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The Night She Disappeared Book Summary

A Novel

by Lisa Jewell

The Night She Disappeared

A Novel

Lisa Jewell

TL;DR

The Night She Disappeared is a gripping mystery that unfolds across two timelines. In 2017, teenage Tallulah and her boyfriend Zach vanish without a trace after attending a party at a lavish estate. A year later, Sophie, a writer drawn to unsolved mysteries, moves into the caretaker’s cottage on the same estate. As she delves into the cold case, she uncovers secrets, lies, and a web of connections that link the present to the past, leading her closer to the truth about what happened to Tallulah and Zach.


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Author & Writing Background

Lisa Jewell is a bestselling British author known for her captivating psychological thrillers and suspense novels. Her writing often explores complex family dynamics, secrets, and the dark side of seemingly ordinary lives. Jewell’s engaging style and talent for crafting suspenseful plots have earned her a dedicated readership worldwide. Some of her other popular works include “Then She Was Gone,” “The Family Upstairs,” and “Invisible Girl.”

Key Takeaways

Dual Timeline Narrative

The story unfolds across two timelines, 2017 and 2018, gradually revealing the events leading up to Tallulah and Zach’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation.

Missing Persons Case

The central mystery revolves around the disappearance of Tallulah and Zach, with Sophie and the police trying to piece together what happened to them.

Secrets and Lies

The characters harbor secrets and lies that slowly unravel, revealing hidden motives, betrayals, and a complex web of relationships.

Atmospheric Setting

The story is set on a sprawling estate with a dark history, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Multiple Perspectives

The narrative is told from the perspectives of different characters, offering insights into their thoughts, motivations, and secrets.

Exploration of Relationships

The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, friendships, and romantic entanglements.

Psychological Suspense

Jewell’s writing masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery.

Themes of Loss and Grief

The story explores the themes of loss, grief, and the impact of a missing person on their loved ones.

FAQ about The Night She Disappeared

Is The Night She Disappeared part of a series?

No, The Night She Disappeared is a standalone novel.

Is The Night She Disappeared suitable for young adult readers?

The book deals with mature themes and may not be appropriate for younger readers. It is recommended for adult audiences who enjoy suspenseful mysteries.

The Night She Disappeared Quotes

  • ”The past is never dead. It’s not even past."
  • "Everyone has secrets. It’s just a question of how well we bury them."
  • "Sometimes the truth is the hardest story to tell.”