Beth Morrey has written another fab book. Hard to review without giving much away. An old friend vanishes and another friend try’s to find her 15 years later. Lots of twists . Not the ending I expected. I loved the main character sons all just needing her and that chapter was fab. Her mother in law was amazing . The hangover descriptions made me so glad I did not drink. You won’t be able to put this book down . Read it.

4.5* Isabella's Not Dead by Beth Morrey. An absolute must for 'women of a certain age'.

Gwen feels obliged to go to a reunion of her school hockey club, some 40 years after they first played but she can't wait to escape from the cottage that they have booked in the Lake District to get home. Home to her husband, 3 sons (one at University) and Mabel, the Labrador that only has eyes for Gwen's husband. Home to a 'stop-gap' job making mosaic knick-knacks to sell on Etsy. Home because Gwen has forgotten how to enjoy herself.

There is one lingering niggle from the weekend. Gwen's childhood best friend Isabella isn't at the reunion and no one, including Gwen has heard from her in 15 years. The friends swapped stories of where Isabella might be, but it is Gwen who secretly decides that she needs to find Isabella to revisit their friendship and find out what went wrong between them.

Isabella's Not Dead is, at one level, a fun (and often sharp and really funny) tale of looking for someone who has ghosted her previous friendship group. It is sufficiently mysterious to be a page turner as the trail of breadcrumbs which might lead to Izzy is so light, but several people clearly know exactly what has happened.

The characters are fantastic. As Gwen's quest takes her from a life that has narrowed as she has got older, it slowly builds to something much more fulfilling. The book is incredibly well written (the kind of prose that floats easily off the page but in a way that is a skill), it is warm, has a superb cast and zips along at pace. Despite a very busy week, I finished it in a couple of sittings. I was also thrilled that it was set in Harrogate, where I lived for a decade when I was younger and (ironically) went out after work, rather than coming home for an early night!

Having hugely enjoyed Saving Missy, one of Beth's previous books, I won't hesitate to get the next one.

Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.

Book Review: Isabella’s Not Dead by Beth Morrey

Beth Morrey's Isabella’s Not Dead is a clever and heartfelt novel that masterfully blends mystery, adventure, and self-discovery. With her signature wit and insight, Morrey crafts a story that is both a page-turner and an emotional journey, perfect for readers who enjoy feel-good fiction with depth.

At the center of the story is Gwen, whose life has been overshadowed by the sudden disappearance of her best friend, Isabella, fifteen years ago. Whenever someone asks about Isabella, Gwen insists, “Isabella’s NOT dead,” but she’s never really known the truth. This uncertainty lingers, influencing Gwen’s relationships, marriage, and sense of self. When Gwen decides to finally confront the mystery, her quest leads her across the UK and Europe, uncovering not only clues about Isabella but also truths about herself.

Morrey’s narrative is both intriguing and layered. The mystery of Isabella’s disappearance is handled with skill, gradually unraveling through Gwen’s investigations. However, it is Gwen’s own story that truly captivates. Her journey is not just a physical one but a deep and often poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the weight of unanswered questions. Gwen’s vulnerability, mixed with her determination, makes her a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

Supporting characters add richness to the story, each contributing to Gwen’s growth. Morrey has a talent for portraying the complexities of friendship—how it can uplift but also leave lingering wounds. The book also beautifully explores the impact of being ghosted, not just in the romantic sense but in the profound way a sudden loss of connection can haunt a life.

Isabella’s Not Dead is more than a mystery; it is a thoughtful reflection on how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. Morrey’s writing is warm and engaging, balancing humor with deeper moments of reflection. The novel’s pacing is perfect, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments to keep readers invested until the final page.

For anyone who has ever been ghosted or wondered about the “what ifs” of life, this book is a must-read. It’s a story about finding closure, but also about finding yourself along the way. Morrey once again proves why she is considered a queen of feel-good fiction, delivering a novel that is both comforting and thought-provoking.

This is a thoughtful read about fifty something Gwen who is prompted to track down her good friend Isabella after a school reunion during which she realised none of her old school friends knew where Isabella had disappeared to 15 years ago. Although this is about Gwens search for Isabella it’s actually a lot more about Gwen herself, if I’m honest I was t really that engaged in Isabella’s story however Gwen is a very relatable character with her family depending on her less and feeling lost after losing her job several years ago. It was interesting to see how the search for Isabella affected Gwen on a personal level and started altering her thinking about her life as well as the effect reconnecting with another school friend Min had on her. This is a great moving on story, I wish I’d felt better connected to the characters but that’s me, I think plenty will engage well and it is a very considered story.