A review by booksbytheglass
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

okay I liked it, but I didn’t love it?? I’m usually all in for detective thrillers, but I felt very disjointed and separated from the characters while reading this one!

this one definitely has the same vibes as THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS and THEN SHE WAS GONE - so I didn’t really felt the element of surprise and twists as I normally do! however, I definitely chalk that up to me reading so many thrillers oops 🫢

what starts as a cold missing child case morphs into a case bigger than any could imagine - and yes, I guessed that too oops 😇 I really did love the back and forth timeline script between detective chelsey and victim ellie to fill in the blanks for the reader, but I desperately was waiting for one last twist!

chelsey was a wonderful character as she navigates racism and sexism in the police force - and I will never get tired of seeing corrupt white men get what they deserve 👏🏼 and can we talk about how this is a debut thriller? so unreal! 

I did enjoy bits and pieces of the plot line and 100% binged it to find out all of the secrets - but it doesn’t hold a top place in my thriller loving heart 

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: columbia valley pinot noir