Lisa Jewell delivers a gripping psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy domestic suspense with dark twists. The story follows Laurel Mack, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Ellie vanished without a trace ten years ago. When Laurel finally begins dating again, she meets Floyd and his precocious nine-year-old daughter Poppy, who bears an unsettling resemblance to Ellie. What unfolds is a carefully constructed mystery that alternates between timelines, gradually revealing the horrifying truth behind Ellie's disappearance.

Jewell excels at creating an atmosphere of creeping dread while maintaining accessible, page-turning prose. The dual timeline structure works effectively, building tension as past and present converge. Laurel is a compelling protagonist—her grief feels authentic, and her determination to find answers drives the narrative forward convincingly. The supporting characters, particularly the sinister Noelle Donnelly, are well-developed and genuinely unsettling.

The book's greatest strength lies in its exploration of maternal obsession and the lengths people will go to create their ideal family. Jewell doesn't shy away from disturbing subject matter, including kidnapping, manipulation, and psychological abuse, but handles these themes with appropriate gravity rather than sensationalism.

However, some plot elements strain credibility, particularly regarding how certain characters manage to evade detection for so long. The pacing occasionally falters in the middle section, where some revelations feel drawn out. Additionally, while the ending provides satisfying closure, a few loose ends regarding secondary characters feel rushed.

This book is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers who don't mind darker content involving children in peril. Readers who enjoyed 'Gone Girl' or 'The Girl on the Train' will likely appreciate Jewell's psychological complexity and unreliable narration. However, those sensitive to themes of child abduction, grooming, or psychological manipulation should approach with caution. Readers seeking lighter mystery fare or those who prefer straightforward linear narratives might find this too intense or convoluted. Overall, 'Then She Was Gone' succeeds as a haunting exploration of loss, obsession, and the dangerous extremes of parental love.