The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott
Book Overview:
The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott is a novel with an eerie, atmospheric feel that keeps you guessing trying to unravel whether it’s a simple trick of the imagination or if there’s a paranormal element to blame.
Ailsa Calder is a journalist who has inherited half a house following her mother’s passing. She’s traveled to the Scottish Highlands with her half-sister to settle affairs with the manor, named The Manse, and sell it while rebuilding her strained relationship with her half-sister. Complications arise due to her father’s peculiar disappearance twenty-seven years ago preventing her from selling the manor since he’s part owner. Thus, causing her to file a presumption of death to sell the manor and move forward with her life.
However, it appears the Manse has plans of its own. The past and present collide as strange events begin to unfold, and the mystery and suspicion of her father’s disappearance rise amongst the neighbors and close friends of her parents. Ailsa is left trying to uncover the truth of what happened in the past and how it’s impacting the present before she loses her grip on her sanity and everything that she holds dear.
My Review:
I discovered The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott during a trip to my local library where I found it nestled amongst the shelves. I was intrigued by the synopsis and the possibility of a haunted house and couldn’t wait to give it a read. I wasn’t disappointed and came to enjoy this sinister tale.
I found the story to have a slower pace which allowed for more complex character development and an atmospheric setting. This pacing style was even and consistent which contributed to the ominous events that built the mounting tension and suspense.
I truly connected with Ailsa’s character emotionally and appreciated that she was intelligent and inquisitive. She didn’t let things slide and immediately wanted to know the what and why behind every odd circumstance. This made up for the slow pacing and provided deeper insight into who Ailsa is and much-needed action and mystery.
While the main female character Ailsa was elaborately constructed there was much care taken with creating the side characters and their backstories which added layers to the story that impacted the final finish.
The rocky relationship between the two sisters also added to the story showcasing Ailsa’s increasing stress and paranoia as situations became increasingly complicated and abnormal within the Manse.
Finally, the ending blew my socks off. I wasn’t expecting things to take the turn that they did. The ending that I had envisioned was way off base. The final reveal was perfection because you’re left completely unaware that it’s coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this story very much. Although it didn’t go the way I was hoping it would it’s still a wonderfully crafted tale full of intrigue and suspense.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy a slower-paced story that prioritizes complex characterization, paired with an atmospheric setting and superbly timed reveals that increase feelings of trepidation and unease. If you favor a fast-paced thriller with multiple twists and reveals this may not be a satisfying read for you.
