Book Review: The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso
There are few things as captivating as a good mystery novel, especially when it blends elements of friendship, guilt, and the quest for truth. When I stumbled upon The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso, I couldn’t resist diving into a narrative that promised twists and turns amidst a backdrop of teenage adventure and friendship. With the summertime gloominess of things left unsaid and the dark undercurrents of a disappearance, I found myself curious and hopeful to explore what secrets lay between its pages.
At its core, this story revolves around Paige, whose best friend Audrey mysteriously goes missing. The plot unfolds over a summer that finds both Paige and Audrey’s brother, Dylan, grappling with their feelings of guilt and determination to find Audrey. As the title suggests, the summer is pivotal—filled with tension as they push through their grief and confusion. What stood out to me was how Ichaso captures the emotional weight of such situations: the bewilderment of adolescence infused with the urgency of a crime that has disrupted their lives.
Ichaso’s character development is commendable, even if she occasionally leans into some familiar YA stereotypes. Paige’s journey is relatable; her guilt over not being able to save Audrey comes through vividly. Despite her shortcomings as a typical protagonist, you can’t help but root for her. Dylan, on the other hand, struggles with his own internal battles, and his emotional depth had me hoping to see him seek some closure beyond the book. The way their intertwined fates unravel through the narrative kept me engaged, and I appreciated that the side characters weren’t simply background noise. Each brought their unique flair, adding layers to the narrative and keeping me guessing about potential suspects.
Ichaso has a knack for pacing, which kept me glued to the story. The twists were well-timed, with just the right amount of breadcrumbs laid out for readers to either follow or be whisked away by sharp revelations. There were moments where I managed to guess some plot twists before the characters caught on, but Ichaso crafted a few surprises that I never saw coming. And let me tell you, I was excited to experience that rush of realization right alongside Paige and Dylan.
However, while I enjoyed the audio version I listened to, it was not without its flaws. The narrator’s choices occasionally detracted from the overall experience, making some character voices feel off. Had I read it in print, I suspect my overall impression would be higher—though I can’t deny the addictive nature of following along with the sound of unfolding mystery.
If you’re a fan of young adult mysteries where friendships are tested and secrets simmer beneath the surface, I wholeheartedly recommend The Summer She Went Missing. It’s an engaging read that certainly sparked my interest in delving deeper into the mystery genre. As for me, it’s left me contemplating not just the journey of Paige and her friends but also the broader themes of guilt, trust, and the lengths we go to for those we care about.
So grab your copy, perhaps some sticky notes to mark those plot twists, and settle in for a riveting read; you won’t regret it! Happy reading! 🌊📚
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