Who Is The Protagonist In 'Unmissing'?

The protagonist in 'Unmissing' is Lydia Corriger, a former prosecutor turned true-crime podcaster with a sharp mind and a haunted past. She's not your typical hero—she's flawed, relentless, and driven by a need to uncover truths others bury. Her legal background gives her an edge in dissecting cases, but it's her personal connection to a cold case that drags her back into danger. Lydia's voice is distinct—dry, witty, and unflinching—making her stand out in the crowded thriller genre. The book plays with her dual roles: public truth-seeker and private wreck, especially when the case hits too close to home. Her interactions with suspects are electric, blending professional detachment with raw emotion.

Lydia Corriger anchors 'Unmissing' with layers that unravel as the plot twists. Initially, she seems like another crime-solving savant, but what hooked me was how her past as a prosecutor shapes her present. She doesn’t just chase clues; she interrogates them, dissecting witness statements like legal briefs. Her podcast isn’t a gimmick—it’s a weapon, amplifying pressure on suspects while exposing her own vulnerabilities.

What’s brilliant is how the author contrasts Lydia’s public persona with her private struggles. On mic, she’s controlled and analytical. Off mic, she’s grappling with guilt over a wrongful conviction that derailed her career. The case she pursues in 'Unmissing' forces her to confront whether she’s seeking justice or redemption. The supporting cast—especially her estranged sister, who’s tangled in the mystery—adds emotional stakes that make Lydia’s journey visceral. This isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about whether she can forgive herself.

Lydia Corriger in 'Unmissing' is a storm of contradictions—idealistic yet jaded, methodical but reckless. Her true-crime podcast isn’t just a plot device; it mirrors her obsession with truth. Unlike protagonists who magically piece together clues, Lydia’s breakthroughs come from grind work: revisiting old witnesses, spotting inconsistencies in paperwork. Her prosecutor’s eye catches what cops miss, like how a suspect’s alibi doesn’t align with weather reports from that night.

Her relationships are just as compelling. The tension with her sister, who may know more about the case than she admits, adds family drama to the procedural thrills. Even Lydia’s romance subplot—with a journalist who might be using her for a story—feels raw and unresolved, avoiding clichés. The book’s setting, a rainy Pacific Northwest town, complements her grit. Every soaked alleyway or cramped diner scene amplifies her isolation. Lydia doesn’t just want to find the missing; she wants to prove she’s still capable of finding anything at all.