Friday, February 10, 2023

She's Gone by David Bell

Hunter doesn't remember what happened the night his girlfriend Chloe disappeared. He knows they went to the homecoming dance and there was a car accident. They were the only two in the car. And then Chloe vanished. Kidnapped? Ran away? Murdered? That's what the police and everyone in town wants to know. Hunter suffered a concussion and can't remember anything. Some people aren't convinced he's telling the truth.

Hunter and Chloe were truly in love. He wants so bad to remember what happened that night. It looks bad for him, but he cannot recall anything. Eyewitness accounts and other evidence pile up against him. He begins to wonder if he did do something. 

Hunter is not alone. He has his outspoken younger sister and his workaholic father who has never been emotional and became even more detached after the death of their mother. He also has a few friends. Finally, Mr. Hartman, a teacher he has always been close to, is the only person he can confide in. 

The unending barrage of bad news for Hunter is almost too much to take. There is no glimmer of hope. I planned to keep on reading, but wasn't truly enjoying the story. It redeemed itself as it neared the end. The suspense is unrelenting in the last several chapters. It is not perfect - one character is seriously underdeveloped. Still, it is a good read if you are looking for a thriller. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site