Are There Books Like 'Nearly Gone' With Similar Plots?

2026-03-07 11:52:01
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Ever since I finished 'Nearly Gone', I’ve hunted for stories where the protagonist’s smarts are their armor. 'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson hit the spot—Pip’s investigative podcast project turns into a real-life cold-case obsession, with risks that escalate wildly. The way she pieces together evidence feels like watching Nearly decode those classified ads.

If you’re open to sci-fi twists, 'The Loop' by Jeremy Robert Johnson has a similar 'outsider vs. conspiracy' vibe, though it’s way more violent. The protagonist’s analytical mind becomes crucial when her town descends into chaos. Less math, more survival, but that same underdog energy.
2026-03-09 23:59:08
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Uma
Uma
Favorite read: When We Were Almost
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If you loved the dark, twisty mystery of 'Nearly Gone', you might dive into 'The Naturals' series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It’s got that same addictive blend of high-stakes puzzles and psychological tension, but with a squad of gifted teens solving cold cases for the FBI. The protagonist, Cassie, has this eerie ability to read people, which reminds me of Nearly’s knack for codes—except here, the stakes feel even more personal because the killers are often targeting the team.

Another gem is 'The Devouring Gray' by Christine Lynn Herman, which layers small-town secrets with supernatural horror. It’s less about math puzzles and more about eerie rituals, but the vibe of uncovering hidden truths beneath a seemingly normal surface? Totally there. Bonus: the atmospheric writing makes every creepy forest feel like a character itself.
2026-03-11 11:21:08
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Xander
Xander
Favorite read: Until I Disappeared
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I’m a sucker for books where the protagonist’s unique skill becomes their lifeline, like Nearly’s math genius in 'Nearly Gone'. 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson nails this—it’s a boarding-school mystery where Stevie’s obsession with true crime helps her untangle a decades-old disappearance. The plot’s got red herrings galore, and the way Stevie’s mind works feels so similar to Nearly’s analytical approach. Plus, the sequel layers in romance and danger just as deftly.

For something grittier, try 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus. It’s a murder mystery wrapped in teen drama, where everyone’s hiding something. The puzzle isn’t numerical, but the way clues unravel through multiple POVs keeps you guessing. It’s like 'Nearly Gone'’s tension, but with the added chaos of group dynamics.
2026-03-13 20:20:36
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