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What She Knew: A Novel Paperback – December 1, 2015
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New York Times Bestseller
"The Changeling meets an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit but set in the UK.” -The Skimm
In her enthralling debut, Gilly Macmillan explores a mother’s search for her missing son, weaving a taut psychological thriller as gripping and skillful as The Girl on the Train and The Guilty One.
In a heartbeat, everything changes…
Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It’s an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry—until Ben vanishes.
Police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion.
As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment. And the greatest dangers may lie not in the anonymous strangers of every parent’s nightmares, but behind the familiar smiles of those she trusts the most.
Where is Ben? The clock is ticking...
- Print length512 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow Paperbacks
- Publication dateDecember 1, 2015
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.82 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100062413864
- ISBN-13978-0062413864
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
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Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars 5,734
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3.9 out of 5 stars 1,300
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4.0 out of 5 stars 1,119
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4.2 out of 5 stars 3,303
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Price | $15.26$15.26 | $7.99$7.99 | $9.48$9.48 | $14.67$14.67 | $8.79$8.79 | $12.79$12.79 |
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Gilly Macmillan introduces some smart variations on the [missing child] theme in her debut mystery...Macmillan enlivens the narrative with emails, newspaper headlines, passages from professional journals, even transcripts from Inspector Clemo’s sessions with a psychotherapist. But her best move is to include vicious blog posts that go viral.” — New York Times Book Review
“This accomplished, intelligent debut should come with a warning--it’s completely addictive. A nail-biting, sleep-depriving, brilliant read.” — Saskia Sarginson, author of The Twins
“Every parent’s nightmare, handled with intelligence and sensitivity, the novel is also deceptively clever. I found myself racing through to find out what happened.” — Rosamund Lupton, international bestselling author of Sister
“Tightly focused and fast-paced. You won’t rest until you really know what happened.” — Lisa Ballantyne, author of The Guilty One
“A nuanced, completely addictive debut.” — People
“Heart-in-the-mouth excitement from the start of this electrifyingly good debut…an absolute firecracker of a thriller that convinces and captivates from the word go. A must read.” — Sunday Mirror
“A mother and son spend an ordinary Sunday at a park near Londontown. Until the boy goes missing. Cue dramatic music. This read’s basically The Changeling meets an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit but set in the UK.” — The Skimm
“What an amazing, gripping, beautifully written debut. WHAT SHE KNEW kept me up late into the night (and scared the life out of me).” — Liane Moriarty, New York Times bestselling author
“One of the brightest debuts I have read this year - a visceral, emotionally charged story….heart-wrenchingly well told and expertly constructed, this deserves to stay on the bestseller list until Christmas” — The Daily Mail
“A terrific debut” — Reader's Digest
“A very clever, tautly plotted page turned from a terrific new writer” — Good Housekeeping
“An engaging debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Macmillan peppers her debut with subtle red herrings and a variety of potential suspects, ratcheting up the tension slowly but oh so deliciously.” — Booklist
“Readers will have a tough time putting this one down. — Publishers Weekly
“…a clever, dark, compulsive read… If you liked All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda, you’ll also enjoy this one.” — Birmingham magazine
“If you like a good nail-biting, scary read...[t]his was a brilliant read!...This story is fast-paced, smart, technologically current, and every parent’s nightmare! If you enjoyed the film I did, Kidnap, you’ll love this addictive adventure.” — Halle Berry
From the Back Cover
Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It’s an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry—until Ben vanishes.
The police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion.
As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment. And the greatest dangers may lie not in the anonymous strangers of every parent’s nightmares, but behind the familiar smiles of those she trusts the most.
Where is Ben? The clock is ticking
. . . . “Tightly focused and fast-paced. You won’t rest until you really know what happened.”—Lisa Ballantyne, author of The Guilty One
“Every parent’s nightmare. . . deceptively clever.”—Rosamund Lupton, author of Sister
“Completely addictive. A nail-biting, sleep-depriving, brilliant read.” —Saskia Sarginson, author of The Twins
About the Author
Gilly Macmillan is the internationally bestselling author of eight novels including The Manor House, The Perfect Girl, The Nanny, and The Long Weekend. She lives in Bristol, England.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks (December 1, 2015)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 512 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062413864
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062413864
- Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.82 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #153,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,088 in Psychological Fiction (Books)
- #5,634 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
- #13,124 in Suspense Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Gilly Macmillan is the Sunday Times & New York Times bestselling author of THE NANNY (out 2019). Also WHAT SHE KNEW (previously published as BURNT PAPER SKY in some territories), THE PERFECT GIRL, ODD CHILD OUT & I KNOW YOU KNOW.
Gilly is Edgar Award nominated and an ITW award finalist. Her books have been translated into over 20 languages.
She grew up in Swindon, Wiltshire and also lived in Northern California. She studied History of Art at Bristol University and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.
Gilly lives in Bristol, UK with her family and writes full time. She’s currently working on her sixth novel.
Author photo ©Céline Nieszawer/Leextra
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story interesting and suspenseful. They praise the writing quality as well-done and unique. The characters are well-developed and the format of storytelling from multiple characters' perspectives is enjoyed. Many readers find the emotional content touching and heartfelt, with some genuinely touching moments. The insights provided are thought-provoking and the subject matter compelling itself. However, opinions differ on the twists and turns, with some finding them great and others feeling they were predictable.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the plot believable and interesting to follow as it unfolds. Readers appreciate the author's creative approach to storytelling. Overall, the book holds their interest from beginning to end.
"...And I'm always thrilled when an author writes a wonderful debut novel. I loved the alternating chapters about Rachel (mother) and the lead detective...." Read more
"...Luckily, there were no horrible, graphic scenes describing abuse or I would not have been able to finish the book...." Read more
"...This kind of thing makes for great TV and a thrill -but in the real world cases just don’t work like that and I do get very tired of this kind of..." Read more
"...It was a harrowing ride, indeed, and well worth reading. I enjoyed the exploration of society and the human condition...." Read more
Customers enjoy the suspenseful and engaging storyline. They find the mystery believable with unexpected twists that keep them guessing until about 3/4 of the way through. The book explores the event from all angles, including the mother's feelings and thoughts. The police investigation is also engaging and interesting to follow.
"...one of the best novels I've read - the characters, the storyline, the suspense, the intrigue - this novel has it all. SO well done...." Read more
"Great book. Another book with my favorite elements; suspense, interesting/imperfect characters, a little bit of psychological analysis and a British..." Read more
"...was left with many more ponderings, but quite satisfied with the quickly-paced plot, the development of characters and the ending of this tale of..." Read more
"This book was one of the best I've read in a while. It was suspenseful and very well written...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, with a unique format that allows multiple perspectives. The descriptions and figurative language are incredible. Readers appreciate the clear author's indication that the book is a fast-paced thriller with powerful quotes and deep thoughts. The alternate first-person narration allows the reader to get in the head of the lead character. Overall, customers describe the book as an intense and quick read.
"...SO well done...." Read more
"...This novel, about the search for missing 8 year-old Ben, is written in a unique format allowing the reader multiple points of view using..." Read more
"...The agony of a parent of a missing child is well written and I did appreciate that everything isn’t all wrapped up in a neat “happy family” bow at..." Read more
"...The writing was very clever, in certain parts, amazingly so. We are forced to face our deepest fears and it is not easy...." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and find the storytelling from multiple character's perspectives engaging. They appreciate the movement among characters, though it can be confusing to remember who is who. The characterizations of Rachel and Jim Clemo are also excellent.
"...This was one of the best novels I've read - the characters, the storyline, the suspense, the intrigue - this novel has it all...." Read more
"...Another book with my favorite elements; suspense, interesting/imperfect characters, a little bit of psychological analysis and a British setting...." Read more
"...but quite satisfied with the quickly-paced plot, the development of characters and the ending of this tale of many woes...." Read more
"...There are plenty of twists, characters well developed and the descriptions the author uses of woods, the police station, surrounding area, even the..." Read more
Customers find the book emotional and heartfelt. They say it's a personal story that tugs at their heartstrings. Readers appreciate the author's perspective on trauma and how to overcome disappointment and pain in life.
"...elements; suspense, interesting/imperfect characters, a little bit of psychological analysis and a British setting...." Read more
"...“What She Knew” is better than most in this genre and contains some genuinely touching and heartfelt moments as the search for a missing child..." Read more
"...also delivered a great message about surviving disappointment and pain in life. I thought the author's views were refreshing and healthy...." Read more
"...It's all here, told in a way that makes the reader FEEL the pain, the hurt, the insomnia that grabs hold and threatens to never loosen it's grip...." Read more
Customers find the book provides enlightening and thought-provoking insights into investigations, psychology, and the human condition. They appreciate the depth of the characters and their self-examination. The subject matter is compelling and the exploration of society and the human condition are also appreciated.
"...I enjoyed the exploration of society and the human condition. This author makes one question what one really knows of others and ourselves...." Read more
"...I enjoyed how even the Detectives were given depth; not only the family and friends...." Read more
"...the sheer entertainment of it, it also delivered a great message about surviving disappointment and pain in life...." Read more
"...The plotting suffers, but the characterization of the mother is outstanding. I wanted to wring the neck of the various police officers myself...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's twists and turns. Some find the plot engaging and the psychological thriller told from several perspectives. Others mention undeveloped characters, a meandering narrative, and an underwhelming ending.
"...In addition, it has real statistics about searches for missing children...." Read more
"Overall a very literary and affecting book about a young boy who disappears while he is on a walk in the woods with his mother...." Read more
"...Blindsided. I had enormous problems with the format of the plot, the emails, the back and forth of the timing of events, and the dangling..." Read more
"...Yet, it feels almost too real and the story pulls one in. It was a harrowing ride, indeed, and well worth reading...." Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced and suspenseful, while others feel it's slow and dragged out in parts. The alternating chapters between Rachel and the lead detective are appreciated.
"...The pacing was also pretty uneven...." Read more
"...I loved the alternating chapters about Rachel (mother) and the lead detective. This made the story even more intriguing...." Read more
"...culprit in hopes of safely returning the child, but it actually dragged in places...." Read more
"...The pace is fast, the characters are so solid. I enjoyed how even the Detectives were given depth; not only the family and friends...." Read more
Reviews with images

I could not put this book down!!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2016"Enthralling" was one of the words used by a reviewer and I could not agree more. And I'm always thrilled when an author writes a wonderful debut novel. I loved the alternating chapters about Rachel (mother) and the lead detective. This made the story even more intriguing. I can add very little to the excellent "Most Helpful Customer Reviews" - they said it all. I sat up way too late every night making my way to find out about Ben. Loved how you found yourself thinking 'Ah Ha! Bet I know who the kidnapper was!" only to be lead down another road of suspicion. This was one of the best novels I've read - the characters, the storyline, the suspense, the intrigue - this novel has it all. SO well done.
As with all good novels, I found myself highlighting certain phrases or passages which made me pause to digest the fascinating words/message:
"My panic was audible."
"She was watchful and clever, and poised, a cocktail of characteristics that I found addictive, especially when mixed with her beauty."
"Her voice drifted up above the other sounds and activity in the room, as if it were a wayward feather, caught on a breeze. It captured everyone's attention."
"Ben's teacher shook hands more earnestly; she had a bit of a pincer grip and she was one of those people who shake for longer than you've anticipated. It's an anxiety thing. They don't want to let go of you in case you disappear just when they need you."
"I thought that life should stop until Ben was found. Clocks should no longer tick, oxygen should no longer be exchanged for carbon dioxide in our lungs, and our hearts should not pump. Only when he was back should normal service resume."
"Trust is like that. Once you lose it, you begin to adjust your attitudes toward people, you put up guards, and filter the information you want them to know."
"Those words felt solid to me, like a remnant jettisoned from an explosion, a twisted shard of metal, turning in midair, glinting."
"This is what a total breakdown must be, I thought. You find yourself standing somewhere you shouldn't be, doing something so out of character that you wonder if you've become somebody else entirely. You've lost the plot, taken a wrong turn, jumped onto a train whose destination is total lunacy."
"Our friendship didn't survive. Some things are too big for other people to bear."
"But here's the thing: none of us deserve anything. That's an illusion we all exist under."
"I want us to be grains of sand that slip through her fingers and fall, so that they're undetectable from all the others on the beach, impossible for her to find again."
- Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2015Great book. Another book with my favorite elements; suspense, interesting/imperfect characters, a little bit of psychological analysis and a British setting. If you love suspenseful, well-written books, this is a must read.
This novel, about the search for missing 8 year-old Ben, is written in a unique format allowing the reader multiple points of view using (fictionalized) newspaper clippings, excerpts from a blog, emails among the police investigators as well as first hand accounts from Rachel (the missing boys mother) and Jim (the lead detective on the police department search team). In addition, it has real statistics about searches for missing children.
The format allows the reader insight into Rachel's horrible grief, guilt and increasing desperation, while watching her try to make sense of what her life has become. Simultaneously, the reader sees inside Jim's world as he tries to determine which leads to follow, relentlessly searching for Ben before it's too late, all the while trying to hold his personal life together. The third, but equally important, point of view is that of the public opinion. The press hound Rachel, camp in front of her house, judge her every move, peer into her house as she tries to sleep. Random people blog about her, private details about the case are leaked, more anonymous people weigh in with their opinions.
It also bears mentioning that Rachel is still reeling from her recent divorced in which Ben's father left her for a younger women. The divorce and her status as a single mother complicates her situation even more. With no clear suspect, the reader has a clear understanding of the frustration of the police and Ben's parents while trying to narrow down a suspect pool. The ending was not what I was expecting.
This book was more than just the story of a missing child, it followed the main characters through some painful periods of growth, self-examination and difficult choices. As the mother of an eight year old boy, I admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book. Luckily, there were no horrible, graphic scenes describing abuse or I would not have been able to finish the book.
I love that this is the first novel for author Gilly Macmillan, I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Top reviews from other countries
- Circlestones Books BlogReviewed in Germany on July 8, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, amazing and breathtaking
“If there’s so much potential for others to judge us wrongly, then how can we be sure that our assessment of them in any way resembles the real person that lies underneath?” (citation pos. 152)
Content
Rachel Jenner, recently divorced, photographer, loves to go for a walk with her son Ben, eight years old, and their dog Skittle. When he wants to run ahead to go on the rope swing, Skittle on his side, she tries not to listen to her maternal voice and allows it, because it is not far and he knows the way. After a short phone call with her sister, Rachel arrives at the rope – and Ben is not here. He is missing, without any traces. Every day that passes makes the search and the questions more desperate.
Theme and Genre
This thriller is about the impact of a case of a missing child on the family, friends and the investigating police. An important topic is the psychological point of view, the feelings of the persons involved. The story also shows the pressure of the public opinion, of journalists, of strangers gathering and sharing their opinions via social media, hate postings and bullying.
Characters
Rachel sometimes still struggles to get over her divorce. She feels guilty for letting Ben run ahead in the wood and with the public opinion calling her a bad mother almost breaks her down, as well as having to wait for results of the investigation. But she never gives up.
DI James Clemo leads the investigation team, knowing that time is important and if the want to find Ben, they first have to find out who took him.
Plot and Writing
Rachel and Jim, beginning with a prolog one year after Ben’s disappearance, tell the captivating story. Each day is a chapter and begins with notes from an OJJDP law report about Missing and Abducted Children, Rachel’s description of the events and Jim who tells his part to the story to his therapist. Together with extracts from the blog, it is this special and brilliant plotting, that makes the story so breathtaking, deeply impressing and thrilling.
Conclusion
A gripping, unputdownable story and definitely not a book that is closed with the last page, shelved and soon forgotten. An amazing read that remains in the readers thoughts.
- sunitha alluruReviewed in India on July 1, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars What she knew
Very well written thriller.Impossible to put down till the last page.The narration is very interesting with full of twists and turns. The author has done brilliant work.Hats off to her writing skills.She is a born writer.
- L.D. LilReviewed in France on April 30, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
I highly recommend this book. Absolutely enthralling and exciting read, full of passion of a mothers love for her child . Twist and turns from the investigating side keepi g you guessing to the end.
- Ivana KnezevicReviewed in the Netherlands on May 7, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars . Tragedies otherwise invisible come to light. A detective who mourns the loss of his wife; mother who teies to cope with the di
Disappearance of a child brings togerher a number of people , all living more or less broken lives. Tragedies otherwise invisible come to light. Detective who mourns the loss of his wife to cancer; Mother trying to cope with a loss of a husband to another woman. A sister that desperatwly wants a son but has four daughters. Finally the kidnapper, a disturbed school teacher, compulsive liar and a manipulative narcissistic personality takes thw boy after discovering she is infertile. The end is merciful , child is saved , but the overal atmosphere is that of melancholy and sadness in tge face of the life's intrinsic imperfection.
- Lily-the-catReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
I find it hard to find the words to praise this book highly enough. It is beautifully written, with an ingenious plot that weaves together several strands into a narrative that twists and turns. The story gathers pace as it goes on, leading you to several nail biting cliff edges, and the ending is superb. The characters are beautifully drawn and believable, perhaps because of the fact that each is fallible in his or her individual way. This makes what could have been a sensational enough story about a child's disappearance and a police investigation into something more real and moving. I am going to order another of this author's books straight away!