In the novel The Shack by William P. Young, Missy is the youngest daughter of the main character, Mack Phillips. Tragically, Missy is abducted during a family camping trip. Despite an extensive search, she is not found alive. Later, it is revealed that Missy was murdered by a serial killer known as the “Ladybug Killer.” Her body is discovered in an abandoned shack in the wilderness, which becomes a significant location in the story.
The loss of Missy deeply affects Mack, leading him into a period of intense grief and questioning of his faith. The shack, where Missy’s body is found, becomes a place of profound spiritual encounter for Mack, where he meets manifestations of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. These encounters help Mack to process his grief, find forgiveness, and ultimately heal from the trauma of losing his daughter.