31 Jan Book Review: Missing You by Harlan Coben

I picked up Missing You by Harlan Coben after hearing it was a fast-paced thriller with a compelling mix of personal drama and suspense. As someone who loves mysteries that keep you guessing, I was intrigued by the premise of a detective unraveling a web of deception tied to the dangers of online dating.

What’s it about?

Missing You follows Kat Donovan, a seasoned NYPD detective whose professional life is thriving, even as her personal life remains tangled in unresolved loss. Years ago, Kat’s fiancé, Jeff, abruptly ended their relationship without explanation. Adding to her heartbreak is the mysterious murder of her father, also a police officer, a case that remains unsolved and continues to haunt her.

In an unexpected turn, Kat’s friend signs her up for an online dating site. Scrolling through profiles one evening, Kat is stunned to find Jeff’s picture, complete with his name and familiar details. Torn between hope and suspicion, she reaches out, only to uncover that the man she once loved may be involved in something far darker than she could have imagined.

Meanwhile, Kat is approached by Brandon, a young man desperately searching for his mother, Dana. Dana had mentioned meeting someone special online shortly before disappearing without a trace. Brandon is convinced that the dating site is linked to her vanishing, and he pleads with Kat to help.

As Kat begins her investigation, she uncovers a sinister scheme that preys on lonely and unsuspecting individuals through online dating platforms. Victims are manipulated into forming virtual relationships, only to be lured into physical danger—often leading to their financial exploitation or worse. The operation is vast, its roots reaching into dark and dangerous corners, and Kat soon realizes that the case is far more personal than she initially believed.

Amid her investigation, Kat begins to unravel threads connecting her present case to her father’s unsolved murder and Jeff’s mysterious departure years earlier. Each new discovery brings her closer to long-buried truths about her past, forcing her to confront not only the shadows of those she’s lost but also the dangerous individuals at the heart of the conspiracy.

The story is a tense race against time as Kat fights to protect Brandon’s mother, uncover the full extent of the criminal network, and confront her unresolved feelings for Jeff. The narrative alternates between Kat’s investigation and glimpses into the lives of the criminals and victims, creating a multifaceted view of the unfolding mystery.

What This Chick Thinks

Reading Missing You was an intense and gripping experience. Harlan Coben masterfully balances the personal and professional aspects of Kat’s life, making her a complex and relatable protagonist. Her determination, coupled with her emotional vulnerabilities, adds depth to the story, and I found myself rooting for her at every turn.

The novel’s exploration of online dating as a potential danger feels chillingly plausible. Coben’s portrayal of how easily people can fall prey to manipulative schemes is unsettling and adds a contemporary edge to the story. The plot is packed with twists, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Coben throws in another curveball to keep you guessing.

The emotional weight of Kat’s unresolved grief over her father and her lingering feelings for Jeff is woven seamlessly into the main mystery, giving the story a layered complexity. While the sheer number of subplots might feel overwhelming to some, I felt they added to the richness of the narrative, painting a complete picture of Kat’s journey.

Final Thoughts

Missing You is a thrilling ride from start to finish. With a strong, multi-dimensional protagonist and a plot full of surprises, it’s a testament to Harlan Coben’s skill as a master storyteller. The story’s blend of suspense, emotion, and social commentary makes it a standout read for mystery lovers. I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10 for its compelling characters and intricate storytelling.

Try it if you like:

• “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
  A gritty, multi-layered thriller featuring a strong, determined protagonist unraveling a dangerous mystery.
• “The Stranger” by Harlan Coben
  Another gripping tale from Coben, exploring the secrets and lies hidden behind seemingly perfect lives.
• “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
  A suspenseful drama filled with twists, secrets, and personal conflicts that escalate to a shocking conclusion.