Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Published: March 7, 2023

Wednesday Books

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 249

KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Ripley Jones is a person of interest.

In August of 1999, dazzlingly popular cheerleader Clarissa Campbell disappears from a party in the woods outside the rural town of Oreville, Washington and is never seen again. The police question her friends, teachers, and the adults who knew her―who all have something to hide. And thanks to Clarissa’s beauty, the mystery captures the attention of the nation. But with no leads and no body, the case soon grows cold. Despite the efforts of internet sleuths and true-crime aficionados, Clarissa is never found―dead or alive.

Over twenty years later, Oreville high-school juniors and best friends Blair and Cameron start a true crime podcast, determined to unravel the story of what―or who―happened to this rural urban legend. In the process they uncover a nest of dirty small-town secrets, the sordid truth of Clarissa’s relationship with her charismatic boyfriend, and a high school art teacher turned small-town figurehead who had a very good reason for wanting Clarissa dead. Such a good reason, in fact, that they might have to make him the highlight of their next episode…

But does an ugly history with a missing girl make him guilty of murder? Or are two teenage girls about to destroy the life of an innocent man―and help the true killer walk free?

“Everybody loves a dead girl.”

Cam and Blair are best friends and have been for years. When Cam suggests they create a podcast investigating a 20-year-old case, Blair isn’t sure but knows arguing with Cam will only waste her time. But the deeper they probe, the murkier the water gets. And now, they may find themselves alone with a killer.

This book was excellent! Very intense and fast-paced. I enjoyed the build-up and how the story was told. Ripley is a gifted storyteller.

I loved Cam. She is so endearing. I loved that she was so bright, that she was awkward, and that most people misunderstood her. Blair was a stereotypical tee aw girl. Insecure and filled with self-doubt. But together, they brought out the best in each other.

This was a powerful story about friendship, family, and overcoming being told no or you can’t. I found the themes of this book excellent and relevant.

This fast-paced story takes off and builds intensity with each page. The free fall toward the end was so beautifully executed. The way everything came together was so seamless and smooth. But the facts had all been there.

This was such a well-written book. Ripley Jones has earned herself a new fan.

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