How to Find a Missing Girl
How to Find a Missing Girl is a sapphic YA mystery that follows Iris, a determined teenager searching for answers after her older sister, Stella, disappeared a year earlier. Refusing to let the case fade away, Iris forms an amateur detective group and continues investigating. When her ex-girlfriend, Heather, suddenly goes missing soon after releasing the final episode of her true-crime podcast about Stella’s disappearance, Iris becomes convinced that the cases are linked. With time running out, she races to uncover what really happened to both of them.
Tension and drama builds well throughout the plot, with suspicious messages from blocked numbers, secrets surrounding the podcast and late-night searches for evidence all building a growing sense of danger. The novel blends a mystery plot with the everyday complexities of teenage life. The diverse set of characters create an opportunity for readers to connect with the story more, and the social world at school, including cliques, shifting friendships and complicated romantic relationships will be relatable for many. These details add realism to the story and show how the pressures of adolescence continue even while Iris is dealing with the trauma of her sister’s disappearance.
Overall, How to Find a Missing Girl is a quick but engaging read that mixes mystery, intrigue, and teenage drama. While the plot may not surprise every reader, the fast pace and modern true-crime angle make it entertaining. Due to frequent swearing and references to drug and alcohol abuse, it is most suitable for readers aged 15+.
