3.5, this was up and down for me, but in the end I think I liked it. The story of taken girls and the detective who is personally invested in returning them. The parts where we were with the captives were hard to read. ( )

This was a great book. I loved the bouncing back and forth between the detective and Ellie Black. And the intrigue because you felt like something was off about her story, but then you hear her perspective and what she'd been through and then it's like, no, she really was abducted. I thought this book had great twists that were not completely out of left field. I listened to this on audio and I loved the voice of Ellie Black. I didn't see it coming at all that it was the chief of police. I wonder if I had been reading it, if it would've stood out more, but I don't think so. Great book and great intrigue!! I'm definitely interested in checking out the author's other books! ( )

When Ellie black came back after being missing for two years she shocked everyone and wouldn’t tell anyone where she was.

What the police did know was that she had been held captive and was abused.

Chelsea was the police detective in charge.

In alternating chapters we follow Ellie as she relives her capture and Chelsea as she reopens the case and tries to find clues in this old case.

She wants to prevent it from happening again.

They did find out that another missing girl had been captured along with Ellie.

What is Ellie afraid of?

Why won't she give details so they can find where she was held and find the person who kept her?

How did she escape?

THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK is intense, has disturbing scenes, and some jaw-dropping surprises.

It is a thriller that will keep you reading and one you won't want to put down.

First time reading this excellent author.

If you are a fan of thrillers and figuring it all out, don't miss this one. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

The Return of Ellie Black is Emiko Jean's newest novel.
The opening prologue is one that is sure to capture your attention. Ellie Black went missing two years ago. And in all of that time, the police haven't made any progress. Until...Ellie walks out of the forest. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is on the case. But...

Oh, I knew this was going to be a great listen! I needed to know where Ellie had been for two years. Was it voluntary? Was she taken? And so much more.

Jean gives the listener partial answers to these and other questions by telling the story in a then and now format - one I always enjoy! Jean does a great job exploring the aftermath of such a event through friends, family and the police.

And - my favorite - twists and turns. Well done Emiko Jean - I was surprised! I'm not 100% on that last big twist, but I appreciate it.

I chose to listen to The Return of Ellie Block. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I often feel more immersed in a story when I listen to a book. The decision to go with a cast (9) of narrators for this title was perfect. (A number of my favorites were on the list.) There's no guessing as to what characters are speaking. Each voice was perfect for the character they were portraying. I was able to match them with the mental images I had created. All spoke clearly and enunciated well. Each reader did a great job. The audio really brings the plot to life.
(Gentle listeners, there are some triggers in the Return of Ellie Black.) ( )

Title: The Return of Ellie Black
Author: Emiko Jean
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Return of Ellie Black" by Emiko Jean

My Perception:

'The Return of Ellie Black' was quite a long mystery thriller, but if you go to the end, you are given a good story. Detective Chelsey Calhoun was kept busy investigating what had happened to seventeen-year-old Ellie Black. Some twenty years earlier, Chelsey's sister, Lydia, had vanished and, up until this time, was thought to have died with her boyfriend.

Along with what had gone on with Ellie being gone for two years, Chelsey was determined to find out what had happened to her. However, a lot will come out of this search for Ellie, especially when she returns after all this time. What was up with that, especially with her not wanting to talk about what had happened to her?

Well, when this story starts coming out, get ready for it. It will reveal much of what has happened in Washington State to Ellie and a few other interesting characters.

What did Chelsey's father and her boss have to do with anything that happened in this situation? Because Chelsey did not want to give up on Ellie, things began to open up. Chelsey was determined to discover the truth, going the extra mile as an officer. Would she be able to save other lives? I don't want to tell you too much different than pick 'The Return of Ellie Black' and see how it all comes out.

Be ready for a long but not easy read that will bring you a lot of twists and turns, abuse, heartache, and sadness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the much-appreciated arc in exchange for an honest review. ( )