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tigereyes's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
megn317's review against another edition
2.0
I didn’t particularly like the main character...but I was interested enough to keep reading I guess. It was a so-so book with an ending that was quite bad. People won’t believe it was an accident...I wouldn’t believe it really bc she seems so guilty! Maybe bc I just didn’t like her. Quick read but not that great
pam2375's review against another edition
3.0
Well, this was better than 'just OK' (2 stars), but not good enough for 'I liked it' (3 stars).
It was not much of a mystery and I think that I guessed the ending long before it was revealed. I will tell you that there were so many "I's" in this bad boy that "I" finally started skimming the paragraphs, then pages, then chapters and then well you get the idea.
It was an OK read and I will probably not remember much of the story by the time this review is posted.
It was not much of a mystery and I think that I guessed the ending long before it was revealed. I will tell you that there were so many "I's" in this bad boy that "I" finally started skimming the paragraphs, then pages, then chapters and then well you get the idea.
It was an OK read and I will probably not remember much of the story by the time this review is posted.
celjla212's review against another edition
3.0
Dani Keller wakes up one Sunday morning to find her husband Ian inexplicably has vanished. With virtually no clues to go on and a foggy memory of the night before, Dani does everything she can to search for Ian, and help the police. The expanded family of both Ian and Dani complicate things though--and since Dani and Ian were each other's second spouses, bad blood was definitely there. Dani recalls her and Ian's past, and as her stressed mind turns on her, begins to wonder if what she thought was happiness was really that after all.
The idea of this book was intriguing, but it kind of fell apart in reality. This novel contained a whole lot of exposition and telling, with hardly any doing.
The story of Dani and Ian's pasts are told in flashbacks in between the hectic search for Ian in the present. Dani is the narrator of the story and thus we get to know her, but much more developed was Ian's character. Dani left an abusive marriage and cheated on her first husband with Ian, and she thought she'd found her soulmate, until she shamefully came to the realization that you can never can really know someone you're in a relationship with. Needless to say, Dani and Ian both have a lot of baggage, and no matter how much you may need and want you, you never really can start over.
The book didn't really have a lot of twists and turns, just a couple of clues sprinkled here and there that Dani finds and follows up on. It's interesting to watch her do this as sleepless nights and worry begin to take a tool on her body and mind and her thoughts become more and more erratic.
The end was very, very sudden and I wish, for all the waiting I did for it, it could have been something more explosive. But real life isn't like that...your life is lived in the quiet, mundane moments.
The idea of this book was intriguing, but it kind of fell apart in reality. This novel contained a whole lot of exposition and telling, with hardly any doing.
The story of Dani and Ian's pasts are told in flashbacks in between the hectic search for Ian in the present. Dani is the narrator of the story and thus we get to know her, but much more developed was Ian's character. Dani left an abusive marriage and cheated on her first husband with Ian, and she thought she'd found her soulmate, until she shamefully came to the realization that you can never can really know someone you're in a relationship with. Needless to say, Dani and Ian both have a lot of baggage, and no matter how much you may need and want you, you never really can start over.
The book didn't really have a lot of twists and turns, just a couple of clues sprinkled here and there that Dani finds and follows up on. It's interesting to watch her do this as sleepless nights and worry begin to take a tool on her body and mind and her thoughts become more and more erratic.
The end was very, very sudden and I wish, for all the waiting I did for it, it could have been something more explosive. But real life isn't like that...your life is lived in the quiet, mundane moments.
kalliste's review against another edition
4.0
The last book I read by Caletti was "The Nature of Jade" and I was expecting something similar, a good YA read.
When He's Gone started with a husband gone missing I knew I had it all wrong and this would be something completely different. It was adult, suspense fiction and I spent every minute trying to work out what had happened and wanting to know "right now!" what did actually happen.
I found this a really great read from beginning to end and could relate with a lot of it. The fear of being scared by a partner, tip toeing around them because you never know their mood was something that Caletti wrote very well and in some ways I felt like I had a lot in common with Dani - fortunately, without a missing partner.
I thought it ended much to quickly, in comparison to the rest of the book but I still really enjoying it all the same.
When He's Gone started with a husband gone missing I knew I had it all wrong and this would be something completely different. It was adult, suspense fiction and I spent every minute trying to work out what had happened and wanting to know "right now!" what did actually happen.
I found this a really great read from beginning to end and could relate with a lot of it. The fear of being scared by a partner, tip toeing around them because you never know their mood was something that Caletti wrote very well and in some ways I felt like I had a lot in common with Dani - fortunately, without a missing partner.
I thought it ended much to quickly, in comparison to the rest of the book but I still really enjoying it all the same.
nbonz4's review against another edition
5.0
It's unnerving to have forgotten a piece of your life, even just minutes. But imagine if something tragic were to happen during this time that's been blank in your memory. Now left with only questions, Dani dances with an array of emotions digging for the truth; the truth of what happened to her husband, the truth of the love they shared. With such complex pasts, answers don't come easy. But is it really as complicated as it seems? Perhaps it is merely the unknown that terrifies us.
laurenplug's review against another edition
2.0
Not a fan of this book. The preview pulled me in but after just the first chapter I wasn't a fan of either Dani or Ian. I read until the anti-climatic ending in hopes it would get better. It didn't.
haleyelisereads's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 rating. Dani wakes up to an empty bed and her and her husbands boat banging up against the dock. At first when she realizes Ian her husband is not on the boat, she believes he must have left for work, but as the hours tick by and irritation turns to panic, all of a sudden it hits Dani. Ian is gone. As the police look for Ian, Dani goes back through their relationship, realizing all it's flaws, how they met, and the mistakes she has made.
Let me start out by saying I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would, this is the first time I have read a book like this, and it's also the first time I have read anything by Deb Caletti and it was such a good read! This is a read that while slow pace, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat needing to know what happened to Ian and how the story was going to end.
I really enjoyed He's Gone, as you can tell I almost gave it 4 stars! The only things that kept it from the 4+ star rating was that while I did enjoy He's Gone, I normally tend to lean to more fast pace reads which this one wasn't. Also while I did love Dani as a character and hearing her thoughts and basically reliving her and Ian's relationship, I wish there would have been more dialogue with her and other characters, or more interactions.
Dani was a very easy character for me to like, to some she may not be because of the sins she had committed. But what made me like her so much was how real she was, her personality never annoyed me or felt fake, she was funny, and alot of the thoughts she has are some I have had and wondered if it was normal to think that way. She in some ways was a comforting character to me.
Deb's writing was astonishing. I really felt like I was in Dani's head and she was just letting everything go and letting the readers hear exactly what she thought. I felt like I could feel Dani's emotions while reading He's Gone. Deb does an amazing job at making you feel connected with the main character.
If you are going to pick up this book (which I highly suggest you do) make sure you are picking it up on a day where you have lots of time to read, I had a very hard time putting this one down cause I needed to know how it was going to end. If your looking for a book for a chick lit with alot of mystery and drama, then I highly suggest He's Gone, it was a great read and after finishing it I am very much looking forward to picking up Deb's other works!
Let me start out by saying I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would, this is the first time I have read a book like this, and it's also the first time I have read anything by Deb Caletti and it was such a good read! This is a read that while slow pace, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat needing to know what happened to Ian and how the story was going to end.
I really enjoyed He's Gone, as you can tell I almost gave it 4 stars! The only things that kept it from the 4+ star rating was that while I did enjoy He's Gone, I normally tend to lean to more fast pace reads which this one wasn't. Also while I did love Dani as a character and hearing her thoughts and basically reliving her and Ian's relationship, I wish there would have been more dialogue with her and other characters, or more interactions.
Dani was a very easy character for me to like, to some she may not be because of the sins she had committed. But what made me like her so much was how real she was, her personality never annoyed me or felt fake, she was funny, and alot of the thoughts she has are some I have had and wondered if it was normal to think that way. She in some ways was a comforting character to me.
Deb's writing was astonishing. I really felt like I was in Dani's head and she was just letting everything go and letting the readers hear exactly what she thought. I felt like I could feel Dani's emotions while reading He's Gone. Deb does an amazing job at making you feel connected with the main character.
If you are going to pick up this book (which I highly suggest you do) make sure you are picking it up on a day where you have lots of time to read, I had a very hard time putting this one down cause I needed to know how it was going to end. If your looking for a book for a chick lit with alot of mystery and drama, then I highly suggest He's Gone, it was a great read and after finishing it I am very much looking forward to picking up Deb's other works!
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
HE’S GONE by Deb Caletti is a thought-provoking and compelling novel of one spouse who has disappeared and the wife, is left to re-examine her life, marriage, relationship, and the events leading up to this mysterious night.
Dani Keller, a freelance graphic and website designer was married to an abusive husband, Mark with a daughter, Abby when she met Ian. His daughter played on Abby’s baseball team, and they would frequently run into each other at social events, and became more attracted to one another.
Ian was in a miserable marriage to Mary who liked to party, drink, and spend his money, and he and Dani enjoyed similar interests. They have an affair, he leaves his marriage, when his wife forces him to choose, leading to a nasty divorce, and Dani and Ian marry.
HE’S GONE dives deep into the feelings and emotions of Dani, while she was married to Mark through the abuse, the affair with Ian, her marriage, and events leading up to the disappearance.
However, the events are fuzzy the night of a party at her husband’s work, the night prior to finding him gone. She had too many glasses of wine, mixed with pills and cannot remember the last part of the evening.
At first she thinks he left to run errands; however, when he does not return, she begins to suspect he has left for good. But where and why? She begins to search for clues on his computer, closet, and contacts everyone who knows her husband.
When she begins to unravel the pieces of her life, it is not so perfect. Could she possibly have walked from one troubled man, straight into the arms of another man just as troubled and abusive? She begins to question her marriage, and her choices, and herself.
He is no where to be found. Was there an accident? Did he leave with another woman? His car is parked next to their house; however, he has not used his credit cards, or cell phone. She finally calls the police and the investigation begins.
Of course, Ian’s ex-wife and family blame Dani, and the investigation focuses on her. In addition Dani’s mom, a secondary character (a riot, as loved her), does not care for Ian (very controlling), nor did she care for her first husband.
As the layers begin to peel back, readers examine the crisis and mysteries of Dani's relationships, her thoughts and feelings, switching back and forth from past to present.
HE’S GONE is a captivating psychological novel viewing marriage, relationships, and family. Dani questions her patterns, thoughts, and behavior and why she continues to repeat these patterns.
HE’S GONE is a much better book than Gone Girl, in my opinion. Caletti brilliantly crafts an emotional and riveting tale with compassion, while exploring secrets of the heart. Fans of Liane Moriarty, will enjoy HE’S GONE, and the author’s style. If you enjoyed HE’S GONE, would also recommend The Good Girl, by Mary Kubica.
I listened to the audiobook and performer Cassandra Campbell was excellent. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author and storyteller!
Dani Keller, a freelance graphic and website designer was married to an abusive husband, Mark with a daughter, Abby when she met Ian. His daughter played on Abby’s baseball team, and they would frequently run into each other at social events, and became more attracted to one another.
Ian was in a miserable marriage to Mary who liked to party, drink, and spend his money, and he and Dani enjoyed similar interests. They have an affair, he leaves his marriage, when his wife forces him to choose, leading to a nasty divorce, and Dani and Ian marry.
HE’S GONE dives deep into the feelings and emotions of Dani, while she was married to Mark through the abuse, the affair with Ian, her marriage, and events leading up to the disappearance.
However, the events are fuzzy the night of a party at her husband’s work, the night prior to finding him gone. She had too many glasses of wine, mixed with pills and cannot remember the last part of the evening.
At first she thinks he left to run errands; however, when he does not return, she begins to suspect he has left for good. But where and why? She begins to search for clues on his computer, closet, and contacts everyone who knows her husband.
When she begins to unravel the pieces of her life, it is not so perfect. Could she possibly have walked from one troubled man, straight into the arms of another man just as troubled and abusive? She begins to question her marriage, and her choices, and herself.
He is no where to be found. Was there an accident? Did he leave with another woman? His car is parked next to their house; however, he has not used his credit cards, or cell phone. She finally calls the police and the investigation begins.
Of course, Ian’s ex-wife and family blame Dani, and the investigation focuses on her. In addition Dani’s mom, a secondary character (a riot, as loved her), does not care for Ian (very controlling), nor did she care for her first husband.
As the layers begin to peel back, readers examine the crisis and mysteries of Dani's relationships, her thoughts and feelings, switching back and forth from past to present.
HE’S GONE is a captivating psychological novel viewing marriage, relationships, and family. Dani questions her patterns, thoughts, and behavior and why she continues to repeat these patterns.
HE’S GONE is a much better book than Gone Girl, in my opinion. Caletti brilliantly crafts an emotional and riveting tale with compassion, while exploring secrets of the heart. Fans of Liane Moriarty, will enjoy HE’S GONE, and the author’s style. If you enjoyed HE’S GONE, would also recommend The Good Girl, by Mary Kubica.
I listened to the audiobook and performer Cassandra Campbell was excellent. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author and storyteller!
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
Dani Keller is married to Ian, the love of her life. They met when they were both married to other people but the attraction between them was instantaneous and irresistible. Several years on, the relationship has evolved, but they are still happy.
One morning Dani wakes up and her husband isn't there. Initially she assumes he's gone for a walk or maybe to work. But as the hours pass, it becomes apparent that he's gone. The police are called, his family harbor suspicions. Where has he gone? Has he left her, had an accident, been murdered - is he alive or dead?
Initially, what I loved about this book was the author's chatty style. Dani is the narrator and she talks about aspects of her life or their relationship that really struck a chord with me. I love it when I'm reading a book and I feel that sense of recognition: I didn't know that others think that way! I feel like that too! After a while though, the chattiness started to irritate me. I wanted to find out what had happened to Ian, not have Dani yet again rehashing her first marriage and early weeks with Ian. We do - thankfully - eventually find out where Ian went, but it's a protracted story that becomes tiresome towards the end.
One morning Dani wakes up and her husband isn't there. Initially she assumes he's gone for a walk or maybe to work. But as the hours pass, it becomes apparent that he's gone. The police are called, his family harbor suspicions. Where has he gone? Has he left her, had an accident, been murdered - is he alive or dead?
Initially, what I loved about this book was the author's chatty style. Dani is the narrator and she talks about aspects of her life or their relationship that really struck a chord with me. I love it when I'm reading a book and I feel that sense of recognition: I didn't know that others think that way! I feel like that too! After a while though, the chattiness started to irritate me. I wanted to find out what had happened to Ian, not have Dani yet again rehashing her first marriage and early weeks with Ian. We do - thankfully - eventually find out where Ian went, but it's a protracted story that becomes tiresome towards the end.