October 2021

Lisa Jewell has told me that her books always start with some little idea that she expands upon. For THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED, I guessed that it was a sign that read “Dig Here,” but alas I was wrong. She said that the impetus was thinking about a posh boarding school and the people who went there. What would happen to them as they moved together on this campus? And how about layering in a student who does not come from money? What happens then?

Tallulah is a young unwed mother who is crazy about her son and lives with her mom, Kim. A day student in her late 30s, Kim happily helps out with child care for Noah. Noah’s dad, Zach, is still on the scene, but Tallulah is not so sure she wants him to be. She loves spending time at home and with the wild bunch she sees at school. They include Scarlett, a really troubled girl whose family lives in a sprawling mansion called Dark Place. It has a swimming pool and all the fun things that will make it a great party place, including parents who are oblivious to what is going on.

One evening, Tallulah and Zach head out for a night on the town, leaving Kim with Noah, and they do not return. It’s very out of character. Tallulah is devoted to Noah, and she has given clear signs that she does not want Zach to have such a strong place in her life. She would like him to forget about that engagement ring he wants to give her --- and she’s also not buying into the idea of their purchasing a home together. So what happened?

Years later, a mystery book author named Sophie moves to town with her boyfriend, who takes a job as a head teacher at the boarding school. One day, she is out for a walk and sees the sign that reads “Dig Here.” And from there the action takes a new turn. Just what happened the night that the young couple disappeared? Is this a clue, or another red herring?

The storytelling is brisk and sharp. Have fun seeing what you do --- and do not --- get right!