.png)
Book Review: Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
- Jacqueline
- Aug 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Title: Local Woman Missing
Author: Mary Kubica
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Mary Kubica, known for her gripping psychological thrillers, writes Local Woman Missing, a book that promises suspense and mystery in a small-town setting. As a fan of psychological thrillers, I was excited to read this book because of its excellent reviews. However, while the book had its moments of intrigue and suspense, it ultimately fell short in several key areas for me.
Plot Summary
Local Woman Missing centers on the mysterious disappearances of several women in a tight-knit community. When a young mother named Shelby Tebow goes missing, followed by Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter Delilah, the town is thrown into a state of panic. The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of the missing women, their families, and their close neighbor.
Kubica masterfully weaves these perspectives together, creating a complex narrative that keeps readers guessing about the connections between the characters and the secrets they hide.
Positives:
Intriguing Premise: The central mystery of the missing women is compelling, drawing readers into the small-town atmosphere where everyone seems to have something to hide.
Character Development: Kubica excels at creating multifaceted characters. The protagonists, especially Meredith and Shelby, are well-developed, with rich backstories that add depth to their disappearance.
Atmospheric Writing: The author’s descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the town and its inhabitants, immersing readers in the eerie setting and the suspense that lingers with each character.
Negatives:
Drawn-Out Pacing: While detailed descriptions can enhance a story, in Local Woman Missing, they sometimes hinder the narrative’s momentum. Certain sections feel overly drawn out, causing the story to lag and making it difficult to maintain interest.
Disappointing Ending: After building up so much suspense and mystery, the ending feels underwhelming for me. I was ready for a twist that I didn't see coming but I felt the neighbor was involved somehow because she had a dedicated shack that only belong to her and no one was allowed in.
Local Woman Missing is a mixed bag. On one hand, Kubica's talent for creating suspenseful, character-driven narratives shines through. On the other, the book’s pacing issues and a less-than-satisfying ending hold it back from being a truly great thriller, in my opinion. All in All, Local Woman Missing is a decent read with a strong premise and well-developed characters. If you have the patience for detailed descriptions and can tolerate a decent ending, you might find this book an engaging addition to your reading list. But on another note, the Narrator for this book is AMAZING! I highly recommend it as an audible book because of the heavy description!
Comentários