By Book Club Team 
Local Woman Missing is a chilling psychological thriller by Mary Kubica that explores the devastating consequences of deceit, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Set in a close-knit suburban community, the story begins with the disappearance of Shelby Tebow, a young mother. Shortly after, another woman, Meredith Dickey, and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish without a trace. Years later, Delilah shockingly reappears, alive but deeply scarred, forcing the community and her family to confront the dark truths hidden beneath the surface.
| Author | Mary Kubica |
| Publication date | May 18, 2021 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4,14 |
| Page count | 356 pages |
| Topics | Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Adult, Contemporary, Psychological Thriller |
Local Woman Missing Summary
The story begins with the sudden disappearance of Shelby Tebow, a young mother. Shelby’s vanishing sends shockwaves through the community but seems to be an isolated incident—until another mother, Meredith Dickey, and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, also disappear without a trace.
These events, taking place just days apart, devastate the neighborhood and leave behind a trail of unanswered questions. Meredith’s husband, Josh, is left to care for their son, Leo, as the police investigate but fail to find conclusive leads. Years pass, and the case goes cold.
In the present day, an astonishing development occurs: Delilah is found alive, eleven years after her abduction. Her reappearance is a miracle, but it raises more questions than it answers. Where has she been all this time? Why was she taken? And what happened to Meredith and Shelby?
The narrative alternates between past and present, slowly unraveling the truth through the perspectives of several characters, including Delilah’s brother Leo, Meredith, and her close friend Kate. Flashbacks reveal the complexities of Meredith’s life before her disappearance. Meredith was a midwife, a dedicated mother, and a supportive wife, but she also had growing fears about her safety. She suspected someone was watching her family, and her unease built in the days leading up to her and Delilah’s disappearance.
Meanwhile, Leo’s perspective in the present sheds light on the emotional toll the events have taken on the Dickey family. As a child, Leo adored his sister, but her return after so many years brings mixed emotions. Delilah, now a teenager, is deeply scarred by her years of captivity. Her presence reopens old wounds, forcing the family to confront not only their shared trauma but also lingering doubts about what really happened all those years ago.
As the story progresses, the layers of deception and betrayal within the seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood are exposed. Shelby Tebow’s disappearance is tied to an abusive relationship and her husband’s secrets. Meredith’s vanishing is revealed to be connected to a betrayal by someone she trusted: her best friend, Kate.
The novel takes a shocking turn when it is revealed that Kate orchestrated Meredith and Delilah’s abduction, motivated by jealousy and resentment. Kate envied Meredith’s life and harbored deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. In her disturbed mind, she justified her actions as a way to “fix” what she believed was an imbalance in their lives.
Delilah’s years in captivity are harrowing and reveal the extent of human cruelty. She was held in a basement by Kate and her accomplice, enduring unimaginable abuse and isolation. Shelby’s fate is also tragic; she was killed shortly after her disappearance, a victim of her husband’s violent tendencies.
The novel ends with a bittersweet resolution. While Delilah is reunited with her family, the scars of her captivity and the betrayal by someone close to them leave lasting emotional wounds. The Dickeys attempt to rebuild their lives, but the haunting truths of the past linger, a reminder of the fragility of trust and the darkness that can exist even in seemingly perfect lives.
Kubica masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and psychological depth, keeping readers guessing until the final, shocking revelations. Local Woman Missing explores themes of survival, trust, betrayal, and the hidden dangers of suburban life, delivering a story that is both chilling and profoundly emotional.
Local Woman Missing Characters
- Delilah Dickey: Delilah’s character is the emotional core of the novel. Having survived years of captivity, her return is both a miracle and a catalyst for unraveling the truth. She is depicted as resilient but deeply traumatized, and her interactions with her family are fraught with tension and heartbreak.
- Meredith Dickey: Meredith is portrayed as a devoted mother and wife, though she harbors secrets that complicate her relationships. Her perspective offers a glimpse into the pressures of suburban life and the creeping fear that something is not right.
- Josh Dickey: Josh is Meredith’s husband, a seemingly supportive figure. As the story unfolds, his role becomes more ambiguous, and his actions raise questions about his involvement in the disappearances.
- Shelby Tebow: Shelby’s life is marred by her troubled marriage and her own questionable decisions. Though her story is shorter, it is pivotal to the larger mystery and adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
- Leo Dickey: Leo’s perspective is one of the most emotionally resonant. As Delilah’s brother, he grapples with guilt, confusion, and the strain of reintegrating his long-lost sister into their family.
- Kate: Kate, Meredith’s best friend, plays a significant role in the story’s progression. Her actions and motivations are central to the twists and turns of the plot.
Local Woman Missing Review
Mary Kubica excels in crafting a deeply unsettling and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers on edge. The book’s strongest aspect is its ability to intertwine complex characters with a suspenseful plot, creating an emotionally rich experience.
- Strengths:
- The alternating timelines build tension effectively, offering readers just enough information to keep them guessing.
- The portrayal of trauma, especially through Delilah and Leo, is authentic and deeply moving.
- Kubica’s writing style is compelling, with sharp prose and a knack for capturing psychological nuances.
- Weaknesses:
- Some readers found the ending overly dramatic or implausible, particularly the motivations behind the crimes.
- The large cast of characters and shifting perspectives may feel overwhelming at times.
Local Woman Missing Ending Explained [Spoilers]
The truth behind the disappearances is revealed in a shocking twist: Kate, Meredith’s seemingly loyal friend, is the mastermind. Motivated by jealousy and a sense of entitlement, Kate orchestrates the events that led to Meredith’s and Delilah’s captivity.
Kate’s deep-seated resentment toward Meredith, combined with her fragile mental state, drives her to commit heinous acts. The discovery of her involvement unravels years of lies and brings devastating consequences to the community.
Delilah’s captivity is depicted as harrowing and traumatic. Though she survives, her experiences leave lasting scars on her and her family. The novel ends on a bittersweet note, with the Dickeys attempting to rebuild their lives amid the revelations.
Age Rating and Trigger Warnings
- Age Rating: 16+ due to mature themes and graphic content.
- Trigger Warnings:
- Child abduction and captivity
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Psychological manipulation and trauma
- Graphic descriptions of violence and distress