This was my very first book by Mary Kubica and it’s definitely made me want to go back and read all her other books. Local Woman Missing is perfect for True Crime lovers, even though this is a fictional mystery, there were quite a few incidents that mirrored true stories.
The story takes place post in the present and eleven years ago. Set in a small suburb, eleven years ago Shelby Tebow, a young mother goes missing. Less than two weeks later, Meredith Dickey and her daughter Delilah also go missing. It’s been eleven years and Delilah is back. But her return brings more questions than it answers leaving those close to the missing struggling to comprehend what happened all those years ago. The dual timeline really adds to the story and helps to increase the character development within the story.
We have quite a few narrators including perspectives from Shelby, Delilah, and Meredith’s perspectives. We also get a glimpse into the mind of the Dickey’s neighbors who help search for the missing woman/girl, so long ago. I don’t always enjoy so many narrators, as if they’re not written well than it’s easy to get lost, but Kubica does a really great job of giving distinct voices to each of the characters and the chapters are titled with the narrators name, which helps the reader to easily stay on top of who is speaking.
My favorite things about mysteries include puzzles that are neatly put together throughout the story. Kubica does a fabulous job of setting up the plot of the story and sprinkling in clues without making anything to predictable. The story also illustrates how many little secrets and lies people keep and the impact they have on those around them. All these little secrets create such a tangle little web which will keep you turning the page.
The mix of suspense and puzzles within this story were perfect for keeping the reader on their toes. If you love a good puzzle with multiple points of view, than you’ll need to pick this one up on May 18th when it hits shelves.
Local Woman Missing comes out May 18, 2021. Thank you to Park Row & Harlequin for my advanced copy for my honest review. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.
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