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Jo Boden #1
She's Gone
The unputdownable new psychological thriller full of suspense, family secrets and lies, from best-selling author Susan Wilkins.
An adrenaline-fuelled tornado of a novel with such strong female characters. I loved it. Laura Wilkinson.
This is the fear she’s had from the beginning, the fear every mother has, of a loss too terrible to bear.
Marcia Lennox has a life most people would envy: a loving husband, Harry, a beautiful and clever daughter, Phoebe, a high-flying career, and a pristine London home.
But in her third week at university, Phoebe disappears. She leaves her phone, her credit cards and all her possessions in her room.
Detective Sergeant Jo Boden is new to Cambridge, just finding her feet after leaving the Met, when Phoebe’s case lands on her desk.
The police track Phoebe’s last known movements. But as Jo investigates, she begins to suspect the worst. A young love affair gone wrong? A botched kidnap attempt? An ex out for revenge?
Clinging to the hope that Phoebe will be found, Marcia discovers her daughter had a secret life she had hidden from her parents.
And Marcia knows about secrets. Her carefully constructed life is a front, created to escape her own past. Estranged from her own family, with a marriage on the verge of breakdown, Marcia must find the courage to return; a journey that drags her from her safe London bubble back to the wilds of East Anglia and the desolate Norfolk Fens.
Can she face her demons to save her child?
An emotional thriller with a jaw-dropping twist for fans of Rachel Abbott and Lisa Jewell.
An adrenaline-fuelled tornado of a novel with such strong female characters. I loved it. Laura Wilkinson.
This is the fear she’s had from the beginning, the fear every mother has, of a loss too terrible to bear.
Marcia Lennox has a life most people would envy: a loving husband, Harry, a beautiful and clever daughter, Phoebe, a high-flying career, and a pristine London home.
But in her third week at university, Phoebe disappears. She leaves her phone, her credit cards and all her possessions in her room.
Detective Sergeant Jo Boden is new to Cambridge, just finding her feet after leaving the Met, when Phoebe’s case lands on her desk.
The police track Phoebe’s last known movements. But as Jo investigates, she begins to suspect the worst. A young love affair gone wrong? A botched kidnap attempt? An ex out for revenge?
Clinging to the hope that Phoebe will be found, Marcia discovers her daughter had a secret life she had hidden from her parents.
And Marcia knows about secrets. Her carefully constructed life is a front, created to escape her own past. Estranged from her own family, with a marriage on the verge of breakdown, Marcia must find the courage to return; a journey that drags her from her safe London bubble back to the wilds of East Anglia and the desolate Norfolk Fens.
Can she face her demons to save her child?
An emotional thriller with a jaw-dropping twist for fans of Rachel Abbott and Lisa Jewell.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2021
689 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wilkins
16 books136 followersI’m Susan Wilkins, a television writer turned novelist, and I write crime thrillers that dig deep into human psychology.
How do ordinary people end up on the wrong side of the law? That’s what I’m always asking. The characters are central to all my stories. The protagonists tend to be female, but not always, and I specialise in female detectives.
I grew up in Essex, studied Law, but spent twenty-five years writing television drama. I have over 130 broadcast credits to my name, including Casualty and Holby City, Heartbeat, Coronation Street and Eastenders, Footballers’ Wives, Dangerfield and Down to Earth, and I created the pioneering BBC detective drama South of the Border. This was the best education anyone could have in how to craft a gripping, page turning story.
I’ve moved around a lot in my life, within the UK and abroad. But now I’m settled in Devon. I walk by the sea every day and drink too much coffee.
If you’d like to find out more about my writing and keep in touch with my latest news, exclusive content and giveaways, visit susanwilkins.co.uk
How do ordinary people end up on the wrong side of the law? That’s what I’m always asking. The characters are central to all my stories. The protagonists tend to be female, but not always, and I specialise in female detectives.
I grew up in Essex, studied Law, but spent twenty-five years writing television drama. I have over 130 broadcast credits to my name, including Casualty and Holby City, Heartbeat, Coronation Street and Eastenders, Footballers’ Wives, Dangerfield and Down to Earth, and I created the pioneering BBC detective drama South of the Border. This was the best education anyone could have in how to craft a gripping, page turning story.
I’ve moved around a lot in my life, within the UK and abroad. But now I’m settled in Devon. I walk by the sea every day and drink too much coffee.
If you’d like to find out more about my writing and keep in touch with my latest news, exclusive content and giveaways, visit susanwilkins.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 28, 2021
“Okay, she’s gone. Voluntarily or under duress? Running away or taken? And, of course, alive or dead? And are we moving towards suspecting a crime has taken place?”
She’s Gone is a stand-alone novel by best-selling British author, Susan Wilkins. Just two weeks after Phoebe Lennox starts university at Cambridge, she is missing. She’s gone out for a run one Friday afternoon and hasn’t returned. The alarm is raised by her distressed mother, Marcia who rushes from London with her husband, Harry.
It’s the guy with whom she’d had a holiday romance, a man Marcia despises, who’s snuck a spyware app on her phone, and has alerted the family that there’s been no activity for twenty-one hours. Phoebe is very active on social media, so something is amiss. Marcia is unimpressed with the cops sent by the station, but DS Jo Boden and DC Prisha Chakravotry will give it their all: each has something to prove.
Harry is annoyingly laid back, convinced that Marcia is overreacting and Phoebe will urn up, but agrees to contact his ex-father-in-law, who still has some government clout and will bring pressure to bear on those in charge of the case.
It’s apparent from the start that many of these characters are being less than honest with each other and the police. Marcia seems to be an over-protective, controlling mother, but does she have valid (if unstated) reasons over and above the obvious to fear for Phoebe’s safety? Is the ex-boyfriend’s stalking merely concern for an innocent, or is he a slick psychopath? Phoebe is clearly spoilt and protected, but is she as naïve and unsophisticated as her mother believes? And just where do the ex-con and the bored teen fit into the scheme of things?
Once again, Wilkins gives the reader a crime thriller that grabs from the first page and doesn’t let go. She manages to include some topical themes and highlights the potential dangers of social media in the hands of the inexperienced. This one is cleverly plotted with some great twists and surprises to keep the reader guessing right up to the final pages. Excellent British crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by the author.
She’s Gone is a stand-alone novel by best-selling British author, Susan Wilkins. Just two weeks after Phoebe Lennox starts university at Cambridge, she is missing. She’s gone out for a run one Friday afternoon and hasn’t returned. The alarm is raised by her distressed mother, Marcia who rushes from London with her husband, Harry.
It’s the guy with whom she’d had a holiday romance, a man Marcia despises, who’s snuck a spyware app on her phone, and has alerted the family that there’s been no activity for twenty-one hours. Phoebe is very active on social media, so something is amiss. Marcia is unimpressed with the cops sent by the station, but DS Jo Boden and DC Prisha Chakravotry will give it their all: each has something to prove.
Harry is annoyingly laid back, convinced that Marcia is overreacting and Phoebe will urn up, but agrees to contact his ex-father-in-law, who still has some government clout and will bring pressure to bear on those in charge of the case.
It’s apparent from the start that many of these characters are being less than honest with each other and the police. Marcia seems to be an over-protective, controlling mother, but does she have valid (if unstated) reasons over and above the obvious to fear for Phoebe’s safety? Is the ex-boyfriend’s stalking merely concern for an innocent, or is he a slick psychopath? Phoebe is clearly spoilt and protected, but is she as naïve and unsophisticated as her mother believes? And just where do the ex-con and the bored teen fit into the scheme of things?
Once again, Wilkins gives the reader a crime thriller that grabs from the first page and doesn’t let go. She manages to include some topical themes and highlights the potential dangers of social media in the hands of the inexperienced. This one is cleverly plotted with some great twists and surprises to keep the reader guessing right up to the final pages. Excellent British crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by the author.
June 19, 2021
She’s Gone is one of the most addictive thrillers I’ve read in a *long* time. Often, I read blurbs which describe books as compulsive and un-put-down-able, only to find that I can put them down with relative ease. Not so with Susan Wilkins’ She’s Gone. I begin in earnest on Saturday morning, and I’d finished that evening, pulse racing.
A missing child is every woman’s worst fear, particularly if the resulting investigation threatens to unravel a carefully constructed new life. Marcia Lennox’s bright, spoiled eighteen-year-old – Phoebe – goes missing after a jog during her first term at Cambridge.
Carol is newly released from prison and eking out a living picking fruit and veg in the Fens with a team of Romanian workers.
Teenager Lacey hides in the barn of her family’s ramshackle farm, dreaming of meeting her hero and avoiding her overly religious family.
DS Jo Boden, new to the Cambridge force, is charged with investigating, rookie DC Chakravorty at her side.
Cleverly weaving together four points of view, the mystery unravels with the speed and devastation of a tornado. The relationship between Boden and Chakravorty is beautifully drawn, and it was so refreshing to see strong female characters supporting one another. The plot pivots and spins in unexpected directions in all the right places and the characters are well developed – flawed, realistic and compelling. A brilliant read and I can’t wait for the next novel by Susan Wilkins.
A missing child is every woman’s worst fear, particularly if the resulting investigation threatens to unravel a carefully constructed new life. Marcia Lennox’s bright, spoiled eighteen-year-old – Phoebe – goes missing after a jog during her first term at Cambridge.
Carol is newly released from prison and eking out a living picking fruit and veg in the Fens with a team of Romanian workers.
Teenager Lacey hides in the barn of her family’s ramshackle farm, dreaming of meeting her hero and avoiding her overly religious family.
DS Jo Boden, new to the Cambridge force, is charged with investigating, rookie DC Chakravorty at her side.
Cleverly weaving together four points of view, the mystery unravels with the speed and devastation of a tornado. The relationship between Boden and Chakravorty is beautifully drawn, and it was so refreshing to see strong female characters supporting one another. The plot pivots and spins in unexpected directions in all the right places and the characters are well developed – flawed, realistic and compelling. A brilliant read and I can’t wait for the next novel by Susan Wilkins.
July 20, 2024
2.5 - kind of slow, didn’t find this psychologically thrilling
August 24, 2023
Mix of couldn’t put it down and a bit too far fetched fiction for me
April 8, 2023
I’ve read a lot of books and thought it was another same old although it was good. Then the twists and turns didn’t see those coming. Such a good book totally recommend reading it.
June 21, 2021
Loved it!
Brilliant read! Fantastic storyline and great characters who managed to change my perspective of them as the story progressed. Highly recommend.
Brilliant read! Fantastic storyline and great characters who managed to change my perspective of them as the story progressed. Highly recommend.
June 28, 2023
This was such a different take on a missing person story, I couldn't predict any of it!
Marcia and Harry have taken their daughter, Phoebe, to university, but on her third week, she goes missing. Marcia is desperately concerned trying to get to the bottom of it with the help of Detective Sergeant Jo Boden.
Without saying too much ( I don't want to spoil anything!) It had such a great storyline, and it's so nice to have a change of plot from usual missing teen books.
This story had me invested from the first page! This is the first book in the series, and I can't wait to read more of Susan's work and some more from the Detective Boden series!
Highly recommend you check this one out!
Also has short chapters, which is always an extra point for me🤩
Marcia and Harry have taken their daughter, Phoebe, to university, but on her third week, she goes missing. Marcia is desperately concerned trying to get to the bottom of it with the help of Detective Sergeant Jo Boden.
Without saying too much ( I don't want to spoil anything!) It had such a great storyline, and it's so nice to have a change of plot from usual missing teen books.
This story had me invested from the first page! This is the first book in the series, and I can't wait to read more of Susan's work and some more from the Detective Boden series!
Highly recommend you check this one out!
Also has short chapters, which is always an extra point for me🤩
January 18, 2026
She's Gone by Susan Wilkins is a thriller that begins as a missing-person case and evolves into a gripping, decades-long saga. Unlike standard procedurals, the author spends significant time introducing the characters' backstories, allowing readers to truly connect with them. It is a messy, complicated story filled with dysfunctional family dynamics and deep, dark secrets revealed step by step.
While this is part of the DS Jo Boden series, the heart of the story lies with Phoebe and her mother, Marcia. This emotional core ensures the reader isn't just following an investigation but is instead immersed in a world of trauma, drama, and genuine scares. With shocking revelations and a topical look at the dangers of social media, the story maintains intense interest even after a major mid-point shift that kicks the action into high gear.
Susan Wilkins turned what could have been a dry investigation into a dark, twisted journey through a deeply troubled family history.
While this is part of the DS Jo Boden series, the heart of the story lies with Phoebe and her mother, Marcia. This emotional core ensures the reader isn't just following an investigation but is instead immersed in a world of trauma, drama, and genuine scares. With shocking revelations and a topical look at the dangers of social media, the story maintains intense interest even after a major mid-point shift that kicks the action into high gear.
Susan Wilkins turned what could have been a dry investigation into a dark, twisted journey through a deeply troubled family history.
October 29, 2023
She's Gone is a very good thriller that starts out as a missing person case and ends up as a saga going back decades.
DS Jo Boden is new to Cambridge CID, having left the Met after some sort of trouble. Boden is given the case of a missing University first year, a young woman from a privileged background. Working with her parents, she leads the search. But this is only half of the story - she finds a family with plenty of dark secrets.
The main characters in the book are really Phoebe and her mother Marcia. Their relationship is at times difficult, and becomes more so as the family's past is revealed. DS Boden plays a lesser role, although is shown to be a tenacious and driven detective. Her back story should be revealed in future novels, which will be worth reading.
DS Jo Boden is new to Cambridge CID, having left the Met after some sort of trouble. Boden is given the case of a missing University first year, a young woman from a privileged background. Working with her parents, she leads the search. But this is only half of the story - she finds a family with plenty of dark secrets.
The main characters in the book are really Phoebe and her mother Marcia. Their relationship is at times difficult, and becomes more so as the family's past is revealed. DS Boden plays a lesser role, although is shown to be a tenacious and driven detective. Her back story should be revealed in future novels, which will be worth reading.
March 7, 2023
First I’ve read from this author, this book has a little mix of everything. It starts with a rich family searching for their missing daughter who had just started college. There’s a wide cast of characters and dysfunction throughout. It almost feels like the book is wrapping up at about halfway through when it revs back up again with even more action. It’s hard to say anything without giving pieces away, so I won’t describe more here. I will just say that it doesn’t follow the typical plot line. I recommend for a different style, interesting read!
June 17, 2023
She's Gone
She's Gone...Definitely a good book and yes I would recommend it. Kept me guessing for quite awhile but definitely shocked me when I figured it out. Lot's of twists and turns but well written and definitely kept me interested. Will be reading more from this Author I'm sure.
She's Gone...Definitely a good book and yes I would recommend it. Kept me guessing for quite awhile but definitely shocked me when I figured it out. Lot's of twists and turns but well written and definitely kept me interested. Will be reading more from this Author I'm sure.
December 23, 2023
I Couldn't Put It Down
When Marcia's daughter vanishes from university, Marcia is worried sick and this is only the beginning. As the investigation goes on, family secrets emerge, but with her own life falling apart, Marcia will stop at nothing to find her daughter. A brilliant book which I could not put down. Would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
When Marcia's daughter vanishes from university, Marcia is worried sick and this is only the beginning. As the investigation goes on, family secrets emerge, but with her own life falling apart, Marcia will stop at nothing to find her daughter. A brilliant book which I could not put down. Would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
February 11, 2024
It’s twisty, it’s complicated with several layers of character development. Yes, you might crack some of the case as the story unfolds but not the whole of it. It’s good. Jo Boden is a great character, Marcia is flawed is so many ways that you identify with her once her layers start peeling back. I’m here for more.
November 13, 2022
Fantastic
It’s been awhile since I woke up in the middle of the night to read more of a book! This book is well written with plenty of twists and turns - believable ones at that. I dropped my jaw at the bombshell ending. Loved it!
It’s been awhile since I woke up in the middle of the night to read more of a book! This book is well written with plenty of twists and turns - believable ones at that. I dropped my jaw at the bombshell ending. Loved it!
February 12, 2023
A very good read
I liked how the character Phoebe seems like a spoiled brat. And then her story becomes a thriller. I didn't want to put the book down. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens.
I liked how the character Phoebe seems like a spoiled brat. And then her story becomes a thriller. I didn't want to put the book down. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens.
May 13, 2023
Ok, I read it. She isn’t the kind of writer I like. It takes a long time to understand the story and it keeps unfolding the more you read. Some people like this, I don’t. She has plenty of twists in this story, kind of catches you. All in all it was ok. I rate it about a 3.8.
May 21, 2023
Couldn't stop reading
If you haven't read this book purchase it now. This book had me glued to my Kindle. I don't want to give the book away. This is a fast-paced read and it held my attention.
If you haven't read this book purchase it now. This book had me glued to my Kindle. I don't want to give the book away. This is a fast-paced read and it held my attention.
July 30, 2023
EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE
It doesn’t matter what age your child is, if they disappear, it causes unimaginable grief. If your marriage is also falling apart at the same time, it compounds the problem. A good read, the writing flowed smoothly and this is a book I enjoyed.
It doesn’t matter what age your child is, if they disappear, it causes unimaginable grief. If your marriage is also falling apart at the same time, it compounds the problem. A good read, the writing flowed smoothly and this is a book I enjoyed.
February 16, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. I love DC Boden so much. This was a good one with lots of twists and turns and an ending that wrapped up everything nicely. I've already downloaded the next one in the series and look forward to reading more!
April 28, 2024
Ok
I don't really know why this is described as a thriller, no suspense and nothing much happened.
The conclusion was just too easy. ,
However I finished it and these books are free for a reason (not good enough to be sold).
I don't really know why this is described as a thriller, no suspense and nothing much happened.
The conclusion was just too easy. ,
However I finished it and these books are free for a reason (not good enough to be sold).
October 13, 2022
A Masterpiece Indeed
A wonderful story of mother daughter love interwoven with the past and present, murder, kidnapping, sacrifices to name a few.
A wonderful story of mother daughter love interwoven with the past and present, murder, kidnapping, sacrifices to name a few.
October 21, 2022
Enjoyed this book tremendously! Hope to read more from this author.
January 9, 2023
good book
This book was so good. I really enjoyed it and recommend it. The book was a page turner . Couldn’t put it down.
This book was so good. I really enjoyed it and recommend it. The book was a page turner . Couldn’t put it down.
January 22, 2023
Very exciting psychological thriller! Will revisit this author for sure
January 26, 2023
Wonderful!
I enjoyed this book. I hope the next one is just as good. I hope its continuous of this one. That's the kind I like. Just keep writing more.
I enjoyed this book. I hope the next one is just as good. I hope its continuous of this one. That's the kind I like. Just keep writing more.
February 7, 2023
3.5/5
May 18, 2023
I love my daughter.
A little confusing with all the different characters that weren’t really mentioned, but one. A good story line and very interesting.
A little confusing with all the different characters that weren’t really mentioned, but one. A good story line and very interesting.
May 18, 2023
3⭐️
She’s Gone was a family thriller set across Essex and Cambridge. Good character development, good pace of plot and some good twists along the way.
She’s Gone was a family thriller set across Essex and Cambridge. Good character development, good pace of plot and some good twists along the way.
May 22, 2023
I enjoyed the book. Very dark twists and turns so if you want something different, this might be a book for you. Intriguing is the word I would use.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews