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What Happened to Nina?
An emotional novel of suspense about two families at war.
Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home.
WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?
Nobody knows. Simon’s explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn’t add up. Nina’s parents push the police for answers, and Simon’s parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign.
HOW FAR WILL HIS FAMILY GO TO KEEP HIM SAFE?
Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fueled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina’s social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive "fans."
HOW FAR WILL HER FAMILY GO TO GET TO THE TRUTH?
Nina’s family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters—finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon’s wealthy, powerful family, Nina’s parents recognize that if playing by the rules won’t get them anywhere, it’s time to break them.
Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home.
WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?
Nobody knows. Simon’s explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn’t add up. Nina’s parents push the police for answers, and Simon’s parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign.
HOW FAR WILL HIS FAMILY GO TO KEEP HIM SAFE?
Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fueled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina’s social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive "fans."
HOW FAR WILL HER FAMILY GO TO GET TO THE TRUTH?
Nina’s family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters—finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon’s wealthy, powerful family, Nina’s parents recognize that if playing by the rules won’t get them anywhere, it’s time to break them.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Dervla McTiernan
11 books4,291 followersAward-winning, number one bestseller Dervla McTiernan has established herself as one of the biggest names in crime fiction. Her books have garnered critical acclaim around the world and sold over 400,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand alone.
In 2022, McTiernan returns with her first ever standalone thriller, The Murder Rule. Inspired by the true story of a young law student who worked at the Innocence Project and eventually uncovered evidence which exonerated a man who had been in prison for 26 years, McTiernan has created an unforgettable, twisty thriller – the must-read novel of the year.
**CLICK ON DERVLA'S WEBSITE LINK ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT EMAILS FROM DERVLA WITH BOOK NEWS AND CHAT**
In 2022, McTiernan returns with her first ever standalone thriller, The Murder Rule. Inspired by the true story of a young law student who worked at the Innocence Project and eventually uncovered evidence which exonerated a man who had been in prison for 26 years, McTiernan has created an unforgettable, twisty thriller – the must-read novel of the year.
**CLICK ON DERVLA'S WEBSITE LINK ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT EMAILS FROM DERVLA WITH BOOK NEWS AND CHAT**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,146 reviews
March 26, 2024
#What Happened To Nina sucked me in from the first page-it was “unputdownable”!
And, it’s NOW AVAILABLE!!
Dervla McTiernan originally made her name as a bestselling author in Australia and New Zealand, but you can’t help but wonder if this book was inspired by the 2021 Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie case in the U.S..
Nina Fraser and her long time boyfriend, Simon Jordan depart for a romantic weekend away at his parent’s lakefront second property in Vermont which is surrounded by gorgeous trails which the young couple planned to hike-
BUT ONLY ONE WILL RETURN
Simon will claim that Nina broke up with him, and he left her there, per her request but we know from the opening prologue from NINA- that what happened is probably not the tale he is telling…
WE WON’T HEAR FROM HER AGAIN (not a spoiler)
The two families will be pitted against each other—one seeking justice in the disappearance of their daughter, and the other desperate enough to clear their son’s name that they hire the best lawyers and a PR firm that doesn’t care if Nina’s parents are suffering as they start a media campaign that slanders the Frasers by planting wild accusations and conspiracies online to divert attention from Simon.
You will be a fly on the wall…and privy to all of the SCANDALOUS conversations and it feels very REAL.
This FAST PACED story unfolds from the alternating first person POV’s of Nina’s parents-LeeAnne and Andy, and from Simon’s parents, Jamie and Rory, but not from Simon.
An additional POV is that of Detective Matthew Wright as he tries to solve the case.
How far would you go for your child?
This is my second read from the author after being introduced to her work when I read another of her standalone books-“The Murder Rule”, and it DOES NOT disappoint !
Definitely recommended!
A buddy read with DeAnn…does she recommend this one too?
Thank You to Scene of the Crime/William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
And, it’s NOW AVAILABLE!!
Dervla McTiernan originally made her name as a bestselling author in Australia and New Zealand, but you can’t help but wonder if this book was inspired by the 2021 Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie case in the U.S..
Nina Fraser and her long time boyfriend, Simon Jordan depart for a romantic weekend away at his parent’s lakefront second property in Vermont which is surrounded by gorgeous trails which the young couple planned to hike-
BUT ONLY ONE WILL RETURN
Simon will claim that Nina broke up with him, and he left her there, per her request but we know from the opening prologue from NINA- that what happened is probably not the tale he is telling…
WE WON’T HEAR FROM HER AGAIN (not a spoiler)
The two families will be pitted against each other—one seeking justice in the disappearance of their daughter, and the other desperate enough to clear their son’s name that they hire the best lawyers and a PR firm that doesn’t care if Nina’s parents are suffering as they start a media campaign that slanders the Frasers by planting wild accusations and conspiracies online to divert attention from Simon.
You will be a fly on the wall…and privy to all of the SCANDALOUS conversations and it feels very REAL.
This FAST PACED story unfolds from the alternating first person POV’s of Nina’s parents-LeeAnne and Andy, and from Simon’s parents, Jamie and Rory, but not from Simon.
An additional POV is that of Detective Matthew Wright as he tries to solve the case.
How far would you go for your child?
This is my second read from the author after being introduced to her work when I read another of her standalone books-“The Murder Rule”, and it DOES NOT disappoint !
Definitely recommended!
A buddy read with DeAnn…does she recommend this one too?
Thank You to Scene of the Crime/William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
May 22, 2024
I’m completely heartbroken. This really got to me, and I couldn’t stop listening. It was just so sad and realistic that I couldn’t stop imagining how it would have felt to be in a similar situation. What would I have done if my son did something horrible? The different POVs worked so well, I really got why they acted the way they did.
February 16, 2024
Best book of 2024!
Show-Stopper! This book deserves more than five stars. Absolutely un-putdownable!
Anytime I stepped away, (dragged away!) from this book, it stayed with me. I could not stop thinking about it.
Nina has had the same boyfriend, Simon since high school. Growing up together, their friendship eventually grew into first love. But they are currently attending different Universities. Which makes it difficult to find time for each other.
But a weekend together suddenly turns into something sinister after only Simon returns home.
Nina’s parents are naturally frantic, wanting and hoping for answers. At the same time, Simon’s parents will do whatever it takes to protect their son.
A parent’s love for their child knows few boundaries. So how far would you go?
As the search for answers plays out in social media, the trolls surface like cockroaches. The ugliness was sickening.
Told from multiple points of view. Nina, both sets of parents, Nina’s younger sister Grace and the detectives assigned to the case.
Every character was presented with such intense depth. You could feel the gripping anguish of Nina’s parents and the stark fear of the Simon’s. The emotions were real, palpable.
I was so scared the ending would let me down but not to worry! The ending dove-tailed flawlessly!
This read will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow.
Show-Stopper! This book deserves more than five stars. Absolutely un-putdownable!
Anytime I stepped away, (dragged away!) from this book, it stayed with me. I could not stop thinking about it.
Nina has had the same boyfriend, Simon since high school. Growing up together, their friendship eventually grew into first love. But they are currently attending different Universities. Which makes it difficult to find time for each other.
But a weekend together suddenly turns into something sinister after only Simon returns home.
Nina’s parents are naturally frantic, wanting and hoping for answers. At the same time, Simon’s parents will do whatever it takes to protect their son.
A parent’s love for their child knows few boundaries. So how far would you go?
As the search for answers plays out in social media, the trolls surface like cockroaches. The ugliness was sickening.
Told from multiple points of view. Nina, both sets of parents, Nina’s younger sister Grace and the detectives assigned to the case.
Every character was presented with such intense depth. You could feel the gripping anguish of Nina’s parents and the stark fear of the Simon’s. The emotions were real, palpable.
I was so scared the ending would let me down but not to worry! The ending dove-tailed flawlessly!
This read will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow.
March 12, 2024
*4.5 stars*
Nina and Simon met at school when they were 5 years old, they became a couple at 16 years of age - your archetypal example of teenage sweethearts. However, when they attend different colleges, their relationship changes, as Simon becomes very intense, very needy, bad tempered. Everything comes to a head when they go away for a few days to Simon’s parents cabin, and at the end of their break only Simon returns home. His explanation as to Nina’s whereabouts doesn’t ring true and this is where we ask ourselves “What happened to Nina”?
Nina’s parents are suspicious of Simon, they believe he’s hiding something. However, Simon’s parents rush to support and protect him, hiring expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign. So right from the very start, their parents are pitted against each other - accusations and counter accusations follow with everyone who knows the couple taking sides.
This is so much more than a book about a disappearance. That is the central, intriguing mystery, but the lives of those closest to Nina and Simon are unravelled, unveiling one main suspect, maybe more, or could they all be completely innocent?
The phrase ‘page turner’ is much over used, but this book encapsulates its true meaning. It is an un-put-downable examination of fascinating characters, each of whom could be our neighbours, our family, people we pass in the street without a second thought. Each is a fictional creation with a vice-like grip on reality. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Nina and Simon met at school when they were 5 years old, they became a couple at 16 years of age - your archetypal example of teenage sweethearts. However, when they attend different colleges, their relationship changes, as Simon becomes very intense, very needy, bad tempered. Everything comes to a head when they go away for a few days to Simon’s parents cabin, and at the end of their break only Simon returns home. His explanation as to Nina’s whereabouts doesn’t ring true and this is where we ask ourselves “What happened to Nina”?
Nina’s parents are suspicious of Simon, they believe he’s hiding something. However, Simon’s parents rush to support and protect him, hiring expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign. So right from the very start, their parents are pitted against each other - accusations and counter accusations follow with everyone who knows the couple taking sides.
This is so much more than a book about a disappearance. That is the central, intriguing mystery, but the lives of those closest to Nina and Simon are unravelled, unveiling one main suspect, maybe more, or could they all be completely innocent?
The phrase ‘page turner’ is much over used, but this book encapsulates its true meaning. It is an un-put-downable examination of fascinating characters, each of whom could be our neighbours, our family, people we pass in the street without a second thought. Each is a fictional creation with a vice-like grip on reality. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
June 21, 2024
I’m giving a heads-up to readers who plan to start this book:
-Order your fake nails online because you won’t have healthy nails left after finishing this riveting and heart-throbbing thriller.
-Find great excuses to skip your job, your social commitments, even postpone binge-watching new streaming series; play sick for your husband, kids who demand you cook, clean, do laundry. Once you start this book, you won’t want to deal with anything from the outside world and you’ll go with the flow.
-Find someplace to read where underage adults can't hear you because you will have an urge to curse loudly every time one of the Jordan family members appears in the chapters and presents their narratives.
-Find a firm, strong, stable couch to sit on because you may keep jumping on it as the pressure builds and hits the top. You don’t want to fall back down to the floor at each triggering scene you’re reading.
-Don’t bring any food with you. This book may create stress eating, and without realizing it, you may find yourself already covered from head to toe with junk food packages, turning yourself into a walking trash bag!
-Feel free to work on your best villainous laugh because when you read the conclusion, you may also need to perform it!
I cannot give this book less than five stars! In my opinion, nobody except psychological thriller or true crime fans, riveting mystery addicts, can do that! This book is absolutely fantastic but also disturbing, mind-bending, dark, perfectly developed, and executed!
It opens with the POV of Nina Frazier, a 20-year-old, sweet girl next door but also tough, hardworking, a grade A student, a perfect daughter, and an accomplished climber, dating her childhood boyfriend Simon since she was sixteen. They’re from the same town, but their families are polar opposites. The Jordan family is wealthy, prestigious, focused on appearances, while the Frasers are from the middle class, running their inn: a family business they all work together to make ends meet. Nina’s mother, Leanne, comes from a broken family, she's tough, resilient, a hard worker, while Simon’s mother, Jamie, is a trophy wife conducting a side business by selling her designer clothes online; they couldn't be much different, pretending to be civil with each other for their children’s sake.
In the beginning of the story from Nina’s narrative, we understand that after Nina and Simon, a picture-perfect couple, started their long-distance relationship, Simon becomes controlling, suffocating Nina, monitoring her every move, even becoming physically harmful. When they plan to spend time alone together at a new house Simon’s family bought near Stowe, Nina is forced to cancel her shift at her mother’s inn, which creates an argument between mother and daughter.
Nina still questions their relationship, and during their hike, an incident occurs that pushes her to the decision she’s been postponing for so long. She is adamant to break up with him when they are having dinner. Unfortunately, Nina’s narration ends here.
Afterwards, we find out that Simon returns back to his family home alone, telling people that he and Nina broke up because she was cheating on him and he left her in their house.
But there is something missing from the story. In any condition, Nina might have called her parents to drive her home. She never disappears into thin air without informing them. Her jacket, eyewater, and a few belongings are found at the Stowe home, but the security cameras show no indication that she left the house, and her phone has been inactive since Friday night.
What happened to Nina? Did she run away from her abusive boyfriend or her strict mother who forces her to spend her entire spare time working in the inn? Or did something happen to her?
We read from both family members’ POVs, including Jamie and Rory Jordan, who will go to great lengths to prevent their son from going to jail, and the Fraser family: Leanne, Andy, their fifteen-year-old daughter Grace, who will do anything in their power to find out what happened to Nina.
Police officer Matthew and his young colleague Sarah Jane are also adamant about finding out the truth, and the cyberbullying, troll attacks are also added into the complex equation as the narratives keep changing to address the culprit by manipulating the haters as the pressure builds until things get escalated. Could justice be served before anyone out there takes matters into their own hands?
Some books leave traces in your soul, and this one is actually one of them. I highly recommend it to anyone addicted to great thrillers!
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this unputdownable psychological thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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-Order your fake nails online because you won’t have healthy nails left after finishing this riveting and heart-throbbing thriller.
-Find great excuses to skip your job, your social commitments, even postpone binge-watching new streaming series; play sick for your husband, kids who demand you cook, clean, do laundry. Once you start this book, you won’t want to deal with anything from the outside world and you’ll go with the flow.
-Find someplace to read where underage adults can't hear you because you will have an urge to curse loudly every time one of the Jordan family members appears in the chapters and presents their narratives.
-Find a firm, strong, stable couch to sit on because you may keep jumping on it as the pressure builds and hits the top. You don’t want to fall back down to the floor at each triggering scene you’re reading.
-Don’t bring any food with you. This book may create stress eating, and without realizing it, you may find yourself already covered from head to toe with junk food packages, turning yourself into a walking trash bag!
-Feel free to work on your best villainous laugh because when you read the conclusion, you may also need to perform it!
I cannot give this book less than five stars! In my opinion, nobody except psychological thriller or true crime fans, riveting mystery addicts, can do that! This book is absolutely fantastic but also disturbing, mind-bending, dark, perfectly developed, and executed!
It opens with the POV of Nina Frazier, a 20-year-old, sweet girl next door but also tough, hardworking, a grade A student, a perfect daughter, and an accomplished climber, dating her childhood boyfriend Simon since she was sixteen. They’re from the same town, but their families are polar opposites. The Jordan family is wealthy, prestigious, focused on appearances, while the Frasers are from the middle class, running their inn: a family business they all work together to make ends meet. Nina’s mother, Leanne, comes from a broken family, she's tough, resilient, a hard worker, while Simon’s mother, Jamie, is a trophy wife conducting a side business by selling her designer clothes online; they couldn't be much different, pretending to be civil with each other for their children’s sake.
In the beginning of the story from Nina’s narrative, we understand that after Nina and Simon, a picture-perfect couple, started their long-distance relationship, Simon becomes controlling, suffocating Nina, monitoring her every move, even becoming physically harmful. When they plan to spend time alone together at a new house Simon’s family bought near Stowe, Nina is forced to cancel her shift at her mother’s inn, which creates an argument between mother and daughter.
Nina still questions their relationship, and during their hike, an incident occurs that pushes her to the decision she’s been postponing for so long. She is adamant to break up with him when they are having dinner. Unfortunately, Nina’s narration ends here.
Afterwards, we find out that Simon returns back to his family home alone, telling people that he and Nina broke up because she was cheating on him and he left her in their house.
But there is something missing from the story. In any condition, Nina might have called her parents to drive her home. She never disappears into thin air without informing them. Her jacket, eyewater, and a few belongings are found at the Stowe home, but the security cameras show no indication that she left the house, and her phone has been inactive since Friday night.
What happened to Nina? Did she run away from her abusive boyfriend or her strict mother who forces her to spend her entire spare time working in the inn? Or did something happen to her?
We read from both family members’ POVs, including Jamie and Rory Jordan, who will go to great lengths to prevent their son from going to jail, and the Fraser family: Leanne, Andy, their fifteen-year-old daughter Grace, who will do anything in their power to find out what happened to Nina.
Police officer Matthew and his young colleague Sarah Jane are also adamant about finding out the truth, and the cyberbullying, troll attacks are also added into the complex equation as the narratives keep changing to address the culprit by manipulating the haters as the pressure builds until things get escalated. Could justice be served before anyone out there takes matters into their own hands?
Some books leave traces in your soul, and this one is actually one of them. I highly recommend it to anyone addicted to great thrillers!
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this unputdownable psychological thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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July 20, 2024
There is something so satisfying when justice is served, and ultimately this is ‘what happened to Nina’.
A cracking murder / mystery that is focused primarily on two families and how they deal with the disappearance and murder of Nina and then the accusations from both sides as social media also makes its appearance.
Here’s what happened to Nina……
Nina has been dating Simon Jordan for 4 years but after her latest climbing expedition with him she decides to call time on the relationship with this spoiled, privileged and selfish boy. It costs Nina her life. This is not a spoiler because the murder is clear and we even who done it. The fascination with the book is how Simon and Nina’s respective families deal with it.
Then comes an amazing and satisfying twist that gave me that fulfilling 5 star read.
It’s all happening in this novel…..
Well written, brilliantly paced, and even though there is nothing new about parents protecting their killer sons, the characterisation was actually very good. However, it was how the whole story played out that made this a great crime / thriller.
Twisty, gripping, immersive, tense, unputdownable, and didn’t I say satisfying- well of course it was that too.
A cracking murder / mystery that is focused primarily on two families and how they deal with the disappearance and murder of Nina and then the accusations from both sides as social media also makes its appearance.
Here’s what happened to Nina……
Nina has been dating Simon Jordan for 4 years but after her latest climbing expedition with him she decides to call time on the relationship with this spoiled, privileged and selfish boy. It costs Nina her life. This is not a spoiler because the murder is clear and we even who done it. The fascination with the book is how Simon and Nina’s respective families deal with it.
Then comes an amazing and satisfying twist that gave me that fulfilling 5 star read.
It’s all happening in this novel…..
Well written, brilliantly paced, and even though there is nothing new about parents protecting their killer sons, the characterisation was actually very good. However, it was how the whole story played out that made this a great crime / thriller.
Twisty, gripping, immersive, tense, unputdownable, and didn’t I say satisfying- well of course it was that too.
February 8, 2024
“My name is Nina Fraser, I’m a twenty year old student at VSU and a climber but you probably know that already and I daresay already judged me. I’ve a boyfriend, Simon Jordan who I meet at school aged 5, we’ve been together since sixteen and he’s a good guy. However, when we go to different colleges things begin to change, he becomes more intense and way, way worse. It comes to a head when he persuades me to go on a weekend break to his wealthy family cabin in our home state of Vermont….” and only Simon returns home. What happens at the cabin? What happens to Nina? Simon’s story is inconsistent, he claims the couple break up, he goes home and she stays at the cabin. His parents, Rory and Jamie rush to protect him and Nina’s parents, Andy and Leanne, push for answers. The Jordans hire a PR firm to address some of the online speculation, to defuse and confuse the narrative and that’s when things start to get seriously toxic. How far will both sets of parents go to protect their offspring? Will we ever learn what happens to Nina?
From the moment I learn of a new book by Dervla McTiernan, I’ve been busting to read this and oh my goodness, although I’ve rated all her books very highly this is by far her best, in my opinion. I think this exploration of the above premise and the impact of Nina’s disappearance on both families has been superbly done. It has me in a vice like grip from beginning to end. It’s told from several perspectives and that really keeps the momentum going as you clearly see them for exactly who and what they are. Few can be described as likeable (apart from Grace, Nina’s sister) but that’s what makes the reading so fascinating and compelling. You feel every inch of the different types of pain especially that of Leanne, which is raw.
The ever changing plot direction, the quick pace and the numerous moments of suspense which ranges from the intake of breath variety to the gasp out loud in shock, making it a hard novel to set aside. It’s the very definition of a one more chapter book.
The online sections of the storytelling rightly make me feel ill. People taking sides based on no actual evidence, spurious and dangerous allegations that have zero basis in fact or utilised the Nina story for self promotion is beyond despicable and destructive and yet as we all know it happens to someone, somewhere daily. The conspiracy theories fuelling the story of Nina’s disappearance and making things even worse, breaking already broken people, breaks my heart.
The last part of the book and the ending are absolutely fantastic and I can barely lift my eyes from the pages. As for that final line …..
Overall, this is utterly gripping the whole way through and so realistically done I feel as if I’ve witnessed actual events. It takes me on an emotional journey with everything from sadness to anger to incredulity. It’s incredibly powerful, so thought provoking and quite simply, brilliant. An easy five stars and it’ll be no surprise I highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
From the moment I learn of a new book by Dervla McTiernan, I’ve been busting to read this and oh my goodness, although I’ve rated all her books very highly this is by far her best, in my opinion. I think this exploration of the above premise and the impact of Nina’s disappearance on both families has been superbly done. It has me in a vice like grip from beginning to end. It’s told from several perspectives and that really keeps the momentum going as you clearly see them for exactly who and what they are. Few can be described as likeable (apart from Grace, Nina’s sister) but that’s what makes the reading so fascinating and compelling. You feel every inch of the different types of pain especially that of Leanne, which is raw.
The ever changing plot direction, the quick pace and the numerous moments of suspense which ranges from the intake of breath variety to the gasp out loud in shock, making it a hard novel to set aside. It’s the very definition of a one more chapter book.
The online sections of the storytelling rightly make me feel ill. People taking sides based on no actual evidence, spurious and dangerous allegations that have zero basis in fact or utilised the Nina story for self promotion is beyond despicable and destructive and yet as we all know it happens to someone, somewhere daily. The conspiracy theories fuelling the story of Nina’s disappearance and making things even worse, breaking already broken people, breaks my heart.
The last part of the book and the ending are absolutely fantastic and I can barely lift my eyes from the pages. As for that final line …..
Overall, this is utterly gripping the whole way through and so realistically done I feel as if I’ve witnessed actual events. It takes me on an emotional journey with everything from sadness to anger to incredulity. It’s incredibly powerful, so thought provoking and quite simply, brilliant. An easy five stars and it’ll be no surprise I highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Shelved as 'read-audiobooks'
May 20, 2024 Audiobook Rating: no lol Performance: very mid
Earhole read. If you hated The Murder Rule, well guess what, this is just as stanky. Idk what in the Freida McFadden was going on here, but I miss the Dervla McTiernan that wrote the Cormac Reilly series. Come back.
"The situation was forcing me to realize maybe I was more isolated than I realized." ........... I wish I was joking.
I had to put my blow dryer down when Nina's mom said she removed heating from the house to make her daughters tough because she had a rough childhood. Girl.... What lmao.
This could've been a novella. You find out what happens to Nina before halfway and then you slog to the end to discover... Nothing. Which is fine. It doesn't always have to be a whodunnit to be enjoyable. But you can't serve up Duolingo ass sentences with zero character development or thought provoking nuggets (social media is evil! Who knew?!) ANDDDD reveal whodunnit before 50%. Don't like it.
Also, whoever did the cover must pay for their crimes. This is Walmart bargain bin AT BEST.
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Earhole read. If you hated The Murder Rule, well guess what, this is just as stanky. Idk what in the Freida McFadden was going on here, but I miss the Dervla McTiernan that wrote the Cormac Reilly series. Come back.
"The situation was forcing me to realize maybe I was more isolated than I realized." ........... I wish I was joking.
I had to put my blow dryer down when Nina's mom said she removed heating from the house to make her daughters tough because she had a rough childhood. Girl.... What lmao.
This could've been a novella. You find out what happens to Nina before halfway and then you slog to the end to discover... Nothing. Which is fine. It doesn't always have to be a whodunnit to be enjoyable. But you can't serve up Duolingo ass sentences with zero character development or thought provoking nuggets (social media is evil! Who knew?!) ANDDDD reveal whodunnit before 50%. Don't like it.
Also, whoever did the cover must pay for their crimes. This is Walmart bargain bin AT BEST.
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March 5, 2024
I love this author's Cormac O'Reilly series so much but was not equally enthralled with The Murder Rule which is a standalone set in America. What Happened to Nina? is the same but I decided to give it a try anyway and I am so glad I did.
The book opens with a prologue which introduces Nina and her boyfriend Simon. Nina is considering dumping him due to his continuous cruelty. When the story begins Nina has been missing for 24 hours and Simon is the last person to have seen her. A major search begins, the media is involved, and then the internet goes crazy with people taking sides over what has occurred. It all becomes really unpleasant when Simon's father hires a PR company to create false messages about Nina's family in order to muddy the waters regarding Simon's possible involvement.
It all makes for fascinating reading and the lengths that the parents go to protect their children are amazing. Well worth reading. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book opens with a prologue which introduces Nina and her boyfriend Simon. Nina is considering dumping him due to his continuous cruelty. When the story begins Nina has been missing for 24 hours and Simon is the last person to have seen her. A major search begins, the media is involved, and then the internet goes crazy with people taking sides over what has occurred. It all becomes really unpleasant when Simon's father hires a PR company to create false messages about Nina's family in order to muddy the waters regarding Simon's possible involvement.
It all makes for fascinating reading and the lengths that the parents go to protect their children are amazing. Well worth reading. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 18, 2024
Ever since they were sixteen years old, Simon Jordan and Nina Fraser have been a steady couple. Blissfully in love, they have had the kind of relationship that others wish they had. Now attending separate colleges several states apart, they’ve managed to keep their love alive with regular visits and plenty of mutual attraction. Which is why, when Simon suggests a weekend away at his parents’ house in Stowe, Nina quickly says yes.
A week later, however, Nina’s parents, Andy and Leanne, have yet to hear from the daughter. When they find out that Simon has returned to town—conspicuously without Nina—they start to panic. Where could she be? Simon claims not to know, but if she isn’t with him, then the alternative cannot be good. Thinking the worst, they call the police. Hopefully, Detective Matthew Wright will be able to sniff out the truth.
As the investigation gets underway, though, the public quickly starts braying for blood. Initially Simon is the one put on trial with the court of public opinion. His parents, Jamie and Rory, quickly go to bat for their son. After all, what won’t a parent do for their child? And just when it seems that the Jordans are out of their depth, the focus shifts onto the Frasers. Whipped up online, talk turns to what they could be hiding. Maybe they are to blame for what happened to Nina.
Despite what is taking place all over social media, however, Andy and Leanne fear for their daughter. No matter the distractions, they are determined to find out the truth. And even if it means going up against the wealth of the Jordans, they will find out, once and for all. With or without the police.
From the start, What Happened to Nina? grabbed my attention. With an intoxicating synopsis and a promising premise, I simply couldn’t wait to dive in. Once I began, I wasn’t let down in the least. Granted, it was slightly more of a long, slow burn than I’d anticipated, but even that didn’t damper my adoration of this stellar tale of domestic suspense.
The characters themselves felt one hundred percent genuine right from the very first word. Told through a round robin of multiple POVs, each persona felt decidedly distinct. From Nina’s parents whose pain was evident to Simon’s mom and dad who I grew to love to hate, the full effect was one of how far one will go for their child. As circumstances unraveled, so too did their behavior, which was utterly delicious as I watched it unfold.
As for the storyline, as I said, it was rather slower than expected. With no major twists and turns, I did, for the most part, figure out the general direction of the plot. At the same time, however, the last third of the book totally took me unawares and delivered one humdinger of a climax followed by a dead on perfect conclusion. So, even though it could’ve been a little more action-packed or intense, I was still happy as a clam, all said and done.
There were just a few minor flaws, however. One was that definite lack of any real surprises for much of the book. I also wish that there was more than just a glimpse inside of Nina and Simon’s relationship before that fateful trip. I wouldn’t have minded getting Simon’s perspective here and there as well. After all, it definitely would’ve been enlightening, if nothing else.
By the time I closed the cover, the ripped-from-the-headlines situation felt wholly true-to-life. I could easily see the entire plot happening just as it did, which was unfurled with some rather gifted storytelling, if I do say so myself. With palpable emotions and a plot that left me thinking, this unputdownable, addictive tale will surely stay with me for awhile. Now I can’t wait to try McTiernan’s backlist, as this absolutely did not disappoint. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Dervla McTiernan and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, missing person, gaslighting, online trolling, mention of: fatal shooting
A week later, however, Nina’s parents, Andy and Leanne, have yet to hear from the daughter. When they find out that Simon has returned to town—conspicuously without Nina—they start to panic. Where could she be? Simon claims not to know, but if she isn’t with him, then the alternative cannot be good. Thinking the worst, they call the police. Hopefully, Detective Matthew Wright will be able to sniff out the truth.
As the investigation gets underway, though, the public quickly starts braying for blood. Initially Simon is the one put on trial with the court of public opinion. His parents, Jamie and Rory, quickly go to bat for their son. After all, what won’t a parent do for their child? And just when it seems that the Jordans are out of their depth, the focus shifts onto the Frasers. Whipped up online, talk turns to what they could be hiding. Maybe they are to blame for what happened to Nina.
Despite what is taking place all over social media, however, Andy and Leanne fear for their daughter. No matter the distractions, they are determined to find out the truth. And even if it means going up against the wealth of the Jordans, they will find out, once and for all. With or without the police.
From the start, What Happened to Nina? grabbed my attention. With an intoxicating synopsis and a promising premise, I simply couldn’t wait to dive in. Once I began, I wasn’t let down in the least. Granted, it was slightly more of a long, slow burn than I’d anticipated, but even that didn’t damper my adoration of this stellar tale of domestic suspense.
The characters themselves felt one hundred percent genuine right from the very first word. Told through a round robin of multiple POVs, each persona felt decidedly distinct. From Nina’s parents whose pain was evident to Simon’s mom and dad who I grew to love to hate, the full effect was one of how far one will go for their child. As circumstances unraveled, so too did their behavior, which was utterly delicious as I watched it unfold.
As for the storyline, as I said, it was rather slower than expected. With no major twists and turns, I did, for the most part, figure out the general direction of the plot. At the same time, however, the last third of the book totally took me unawares and delivered one humdinger of a climax followed by a dead on perfect conclusion. So, even though it could’ve been a little more action-packed or intense, I was still happy as a clam, all said and done.
There were just a few minor flaws, however. One was that definite lack of any real surprises for much of the book. I also wish that there was more than just a glimpse inside of Nina and Simon’s relationship before that fateful trip. I wouldn’t have minded getting Simon’s perspective here and there as well. After all, it definitely would’ve been enlightening, if nothing else.
By the time I closed the cover, the ripped-from-the-headlines situation felt wholly true-to-life. I could easily see the entire plot happening just as it did, which was unfurled with some rather gifted storytelling, if I do say so myself. With palpable emotions and a plot that left me thinking, this unputdownable, addictive tale will surely stay with me for awhile. Now I can’t wait to try McTiernan’s backlist, as this absolutely did not disappoint. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Dervla McTiernan and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, missing person, gaslighting, online trolling, mention of: fatal shooting
January 31, 2024
Nina and Simon are young couple that are madly in love with one another. They're high school sweethearts that are currently in a long distance relationship due to college. In an effort to spend time together they decide to spend a week at Simon's family's vacation home in Stowe, VT.
Nothing unusual about that except that Nina's mom, Leanne, is upset when her daughter doesn't return any of her calls or texts. Nina was suppose to be home on Saturday and she failed to arrive.
Turns out, Simon has already returned home, without Nina. He claims they had a fight about her cheating on him so he left. Nina was going to be picked up by a friend in the morning. Nina is never seen again.
Sound familiar? It's evident that McTiernan drew inspiration for this novel after the murder case of Gabby Petito.
Anyone familiar with that case, and how could you not be if you live in the States, won't find many surprises to be had here. What is so surprising is that even knowing all I knew about the case I found this to be utterly compelling and I was riveted to the pages. Of course Nina's parents pain and anger broke me. I can't imagine losing my son so when I would put myself in their place it was almost too much to bare. What I hadn't expected was the empathy I felt for Simon's parents. Did I like them? No, not at all, but I couldn't help to feel some compassion for their situation as well. They loved their son, they wanted to believe he could have never of done such a thing, they were terrified his life would be destroyed so they did what they felt they needed to do to protect him. Were they right to do so? No, never, but as a mom I could understand it. Love for a child is a powerful force that could make a person commit acts they never would have entertained otherwise.
Thought provoking and gut wrenching from beginning to end. McTiernan delivers a story all too common, unfortunately, but did so with respect and sensitivity. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for my complimentary copy.
Nothing unusual about that except that Nina's mom, Leanne, is upset when her daughter doesn't return any of her calls or texts. Nina was suppose to be home on Saturday and she failed to arrive.
Turns out, Simon has already returned home, without Nina. He claims they had a fight about her cheating on him so he left. Nina was going to be picked up by a friend in the morning. Nina is never seen again.
Sound familiar? It's evident that McTiernan drew inspiration for this novel after the murder case of Gabby Petito.
Anyone familiar with that case, and how could you not be if you live in the States, won't find many surprises to be had here. What is so surprising is that even knowing all I knew about the case I found this to be utterly compelling and I was riveted to the pages. Of course Nina's parents pain and anger broke me. I can't imagine losing my son so when I would put myself in their place it was almost too much to bare. What I hadn't expected was the empathy I felt for Simon's parents. Did I like them? No, not at all, but I couldn't help to feel some compassion for their situation as well. They loved their son, they wanted to believe he could have never of done such a thing, they were terrified his life would be destroyed so they did what they felt they needed to do to protect him. Were they right to do so? No, never, but as a mom I could understand it. Love for a child is a powerful force that could make a person commit acts they never would have entertained otherwise.
Thought provoking and gut wrenching from beginning to end. McTiernan delivers a story all too common, unfortunately, but did so with respect and sensitivity. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for my complimentary copy.
May 23, 2024
You’d have to be living under a rock not to see the similarities between this story and the Gaby Petito/Brian Lundrie tragedy.
But this is complete fiction that imagines the repercussions on both families when a young woman is missing, and the boyfriend is the prime suspect.
We know early on what happened to Nina, so this is not a mystery or who-dun-it.
We are privy to the conversations among both families, the official police investigations, the toxicity of social media, and more.
But the biggest question: how far would you go for your child? Whether victim or suspect.
None of this is new ground but this is a well-done, well-written account that kept me riveted. No worries that this is a predicable tale - it is not.
The audiobook cast was excellent!
But this is complete fiction that imagines the repercussions on both families when a young woman is missing, and the boyfriend is the prime suspect.
We know early on what happened to Nina, so this is not a mystery or who-dun-it.
We are privy to the conversations among both families, the official police investigations, the toxicity of social media, and more.
But the biggest question: how far would you go for your child? Whether victim or suspect.
None of this is new ground but this is a well-done, well-written account that kept me riveted. No worries that this is a predicable tale - it is not.
The audiobook cast was excellent!
February 27, 2024
EXCERPT: I switched on the TV but the conference was already over, and I had to wait for an hour before the edited news report came on the channel's Facebook feed. By then I'd finished one glass of wine and started on my second. When the post finally came up, I clicked play and watched as Leanne and Andrew Fraser took to the podium. There was a poster-sized still of Nina on a screen behind them. She was laughing and looked extremely pretty. Leanne looked like hell. Like she hadn't slept in a week, like she'd never been introduced to a hairdresser or the concept of makeup. They talked about Nina. It was hard to watch. Leanne came across badly. She was robotic and unnatural. I think I was actually starting to feel sorry for her, until right before the end, when she all but said straight out that our family was hiding something. That we were preventing a search of our land, which was utter bullshit but was exactly the kind of thing that would supercharge the gossip engine. She also made it clear that she thought Simon was lying.
ABOUT 'WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?': Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family's cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home.
WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?
Nobody knows. Simon's explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn't add up. Nina's parents push the police for answers, and Simon's parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign.
HOW FAR WILL HIS FAMILY GO TO KEEP HIM SAFE?
Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fuelled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina's social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive 'fans.'
HOW FAR WILL HER FAMILY GO TO GET TO THE TRUTH?
Nina's family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters - finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon's wealthy, powerful family, Nina's parents recognize that if playing by the rules won't get them anywhere, it's time to break them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book I have read by Dervla McTiernan that I haven't absolutely ravaged. Don't get me wrong - I liked it. I didn't love it.
The story is told from multiple points of view: that of Nina's parents, her sister Grace, Simon's parents and the lead detective on the case.
It starts out well, recounting Nina and Simon's hiking trip, but without revealing the outcome so, initially, we don't know what has happened to Nina. There is a flurry of activity which keeps the suspense running high at the onset of the investigation, but then there is a kind of flat period where there seems to be a lot of filler material which doesn't contribute a lot to the story.
McTiernan has drawn some brilliant characters. Simon comes across as smarmy and entitled. His mother Jamie is a first wife who knows her days are numbered as more and more of her husband's friends and associates trade their first wives in for younger models. Jamie is not stupid - she has a plan. Rory her husband comes across as cold and autocratic. He makes the money, so his word is law. Nina's parents are more ordinary folk. Leanne runs the family inn while Andrew is a landscaper.
Much will be made of the fact that Andrew is not Nina's biological father and questions are raised on social media about what actually happened to her father. There are also some rather awful aspersions cast against Andrew's character. Thus is the power of social media. I was rather appalled by the lengths Simon's parents went to in 'managing' the content.
The ending was the redeeming factor for me. All of a sudden the plot took off like a bullet train and it became unputdownable.
I believe this was based on a real crime that occurred in America, but of which we heard little or nothing here in the antipodes. I didn't find this out until after I had finished reading, but I doubt the knowledge would have increased my enjoyment. On the other hand, I may have looked up the case to familiarize myself with it before I started. Who knows?
And the cover - having read the book, I can't see that the cover is relevant. Perhaps the backdrop shot of Nina used for the press conference, or a still of her pushing Simon into the pool may have been more appropriate.
What Happened to Nina? is due for publication 28th February 2024.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#WhatHappenedtoNina #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Dervla spent twelve years working as a lawyer. Following the global financial crisis, she moved from Ireland to Western Australia and turned her hand to writing. Dervla lives in Perth, with her husband, two children and far too many pets.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing an ARC of What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?': Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family's cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home.
WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?
Nobody knows. Simon's explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn't add up. Nina's parents push the police for answers, and Simon's parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign.
HOW FAR WILL HIS FAMILY GO TO KEEP HIM SAFE?
Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fuelled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina's social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive 'fans.'
HOW FAR WILL HER FAMILY GO TO GET TO THE TRUTH?
Nina's family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters - finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon's wealthy, powerful family, Nina's parents recognize that if playing by the rules won't get them anywhere, it's time to break them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book I have read by Dervla McTiernan that I haven't absolutely ravaged. Don't get me wrong - I liked it. I didn't love it.
The story is told from multiple points of view: that of Nina's parents, her sister Grace, Simon's parents and the lead detective on the case.
It starts out well, recounting Nina and Simon's hiking trip, but without revealing the outcome so, initially, we don't know what has happened to Nina. There is a flurry of activity which keeps the suspense running high at the onset of the investigation, but then there is a kind of flat period where there seems to be a lot of filler material which doesn't contribute a lot to the story.
McTiernan has drawn some brilliant characters. Simon comes across as smarmy and entitled. His mother Jamie is a first wife who knows her days are numbered as more and more of her husband's friends and associates trade their first wives in for younger models. Jamie is not stupid - she has a plan. Rory her husband comes across as cold and autocratic. He makes the money, so his word is law. Nina's parents are more ordinary folk. Leanne runs the family inn while Andrew is a landscaper.
Much will be made of the fact that Andrew is not Nina's biological father and questions are raised on social media about what actually happened to her father. There are also some rather awful aspersions cast against Andrew's character. Thus is the power of social media. I was rather appalled by the lengths Simon's parents went to in 'managing' the content.
The ending was the redeeming factor for me. All of a sudden the plot took off like a bullet train and it became unputdownable.
I believe this was based on a real crime that occurred in America, but of which we heard little or nothing here in the antipodes. I didn't find this out until after I had finished reading, but I doubt the knowledge would have increased my enjoyment. On the other hand, I may have looked up the case to familiarize myself with it before I started. Who knows?
And the cover - having read the book, I can't see that the cover is relevant. Perhaps the backdrop shot of Nina used for the press conference, or a still of her pushing Simon into the pool may have been more appropriate.
What Happened to Nina? is due for publication 28th February 2024.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#WhatHappenedtoNina #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Dervla spent twelve years working as a lawyer. Following the global financial crisis, she moved from Ireland to Western Australia and turned her hand to writing. Dervla lives in Perth, with her husband, two children and far too many pets.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing an ARC of What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 26, 2024
A young couple in love go away for the weekend but only one returns. This sounds similar to that notorious story in 2021 that continues to be brought up in crime shows and podcasts even in 2024 but this book is about Nina and Simon and the obsessive actions of both their families to find answers about Nina being missing and Simon's parents willing to anything and everything protect their son's reputation and his life. Yes, this book does sound reminiscent of that case but believe me it is definitely not that infamous case! This fictional story is so much more nightmarish if even possible!
I absolutely loved this crazy and emotional thriller! This book has a little bit of everything and then some about thoughts and feelings of both sets of parents and the hell that they were going through every minute of the day and making the reader think about what would they do or feel if either of these young adults were your own child and to what extent one would go to get answers and justice for the missing child vs. how far would you go to protect the child who is the prime and only suspect in his missing, beloved girlfriend's case.
I enjoyed everything about this emotional thriller and I will look forward to reading more books by Dervla McTiernan. The author did a wonderful job on making the characters very interesting and believable as far as the story played out which becomes a wicked thriller and not just another sad, soapy and predictable story.
Sometimes the parents were so unlikeable and other times their actions and thoughts just wrenched my heart and wouldn't let go because of the deep heartfelt and unconditional love that each parent had for their child. I must not forget another hero to the story was the dogged detective who was determined to find Nina at all costs and the great job he did at leaving "No Stone Unturned". The detective was so likeable and interesting that I wouldn't be surprised if the author wrote a new series featuring this man and his police force. The last thirty percent of the book is so exciting, unpredictable, crazy, mesmerizing and to top it all off! The Ending is a Wow, Wow!
Highly, Highly Recommend!
I want to thank the publisher " William Morrow " and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 STUNNING AND EMOTIONAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Title: What Happened To Nina
Author: Dervla McTiernan
I absolutely loved this crazy and emotional thriller! This book has a little bit of everything and then some about thoughts and feelings of both sets of parents and the hell that they were going through every minute of the day and making the reader think about what would they do or feel if either of these young adults were your own child and to what extent one would go to get answers and justice for the missing child vs. how far would you go to protect the child who is the prime and only suspect in his missing, beloved girlfriend's case.
I enjoyed everything about this emotional thriller and I will look forward to reading more books by Dervla McTiernan. The author did a wonderful job on making the characters very interesting and believable as far as the story played out which becomes a wicked thriller and not just another sad, soapy and predictable story.
Sometimes the parents were so unlikeable and other times their actions and thoughts just wrenched my heart and wouldn't let go because of the deep heartfelt and unconditional love that each parent had for their child. I must not forget another hero to the story was the dogged detective who was determined to find Nina at all costs and the great job he did at leaving "No Stone Unturned". The detective was so likeable and interesting that I wouldn't be surprised if the author wrote a new series featuring this man and his police force. The last thirty percent of the book is so exciting, unpredictable, crazy, mesmerizing and to top it all off! The Ending is a Wow, Wow!
Highly, Highly Recommend!
I want to thank the publisher " William Morrow " and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 STUNNING AND EMOTIONAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Title: What Happened To Nina
Author: Dervla McTiernan
June 20, 2024
3.5 stars
A young woman goes missing, leaving her family in a desperate search to track her down and find answers.
This book has been all the buzz lately! It was an easy story to fly through. For the most part, I enjoyed it, but also felt that it was largely overhyped. My expectations were too high.
This book unfolds through multiple perspectives, which I usually enjoy, however, I did find there was overlap that slowed the pace.
The suspense was good in the first half but the reader finds out what happens halfway through the book which took away any sort of curiosity or suspenseful tension needed to pull the story forward.
The story lacked the emotional pull I would expect with a plot based around such a devastating family tragedy. I didn’t “feel” for these characters as I should have. I would have expected to connect moreso than I did with the mother, but her character depth was lacking for me. I wasn’t drawn into the grief and devastation of what this family was enduring.
I read a finished copy from my library and found some large editing issues, one being that a main characters name is used in error of another. Also, one of the main characters narratives had conflicting tones between chapters which felt “off”. They weren’t written consistently. These editing issues took away from my enjoyment as it felt unfinished.
Overall, I liked this novel and am glad I read it, but it didn’t live up to the hype. I would label this more of a family drama/suspense, and not a thriller. It was just a bit better than “ok” for me.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
A young woman goes missing, leaving her family in a desperate search to track her down and find answers.
This book has been all the buzz lately! It was an easy story to fly through. For the most part, I enjoyed it, but also felt that it was largely overhyped. My expectations were too high.
This book unfolds through multiple perspectives, which I usually enjoy, however, I did find there was overlap that slowed the pace.
The suspense was good in the first half but the reader finds out what happens halfway through the book which took away any sort of curiosity or suspenseful tension needed to pull the story forward.
The story lacked the emotional pull I would expect with a plot based around such a devastating family tragedy. I didn’t “feel” for these characters as I should have. I would have expected to connect moreso than I did with the mother, but her character depth was lacking for me. I wasn’t drawn into the grief and devastation of what this family was enduring.
I read a finished copy from my library and found some large editing issues, one being that a main characters name is used in error of another. Also, one of the main characters narratives had conflicting tones between chapters which felt “off”. They weren’t written consistently. These editing issues took away from my enjoyment as it felt unfinished.
Overall, I liked this novel and am glad I read it, but it didn’t live up to the hype. I would label this more of a family drama/suspense, and not a thriller. It was just a bit better than “ok” for me.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
March 22, 2024
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for having me on this amazing book tour and for my gorgeous gifted copy!! Pub date was March 5th!! Trust me… you don’t want to miss this book!!! 😍 Hands down 5 stars ⭐️ The reviews on Goodreads are on fire!!! 🔥🔥🔥
So if you are like me… you are having major FOMO and wondering… WHAT did happen to Nina? 🤔 Right?! I had to know!!
Nina and Simon have been a couple since high school.. in fact she has known him most of her life… so when she goes missing… well… HMMM 🤔 I mean you thriller lovers know… it is ALWAYS the husband… 🤷♀️ OR the boyfriend… 😂 Right?! 😬 Is it though?! He seems like such a great guy! 🤷♀️
OMG guys… I promise.. you are going to love this book!! I could NOT put it down!! It read like TRUE CRIME… Yes please!! 😍 It grabbed me from the very first page!
If you love mysteries… true crime… thrillers… let’s just say.. if you like to read… 😂 … this is the book for you!! 😉 It’s absolutely fascinating!!! The hype is real!! I promise!! 😉
How have I not read The Murder Rule?? One of my book BFF’s @webreakforbooks gifted it to me and I definitely am bumping that to the top 🔝 of my TBR!!
🔥🔥🔥 Is this on your TBR?? If not… WHY?! 😂 It’s SO good!!
So if you are like me… you are having major FOMO and wondering… WHAT did happen to Nina? 🤔 Right?! I had to know!!
Nina and Simon have been a couple since high school.. in fact she has known him most of her life… so when she goes missing… well… HMMM 🤔 I mean you thriller lovers know… it is ALWAYS the husband… 🤷♀️ OR the boyfriend… 😂 Right?! 😬 Is it though?! He seems like such a great guy! 🤷♀️
OMG guys… I promise.. you are going to love this book!! I could NOT put it down!! It read like TRUE CRIME… Yes please!! 😍 It grabbed me from the very first page!
If you love mysteries… true crime… thrillers… let’s just say.. if you like to read… 😂 … this is the book for you!! 😉 It’s absolutely fascinating!!! The hype is real!! I promise!! 😉
How have I not read The Murder Rule?? One of my book BFF’s @webreakforbooks gifted it to me and I definitely am bumping that to the top 🔝 of my TBR!!
🔥🔥🔥 Is this on your TBR?? If not… WHY?! 😂 It’s SO good!!
May 9, 2024
I am late to the party with this author! I flew through this quickly, with excellent narration by a full performance cast.
Nina is at the cusp of an amazing life, loving the outdoors, completely happy within herself, she is smart and confident, just beginning to realise the perilousness she’s facing with her boyfriend Simon. A smarmy guy who presents it all on the outside, the reader instantly learning through fabulous writing that he is not the all-star boy he purports to be.
He had ingrained himself, knowing Nina’s family since age 5, clearly so good at this role, only now her family needing to sort out fallacy from fact. The threading of this into the story arc was remarkable. I loved a twist regarding Nina's younger sister, a clever addition and extra reason to become incensed.
Nina is missing after a climbing trip and a weekend away at Simon’s family home, he returns, she does not. His is a wealthy family, in contrast Nina’s is hardworking, salt of the earth, the type of family you want to be immersed in.
Nina and Simon are rock climbers, Simon does something so chilling to her, this sets up the perfect storm. Simon’s family is equally as snaky- a calculating, cold, and mean mother, a ruthless father, unloving toward his wife, absent from the family, intent on making millions. The only issue this couple bond over is the zealous commitment to protect their son, and the lengths at which they will go.
Simon’s mother and her constant internal mocking of Nina’s mother’s appearance took my breath away – tension and venom portrayed to despise. One meticulously groomed, the other a wholesome woman completely happy in herself, unkempt without a care in the world about her looks. This worked well in creating the acute divide.
This contrast affords the merciless PR smear campaign against the grieving family, creating a social media witch hunt snowballing at an alarming rate, successfully drawing the trolls, and removing the spotlight of their own evil.
What transpires is the unstoppable quest of a desperate family, taking matters into their own hands, ignoring the crazies and finding their own answers. The ensuing results showing precisely how far these two families will proceed with life altering results in carrying out their quest to protect their own.
I couldn’t put this down, it was a perfect read, and wonderful example of exactly what to do in holding the reader in the palm of your hand. Nothing to fault and everything to love. It will be in my top reads of 2024.
I listened to this via the Libby app and the library at which I work.
Nina is at the cusp of an amazing life, loving the outdoors, completely happy within herself, she is smart and confident, just beginning to realise the perilousness she’s facing with her boyfriend Simon. A smarmy guy who presents it all on the outside, the reader instantly learning through fabulous writing that he is not the all-star boy he purports to be.
He had ingrained himself, knowing Nina’s family since age 5, clearly so good at this role, only now her family needing to sort out fallacy from fact. The threading of this into the story arc was remarkable. I loved a twist regarding Nina's younger sister, a clever addition and extra reason to become incensed.
Nina is missing after a climbing trip and a weekend away at Simon’s family home, he returns, she does not. His is a wealthy family, in contrast Nina’s is hardworking, salt of the earth, the type of family you want to be immersed in.
Nina and Simon are rock climbers, Simon does something so chilling to her, this sets up the perfect storm. Simon’s family is equally as snaky- a calculating, cold, and mean mother, a ruthless father, unloving toward his wife, absent from the family, intent on making millions. The only issue this couple bond over is the zealous commitment to protect their son, and the lengths at which they will go.
Simon’s mother and her constant internal mocking of Nina’s mother’s appearance took my breath away – tension and venom portrayed to despise. One meticulously groomed, the other a wholesome woman completely happy in herself, unkempt without a care in the world about her looks. This worked well in creating the acute divide.
This contrast affords the merciless PR smear campaign against the grieving family, creating a social media witch hunt snowballing at an alarming rate, successfully drawing the trolls, and removing the spotlight of their own evil.
What transpires is the unstoppable quest of a desperate family, taking matters into their own hands, ignoring the crazies and finding their own answers. The ensuing results showing precisely how far these two families will proceed with life altering results in carrying out their quest to protect their own.
I couldn’t put this down, it was a perfect read, and wonderful example of exactly what to do in holding the reader in the palm of your hand. Nothing to fault and everything to love. It will be in my top reads of 2024.
I listened to this via the Libby app and the library at which I work.
July 21, 2024
There is just too much evil in this world
What happened to Nina starts of immediately with Nina giving us a backstory about her relationship with Simon. They come across as the cutest couple who are so love. They go away to Simons family cabin in Vermont, but Simon returns back alone.
What happened to Nina and how far will parents go to protect their child.
This book captivated me from the get-go. If you watch a lot of crime documentaries, podcasts etc, were so used to getting the whole backstory, middle and ending. But this book provided more of a personal scope as we are witnessing the day by day affects of a young woman missing and watching through a lens and first POV from both family’s perspective.
This is not your typical mystery thriller. What happened to Nina is revealed in the early chapters. This read more like a case study into the minds of parents and police detectives when trying to solve a missing case.
I listened to this story through audio and the narration was really presented well. Each character’s personality shone through, and I had a reaction to each and every one of them. The book is tremendously easy to get through and will have you cursing and shouting up and down. My only downfall for the book would be the ending. Although deserved and satisfying, the whole conclusion fell semi flat for me. Maybe it was rushed a little?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Multiple POVS
➽ East to read
➽ Shirt chapters
➽ Evoking and compelling
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Petty I know… but the book cover!
➽ Rushed ending
➽ A little repetitive
➽ Would have been interested in getting a POV from Simon
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it felt very realistic to me. It did remind me a lot of a very prolific case from a couple years, and I’m not sure whether the author to inspiration from that case, but for me it was tackled well. I would definitely check out more of this authors work and I think this book would make great discussion for a Book Club.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I LOOOOOVE True Crime!
I fall asleep with True Crime on the TV!
I hear if you love true crime this book is for you!
I hope this novel delivers for me!🤞🏾❤️🤍
What happened to Nina starts of immediately with Nina giving us a backstory about her relationship with Simon. They come across as the cutest couple who are so love. They go away to Simons family cabin in Vermont, but Simon returns back alone.
What happened to Nina and how far will parents go to protect their child.
This book captivated me from the get-go. If you watch a lot of crime documentaries, podcasts etc, were so used to getting the whole backstory, middle and ending. But this book provided more of a personal scope as we are witnessing the day by day affects of a young woman missing and watching through a lens and first POV from both family’s perspective.
This is not your typical mystery thriller. What happened to Nina is revealed in the early chapters. This read more like a case study into the minds of parents and police detectives when trying to solve a missing case.
I listened to this story through audio and the narration was really presented well. Each character’s personality shone through, and I had a reaction to each and every one of them. The book is tremendously easy to get through and will have you cursing and shouting up and down. My only downfall for the book would be the ending. Although deserved and satisfying, the whole conclusion fell semi flat for me. Maybe it was rushed a little?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Multiple POVS
➽ East to read
➽ Shirt chapters
➽ Evoking and compelling
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Petty I know… but the book cover!
➽ Rushed ending
➽ A little repetitive
➽ Would have been interested in getting a POV from Simon
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it felt very realistic to me. It did remind me a lot of a very prolific case from a couple years, and I’m not sure whether the author to inspiration from that case, but for me it was tackled well. I would definitely check out more of this authors work and I think this book would make great discussion for a Book Club.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I LOOOOOVE True Crime!
I fall asleep with True Crime on the TV!
I hear if you love true crime this book is for you!
I hope this novel delivers for me!🤞🏾❤️🤍
March 30, 2024
What happened to time.......
when listening to "What Happened to Nina?"???????
❓❓❓❓❓❓
From the second I started listening to this 5-star, full-cast audiobook, I completely lost track of time.
Yes, "What Happened to Nina?" was that good.
Nina and Simon are two college students who go hiking and camping one weekend.
Only Simon returns.
What happened to Nina?
Very loosely based on the Gabby Petito case, this gripping book sizzles and soars and is unputdownable.
Kudos to the author for doing a superb job portraying the toxicity of social media on high-profile missing persons cases and the devastating impact of crime on the entire family.
Cheers to the author, too, for brilliantly showcasing how far parents will go to protect their children when criminal activity is suspected.
Narrators Kristen Sieh, Stacey Glemboski, Lisa Flanagan, Robert Petkoff, George Newbern, Jenna Lamia, and Preston Butler III, all did an outstanding job bringing this story to life.
One of my besties of 2024.
5 enthusiastic shining stars.
April 15, 2024
4★
“I packed my bag. And then I went downstairs to tell Simon that we were over and that I never wanted to see him again.”
Nina and Simon have been climbing in Vermont, and while she was sitting at the top, enjoying the view, she reminisced about their relationship.
“Simon and I met in school when we were five years old. In middle school we became friends. When we were sixteen we fell in love. It’s important to me that you know that it was really good between us… He never played games, never made me feel like some other girl was better. With him I felt pretty, which matters, way too much, when you’re sixteen.”
From everyone else’s accounts later, Nina is indeed pretty. But Simon seemed to understand what she needed. They’re now twenty, attending different universities, and enjoying a school break at Simon’s family’s holiday place in Stowe, Vermont. He’d wanted to go to Hawaii, but she’s still working for her mother in the inn the family runs.
Get the picture? He comes from money, she comes from workers. He’s annoyed he had to come home to see her. She’s just glad she got a couple of days off from work.
Chapters are headed with the name of the character whose part of the story it is. Simon and Nina, of course, but each of their parents, the detective, and others. We are sometimes privy to what has actually happened, but sometimes we are also a bit in the dark, although we certainly have our suspicions.
Nina has been worried about the unnerving changes in Simon’s behaviour as he has become a bit rough and controlling. Her life has revolved around Simon, and vice-versa, but she’s reached her limit.
“I packed my bag. And then I went downstairs to tell Simon that we were over and that I never wanted to see him again.”
That’s where we leave her. She doesn’t return home, but at twenty, she’s an adult, so it’s a while before the family gets really worried and a while longer before the police take it seriously. Everyone, absolutely everyone, says how much Simon and Nina loved each other. Old photos and videos prove it.
So, where is she? Her parents, Andy and Leanne, are stressed enough to go to Simon’s house to approach his family.
“The Jordans’ house was very large, easily four times the size of the inn. It was set well back from the road and protected by a wall and a cast-iron gate, neither of which are remotely necessary.”
Wow - four times the size of the inn, where Nina’s family lives, hosting guests.
Rory and Jamie Jordan, on the other hand, are a business couple, perfectly groomed and superficially content with a handsome, popular, intelligent son. Rory is well-connected and influential with an immaculate trophy wife.
“She looked, as she always did, very pretty. Jamie had the kind of body that no woman over forty has without obsessive focus and absolute discipline. Very thin, and toned to perfection.”
Leanne asks to speak to Simon, since they heard he’s already returned home, and they want to ask where Nina is. Simon’s parents say no, the kids broke up, Nina’s probably with her other boyfriend, and we’re having dinner, goodbye.
Other boyfriend?
Enter Detective Matthew Wright, a decent, caring detective who has a new off-sider, Officer Sarah Jane Reid, who’s new to Major Crimes. He’s careful with his questioning and seems to have a pretty good handle on the situation, but he’s very much caught between warring factions. I enjoyed the two of them working together, seeking evidence and deflecting rumours.
The public is of two minds – those who think Nina is a good-time girl about town with several boyfriends and has done Simon wrong, and those who think Simon murdered her.
There are teams of journalists and broadcasters outside both homes, making life claustrophobic for both families.
As the police case proceeds, social media erupts with theories and lies that stir up the worst in people.
McTiernan is a plotter, not a pantser, she says. She doesn’t let a story wander and get away from her, rather she carefully plots and cross-plots to ensure she’s covered all the angles. I don’t need to understand how she does it, I just need to believe in the story, and this one is satisfying.
Mind you, she’s a dab hand with characters and setting. Don’t get me wrong – it isn’t all A+B=C plot.
I enjoyed this one more than her first US-based novel, The Murder Rule, and I believe it was her publishers (and the bigger market) that insisted on another American setting.
This is a story that could be set anywhere, I think, and be just as believable. I am fond of her Dublin settings (her homeland), and would love to see some novels set in her new home in Western Australia.
Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy whatever she writes.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of #WhatHappenedToNina for review.
“I packed my bag. And then I went downstairs to tell Simon that we were over and that I never wanted to see him again.”
Nina and Simon have been climbing in Vermont, and while she was sitting at the top, enjoying the view, she reminisced about their relationship.
“Simon and I met in school when we were five years old. In middle school we became friends. When we were sixteen we fell in love. It’s important to me that you know that it was really good between us… He never played games, never made me feel like some other girl was better. With him I felt pretty, which matters, way too much, when you’re sixteen.”
From everyone else’s accounts later, Nina is indeed pretty. But Simon seemed to understand what she needed. They’re now twenty, attending different universities, and enjoying a school break at Simon’s family’s holiday place in Stowe, Vermont. He’d wanted to go to Hawaii, but she’s still working for her mother in the inn the family runs.
Get the picture? He comes from money, she comes from workers. He’s annoyed he had to come home to see her. She’s just glad she got a couple of days off from work.
Chapters are headed with the name of the character whose part of the story it is. Simon and Nina, of course, but each of their parents, the detective, and others. We are sometimes privy to what has actually happened, but sometimes we are also a bit in the dark, although we certainly have our suspicions.
Nina has been worried about the unnerving changes in Simon’s behaviour as he has become a bit rough and controlling. Her life has revolved around Simon, and vice-versa, but she’s reached her limit.
“I packed my bag. And then I went downstairs to tell Simon that we were over and that I never wanted to see him again.”
That’s where we leave her. She doesn’t return home, but at twenty, she’s an adult, so it’s a while before the family gets really worried and a while longer before the police take it seriously. Everyone, absolutely everyone, says how much Simon and Nina loved each other. Old photos and videos prove it.
So, where is she? Her parents, Andy and Leanne, are stressed enough to go to Simon’s house to approach his family.
“The Jordans’ house was very large, easily four times the size of the inn. It was set well back from the road and protected by a wall and a cast-iron gate, neither of which are remotely necessary.”
Wow - four times the size of the inn, where Nina’s family lives, hosting guests.
Rory and Jamie Jordan, on the other hand, are a business couple, perfectly groomed and superficially content with a handsome, popular, intelligent son. Rory is well-connected and influential with an immaculate trophy wife.
“She looked, as she always did, very pretty. Jamie had the kind of body that no woman over forty has without obsessive focus and absolute discipline. Very thin, and toned to perfection.”
Leanne asks to speak to Simon, since they heard he’s already returned home, and they want to ask where Nina is. Simon’s parents say no, the kids broke up, Nina’s probably with her other boyfriend, and we’re having dinner, goodbye.
Other boyfriend?
Enter Detective Matthew Wright, a decent, caring detective who has a new off-sider, Officer Sarah Jane Reid, who’s new to Major Crimes. He’s careful with his questioning and seems to have a pretty good handle on the situation, but he’s very much caught between warring factions. I enjoyed the two of them working together, seeking evidence and deflecting rumours.
The public is of two minds – those who think Nina is a good-time girl about town with several boyfriends and has done Simon wrong, and those who think Simon murdered her.
There are teams of journalists and broadcasters outside both homes, making life claustrophobic for both families.
As the police case proceeds, social media erupts with theories and lies that stir up the worst in people.
McTiernan is a plotter, not a pantser, she says. She doesn’t let a story wander and get away from her, rather she carefully plots and cross-plots to ensure she’s covered all the angles. I don’t need to understand how she does it, I just need to believe in the story, and this one is satisfying.
Mind you, she’s a dab hand with characters and setting. Don’t get me wrong – it isn’t all A+B=C plot.
I enjoyed this one more than her first US-based novel, The Murder Rule, and I believe it was her publishers (and the bigger market) that insisted on another American setting.
This is a story that could be set anywhere, I think, and be just as believable. I am fond of her Dublin settings (her homeland), and would love to see some novels set in her new home in Western Australia.
Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy whatever she writes.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of #WhatHappenedToNina for review.
December 10, 2023
To start this review, we have to talk about the elephant in the room (or book, as it may be): Gabby Petito. When Nina and her boyfriend Simon went on a little trip to do some hiking and rock climbing, they had an argument. Simon returned home, but Nina didn’t. #WhatHappenedToNina? This book will tell you, and it’s an explosive page-turner!
The similarities between this fictional story and Gabby Petito’s are eerily close, and I can’t help but wonder if that true case inspired the book. We have a lot of the same elements: a gorgeous and seemingly very in love young couple, parents who are now at odds when Simon becomes the likely suspect in her disappearance, and overdone news coverage and social media attention. Hashtags are created, groups are formed, conspiracy theories run rampant…sound familiar?
That being said, this was a fantastic suspense/mystery/thriller. The characters were written very well, the plot was engrossing and then, the ending. Oh my gosh, the ending. I was transfixed by the last 50-odd pages, as everything ramped up to the perfect conclusion. This was a very fun read, despite seemingly being ripped from headlines. I loved every second of it - five stars!
(Thank you to William Morrow, Dervla McTiernan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 5, 2024.)
The similarities between this fictional story and Gabby Petito’s are eerily close, and I can’t help but wonder if that true case inspired the book. We have a lot of the same elements: a gorgeous and seemingly very in love young couple, parents who are now at odds when Simon becomes the likely suspect in her disappearance, and overdone news coverage and social media attention. Hashtags are created, groups are formed, conspiracy theories run rampant…sound familiar?
That being said, this was a fantastic suspense/mystery/thriller. The characters were written very well, the plot was engrossing and then, the ending. Oh my gosh, the ending. I was transfixed by the last 50-odd pages, as everything ramped up to the perfect conclusion. This was a very fun read, despite seemingly being ripped from headlines. I loved every second of it - five stars!
(Thank you to William Morrow, Dervla McTiernan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 5, 2024.)
May 30, 2024
Nina and Simon have been a couple for 4 years but during a week together at his family's cabin in Stowe, Vermont, Nina decides she's had enough and intends to tell Simon it's over. When the week is over Simon returns home but Nina disappears and his explanation doesn't add up.
A story truly ripped from the headlines and made worse by allegations posted on the internet. Told from the points of view of Simon's family, Nina's family and Matthew Wright, the dogged detective, I was totally immersed in this well-written novel. It's truly disgraceful and frightening how social media can be used in such a self-serving and unkind manner. I can't say I "liked" the characters but they were well fleshed out and I liked how the story progressed.
The one thing I didn't like was the way Andy, Nina's step-father, was portrayed as being a bit of a country bumpkin with poor grammar. I cringed every time he said things like "they was ..." or when he said "...Lee don't even see me standing there.". Granted it was mostly just in his head but at other times he sounded completely normal. Unless that's how landscapers in Vermont talk. Oh, and that cover. What the heck is that all about?!
My thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
A story truly ripped from the headlines and made worse by allegations posted on the internet. Told from the points of view of Simon's family, Nina's family and Matthew Wright, the dogged detective, I was totally immersed in this well-written novel. It's truly disgraceful and frightening how social media can be used in such a self-serving and unkind manner. I can't say I "liked" the characters but they were well fleshed out and I liked how the story progressed.
The one thing I didn't like was the way Andy, Nina's step-father, was portrayed as being a bit of a country bumpkin with poor grammar. I cringed every time he said things like "they was ..." or when he said "...Lee don't even see me standing there.". Granted it was mostly just in his head but at other times he sounded completely normal. Unless that's how landscapers in Vermont talk. Oh, and that cover. What the heck is that all about?!
My thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
April 14, 2024
I just have to say, if you are a true genuine thriller reader and you have NOT read What Happened To Nina, HOW CAN YOU MAKE IT THROUGH YOUR DAY KNOWING THAT YOU MISSED THIS? How can you eat, sleep, work and live life normally??? Once I started, it was all I thought about.
- I’m almost off work, now I can find out what exactly happened to Nina.
-I’ll just eat this right here so I know what’s going on with Nina.
- Potty breaks are NOT getting in the way of Nina! She’s coming with me.
- Mama didn’t raise no quitter, as I said this to myself at the end, I finished this at 8am in the morning with LITERALLY one hour of sleep! Seriously.
💥THIS WAS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS MASTERPIECE! If you pick this bad boy up, I’m willing to bet your TBR pile that you will experience these things too!
— Dervla McTiernan writes such a compelling story of what it’s like to be in the mind of the parents of Nina and the parents of the accused. She brilliantly breaks these characters walls down, stripped piece by piece. Evoking every emotion that dwells within you.
What are you still reading for? Get your copy now!!!
5 💥💥💥💥💥
- I’m almost off work, now I can find out what exactly happened to Nina.
-I’ll just eat this right here so I know what’s going on with Nina.
- Potty breaks are NOT getting in the way of Nina! She’s coming with me.
- Mama didn’t raise no quitter, as I said this to myself at the end, I finished this at 8am in the morning with LITERALLY one hour of sleep! Seriously.
💥THIS WAS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS MASTERPIECE! If you pick this bad boy up, I’m willing to bet your TBR pile that you will experience these things too!
— Dervla McTiernan writes such a compelling story of what it’s like to be in the mind of the parents of Nina and the parents of the accused. She brilliantly breaks these characters walls down, stripped piece by piece. Evoking every emotion that dwells within you.
What are you still reading for? Get your copy now!!!
5 💥💥💥💥💥
May 13, 2024
This book focuses less on what happened to Nina and more on the aftermath of her disappearance. Told from the alternating viewpoints of the parents and the detective assigned to the case, the author did an excellent job of creating authentic characters, each with unique emotions and methods of dealing with their devastation. The book also touches on the damaging effects of social media on reputations and family dynamics, as innuendoes and lies are widely spread in the wake of personal tragedy. I was hooked from page one, the pacing was consistent, and the ending surprising and satisfying. An emotional and addictive read.
July 11, 2024
Once again I believe the book synopsis gives to much away. Although it becomes apparent in the first part of the book, what has happened to Nina.
So much more than a mystery, but an examination of a parents grief, when their child is missing. Parents who will do anything in the search for their daughter, FBI
assistance of not. What one would do when the truth is known.
Another question of morality, How far will you go to protect your child, accused of a horrific crime. I can't help but ask myself these same questions. What would I do? What could I do and still live with myself?
An absorbing tale of two parents on opposite sides, both mentally experiencing anguish and pain. Will justice prevail?
So much more than a mystery, but an examination of a parents grief, when their child is missing. Parents who will do anything in the search for their daughter, FBI
assistance of not. What one would do when the truth is known.
Another question of morality, How far will you go to protect your child, accused of a horrific crime. I can't help but ask myself these same questions. What would I do? What could I do and still live with myself?
An absorbing tale of two parents on opposite sides, both mentally experiencing anguish and pain. Will justice prevail?
April 30, 2024
Based on Gabby Petito, the woman who was visibly abused by her boyfriend, disappeared, and became a national story about how we react when a seemingly innocent couple becomes a national tragedy. Social media takes its own toll and the uncovered truth becomes exactly what we presumed- he did it and committed suicide.
What Happened to Nina has a similar premise, but is taken from both sets of parents POV and the detective tasked to solve the case.
Nina’s parents are your run of the mill Vermont parents, Simon’s parents are incredibly rich with lawyers who can “fix” perspectives, to make it seem like Simon is an all around American boy who would never dare hurt a fly though by the first chapter, we know exactly what has happened. While there is a definite twist at the end, and as a parent I’m rooting for Nina, it just didn’t take my breath away.
On one hand, I wanted to know what was going to happen, as it’s an easy read. However, the writing was just so bad and bland I could barely stomach it. There were characters that didn’t need to be in it, and it jumped from one incident to the next without ease. Seriously, uninspired, some of the most basic writing I’ve encountered in the past six months. Reminded me of the Silent Patient or a really bad CoHo- Layla rings a bell.
And let’s admit it- the cover is pitiful. There is no need for it.
What Happened to Nina has a similar premise, but is taken from both sets of parents POV and the detective tasked to solve the case.
Nina’s parents are your run of the mill Vermont parents, Simon’s parents are incredibly rich with lawyers who can “fix” perspectives, to make it seem like Simon is an all around American boy who would never dare hurt a fly though by the first chapter, we know exactly what has happened. While there is a definite twist at the end, and as a parent I’m rooting for Nina, it just didn’t take my breath away.
On one hand, I wanted to know what was going to happen, as it’s an easy read. However, the writing was just so bad and bland I could barely stomach it. There were characters that didn’t need to be in it, and it jumped from one incident to the next without ease. Seriously, uninspired, some of the most basic writing I’ve encountered in the past six months. Reminded me of the Silent Patient or a really bad CoHo- Layla rings a bell.
And let’s admit it- the cover is pitiful. There is no need for it.
May 26, 2024
4.5 stars.
"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an old English idiom and a metaphorical phrase that entreats us to look beyond the outward appearance of things before we rush to an opinion.
I almost didn't read this book because I disliked the cover so much. It did not grab my interest in any way. However, I was swayed to give this book a try after seeing all the five-star reviews by many of my trusted GR friends. Boy, am I ever glad that I did!
At the beginning, I thought that this might be a fictional account of the real-life Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie story from 2021. Even though it had some similarities, it is more of an inside look into what parents will do for their children and how far they will go. I questioned a lot of what the detectives in this story did and didn't do, but I still found that I couldn't put this book down.
If you are not deterred by a story with a morally questionable ending, then I would highly recommend this suspenseful book (even if you don't like the cover).
"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an old English idiom and a metaphorical phrase that entreats us to look beyond the outward appearance of things before we rush to an opinion.
I almost didn't read this book because I disliked the cover so much. It did not grab my interest in any way. However, I was swayed to give this book a try after seeing all the five-star reviews by many of my trusted GR friends. Boy, am I ever glad that I did!
At the beginning, I thought that this might be a fictional account of the real-life Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie story from 2021. Even though it had some similarities, it is more of an inside look into what parents will do for their children and how far they will go. I questioned a lot of what the detectives in this story did and didn't do, but I still found that I couldn't put this book down.
If you are not deterred by a story with a morally questionable ending, then I would highly recommend this suspenseful book (even if you don't like the cover).
July 25, 2024
Unpopular opinion alert!
What happened to Nina is NOT a thriller! The plot is loosely based on the Gabby Petito murder, so for the first 25% I already knew what was going to happen. At 50%, the reader is actually told who the murderer is! I thought there would be a twist later on, but that is not the case. For the reader, what happened to Nina is not a mystery. The ending was not believable and just didn’t work for me.
The author also spends a long time introducing the police officers assigned to the case, but this thread doesn’t really go anywhere, as this book is not a police procedural. It’s almost as if the author is setting up another book in the series around these characters.
The most intriguing part of the book is the impact that social media has on vilifying individuals though conspiracy theories. It’s sobering to see how easy it is to light a spark which then ignites flames of hatred and doubt in others.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by a large cast. I don’t think I would have finished this book if I had not been listening to the fantastic narration.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
What happened to Nina is NOT a thriller! The plot is loosely based on the Gabby Petito murder, so for the first 25% I already knew what was going to happen. At 50%, the reader is actually told who the murderer is! I thought there would be a twist later on, but that is not the case. For the reader, what happened to Nina is not a mystery. The ending was not believable and just didn’t work for me.
The author also spends a long time introducing the police officers assigned to the case, but this thread doesn’t really go anywhere, as this book is not a police procedural. It’s almost as if the author is setting up another book in the series around these characters.
The most intriguing part of the book is the impact that social media has on vilifying individuals though conspiracy theories. It’s sobering to see how easy it is to light a spark which then ignites flames of hatred and doubt in others.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by a large cast. I don’t think I would have finished this book if I had not been listening to the fantastic narration.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
December 28, 2023
Dervla McTiernan has a way of hooking the reader from the get go and making sure you can’t put the book down. I devoured this one in less than 12 hours. Each chapter ending just had me needing more and before I knew it the book was over.
A missing girl, a boyfriend with a story that doesn’t quite add up, 2 families in distress as police investigate and the story goes viral, bringing the armchair detectives to life. It is always the boyfriend right… well this boyfriend is just vile. What Nina saw in him is beyond me. His family will do anything to protect him while Nina’s family are convinced that he is guilty.
This is an emotional story as the families try to deal with the public, the lies that are being told about them, and the rumours about Nina and Simon. Some characters you will feel for more than others. It made me sad, it made me angry.
Thanks to Harper Collins for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes in Australia on February 28th
A missing girl, a boyfriend with a story that doesn’t quite add up, 2 families in distress as police investigate and the story goes viral, bringing the armchair detectives to life. It is always the boyfriend right… well this boyfriend is just vile. What Nina saw in him is beyond me. His family will do anything to protect him while Nina’s family are convinced that he is guilty.
This is an emotional story as the families try to deal with the public, the lies that are being told about them, and the rumours about Nina and Simon. Some characters you will feel for more than others. It made me sad, it made me angry.
Thanks to Harper Collins for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes in Australia on February 28th
May 21, 2024
HOW COULD I NOT GIVE THIS 5 STARS
SERIOUSLY, perfection?!
I haven’t felt this way about a book in ages. It’s gripping from start to finish.
Only critique is that the first sentence of chapter 21 “Nina” is written when it should be “Grace”. But I guess this isn’t really crucial to the story and could also be penned down to Leanne’s mental state while her daughter is missing. But still.. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and it kind of put me off for a few chapters, but then we were back in the thick of it and I stopped caring.
From the prologue, I was hooked. I loved the writing style, the descriptive language, the way certain scenarios made my blood boil. I felt every emotion during this read and loved (and hated) every second.
This is what I want from a book.
Kept me guessing the whole way through, even though there weren’t any “plot twists” because we were kept in the loop with what happened the entire time, there didn’t need to be any because the story was so engaging.
I’m recommending this book to EVERYONE!
SERIOUSLY, perfection?!
I haven’t felt this way about a book in ages. It’s gripping from start to finish.
Only critique is that the first sentence of chapter 21 “Nina” is written when it should be “Grace”. But I guess this isn’t really crucial to the story and could also be penned down to Leanne’s mental state while her daughter is missing. But still.. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and it kind of put me off for a few chapters, but then we were back in the thick of it and I stopped caring.
From the prologue, I was hooked. I loved the writing style, the descriptive language, the way certain scenarios made my blood boil. I felt every emotion during this read and loved (and hated) every second.
This is what I want from a book.
Kept me guessing the whole way through, even though there weren’t any “plot twists” because we were kept in the loop with what happened the entire time, there didn’t need to be any because the story was so engaging.
I’m recommending this book to EVERYONE!
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