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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
I don't have personal experience with mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder, but a close friend was diagnosed a number of years ago, so when I read the description of this book, I felt intrigued. Sadly, Emily just bothered me. Her only saving grace was that she had a diagnosable illness versus all the other female leads in thrillers who just drink too much while trying to solve a mystery, but her mismanagement of her medication really got to me. Emily was selfish and irrational and probably one of my least favorite characters I’ve read in a while.
Honestly, I didn’t really like anyone in this novel.
The many mentions of pandemics and H1N-viruses were somewhat shocking considering the current state of the world.
All that said, this thriller was very interesting and unpredictable and I did really enjoy it. I listened on audiobook and found myself making excuses to listen when I normally wouldn't.
I’d recommend it to fans of thrillers but be warned that the mental illness aspects are kind of infuriating and the characters are all awful.
Honestly, I didn’t really like anyone in this novel.
The many mentions of pandemics and H1N-viruses were somewhat shocking considering the current state of the world.
All that said, this thriller was very interesting and unpredictable and I did really enjoy it. I listened on audiobook and found myself making excuses to listen when I normally wouldn't.
I’d recommend it to fans of thrillers but be warned that the mental illness aspects are kind of infuriating and the characters are all awful.
And Then You Were Gone begins with Emily and Paolo getting on a boat for a relaxing vacation on the water. Emily didn't seem comfortable with the water from the very beginning, but seemed to trust Paolo to keep them safe. Things take an unexpected turn when Emily wakes up the next morning and Paolo is nowhere to be found. When he is reported missing and an investigation begins, the detective suspects Emily had something to do with his disappearance. As evidence piles up that doesn't look good in Emily's favor, she must begin her own investigation into Paolo's disappearance. Her only real help is Paolo's best friend who is not too fond of her it seems.
I did enjoy this book, but life intervened and it actually took me quite a while to read it all the way through. I feel like the slow pace of the novel didn't help either, as I wasn't always in a rush to pick up where I left off. Most reviews seem to focus on Emily's bipolar disorder. Honestly, I didn't see that as a huge factor in the story, aside from medication being present at the scene and without her medication she seems to never sleep. Much of her other behavior I think can be explained as someone who wants closure after the sudden unexplained disappearance of someone they love. I don't want to give away any key points of the book, but I really didn't find the ending at all surprising. The motives behind the actions are quite unique for what I have read and made this story stand out to me.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this book, but life intervened and it actually took me quite a while to read it all the way through. I feel like the slow pace of the novel didn't help either, as I wasn't always in a rush to pick up where I left off. Most reviews seem to focus on Emily's bipolar disorder. Honestly, I didn't see that as a huge factor in the story, aside from medication being present at the scene and without her medication she seems to never sleep. Much of her other behavior I think can be explained as someone who wants closure after the sudden unexplained disappearance of someone they love. I don't want to give away any key points of the book, but I really didn't find the ending at all surprising. The motives behind the actions are quite unique for what I have read and made this story stand out to me.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This felt like a poorly written first draft of a thriller themed mad libs.
I learned of this debut after connecting with local author RJ Jacobs over a Nashville zoo photo he’d posted on IG. Our families had coincidentally been there the same day. #smallworld
This thriller, set in and around Nashville, trails manic-depressive psychologist Emily Firestone as her life suddenly unravels. She’s not sure who or what to trust, even her own intruding thoughts. I don’t want to say too much or give anything away, but I needed something fast-paced and this delivered. I loved the local setting as well. Congratulations on your first novel, RJ Jacobs!
This thriller, set in and around Nashville, trails manic-depressive psychologist Emily Firestone as her life suddenly unravels. She’s not sure who or what to trust, even her own intruding thoughts. I don’t want to say too much or give anything away, but I needed something fast-paced and this delivered. I loved the local setting as well. Congratulations on your first novel, RJ Jacobs!
Maybe 2.5.
My biggest gripe with this one is how implausible it all was. Why do everyday people think they can investigate better than investigators?! I mean, sure, if you want to break every law there ever was, then you can probably figure some stuff out faster... but seriously!? I know it was the mania talking to her and pushing her, but it felt uncomfortable at parts.
The good: the lab stuff was pretty accurate. I worked in an influenza lab and so much of the book brought back memories of mutagenesis, animal studies, the drive to find something and get funding. Thank goodness I had the boss I did, though.
My biggest gripe with this one is how implausible it all was. Why do everyday people think they can investigate better than investigators?! I mean, sure, if you want to break every law there ever was, then you can probably figure some stuff out faster... but seriously!? I know it was the mania talking to her and pushing her, but it felt uncomfortable at parts.
The good: the lab stuff was pretty accurate. I worked in an influenza lab and so much of the book brought back memories of mutagenesis, animal studies, the drive to find something and get funding. Thank goodness I had the boss I did, though.
Meh. That describes my thoughts on the book. For a thriller the book was lackluster. I found the main character rather annoying and I realize she was bipolar but she came off as immature.
Predictable and unrealistic. Didn't like any of the characters. I did think it was interesting that it was written before Covid and it was about finding a vaccine for a virus that could cause a pandemic.
I feel like this is a good psychological thriller book for beginners. This couple goes on a date and someone goes missing and the story unravels slowly from there. There were definitely a couple wtf moments and then the ending had me flying through each page. I just wish there was more explanations and descriptions of the ending.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes