Netflix’s Missing You has quickly climbed the platform’s Top 10 charts, delivering the kind of suspenseful storytelling fans expect from bestselling author Harlan Coben. Adapted from Coben’s 2014 novel, this five-part limited series follows Detective Kat Donovan as she navigates a web of personal and professional mysteries — from the disappearance of her ex-fiancé to the murder of her father. Here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s latest must-watch thriller.
Key Background
At the heart of Missing You is Kat Donovan, played by Rosalind Eleazar, a determined police officer in the Missing Persons Unit. The story takes off when Kat, still mourning her father’s murder from over a decade ago, stumbles upon her ex-fiancé’s profile on a dating app. Josh Buchanan, played by Ashley Walters, vanished without explanation 11 years earlier. His unexpected digital reappearance sets off a chain of events that intertwines past and present, leading Kat to unearth secrets she never anticipated.
As Kat digs deeper, the lines between personal vendetta and professional duty blur. Was her father’s death more than a random crime? And why did Josh disappear just after the funeral? The show raises these questions in typical Harlan Coben fashion — full of twists, betrayals, and moral grey areas.
The Cast
Missing You features a mix of familiar faces and rising stars from the UK acting scene. Here’s a quick look at the key players:
- Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses, Howards End) leads as Detective Kat Donovan, a woman haunted by her past but relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
- Ashley Walters (Top Boy) stars as Josh Buchanan, Kat’s ex-fiancé with a mysterious backstory.
- Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, The Stranger) plays DCI Ellis Stagger, a mentor figure with questionable intentions.
- Sir Lenny Henry appears as DS Clint Donovan, Kat’s late father whose murder kicks off much of the mystery.
- Mary Malone, a rising star, plays Aqua, a yoga instructor and close friend of Kat who holds her own secrets.
Mary Malone’s portrayal of Aqua has been a standout, with fans praising her layered performance. Aqua, who initially comes across as a carefree spiritual guide, is revealed to have a much more complex role in the series’ unfolding drama.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Harlan Coben’s Netflix adaptations have a proven track record of captivating audiences (The Stranger, Stay Close, Fool Me Once), and Missing You is no exception. What sets this series apart is its singular focus on Kat’s investigation, giving viewers a more intimate, character-driven experience.
The series also tackles themes of grief, identity, and redemption. It explores how unresolved trauma shapes our choices, making it more than just a typical crime thriller. And with a runtime of five episodes, it’s a binge-worthy weekend watch without the risk of overstaying its welcome.
Who Is Mary Malone?
One of the breakout stars of Missing You is Mary Malone, who plays Aqua Vanech. A rising trans actress from the UK, Malone has been steadily building her career, with notable appearances in Doctor Who and Vera. Her performance as Aqua has been widely praised for bringing depth and authenticity to a character that could have easily been sidelined.
In interviews, Malone shared how much care was taken to modernise the character from the original book, particularly around LGBTQ+ representation. “This was a great opportunity to show people that you can turn things around and make changes to better represent trans characters,” Malone said.
