Missing, Presumed Dead is a paranormal fantasy that emphasizes our need for human connection, how we cannot let our fear control our dreams, and the lengths we will go to in order to defy death.
Summary
With a touch, Lexi can sense how and when someone will die. Some say it’s a gift. But to Lexi it’s a curse—one that keeps her friendless and alone. All that changes when Lexi foresees the violent death of a young woman, Jane, outside a club. But Jane doesn’t go to the afterlife quietly. Her ghost remains behind, determined to hunt down her murderer, and she needs Lexi’s help.
In life, Jane was everything Lexi is not—outgoing, happy, popular. But in death, all Jane wants is revenge. Lexi will do anything to help Jane, to make up for the fact that she didn’t—couldn’t—save Jane’s life, and to keep this beautiful ghost of a girl by her side for as long as possible.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I don’t feel like enough people are excited about Missing, Presumed Dead. Not only does it star a girl who can see your death with a touch, but it’s a story about human connection, and, did I mention she’s queer? Missing, Presumed Dead succeeds on a variety of levels. If you’re in the mood for a book that delivers action and mystery, check. If that isn’t enough and you want some paranormal touches thrown in, welcome to Lexi’s friends who happen to be ghosts. And if you are searching for a story about forgiveness, and how we can’t let our fear control us, then you’re in luck.
Lexi
What moved me the most about Missing, Presumed Dead is how tender Lexi is. She’s afraid of contact with others because she can see their death. It leaves her feeling isolated and alone, afraid of connecting to someone, all the while knowing how it will end. But then she meets Jane and she becomes absorbed in the mystery of not only who killed Jane, but who is threatening the life they all live.
Overall,
Throughout Missing, Presumed Dead Lexi has to come to terms with both her own fears, and also this universal fear that we have of our end – the moment that Lexi experiences with a single touch. In the face of those odds, can we accept our fear to embrace genuine connection, to turn our backs on our loneliness.
Find Missing, Presumed Dead on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.