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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Polina Quinn's psychological thriller Missing or Dead pulls readers in with a combination of emotional trauma, group manipulation, and a desperate quest for the truth. The story centers on Talia, a teenage girl going through the motions of life, but not really living, due to the haunting realities of her past, including the disappearance of her father and sister, Beth. Talia returns to school after being absent for approximately seven months following a mental break caused by their disappearance. As she struggles to reintegrate into "normal" life, the case remains cold, and she numbs herself with destructive coping mechanisms until she is suddenly abducted and wakes up in an eerie, underground compound. There, she meets her captor, Luke, and is reunited with Beth, who’s disturbingly compliant, like she’s lost the will to fight. Talia wavers between anger, fear, and reluctant compliance as she interprets mysterious hints regarding her father's fate while navigating the psychological control of the group. The book builds to a dramatic and poignant conclusion.
I was initially drawn to this book because of its title and eerie-looking cover. I found the story to be both compelling and haunting, but it’s probably more thought-provoking than anything else. Polina Quinn’s authentic and evocative writing style is on full display in Missing or Dead. It draws readers into Talia’s internal conflict and the confusing world she finds herself in. There are times when I felt I was right there experiencing what Talia was feeling, such as when she wakes up in the underground compound in a haze with everything out of focus, her body unresponsive, and her mind trapped in a numb, paralyzed state. There are other complex, relatable characters, such as Michael, who cares about Talia and tries to reach out and support her, but she’s too emotionally shut down to let him in. His presence demonstrates the extent to which her trauma isolates her. The ambiguous ending invites deep reflection on its themes of resilience, guilt, and human connection. The reader is left wondering about justice, independence, and whether anyone can ever fully escape their past. Missing or Dead is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological dramas with twists and turns, featuring strong characters and morally challenging situations.