Sign in with Facebook
Caroline Builta's Reviews > The Return of Ellie Black
The Return of Ellie Black
by
by
Why did no one ever tell her that 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.
An engrossing thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very last. This novel marks a compelling entry into the thriller genre by Emiko Jean, who masterfully crafts a narrative that is as deep and dark as it is intriguing.
The story revolves around Detective Chelsey Calhoun, whose life takes a dramatic turn with the reappearance of Ellie Black, a teenager who vanished without a trace two years prior. Found in the dense forests of Washington State, Ellie is alive but profoundly changed, enveloped in mysteries that Chelsey is desperate to unravel. This quest is personal for Chelsey, tying back to the unresolved disappearance of her own sister years ago.
Jean’s portrayal of both Ellie and Chelsey is nuanced and compelling. Ellie, once vibrant and full of life, returns as a shadow of her former self, her silence and secrets forming the crux of the mystery. Chelsey, on the other hand, is portrayed with a deep sense of empathy and determination, driven by her own past traumas to seek the truth at all costs.
The narrative is beautifully paced, with tension building at every turn. Jean’s writing style is fluid and evocative, capable of conveying deep emotional resonances and thrilling suspense in equal measure. The plot is well-structured with several twists that are both surprising and satisfying, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and thought-provoking.
What sets this book apart is its exploration of the psychological impacts of trauma and the persistence of hope in the darkest of times. The feminist undertones are woven seamlessly into the plot, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
"The Return of Ellie Black" is not just a mystery; it's a profound commentary on loss, survival, and the human capacity to fight for the truth. This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers that not only entertain but also challenge and affect. Emiko Jean has indeed delivered a tour de force that will be remembered long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is out 5/7!
An engrossing thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very last. This novel marks a compelling entry into the thriller genre by Emiko Jean, who masterfully crafts a narrative that is as deep and dark as it is intriguing.
The story revolves around Detective Chelsey Calhoun, whose life takes a dramatic turn with the reappearance of Ellie Black, a teenager who vanished without a trace two years prior. Found in the dense forests of Washington State, Ellie is alive but profoundly changed, enveloped in mysteries that Chelsey is desperate to unravel. This quest is personal for Chelsey, tying back to the unresolved disappearance of her own sister years ago.
Jean’s portrayal of both Ellie and Chelsey is nuanced and compelling. Ellie, once vibrant and full of life, returns as a shadow of her former self, her silence and secrets forming the crux of the mystery. Chelsey, on the other hand, is portrayed with a deep sense of empathy and determination, driven by her own past traumas to seek the truth at all costs.
The narrative is beautifully paced, with tension building at every turn. Jean’s writing style is fluid and evocative, capable of conveying deep emotional resonances and thrilling suspense in equal measure. The plot is well-structured with several twists that are both surprising and satisfying, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and thought-provoking.
What sets this book apart is its exploration of the psychological impacts of trauma and the persistence of hope in the darkest of times. The feminist undertones are woven seamlessly into the plot, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
"The Return of Ellie Black" is not just a mystery; it's a profound commentary on loss, survival, and the human capacity to fight for the truth. This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers that not only entertain but also challenge and affect. Emiko Jean has indeed delivered a tour de force that will be remembered long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is out 5/7!
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
The Return of Ellie Black.
Sign In »
