The Return of Ellie Black

Bookseller recommendation

“A riveting, haunting thriller. Well written and emotionally complex with a compelling, unique, relatable, heartbroken main character. Full of insights about the legacies of childhood trauma, the depths and disease of misogyny, and the abuses of power baked into so-called law enforcement. A page turner with a great cast for the audio version.”

— Lauren • Possible Futures

Bookseller recommendation

“The Return of Ellie Black is a heart wrenching, intense thriller about the abduction of teenage girls. Girls who are not important enough to merit much attention from the press or the police. It is the story of Detective Chelsey Calhoun who is driven to find these girls by the memory of her beloved sister who also disappeared, and it is the story of Ellie Black who returns home malnourished, abused, and seemingly suffering from severe PTSD after being missing for two years. ”

— Nancy • Fiction Addiction

Bookseller recommendation

“Such a good thriller, full of twists, different POV and suspense, I almost raced through the audiobook to find out what would happen next, and the ending was definitely unexpected! ”

— Marie • Emma's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“The full cast of readers in this dark, suspenseful thriller about abducted teenage girls intensifies the story, making you feel like you are a part of it. Through Ellie, you learn of her horrific experience over the last two years. This story will gut-punch you, yet you’ll be compelled to keep listening to learn the whole story.”

— Samantha • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“I am completely here for this thriller from Tokyo Ever After author Emiko Jean. Jean is adept at weaving together a story from multiple characters' point of view. I loved the chapters from Ellie's point of view, giving us just enough insight into her state of mind to think we know what is really going on. This story will remind you of several headlines from recent history. And just like Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women, Jean's focus on the girls will remind you that no one deserves this trauma and judgement. The final twist will get you!”

— Julie • Roundabout Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A twisted mystery where nothing is quite what it seems! ”

— Kim • An Unlikely Story