Title: The Night She Disappeared
Author: April Henry
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Teen Fiction, Thriller
Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
ISBN Book: 9781469277851
Narrator: Kate Rudd
Length: 5 sound discs (325 min.)(Unabridged)
Disclosure: I checked out a copy of the audiobook from my public library. This is my honest review!
The Night She Disappeared by
April Henry
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Summary:
When the order came in, Drew thought nothing about it. After Kayla disappeared, it was all he could think about. Kayla, Drew, and Gabie all work for Pete’s Pizza, and on the night Kayla disappeared, the caller asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working. Gabie owns a Mini Cooper, but Kayla was the one who was delivering the pizzas that evening. Drew feels guilty because he took the call; Gabie knows it should have been she that disappeared. The police are investigating, but that isn’t enough. Gabie and Drew need to prove to everyone that Kayla isn’t dead, and try to save her before it is too late. Unfortunately, their time is running out.
Review:
This book is an amazingly quick read. At first, I was uncertain whether I would like the fact that the narration is told from multiple viewpoints. I was afraid it would cut down on the suspense. It doesn’t however, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat flipping pages as fast as you can (or in my case sitting in my car eagerly anticipating the next discs).
When Kayla disappears, there is a lot of blame to go around, but I like that Henry keeps the story moving while acknowledging that each character feels guilty. Her pacing is spot on, and she keeps the tension mounting throughout the novel.
I love the mystery, even though you are shown scenes from Kayla’s point of view, and the kidnapper’s point of view, those scenes don’t reveal too much, and keep you wondering how they are going to find the kidnapper.
Audiobook Review:
The unabridged audiobook is produced by Brilliance Audio and read by Kate Rudd. At first, I was wondering why a female was narrating the book when we were listening to Drew, but then I realized the book was being told from the perspective of multiple characters. Rudd does a great job with the narration, and successfully performs all the parts in the novel. The CD book contains five sound discs for roughly 325 minutes of listening. This really is a quick audiobook and a great one if you are looking for something short yet suspenseful. The production is well done and free of flaws.
Overall:
Fast paced and action packed, what more could you want? This was a fantastic mystery. If you are looking for a great suspense that isn’t too long, I would highly recommend this one.
Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Drugs: One character who is a known drug user is suspected of the crime and characters refer to smoking weed and using drugs though no drug use is present in the novel.
Alcohol: One underage character indulges in a bit too much Kahlua and Cream in one scene.
Sex: There is some kissing, but no sex, although, with the kidnapping, the subject of rape does come up in the novel.
Violence: Some violence.
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