I find it difficult to write a proper review for Gone Without a Trace. The blurb certainly sparked my interest and consequently I expected to read an enticing and unputdownable mystery novel. To be honest I barely survived for 80% of this book. I was sleepy and couldn't stop yawning. Following Matt's sudden and mysterious departure nothing exciting happened until the last few chapters. I can totally understand why Hannah is considered a rather unlikeable character by some people who have already read Gone Without a Trace. She is such a drama queen. I actually think that many characters in this book were a little silly and pathetic at times. However, I must give credit to the author for writing a decent, satisfying and somehow unexpected conclusion. (view spoiler)[I figured out quickly that something was off about Hannah's best friend, Katie. She was annoying and her behaviour was often odd. While my supposition about her proved to be correct, I must admit that I was taken by surprise by the revelation of Hannah's troubled mind and aggressive behaviour towards her boyfriends as well as by James' involvement in frightening Hannah with weird phone calls. (hide spoiler)] In my opinion, Mary Torjussen tried to write a twisted mystery book, reminiscent of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, I Let You Go and also The Couple Next Door (I actually disliked the latter). I don't necessarily think that she did a poor job regarding Gone Without a Trace, but overall her novel is not convincing enough. Given the great amount of psychological/ mystery/ thriller/ suspense books yearly published, Gone Without a Trace is forgettable. My rating for Mary Torjussen's book is roughly 2.5 stars.