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Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
At first glance, Written Off by Karen McQuestion appears to be a typical missing person story, centered on a vanished celebrity author. However, as the pages turn, it quickly reveals itself as a richly layered exploration of family dynamics, loyalty, and friendship in an elegantly humorous yet heartfelt way, blending lighthearted moments with deeper reflective insights. Courtney Hart is frantic with worry; Dana Broderick, her boss and friend, has vanished without a trace. As the hours pass and she questions Dana’s staff and family, who do not seem alarmed, their dismissive attitude only deepens her fear that something is truly wrong. There’s more to this scenario than meets the eye, and behind the polished doors of the Broderick mansion, secrets begin to surface. The events that unfold quietly shift the course of every life connected to Dana’s world in unexpected ways.
In Written Off, Karen McQuestion examines the breaking point we reach with those closest to us, illustrating how love, obligation, and betrayal can collide unexpectedly. Dana’s character demonstrates how easily we can underestimate those we think we know best, and how true strength emerges when everything falls apart. This thematic depth is mirrored in the way the plot unfolds, which catches the reader off guard and highlights McQuestion’s talent for weaving surprising twists into what seems like a straightforward story. She guides us along this journey, and just when we think we’ve figured it out, everything shifts most satisfyingly. I appreciated the subtle humor that revealed characters’ personalities and enhanced the impact of serious moments, such as calling a family meeting and describing the sofa cushions as “al dente seating,” a humorous line with meaningful undertones. Ultimately, this story reminds us that control is often an illusion and that sometimes the quietest people hold the most power. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy stories that unfold gradually and twists rooted in human behavior rather than shock value.
