The Summer She Disappeared by Carissa Ann Lynch is a psychological thriller about a woman who inherits a small vacation home from her parents, but is leery about returning to the area where she lost her best friend.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins - One More Chapter, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.  (Sorry for the delay in reviewing)




My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Willow Roberts is having the old cottage where she spent her summers renovated.  She inherited it, and if it hadn't been for needing to get away from her abusive husband, she probably would never have returned to the area.

Her best friend disappeared when they were teenagers, and although people searched, Kathi Jo was never found.  In Willow's dreams, Kathi Jo is living a wonderful life somewhere far away.  In her heart, Willow knows her friend is dead.

That last summer was a strange one.  Willow had some problems, but nothing compared to Kathi Jo.




My Opinions:
This was quite good, and a very fast read.

The story is told in two timelines, now and then, all from Willow's viewpoint, except a chapter close to the end.  This worked very well, and the story flowed smoothly.

There were quite a few unlikeable characters, and a few downright creeps. Don't get me started on the lack of parenting skills.  I didn't particularly like Kathi Jo, or her friends.  But I did like Willow, and understood her relationship with Kathi Jo.  I too, had a "summer cottage", and made more friends there than at school.  That is where I seemed to grow up, as did Willow, who experienced all the ups and downs of being a teenager (with a few extra things thrown in).  It was interesting how each summer showed changes in their friendship, the gradual growing apart, and that each kept part of their lives separate from the other, but continued to consider themselves best friends.  (That was not my experience, thankfully -- and nobody died in my story).

Overall, this was a nice, fast read, with on major twist that I didn't see coming.  However, I did identify the perpetrator early on.

So, once again, Carrie Ann Lynch delivered!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this book, I'm sorry I'm so late to the party as this book was amazing!!! This book kept me hooked from the very beginning, i read it in one day. I couldn't believe how quick i read through it! a real page turner. I loved and hated some characters but they kept the story alive. I loved how each chapter has a past and present part to it, this made the chapters feel smaller. Overall a great read!! defiantly going to recommend this one now I've finally read it!!

This is a fast paced thriller. The story is told over a dual timeline. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. It is easy to read.

This novel follows Willow Roberts as she inherits a house in a town she hasn't visited since her childhood, perhaps because it is where her friend disappeared twenty years ago. As Willow grapples with the memories of the last summer she spent there, the discovery of a body forces her to confront the truth about what really happened to her friend.

This novel uses dual timelines to unfold the story, alternating between Willow's teenage years and the present. The characters are well-developed and each character serves a purpose in driving the narrative forward. Teenage friendships, with all their joys and complexities, added depth to the story and enhanced my connection with the characters.

Overall, this novel is both satisfying and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on the themes of truth, forgiveness, and redemption.

Thank you HarperCollins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for an amazing read.
Chilling from the start, and certainly kept me hooked. A good murder mystery set over two timelines (I sometimes struggle with that but not this time) - this really does keep you turning the pages.
Highly recommend.

Thank you for the chance to read this book! I loved it. Great story and the back and forth of time lines was easy to follow. Great plot. Really easy read, did it in one sitting

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Summer She Disappeared by Carissa Ann Lynch by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. This is one of my favorite authors and was so excited to read this! This book was written in a dual timeline and a fantastic read! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. You will absolutely love it!

A good read
A good murder mystery
Set over two timelines
Plenty of secrets
It will keep you turning the pages
Thanks NetGalley

From its chilling opening to its shocking finale, this thriller made my heart race and my imagination run wild with all the things that could be lurking in the dark.

Starting with a literally body in a closet was definitely the way to start this book off, I was hooked from page one. What a weaving story if two timelines that held me to the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happened to these teenagers that summer. Very good read!

Absolutely loved this book. Well written I was hooked from the first chapter. Would definitely recommend this book and author

I absolutely loved this thriller by Carissa Ann Lynch!!! If you want to read a book that will keep you turning the pages for more this is the book!!! Read and enjoy!!!

This is a great summer thriller that will keep you guessing.

Willow has inherited her family’s lakeside cabin. She used to spend every summer there, but she has been back for years since her best friend, Kathi-Jo, disappeared. Returning to the cabin means Willow has to revisit her last summer and memories she would rather forget.

The narrative switches between the present day, where Willow is piecing together her memories of the past and trying to work out what happened to Kathi-Jo. In the past, we see the developing friendship between Willow and Kathi-Jo and how it changes as summers pass and the girls mature.

The truth of the present emerges from the past and secrets can no longer remain hidden.

This is definitely twisty and kept me guessing right until the end. It’s gripping and fast-paced and will make a great read for the summer holidays.

Thank you to Netgalley for my gifted digital copy of The Summer She Disappeared.

How far would you go for a friend? Willow and Kathie Jo are best friends. Then, Kathie disappears and Willow spends the next 22 years trying to solve the mystery! What are best friends for! Fast read. Highly recommend.

4 Stars

Willow Roberts inherits a house in a town she hasn’t been to since childhood, when her friend ran away. Twenty years later, Willow returns to the town and finds out that a body has been discovered, and it belongs to her long-lost friend. Willow must face the truth about what really happened the summer her friend disappeared, and who is behind it.

The book is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The author does a great job of creating a tense and atmospheric setting, with vivid descriptions of the town and its secrets. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motives and secrets. Willow is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist, who emotionally struggles as she uncovers the truth.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to fans of suspense thrillers and mysteries. The book held my interest throughout, and I was satisfied with the conclusion.

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Net Galley, and the author for the ARC.

I enjoyed this one and would recommend to a friend wasn’t one of my favourite reads but I enjoyed the writing style and was a solid three star read

Loved this book
It had me gripped from the beginning and I needed to know what happened to Kathi-jo.
A well written and thrilling read
Thank you NetGalley

The story’s is told in past and present tense which will keep you hooked till the end will definitely be recommending this book to all thriller book lovers.

There was 2 storylines involved in this book. It moved at a fast pace and had a present and past timeline. I found it hard to connect to the characters which affected my rating.

Twisty and suspenseful.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion b