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Frankie Elkin #4
Kiss Her Goodbye
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 19:09:43
15 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Frankie Elkin usually prefers her cases cold. Until she finds herself in the broiling streets of Tucson, Arizona, where an Afghan refugee has been missing for three weeks.
The woman she is looking for, Sabera Ahmadi, is a young mother, haunted by war, scarred by the past.
The police and Sabera’s husband seem indifferent to her disappearance.
But Frankie knows trauma. She knows it can fuel or destroy you.
And when she sees the distress in Sabera’s daughter’s eyes, she makes a decision she soon find Sabera.
A few days later Frankie sees Sabera on camera walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder, and realises Sabera might not be the victim she has supposed her to be.
In order to solve the mystery of Sabera’s present, Frankie must revisit her past to uncover the dark secret Sabera is still hiding.
A secret so dangerous it might kill them both …
The woman she is looking for, Sabera Ahmadi, is a young mother, haunted by war, scarred by the past.
The police and Sabera’s husband seem indifferent to her disappearance.
But Frankie knows trauma. She knows it can fuel or destroy you.
And when she sees the distress in Sabera’s daughter’s eyes, she makes a decision she soon find Sabera.
A few days later Frankie sees Sabera on camera walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder, and realises Sabera might not be the victim she has supposed her to be.
In order to solve the mystery of Sabera’s present, Frankie must revisit her past to uncover the dark secret Sabera is still hiding.
A secret so dangerous it might kill them both …
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
1632 people are currently reading
50913 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gardner
80 books20.6k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,225 reviews
September 25, 2025
Mood Reader Problems: When the Book and Brain Just Don’t Sync
I’ve officially entered my full-blown mood reader era. I used to be able to grab a book at random and get into the vibe. Now It’s vibes-first, plot-second. If I’m craving heart-pounding suspense, no gentle thrillers will do. I need speed and danger. I need to white-knuckle my Kindle like it owes me money.
I’ve been a ride-or-die fan of Detective D.D. Warren and Flora Dane. Legends. Now Frankie. She is sarcastic, witty, and social who’s refreshingly different from Gardner’s usual heroines.
The pet-sitting reptile subplot here. Weird and delightful.
But here’s the thing… the mystery just didn’t land.
Instead of experiencing the suspense, I felt like I was getting secondhand updates. I never really felt in the moment. I was more observer than participant, and for a thriller, that made it tough to stay engaged.
I DNF’d at 65%.
I know, I know, so close to the end. But I honestly couldn’t tell you what was happening. Frankie was the bright spot in a foggy plot. I might return to it when my brain isn’t craving a full-throttle thriller.
This was a buddy read with the Witches Words coven (Debra, Dorie, Mary Beth)and yep, I was the odd one out this time. Still love Frankie though
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
I’ve officially entered my full-blown mood reader era. I used to be able to grab a book at random and get into the vibe. Now It’s vibes-first, plot-second. If I’m craving heart-pounding suspense, no gentle thrillers will do. I need speed and danger. I need to white-knuckle my Kindle like it owes me money.
I’ve been a ride-or-die fan of Detective D.D. Warren and Flora Dane. Legends. Now Frankie. She is sarcastic, witty, and social who’s refreshingly different from Gardner’s usual heroines.
The pet-sitting reptile subplot here. Weird and delightful.
But here’s the thing… the mystery just didn’t land.
Instead of experiencing the suspense, I felt like I was getting secondhand updates. I never really felt in the moment. I was more observer than participant, and for a thriller, that made it tough to stay engaged.
I DNF’d at 65%.
I know, I know, so close to the end. But I honestly couldn’t tell you what was happening. Frankie was the bright spot in a foggy plot. I might return to it when my brain isn’t craving a full-throttle thriller.
This was a buddy read with the Witches Words coven (Debra, Dorie, Mary Beth)and yep, I was the odd one out this time. Still love Frankie though
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
August 28, 2025
She's baaaaaack!
I was late to board the Frankie Elkin bandwagon, but once I did, I was hooked.
Kiss Her Goodbye is the fourth in the series by bestselling author Lisa Gardner, but can certainly be read as a standalone novel.
The most recent installment takes our favorite recovering alcoholic (with a penchant for finding lost persons) to Tuscon, AZ, in search of a missing Afghan refugee.
Living her preferred nomadic sleuthing lifestyle, leads Frankie to accept a pet-sitting gig for a twenty-something uber-wealthy tech nerd/herper.
Let the adventures begin!
Said gig comes with a fun cast of supporting characters: a ballroom-dancing parole officer; a trans housekeeper-chef; a teddy bear of an ex-con who's now a chauffeur; not to mention a tv-watching iguana, and a collection of baby pythons.
As always, Gardner (and Frankie) deliver.
Filled with twists, turns, nail-biting and comedic moments, I could not stop reading and didn’t want the story to end.
January 2, 2026
Kiss Her Goodbye is the 4th in the Frankie Elkin series. I'm not sure how I missed #2, but I loved this one and#1 & #3. Lisa Gardner is an amazing author and pulls you into the mystery she writes. This one was a lot different from the others, but I found so much interest in the Afghan refugees. The beginning of the story is about Sabera and her family living in refugee camps after the Taliban's encroachment on Kabul. She came from a very wealthy family and all of her family is now dead. She now lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband and three year old daughter.
Frankie gets a call from Sabera's friend Aliah to come to Arizona to help solve the disappearance of Sabera, who has been missing for 3 weeks and the police are not searching for her. She looks for a home that is affordable since she is broke and the only thing she could find is to be a house sitter with reptiles. Yikes!! No way!! Frankie's investigation begins with camera footage of a brutal scene which involves a double murder and Sabera leaving the scene. There are a few back stories that slow the rhythm but when it kicks back in Gardner style you can't look away. It is written in the present and past of Sabera journaling in her diary, which is sad and emotional. This is great other than the slow burn through some parts. It can be read as a stand alone. Like I said, I missed #2 but have picked up each one as an individual and it makes perfect sense with her description and catch up to get the reader on track. Her books are so enjoyable!
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Frankie gets a call from Sabera's friend Aliah to come to Arizona to help solve the disappearance of Sabera, who has been missing for 3 weeks and the police are not searching for her. She looks for a home that is affordable since she is broke and the only thing she could find is to be a house sitter with reptiles. Yikes!! No way!! Frankie's investigation begins with camera footage of a brutal scene which involves a double murder and Sabera leaving the scene. There are a few back stories that slow the rhythm but when it kicks back in Gardner style you can't look away. It is written in the present and past of Sabera journaling in her diary, which is sad and emotional. This is great other than the slow burn through some parts. It can be read as a stand alone. Like I said, I missed #2 but have picked up each one as an individual and it makes perfect sense with her description and catch up to get the reader on track. Her books are so enjoyable!
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 30, 2025
Frankie Elkin is back! In Kiss Her Goodbye, Frankie has traveled to Tucson, Arizona to find Sabera Ahmadi, an Afghan refugee who has gone missing. Her husband does not seem worried but Sabera's friend knows that Sabera would not go anywhere without taking her three year old daughter with her. After find a unique living situation in which she must care for An Iguana named Petunia and some snakes.
Once Frankie is able to dig into her investigation, it becomes abundantly clear that there is more to the Ahmadi family than she could even imagine. This book goes back and forth to the present with Frankie's investigation and in the past during Sabera's young life in Kabul. It is a time of upheaval and Sabera experiences so much in such a short period of time.
Frankie continues to be a character to root for. She is not without her flaws and has seen hardship and addiction in her life. She is also resilient, determined, brave, and compassionate. Fans of this series will be happy with this latest installment. For those who have not read a book in this series, Kiss Her Goodbye will work very well as a stand alone book for you. Lisa Gardner gives enough background information on Frankie for new readers to becomes acquainted with her and what she does.
This book is full of tension, dread, mystery, heartbreak, and twists. I also enjoyed the author's note at the end of the book where she informs readers of what inspired her to write this book.
*A Witches Words buddy read with Dorie
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Once Frankie is able to dig into her investigation, it becomes abundantly clear that there is more to the Ahmadi family than she could even imagine. This book goes back and forth to the present with Frankie's investigation and in the past during Sabera's young life in Kabul. It is a time of upheaval and Sabera experiences so much in such a short period of time.
Frankie continues to be a character to root for. She is not without her flaws and has seen hardship and addiction in her life. She is also resilient, determined, brave, and compassionate. Fans of this series will be happy with this latest installment. For those who have not read a book in this series, Kiss Her Goodbye will work very well as a stand alone book for you. Lisa Gardner gives enough background information on Frankie for new readers to becomes acquainted with her and what she does.
This book is full of tension, dread, mystery, heartbreak, and twists. I also enjoyed the author's note at the end of the book where she informs readers of what inspired her to write this book.
*A Witches Words buddy read with Dorie
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 31, 2025
This is the first book in the Frankie Elkin series I have not liked I know the story is about illegal immigrants & its relevance in today’s society , but I am not into the teleban or Afghanistan 🇦🇫 novels whatsoever I am on outlier island 🏝️ I know as there are many 5 star reviews , but I think it was too heavy for me at the moment wish I could have loved it but alas I didn’t I still look forward to Gardners next instalment in this top notch series.
May 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Frankie Elkin #4 - but can easily be read as a standalone
Itinerant, rootless Frankie Elkin works for the missing, seeking those that others can’t find often when the authorities have given up. She finds them and then she herself disappears too. This time, she’s in Tucson Az following a call from Aliah who is concerned about her friend and fellow Afghan refugee, Sabera Ahmadi who has only recently arrived in the country. Sabera comes from a wealthy, westernised background and now her family are all dead and she has fled Afghanistan when the Taliban arrive in Kabul again. A smart person would walk away from this one – not our Frankie. She’s on the trail and potentially entering a minefield.
I really like this series and this one grabs me from the start as it’s so different from the others. Sabera is fascinating, her story is full of heartache as you follow her track from Afghanistan eventually arriving in the USA. I’m so glad the author gives such a good focus to these refugees and their manifold problems and it’s written with genuine empathy for those ripped from their homelands through no fault of their own. We know many Afghans are left behind following the military withdrawal to face a terrible future and there’s one part of the story that refers to this which is really good. I learned a lot along the way in this one, about Afghanistan and about refugees, with the author blending this most effectively into the storyline.
The plot is a puzzle, a riddle and at times quite enigmatic. What lurks at the heart of this? I enjoy how the truth emerges a piece at a time. It’s a rollercoaster of a read. On occasions it’s like an action thriller, James Bond style, full of intrigue and characters you’re not sure you can trust. It’s also emotional with much heartache and yet also it’s incredibly tense. You are led down one path only to find that it’s a dead end, so back up, rethink and head off in another direction and I thoroughly enjoy this misdirection. At times it’s a slow burner, partly because it’s delving into peoples lives and backstories and so it’s an immersive, engaging multilayered combination of a read.
I really like Frankie and always want the best for her. She’s got a lot in her background which explains the way she is, but she’s one heck of a gutsy lady. She’s brave, intuitive, resilient and you definitely want her on your side.
Overall, this is my favourite of the series so far. It’s full of colour as well as the darkness. No spoilers here but Frankie‘s job whilst in Tucson and conducting the investigating is a cracker with colourful characters to match the exotic. All of this is cleverly utilised in the plot.
Don’t miss reading the authors afterword - it’s excellent.
With thank to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Cornerstone for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Frankie Elkin #4 - but can easily be read as a standalone
Itinerant, rootless Frankie Elkin works for the missing, seeking those that others can’t find often when the authorities have given up. She finds them and then she herself disappears too. This time, she’s in Tucson Az following a call from Aliah who is concerned about her friend and fellow Afghan refugee, Sabera Ahmadi who has only recently arrived in the country. Sabera comes from a wealthy, westernised background and now her family are all dead and she has fled Afghanistan when the Taliban arrive in Kabul again. A smart person would walk away from this one – not our Frankie. She’s on the trail and potentially entering a minefield.
I really like this series and this one grabs me from the start as it’s so different from the others. Sabera is fascinating, her story is full of heartache as you follow her track from Afghanistan eventually arriving in the USA. I’m so glad the author gives such a good focus to these refugees and their manifold problems and it’s written with genuine empathy for those ripped from their homelands through no fault of their own. We know many Afghans are left behind following the military withdrawal to face a terrible future and there’s one part of the story that refers to this which is really good. I learned a lot along the way in this one, about Afghanistan and about refugees, with the author blending this most effectively into the storyline.
The plot is a puzzle, a riddle and at times quite enigmatic. What lurks at the heart of this? I enjoy how the truth emerges a piece at a time. It’s a rollercoaster of a read. On occasions it’s like an action thriller, James Bond style, full of intrigue and characters you’re not sure you can trust. It’s also emotional with much heartache and yet also it’s incredibly tense. You are led down one path only to find that it’s a dead end, so back up, rethink and head off in another direction and I thoroughly enjoy this misdirection. At times it’s a slow burner, partly because it’s delving into peoples lives and backstories and so it’s an immersive, engaging multilayered combination of a read.
I really like Frankie and always want the best for her. She’s got a lot in her background which explains the way she is, but she’s one heck of a gutsy lady. She’s brave, intuitive, resilient and you definitely want her on your side.
Overall, this is my favourite of the series so far. It’s full of colour as well as the darkness. No spoilers here but Frankie‘s job whilst in Tucson and conducting the investigating is a cracker with colourful characters to match the exotic. All of this is cleverly utilised in the plot.
Don’t miss reading the authors afterword - it’s excellent.
With thank to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Cornerstone for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Frankie Elkin series, and my only complaint is that there aren’t already more books. I really like Frankie, she is one of the most intriguing characters I have read. Frankie is drawn to Tuscan to look for a missing Afghan woman that no one seems to be missing despite the fact that she left her 4 year old daughter behind. Frankie dives right in, and her job/temporary housing situation is wonderful and hilarious. I really liked all of the side characters in this one and while it was a little complex with spies and hidden codes it was still an excellent mystery. I listened to the audiobook and I really liked the narration a lot. I thought it brought the two main narrators to life. The book was told from Frankie’s perspective and from Sabera, the missing Afghan woman. Sabera’s perspective is a summary of her life and the traumas she has endured. I kind of hope the side characters in this one make an appearance again at some point, but I know that’s not how this series really works.
December 11, 2025
The first observation I’ll make is that jumping straight into this series at book four really felt quite awkward. It quickly became clear that I’d missed an awful lot of things that had already affected the primary character, many of which are referenced here. The clear answer is that these books really should be read in order.
Frankie Elkin is a loner who doesn’t work and seems to live wherever she lays her hat. She journeys around America searching for people. That is, people who are lost or misplaced – missing. She has certain criteria she uses to pick her candidates, and when they’re chosen she’s all in. The fact is, it seems she has no particular skills to offer other than a hungry curiosity and a seemingly innate ability to put herself at the centre of investigations.
The case here involves a young woman who has disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona – after seemingly deserting her husband and infant daughter. We’re taken back in time to 2021, a time when American troops were leaving Kabul and the world watched on in horror as the city fell to the Taliban within twenty-four hours. I recall watching scenes on BBC news programmes that were upsetting in the extreme as hordes of people streamed to the city’s airport in a desperate hope that they might become one of the lucky ones to escape.
When the dots are joined, we learn that the young woman Frankie is now searching for was in Kabul at that time and at some point had made her way to America. We are also fed a good deal of information about how people formally entering the country as a result of such chaos or tragedy are processed and ultimately found homes. I found this element interesting, slightly shocking but mostly hugely depressing. It was a real eye-opener.
I won’t delve deeper into the plotline other than to say that I found the tale to be sometimes dark and uncompromising but also, at times, somewhat twee and hard to take seriously. For me the mix didn’t quite work, and yet the human suffering element here is so well dealt with that I found it to be a book that’s stayed with me – haunted me even – ever since I turned the final page. On that basis, this is a four star offering for me.
My thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Frankie Elkin is a loner who doesn’t work and seems to live wherever she lays her hat. She journeys around America searching for people. That is, people who are lost or misplaced – missing. She has certain criteria she uses to pick her candidates, and when they’re chosen she’s all in. The fact is, it seems she has no particular skills to offer other than a hungry curiosity and a seemingly innate ability to put herself at the centre of investigations.
The case here involves a young woman who has disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona – after seemingly deserting her husband and infant daughter. We’re taken back in time to 2021, a time when American troops were leaving Kabul and the world watched on in horror as the city fell to the Taliban within twenty-four hours. I recall watching scenes on BBC news programmes that were upsetting in the extreme as hordes of people streamed to the city’s airport in a desperate hope that they might become one of the lucky ones to escape.
When the dots are joined, we learn that the young woman Frankie is now searching for was in Kabul at that time and at some point had made her way to America. We are also fed a good deal of information about how people formally entering the country as a result of such chaos or tragedy are processed and ultimately found homes. I found this element interesting, slightly shocking but mostly hugely depressing. It was a real eye-opener.
I won’t delve deeper into the plotline other than to say that I found the tale to be sometimes dark and uncompromising but also, at times, somewhat twee and hard to take seriously. For me the mix didn’t quite work, and yet the human suffering element here is so well dealt with that I found it to be a book that’s stayed with me – haunted me even – ever since I turned the final page. On that basis, this is a four star offering for me.
My thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
4.5 enthusiastic stars.
Frankie is the woman! RTC.
Frankie is the woman! RTC.
July 25, 2025
Okay, Lisa Gardner is back—and absolutely killing it with this one (pun only sort of intended). I’ve loved the Frankie Elkin series from the beginning... well, except for book 3, which I’m officially pretending didn’t happen. But book 4? Total return to form. I devoured it.
Frankie heads to scorching Tucson, Arizona, to track down Sabera Ahmadi, an Afghan refugee who vanished without a trace. Her friend swears she’d never leave her daughter behind, but the cops aren’t interested, and her husband is shady and suspiciously chill about the whole thing. Then a video shows Sabera at the scene of a brutal double murder—and things get wild from there.
The mystery is tight. Lisa Gardner really knows how to layer a plot, and this one had so many twists, emotional moments, and shocking reveals that I couldn’t put it down. Frankie’s detective work is front and center, which I loved—super heavy on the mystery-solving, light on filler.
The Ahmadi family is fascinating. A genius mathematician father, a brilliant linguist mother, and their daughter Zahra, who has a photographic memory (which, in this case, might be more terrifying than helpful). And of course, the more Frankie digs, the more dangerous things get.
One thing, though: throughout the book, Frankie is pining over someone from a previous book, and I... genuinely can not remember who he is? So I just rolled with it. Minor confusion, but didn’t take away from the story at all.
Bottom line: If you're into smart mysteries with great characters and emotional depth, this one is a must-read. Gardner nails it. Welcome back, Frankie—you’ve been missed.
Speaking of missing.. I will miss these side characters. Is it possible to have more books with them?! Pleaseeeee.....
🎶"Cardigan" – Taylor Swift
🎶"Way Down We Go" – KALEO
Frankie heads to scorching Tucson, Arizona, to track down Sabera Ahmadi, an Afghan refugee who vanished without a trace. Her friend swears she’d never leave her daughter behind, but the cops aren’t interested, and her husband is shady and suspiciously chill about the whole thing. Then a video shows Sabera at the scene of a brutal double murder—and things get wild from there.
The mystery is tight. Lisa Gardner really knows how to layer a plot, and this one had so many twists, emotional moments, and shocking reveals that I couldn’t put it down. Frankie’s detective work is front and center, which I loved—super heavy on the mystery-solving, light on filler.
The Ahmadi family is fascinating. A genius mathematician father, a brilliant linguist mother, and their daughter Zahra, who has a photographic memory (which, in this case, might be more terrifying than helpful). And of course, the more Frankie digs, the more dangerous things get.
One thing, though: throughout the book, Frankie is pining over someone from a previous book, and I... genuinely can not remember who he is? So I just rolled with it. Minor confusion, but didn’t take away from the story at all.
Bottom line: If you're into smart mysteries with great characters and emotional depth, this one is a must-read. Gardner nails it. Welcome back, Frankie—you’ve been missed.
Speaking of missing.. I will miss these side characters. Is it possible to have more books with them?! Pleaseeeee.....
🎶"Cardigan" – Taylor Swift
🎶"Way Down We Go" – KALEO
September 19, 2025
Frankie's back, this time on the hunt for a missing asylum young mother from Afghanistan.
Learned a lot from this and even had a book signing with the author (Fan girling here!) She's amazing.
Asylum seekers have to go through hurdles when learning the new ropes in a foreign land. Now add conspiracies and murder to it, that's a whole other can of worms!
Solid 4 stars!!!!
Learned a lot from this and even had a book signing with the author (Fan girling here!) She's amazing.
Asylum seekers have to go through hurdles when learning the new ropes in a foreign land. Now add conspiracies and murder to it, that's a whole other can of worms!
Solid 4 stars!!!!
September 19, 2025
Frankie Elkin is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee whose friend suspects she's in grave danger. Frankie quickly realizes there's much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Someone is coming for the Ahmadis and violence is clearly an option.
This is the 4th book in this series featuring Frankie Elkin who searches for missing people that the world has stopped looking for. Any of these books could be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series. I had a tough time with this book and wondered at times if I should dnf it. I couldn't get into the story and didn't feel any affinity for the characters. Even Frankie didn't seem to be as self assured as usual. I enjoyed her relationship with Daryl though and eventually with Petunia although I'm not a fan of lizards. I think Frankie needs a rest. The description of Sabera's experiences in the refugee camps before she immigrated to the United States was the most interesting part of the book but heartbreaking when you realize many people have actually gone through these hardships. Once I realized what the main thrust of the story was, all I could think about was how many refugees in a similar position have probably been rounded up and who knows where they are now and that just made me sadder. Just search whether those helped by the "No One Left Behind" organization are safe from deportation. The answer is they're not. The book is well written and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't for me right now. I found the ending to be very satisfying.
Lots of triggers in this story so be aware of them before you start.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, via Netgalley, for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
This is the 4th book in this series featuring Frankie Elkin who searches for missing people that the world has stopped looking for. Any of these books could be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series. I had a tough time with this book and wondered at times if I should dnf it. I couldn't get into the story and didn't feel any affinity for the characters. Even Frankie didn't seem to be as self assured as usual. I enjoyed her relationship with Daryl though and eventually with Petunia although I'm not a fan of lizards. I think Frankie needs a rest. The description of Sabera's experiences in the refugee camps before she immigrated to the United States was the most interesting part of the book but heartbreaking when you realize many people have actually gone through these hardships. Once I realized what the main thrust of the story was, all I could think about was how many refugees in a similar position have probably been rounded up and who knows where they are now and that just made me sadder. Just search whether those helped by the "No One Left Behind" organization are safe from deportation. The answer is they're not. The book is well written and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't for me right now. I found the ending to be very satisfying.
Lots of triggers in this story so be aware of them before you start.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, via Netgalley, for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
August 18, 2025
"A lock to a key for a key that has no lock"🔐
🎧📖 4.0✨
🎧📖 4.0✨
February 15, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I adore Frankie Elkin for the woman she is. Her determination to dig deep for lost souls, often those unlikely to be found alive, and to do it without remuneration or recognition is Frankie all over. Seeking no validation is her core, her modus operandi. She is emotionally layered, a vagrant, financially unstable, mentally fragile, and always walking the long road of addiction. Her fleeting memories of the past form a loose thread for the reader, reminding us where she came from, though it was missing here.
This wasn’t my favourite. I mostly enjoy all my series for the character development, and Frankie is usually my beacon, her struggle with addiction, her flawed past, her dogged persistence. It is all part of the alcoholic life, no one gets in the way, and if you tell her not to do something, she will do the opposite. But this time, we didn’t hear enough from her. Her arc felt overshadowed by the heavy themes, the kooky side characters, and the unusual elements. They were odd, different and unexpected. I wanted Frankie more visibly central. The convoluted plot gave me a woo woo feel that didn’t sit well.
I did appreciate the author’s notes about the real life themes, which helped me understand the shift in direction, the real life agencies involved, and the tragedy that continues in this issue, it ultimately felt like a deviation from the usual easy Frankie read. I was on my yearly beach holiday, and it took a long time to get through. It didn’t match my usual vibe.
❓Have you loved a series, been disappointed with an instalment, yet still excited to continue, like me with this one
I adore Frankie Elkin for the woman she is. Her determination to dig deep for lost souls, often those unlikely to be found alive, and to do it without remuneration or recognition is Frankie all over. Seeking no validation is her core, her modus operandi. She is emotionally layered, a vagrant, financially unstable, mentally fragile, and always walking the long road of addiction. Her fleeting memories of the past form a loose thread for the reader, reminding us where she came from, though it was missing here.
This wasn’t my favourite. I mostly enjoy all my series for the character development, and Frankie is usually my beacon, her struggle with addiction, her flawed past, her dogged persistence. It is all part of the alcoholic life, no one gets in the way, and if you tell her not to do something, she will do the opposite. But this time, we didn’t hear enough from her. Her arc felt overshadowed by the heavy themes, the kooky side characters, and the unusual elements. They were odd, different and unexpected. I wanted Frankie more visibly central. The convoluted plot gave me a woo woo feel that didn’t sit well.
I did appreciate the author’s notes about the real life themes, which helped me understand the shift in direction, the real life agencies involved, and the tragedy that continues in this issue, it ultimately felt like a deviation from the usual easy Frankie read. I was on my yearly beach holiday, and it took a long time to get through. It didn’t match my usual vibe.
❓Have you loved a series, been disappointed with an instalment, yet still excited to continue, like me with this one
October 2, 2025
Really wanted to like this one a little more…
Frankie Elkin is such a great character and her unique traits are in full bloom in this instalment. As per usual she appears in a new location, in this book she is on the hunt for a missing refugee.
Gardner has definitely done a lot of research into the crisis, but at times it felt too much like she was telling me what to believe. The plot seemed lost in amongst all the circumstances.
I look forward to Book Five.
Frankie Elkin is such a great character and her unique traits are in full bloom in this instalment. As per usual she appears in a new location, in this book she is on the hunt for a missing refugee.
Gardner has definitely done a lot of research into the crisis, but at times it felt too much like she was telling me what to believe. The plot seemed lost in amongst all the circumstances.
I look forward to Book Five.
May 21, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Frankie Elkin series. I believe that this book could be easily read without reading the prior three. Kiss Her Goodbye was just as thrilling and suspenseful as the other three. I read this book in a day and didn't want to out it down. While suspenseful and thrilling, this is also a heavy subject matter and context detailed with Sebera's life and backstory. This is often whatever separates Lisa Garder's books apart from other thriller books. This isn't just a light popcorn read psychological thriller, it carries a lot of weight and substance.
Sabera is an Afghan refugee living in Arizona looking to make a new start with her family. Frankie receives a call that Sabera hasn't been seen for weeks now and everyone knows that she just wouldn't up and leave her young daughter. However, Sabera's family isn't your average family. Sabera is an linguist, her husband is a mathematician, and their daughter has the ability to recall everything that she's seen in detail.
Just after getting the case, there's a video that surfaces that shakes things up of a woman leaving the scene of a double murder.
We have some return characters in this book when Frankie agrees to pet sit that added some great humor in, too.
Kiss Her Goodbye was unpredictable and extremely twisty turny.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publication for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
expected publication August 12, 2025
Sabera is an Afghan refugee living in Arizona looking to make a new start with her family. Frankie receives a call that Sabera hasn't been seen for weeks now and everyone knows that she just wouldn't up and leave her young daughter. However, Sabera's family isn't your average family. Sabera is an linguist, her husband is a mathematician, and their daughter has the ability to recall everything that she's seen in detail.
Just after getting the case, there's a video that surfaces that shakes things up of a woman leaving the scene of a double murder.
We have some return characters in this book when Frankie agrees to pet sit that added some great humor in, too.
Kiss Her Goodbye was unpredictable and extremely twisty turny.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publication for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
expected publication August 12, 2025
August 24, 2025
I thought this was a mess.
I don’t even really know what the mystery was about and by the end I couldn’t have cared less. Can Frankie please go back to solving cold cases?
Petunia was a delight.
I don’t even really know what the mystery was about and by the end I couldn’t have cared less. Can Frankie please go back to solving cold cases?
Petunia was a delight.
August 10, 2025
Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
Frankie Elkin series #4. Mystery, suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Multiple timelines.
Sabera Ahmadi, a recent Afghan refugee, disappeared three weeks ago. Her closest friend is sure that Sabera would never voluntarily leave her three year old child behind although her husband and the police seem unconcerned. Frankie Elkin travels to the streets of Tucson to try to find the missing woman. The danger ramps up when the husband disappears and an attempt is made on the child. Frankie, the police and a couple of locals use every resource they can to try to find Sabera.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by Hillary Huber. It’s a stellar performance with clear and distinct voices, accents and tone changes for the various women in the story. Impressive work. A lot of the story is Frankie giving voice to her investigation, but there is enough going on that it doesn’t get boring or stale.
I did listen to this at 1.5 and slightly higher for a better match to local conversation comfort.
Frankie is good at asking questions and getting answers. In this book, she confronts a phobia which makes for a bit of levity in an otherwise serious and dangerous investigation.
While it can be read as a stand-alone, there are references to a person she’s walked away from and seems like she’s not totally confidant in the decision. It doesn’t make a difference in this particular story. It does add a bit of depth to Frankie and perhaps questions the reader may want answered.
Thrilling, and hair-raising.
I received a copy of this from publisher Hachette Audio.
Frankie Elkin series #4. Mystery, suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Multiple timelines.
Sabera Ahmadi, a recent Afghan refugee, disappeared three weeks ago. Her closest friend is sure that Sabera would never voluntarily leave her three year old child behind although her husband and the police seem unconcerned. Frankie Elkin travels to the streets of Tucson to try to find the missing woman. The danger ramps up when the husband disappears and an attempt is made on the child. Frankie, the police and a couple of locals use every resource they can to try to find Sabera.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by Hillary Huber. It’s a stellar performance with clear and distinct voices, accents and tone changes for the various women in the story. Impressive work. A lot of the story is Frankie giving voice to her investigation, but there is enough going on that it doesn’t get boring or stale.
I did listen to this at 1.5 and slightly higher for a better match to local conversation comfort.
Frankie is good at asking questions and getting answers. In this book, she confronts a phobia which makes for a bit of levity in an otherwise serious and dangerous investigation.
While it can be read as a stand-alone, there are references to a person she’s walked away from and seems like she’s not totally confidant in the decision. It doesn’t make a difference in this particular story. It does add a bit of depth to Frankie and perhaps questions the reader may want answered.
Thrilling, and hair-raising.
I received a copy of this from publisher Hachette Audio.
June 17, 2025
I read very few series - but this is an absolute MUST READ! Franki Elkin looks for missing people - typically ones that no one else is looking for. She doesn't really have a fixed address and she just slides into each new case as they come at her.
And this one was another great addition to the series! Frankie is pulled into a missing refugee - a women who went through our terrible system of camp after camp until she was placed in an apartment with 3 months for her, her daughter, and her husband to get their feet under them and make it in America.
This was such a fascinating story. I know very little of our refugee system and I had no idea how awful it was. I like that we get the past chapters that round out the story and give us details on the camp.
But oooooh Frankie! She, again, stumbles into a crazy living arrangement that adds great friendships and hilarious moments that really break up some of the more horrifying elements. I love how Frankie's mind works and how she starts from scratch and starts looking for someone. Thi sone had great twists and turns and kept me guessing. Honestly, this whole series is just great - each one is a great mystery with eye-opening information about society.
But, if you must start here, each book is a contained mystery and does stand on its own so you can just pick this one up and enjoy it! I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
And this one was another great addition to the series! Frankie is pulled into a missing refugee - a women who went through our terrible system of camp after camp until she was placed in an apartment with 3 months for her, her daughter, and her husband to get their feet under them and make it in America.
This was such a fascinating story. I know very little of our refugee system and I had no idea how awful it was. I like that we get the past chapters that round out the story and give us details on the camp.
But oooooh Frankie! She, again, stumbles into a crazy living arrangement that adds great friendships and hilarious moments that really break up some of the more horrifying elements. I love how Frankie's mind works and how she starts from scratch and starts looking for someone. Thi sone had great twists and turns and kept me guessing. Honestly, this whole series is just great - each one is a great mystery with eye-opening information about society.
But, if you must start here, each book is a contained mystery and does stand on its own so you can just pick this one up and enjoy it! I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 20, 2025
Another great book in the Frankie Elkin series. This one has plenty of twists and turns, with some significant international events thrown in. This time Frankie is tasked with finding an Afghan refugee that ends up having quite the mysterious background. Always great characters, I love how their personalities are so clear.
Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2025
Book 4 in the Frankie Elkin series, Kiss Her Goodbye is a heartbreaking story of the life of Afghan refugees who manage to escape the brutal war to a new life in America. Frankie is on the case of a ,issuing woman who has recently arrived in the country but gone missing without a trace.
As always Frankie is tough and doesn’t take no for an answer. I lived her lodgings for this case, and her unusual housemates. These were the light hearted scenes and really made me laugh, although one scene really did freak me out!!
This is a very dark and emotional story, a real eye opener. I learnt alot, and the authors notes were really interesting. It was fascinating and so sad. Hilary Huber is a narrator that I have enjoyed in the past and she was fabulous with this book too.
A slower paced story but one that really is worth reading.
Thanks so much to Hachette Audio for my early copy to listen to on NetGalley. Out on August 12th.
As always Frankie is tough and doesn’t take no for an answer. I lived her lodgings for this case, and her unusual housemates. These were the light hearted scenes and really made me laugh, although one scene really did freak me out!!
This is a very dark and emotional story, a real eye opener. I learnt alot, and the authors notes were really interesting. It was fascinating and so sad. Hilary Huber is a narrator that I have enjoyed in the past and she was fabulous with this book too.
A slower paced story but one that really is worth reading.
Thanks so much to Hachette Audio for my early copy to listen to on NetGalley. Out on August 12th.
August 23, 2025
I'm so disappointed in this book!!! Love Lisa Gardner, love the Frankie Elkin series this far but not this time. I felt like I was reading Mission Impossible and, that is not a compliment. It was just not interesting. The phrase two halves of one whole was said way too many times and it never really did make sense or mean anything. Anyway, if you like the Frankie Elkin series, you might not like this one. Frankie isn't her usual sassy self and the plot is just convoluted and very dull.
August 12, 2025
Definitely glad that (so far!) book three is looking like a weird outlier in this series. Because even though she's not my favourite character or POV in this author's arsenal, I still enjoy said author and still wanted to continue picking these up -- particularly as there seems to be no more D. D. Warren books (did that series end and I just didn't notice? must research further) in the forecast.
Anyway, I have to say, it felt very timely to be reading about this particular subject matter. Or rather I suppose that's true for any time because this isn't a new concept. But moreso in the sense that this put a spotlight on navigating the complex and heartbreaking refugee/immigration process, surviving all of that, struggling to integrate in a whole new world, sometimes in a whole new language, and the grief of leaving behind family and friends, a home, a whole country, even knowing you might not have survived staying. Picture all that faced against the current state in the US where, unceremoniously, you could be snatched up and sent somewhere totally different. For no reason at all.
That last part isn't the focus of this story but it's something I couldn't help thinking about.
Instead, this focuses on a woman's life, both as a child in Kabul and in the United States as an adult, as Frankie and her current ragtag group of locals, piece together why she's disappeared, why she's left behind her child, and why her husband doesn't seem concerned. The mystery of this one goes in places I couldn't have expected and, well, despite all the fun red herrings, I'm not sure I loved what this eventually revealed itself to be. Things just got a little too big time for me. Instead, I appreciated the more grounded moments, such as the focus the author put on the refugee experience and all the struggles, mundane and frightening and everything in between, that come with it. Which also included the organizations, the people, the volunteers, who make up the layers of support, everyone who is involved in the process of resettling families. Incredible.
Outside of that, I also really enjoyed the ensemble Frankie finds herself teaming up with for this particular adventure and all the absurdities (oh boy, you won't see it coming) and sweet moments that came with them.
Overall, maybe not a new favourite of this series but definitely an important topic that I know will sit with me for a while. Plus, I'm glad to have had a positive result after the last instalment and now I'm back to being keen for the next adventure.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Anyway, I have to say, it felt very timely to be reading about this particular subject matter. Or rather I suppose that's true for any time because this isn't a new concept. But moreso in the sense that this put a spotlight on navigating the complex and heartbreaking refugee/immigration process, surviving all of that, struggling to integrate in a whole new world, sometimes in a whole new language, and the grief of leaving behind family and friends, a home, a whole country, even knowing you might not have survived staying. Picture all that faced against the current state in the US where, unceremoniously, you could be snatched up and sent somewhere totally different. For no reason at all.
That last part isn't the focus of this story but it's something I couldn't help thinking about.
Instead, this focuses on a woman's life, both as a child in Kabul and in the United States as an adult, as Frankie and her current ragtag group of locals, piece together why she's disappeared, why she's left behind her child, and why her husband doesn't seem concerned. The mystery of this one goes in places I couldn't have expected and, well, despite all the fun red herrings, I'm not sure I loved what this eventually revealed itself to be. Things just got a little too big time for me. Instead, I appreciated the more grounded moments, such as the focus the author put on the refugee experience and all the struggles, mundane and frightening and everything in between, that come with it. Which also included the organizations, the people, the volunteers, who make up the layers of support, everyone who is involved in the process of resettling families. Incredible.
Outside of that, I also really enjoyed the ensemble Frankie finds herself teaming up with for this particular adventure and all the absurdities (oh boy, you won't see it coming) and sweet moments that came with them.
Overall, maybe not a new favourite of this series but definitely an important topic that I know will sit with me for a while. Plus, I'm glad to have had a positive result after the last instalment and now I'm back to being keen for the next adventure.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
August 31, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Frankie Elkin series by Lisa Gardner.l I read the third book, but missed one and two. I loved all of Gardner's D.D. Warren series - those were great. Gardner is definitely a favorite so I picked this one up.
Description:
Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera's closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.
Frankie quickly realizes there's much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra—she has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Which given everything that has happened during the girl's short life, may be a terrible curse. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra's life, Frankie realizes she must quickly crack the code of this family's horrific past.
Someone is coming for the Ahmadis. And violence is clearly an option. When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love?
My Thoughts:
I learned more about refugees and their situation both in camps in other countries and when rehomed in America, and for that I am very grateful (even though most of it is horrific I feel like it is something everyone should be aware of and to find ways to make life better for them). This story if full of danger and tension. What the Ahmadi's faced seemed to provide no way for them to survive - a relentless opponent. I had a lot of laughs with the lizard and snakes - too funny! I would have NEVER taken on that job! The book is fast-paced and suspenseful - a great thriller. Elkin is a talented, resourceful professional in finding missing persons. This is a grat mystery/thriller with a complex plot. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera's closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.
Frankie quickly realizes there's much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra—she has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Which given everything that has happened during the girl's short life, may be a terrible curse. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra's life, Frankie realizes she must quickly crack the code of this family's horrific past.
Someone is coming for the Ahmadis. And violence is clearly an option. When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love?
My Thoughts:
I learned more about refugees and their situation both in camps in other countries and when rehomed in America, and for that I am very grateful (even though most of it is horrific I feel like it is something everyone should be aware of and to find ways to make life better for them). This story if full of danger and tension. What the Ahmadi's faced seemed to provide no way for them to survive - a relentless opponent. I had a lot of laughs with the lizard and snakes - too funny! I would have NEVER taken on that job! The book is fast-paced and suspenseful - a great thriller. Elkin is a talented, resourceful professional in finding missing persons. This is a grat mystery/thriller with a complex plot. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
November 29, 2025
4.25 Page turner. Where is Sabera? Most of the book is focused on the search for her and what is going on with her that has caused her disappearance. Even if the details of refugee camps and resettlements into another country were a little embellished, it is still terrible what these people go through. I would have liked more on Petunia. Although I am not a reptile fan, she endeared herself to me. Love Lisa's sense of humour.
April 7, 2025
Part of me wants to give this five stars just for the subject matter - it's that important. But the truth is that I didn't 5 star like it.
I read the author for suspense and popcorn and entertainment.
This was heavy. All the sections where we explore Sebera's life were definitely important and horrifying and completely at odds with some of the light silliness that we get from Frankie. I think some people would say that this was meant as relief from the bleakness and I get that, but it just wasn't quite for me.
That being said, I was still interested in how this would all pan out and, once we started getting a bit of clarification of events, read eagerly.
I do appreciate that the author had an important story to tell and she tells it well.
I think that most readers will appreciate this one.
I read the author for suspense and popcorn and entertainment.
This was heavy. All the sections where we explore Sebera's life were definitely important and horrifying and completely at odds with some of the light silliness that we get from Frankie. I think some people would say that this was meant as relief from the bleakness and I get that, but it just wasn't quite for me.
That being said, I was still interested in how this would all pan out and, once we started getting a bit of clarification of events, read eagerly.
I do appreciate that the author had an important story to tell and she tells it well.
I think that most readers will appreciate this one.
August 22, 2025
This is the 4th book in Lisa Gardner's "Frankie Elkin" series and I enjoyed being back in Frankie's world again.
Frankie, a missing persons expert, is now in Tucson, Arizona in search of a missing woman. Sabera Ahmadi is an Afghan refugee who has recently resettled with her family in Tucson. Sabera suddenly disappears and is seen leaving the scene of a brutal double murder. Frankie must weave through Sabera's complicated and heartbreaking story, through the many surprises twists and turns, in order to solve the mystery.
The side story brings us comic relief as Frankie pet sits a huge Iguana, baby phython snakes and a massive snake for tech genius Bart at his mansion while he is away.
Excellent narration by Hillary Huber and a very interesting author's note from Lisa Gardner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Frankie, a missing persons expert, is now in Tucson, Arizona in search of a missing woman. Sabera Ahmadi is an Afghan refugee who has recently resettled with her family in Tucson. Sabera suddenly disappears and is seen leaving the scene of a brutal double murder. Frankie must weave through Sabera's complicated and heartbreaking story, through the many surprises twists and turns, in order to solve the mystery.
The side story brings us comic relief as Frankie pet sits a huge Iguana, baby phython snakes and a massive snake for tech genius Bart at his mansion while he is away.
Excellent narration by Hillary Huber and a very interesting author's note from Lisa Gardner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2025
Series: A Frankie Elkin Novel, book 4
Release date: 08-12-25
Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins
Narrated by Hillary Huber
This time Frankie Elkin is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, Sabera Ahmadi (23), whose friend suspects she is in grave danger because no way she would have left freely, leaving her 4-year-old daughter behind...
This time Frankie enters the world of refugees. We get to follow their struggle to escape from Afganistan and then settling into their new lives in another country. Many things were depressing and sad but at the same time it made me think that Frankie wasn't from a war-torn country, but her own childhood wasn't good either. Her father was an alcoholic. Frankie started to drink from a young age and it was a miracle she was still alive. She's damaged and vulnerable to her addiction, but she's a woman who turn her struggles into strength - she's determined to find the missing, bring closure to the family. She cares when others no longer care.
During her searches, she make many new friends, this time one of them was Petunia, very unusual character. I liked that the humor was mixed into the story, making it less gloomy and depressing. I could sympathize with Frankie when she learned who her "pets" are going to be she has to look after for her free lodging...
Release date: 08-12-25
Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins
Narrated by Hillary Huber
This time Frankie Elkin is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, Sabera Ahmadi (23), whose friend suspects she is in grave danger because no way she would have left freely, leaving her 4-year-old daughter behind...
This time Frankie enters the world of refugees. We get to follow their struggle to escape from Afganistan and then settling into their new lives in another country. Many things were depressing and sad but at the same time it made me think that Frankie wasn't from a war-torn country, but her own childhood wasn't good either. Her father was an alcoholic. Frankie started to drink from a young age and it was a miracle she was still alive. She's damaged and vulnerable to her addiction, but she's a woman who turn her struggles into strength - she's determined to find the missing, bring closure to the family. She cares when others no longer care.
During her searches, she make many new friends, this time one of them was Petunia, very unusual character. I liked that the humor was mixed into the story, making it less gloomy and depressing. I could sympathize with Frankie when she learned who her "pets" are going to be she has to look after for her free lodging...
March 15, 2025
Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera's closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three-year-old daughter. At her insistence, missing person expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson ... just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.
I love the Frankie Elkin series more and more with each book that's released! Frankie works on her own, finding lost people - the invisible kind no one cares about. She has no permanent home and is a bit of a rolling stone. She's a recovering alcoholic who has few personal possessions, and she doesn't let anything tie her down.
Wow! Kiss Her Goodbye is quite the nail-biter!! It was so hard to read about the people trying to leave Afghanistan and get to the USA go through. Utterly heartbreaking.
Lisa Gardner is a master at bringing her characters to life. Some were scary and some made me smile and laugh. I don't want to describe them until you've had the chance to read about them on your own, which is not easy for me. I want to shout about my favorites! *sigh*
Let me just say I absolutely loved Kiss Her Goodbye and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
Thank you, #GrandCentralPublishing, for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is #4 in the Frankie Elkin series, and it has an expected publication date of August 12, 2025.
#LisaGardner #SuspenseThriller #AfghanRefugees
I love the Frankie Elkin series more and more with each book that's released! Frankie works on her own, finding lost people - the invisible kind no one cares about. She has no permanent home and is a bit of a rolling stone. She's a recovering alcoholic who has few personal possessions, and she doesn't let anything tie her down.
Wow! Kiss Her Goodbye is quite the nail-biter!! It was so hard to read about the people trying to leave Afghanistan and get to the USA go through. Utterly heartbreaking.
Lisa Gardner is a master at bringing her characters to life. Some were scary and some made me smile and laugh. I don't want to describe them until you've had the chance to read about them on your own, which is not easy for me. I want to shout about my favorites! *sigh*
Let me just say I absolutely loved Kiss Her Goodbye and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
Thank you, #GrandCentralPublishing, for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is #4 in the Frankie Elkin series, and it has an expected publication date of August 12, 2025.
#LisaGardner #SuspenseThriller #AfghanRefugees
July 28, 2025
Overall this was mediocre at best. I can appreciate how it shed light on how difficult life can be for refugees coming to a new country and trying to assimilate to the new culture. However, I don’t think it portrayed refugees in the best light. Refugees and immigrants are already already unfairly stereotyped and discriminated against and this book didn’t seem to help that. Regarding the story itself, it felt like the narration jumped around a lot and made it a bit confusing as a listener because I couldn’t easily flip back and see what was happening. Also, the ending with Sabera was a bit predictable.
Thank you to Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and Lisa Gardner for the ALC!
Thank you to Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and Lisa Gardner for the ALC!
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