The Night Before is one of many recent psychological thrillers, with the whole woman-in-danger thing, but on steroids. The publisher’s blurb was vague, and that is probably a good thing, as it made the surprises more effective.

As the story opens, a woman named Laura is getting ready for a blind date, and she isn’t totally sure she is ready to date again after a bad breakup, but she is intrigued enough by this guy’s picture, his profile, and their conversations, and she is feeling hopeful and excited, which clinches it—she’s going!

Laura has recently moved back to her hometown, and moved in with her older sister Rosie and Rosie’s family. Laura was involved in a tragic, mysterious incident, years ago, and although no one seems to know what really happened, Laura knows Rosie is still worried about her. Maybe with good reason: Laura goes on the date, and vanishes. Rosie, her husband, and a friend try to figure out what happened, but they need to unravel the mystery of what happened to Laura years ago.

Lots of twists and turns, good suspense, and the alternating narratives make it hard to trust anyone, since everyone seems to be hiding something. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. Four stars.