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Next Day Gone
In the fall of 1998, four girls disappeared from Redwood, a small town just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. All of them were young. All of them were beautiful. None of them were found alive. Drew’s mother, Willow, was one of those girls.
Seventeen years later, Paige, Drew’s girlfriend, disappears from school. When she’s found dead, the details of her murder are eerily similar to his mother’s. Residents fear the return of the Sleeping Beauty Strangler, and Drew’s family is thrown back into the spotlight.
Things are a bit different this time around because Drew has seen the killer. What’s worse is the killer knows it. Can he untangle the details of both murders while under the watchful gaze of the killer? Can he keep his loved ones safe, or will he die before bringing the murderer to justice?
Seventeen years later, Paige, Drew’s girlfriend, disappears from school. When she’s found dead, the details of her murder are eerily similar to his mother’s. Residents fear the return of the Sleeping Beauty Strangler, and Drew’s family is thrown back into the spotlight.
Things are a bit different this time around because Drew has seen the killer. What’s worse is the killer knows it. Can he untangle the details of both murders while under the watchful gaze of the killer? Can he keep his loved ones safe, or will he die before bringing the murderer to justice?
- GenresMystery
237 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2019
About the author
J.C. Wing
32 books222 followersJ.C. Wing is a bestselling, multi-genre indie author. She likes to pen family dramas, romantic comedies, thrillers, YA and the occasional limerick. She has written more than twenty novels, including The Color of Thunder, The Gannon Family Series ("The Skye Books"), the Goddess of Tornado Alley Series and the Whisper Creek Mysteries Series. She is the author of Acquainted with Butterflies, a collection of short stories, personal essays and poetry, and she is a contributing author of the Grey’s Harbor Series.
J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.
J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 17, 2019
Next Day Gone by J.C. Wing is absolutely wonderful. Not only is it a whodunit and one I didn't guess, but it's also a good look into the life of a typical teenage girl with all the fun and angst that goes along with that.
The characters are well rounded, relatable people and the teens are quite well done. It's easy to forget what high school was like, but reading this book, I was right back there and while it was a good visit, it also reminded me why I'm glad I'm not in high school any longer! I especially enjoyed descriptions of the surrounding area and this author's light hand with foreshadowing. I'm not a fan of books that hit you over the head with hints as to what's coming next or whodunit, so Next Day Gone was perfect.
Except for a novella that was a mystery, this is J.C. Wing's first mystery and she really did a great job. I hope we have very many more mysteries to look forward to from her. If you have not read Nine Ladies Dying and Next Day Gone, you should. Pick one up and give it a try. This author is very talented and has written in two other genres with her mythology series and the women's fiction series - so there's something for everyone!
Thank you to the author for an ARC at my request. This review and thoughts within are happily given because I loved this book.
The characters are well rounded, relatable people and the teens are quite well done. It's easy to forget what high school was like, but reading this book, I was right back there and while it was a good visit, it also reminded me why I'm glad I'm not in high school any longer! I especially enjoyed descriptions of the surrounding area and this author's light hand with foreshadowing. I'm not a fan of books that hit you over the head with hints as to what's coming next or whodunit, so Next Day Gone was perfect.
Except for a novella that was a mystery, this is J.C. Wing's first mystery and she really did a great job. I hope we have very many more mysteries to look forward to from her. If you have not read Nine Ladies Dying and Next Day Gone, you should. Pick one up and give it a try. This author is very talented and has written in two other genres with her mythology series and the women's fiction series - so there's something for everyone!
Thank you to the author for an ARC at my request. This review and thoughts within are happily given because I loved this book.
December 22, 2019
J.C. Wing is a new author for me, although I believe this is more of a YA read I feel anyone that enjoys a good whodoit type of book. I thought I had it figured out and I partially did but I was also wrong. Not gonna reveal too much, but it really was a excellent read. This book kept me turning the page from the start to the finish. I would definitely recommend it to others.
January 11, 2020
Willow’s an average teen trying to make it through high school with her best friend. Things for her aren’t always easy, but she’s a bright optimistic girl that fights everything that comes her way. Then girls around her start to die. At first, she doesn’t think much of it, but when girl after girl fall, and the police are no closer to a lead, she fears she could be next. And she’s right. After a gap in the story, we are introduced to seventeen-year old Drew, Willow’s child. After his girlfriend goes missing and is found murdered in the same manner his mother had been, Drew is sent on a quest to find the person responsible and stop them once and for all.
I think my favorite part about this story is how real the characters felt. They weren’t typical “Mary Jane” tropes that I see in a lot of YA books. They were real, flawed, and had realistic thoughts and emotions. I especially found myself connecting to Willow. Her journey was tough, and it was more realistic of the issues that a lot of girls may find themselves facing. Whether it was from Zac and his unwelcome advances or her need for a relationship with someone who wasn’t quite right for her, Willow faced every obstacle with her head high. Straight to the end.
I also thought it was interesting the way the author almost told two stories in the same book. In part one, we are introduced to Willow and her friends. Part two sees her child, Drew, and the way that his mother’s world overlaps into his. I thought that was a unique touch, adding layers to this whodunit it make it all the more engaging.
All in all, if you like psychological YA reads, this is one that will keep you guessing.
I think my favorite part about this story is how real the characters felt. They weren’t typical “Mary Jane” tropes that I see in a lot of YA books. They were real, flawed, and had realistic thoughts and emotions. I especially found myself connecting to Willow. Her journey was tough, and it was more realistic of the issues that a lot of girls may find themselves facing. Whether it was from Zac and his unwelcome advances or her need for a relationship with someone who wasn’t quite right for her, Willow faced every obstacle with her head high. Straight to the end.
I also thought it was interesting the way the author almost told two stories in the same book. In part one, we are introduced to Willow and her friends. Part two sees her child, Drew, and the way that his mother’s world overlaps into his. I thought that was a unique touch, adding layers to this whodunit it make it all the more engaging.
All in all, if you like psychological YA reads, this is one that will keep you guessing.
January 31, 2020
Next Day Gone by J.C. Wing is a heart pounding story, with wonderful characters, twists and turns along the way and an ending that had me shocked!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mysteries and stories where you have to figure out who the killer is.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mysteries and stories where you have to figure out who the killer is.
February 20, 2020
What an incredible, thrilling, jewel of a story! I don’t usually gravitate towards this genre but I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Wing and wanted to give it a try. It did not disappoint and I’m blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Starting as more of a coming of age story, I felt my guard let down as I was swept up in Willow’s life. After pulling you into her world and then shocking you, prepare for act two. I loved the multi-generational complexities, all the complex layers working together, and the cast of well-defined characters. The thrill of trying to puzzle everything out before it was revealed added to my reading experience and I found the ending satisfying. Wing’s writing is exceptional so prepare for a range of emotions, tactual visuals, and suspicion as if you were an actual character experiencing everything firsthand. If you enjoy thrillers and suspense, this is a must-read!
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February 23, 2020OMG. This book was amazing. I spent the first half of the book getting to know Willow and meeting her family. Being proud of her when she took a tough situation and decided to make the best of it. And pushing for her to make her life happen. Then, she was gone. And I cried. I knew she was going, but I felt disappointed for her. I wanted more for her and her baby. DEVASTATED. Seriously. In a way I haven’t been with a book in a long time.
Sixteen years later, Willow’s baby boy is the same age as his momma was when she died. He is living his best life and enjoying a love of his own only to lose her as well. What is so tragic is that this young man has experienced so much loss in his short life and has no idea why.
The questions that swirl around your brain as you are reading this book are innumerable. I thought I knew who the Sleeping Beauty Strangler was. Yeah. I missed the mark. You will be surprised as the story unfolds. I look for to reading more from this author.
Sixteen years later, Willow’s baby boy is the same age as his momma was when she died. He is living his best life and enjoying a love of his own only to lose her as well. What is so tragic is that this young man has experienced so much loss in his short life and has no idea why.
The questions that swirl around your brain as you are reading this book are innumerable. I thought I knew who the Sleeping Beauty Strangler was. Yeah. I missed the mark. You will be surprised as the story unfolds. I look for to reading more from this author.
December 14, 2019
I absolutely love this book! It’s a new genre for J.C.Wing but I really hope that it’s not her last in this field. She is very great at what she does. She could write in any genre and I’m positive it would be an awesome book. She hit this one out of the park! Thanks for another winner J.C.
December 17, 2019
Can you say "Book Hangover"!!!??? J.C. is so creative and keeps you wanting more! I did not see the ending coming and my mouth legit dropped and my hand flew over it as I said out loud "NO WAY!!!!" The characters are very relatable and likable. Definitely recommend, you will not be disappointed!!
December 26, 2019
J.C. Wing has written a suspenseful, “never would have guessed it”, novel with “Next Day Gone”.
This page turner was gripping and spine tingling.
I was totally hooked from the first chapter.
There were definitely some emotional heart-breaking moments in this novel.
At the conclusion, I was truly in awe.
This was my first book by J.C. Wing but I will definitely be looking into other books.
I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
4.5 stars
This page turner was gripping and spine tingling.
I was totally hooked from the first chapter.
There were definitely some emotional heart-breaking moments in this novel.
At the conclusion, I was truly in awe.
This was my first book by J.C. Wing but I will definitely be looking into other books.
I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
4.5 stars
December 24, 2019
I have to say I went in to this book with no expectations, and I was wonderfully surprised. I am far from a Young Adult, but I found this book grabbing me and pulling me completely into the story.
The author does a great job of portraying teenagers as they are with all their rebellion and insecurities.
I admit to being surprised at the murderer.
This was my first J.C. Wing book, but it won't be my last.
The author does a great job of portraying teenagers as they are with all their rebellion and insecurities.
I admit to being surprised at the murderer.
This was my first J.C. Wing book, but it won't be my last.
July 17, 2022
This book was intense. I loved it. I was really shocked when I learned who the killer was. I would recommend it to everyone.
February 2, 2020
In this amazing page turning thriller I was hooked and couldn’t put this down! Read in a sitting you’ll be guessing and gripping the edge of your seat right till the last page! I love this authors amazing detail and writing! A must read! Great characters!
February 6, 2020
Read half of this book in one sitting, life and kids stopped me from picking it back up for a while, but I really enjoyed it, and will probably be doing a re read very soon.
December 24, 2019
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I really enjoyed this one...It was a well written book, with good characters and a twisty ending I did not see coming.
January 26, 2020
Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Next Day Gone is broken into two parts: one following Willow and the first set of murders, and the second following Drew (Willow’s son) and the murder of his girlfriend. I feel that having two parts enhanced this story as it really helped develop and provide the details we needed; if the story just followed Drew and his search for understanding what happened, I do not think there would have been enough substance for the book, nor would the reader gain as deep of an attachment to the characters.
I really want to give J.C. Wing kudos for this book. It was well-written with lifelike characters, which really gets your blood pumping when you realize the arc feels like a plausible scenario. Even if you have an inkling on the identity of the suspect, I believe this book will still surprise you in some form or another. I know I definitely went on an emotional roller coaster just thinking about how someone in the characters’ shoes would react.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a thriller/murder mystery. Next Day Gone was a quick, enjoyable read, and I will be looking into reading some of the author’s other work.
Next Day Gone is broken into two parts: one following Willow and the first set of murders, and the second following Drew (Willow’s son) and the murder of his girlfriend. I feel that having two parts enhanced this story as it really helped develop and provide the details we needed; if the story just followed Drew and his search for understanding what happened, I do not think there would have been enough substance for the book, nor would the reader gain as deep of an attachment to the characters.
I really want to give J.C. Wing kudos for this book. It was well-written with lifelike characters, which really gets your blood pumping when you realize the arc feels like a plausible scenario. Even if you have an inkling on the identity of the suspect, I believe this book will still surprise you in some form or another. I know I definitely went on an emotional roller coaster just thinking about how someone in the characters’ shoes would react.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a thriller/murder mystery. Next Day Gone was a quick, enjoyable read, and I will be looking into reading some of the author’s other work.
December 21, 2019
Next Day Gone by J.C. Wing
This novel took me back to being in high school, first loves and young love. Back to the days when we thought we knew it all, had all the answers. But alas, that was just the fantasy world we lived in.
Back to reality. The world can be a cruel place. Filled with awful people. Not everyone is who they seem to be. Not everyone who appears to be your friend is. Who do you trust? Do you trust them with your deepest, darkest secret? Or a just a version of it that they will believe?
Beautiful, young women are being murdered. Why and by whom? Four murders and then it stops for almost 17 years. Now, it started again and they all seem linked to the same killer. Why the gap? What is the connection to the Larsen family
?
Read this well-written story and find out!! This is a page turner you won’t want to put down!
This novel took me back to being in high school, first loves and young love. Back to the days when we thought we knew it all, had all the answers. But alas, that was just the fantasy world we lived in.
Back to reality. The world can be a cruel place. Filled with awful people. Not everyone is who they seem to be. Not everyone who appears to be your friend is. Who do you trust? Do you trust them with your deepest, darkest secret? Or a just a version of it that they will believe?
Beautiful, young women are being murdered. Why and by whom? Four murders and then it stops for almost 17 years. Now, it started again and they all seem linked to the same killer. Why the gap? What is the connection to the Larsen family
?
Read this well-written story and find out!! This is a page turner you won’t want to put down!
January 28, 2020
This book was so good! The characters are well developed and the two parts meld together seamlessly. I though I had the killer figured out, but it was a total surprise. My heart broke for Willow so many times. She was a strong character who was relatable, flaws and all. It was a page turner from start to finish!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2026
The story for this one was good! The author did a good job with the characters and making the reader care about them. It was the writing that bothered me. It was written for young adult, but it just seemed too juvenile. It was something that distracted and bothered me throughout. This is the first book I habe read by this author.
January 29, 2020
I liked this book. I love how it went quickly but at the same time, I wanted it to slow down because I just wanted to stay in the mystery longer. I devoured it in 1 day because I refused to put it down.
February 2, 2020
The book started a little slow but then got a lot better. It wasn’t completely predictable either. I kind of had the killer pegged in the first part of the book but the end was still a complete shock. It was good!!
December 26, 2019
A must read. Twist and turns I wasn’t expecting- and a heartfelt story in the mix!
January 16, 2020
Next Day Gone was an absolute page turner. I don’t generally read YA books, but I do read JC Wing’s books so I gave it a go. I am so glad I did! Parts of the book were just heartbreaking, but I simply couldn’t stop reading. I thought I knew what would happen next, but this book was filled with so many plot twists it was mind boggling. I highly recommend Next Day Gone, but I am forewarning you to buckle up and be ready for a heart stopping read!
December 21, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have since bought the book.
Wow! I loved this book. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. Then, I was wrong again.
I love how Ms. Wing took the time to develop the story line and characters. My heart broke a few times throughout the story.
I also loved how the past was incorporated with the present. And the conclusion...man, I didn't see all of it coming, but I love how the book ended.
Wow! I loved this book. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. Then, I was wrong again.
I love how Ms. Wing took the time to develop the story line and characters. My heart broke a few times throughout the story.
I also loved how the past was incorporated with the present. And the conclusion...man, I didn't see all of it coming, but I love how the book ended.
December 27, 2019
J. C. Wing as usual does an awesome job of developing her characters. She makes it so easy to connect with the main characters and their story but..... then she ends Part One. So you can't put the book down now! Part Two introduces a new and interesting story line with a new set of characters but you must keep reading as you know the two stories will come together at some point and they do so well. Bringing characters from Willow's story into Drew's story keeps you guessing as to who the villain might be. The author gives you many possible suspects. I was surprised and I read a lot of mysteries.
A very well written story with a unique mystery plot. I highly recommend it.
A very well written story with a unique mystery plot. I highly recommend it.
March 1, 2020
This was a new to me author and I have to say, she can write a good thriller. Starting off in the past (if you can call 1998 the past), the story leads us to the disappearances of teenage girls and then to the present with more disappearances.
This book will have you struggling to keep up with the twists and turns but will blow you away at the end!
I highly recommend this for anyone seeking a good thrill ride!
This book will have you struggling to keep up with the twists and turns but will blow you away at the end!
I highly recommend this for anyone seeking a good thrill ride!
December 22, 2019
WOW... my first J.C. book but I'm hooked now!!! Interesting, and kept me on the edge of my seat!!! The ending...WOW...
December 30, 2019
This book kept my interest from the very first page until the very last page. Well written characters and I cared about what happened to them. I was in tears througout this story. It certainly reminded me of my high school days.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last.
December 21, 2019
Storytelling at its best! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the twists and turns it presented!
January 12, 2020
Wow wow wow
Greatly written. Shocking twist.
I cried and screamed and mad and shocked.
I dont know how she came up with the twist and turns. It is a great book.
I enjoy books where it had good ending but I want to know how the rest of their lives go.
Thank you J.C.
Greatly written. Shocking twist.
I cried and screamed and mad and shocked.
I dont know how she came up with the twist and turns. It is a great book.
I enjoy books where it had good ending but I want to know how the rest of their lives go.
Thank you J.C.
February 15, 2020
Wow!! Intense and Addicting!!
Next Day Gone was such a riveting story! It had me completely engrossed, gripping my kindle, turning pages as fast as I could. I was hooked right from the very beginning. With characters full of personality and life, you become attached right away. My love for this book and these characters was immediate. Once I started, there was no stopping me.
J.C. Wing delivers a story full of suspense and heartache... and it completely captivates you. I mean, completely!
This is absolutely a book that I recommend. Just don’t start it before bed. The twists and the need to know who the killer is, will keep you up reading way past your bed time. Isn’t that the very best kind of book? This was my first J.C. Wing book, and it will not be my last. Superb!!
Next Day Gone was such a riveting story! It had me completely engrossed, gripping my kindle, turning pages as fast as I could. I was hooked right from the very beginning. With characters full of personality and life, you become attached right away. My love for this book and these characters was immediate. Once I started, there was no stopping me.
J.C. Wing delivers a story full of suspense and heartache... and it completely captivates you. I mean, completely!
This is absolutely a book that I recommend. Just don’t start it before bed. The twists and the need to know who the killer is, will keep you up reading way past your bed time. Isn’t that the very best kind of book? This was my first J.C. Wing book, and it will not be my last. Superb!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews