Book Review: The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

Title: The Night She Disappeared
Author: April Henry
Publisher: Henry Colt and Co.
Publication Date: March 13, 2012

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Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is.

MY REVIEW

The Night She Disappeared by April Henry is a twisted rollercoaster ride of a story. Drew and Kayla are working a normal night at Pete’s Pizza, when Drew takes a call for a delivery. Kayla takes the delivery, but she never returns. That is not the only problem, the customer “John Robertson” wanted to know if the girl driving the Mini Cooper would be doing the delivery. Gabie is the girl with the Mini Cooper, who traded shifts with Kayla, so Kayla could have Friday off.

The guilt affects both Gabie and Drew and while the cops believe Kayla might be dead, Gabie and Drew decided to retrace Kayla’s last steps. They continue holding out hope that Kayla is still alive, even when it does not seem possible. During this time, Drew and Gabie’s relationship changes and they grow closer. Gabie is convinced that she is the one the caller wanted, and she is scared that he may come back to get her.

This book features multiple viewpoints throughout the story, including Drew, Gabie, Kayla, and “John Robertson” It gives details and completes the story in a way one or two viewpoints could not. The only thing that bugged me a little bit about this book was the way the police handled the investigation. The Sergeant completely dismisses the idea that the caller originally wanted Gabie, claiming it was just to throw investigators off. There are other things that the police do such as dismissing concerns, being close-minded and just plain rude and mean. To me, it felt like the police were written this way to dramatize and enhance the story. I know that my personal connection of being the wife of a law enforcement officer plays a large part in my irritation. Other than that one single issue, I really liked The Night She Disappeared.  

The story is never loses pace, and it is a very quick read. There are details and pictures included, that I feel make it more interesting to read. I do not want my minor irritation with the police to deter people; it is still a great book. I seriously could not put it down, because I had to know what happened next. It is a great read, especially for teens. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the pubisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review**


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