Reader Reviews
Reader feedback from the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025
“I absolutely flew through this book! I thought I had it figured out at least three different times, and every single time the story pulled the rug out from under me. Talia is such an easy character to root for because her determination to find out what happened to her family feels so genuine.
The psychological side of the story really got under my skin too. I loved how I was constantly questioning who could be trusted. If you're into dark, twisty thrillers that keep you guessing until the end, this is definitely worth picking up.”
— Reader (Female, 34), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“I love thrillers that make me second-guess everything, and Missing or Dead definitely delivered. Every time I thought I'd cracked the mystery, another twist came along and completely changed the picture.
Fast-paced, tense, and seriously addictive. I'd happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological suspense.”
— Reader (Male, 29), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“What a brilliant read! Dark, gripping, and packed with twists that I honestly didn't see coming. Talia's search for the truth had me completely invested, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Definitely one of the more memorable psychological thrillers I've read this year.”
— Reader (Female, 41), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“This was one of those books where I kept telling myself ‘just one more chapter’ and suddenly it was well past midnight.
The mystery is cleverly put together, the pacing is excellent, and the twists genuinely surprised me. A very entertaining psychological thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end.”
— Reader (Male, 58), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“This book kept me completely engrossed from the very first chapter. I appreciated that it wasn't simply about solving a disappearance—it was also about grief, hope, trust, and how easily people can be manipulated when they're desperate for answers. Those emotional elements gave the story real depth.
The suspense is wonderfully sustained throughout, and I particularly liked that nothing felt predictable. The author reveals information at just the right pace, keeping you curious without becoming confusing. There were several moments where I genuinely gasped because I hadn't seen the twists coming.
By the time I reached the ending, I couldn't believe how neatly everything came together. It's an intelligent, well-crafted thriller that I'd happily recommend to friends who enjoy psychological mysteries.”
— Reader (Female, 63), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“I wasn't expecting to become so invested in Talia's journey, but I really felt for her. Losing family members without answers is such a terrifying idea, and the author captures that uncertainty brilliantly. As the story unfolded, I found myself constantly changing my mind about what was really happening.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. There's this creeping sense that something isn't quite right, and it builds so naturally throughout the book. The psychic angle could have gone in all sorts of directions, but it was handled in a way that made the mystery even more compelling.
If you enjoy suspense that's more about mind games than nonstop action, I think you'll have a great time with this one.”
— Reader (Female, 46), The Wishing Shelf Book Awards