Thank you to Gillian McAllister and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. The characters in this book are so well-developed and relatable that you become fully invested in their journeys. Julia, the dedicated detective, has her world turned upside down as she searches for the missing Olivia. Her relentless pursuit of the truth and the dilemmas she faces add layers of complexity to the narrative. Then there's Lewis, the father on a desperate mission to find his daughter, tugging at your heartstrings with his unwavering love and determination. And Emma, the fiercely protective single mom, whose struggles and suspicions add an extra layer of tension to the story.

Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister | Book of Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister | Book of

Dually, within the story, banking so hard to the left that I drove off a cliff, the character identities piled up into a mess. And again, I love identities within identities. So, for me to complain about characters having a multitude of identities and motives (known and unknown)? There is a serious problem. I was with the story for the first half, and then I just… lost. Completely lost. I even tried relistening to chapters, but nope. I couldn’t tell why the reveals mattered or connected (most of them, anyway). Part of me thinks there was just too much story in this story. Gillian McAllister just tried too hard. Julia, is the detective heading up the search for Olivia-but the criminal behind the disappearance has very persuasive weapon-he knows Julia’s biggest secret and her family's safety depends on one thing… It was the first downright jaw-dropping twist, however, that turned this great novel into a truly fantastic one. That, of course, and all of those that followed in its wake. Even better, just like in Wrong Place Wrong Time, each turned this story on its head, creating a constantly morphing storyline that was accompanied by ever rising levels of suspense. And once all of the puzzle pieces slotted into place? Well, the revelations truly left me reeling.

There are some interesting timeline jumps throughout so make sure you're paying more close attention than I often do when reading a novel or you may need to re-read a bit. In other words, this one you need to think a bit and I love that.

Just Another Missing Person | Gillian McAllister - NetGalley Just Another Missing Person | Gillian McAllister - NetGalley

Here’s what I do understand. Without going into spoiler territory, let’s just say that Just Another Missing Person wraps up so nicely, so conveniently, that it might as well have been a half-hour sitcom. As I got towards the end, well, at least something has to not work out for someone. Yet, it is all so perfect that it is saccharine. I wish I could say more, but spoilers and all. Plus, some plot lines and characters ended up never getting a real payoff. Blek. That. Twist. You will gasp out loud and question everything you've read so far... with Just Another Missing Person, Gillian McAllister has secured her crown as the queen of the mind-bending plot twist. HOLLY SEDDON Thank you to William Morrow and HarperCollins Audio for an advanced audio of Just Another Person by Gillian McAllister- published August 1st, 2023. #4 If It Acts Like A Sitcom And Talks Like I SitcomLet me get this out of the way. I’m trash for books that have so many identities I’m not sure who I am by the end. Just as I love books that bank hard to the right when you think it is going left. For instance, see my review of The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan for proof. I love books where you might have bits and pieces figured out, but the big picture twists? They slap you in the face and, most importantly, fit into the confines of the story. To be fair, Just Another Missing Person’s twists all fit within the story. They make sense. I won’t argue that piece.

Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister

A big thank you to Ariele Fredman, NetGalley, and William Morrow for sharing this AMAZING book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. a slow-burn whydunnit potholed with a plethora of misdirections and red-herrings which will cleverly trip the reader up, the final reveal swept the rug out from beneath me. leading us down blind-alley turns in a plot plagued by outwardly disparate puzzle pieces which obstinately rebuff any attempts to solve them, mcallister succeeds in pulling a fast one on seasoned mystery enthusiasts with a jaw-dropping conclusion. It's perfection, every word, every moment. A masterpiece . . . I had my mind blown apart. After I finished it I sat with my mouth hanging open in awe. One of the best books I've ever read Lisa Jewell The plot revolves around Olivia, a 22-year-old who disappeared without a trace, leaving behind many inconsistencies that rub Julia, the detective, the wrong way. During the investigation, she encounters a mysterious man who seems familiar, and soon she finds herself facing a difficult decision: to corrupt evidence to protect her family or risk losing her daughter forever by exposing the truth. And what if this case is connected to her past demons, the other missing women cases she still couldn't solve, all leading to her own destiny?

My only minor critique-the characters inner thoughts were often repeated three times in a row. It would make more sense if that were a personality quirk of one character-but they definitely would not all share that trait! with a name like just another missing person, you likewise anticipate just another mystery novel - gillian mcallister is here to break the mould once again with this irresistible emotional thriller. much more than an investigation into a missing person case, this is an audacious inquisition of motherhood and the lengths to which a mother may go in the hour of her child’s need. This clever and endlessly surprising thriller is laced with a smart look at family and motherhood and cements Gillian McAllister as a major talent in the world of suspense and a master of creating ethical dilemmas that show just how murky the distinction between right and wrong can be. Just Another Missing Person By Gillian Mcallister- Review Disclaimer Another masterpiece from the queen of the emotional thriller. This book has one of the best twists I've ever come across' Beth O'Leary

Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister | Waterstones Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister | Waterstones

But what sets Gillian McAllister's books apart is her unique descriptions, the banter between characters, and the emphasis she places on the importance of family, especially motherhood, in each of her stories. This book dives into a few different storylines that explode after 22-year old Olivia is declared missing. After she's declared missing, detective Julia is on the scene to investigate. Once Julia begins to try and solve this mystery, she finds out that she's personally connected to this kidnapper. Julia must decide what is the right thing to do because ultimately now her family is a stake if she doesn't play this strategically. Julia is being forced to frame someone for Olivia's murder or else this person will ruin everything. What is Julia supposed to do? Although NEVER bored, this began as a slower paced police procedural with excellent character development and an intricate, believable plot. It is mostly told from Julia’s POV, with a few others filling in some pieces of the puzzle as the story unfolds.

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Pros: simple mystery that was elevated by strong writing and intricate plotting, solid pace, loved the little reveals throughout, something about her storytelling always catches me unawares when the twists are revealed, interesting moral dilemma that could spark some juicy book club discussions My mind is truly and utterly blown (in the best possible way) after closing the cover of Just Another Missing Person. From the winding, deeply intricate plot to the positively earth-shattering, gigantic twists, this novel wholly lived up to Wrong Place Wrong Time, in my opinion. And, if you know, you know, but that’s really saying something.