And Now She's Gone

A Novel

By: Rachel Howzell Hall

Narrated by: Je Nie Fleming

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2020

LA Times Book Prize - Finalist, 2020

“Sharp, witty and perfectly paced, And Now She’s Gone is one hell of a read!” (Wendy Walker, best-selling author of The Night Before)

Isabel Lincoln is gone.

But is she missing?

It’s up to Grayson Sykes to find her. Although she is reluctant to track down a woman who may not want to be found, Gray’s search for Isabel Lincoln becomes more complicated and dangerous with every new revelation about the woman’s secrets and the truth she’s hidden from her friends and family.

Featuring two complicated women in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, Rachel Howzell Hall's And Now She’s Gone explores the nature of secrets - and how violence and fear can lead you to abandon everything in order to survive.

A Macmillan Audio production from Forge Books

©2020 Rachel Howzell Hall (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

A intriguing mystery with powerful social message

This starts as a private detective Grayson gets her first solo case. Thinking it would be an easy one; she steps into a web of lies, and murderous scamming. I loved the plot twists and mystery. But importantly, the characters (especially Grayson) were complex, broken, twisted, brave and damn relatable . The Black cultural norms came alive in the writing and the excellent voice actor's performance. The discussion of DV, racism, abuse of Black women, etc made this book quite powerful. Several scenes had me processing my own experiences as a Black woman. I found the story and Grayson's arc to be healing and inspirational.

Best Voice Acting I’ve Ever Heard on Audible

Je Nie Fleming is the best voice actor/ narrator I’ve ever heard in an audiobook! Ever voice of every character felt real, and distinctly different from the last.

I’m a huge fan of the way Rachel Howzell Hall writes characters, so the combination of good writing and phenomenal acting, really made this story immersive.

Meandering and disappointing.

Too long and drawn out. I found myself losing track for lack of interest. The 3 other books i read by this author were excellent and made more so by the narrator. With this book the narration wasn’t as dynamic maybe because the story was so lack luster and the protagonist was not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Good plot, BUT!

Compelling plot, but way, way way too wordy. I have never considered buying an abridged version of a book. However, I would suggest the abridged version of this book.

Good Book

Not award winning literature, but certainly a good book that will keep your attention.

Not One of My Favorites

I thought this book was okay, not great. I was disappointed by the reader's voicing of older African-American characters, which were frankly overblown and unflattering. And the twisty ending seemed contrived. Glad others enjoyed it more than I did.

Could have been 20 chapters shorter

The narrator kept things going as much as she could, but this story DRAAAAAGED. It was like the author was trying to create so many twists and turns that plot fell to the wayside. The main character was also inconsistent, supposed to be this talented sleuth yet I was predicting what was going to happen time and time again. Unnecessary characters and diverting side stories. Could have used a tight edit.

I Loved the book, storyline, and the narrator...

I drive trucks so I'm always looking for a late day or night listen and I won with this one. I love how the story escalated quickly and took on a whole new existence....I will most definitely check this author and narrator out more frequently. They definitely have a new fan. Thanks again for the coolest distraction.

Best new detective series I’ve read in a long time!

Fresh voice, dynamic characters, and expertly crafted plot! Fun from beginning to end. One of my favorite novels of 2020!

Where is Isabel Lincoln?

3.75 ✨

Where is Isabel Lincoln?

I found myself constantly asking this question throughout this entire book. Right when I thought I had it figured out, I realized I was wrong.

We’re following our main character Gray on her first big private investigator case. Grayson Sykes is hired to locate a young doctors missing girlfriend and dog. But is Isabel really missing?

Throughout the story we also see flashbacks into Grayson’s past and find out why she’s in the P.I. business.

I really enjoyed the twist and turns of this book, despite Grayson’s past/storyline being a little predictable. Honestly, I could’ve done without the back and forth between the two stories because it left me a little confused at times.

Overall, I enjoyed this mystery/thriller and its exploration of domestic violence.