The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

The Night She Disappeared by April Henry is a mystery but not a mystery. Kayla works for Pete’s Pizza, behind the counter and making deliveries. One night she goes out on a delivery and doesn’t return.

In chapters told from various characters’ points of view, the story unfolds. Drew and Gabie are her co-workers and most of the chapters revolve around them. Drew took the order. Gabie switched shifts at Kayla’s request; otherwise she would have been making deliveries.

There are also chapters devoted to Kayla and her kidnapper and Kayla’s parents.

I say it’s a mystery and it’s not a mystery because, obviously we all wonder what will happen to Kayla. But it’s more than that. Henry has weaved a story of hope and fear, certainty and uncertainty. Kayla’s parents hire a psychic in hopes that she can solve the puzzle. Drew and Gabie fear the unknown, the being alone both at work and at home. Gabie is certain that Kayla’s alive, yet everyone else is uncertain.

I like the way April Henry writes. It’s direct. You’ll know how each person feels, how they cope with their world, what’s going on in their heads. I can swear I’ve read other books by Ms. Henry, I can’t for the life of me recall which ones. But now she’s on my radar and I’ll be looking forward her future stories.