When She Was Gone (Sara Foster, HarperCollins)
Sara Foster’s When She Was Gone stands out in a crowded thriller market for its unique blend of suspense, character depth and emotional resonance. Set in the fictional town of Kardanup, Western Australia, the story follows London police officer Rose Campbell as she searches for her missing daughter, Louisa, and the two children that Louisa nannies. Assisting her is the almost-retired Detective Senior Sargeant Malcolm Blackwood, who is under immense pressure to find the missing children, all while trying to save his failing marriage. But this isn’t your typical buddy-cop thriller. Told through shifting perspectives, Foster (The Hush, The Hidden Hours) layers suspense, high stakes and complex domestic relationships into her mystery. What truly captured my attention was the unique family and relationship dynamics. Rose’s bond with Louisa offers a fresh and richer take on the estranged mother-troubled daughter trope, adding depth beyond the book’s central mystery. Foster also deftly weaves in a delicate but balanced discussion about domestic abuse and the many forms it can take, which made me appreciate how considered the thematic choices were in representing various domestic relationships. Both Rose and Malcolm are compelling characters and, by the end, it was hard to say goodbye – I even found myself wishing we’d spent more time with them instead of shifting between perspectives to serve the plot. For readers who appreciate a strong female lead, Rose delivers in spades. Perfect for readers of Christian White, Jane Harper and Tana French, When She Was Gone is a compelling story for those who love their thrillers with a little heart.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Nashin Mahee graduated from The Univeristy of Melbourne with a Master in Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing. When she is not reading, she can be found cafe hopping and eating pastries. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
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Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews
