Missing Person

Missing Person follows Shaun Ryan, an Irish man who becomes obsessed with an online forum dedicated to solving cold cases. After posting about his uncle who vanished in the 1990s, Shaun connects with a group of amateur internet detectives who help him investigate the decades-old disappearance. The investigation unfolds through multiple perspectives and formats including forum posts, text messages, and emails. As Shaun digs deeper into his uncle's case with his newfound online community, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about his family's past. The plot centers on the intersection between online and offline worlds, exploring how digital connections enable both collaboration and deception. Through its examination of amateur sleuthing and internet culture, Missing Person raises questions about truth, identity, and the blurred lines between virtual and real relationships.

Readers found the book's premise engaging but noted the slow pacing through the middle sections. Many highlighted the authentic portrayal of internet sleuthing and true crime communities, with one reviewer calling it "a spot-on depiction of online amateur detectives." Readers appreciated: - The complex unreliable narrator - Technical accuracy of internet forum discussions - Multiple perspective storytelling - The atmospheric South African settings Common criticisms: - Takes too long to reach the conclusion - Some plot threads left unresolved - Character motivations feel unclear at times - Middle section drags Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (950+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) One frequent reader comment noted: "The first third hooks you completely, but it loses momentum before picking up again for the finale." Several reviewers mentioned feeling unsatisfied with certain character arcs that "build up but fizzle out without resolution."

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton A detective must inhabit different bodies to solve a murder at a manor house while experiencing the same day through multiple perspectives.

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon A woman investigates her sister's death at a haunted pool while uncovering dark family secrets and supernatural phenomena through social media and historical records.

No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood A social media influencer's digital life collides with reality when a family crisis forces her to confront the discord between online existence and human connection.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett Two law students piece together evidence from emails, messages, and social media posts to solve a murder case in a community theater group.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio A man released from prison recounts the events of a death at his elite arts conservatory through transcripts, surveillance footage, and memories.

🔍 "Missing Person" was inspired by real-life amateur internet sleuths who solve cold cases through online collaboration and investigation 🌍 Author Sarah Lotz wrote parts of the novel while traveling through multiple countries, including Vietnam and Thailand 💻 The book's forum scenes were based on actual missing persons forums and websites, where Lotz spent months researching to capture authentic online dynamics 🏆 The novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Sunday Times CNA Literary Awards in South Africa 📱 Many of the cold cases mentioned in the book were based on real unsolved mysteries, though names and details were altered to protect privacy