53 pages 1 hour read

April Henry

The Night She Disappeared

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Night She Disappeared by April Henry, high-school senior Kayla Cutler is kidnapped while making a pizza delivery, and her coworker Gabie Klug realizes she was the intended target. As Gabie races to uncover the truth and find Kayla, the story explores themes of class-based prejudice, the fallibility of authority figures, and the experiences of teenage girls navigating a world where they are often viewed as powerless. The narrative shifts perspectives and includes stylized inserts like newspaper clippings and evidence reports. The source material discusses substance use and addiction, mental health, and death by suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

April Henry’s The Night She Disappeared draws readers into a suspenseful mystery with well-developed characters and a gripping plot. The pace keeps readers engaged, though some feel the conclusion is somewhat predictable. It is a compelling read for young adults who enjoy thrillers, despite occasional narrative shortcomings.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Night She Disappeared?

Ideal for fans of suspenseful young adult thrillers like Karen M. McManus’s One of Us Is Lying and Natasha Preston’s The Cellar, The Night She Disappeared by April Henry captivates readers who enjoy heart-pounding mysteries, unexpected twists, and strong, resourceful teenage protagonists.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Society: Class

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger