛
The Return of Ellie Black or if you are in the UK like myself it is titled as ‘The Next Girl’ is following Detective Chelsey Calhoun, who is very hyper focus on her role for missing girls as her own sister vanished without a trace 20 years earlier. Chelsey has now received a call that Ellie Black (a teenage girl who has been missing for two years) has been found. Chelsey wants to solve and get to the bottom of who took Ellie and to prevent the kidnapper from taking another, but it seems Ellie’s reappearance is spiking up more questions than answers… DUN DUN DUN
Truthfully the first 30% of this book had me on ropes! There was so much potential, and I was LIVING for the multiple POVS, from Chelsey, Ellie and her family members. The social commentary was delivering ad had me bopping my head like ‘yep, yep, yep’ and it was heartfelt listening to the POVS of family members and their aftermath of what it felt like having a missing child.
Then the middle came and suddenly, the writing felt OFF! It was like the author had decided we could no longer comprehend basic information and had to gives us the dummies guide of everything that was happening. It felt like I was being spoon fed to the point of vomiting.
Then the last 20% shouted ‘SUSPEND YOUR DISBELIEFS TO HIGH HEAVENS AND THROW YOUR COMMON SENSE OUT THE WINDOW’. I questioned whether I had picked up a different book, because the reveal was so egregious and giving YA WATTPAD, I was stumped into what reaction should I be having right now?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Ellies POV (backstory) was sooo good and broke my heart. I felt like I was trapped with her and
could feel every emotion
➽ The Social commentary
➽ First 30% was a solid psychological thriller
➽ Even Paced
➽ Didn’t see one of the twists coming
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The writing became very juvenile and drawn out
➽ Would have enjoyed more of Ellie’s parents POV especially her mum
➽ Why was Chelsey boyfriend even introduced in this story. Poor sod was a non factor throughout.
➽ The ending… EVERYBODY GO TO JAIL IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!
➽
The synopsis is very cheeky as its portraying as a heavy plot based book, but this was definitely more character driven with a whiplash ‘I beg your finest pardon’ ending…
I’ve been going back and forth with what to rate this, because I’m still confused and bamboozled. So I’m going to leave it at a 3 star. I do think a lot of people would enjoy this (hence the high ratings) but I can also see a lot of people shouting BSFR!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I am only reading this because all my mutuals have rated this either a 4 or 5 ⭐️
I want to experience that high buzzed rating too! Fingers crossed 🤞🏾❤️💛
November 24, 2023
What is your name?
My name is Elizabeth Black.
Two hikers discover a girl who says she is Ellie Black who has been missing for two years. Detective Chelsey Calhoun, originally in charge of the case, is roused from her bed to investigate. The last time Ellie is seen before she disappears is approximately 11:30 pm at a motel party she organises. Chelsey questions all who have had contact with Ellie including family and school friends and that just serves to deepen the mystery of the girl. The story is principally told by Chelsey, whose perspective on the impact of the case on an officer is insightful and by Ellie, whose honest reflections of her old self is heartbreaking. Despite the fact that Ellie is found alive, why does have just Chelsey have a feeling of foreboding about her return? She just has to get to the truth.
This is an immersive mystery/psychological thriller, which inevitably doesn’t always made make for easy reading. The two central characters are extremely well portrayed and pertinently observed. Chelsey is complex and complicated, her background and things that have occurred within her family means that she carries burdens. However, this is probably what drives her to go the extra mile as an officer, she also has empathy but equally doesn’t miss much. The contrast between Ellie before her abduction and on her return is stark. Then she’s a lively young lady, pushing boundaries and exhausting her parents therefore a typical teen! On her return, she’s a shadow, haunted by her shocking experiences, she’s grieving and suffering. It’s heartrending. She has lost her identity and everything that makes her, her and you really feel for her.
As the story of the last two years of her life become clear, the story becomes darker and darker and more and more shocking. The author doesn’t excellent job of examining the psychological impact of captivity, the strong bonds that are made, the manipulation, the sacrifices, as well as the physical and mental toll. It shocks you to the core and makes you feel a whole range of emotions.
The victimology is done extremely well too, Ellie like others taken before her are all from low income families, who apart from family, in reality no one will miss much. I know, it’s absolutely terrible to even suggest it. The police searches won’t be as thorough as someone from a wealthy background, nor will the press be as interested. I’m afraid it’s true, look at the continuous press interest in pretty Madeline McCann versus those who are say, of colour. Different, much? This is one of the most unsettling, unsavoury aspects of this tragic story, which is full of off notes and uncertain vibes that knock you off kilter, if not off your feet entirely.
There is much to praise in this novel however, I am very unconvinced by the ending. It’s not bad per se, but it is a bit out there, somewhat left field and it’s not what I’m expecting. I don’t hate it but by the same token I don’t love it either.
Overall though, it’s a gripping read, though very far from an easy one.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
My name is Elizabeth Black.
Two hikers discover a girl who says she is Ellie Black who has been missing for two years. Detective Chelsey Calhoun, originally in charge of the case, is roused from her bed to investigate. The last time Ellie is seen before she disappears is approximately 11:30 pm at a motel party she organises. Chelsey questions all who have had contact with Ellie including family and school friends and that just serves to deepen the mystery of the girl. The story is principally told by Chelsey, whose perspective on the impact of the case on an officer is insightful and by Ellie, whose honest reflections of her old self is heartbreaking. Despite the fact that Ellie is found alive, why does have just Chelsey have a feeling of foreboding about her return? She just has to get to the truth.
This is an immersive mystery/psychological thriller, which inevitably doesn’t always made make for easy reading. The two central characters are extremely well portrayed and pertinently observed. Chelsey is complex and complicated, her background and things that have occurred within her family means that she carries burdens. However, this is probably what drives her to go the extra mile as an officer, she also has empathy but equally doesn’t miss much. The contrast between Ellie before her abduction and on her return is stark. Then she’s a lively young lady, pushing boundaries and exhausting her parents therefore a typical teen! On her return, she’s a shadow, haunted by her shocking experiences, she’s grieving and suffering. It’s heartrending. She has lost her identity and everything that makes her, her and you really feel for her.
As the story of the last two years of her life become clear, the story becomes darker and darker and more and more shocking. The author doesn’t excellent job of examining the psychological impact of captivity, the strong bonds that are made, the manipulation, the sacrifices, as well as the physical and mental toll. It shocks you to the core and makes you feel a whole range of emotions.
The victimology is done extremely well too, Ellie like others taken before her are all from low income families, who apart from family, in reality no one will miss much. I know, it’s absolutely terrible to even suggest it. The police searches won’t be as thorough as someone from a wealthy background, nor will the press be as interested. I’m afraid it’s true, look at the continuous press interest in pretty Madeline McCann versus those who are say, of colour. Different, much? This is one of the most unsettling, unsavoury aspects of this tragic story, which is full of off notes and uncertain vibes that knock you off kilter, if not off your feet entirely.
There is much to praise in this novel however, I am very unconvinced by the ending. It’s not bad per se, but it is a bit out there, somewhat left field and it’s not what I’m expecting. I don’t hate it but by the same token I don’t love it either.
Overall though, it’s a gripping read, though very far from an easy one.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
Detective Chelsey Calhoun receives a phone call informing her that Ellie Black, a missing teen, has been found. Chelsey jumps into action but can't help but think about her sister who went missing years ago. Ellie isn't giving up any information and Chelsey leaves no stone unturned in search of answers. This was a gripping tale of depravity, captivity, manipulation, trauma.
It is not an easy tale to read and I felt for so many of the characters. Some of the scenes do not make for easy reading - you've been warned. There are some twists and a shocking reveal at the end. I did not see it coming at all.
This is my first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.
Gripping, dark, heartbreaking, and dark.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss 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
It is not an easy tale to read and I felt for so many of the characters. Some of the scenes do not make for easy reading - you've been warned. There are some twists and a shocking reveal at the end. I did not see it coming at all.
This is my first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.
Gripping, dark, heartbreaking, and dark.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss 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
April 17, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5 for GR! i DEVOUREDDDDD this audiobook—i don’t think I’ve ever finished an audiobook in 2 days 👏🏼 so good i literally couldn’t put it down!
*this was a full cast audiobook too which if you haven’t read one of those yet, they are supreme. audio is the way to go for this one, every character/voice lets you get immersed in the story so well and i was (clearly) so invested.
the mystery in this one was so well executed. the author tested a new genre with this release and job well done to her! it reminded me a bit of Karin Slaughter’s books with the mystery + the detective case. but not nearly as graphic 😅😂
it covers a young girl who goes missing and a detective investigating the case. what you think is a one missing girl disappearance turns into something MUCH bigger than anyone could have guessed…
wasn’t sure where this was going to end but soooo pleased and surprised with the ending! truly have such little critiques on this book and recommend readers add to their TBR when it releases 5/7.
*this was a full cast audiobook too which if you haven’t read one of those yet, they are supreme. audio is the way to go for this one, every character/voice lets you get immersed in the story so well and i was (clearly) so invested.
the mystery in this one was so well executed. the author tested a new genre with this release and job well done to her! it reminded me a bit of Karin Slaughter’s books with the mystery + the detective case. but not nearly as graphic 😅😂
it covers a young girl who goes missing and a detective investigating the case. what you think is a one missing girl disappearance turns into something MUCH bigger than anyone could have guessed…
wasn’t sure where this was going to end but soooo pleased and surprised with the ending! truly have such little critiques on this book and recommend readers add to their TBR when it releases 5/7.
May 18, 2024
Detective Chelsey Calhoun has had her share of trauma. When she was just a child, her older sister disappeared into the night. For the past twenty years, she’s half blamed herself. Perhaps for this reason, Chelsey has taken it upon herself to try to rescue the missing. So when she gets a call that Ellie Black has been found wandering the woods bloody and emaciated, Chelsey jumps into action. After all, Ellie went missing two years ago and, just like Chelsey’s sister, she vanished without a trace.
Something, however, isn’t quite right with Ellie. Despite the obvious trauma and overriding fear, it seems like the twenty-year-old is possibly hiding something from Chelsey. On top of that, she is refusing to answer any questions. The only thing the detective can do is find the truth to where she’s been all this time herself. Hopefully before yet another girl goes missing. Can Chelsey figure out what Ellie might be hiding before it’s too late? Or were both of their fates sealed the moment she walked out of the woods?
What a dark and disturbing tale! From the get-go The Return of Ellie Black offered up something you don’t often find in a thriller. Underneath the deftly crafted characters and twisty, twisty plot was a critique on misogyny and how women seem to often get blamed for the actions of men. Thought-provoking and profound, it certainly had me reexamining relationships from my past. That, however, wasn’t the only successful aspect to this truly shocking thriller.
Told from an omniscient perspective, the two central characters were well-drawn and fully fleshed out. Both clearly dealing with trauma, more bound them together then separated the two women. Intelligent, strong, and yet authentically flawed, watching their journey unfold was quite the win. Especially as the complex storyline unfolded before me. After all, despite the gripping events, I found the plot to be mostly character driven.
Speaking of the storyline, I do have to preface my gushing with the fact that much of the book was a long, slow burn. Not exactly an action-packed premise (until the end), the psychological musings nevertheless strengthened this story until the explosive climax and believable conclusion. On top of that, the entire book was utterly breathtaking in its suspenseful rendition of kidnapping and the ensuing captivity. Filled with nerve-shredding dread, it kept me utterly riveted.
Done and dusted, while this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting after initially reading the synopsis, I still found myself captivated right from the start. Especially given that attention-grapping prologue. A new-to-me author, Jean had certainly proven herself through her ability to create realistic, evil monsters that will suck you right in. So if you love a good jaw-dropping twist or carefully layered plot, you should definitely give this book a try. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Emiko Jean and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 7, 2024
Trigger warning: kidnapping, racism, misogyny, forced captivity, mention of: death of a parent, sexual assault
Something, however, isn’t quite right with Ellie. Despite the obvious trauma and overriding fear, it seems like the twenty-year-old is possibly hiding something from Chelsey. On top of that, she is refusing to answer any questions. The only thing the detective can do is find the truth to where she’s been all this time herself. Hopefully before yet another girl goes missing. Can Chelsey figure out what Ellie might be hiding before it’s too late? Or were both of their fates sealed the moment she walked out of the woods?
What a dark and disturbing tale! From the get-go The Return of Ellie Black offered up something you don’t often find in a thriller. Underneath the deftly crafted characters and twisty, twisty plot was a critique on misogyny and how women seem to often get blamed for the actions of men. Thought-provoking and profound, it certainly had me reexamining relationships from my past. That, however, wasn’t the only successful aspect to this truly shocking thriller.
Told from an omniscient perspective, the two central characters were well-drawn and fully fleshed out. Both clearly dealing with trauma, more bound them together then separated the two women. Intelligent, strong, and yet authentically flawed, watching their journey unfold was quite the win. Especially as the complex storyline unfolded before me. After all, despite the gripping events, I found the plot to be mostly character driven.
Speaking of the storyline, I do have to preface my gushing with the fact that much of the book was a long, slow burn. Not exactly an action-packed premise (until the end), the psychological musings nevertheless strengthened this story until the explosive climax and believable conclusion. On top of that, the entire book was utterly breathtaking in its suspenseful rendition of kidnapping and the ensuing captivity. Filled with nerve-shredding dread, it kept me utterly riveted.
Done and dusted, while this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting after initially reading the synopsis, I still found myself captivated right from the start. Especially given that attention-grapping prologue. A new-to-me author, Jean had certainly proven herself through her ability to create realistic, evil monsters that will suck you right in. So if you love a good jaw-dropping twist or carefully layered plot, you should definitely give this book a try. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Emiko Jean and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 7, 2024
Trigger warning: kidnapping, racism, misogyny, forced captivity, mention of: death of a parent, sexual assault
May 26, 2024
**Many thanks to Edelweiss, Simon & Schuster, and Emiko Jean for a DRC of this book!**
🚨 WARNING: Outlier Review to follow!🚨
Detective Chelsey Calhoun has seen her share of gritty and disturbing cases over the years...and has seen many a case involving a missing girl. While this trend would horrify even the most seasoned in her profession, Chelsey has another layer of emotional investment: her OWN sister went missing many years ago, as a teen, and the case remains unsolved. With this fire in her belly, Chelsey goes about life as a detective, hoping to stop other instances of forgotten girls from cropping up, and also to hopefully get to the bottom of her sister's case... and perhaps even discover her alive.
So when she gets a call that teenager Ellie Black, missing for two years, has resurfaced in the Washington State woods, Detective Calhoun can hardly contain her relief. After all, if one girl has returned...could there be more to come? Chelsey jumps at the chance to work the case and talk to Ellie to get answers about what transpired in the last two years. There's just one problem: Ellie doesn't want to talk. Detective Calhoun knows there must be something truly horrifying that is forcing Ellie to keep her silence...but what is it? And was Ellie's return simply the trigger for an even MORE dangerous turn of events to take place...where nobody, not even Detective Calhoun, will be left standing when the smoke clears?
It's a fair statement to say my expectations were sky high coming into this book, after reading several glowing reviews from trusted reviewer friends and also being a fan of Emiko Jean's prior to reading. I thoroughly enjoyed Mika in Real Life and if anything, felt somewhat of an outlier in how much I enjoyed THAT read, so I figured perhaps after switching genres, Jean had even MORESO hit her groove, and I would be another enthusiastic reviewer of this book.
In this case, however, I think I preferred Jean's new adult/YA romances... and perhaps her style of 'thriller' just isn't my cup of tea either.
The transition from romance to thriller author seems to be increasingly common these days, with SEVERAL mainstream (and some lesser known) authors making the leap. I'm not sure if it's because there's a misconception that thriller writing is 'sexier' in its way than romance writing, but in my opinion, this has led to a lot of authors who have excellent writing chops leaning on tropes that sort of have been done to death...and unfortunately, not bringing much 'newness' to the table.
The first thing that caught my eye as a reader when flipping through the first 20-30% of this book was that (unsurprisingly, due to the character's age and the author's writing background) it read VERY YA...and there's a good reason for that. Emiko Jean confirmed on BOTM's podcast that this book actually STARTED OUT as a YA book, got rejected as such, and was then rewritten in the form we see here. In my mind, there is a clear division in the book: the early segment still had significant YA flavor, whereas the latter half of the book read more 'adult', although I'd argue that aside from the subject matter feeling more 'adult', the whole book could have matched the tonal quality of the first section without missing a beat.
For instance, there's the character of Chelsey, who is an adult, but in some ways seems like she's still stuck back in her teenage persona. So many times while reading I had trouble BELIEVING her as a detective...the things she was saying just felt more like a 20 something who was new to the scene, rather than a somewhat seasoned detective. I felt like she got a lot of help that most detectives wouldn't necessarily receive, and her sleuthing was borne from coincidence rather than insight. While I did enjoy the tie-in between her muddy and tumultuous past and her conflicted emotions about the loss of her sister and the present day circumstances surrounding Ellie, at times it was JUST a bit much.
And then of course, there's Ellie Black herself. I had such a hard time LIKING her character, that despite the ugly circumstances she endured, I have to admit I groaned more than once when we dove back into her backstory at any given time. Jean went to such lengths to keep the reader invested in twists to come, I felt like it almost did her characters a disservice. The plot had to remain sort of convoluted to be interesting, and it lost some of the emotional gravitas as we sort of bounced back and forth between whether or not we were supposed to like Ellie, fear her, pity her, or WHO was truly the enemy here.
All of this leads to a point that has been hammered home in SO many other missing girls stories: men can't be trusted, women are bound to be victims, etc. And while there is some truth to this, I felt disappointed in this particular instance that Jean didn't add anything NEW to the discourse. Because I feel like I've read so many similar books that have had a more cohesive or surprising ending, after finishing this a couple of weeks ago, I already feel like it has sort of blurred and blended with other stories in my mind and will end up forgotten entirely after more time has passed. Lines such as "I wish this wasn't what it means to be female--it is not a matter of it something bad will happen, but when." for instance, probably WERE impactful...the first time I heard them, anyway.
And while the book was celebrating the Return of Ellie Black, I'll keep holding out hope for another return: the return of the emotionally driven, balanced, romantic, and FUNNY writing of one truly talented author...better known as Emiko Jean.
3.5 stars
🚨 WARNING: Outlier Review to follow!🚨
Detective Chelsey Calhoun has seen her share of gritty and disturbing cases over the years...and has seen many a case involving a missing girl. While this trend would horrify even the most seasoned in her profession, Chelsey has another layer of emotional investment: her OWN sister went missing many years ago, as a teen, and the case remains unsolved. With this fire in her belly, Chelsey goes about life as a detective, hoping to stop other instances of forgotten girls from cropping up, and also to hopefully get to the bottom of her sister's case... and perhaps even discover her alive.
So when she gets a call that teenager Ellie Black, missing for two years, has resurfaced in the Washington State woods, Detective Calhoun can hardly contain her relief. After all, if one girl has returned...could there be more to come? Chelsey jumps at the chance to work the case and talk to Ellie to get answers about what transpired in the last two years. There's just one problem: Ellie doesn't want to talk. Detective Calhoun knows there must be something truly horrifying that is forcing Ellie to keep her silence...but what is it? And was Ellie's return simply the trigger for an even MORE dangerous turn of events to take place...where nobody, not even Detective Calhoun, will be left standing when the smoke clears?
It's a fair statement to say my expectations were sky high coming into this book, after reading several glowing reviews from trusted reviewer friends and also being a fan of Emiko Jean's prior to reading. I thoroughly enjoyed Mika in Real Life and if anything, felt somewhat of an outlier in how much I enjoyed THAT read, so I figured perhaps after switching genres, Jean had even MORESO hit her groove, and I would be another enthusiastic reviewer of this book.
In this case, however, I think I preferred Jean's new adult/YA romances... and perhaps her style of 'thriller' just isn't my cup of tea either.
The transition from romance to thriller author seems to be increasingly common these days, with SEVERAL mainstream (and some lesser known) authors making the leap. I'm not sure if it's because there's a misconception that thriller writing is 'sexier' in its way than romance writing, but in my opinion, this has led to a lot of authors who have excellent writing chops leaning on tropes that sort of have been done to death...and unfortunately, not bringing much 'newness' to the table.
The first thing that caught my eye as a reader when flipping through the first 20-30% of this book was that (unsurprisingly, due to the character's age and the author's writing background) it read VERY YA...and there's a good reason for that. Emiko Jean confirmed on BOTM's podcast that this book actually STARTED OUT as a YA book, got rejected as such, and was then rewritten in the form we see here. In my mind, there is a clear division in the book: the early segment still had significant YA flavor, whereas the latter half of the book read more 'adult', although I'd argue that aside from the subject matter feeling more 'adult', the whole book could have matched the tonal quality of the first section without missing a beat.
For instance, there's the character of Chelsey, who is an adult, but in some ways seems like she's still stuck back in her teenage persona. So many times while reading I had trouble BELIEVING her as a detective...the things she was saying just felt more like a 20 something who was new to the scene, rather than a somewhat seasoned detective. I felt like she got a lot of help that most detectives wouldn't necessarily receive, and her sleuthing was borne from coincidence rather than insight. While I did enjoy the tie-in between her muddy and tumultuous past and her conflicted emotions about the loss of her sister and the present day circumstances surrounding Ellie, at times it was JUST a bit much.
And then of course, there's Ellie Black herself. I had such a hard time LIKING her character, that despite the ugly circumstances she endured, I have to admit I groaned more than once when we dove back into her backstory at any given time. Jean went to such lengths to keep the reader invested in twists to come, I felt like it almost did her characters a disservice. The plot had to remain sort of convoluted to be interesting, and it lost some of the emotional gravitas as we sort of bounced back and forth between whether or not we were supposed to like Ellie, fear her, pity her, or WHO was truly the enemy here.
All of this leads to a point that has been hammered home in SO many other missing girls stories: men can't be trusted, women are bound to be victims, etc. And while there is some truth to this, I felt disappointed in this particular instance that Jean didn't add anything NEW to the discourse. Because I feel like I've read so many similar books that have had a more cohesive or surprising ending, after finishing this a couple of weeks ago, I already feel like it has sort of blurred and blended with other stories in my mind and will end up forgotten entirely after more time has passed. Lines such as "I wish this wasn't what it means to be female--it is not a matter of it something bad will happen, but when." for instance, probably WERE impactful...the first time I heard them, anyway.
And while the book was celebrating the Return of Ellie Black, I'll keep holding out hope for another return: the return of the emotionally driven, balanced, romantic, and FUNNY writing of one truly talented author...better known as Emiko Jean.
3.5 stars
May 26, 2024
4.5-5⭐️ When the missing Ellie Black returns home two years later, something doesn’t seem right. Where has she been? Who took her? As Detective Chelsea Calhoun works to uncover not only what happened to Ellie, but her own missing sister who disappeared years ago, more secrets begin to resurface.
While this is a story fit for the big screen, Emiko Jean’s thriller debut reads more like an action-packed literary mystery. Its slow burn pace combined with the intense focus on characters, particularly on the two central characters, gave it a really unique feel, especially once the action begins to kick in. I loved the twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and the ultimate resolution to the story.
🎧 The full cast audio really brought this book to life in a vivid, intense way. While the story is quite powerful in and of itself, hearing these characters speak for themselves (even through an omniscient narrator) really amped up the emotion and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Read if you like:
•detective stories
•psychological thrillers
•character driven lit fiction
•dual timelines
•single third person POV
•books that read like movies
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
While this is a story fit for the big screen, Emiko Jean’s thriller debut reads more like an action-packed literary mystery. Its slow burn pace combined with the intense focus on characters, particularly on the two central characters, gave it a really unique feel, especially once the action begins to kick in. I loved the twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and the ultimate resolution to the story.
🎧 The full cast audio really brought this book to life in a vivid, intense way. While the story is quite powerful in and of itself, hearing these characters speak for themselves (even through an omniscient narrator) really amped up the emotion and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Read if you like:
•detective stories
•psychological thrillers
•character driven lit fiction
•dual timelines
•single third person POV
•books that read like movies
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
June 28, 2024
Top thriller alert. So many of you have loved this, so it’s probably no surprise. Emiko Jean’s smoothly written, compulsively readable, compelling story of once missing, now found, Ellie Black, is a chilling masterpiece.
Chelsey Calhoun is the detective on the case when Ellie Black, missing teen for two years, is found alive. Chelsey’s own sister has been missing for twenty years, and this type of case always consumes her. The problem is that Ellie is holding back and doesn’t want to give all the details… and if she doesn’t, the culprit or culprits might just harm more girls.
The Return of Ellie Black contains everything I want in a thriller: fully developed characters, a quick moving plot with shorter chapters, highly readable narrative, originality, fraught tension, and a solid ending. Five stars all the way. I hope Emiko Jean has more thrillers up her sleeve.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Chelsey Calhoun is the detective on the case when Ellie Black, missing teen for two years, is found alive. Chelsey’s own sister has been missing for twenty years, and this type of case always consumes her. The problem is that Ellie is holding back and doesn’t want to give all the details… and if she doesn’t, the culprit or culprits might just harm more girls.
The Return of Ellie Black contains everything I want in a thriller: fully developed characters, a quick moving plot with shorter chapters, highly readable narrative, originality, fraught tension, and a solid ending. Five stars all the way. I hope Emiko Jean has more thrillers up her sleeve.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 1, 2023
My Rating: 1⭐️ total let down, the ending ripped the stars away for me!!!
GoodReads Synopsis
I guess you’re probably wondering about the next girl. Because there’s always a next girl, right? A girl waiting to be taken. To be swept away. I’ll tell you about her.
Its been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun lost her sister, and shes been searching for signs of closure through other missing girls ever since. Happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.
Until one day, local teenager Elli Black is found in Washington State woods. Two years after her disappearance, shes an echo of herself, but alive. But something’s not right about this girl. Where has she been, and who is she protecting? Chelsey has to find out. For herself, her sister and before the next girl is taken.
Ok, the premise is on point… kidnapped girls, detective with similar pain, new missing girls… something not right… ticks all the boxes and screams trapped POV if you ask me (I am sick ok what can I say). I was pretty happy for a while… but as you can see from my rating.. I became extremely unhappy at some point… let’s explore…
Good points - I was approved for a Penguin ARC which after this review I am sure wont happen again… but I gotta be honest.
Initially the writing was fairly good.. I wouldn’t say brilliant or masterpiece absolutely not but it was fine. It read well felt like it was going to be entertaining. Was there evidence that this could be a social mouthpiece for certain political or social justice agenda’s… Yes! Was I going to let that stop me read my shiny new Penguin ARC… No I was not. So I closed my eyes and screamed LALALALALALLAA I can’t hear you to some of the nonsense things I read… they were so childishly written it was hard to take some of the real and serious issues seriously… so yeah anyway I ignored it… let it go the keep got those ones…
I didn’t like the MC, Chelsey much, she seemed selfish and up herself… but I don’t care about liking all the characters but I can see why her co-workers weren’t a fan. Hang on… this is the good points section.
There was the POV from multiple parties which as you know is my favourite type of book, it was all solidly one timeline no jumping just memories but the POV was from the captured Ellie Black and Chelsey. The POVs are not titled but it is simple to figure out who is who since one was trapped and kidnapped with very bad things happening to her so… thats simple.
The POV of Ellie gave us a trapped POV which as I said above is one of my fave types.. this did not last the entire book but it was sick and twisted and I loved it. Definite thriller material… I would not last in this scenario at all… kudos to the author for that horror show well played.
Sadly, the rest of it was choppy, and poorly written. Another book that kind of went off the rails at 50% writing wise. I mean it was doing ok… but then it just boarded on childish and play by play the entire time.
Sally went to the store, she looked around, she saw her friend, she waved to her friend. They talked for a while. Sally smiled and thought to herself I am a dumbass… that kind of writing.
And the story was unfolding quite ok but then BAM we had a huge plot twist and while I kind of saw it coming… it just gave me eye roll city. I was like seriously why!!! I am not going to spoil it of course but honestly come on… I despise the kind of twist we got… pure shock and no thought in my opinion.
Then of course there is a final showdown isn’t there always… and that was the kicker for me. All the blinders came flying off… all the things I was looking the other way to were punching me in the face repeatedly and I was eye rolling until I fell out of bed dizzy. The big twisty twist near the end was cringe… I hated it.
You have to remember at this point I have had six yes SIX 1 or 2 star books in a row… that is death by shit book and this then took a turn from the generous 3 straight into 1 star territory I almost wrote a letter to the Prime Minister to let him know I would no longer be reading until forever…
Nevertheless this was a bullshit ending… I wasn’t happy. I think some people are going to love this. I mean the reviews that are on NetGalley and GR so far are really positive not 42 pages long like mine but they are 4 or 5 stars so I do think this will be popular. I think BookTok fans and the mainstream readers should definitely check it out especially if you love a social justice moment with a simple easy read.
For those of you (Leigh, Carol and anyone with similar taste in books to me) don’t do it… this will not be for you…
Thank you to Penguin, NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I wish I liked this more!!
GoodReads Synopsis
I guess you’re probably wondering about the next girl. Because there’s always a next girl, right? A girl waiting to be taken. To be swept away. I’ll tell you about her.
Its been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun lost her sister, and shes been searching for signs of closure through other missing girls ever since. Happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.
Until one day, local teenager Elli Black is found in Washington State woods. Two years after her disappearance, shes an echo of herself, but alive. But something’s not right about this girl. Where has she been, and who is she protecting? Chelsey has to find out. For herself, her sister and before the next girl is taken.
Ok, the premise is on point… kidnapped girls, detective with similar pain, new missing girls… something not right… ticks all the boxes and screams trapped POV if you ask me (I am sick ok what can I say). I was pretty happy for a while… but as you can see from my rating.. I became extremely unhappy at some point… let’s explore…
Good points - I was approved for a Penguin ARC which after this review I am sure wont happen again… but I gotta be honest.
Initially the writing was fairly good.. I wouldn’t say brilliant or masterpiece absolutely not but it was fine. It read well felt like it was going to be entertaining. Was there evidence that this could be a social mouthpiece for certain political or social justice agenda’s… Yes! Was I going to let that stop me read my shiny new Penguin ARC… No I was not. So I closed my eyes and screamed LALALALALALLAA I can’t hear you to some of the nonsense things I read… they were so childishly written it was hard to take some of the real and serious issues seriously… so yeah anyway I ignored it… let it go the keep got those ones…
I didn’t like the MC, Chelsey much, she seemed selfish and up herself… but I don’t care about liking all the characters but I can see why her co-workers weren’t a fan. Hang on… this is the good points section.
There was the POV from multiple parties which as you know is my favourite type of book, it was all solidly one timeline no jumping just memories but the POV was from the captured Ellie Black and Chelsey. The POVs are not titled but it is simple to figure out who is who since one was trapped and kidnapped with very bad things happening to her so… thats simple.
The POV of Ellie gave us a trapped POV which as I said above is one of my fave types.. this did not last the entire book but it was sick and twisted and I loved it. Definite thriller material… I would not last in this scenario at all… kudos to the author for that horror show well played.
Sadly, the rest of it was choppy, and poorly written. Another book that kind of went off the rails at 50% writing wise. I mean it was doing ok… but then it just boarded on childish and play by play the entire time.
Sally went to the store, she looked around, she saw her friend, she waved to her friend. They talked for a while. Sally smiled and thought to herself I am a dumbass… that kind of writing.
And the story was unfolding quite ok but then BAM we had a huge plot twist and while I kind of saw it coming… it just gave me eye roll city. I was like seriously why!!! I am not going to spoil it of course but honestly come on… I despise the kind of twist we got… pure shock and no thought in my opinion.
Then of course there is a final showdown isn’t there always… and that was the kicker for me. All the blinders came flying off… all the things I was looking the other way to were punching me in the face repeatedly and I was eye rolling until I fell out of bed dizzy. The big twisty twist near the end was cringe… I hated it.
You have to remember at this point I have had six yes SIX 1 or 2 star books in a row… that is death by shit book and this then took a turn from the generous 3 straight into 1 star territory I almost wrote a letter to the Prime Minister to let him know I would no longer be reading until forever…
Nevertheless this was a bullshit ending… I wasn’t happy. I think some people are going to love this. I mean the reviews that are on NetGalley and GR so far are really positive not 42 pages long like mine but they are 4 or 5 stars so I do think this will be popular. I think BookTok fans and the mainstream readers should definitely check it out especially if you love a social justice moment with a simple easy read.
For those of you (Leigh, Carol and anyone with similar taste in books to me) don’t do it… this will not be for you…
Thank you to Penguin, NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I wish I liked this more!!
May 3, 2024
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean is a suspense filled thriller novel. The story in The Return of Ellie Black is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters and also by going back to an earlier timeline along with the current timeline. This one also is on the dark side and not the easiest read about abuse.
Chelsey Calhoun knows what it’s like to have someone she loved go missing which has lead Chelsey to her life now as a detective. Twenty years ago Chelsey’s sister vanished and Chelsey continues to look today all the while trying to solve the cases of other missing girls that come along.
Two years ago Ellie Black was at a party when she disappeared without a trace and with little to go on was thought to be one case that would go unsolved. That is until now when Ellie has been found alive in the woods of Washington State. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is immediately on the case but finds it odd that Ellie stays silent about where she’s been and who has been keeping her.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean was a solid thriller novel that kept the pages turning until the very end. The author did a good job setting up a somewhat dark abduction story while weaving back and forth from the past and present. My thoughts at the end though were it all seemed to be a bit rushed in the wrap up and I wasn’t totally sold on the ending overall so this one fell in at three and a half stars for me. Although a slightly lower rating I would return to this author in the future as the story was an engaging read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Chelsey Calhoun knows what it’s like to have someone she loved go missing which has lead Chelsey to her life now as a detective. Twenty years ago Chelsey’s sister vanished and Chelsey continues to look today all the while trying to solve the cases of other missing girls that come along.
Two years ago Ellie Black was at a party when she disappeared without a trace and with little to go on was thought to be one case that would go unsolved. That is until now when Ellie has been found alive in the woods of Washington State. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is immediately on the case but finds it odd that Ellie stays silent about where she’s been and who has been keeping her.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean was a solid thriller novel that kept the pages turning until the very end. The author did a good job setting up a somewhat dark abduction story while weaving back and forth from the past and present. My thoughts at the end though were it all seemed to be a bit rushed in the wrap up and I wasn’t totally sold on the ending overall so this one fell in at three and a half stars for me. Although a slightly lower rating I would return to this author in the future as the story was an engaging read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 8, 2024
Detective Chelsey Calhoun's sister Lydia had vanished twenty years prior, and when she received the call that Ellie Black, a teenager who'd vanished two years ago, had been found, Chelsey's mind immediately went to her sister. Heading to the hospital to see Ellie; notifying her parents that she was found; Chelsey knew this was a pivotal moment. She also knew when she saw Ellie that there was something not quite right with her. She couldn't pin point it though.
As Chelsey tried to work through everything concerning Ellie's disappearance, she was blocked at every corner. Ellie wouldn't talk about what had happened to her; where she'd been all this time; who had taken her. Chelsey was frustrated, but determined. She wanted to get to the bottom of what happened to stop there being a next girl. But suddenly Ellie vanished again...
The Next Girl by Emiko Jean is a twisty and convoluted thriller with a lot going on. Written from the POV of Ellie and Chelsey, parts of Ellie's story were hard to read. Chelsey was also a damaged character, and I felt for Ellie's parents, as well as Noah. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Chelsey tried to work through everything concerning Ellie's disappearance, she was blocked at every corner. Ellie wouldn't talk about what had happened to her; where she'd been all this time; who had taken her. Chelsey was frustrated, but determined. She wanted to get to the bottom of what happened to stop there being a next girl. But suddenly Ellie vanished again...
The Next Girl by Emiko Jean is a twisty and convoluted thriller with a lot going on. Written from the POV of Ellie and Chelsey, parts of Ellie's story were hard to read. Chelsey was also a damaged character, and I felt for Ellie's parents, as well as Noah. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing a physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, Emiko Jean. I see you! I could not wait to uncover what happened to Ellie Black. The book opened to a girl found in the woods following a two-year disappearance. Where did she go? Who took her, and what did she endure? Are there other girls in danger as well? Told in alternating timelines, we watch Detective Chelsey Calhoun as she follows the threads to Ellie’s captor, with chapters in between that include Ellie’s accounts of where she went. I really loved how the reader knew what happened to Ellie before Detective Calhoun figured it out. It added a level of suspense that made me sad but also hopeful. While this book contained a twist that was all too convenient, I thought it was thrilling nonetheless. I think I may have enjoyed it more if we had a third timeline re: Ellie’s captor’s life in the “before.” Jean should definitely be awarded for stepping outside of her comfort zone; this author previously dabbled in YA contemporary romance. I hope she writes more thrillers!
“But often, Chelsey wondered if her father, if people in general, should spend less time protecting daughters and more time worrying about sons. The dangerous things boys do. How they might be raised differently.”
Okay, Emiko Jean. I see you! I could not wait to uncover what happened to Ellie Black. The book opened to a girl found in the woods following a two-year disappearance. Where did she go? Who took her, and what did she endure? Are there other girls in danger as well? Told in alternating timelines, we watch Detective Chelsey Calhoun as she follows the threads to Ellie’s captor, with chapters in between that include Ellie’s accounts of where she went. I really loved how the reader knew what happened to Ellie before Detective Calhoun figured it out. It added a level of suspense that made me sad but also hopeful. While this book contained a twist that was all too convenient, I thought it was thrilling nonetheless. I think I may have enjoyed it more if we had a third timeline re: Ellie’s captor’s life in the “before.” Jean should definitely be awarded for stepping outside of her comfort zone; this author previously dabbled in YA contemporary romance. I hope she writes more thrillers!
“But often, Chelsey wondered if her father, if people in general, should spend less time protecting daughters and more time worrying about sons. The dangerous things boys do. How they might be raised differently.”
July 7, 2024
4.5 ‘lived up to the hype’ stars!
A young woman reappears in town after being missing for over two years. Disheveled and distant, she can give no explanation of where she had been kept. Local detectives meet with her, trying to find details and answers to her kidnapping and reappearance and if there is any connection to the several local unsolved missing girl cases.
I was immediately invested in this pulse-pounding, well-written, multi-perspective thriller! Each perspective — from victim to detective to therapist — kept the storyline fresh and added an intriguing layer to this clever mystery. The characters were all unique and well fleshed out, making it easy to get lost in the storyline. The plot has many horrific elements, but the author didn’t include gruesome detail and kept the information pertinent but not overly detailed.
The ending of this novel has many unrealistic elements which would usually be a deal breaker for me. And the more I think about the way this wrapped up, the more questions I have and feel that some things really didn’t make sense. However, I was so extremely invested and engrossed in the story while I was reading it, that I was able to go with it and enjoy where the story took me. A truly entertaining read from start to finish!
Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical loan!
A young woman reappears in town after being missing for over two years. Disheveled and distant, she can give no explanation of where she had been kept. Local detectives meet with her, trying to find details and answers to her kidnapping and reappearance and if there is any connection to the several local unsolved missing girl cases.
I was immediately invested in this pulse-pounding, well-written, multi-perspective thriller! Each perspective — from victim to detective to therapist — kept the storyline fresh and added an intriguing layer to this clever mystery. The characters were all unique and well fleshed out, making it easy to get lost in the storyline. The plot has many horrific elements, but the author didn’t include gruesome detail and kept the information pertinent but not overly detailed.
The ending of this novel has many unrealistic elements which would usually be a deal breaker for me. And the more I think about the way this wrapped up, the more questions I have and feel that some things really didn’t make sense. However, I was so extremely invested and engrossed in the story while I was reading it, that I was able to go with it and enjoy where the story took me. A truly entertaining read from start to finish!
Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical loan!
March 3, 2024
Emiko Jean is a gifted writer. Her characters spring to life before your eyes. Her descriptive words are strung together like freestyle lyrical poetry.
Ellie Black is the proverbial wild child: she decides to throw a party and charge an entrance fee so that she can buy herself a new iPhone. The night of the party, Ellie leaves to find a bathroom and is never heard from again for two years. (No spoilers here: the blurb for this story comes right out and tells you that Ellie was abducted and was found wandering in the woods by some hikers.)
What happened to her? Who took her? Physically and mentally, she shows all the signs of terrible abuse. The police can't get a word out of her, and her therapist cannot penetrate Ellie's emotional protective shield. I can't go into details without handing you a load of spoilers, so you will have to go into this one somewhat blind.
I had to put this book aside several times because the sporadic revelations of Ellie's awful treatment at the hands of her abductor were hard to endure. I can't say I wasn't warned. Reading this novel took an emotional toll on me and I had to switch to some lighter reading in order to dispel the gloom. It saddens me to think that Emiko Jean personally experienced some form of extreme physical violence and victimization. Kudos to her for facing her fear and exposing violence against women through the written word.
I do highly recommend this book, but I do so with the warning that you will not leave this reading journey unscathed. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this emotionally wrenching novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie Black is the proverbial wild child: she decides to throw a party and charge an entrance fee so that she can buy herself a new iPhone. The night of the party, Ellie leaves to find a bathroom and is never heard from again for two years. (No spoilers here: the blurb for this story comes right out and tells you that Ellie was abducted and was found wandering in the woods by some hikers.)
What happened to her? Who took her? Physically and mentally, she shows all the signs of terrible abuse. The police can't get a word out of her, and her therapist cannot penetrate Ellie's emotional protective shield. I can't go into details without handing you a load of spoilers, so you will have to go into this one somewhat blind.
I had to put this book aside several times because the sporadic revelations of Ellie's awful treatment at the hands of her abductor were hard to endure. I can't say I wasn't warned. Reading this novel took an emotional toll on me and I had to switch to some lighter reading in order to dispel the gloom. It saddens me to think that Emiko Jean personally experienced some form of extreme physical violence and victimization. Kudos to her for facing her fear and exposing violence against women through the written word.
I do highly recommend this book, but I do so with the warning that you will not leave this reading journey unscathed. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this emotionally wrenching novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2024
I've read and enjoyed several of Emiko Jean's previous books, ranging from a YA retelling of Anna Karenina to a modern, Japananese twist on The Princess Diaries, to the heartwarming tale of a thirtysomething fuck-up being reunited with the teenage daughter she gave up for adoption as an infant. The Return of Ellie Black is, I belive, her first adult thriller and it has pretty glowing reviews around here. So even though I rarely read thrillers, I was willing to give it a shot because I've enjoyed her other books. But maybe this just a nice reminder of why I rarely gravitate towards thrillers.
Spoilers ahead, so be careful if you don't want to know what happens!
So you've got Ellie Black, who was kidnapped when she was 17 and comes back one day out of nowhere, two years later. You've got Chelsey, the cop who is looking into the case and is driven by the fact that her own sister was kidnapped and murdered as a teenageer. Chelsey's father, who recently died, was once the chief of police in their small Washington town, so Chelsey's profession felt destined in multiple ways.
Chelsey is surprised when she begins to question Ellie about who took her and what happened over the last two year, and Ellie is reluctant to participate in the investigation. So she begins to find other avenues of looking into this without Ellie's cooperation.
The way that Chelsey connects dots to an incorrect suspect is a little silly. But the outcome of the whole thing is so fucking ridiculous. Turns out that Ellie
I don't know, it's just so dumb. But that's not even the dumbest part.
The dumbest part is that It didn't feel like a clever surprise so much as a rug pull.
Add in all the cliches that pass as character development for Chelsey, I just...couldn't. Maybe this is just because I don't read thrillers, but I have a hard time understanding why this has so much praise. This is so far my least favorite book of 2024, and I have a hard time imagining anything else claiming that title.
Spoilers ahead, so be careful if you don't want to know what happens!
So you've got Ellie Black, who was kidnapped when she was 17 and comes back one day out of nowhere, two years later. You've got Chelsey, the cop who is looking into the case and is driven by the fact that her own sister was kidnapped and murdered as a teenageer. Chelsey's father, who recently died, was once the chief of police in their small Washington town, so Chelsey's profession felt destined in multiple ways.
Chelsey is surprised when she begins to question Ellie about who took her and what happened over the last two year, and Ellie is reluctant to participate in the investigation. So she begins to find other avenues of looking into this without Ellie's cooperation.
The way that Chelsey connects dots to an incorrect suspect is a little silly. But the outcome of the whole thing is so fucking ridiculous. Turns out that Ellie
I don't know, it's just so dumb. But that's not even the dumbest part.
The dumbest part is that It didn't feel like a clever surprise so much as a rug pull.
Add in all the cliches that pass as character development for Chelsey, I just...couldn't. Maybe this is just because I don't read thrillers, but I have a hard time understanding why this has so much praise. This is so far my least favorite book of 2024, and I have a hard time imagining anything else claiming that title.
May 22, 2024
4.5 ⭐'s rounded up!!
One of my top 3 thrillers/mysteries EVER
The twist and turns this book had - it kept me on my toes and anxious to know what was coming next
So well written, it's hard to believe that this is the authors debut book
Can't recommend this book enough
One of my top 3 thrillers/mysteries EVER
The twist and turns this book had - it kept me on my toes and anxious to know what was coming next
So well written, it's hard to believe that this is the authors debut book
Can't recommend this book enough
April 1, 2024
Holy twisters!
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Chelsey Calhoun is a cop plagued and yet driven by the murder-suicide death of her own sister 15 years ago. Now a missing girl has returned after two years - Ellie Black, damaged and broken from unspeakable horrors. But something doesn’t feel right to Calhoun, and despite risking the loss of everything she loves, she plunges into the case without looking back. But what will she uncover? Just where was Ellie? And is her story all that it seems?
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 😮. I kind of need an emoji on this one. Just 😮. This is a book that had me hooked from the first to last page, that one I had to flip back a few pages just to verify… DID I JUST READ THAT? 😮
Writing was paced well, a plot that twisted in all the ways, characters I could picture and cheer for (or not) - all the makings of a psychological thriller. To say much more would spoil soooo much, and I would do anything for review readers, but I won’t do that. #meatloaf
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Psychological thriller, mystery
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: lovers of the genre, those looking for a fast-paced page turner.
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: TWs exist - do Google them, if you’re burned out on the psychological thriller genre.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making me swear off walks in the woods (seriously, watch the ID channel. Nothing good comes from that).
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Chelsey Calhoun is a cop plagued and yet driven by the murder-suicide death of her own sister 15 years ago. Now a missing girl has returned after two years - Ellie Black, damaged and broken from unspeakable horrors. But something doesn’t feel right to Calhoun, and despite risking the loss of everything she loves, she plunges into the case without looking back. But what will she uncover? Just where was Ellie? And is her story all that it seems?
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 😮. I kind of need an emoji on this one. Just 😮. This is a book that had me hooked from the first to last page, that one I had to flip back a few pages just to verify… DID I JUST READ THAT? 😮
Writing was paced well, a plot that twisted in all the ways, characters I could picture and cheer for (or not) - all the makings of a psychological thriller. To say much more would spoil soooo much, and I would do anything for review readers, but I won’t do that. #meatloaf
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Psychological thriller, mystery
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: lovers of the genre, those looking for a fast-paced page turner.
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: TWs exist - do Google them, if you’re burned out on the psychological thriller genre.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making me swear off walks in the woods (seriously, watch the ID channel. Nothing good comes from that).
June 24, 2024
“..the most dangerous thing in the world isn’t natural disasters, or wars, or weapons. It is unremarkable men with beautiful smiles and even bigger promises.”
This book was a gripping read from start to finish. It was chilling and uncomfortable at times, but these elements were necessary to expose us to the harsh realities of our world. I couldn’t help but pay attention from start to finish.
Many POVs felt initially unnecessary but gave us multiple perspectives in this angst-driven story. The POVs were necessary to reveal how missing people affect the lives of various people. One of my favorite parts of the book was how the flaws of our law enforcement were highlighted. Certain people are given more attention when they go through some unfortunate circumstances, while sometimes no one seems to give a whoop about certain classes and races. It was a superb thing to touch on.
Definitely a must-read!!
This book was a gripping read from start to finish. It was chilling and uncomfortable at times, but these elements were necessary to expose us to the harsh realities of our world. I couldn’t help but pay attention from start to finish.
Many POVs felt initially unnecessary but gave us multiple perspectives in this angst-driven story. The POVs were necessary to reveal how missing people affect the lives of various people. One of my favorite parts of the book was how the flaws of our law enforcement were highlighted. Certain people are given more attention when they go through some unfortunate circumstances, while sometimes no one seems to give a whoop about certain classes and races. It was a superb thing to touch on.
Definitely a must-read!!
May 29, 2024
Wow!! This is an excellent book. Everyone, by now, probably already knows what this one is about. Ellie Black, a girl that went missing years ago, has returned. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is on the case to find the abductor. Ellie isn't speaking much so she doesn't have much to go on. You think you know where this book is going, but at the end, you are left gobsmacked. This book is dark, but it's not gory. You'll read how Ellie has changed and the effects that the years in captivity has had on her. It's such a sad story to think about what's happened to not only Ellie but others in the story too. This is so well written and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. If you haven't picked it up yet, make sure that you do.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
It may be a weird trope, but I like novels where a character returns after disappearing and other characters wonder what happened. The Return of Ellie Black is a debut thriller that focuses on the missing girl- the titular character, Ellie Black and Detective Chelsey Calhoun, the dedicated police officer on the case.
As the novel races back and forth from the present to the past, I just couldn't set this book aside. That being said, it isn't a story for the faint of heart. Similar to other books of this genre, some harsh situations in this novel wrack the heart.
As I closed the novel, I couldn't help but wonder will I see Detective Chelsey Calhoun again. Whatever the case, I am now on the lookout for Emiko Jean's next title.
Publication Date 07/05/24
Goodreads Review 17/05/24
It may be a weird trope, but I like novels where a character returns after disappearing and other characters wonder what happened. The Return of Ellie Black is a debut thriller that focuses on the missing girl- the titular character, Ellie Black and Detective Chelsey Calhoun, the dedicated police officer on the case.
As the novel races back and forth from the present to the past, I just couldn't set this book aside. That being said, it isn't a story for the faint of heart. Similar to other books of this genre, some harsh situations in this novel wrack the heart.
As I closed the novel, I couldn't help but wonder will I see Detective Chelsey Calhoun again. Whatever the case, I am now on the lookout for Emiko Jean's next title.
Publication Date 07/05/24
Goodreads Review 17/05/24
May 30, 2024
This book came onto my radar because I had read Emiko Jean’s previous contemporary / romance novel
Mika in Real Life
and loved it. If Jean’s name sounds familiar, that’s because she also wrote the popular YA series
Tokyo Ever After
. Now with
The Return of Ellie Black
, Jean takes on the mystery / suspense / thriller genre through the case of Elizabeth Black, a missing girl who reappears out of the blue after disappearing without a trace two years ago from a town in Washington. Ellie’s case is being handled by Detective Chelsey Calhoun, a small-town cop whose passion for solving missing person cases stems from her own sister’s disappearance 20 years ago. Chelsey sets about investigating what happened to Ellie, but the task proves to be more difficult than anticipated due to Ellie’s refusal to cooperate. When links to other missing girls start to surface -- some of whom, like Ellie, might still be alive – the urgency to solve the case reaches fever pitch. But with Ellie not cooperating, will Chelsey crack the case in time to prevent other girls from being taken as well?
This is a story that surprised me in many ways. First (and most important) is the fact that this is definitely NOT another one of those run-of-the-mill thrillers with a helpless (and usually stereotypically drawn) female protagonist at its center who is eventually saved by some guy in uniform (and maybe they live happily ever after if a romantic attraction is thrown in there somewhere). Instead, this story deals with many real-life issues that we continue to face in our society on a daily basis -- toxic relationships, discrimination of all types (i.e. race, gender, class), misogyny, racism, dysfunctional families, police corruption, class distinctions (i.e. rich versus poor), etc. – in a way that gave the story depth (which meant that, at times, I forgot that I was reading a thriller). The narrative alternates between the third person perspective (where we get to “hear from” various characters in the story, though mostly from Chelsey) interspersed with a first person “confession” of sorts from Ellie herself, where she recounts in detail everything that happened to her. For me, this type of narrative (alternating between different voices) can be a bit of a hit or miss, but in this instance, it was done in a way that made sense and also didn’t feel jarring. In terms of the plot, this one was particularly well done in the sense that I was truly kept at edge of my seat and most significantly, I actually didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming. I mention this because I’ve read my fair share of mysteries / thrillers over the years where I’m usually able to figure everything out by the halfway point, but that was definitely not the case here – I was genuinely surprised by how things turned out, not to mention all my guesses ended up being wrong (not a bad thing at all when it comes to thrillers).
Having said all that though, what I loved most about this book was the main protagonist (Detective Chelsey Calhoun). It’s not lost on me how rare it is to have the main character of a mainstream mystery (thriller/suspense) novel be a strong, smart, competent, kick-ass, no nonsense cop who is both female and Asian (full Japanese, not mixed race). And yes, it is Chelsey (as the lead detective on the case) who “saves the day” throughout the story, including at the end (I’m proud to admit that I cheered each time Chelsey triumphed, lol). Most importantly though, Chelsey came across as a real-life person – someone who has her own vulnerabilities and insecurities (especially in her personal relationships) while also having to deal with the realities that come with being female and Asian in a cut-throat profession where she has to fight like hell to prove herself every step of the way.
Emiko Jean is an author whom I’m glad to have discovered and whose backlist I’m happy to explore. I admire authors who are able to write across multiple genres and so far, based on what I’ve read of her work, Jean seems to have talent in this area. I hope to read more of her work soon.
Received ARC from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley.
This is a story that surprised me in many ways. First (and most important) is the fact that this is definitely NOT another one of those run-of-the-mill thrillers with a helpless (and usually stereotypically drawn) female protagonist at its center who is eventually saved by some guy in uniform (and maybe they live happily ever after if a romantic attraction is thrown in there somewhere). Instead, this story deals with many real-life issues that we continue to face in our society on a daily basis -- toxic relationships, discrimination of all types (i.e. race, gender, class), misogyny, racism, dysfunctional families, police corruption, class distinctions (i.e. rich versus poor), etc. – in a way that gave the story depth (which meant that, at times, I forgot that I was reading a thriller). The narrative alternates between the third person perspective (where we get to “hear from” various characters in the story, though mostly from Chelsey) interspersed with a first person “confession” of sorts from Ellie herself, where she recounts in detail everything that happened to her. For me, this type of narrative (alternating between different voices) can be a bit of a hit or miss, but in this instance, it was done in a way that made sense and also didn’t feel jarring. In terms of the plot, this one was particularly well done in the sense that I was truly kept at edge of my seat and most significantly, I actually didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming. I mention this because I’ve read my fair share of mysteries / thrillers over the years where I’m usually able to figure everything out by the halfway point, but that was definitely not the case here – I was genuinely surprised by how things turned out, not to mention all my guesses ended up being wrong (not a bad thing at all when it comes to thrillers).
Having said all that though, what I loved most about this book was the main protagonist (Detective Chelsey Calhoun). It’s not lost on me how rare it is to have the main character of a mainstream mystery (thriller/suspense) novel be a strong, smart, competent, kick-ass, no nonsense cop who is both female and Asian (full Japanese, not mixed race). And yes, it is Chelsey (as the lead detective on the case) who “saves the day” throughout the story, including at the end (I’m proud to admit that I cheered each time Chelsey triumphed, lol). Most importantly though, Chelsey came across as a real-life person – someone who has her own vulnerabilities and insecurities (especially in her personal relationships) while also having to deal with the realities that come with being female and Asian in a cut-throat profession where she has to fight like hell to prove herself every step of the way.
Emiko Jean is an author whom I’m glad to have discovered and whose backlist I’m happy to explore. I admire authors who are able to write across multiple genres and so far, based on what I’ve read of her work, Jean seems to have talent in this area. I hope to read more of her work soon.
Received ARC from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley.
June 1, 2024
3.5 rounded down. I didn’t love this as much as I expected to. I seem to be an outlier.
This book felt pretty slow for under 300 pages, and the way it wrapped up fell flat and left me wanting more. This story was definitely more character-driven and I prefer a plot-based story.
This book felt pretty slow for under 300 pages, and the way it wrapped up fell flat and left me wanting more. This story was definitely more character-driven and I prefer a plot-based story.
May 3, 2024
Liked it!!
Full cast audio narration!!
Very twisty and I liked the gradual development of the story and the truth behind Ellie Black. I think there were some moments that needed editing, but overall, solid 4 for me.
Full cast audio narration!!
Very twisty and I liked the gradual development of the story and the truth behind Ellie Black. I think there were some moments that needed editing, but overall, solid 4 for me.
June 28, 2024
Ellie has been missing for several years, but one day she just appears. She doesn’t say where she has been, or who took her. Says little about anything. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is determined to find out where Ellie has been. She has a vested interest in solving this mystery as her own sister has been missing for years.
I was totally immersed in this story despite or maybe because of the darkness. A very fast paced, intriguing story I found the ending a little to coincidental, but there is alot of depth, layers to this story.
If I had to describe this book, I would say a little Charles Manson and Patty Hearst with a side of the Unabomber.
I was totally immersed in this story despite or maybe because of the darkness. A very fast paced, intriguing story I found the ending a little to coincidental, but there is alot of depth, layers to this story.
If I had to describe this book, I would say a little Charles Manson and Patty Hearst with a side of the Unabomber.
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