Kiss Her Goodbye
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 11
- 7 min read
Frankie Elkin #4
By: Lisa Gardner
Narrator: Hillary Huber
ISBN: 9781538765104
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publicaiton Date: 08/12/2025
Format: e-book and auidio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC) (ARC)
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner returns with the 4th installment in her bestselling Frankie Elkin series, in which Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend suspects she is in grave danger, before it is too late.
A young mother haunted by war, determined to make a fresh start. But sometimes, the sins of the past aren’t so easy to escape.
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?
Frankie is about to find out.
About the Author
Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers. She has also been honored for her work with animal rescue and at-risk children. An avid hiker, gardener and cribbage player, Lisa lives with her family in New England. WEBSITE
My Review
In the highly anticipated fourth installment of her gripping Frankie Elkin series, Lisa Gardner (a favorite author) returns with yet another thrilling tale, KISS HER GOODBYE.
This action-packed emotional narrative is not only meticulously researched but also artfully crafted, weaving a tapestry of tension and intrigue that will leave readers breathless.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tucson, Arizona, Frankie embarks on a poignant mission to locate an Afghan refugee. As she navigates the sun-soaked streets and hidden corners of the city, the story unfolds with a haunting mix of suspense and unexpected humor.
Each twist and turn keeps readers entranced, immersing them in a world where the stakes are high and the search for the missing becomes a deeply personal journey. Prepare to be captivated as Gardner expertly blends intensity and wit, ensuring that you remain glued to the pages from beginning to end.
About...
Frankie Elkin, a troubled former alcoholic haunted by her past, with a heart of gold, beckons us into her tumultuous world as she immerses herself in the gripping search for missing persons and unresolved cold cases.
Lacking formal training, her pursuit is fueled by an all-consuming obsession to help those who have vanished, driven by an unwavering sense of responsibility. With no stable home, family ties, or conventional job to anchor her, she roams freely, following her instincts wherever the next clue might be found.
In this haunting narrative, Frankie finds herself amidst the desert beauty of Tucson, Arizona, at the earnest request of Aliah, a compassionate and tireless volunteer committed to refugee resettlement. Aliah is frantic to locate her friend, Sabera, an Afghan refugee who has mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind her cherished four-year-old daughter, Zahra, and her husband, Isaad.
The idea that Sabera could abandon her innocent child is a notion that weighs heavily on Aliah’s heart, prompting Frankie to delve deep into this perplexing case that illuminates the plight of a population often shrouded in neglect and misunderstanding.
As Frankie embarks on her investigation, the atmosphere thickens with tension when Isaad receives a cryptic package that sends him spiraling into a state of panic. Fearful for his family's safety, he hastily leaves Zahra in the care of a trusted neighbor before vanishing into the night, adding urgency to Frankie’s quest. The air crackles with suspense when an attempted kidnapping of Zahra unfolds, amplifying the stakes and the sense of dread that permeates the community.
Just as the mystery deepens, a chilling twist emerges: security footage reveals Sabera at the scene of a brutal double homicide, where two men lie lifeless, shadows of their former selves.
With each revelation, it becomes painfully clear that there is much more lurking beneath the surface of this convoluted tale. Is Sabera herself in grave danger, caught in a web of malevolence? What dark motives are swirling behind these harrowing events?
As Frankie races against time, the tangled threads of Sabera’s disappearance, Isaad’s fate, and Zahra’s safety lead her deeper into a labyrinth of intrigue and peril, challenging her resolve and forcing her to confront the demons of her past.
My thoughts...
EXCEPTIONAL! Gardner brilliantly escalates the intensity and suspense in this action-packed thriller, delving deep into the harrowing realities of refugee camps and the emotional turmoil faced by immigrants desperately seeking a better life in the U.S.
In her signature style, the author infuses Frankie's genuine humor into the narrative as she embarks on a quest for living accommodations amidst her investigation. She stumbles upon a luxurious mansion complete with a personal driver, a shimmering pool, and a skilled cook. The enticing offer comes with a twist: she must house-sit and care for exotic pets for an entire month in exchange for her lavish lodging.
What Frankie doesn’t anticipate, however, is the presence of Petunia, a majestic iguana stretching four to five feet in length, alongside Marge (python) and her lively baby pythons! This unexpected menagerie is certainly more than she bargained for, especially since Frankie isn’t particularly fond of scaly creatures. You will find yourself laughing heartily at the chaotic antics of Frankie, Bart, Daryl, and their unusual animal companions—although I would likely be running for the nearest exit!
I adore Frankie! She embodies strength, courage, and resilience, demonstrating an unyielding spirit that never backs down. Her delightful sense of humor only adds to her charm, making me eager to see where her adventurous spirit will lead her next.
Once again, Lisa showcases her exceptional talent. Devoted fans (such as myself), as well as new readers, will be swept away by this exhilarating journey. I highly recommend experiencing the entire series to fully appreciate the depth of Frankie’s character, even though each installment offers its unique adventure.
I was particularly captivated by the author’s note, which provided a glimpse into the inspiration behind the novel and the fascinating background stories woven throughout. The author's passion for travel and adventure radiates from every page, creating an engrossing narrative that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.
Audiobook...
I had the distinct pleasure of immersing myself in both the digital copy and the audiobook of KISS HER GOODBYE, expertly narrated by the incredibly talented Hillary Huber (an all-time favorite). Her performance is nothing short of award-winning; she deserves a medal for her incredible range in portraying numerous characters, each with its unique accents. Huber masterfully infused the narrative with layers of emotion and suspense, breathing life into the rich tapestry of characters and leaving me utterly captivated from beginning to end. I cannot recommend the audiobook highly enough—it's an experience you won't want to miss.
KISS HER GOODBYE is a multi-faceted, riveting, and profoundly impactful novel that delves into the heart-wrenching struggles and traumas faced by refugees and immigrants. It is a timely exploration of resilience and hope that resonates deeply in today’s world.
Having spent a considerable amount of time in the enchanting landscapes of Tucson and Bisbee, Arizona, where I worked with resort properties, I cherished the opportunity to revisit these vibrant settings through the pages of this novel that the author so vividly captures.
Recs...
This gripping narrative is perfectly suited for fans of the Frankie Elkin series and the author herself. It will also resonate with readers who appreciate the exhilarating suspense and strong female leads found in the works of Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, and Sara Paretsky. Furthermore, those who enjoy the intricate plotting and rich character development crafted by authors like Lisa Jewell, Stacy Willingham, and Shari Lapena will undoubtedly be drawn to the compelling universe of Frankie Elkin.
Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading and listening copy for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 12, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Praise
“Frankie Elkin is a jewel of a character with new facets being revealed in every book. In Kiss Her Goodbye, Gardner, always a pitch perfect writer, elevates her game to produce a thought-provoking tale that lingers with you in ways both small and profound.”
―David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A triumph of storytelling. Both a heart-pounding thriller and a deeply intimate look at a family in crisis. Timely and completely gripping.
―Louise Penny, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“Lisa Gardner’s Kiss Her Goodbye is a rollercoaster ride of a read with its cliff-hanging suspense, twists and turns, and steep emotional plunges. Buckle up.”
―Sandra Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Blood Moon
"This fourth action-packed Frankie Elkin installment (after Still See You Everywhere) will excite fans and newbies alike. It is filled with an odd assortment of wonderful characters, including a boa constrictor and an iguana. Alongside the mystery, Gardner ably describes the horrors of refugee camps and the trauma facing immigrants fleeing oppression."―Library Journal (starred review)
"Riveting...Heartbreaking violence and masterful suspense elevate things further. This will thrill the series’ existing fans, and it’s a great starting point for newcomers."
―Publishers Weekly
