In “Missing in Flight,” Audrey J. Cole masterfully crafts a pulse-pounding thriller that taps into every parent’s deepest fear – losing a child. But Cole takes this premise to new heights, quite literally, by setting the disappearance aboard a commercial flight from Anchorage to New York. The result is a claustrophobic, tension-filled narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Plot Analysis: A Well-Orchestrated Mystery in the Sky
The story follows Makayla Rossi, who briefly leaves her sleeping three-month-old son Liam to use the airplane bathroom, only to return and find him missing from his bassinet. What follows is a masterfully constructed psychological thriller that explores themes of maternal instinct, trust, and betrayal. Cole expertly weaves multiple perspectives, including those of FBI analyst Tina Farrar and pilot Anna, creating a rich tapestry of viewpoints that adds depth to the central mystery.
Character Development: Complex and Compelling
The author excels in creating multidimensional characters whose motivations and actions feel authentic. Makayla’s character is particularly well-drawn—her increasing desperation as no one believes her about Liam’s existence on the flight is palpable and heart-wrenching. The inclusion of her background as the daughter of actress Lydia Banks, who suffered from transient global amnesia, adds an intriguing layer to the story and plants seeds of doubt in both the characters’ and readers’ minds.
Writing Style and Pacing
Cole’s writing style is crisp and efficient, perfectly suited to the thriller genre. She maintains tension throughout the novel while avoiding the common pitfall of sacrificing character development for plot momentum. The alternating perspectives help maintain a brisk pace while providing crucial information that builds toward the climactic revelation.
Strengths
Innovative premise that maximizes tension
Well-researched aviation and FBI procedural details
Strong character development
Expertly managed multiple viewpoints
Satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends
Areas for Improvement
Some plot points require suspension of disbelief
A few secondary characters could use more development
Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
Some dialogue feels slightly forced in high-tension scenes
Technical Accuracy and Research
Cole’s background as a pilot’s daughter shines through in the novel’s technical aspects. The aviation details feel authentic, and the FBI investigation procedures are well-researched. This attention to detail adds credibility to the story and helps ground the more dramatic elements in reality.
Emotional Impact and Themes
The novel explores powerful themes of maternal instinct, trust, and the vulnerability of new parents. Cole skillfully handles the emotional elements without becoming melodramatic, creating genuine sympathy for Makayla while maintaining suspense about whether her perceptions are reliable.
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of psychological thrillers like “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware and “The Last Flight” by Julie Clark will find familiar elements here, but Cole brings her own unique perspective to the genre. The aviation setting and the maternal psychological elements set this book apart from similar works.
Final Verdict: A Gripping Mile-High Mystery
“Missing in Flight” is a compelling addition to the psychological thriller genre that successfully combines elements of domestic suspense, aviation drama, and police procedural. While there are some minor issues with pacing and plot credibility, the overall execution is strong, and the story remains engaging throughout.
Recommendations for Readers
This book is perfect for:
Fans of psychological thrillers
Aviation enthusiasts
Readers who enjoy domestic suspense
Those who appreciate multiple POV narratives
Reading Experience Note
I recently had the unique opportunity to dive into an advance reading copy of “Missing in Flight” while on a cross-country flight myself—perhaps not the wisest choice for someone with flight anxiety! But the experience of reading this gripping thriller while actually being in the air added an extra layer of intensity to an already compelling narrative. My fellow passengers might have wondered about my white-knuckled grip on the book, but I couldn’t put it down. As an ARC reviewer, I can confidently say this is one journey worth taking – just maybe not while you’re actually flying!