Missing Molly: A Novel by Natalie BarelliPublication Date: October 20, 2026
Pages: 336
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Rating: ★★★½
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press / Sourcebooks
Synopsis:
From bestselling indie author Natalie Barelli comes Missing Molly, a dark psychological thriller about a woman who will do anything to keep her past from coming to light when the newspaper she works for decides to investigate a cold case that hits a little too close to home…
Everyone has secrets, and Rachel Holloway is no exception. She’s worked hard to keep the past where it belongs: dead and buried. And so far, she’s been very successful.
But now the small newspaper where she works wants to produce a podcast on a twelve-year-old cold case: the disappearance of young Molly Forster.
Some secrets should never see the light of day, and as far as Rachel is concerned, whatever happened to little Molly is one of them. Rachel has a life now, a boyfriend she loves and a three-year-old daughter she adores. She will do anything to protect them.
But to do that, no one can ever know the truth: that she is Molly Forster.
REVIEW
Missing Molly by Natalie Barelli is a gripping psychological thriller that hooks you from the first chapter and won’t let go. Rachel Holloway seems to have built a quiet, ordinary life, but when the local newspaper where she works launches a true-crime podcast investigating the long-unsolved disappearance of Molly Forster, cracks in her carefully constructed world begin to show. The premise is instantly compelling, and Barelli makes excellent use of mounting tension, buried secrets, and the constant fear of exposure.
What kept me turning the pages was the author’s ability to keep me questioning everything. Rachel is a fascinating protagonist whose fears and choices feel believable, even when the stakes become increasingly intense. The short chapters and fast pacing make this one of those “just one more chapter” thrillers, while the twists arrive at just the right moments to keep the suspense high without overwhelming the story.
Beyond the mystery itself, the novel explores identity, trauma, survival, and the lasting impact of the past. The true-crime podcast element adds a contemporary touch that enhances the sense of dread as the investigation edges closer to long-hidden truths. Barelli skillfully balances psychological suspense with emotional stakes, creating a story that is both entertaining and unsettling.
If you’re a fan of twisty thrillers with unreliable perceptions, hidden identities, and escalating danger, Missing Molly is an excellent pick. It’s a tense, fast-moving read that delivers plenty of surprises while keeping its focus firmly on character and suspense. I went in expecting a solid thriller and came away completely engrossed.
Content and Trigger Warnings
- Murder
- Family homicide (discussed/investigated)
- Child endangerment
- Trauma and grief
- Stalking/fear of pursuit
- Violence (primarily discussed rather than graphic)
- Psychological distress
- Threats and suspenseful peril
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