5 major differences between Netflix's Missing You and Harlan Coben's novel, explored

Missing You on Netflix is a twist on Harlan Coben's book from 2014 that is loved by many people. It's got the same heart-racing thriller vibe, but it's not a copy-and-paste job. They've changed some big plotlines, like where the story takes place and how characters relate to each other. This has fans of the book talking!

The show stars Rosalind Eleazar as a detective named Kat Donovan, who's on a personal mission to figure out who killed her dad. But it's not just a murder mystery, there's also a missing person's case in the mix. The Netflix show keeps that tense feel from the book, but it goes down some paths you wouldn't expect.

If you're keen to know how the Missing You show stands apart from the novel, let's talk about the five main ways it's different.

Differences between the Missing You show and the book

1. The setting changed from New York to Manchester

The setting is one of the first things you'll notice is different. In Coben’s book, the story takes place in New York City, but Netflix decided to move it to Manchester, England. This gives the show a whole new look and feel.

Instead of an Amish farm, we've got Glossop, a rural part of Missing You. It's where Titus, the bad guy, does his thing and it's just as creepy as it is in the book.

A reviewer from Screen Rant pointed out that,

“Manchester’s bustling energy mirrors New York’s intensity.”

And even though Glossop is out in the countryside, Missing You still has that eerie vibe that the original setting had.

What's interesting about this change is it makes the show easier for people to connect with. It's like taking a story you know and putting it in a new place that's still just as suspenseful.

2. Kat’s new partner Nia replaces Chaz

Catherine Ayers plays Nia Emine (Image via Netflix)

In the book, Kat's partner is Chaz Faircloth, a police officer who's into politics, and they have a rough time getting along. But in the Netflix show Missing You, they swap Chaz out for Nia, who's a lot more supportive and works well with Kat on her cases.

Even though we don't see Chaz anymore, they throw in a new character named Charlie Pitt. He's got some of Chaz's traits going on but he's really important to what's happening in Kat's life, both at work and at home.

Ferdinand noted in a YouTube review:

“Nia’s dynamic with Kat brings a refreshing camaraderie to the story.”

Mixing things up with the characters makes Missing You feel better and fresher.

3. A more well-adjusted Kat

Coben's Kat is feeling the weight of sadness, dealing with her dad's tragic death and her failed engagement. Sometimes she tries to cope with it by drinking too much, which isn't the healthiest way.

On the other hand, the Kat we see on Netflix's Missing You, played by Rosalind Eleazar, is a tough cookie. She's got great friends, a solid relationship with her mom, and is good at her job. This more complex picture of grief has gotten positive feedback.

They've painted a fuller picture of what she's going through, showing she's strong and can handle tough stuff while still letting us feel her pain. It makes her story way more uplifting and interesting to watch because we can see she's not just about the sadness.

4. Trans representation through Aqua

Mary Malone plays Aqua (Image via Netflix)

One of the biggest changes in the adaptation involves a character named Aqua, who is transgender. In the book, Aqua's character is described with some pretty old-fashioned and disrespectful terms, which the show thankfully stays away from.

Instead, Aqua is shown as a strong and confident yoga instructor who's important to the storyline on Netflix. This change has been met with a lot of positive reactions. It's a great step forward in how we see trans people in the media, giving them the respectful portrayal they deserve.

5. A revamped ending for Missing You

The Missing You TV show mixes things up at the end compared to the book. In the book, Kat is the big hero who takes down Titus all by herself at his farm. But in the series, they change it to a more team effort with characters working together.

Plus, they throw in a twist with Aqua and Clint's relationship that keeps you on your toes and guessing what's gonna happen next. It's a whole new vibe. Some like the new twists the show has brought, saying it adds more excitement and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

But, others aren't too happy because Missing You doesn't stick to the story's original rhythm from the book. Despite all that, the last episode of the show is a real nail-biter and it'll leave you eager to find out what happens next.