Author Lisa Gardner brings back ex-police officer Rainie Conner and her husband, Pierce Quincy, who now work as private investigators, in her newest thriller, Gone. Recovering alcoholic Rainie is trying to deal with a case that has shaken her sense of justice and made her turn back to alcohol - and away from her husband. The tension between them has gotten so bad that Quincy has moved out of their home. When he gets a call telling him his wife is missing, though, it is as if the separation never happened. Quincy is frantic to find his wife.

Rainie’s car is found on the side of the road in the pouring rain, the door open and her gun, which she always carries in the glove compartment, missing. As the local police begin going over Rainie’s recent movements and reasons she might have for disappearing, Quincy focuses on the case that has driven Rainie over the edge and on her new relationship with Dougie, a seven-year-old foster child whom she has been trying to help. Will Quincy be able to find Rainie before it’s too late?

Lisa Gardner’s books are always page-turners; Gone is no exception. From the attention-grabbing first chapter, Gardner holds her readers rapt as she describes the events leading up to Rainie’s disappearance, the frantic search for her, and what Rainie must go through as she tries to escape. With short chapters and clear, concise writing, Gardner takes her readers on a thrill ride from start to finish.

Fans of Gardner’s work will be happy to see the return of Rainie and Quincy, but those who aren’t familiar with these characters’ pasts will still be able to enjoy Gardner’s newest novel. These are two very flawed people who still manage to evoke sympathy and respect from the reader, and they complement the plot well.

Thriller lovers will no doubt love Gardner’s latest, whether they have read any of this author’s work or not. With the quick pace, twisting plot and interesting characters, Gone grabs hold immediately and doesn’t let go until the breakneck, heart-wrenching end.