My Quick Take and Q and A on Missing Molly by Natalie Barelli, a twisty suspense story about a woman who finds herself investigating her own disappearance. Is it for you? Let’s discuss! The Q and A does have spoilers for Missing Molly, but they are hidden!
Missing Molly by Natalie Barelli
Jen’s Quick Take on Missing Molly
- Missing Molly is part amateur detective story, part suspense
- The book has podcast elements, and I’m adding it to my list of Mystery and Suspense Stories Featuring podcasts!
- Publication Date: October 20, 2026 by Poisoned Pen Press (but this title was first released in the UK in 2018)
What is Missing Molly About?
Missing Molly: a twisty story set in a small UK town.
Rachel is a young mom who works at her local newspaper. The paper’s financial issues lead to a new money-making venture: Molly’s editor announces that they will be starting a podcast.
The topic? A high profile local case: the tragic murder of three members of the Forster family and mysterious disappearance of their daughter, Molly.
This horrifies Rachel. She IS Molly Forster, and she doesn’t want her identity revealed. She’s changed her name and lives her life as Rachel Holloway. But when it’s clear that she can’t stop the podcast idea, at least she can make sure they don’t find her.
What I Thought of Missing Molly
It may sound strange, but Missing Molly reminded me of The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series. Both feature a young woman investigating a cold case in a small UK town (though the GGGTM series has a US version as well). Both have podcast elements and an intrepid girl detective feel.
Trying to figure out why Molly didn’t want to reveal her identity or come forward kept me guessing!
Missing Molly: Q and A
Do you have questions about the book? Leave me a comment and I’ll try to answer them!
Hidden spoilers below; just click the arrows to uncover the ones you want to read!
Who was convicted of killing Molly’s parents and sister Grace?
Dennis Dawson, the gardener
Who really killed the Dawson family?
Hugo Hennessy, the son of the former chief constable, Edward Hennessy. He was dating Molly’s sister Grace at the time.