The Review

“Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that delves into the dark secrets and hidden connections within a once-peaceful community. The story revolves around the disappearances of Shelby Tebow, Meredith Dickey, and her daughter Delilah. Despite the case going cold, the shocking return of Delilah after 11 years raises unanswered questions. This book takes domestic secrets to a new level, exploring the lengths some people will go to bury the truth.

First, I must mention that, as a personal preference, I found it amusing to have one of the main characters in a suspense thriller named Shelby :p. Throughout the audiobook, I found myself on the edge of my seat. It turned out to be the perfect listen during my Sprint workouts, as it provided extra motivation to run a little faster. My sympathetic nervous system kicked into overdrive anytime they mentioned the name “Shelby.”

Setting aside my personal bias, the book does an excellent job of weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations. The flawed and unreliable narrators make the characters relatable and contribute to the tension and suspense. Delilah, Leo (Delilah’s younger brother), their mother Meredith, and a neighbor are given voice, creating a web of resentfulness, fear, and confusion.

Kubica excels at portraying the struggles and complexities of motherhood, exploring the impact of the disappearances on the families involved. The portrayal of Delilah and Leo, the young siblings affected by the events, is particularly poignant and heart-wrenching. The book’s atmosphere is often terrifying, capturing the fears of characters trapped in inescapable situations. Kubica skillfully builds tension, keeping readers guessing about the connections between the disappearances and the truth behind them.

While I have some complaints about the ending, I won’t provide any spoilers here. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter for my perspective. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to discuss this book with my book club because the loose ends left seem both overlooked and a commentary on class structures simultaneously.

Overall, “Local Woman Missing” is a well-written and captivating thriller that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Despite its minor shortcomings, it is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you finish reading. Fans of Mary Kubica and lovers of suspenseful thrillers will undoubtedly enjoy this book.

4 out of 5 Stars!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that explores the dark secrets and hidden connections within a once-peaceful community. The book expertly weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, offering a nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations. Kubica’s portrayal of motherhood and the impact of the disappearances on the families involved is compelling, particularly through the poignant and heart-wrenching experiences of Delilah and Leo. The book builds tension effectively, keeping readers guessing about the connections and the truth behind the disappearances. While the ending may have some shortcomings, overall, “Local Woman Missing” is a well-written and captivating thriller that will leave a lasting impression. Fans of Mary Kubica and suspenseful thrillers will undoubtedly find this book engaging.