Then She Was Gone Book Summary - Then She Was Gone Book explained in key points

Then She Was Gone summary

Brief summary

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a mother trying to uncover the truth behind her daughter's disappearance. It delves into family secrets, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of obsession.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Then She Was Gone
    Summary of key ideas

    inisUnraveling the Mystery of Ellie's Disappearance

    In Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, we are introduced to Laurel Mack, a mother who is still grappling with the disappearance of her fifteen-year-old daughter, Ellie, ten years ago. The novel begins with Laurel meeting a charming man named Floyd in a café, and their relationship quickly progresses. Floyd is a single father to two young girls, and Laurel is struck by the uncanny resemblance between his youngest daughter, Poppy, and her missing daughter, Ellie.

    As Laurel becomes more involved in Floyd's life, she starts to unravel the mystery of Ellie's disappearance. She discovers that Floyd is a wealthy and successful man, but his controlling and manipulative nature raises red flags. Despite her initial reservations, Laurel is drawn to Floyd, and she is determined to find out the truth about Ellie's fate.

    Disturbing Revelations and a Shocking Discovery

    As the story progresses, we are given glimpses into Ellie's life before her disappearance. We learn about her strained relationship with her mother and her academic struggles. These revelations deepen the mystery surrounding Ellie's fate and raise questions about her true intentions on the day she vanished.

    Meanwhile, Laurel's relationship with Floyd becomes increasingly intense, and she becomes more involved in his family life. She stumbles upon some surprising turns. Poppy's mom, Noelle Donnelly, disappeared when Poppy was only four, and she realizes Noelle was actually Ellie's tutor. How's that for a strange coincidence? Laurel's determination to uncover the truth about Ellie's disappearance puts her at odds with Floyd, and she begins to fear for her own safety.

    The Shocking Truth and a Mother's Quest for Justice

    As the novel hurtles towards its climax, the truth about Ellie's disappearance is finally revealed in a shocking twist. We learn that Ellie was a victim of Noelle's twisted obsession with being a mother, and her disappearance was a result of her sinister plans. The revelation shatters Laurel, but it helps her find a new meaning for her life.

    In the aftermath of this revelation, Laurel's relationship with Floyd reaches a violent and dramatic ending.

    Healing and Moving Forward

    In the final chapters of Then She Was Gone, we witness Laurel's journey towards healing and moving forward. She reconnects with her estranged family, including her two remaining children, and begins to rebuild her life. The novel ends on a note of hope, with Laurel finding solace in the love and support of her family and the knowledge that she has finally brought the truth about her daughter's disappearance.

    In conclusion, Then She Was Gone is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that delves into the devastating impact of a child's disappearance on a family. Through its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, the novel explores themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of a mother's love. It is a haunting and unforgettable story that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Then She Was Gone about?

    Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the mystery of a young girl's disappearance. Told through multiple perspectives, the story delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a seemingly perfect family. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

    Then She Was Gone Review

    Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell (2017) is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked till the very last page. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • With its twists and turns, the story keeps you guessing, ensuring an exciting and suspenseful reading experience.
    • The characters are compelling and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the narrative and making it easy to invest in their stories.
    • Jewell explores complex themes such as loss, grief, and family dynamics, giving the book a thought-provoking and emotionally charged quality.

    Who should read Then She Was Gone?

    • Crime and mystery enthusiasts looking for a gripping and suspenseful story
    • Readers who enjoy exploring complex family dynamics and psychological twists
    • Those who appreciate well-crafted and emotionally impactful storytelling

    About the Author

    Lisa Jewell is a British author known for her captivating and suspenseful novels. With a career spanning over two decades, Jewell has written numerous bestsellers, including Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs, and Watching You. Her ability to craft intricate plots and complex characters has earned her a dedicated following of readers around the world. Jewell's work often explores themes of family secrets, psychological suspense, and the darker side of human nature.

    Categories with Then She Was Gone

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Then She Was Gone FAQs 

    What is the main message of Then She Was Gone?

    The main message of Then She Was Gone is uncovering the truth and finding closure.

    How long does it take to read Then She Was Gone?

    The reading time for Then She Was Gone varies depending on your reading speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Then She Was Gone a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Then She Was Gone is a gripping thriller that keeps you hooked till the end. Definitely worth reading!

    Who is the author of Then She Was Gone?

    The author of Then She Was Gone is Lisa Jewell.

    How many chapters are in Then She Was Gone?

    There are a total of X chapters in Then She Was Gone:

    How many pages are in Then She Was Gone?

    Then She Was Gone contains X pages.

    When was Then She Was Gone published?

    Then She Was Gone was published in XXXX.

    What to read after Then She Was Gone?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Then She Was Gone, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda