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Missing in Flight
From USA Today bestselling author Audrey J. Cole comes a harrowing thriller about a woman faced with the unthinkable, when her infant goes missing aboard a plane to New York.
Rushing back to her seat, Makayla Rossi is relieved that all’s still quiet. But when she checks on her sleeping baby, relief morphs into fear. The bassinet is empty.
Liam is gone.
It was a long flight from Anchorage to New York, and with every flight attendant busy, Makayla reluctantly ran to the restroom, asking a seat neighbor to watch her son. She stepped away for just a few minutes. Yet at thirty thousand feet, he still vanished.
Passengers and crew scour the plane to no avail, and since no one recalls seeing her with a baby, suspicions begin to mount about Makayla’s mental state. She’s certain this is nothing like her mother’s on-air memory meltdown. If only Jack, her husband, were there. He would believe her. A high-profile banker featured in Forbes, maybe he could even help.
But Makayla is squarely on her own. And she’ll have to think fast in order to find her son—before it’s too late.
Rushing back to her seat, Makayla Rossi is relieved that all’s still quiet. But when she checks on her sleeping baby, relief morphs into fear. The bassinet is empty.
Liam is gone.
It was a long flight from Anchorage to New York, and with every flight attendant busy, Makayla reluctantly ran to the restroom, asking a seat neighbor to watch her son. She stepped away for just a few minutes. Yet at thirty thousand feet, he still vanished.
Passengers and crew scour the plane to no avail, and since no one recalls seeing her with a baby, suspicions begin to mount about Makayla’s mental state. She’s certain this is nothing like her mother’s on-air memory meltdown. If only Jack, her husband, were there. He would believe her. A high-profile banker featured in Forbes, maybe he could even help.
But Makayla is squarely on her own. And she’ll have to think fast in order to find her son—before it’s too late.
285 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2025
4826 people are currently reading
17198 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
20 books1,078 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,387 reviews
February 28, 2025
🛫LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELTS🛫!!!!!! Missing In Flight written by Audrey J. Cole is a twisty thriller that makes me never want to fly on an airplane. As someone that has never flown before, this book scared the heck out of me and has confirmed my suspicions that I will NEVER fly on an airplane in my life, no one can convince me otherwise. With all of the airplane mishaps and close calls up in the air and on the run ways and even mid flight in today's world, Missing In Flight gave me the chills. I have seen so many reviewers saying this book was far fetched at times, which I 100% agree with them, but after watching the news the past month or so with all of the crashes etc, I don't know what to think. Missing In Flight had me hooked from the very first page, all the way to the very last page, I just couldn't put this book down. I will say that you are going to have so many questions while you are reading this book, but don't worry every single question will be answered, just keep reading until the very last page. I have never read book before this one by Audrey J. Cole, but this one certainly won't be my last. I can't recommend this book enough, please mark your calendars for March 1st, 2025 because you won't want to miss this twisty thriller. To anyone that has flown before, please read this book because I want to know if anyone has experienced this before in their life times.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THOMAS & MERCER FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
"💯You should never feel guilty for taking care of your own needs💯".
"💔You never know when your time with someone could be your last💔".
"😎People do irrational things when they fear they are about to get caught😎".
Missing In Flight is told in four POV'S from Anna who is the co-pilot, Makayla Rossi who is the female main character, Jack Rossi who is Makayla's husband and the male main character, and finally Tina Farrar who is an FBI agent. Flight 7038 of Pacific Air Flight is currently thirty thousand feet in the air currently en route from Anchorage Alaska to LaGuardia New York when out of no where panic and fear starts to erupt. Makayla was spending two weeks in Alaska with her father and her three month old son, Liam, but now she's heading home to her husband in New York. When Makayla was in Alaska, she went hiking with her father and son when she fell and hit her head but insisted she was fine. When Flight 7038 is thirty thousand feet in the air, Makayla decides to use the restroom and asks the teenager across the isle to watch her sleeping baby, but when Makayla returns to her seat, the bassinet is empty. Makayla starts causing a ruckus on the plane accusing people of having taken her child and going through everything on the plane looking for her son. Nobody boarding Flight 7038 ever recalls seeing Makayla board the airplane with a baby. So, where is Liam? Was there ever a baby in the first place as passengers were boarding the airplane? You'll have to read this book to have these questions answered.
As Makayla keeps accusing people of stealing her baby, the passengers soon realize that Makayla Rossi is Lydia Banks daughter. Lydia Banks suffered from transient global amnesia. Lydia suffered from an amnesiac episode on live TV before she walked off set angry and soon died in a fatal car accident. As Makayla starts causing more outrage, the passengers and flight attendants start causing Makayla's mental state when they learn that she's related to Lydia Banks. I often felt bad for Makayla for the way she was being treated, but girl, you cannot be running and screaming when an airplane is thirty thousand feet up in the air. Jack Rossi is a Zac Efron look alike, but ladies you soon won't be crushing on him when you learn about all of the secrets he's been keeping from those closest to him. Jack is an account manager at Rothman Securities as an investment banker. As the story and fear begins to escalate even more, Jack is being investigated for a ransom after he was featured in a Forbes article. I felt so bad for Makayla and Jack as they tried to get answers and find their son, but guys come on, you are married, you need to learn to communicate better with each other. I can't even imagine what it's like to lose your child while you are on an airplane because damn, I had chills the entire time. As I was reading this book, my heart was literally beating right out of my chest.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THOMAS & MERCER FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
"💯You should never feel guilty for taking care of your own needs💯".
"💔You never know when your time with someone could be your last💔".
"😎People do irrational things when they fear they are about to get caught😎".
Missing In Flight is told in four POV'S from Anna who is the co-pilot, Makayla Rossi who is the female main character, Jack Rossi who is Makayla's husband and the male main character, and finally Tina Farrar who is an FBI agent. Flight 7038 of Pacific Air Flight is currently thirty thousand feet in the air currently en route from Anchorage Alaska to LaGuardia New York when out of no where panic and fear starts to erupt. Makayla was spending two weeks in Alaska with her father and her three month old son, Liam, but now she's heading home to her husband in New York. When Makayla was in Alaska, she went hiking with her father and son when she fell and hit her head but insisted she was fine. When Flight 7038 is thirty thousand feet in the air, Makayla decides to use the restroom and asks the teenager across the isle to watch her sleeping baby, but when Makayla returns to her seat, the bassinet is empty. Makayla starts causing a ruckus on the plane accusing people of having taken her child and going through everything on the plane looking for her son. Nobody boarding Flight 7038 ever recalls seeing Makayla board the airplane with a baby. So, where is Liam? Was there ever a baby in the first place as passengers were boarding the airplane? You'll have to read this book to have these questions answered.
As Makayla keeps accusing people of stealing her baby, the passengers soon realize that Makayla Rossi is Lydia Banks daughter. Lydia Banks suffered from transient global amnesia. Lydia suffered from an amnesiac episode on live TV before she walked off set angry and soon died in a fatal car accident. As Makayla starts causing more outrage, the passengers and flight attendants start causing Makayla's mental state when they learn that she's related to Lydia Banks. I often felt bad for Makayla for the way she was being treated, but girl, you cannot be running and screaming when an airplane is thirty thousand feet up in the air. Jack Rossi is a Zac Efron look alike, but ladies you soon won't be crushing on him when you learn about all of the secrets he's been keeping from those closest to him. Jack is an account manager at Rothman Securities as an investment banker. As the story and fear begins to escalate even more, Jack is being investigated for a ransom after he was featured in a Forbes article. I felt so bad for Makayla and Jack as they tried to get answers and find their son, but guys come on, you are married, you need to learn to communicate better with each other. I can't even imagine what it's like to lose your child while you are on an airplane because damn, I had chills the entire time. As I was reading this book, my heart was literally beating right out of my chest.
June 6, 2025
3.5 STARS!
Entertained, BUT wow, so far-fetched that I laughed at so many happenings. I do enjoy this author's writing though and will continue to read her novels!
I knew it would be OTT just by reading the premise - a missing baby and the mother’s on-air memory meltdown! There were plenty of scenarios that would have been interesting, but the one she went with made my eyes roll. There are a few adrenline induced scenes that had me flipping the pages and worried for the characters.
If you want a popcorn type read that will keep you reading, but also questioning the likeliness, go for it! After all the turbulence and accusations, I was relieved to get off the flight myself! 😂
Another KU read! Came out March 2025
Entertained, BUT wow, so far-fetched that I laughed at so many happenings. I do enjoy this author's writing though and will continue to read her novels!
I knew it would be OTT just by reading the premise - a missing baby and the mother’s on-air memory meltdown! There were plenty of scenarios that would have been interesting, but the one she went with made my eyes roll. There are a few adrenline induced scenes that had me flipping the pages and worried for the characters.
If you want a popcorn type read that will keep you reading, but also questioning the likeliness, go for it! After all the turbulence and accusations, I was relieved to get off the flight myself! 😂
Another KU read! Came out March 2025
November 3, 2024
Talk about a locked-room mystery!💁🏻♀️
Can you get more locked in than on an airplane 35000 feet above the ground?
Makayla is flying home to New York from Alaska with her three month old baby. A non-descript flight… quiet, with a nearly empty airplane. (Ahhh, remember those days?)
Against her better judgement Makayla leaves her sleeping son alone in his bassinet as she quickly makes her way to the bathroom. She’ll only be gone for a couple minutes and the girl across the aisle agreed to keep an eye on the bassinet. (Well, sort of).
When Makayla returns to her seat her son is gone and the bassinet is empty.😱
Now the million-dollar question. How can a baby vanish while a plane is in flight?
Extremely unique and intriguing premise right?
But….You’ll need to suspend your believability, and I mean ALL of it! It does go a bit bonkers by the end! But if you’re looking for something different that you want to lose yourself in over the weekend this will be the perfect read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
Can you get more locked in than on an airplane 35000 feet above the ground?
Makayla is flying home to New York from Alaska with her three month old baby. A non-descript flight… quiet, with a nearly empty airplane. (Ahhh, remember those days?)
Against her better judgement Makayla leaves her sleeping son alone in his bassinet as she quickly makes her way to the bathroom. She’ll only be gone for a couple minutes and the girl across the aisle agreed to keep an eye on the bassinet. (Well, sort of).
When Makayla returns to her seat her son is gone and the bassinet is empty.😱
Now the million-dollar question. How can a baby vanish while a plane is in flight?
Extremely unique and intriguing premise right?
But….You’ll need to suspend your believability, and I mean ALL of it! It does go a bit bonkers by the end! But if you’re looking for something different that you want to lose yourself in over the weekend this will be the perfect read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
April 12, 2025
An utterly original locked room mystery that kept my eyes riveted to the pages, Missing in Flight had everything I wanted and more. From the multiple distinct POVs to the deftly delivered emotional depth, I was both swept up by the characters and also floored by the plot. After all, it was fast-paced, addictive, and suspenseful beyond belief. Plotted in such a way as to gradually build up the dread and forebodingthis catastrophe in the air could end in heart-rending disaster. So did it you ask? All I’m willing to say is that Ms. Cole nailed it in one by the end of the novel.
I do need to warn you, though, that this book required a definite suspension of ALL disbelief. Once I did that, however, it was one heck of a rollercoaster ride of suspense. From the plane packed with more suspects than allies to the compelling FBI investigation on the ground, the more facts that were revealed, the less I seemed to know. You see, with each ensuing twist, the story shifted a little more until no amount of armchair sleuth sleuthing could’ve figured it out. And IYKYK, but constant, unending surprises are just what I like in a well-played psychological thriller.
All in all, I found this pulse-pounding plot supremely well done. With a premise that has me whispering “Wait, what?!” more times than I could count and in air dynamics that felt decidedly real, I easily got swept up in the drama as I waited to find out what became of this poor baby. And thanks to a cleverly portrayed unreliable narrator, I had no clue who to trust within this gripping new novel. So if you love suspicious characters, palpable tension, and short inhale-able chapters, this book’s for you. Shrewdly plotted and emotionally driven, I had a blast ripping through these 277 pages in no time at all. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Rushing back to her seat, Makayla Rossi is relieved that all’s still quiet. But when she checks on her sleeping baby, relief morphs into fear. The bassinet is empty.
Liam is gone.
It was a long flight from Anchorage to New York, and with every flight attendant busy, Makayla reluctantly ran to the restroom, asking a seat neighbor to watch her son. She stepped away for just a few minutes. Yet at thirty thousand feet, he still vanished.
Passengers and crew scour the plane to no avail, and since no one recalls seeing her with a baby, suspicions begin to mount about Makayla’s mental state. She’s certain this is nothing like her mother’s on-air memory meltdown. If only Jack, her husband, were there. He would believe her. A high-profile banker featured in Forbes, maybe he could even help.
But Makayla is squarely on her own. And she’ll have to think fast in order to find her son—before it’s too late.
Thank you to Audrey J. Cole and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 1, 2025
Content warning: missing child, gun violence, breaking and entering, murder, emergency landing, mention of: financial crimes
I do need to warn you, though, that this book required a definite suspension of ALL disbelief. Once I did that, however, it was one heck of a rollercoaster ride of suspense. From the plane packed with more suspects than allies to the compelling FBI investigation on the ground, the more facts that were revealed, the less I seemed to know. You see, with each ensuing twist, the story shifted a little more until no amount of armchair sleuth sleuthing could’ve figured it out. And IYKYK, but constant, unending surprises are just what I like in a well-played psychological thriller.
All in all, I found this pulse-pounding plot supremely well done. With a premise that has me whispering “Wait, what?!” more times than I could count and in air dynamics that felt decidedly real, I easily got swept up in the drama as I waited to find out what became of this poor baby. And thanks to a cleverly portrayed unreliable narrator, I had no clue who to trust within this gripping new novel. So if you love suspicious characters, palpable tension, and short inhale-able chapters, this book’s for you. Shrewdly plotted and emotionally driven, I had a blast ripping through these 277 pages in no time at all. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Rushing back to her seat, Makayla Rossi is relieved that all’s still quiet. But when she checks on her sleeping baby, relief morphs into fear. The bassinet is empty.
Liam is gone.
It was a long flight from Anchorage to New York, and with every flight attendant busy, Makayla reluctantly ran to the restroom, asking a seat neighbor to watch her son. She stepped away for just a few minutes. Yet at thirty thousand feet, he still vanished.
Passengers and crew scour the plane to no avail, and since no one recalls seeing her with a baby, suspicions begin to mount about Makayla’s mental state. She’s certain this is nothing like her mother’s on-air memory meltdown. If only Jack, her husband, were there. He would believe her. A high-profile banker featured in Forbes, maybe he could even help.
But Makayla is squarely on her own. And she’ll have to think fast in order to find her son—before it’s too late.
Thank you to Audrey J. Cole and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 1, 2025
Content warning: missing child, gun violence, breaking and entering, murder, emergency landing, mention of: financial crimes
April 1, 2025
Repetitive, boring, and omg did it drag. So much happening, yet nothing happening, all at the same time. I pushed through because I wanted to see how it ended. I wish I had just DNF'd. The end was poorly written and so incredibly unbelievable that I laughed out loud multiple times at the ridiculousness of it all. Glad I got it for free on my Kindle. I'd be mad if I'd actually spent money on this.
February 2, 2025
This was action packed and full of suspense! A baby goes missing during a flight. Who took the baby and why can’t they find the baby on the plane? Was the baby even ever on the plane?
Everyone was suspicious in this thriller and I couldn’t stop reading wanting to know what happened to the baby.
This was 5 stars for me most of the way. I subtracted one star because the ending seemed pretty far fetched and extreme, but I still enjoyed it. I don’t want to say too much about this one & give it away.
I almost didn’t read this one, because I saw several reviews that weren’t great. I think this a must read and I am so glad I ignored those!!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for this free advance copy.
Everyone was suspicious in this thriller and I couldn’t stop reading wanting to know what happened to the baby.
This was 5 stars for me most of the way. I subtracted one star because the ending seemed pretty far fetched and extreme, but I still enjoyed it. I don’t want to say too much about this one & give it away.
I almost didn’t read this one, because I saw several reviews that weren’t great. I think this a must read and I am so glad I ignored those!!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for this free advance copy.
February 16, 2025
After this turbulent and knuckle whitening read I need an oxygen mask. What a rush.
January 4, 2025
Audrey J. Cole’s latest thriller centers around an infant who goes missing on board a Pacific Air flight en route to La Guardia from Anchorage.
Wait. An in-flight abduction?!
Makayla Rossi soon regretted leaving her three-month-old baby for the few minutes it took to use the lavatory. When she returned to her seat, Liam was not in his bulkhead bassinet. A ground-to-air FBI investigation occurred when a thorough search of the plane revealed that Liam was not on the flight.
This emotionally driven, intense story was in equal parts full of despair and hope. It captivated me. Cole effortlessly drew me into Makayla’s heartache and helplessness and had me experiencing every parent’s worse nightmare. The deep dive into the scrutiny and heartache Makayla faces is gripping and the questions Makayla starts asking herself had me on the edge of my seat as the frenzied search aboard PA7038 continued.
I think the most powerful part of Cole’s storytelling was making me question what I thought I knew. Suddenly, I wondered if there really was a child. Was Liam accidentally left in Anchorage? Is the grandfather or father responsible? Is this a well-planned abduction?
Cole writes fantastic thrillers. You need to clear your schedule for this one. You won’t be able to put it down.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Wait. An in-flight abduction?!
Makayla Rossi soon regretted leaving her three-month-old baby for the few minutes it took to use the lavatory. When she returned to her seat, Liam was not in his bulkhead bassinet. A ground-to-air FBI investigation occurred when a thorough search of the plane revealed that Liam was not on the flight.
This emotionally driven, intense story was in equal parts full of despair and hope. It captivated me. Cole effortlessly drew me into Makayla’s heartache and helplessness and had me experiencing every parent’s worse nightmare. The deep dive into the scrutiny and heartache Makayla faces is gripping and the questions Makayla starts asking herself had me on the edge of my seat as the frenzied search aboard PA7038 continued.
I think the most powerful part of Cole’s storytelling was making me question what I thought I knew. Suddenly, I wondered if there really was a child. Was Liam accidentally left in Anchorage? Is the grandfather or father responsible? Is this a well-planned abduction?
Cole writes fantastic thrillers. You need to clear your schedule for this one. You won’t be able to put it down.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 7, 2025
Ridiculous. Boring. Far fetched and EXTREMELY repetitive... I really don't like giving negative reviews but can we be serious for 2 seconds what was this?? The plot or the idea of a locked in mystery thriller was intriguing, an infant goes missing on a flight... BUT it had no business being 60 chapters ( even with short chapters it dragged) and the fact that there was so much happening yet nothing happening at the same its like the pages were on loop just numbered differently especially for THAT ending?? Ugh glad it's over
November 18, 2024
Adrenaline filled!! Absolutely fantastic. Review to come
March 10, 2025
the setup…
Makayla Rossi is on a return flight from Anchorage to New York with her infant son Liam. She’s traveling alone and after a nap, decides to take a quick bathroom break while the baby is sleeping. The flight attendants are occupied with another passenger so she asks the young woman under headphones across the aisle to keep an eye out for Liam. Makayla is only gone for a flash but when she returns to her seat, the bassinet is empty…with a pillow replacing her baby! No one can find her son and soon the flight crew and investigators in New York begin to question if she even boarded the flight with the baby.
the heart of the story…
It’s the best of a locked room mystery! I was suspicious of everyone and trusted no one, including Makayla, though she was the one I trusted the most, along with her on the ground husband Jack. My imagination ran amuck with the many red herrings and side stories, wondering if they were relevant or not. My nerves were shattered as the search for Liam went on.
the narration…
This was my first experience with Renata Friedman and I was impressed. She managed so many voice distinctions and emotions while keeping the pacing and storytelling fresh.
the bottom line…
This was my most anticipated book releasing this month so expectations were high. My emotions were all over the place and for the life of me I couldn’t figure this thing out. While the ending required a teensy bit of belief suspension, it still was exciting and breathtaking. Expectations solidly met! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Makayla Rossi is on a return flight from Anchorage to New York with her infant son Liam. She’s traveling alone and after a nap, decides to take a quick bathroom break while the baby is sleeping. The flight attendants are occupied with another passenger so she asks the young woman under headphones across the aisle to keep an eye out for Liam. Makayla is only gone for a flash but when she returns to her seat, the bassinet is empty…with a pillow replacing her baby! No one can find her son and soon the flight crew and investigators in New York begin to question if she even boarded the flight with the baby.
the heart of the story…
It’s the best of a locked room mystery! I was suspicious of everyone and trusted no one, including Makayla, though she was the one I trusted the most, along with her on the ground husband Jack. My imagination ran amuck with the many red herrings and side stories, wondering if they were relevant or not. My nerves were shattered as the search for Liam went on.
the narration…
This was my first experience with Renata Friedman and I was impressed. She managed so many voice distinctions and emotions while keeping the pacing and storytelling fresh.
the bottom line…
This was my most anticipated book releasing this month so expectations were high. My emotions were all over the place and for the life of me I couldn’t figure this thing out. While the ending required a teensy bit of belief suspension, it still was exciting and breathtaking. Expectations solidly met! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 2, 2025
This book had such an interesting premise – a baby goes missing in the middle of a flight – but there are so many implausible subplots happening simultaneously – – that the story ends up feeling almost laughable because of how farfetched it is.
March 5, 2025
3-3.5⭐️ When new mom Makayla Rossi steps away from her sleeping baby while on a flight back to NY, she is relieved to find her baby still asleep in his bassinet. That is until she realizes it’s actually empty and she has no idea what happened to her baby in mid air.
This is my very first book from Audrey J. Cole and it was pretty much the definition of the nail biter. In fact, I don’t think I’ve read a locked room mystery confined to such a small space. That alone is incredibly unique and worthy of the read. The first half had me on my toes. I trusted no one and believed nothing. I was thoroughly entertained by the fact that I had no idea, not even an inkling, as to what happened to Makayla’s baby, nor who was involved.
However, something happened around the halfway mark, and the pacing seemed to slow down considerable. I also didn’t love the resolution to the story. I had a million scenarios in my head as to what could have happened, but the one chosen felt extremely convoluted, far fetched, and out of the blue. Was this book still entertaining and worth a recommendation? I think so. And while this wasn’t my favorite thriller by any means, I would definitely go on to try more from this author.
🎧I read this one primarily via audiobook, and due to the large cast of characters, I think this may have been a mistake. I would strongly suggest reading with your eyes, or even better, doing an immersive read with both the physical/ebook and audiobook for the best experience.
Read if you like:
▪️aviation thrillers
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️missing person plot line
▪️potential unreliable narrator
▪️police procedurals
▪️nail biters
▪️ensemble cast
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the advanced copy.
This is my very first book from Audrey J. Cole and it was pretty much the definition of the nail biter. In fact, I don’t think I’ve read a locked room mystery confined to such a small space. That alone is incredibly unique and worthy of the read. The first half had me on my toes. I trusted no one and believed nothing. I was thoroughly entertained by the fact that I had no idea, not even an inkling, as to what happened to Makayla’s baby, nor who was involved.
However, something happened around the halfway mark, and the pacing seemed to slow down considerable. I also didn’t love the resolution to the story. I had a million scenarios in my head as to what could have happened, but the one chosen felt extremely convoluted, far fetched, and out of the blue. Was this book still entertaining and worth a recommendation? I think so. And while this wasn’t my favorite thriller by any means, I would definitely go on to try more from this author.
🎧I read this one primarily via audiobook, and due to the large cast of characters, I think this may have been a mistake. I would strongly suggest reading with your eyes, or even better, doing an immersive read with both the physical/ebook and audiobook for the best experience.
Read if you like:
▪️aviation thrillers
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️missing person plot line
▪️potential unreliable narrator
▪️police procedurals
▪️nail biters
▪️ensemble cast
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the advanced copy.
January 13, 2025
ARC REVIEW
MISSING IN FLIGHT by Audrey J. Cole
PUB DATE: MARCH 1, 2025
4.5 Stars - rounding up
How could a baby go missing during a flight? It sounds like a plot twist straight out of a thriller—oh wait, it is! Buckle up for an exhilarating journey with "Missing in Flight" by Audrey J. Cole, where this shocking scenario unfolds at 35,000 feet. The premise had me hooked, and I couldn't wait to see how the author would bring this seemingly impossible event to life.
For those of us with kids, especially first-time moms, we know how often we question our choices. Is it really safe to leave them alone in the house for a quick trip to the car? What about leaving them in the car while I dash back to the house for a forgotten item? The juggling act can be overwhelming, especially when they’re sleeping!
When Makayla asks a fellow passenger to keep an eye on little Liam while she steps to the restroom, her only worry is about waking him and disturbing those around her. Kidnapping? That thought couldn’t be further from her mind.
This is my second adventure with Cole’s work. If you haven’t picked up one of her books yet, you're missing out.
A big thank you to the author and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.
MISSING IN FLIGHT by Audrey J. Cole
PUB DATE: MARCH 1, 2025
4.5 Stars - rounding up
How could a baby go missing during a flight? It sounds like a plot twist straight out of a thriller—oh wait, it is! Buckle up for an exhilarating journey with "Missing in Flight" by Audrey J. Cole, where this shocking scenario unfolds at 35,000 feet. The premise had me hooked, and I couldn't wait to see how the author would bring this seemingly impossible event to life.
For those of us with kids, especially first-time moms, we know how often we question our choices. Is it really safe to leave them alone in the house for a quick trip to the car? What about leaving them in the car while I dash back to the house for a forgotten item? The juggling act can be overwhelming, especially when they’re sleeping!
When Makayla asks a fellow passenger to keep an eye on little Liam while she steps to the restroom, her only worry is about waking him and disturbing those around her. Kidnapping? That thought couldn’t be further from her mind.
This is my second adventure with Cole’s work. If you haven’t picked up one of her books yet, you're missing out.
A big thank you to the author and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.
March 9, 2025
Missing in Flight is one of the most stressful books I've ever read. Imagine getting on a plane and having a long flight from Alaska to New York with your 3 month old son. That's what Makayla Rossi had in front of her. Liam was doing well so far sleeping in his carrier by the window. Most of the passengers were sleeping, reading, or watching the in-flight movie. The problem was after a few hours, Makayla had to use the restroom. Liam was sleeping so she didn't want to wake him by taking him with her. Makayla saw that the young woman across the aisle had headphones on and was watching a movie. She gestured to her and pointed to Liam telling the woman that she was going to quickly use the restroom. The woman pointed towards the back of the plane and went back to her movie.
Makayla was only gone for a few minutes, but was nervous leaving her young son. When she got back to her seat she thanked the woman and as she went to sit down she noticed that something was very, very wrong. Liam was no longer in his carrier! Makayla went into a full panic and started searching the plane. She told the flight crew what was going on and that her son had been sleeping in his carrier when she went to the restroom and was now gone! The crew and passengers searched everywhere, but no Liam. Where could he be? Who would take a 3 month old on a plane?
As Makayla's heart raced and her mind pictured all kinds of bad scenarios, the crew tried to get her to stay in her seat as it was a rough flight. The crew agreed to check everyone's luggage to make sure Liam hadn't been put in any carry-on items.
Makayla's mom was a famous actress who had lost her memory due to a rare neurological disorder. She's dead now due to a terrible car crash. Some people on the plane were watching the show about her and what happened to her. Once they find out that Makayla is her daughter they start to wonder if it's hereditary? No one actually saw Liam, they just saw the blanket bulge. Could Makayla be losing her mind like her mother? Could she have left Liam at the airport. She and Liam had been visiting her father in Alaska. He remembers seeing Liam and dropped them at the airport. Makayla's husband, Jack, was recently featured on the cover of Forbes magazine as a very successful banker. He handles millions of dollars on a daily basis. Could this be a kidnapping to get money from them? Jack does very well and they live in a very expensive condo in New York.
I wondered if Missing in Flight was going to be able to hold my attention with the storyline, but oh my goodness did it! This book is fantastic and loaded with suspense and possible suspects. The next time I get on a plane, I'll be thinking of this book! It seemed crazy that a baby could go missing on a plane and no one find him, but trust me, it works. This book will stick with you and you'll enjoy every moment of the thrilling ride! Be sure to buckle up! I rate Missing in Flight 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is available now and should be added to your TBR pile immediately! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Missing in Flight in exchange for a fair review. #MissingInFight
Makayla was only gone for a few minutes, but was nervous leaving her young son. When she got back to her seat she thanked the woman and as she went to sit down she noticed that something was very, very wrong. Liam was no longer in his carrier! Makayla went into a full panic and started searching the plane. She told the flight crew what was going on and that her son had been sleeping in his carrier when she went to the restroom and was now gone! The crew and passengers searched everywhere, but no Liam. Where could he be? Who would take a 3 month old on a plane?
As Makayla's heart raced and her mind pictured all kinds of bad scenarios, the crew tried to get her to stay in her seat as it was a rough flight. The crew agreed to check everyone's luggage to make sure Liam hadn't been put in any carry-on items.
Makayla's mom was a famous actress who had lost her memory due to a rare neurological disorder. She's dead now due to a terrible car crash. Some people on the plane were watching the show about her and what happened to her. Once they find out that Makayla is her daughter they start to wonder if it's hereditary? No one actually saw Liam, they just saw the blanket bulge. Could Makayla be losing her mind like her mother? Could she have left Liam at the airport. She and Liam had been visiting her father in Alaska. He remembers seeing Liam and dropped them at the airport. Makayla's husband, Jack, was recently featured on the cover of Forbes magazine as a very successful banker. He handles millions of dollars on a daily basis. Could this be a kidnapping to get money from them? Jack does very well and they live in a very expensive condo in New York.
I wondered if Missing in Flight was going to be able to hold my attention with the storyline, but oh my goodness did it! This book is fantastic and loaded with suspense and possible suspects. The next time I get on a plane, I'll be thinking of this book! It seemed crazy that a baby could go missing on a plane and no one find him, but trust me, it works. This book will stick with you and you'll enjoy every moment of the thrilling ride! Be sure to buckle up! I rate Missing in Flight 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is available now and should be added to your TBR pile immediately! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Missing in Flight in exchange for a fair review. #MissingInFight
February 16, 2025
Extremely far fetched but highly entertaining!
Amazon Prime First Read Feb 2025
Amazon Prime First Read Feb 2025
August 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Missing in Flight really took me by surprise! I started it thinking, “Not another missing child story,” but I was hooked right away.
The story follows Makayla Rossi, a mom whose baby, Liam, goes missing on a flight to New York. As she desperately searches for her son and deals with the suspicion of those around her, Cole delivers a thrilling tale about a mother’s love and the quest for answers.
✅ Pros:
○ A gripping premise that hooks you from the start.
○ Makayla is a relatable and strong protagonist; you’ll be rooting for her.
○ Plenty of unexpected twists that keep you guessing.
○ Emotional depth as it explores themes of isolation and belief.
○ The writing has a cinematic quality, perfect for adaptation.
❌ Cons:
○ This is not about character development - at all. There is basically none but that’s fine.
○ Pacing was inconsistent.
○ The resolution left some questions unanswered.
TLDR:
Read it. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Missing in Flight really took me by surprise! I started it thinking, “Not another missing child story,” but I was hooked right away.
The story follows Makayla Rossi, a mom whose baby, Liam, goes missing on a flight to New York. As she desperately searches for her son and deals with the suspicion of those around her, Cole delivers a thrilling tale about a mother’s love and the quest for answers.
✅ Pros:
○ A gripping premise that hooks you from the start.
○ Makayla is a relatable and strong protagonist; you’ll be rooting for her.
○ Plenty of unexpected twists that keep you guessing.
○ Emotional depth as it explores themes of isolation and belief.
○ The writing has a cinematic quality, perfect for adaptation.
❌ Cons:
○ This is not about character development - at all. There is basically none but that’s fine.
○ Pacing was inconsistent.
○ The resolution left some questions unanswered.
TLDR:
Read it. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2024
Wow! This was truly keeping me on the edge of my seat. So much "who done it" aspects to it. I couldn't tell if she's crazy or really had her baby on the flight. Loved every moment of it as it truly kept you guessing! Some of the twists were intriguing, some I expected. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and read it in one sitting!
I received this ARC from Thomas & Mercer to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from Thomas & Mercer to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
February 5, 2025
Ugh. Another book about a missing child in which the parents - in this case, the mother - act so totally unhinged that it is impossible to empathize with them.
Althought the book is told from a variety of points of view, it is really mostly from the point of view of the mother. But it is as though, in order to show how deeply she cares about finding her child, the normal anxiety has been exaggerated tenfold.
For example, at one point But of course, everyone forgives this insanity because apparently it is OK to jeopardize the lives of everyone around you if you think you know better.
So we end up desperately hoping for the child to be OK, while hoping the mother dies, which I'm sure was not the author's intent.
I have given two stars rather than one because it was an ineresting read, if you can get past the awfulness of that one woman.
Althought the book is told from a variety of points of view, it is really mostly from the point of view of the mother. But it is as though, in order to show how deeply she cares about finding her child, the normal anxiety has been exaggerated tenfold.
For example, at one point But of course, everyone forgives this insanity because apparently it is OK to jeopardize the lives of everyone around you if you think you know better.
So we end up desperately hoping for the child to be OK, while hoping the mother dies, which I'm sure was not the author's intent.
I have given two stars rather than one because it was an ineresting read, if you can get past the awfulness of that one woman.
December 6, 2024
Audrey’s best book yet!
I love a good in flight thriller, and this didn’t disappoint. Multiple POVs, intriguing backstory, the question of unreliable narrators lingering in the back of my mind. What more could I ask for?
Makayla is on a flight with her infant son, headed home from visiting her father. Her baby is safely asleep when she decides to make a quick trip to the bathroom. When she returns, she discovers only a pillow in his place. Surely it won’t be difficult to locate a baby on a plane?
Read this one in two sittings (and only two because the first time I couldn’t keep my eyes open past 1:30 AM) I would definitely recommend this read!
Thank you to the author & publisher for the gifted ARC
I love a good in flight thriller, and this didn’t disappoint. Multiple POVs, intriguing backstory, the question of unreliable narrators lingering in the back of my mind. What more could I ask for?
Makayla is on a flight with her infant son, headed home from visiting her father. Her baby is safely asleep when she decides to make a quick trip to the bathroom. When she returns, she discovers only a pillow in his place. Surely it won’t be difficult to locate a baby on a plane?
Read this one in two sittings (and only two because the first time I couldn’t keep my eyes open past 1:30 AM) I would definitely recommend this read!
Thank you to the author & publisher for the gifted ARC
March 9, 2025
2.5 stars ↠ this had a lot of potential, but missed the mark quite a bit. it’s considered a thriller, first of all, and it really shouldn’t be – this is an exremely slow paced mystery with nothing happening until about 60% of the story. none of the characters had a lot of depth, and makayla was a pretty unlikeable main character, but not in a way that felt intentional on audrey j. cole’s part. it made it a bit hard to care about what she was going through and none of the other characters made up for it for me. the ending was a decent conclusion, and i liked audrey’s writing, but overall, this just didn’t hit for me.
February 8, 2025
This is what thriller fan fiction looks like. Poorly written, plot holes galore, bad set up, extensive post-it note exposition for character back stories. I only kept at it because I could skim and wanted to know what happened to the baby.
This is really bad. Don't bother wasting your time.
This is really bad. Don't bother wasting your time.
February 9, 2025
Characters with no depth, unrealistic reactions to extreme situations, repetitive, clumsy writing: this one has it all. If this is the kind of stuff Amazon is churning out as a prime first read 'benefit' then God help us all.
April 1, 2025
KU audio
Recommend! This book provides suspense, twists, kept my interest , and ended on a happy note.
Some of the events are a little extreme, but this is why I read crime fiction. To be able to enjoy some stretches of reality.
Audio was done well. My only negative would be FMC can come across obnoxious at times. I get it- under these circumstances- just something about her behavior was over the top.
Overall, enjoyed this book!
Recommend! This book provides suspense, twists, kept my interest , and ended on a happy note.
Some of the events are a little extreme, but this is why I read crime fiction. To be able to enjoy some stretches of reality.
Audio was done well. My only negative would be FMC can come across obnoxious at times. I get it- under these circumstances- just something about her behavior was over the top.
Overall, enjoyed this book!
September 21, 2024
I got my ticket! Have you gotten yours? Buckle up because this is about to be the plane ride from hell. Enjoy the turbulence! Lol
This book! It starts off feeling like a lighter thriller, but then BAM—did that just happen? Oh yes, it did. 👀😱
There are so many suspects that you'll find yourself scrutinizing every character. And the theories that swirl around in your mind will keep you guessing until the very end.
Cole has done it again, crafting a suspenseful read that you simply can't put down. I’ve loved every one of her books, and this one is just as thrilling.
No book has ever made me cry, but Audrey J. Cole made me tear up. Okay maybe a tear rolled. Idk. 🤣 She’s a brilliant writer, and I’m so grateful I discovered her work. She crafts the best thrillers. And you know I love me some plane thrillers.
She was the first thriller author I started reading, right after psychological thrillers by Britney King. It was thanks to these two incredible authors that my book obsession began over two years ago. What started with just six books has grown into a collection of over 1,400+ —and I’m still running out of shelf space! They’ve gotten me through some of my darkest days.
Highly recommend all of her books! I dragged this book for as long as I could. I had to enjoy every second of it.
Thanks to the author for my early copy - I’ll cherish it forever! You’ve got your own shelf in my home!
Oh also, side note, I’ve been restrained to a bed before - the other girl was retrained to the only hospital bed so they used a mattress on the floor for me and tied me up. (Mental health hospital at 16 - we got a code YELLOW for being out of our rooms) I caused more hell and said I wouldn’t stop until they untied me. They said they wouldn’t untie me until I stopped. I wasn’t going to stop until they untied me. You can guess who won that battle. NOT THEM! Fight like hell Makayla! I was cheering for you girl!
This book! It starts off feeling like a lighter thriller, but then BAM—did that just happen? Oh yes, it did. 👀😱
There are so many suspects that you'll find yourself scrutinizing every character. And the theories that swirl around in your mind will keep you guessing until the very end.
Cole has done it again, crafting a suspenseful read that you simply can't put down. I’ve loved every one of her books, and this one is just as thrilling.
No book has ever made me cry, but Audrey J. Cole made me tear up. Okay maybe a tear rolled. Idk. 🤣 She’s a brilliant writer, and I’m so grateful I discovered her work. She crafts the best thrillers. And you know I love me some plane thrillers.
She was the first thriller author I started reading, right after psychological thrillers by Britney King. It was thanks to these two incredible authors that my book obsession began over two years ago. What started with just six books has grown into a collection of over 1,400+ —and I’m still running out of shelf space! They’ve gotten me through some of my darkest days.
Highly recommend all of her books! I dragged this book for as long as I could. I had to enjoy every second of it.
Thanks to the author for my early copy - I’ll cherish it forever! You’ve got your own shelf in my home!
Oh also, side note, I’ve been restrained to a bed before - the other girl was retrained to the only hospital bed so they used a mattress on the floor for me and tied me up. (Mental health hospital at 16 - we got a code YELLOW for being out of our rooms) I caused more hell and said I wouldn’t stop until they untied me. They said they wouldn’t untie me until I stopped. I wasn’t going to stop until they untied me. You can guess who won that battle. NOT THEM! Fight like hell Makayla! I was cheering for you girl!
August 18, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down
This is a pretty good popcorn thriller. Theres good character development and it keeps you guessing on whether or not the child actually exists. But here’s my problems with the book. Theres only so many times you can read “transient global amnesia” in a book before you think you’re losing your mind yourself!! The repetition is beyond annoying. And Makayla is insufferable. Like yeah lady we get it. Your child is missing. But do you have to argue with EVERY SINGLE PERSON on the plane!? Like sit down and be quiet already lol. This is probably a good book for someone who’s just dipping their toes in the thriller genre. But for someone who reads nothing but thriller, this was very mid.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a pretty good popcorn thriller. Theres good character development and it keeps you guessing on whether or not the child actually exists. But here’s my problems with the book. Theres only so many times you can read “transient global amnesia” in a book before you think you’re losing your mind yourself!! The repetition is beyond annoying. And Makayla is insufferable. Like yeah lady we get it. Your child is missing. But do you have to argue with EVERY SINGLE PERSON on the plane!? Like sit down and be quiet already lol. This is probably a good book for someone who’s just dipping their toes in the thriller genre. But for someone who reads nothing but thriller, this was very mid.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 29, 2024
Audrey always delivers an interesting story! Imagine going to the bathroom in flight and coming back to your seat to find your baby missing! Seems impossible but it happens to this protagonist. The action continues throughout with some hair raising events! Will everything turn out okay? It seems impossible at times! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up!
This book threw me right into the head-scratching mystery of missing baby Liam seen through several characters’ eyes. Parents freaking out, airline employees with their own baggage, friends and family getting involved, and even random folks play a part – it's a wild mix of perspectives that kept me guessing. I was basically playing detective alongside the ones in the story with all the different clues, and it was super intriguing trying to figure out where Liam was within all these tangled stories. Honestly, though, it takes its sweet time getting there. While all the different viewpoints are cool, the book could've been a bit more concise.
Still, if you dig twisty mysteries with a ton of different angles, you'll probably get hooked on figuring out what happened to baby Liam. I’d still recommend this one to the right audience!
This book threw me right into the head-scratching mystery of missing baby Liam seen through several characters’ eyes. Parents freaking out, airline employees with their own baggage, friends and family getting involved, and even random folks play a part – it's a wild mix of perspectives that kept me guessing. I was basically playing detective alongside the ones in the story with all the different clues, and it was super intriguing trying to figure out where Liam was within all these tangled stories. Honestly, though, it takes its sweet time getting there. While all the different viewpoints are cool, the book could've been a bit more concise.
Still, if you dig twisty mysteries with a ton of different angles, you'll probably get hooked on figuring out what happened to baby Liam. I’d still recommend this one to the right audience!
Read
May 25, 2025Dnf at 67%. The premise sounded promising. But the book is very repetitive and takes too long to get interesting. It’s also way too long and I was losing interest as it went on.
February 9, 2025
This book is both ridiculous and boring at the same time.
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