I read/listened to The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean and found myself thoroughly riveted by both formats.  This is a story about Ellie Black, who disappeared two years ago and just as mysteriously returned, at the books opening, to her hometown.  As Detective Chelsey Calhoun, haunted by disappearance and death of her sister 20 years ago, delves into Ellie's case, she uncovers a web of secrets and personal demons.  The story is a gripping exploration of the human psyche and the lengths we go to protect others.

I loved the unique aspect of the audio version, which featured an ensemble cast of narrators.  Each narrator voiced a different character, bringing them to life in a way that I found it easy to believe.  This added a dynamic element to the storytelling and made it easy to follow and enjoy.

I loved the atmosphere and suspense. It was perfection.  The setting of Washington State, with its dense wooded areas, plays a significant role in the story. It adds a layer of mystery and isolation, creating an environment that is both beautiful and eerie. This setting is a perfect backdrop for a story like this, and it actually gives it an air of authenticity that makes plausible deniability easy.

I also loved the characters.  They are not just names on a page, but complex, layered individuals, authentically damaged from past events.  For instance, Chelsey, the protagonist, is not just a detective but a woman with a troubled past.  Her marriage, which is not just a side plot but a significant part of the story, adds so many more layers to the narrative than it would have had otherwise.

What truly captivated me in The Return of Ellie Black was the mix of mental health disorders and challenges that would naturally arise from a long-term abduction and genuinely shocking twists and turns.  The psychology of the story lulled me into a false sense of security, making me think I knew what was coming. But the events managed to floor me on more than one occasion, leaving me in awe of the author's storytelling prowess.