I picked up The Girl Who Was Taken because psychological thrillers are my happy place (no judgment, please), and the forensic pathology angle sealed the deal. A medical examiner hunting for her missing sister? Yes. Sign me up. Honestly, who better to chase down the truth than someone with access to cold storage and zero time for red tape?
Livia, the rookie pathologist, was exactly the kind of protagonist I love—smart, passionate, and just inexperienced enough to take bold risks without second-guessing herself. She was believable, dedicated, and clearly in it for the right reasons. If Donlea brings her back in future books, I’ll be first in line. Megan, the girl who returned, had layers of trauma to work through, and rightfully so. I mean, held hostage for two weeks and then finding out your own father was behind it? That’s not just baggage—that’s an entire emotional airport.
The forensic aspect? I ate it up. There’s something so satisfying about watching fictional people dig through bones and tissue samples to uncover the truth. It's like a home renovation show for crime junkies: mildly disturbing, oddly inspiring, and I’m absolutely convinced I could do it myself after one online course and a youtube video.
Pacing-wise, the book was good, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more momentum. I was also hoping Nicole would be found alive, so the ending was a bit of a letdown in that regard—but then came that twist. I had pegged Livia’s supervising doctor as the shady one. When it turned out to be Megan’s dad—a cop, no less—I just sat there blinking like I missed a step in the stairs. Didn’t see it coming. Well played, Mr. Donlea.
One quote really stuck with me (and I wish I remembered who said it):
“You want something, you gotta commit to it and go after it. Don’t slow down, don’t stop to think. Just keep moving forward.”
Honestly, that should be embroidered on throw pillows or turned into a motivational poster for teachers and forensic pathologists alike.
Emotionally, it didn’t hit me super hard, but that’s okay. I’ve got enough drama teaching middle school. This book hit more as an intellectual puzzle—and when it comes to thrillers, I don’t need to cry, I just want to be surprised, suspicious, and maybe a little grossed out by cadaver talk.
Themes of trauma and survival ran deep throughout, and Megan’s decision to write a book about her experience was brave and bittersweet. She was right—people do love a good train wreck. And they can’t look away, no matter how painful it is for the person who actually lived through it.
Final verdict? I’d give this one a solid 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers who love crime fiction with smarts, a strong female lead, and a forensic twist. Especially those of us who treat thrillers like daily vitamins.
Four stars, plus one imaginary star for reminding me that sometimes the most unsettling people are the ones sitting at your dinner table.
