This mystery was well-researched and discussed the plight of Afghan refugees in detail. It contains beautiful moments of humor, love, and culture. I found the side characters to be incredibly lovable. 3 stars because this is my first Frankie Elkin story and I am not sure how much I like her as a protagonist. However, Hillary Huber provided a wonderful narration! Thank you Hachette Audio for the ARC!

1st time reading a book from Lisa but unfortunately my mood reading got the best of me. I just could not get into this. Then the she/her reference completely lost my attention. Maybe i will try and reread this at a later time but just did not grab my attention at all.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this arc.

Frankie Elkin is back but I had not read the first three books in this series. I was afraid that I would miss too much but I think this one could be stand alone, but of course now I want to go back and read the first three.

Frankie is the finder of people and she is trying to find an Afghan refugee. The story of refugees in our country is just heartbreaking. Things that we take for granted are very hard fought for them. The plot does pull in but I will say there were a few parts that dragged on for me. One thing I will say about Frankie is that she does not give up. When one road shuts down, she finds a new start. Many characters in this book and I did have a problem keeping track, but if you read this book even the characters had problems keeping track at times. The story is full of mystery and suspense but some brutal parts pull at your heartstrings. The stories of the people who help our refugees was very special for me. This thriller was great and the narration was spot on.

Thank you to #NetGallery and Grand Central Publishing for the free ARC.

I have read and loved all the Frankie Elkin books, and this just may be one of the best; a unique story and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and Lisa is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audio version of this book!

Frankie Elkin is back. She is called to Tucson, Arizona to help find Sabera, an Afghan woman who is missing. Well not in the eyes of authorities but in true Frankie fashion she starts the search for Sabera when everyone else has stopped looking.

This is the 4th book of this series and I absolutely loved it! Loved all of the characters of this book. I definitely laughed out loud in many parts!

I would love it if Frankie got pulled into another case in Tucson even though I know that’s not her style to stay in one place.

The narrator has done a great job through out the entire series as well as this book.

I will be anxiously waiting for the next book to release.

Frankie Elkin series is an automatic the moment it releases for me! Highly recommend this series!

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for granting me this ARC of the audiobook!

3.5/5 ⭐️ – Just Okay
Started off strong and had a solid mystery going, but it lost me in the middle—it got kinda slow and dragged on longer than it needed to. A few good twists, but overall it was just alright. Not bad, just not super memorable.

I enjoyed the narrators different voices, accents, and inflections! Very captivating.

Recommendations: Recommend the narrator add the name of the character the voice is coming from as it changes. This will help the member follow along better.

I have been a long time fan of Lisa Gardner and have read all of her novels. I loved both the DD Warren and Tessa Leoni series so didn’t hesitate to jump on Frankie Elkin.
I have read all 4 in this series and have finally decided that they are just not for me and won’t read anymore. I probably should have stopped after the second one but kept going hoping she would grow on me, unfortunately that’s not the case.
I can only hope the series will end quickly and a new MC is introduced so that I can once again enjoy this author’s work as much as I used to.

With thanks to Net Galley for the audiobook to review.

Somehow this procedural mystery thriller was about 10% reptile pet-sitting shenanigans, which was delightful.

This was my introduction to the series. I think it works well enough as a standalone, but I’m pretty sure I missed a few references. I’m especially intrigued by Frankie’s “no working with serial killers again” rule. She’s an interesting mix of amateur sleuth and experienced investigator, and I liked following her through the case. I also happen to share Frankie’s (and Petunia’s) opinion on snakes.

There’s plenty of quirk and humor here, but it’s balanced with some serious subject matter surrounding the missing woman. You can tell Gardner did her research. The depictions of refugee experiences and conditions were pretty upsetting at times, but thoughtfully handled.

Hillary Huber did a great job with the narration, especially with the different voices and accents. I’m fine with a single narrator covering multiple POVs, but I wish the chapters had noted who was speaking. I figured it out based on Huber’s voice work, but the first few switches left me confused.

Anyway, I guess I’m starting this series from the beginning now. Three more books just landed on my TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC. Kiss Her Goodbye comes out August 12, 2025.

Frankie Elkin is back in the new book from Lisa Gardner.

"Frankie heads to Tucson, AZ to look for a missing mother. The mother is an Afghan refugee and her friend is positive that she wouldn't have left her daughter behind. Frankie is not sure what to think, especially after the missing mother is seen on video covered in blood and running from a murder. And now her husband is missing. Frankie wonders if she's finally in too deep this time (especially with the snake feeding job she took.)"

It amazes me that Gardner can take a character in so many directions and still have readers pulling for her. I kept putting my hands over my eyes and yelling "Watch out Frankie!" But she still looks for the missing people that no one else is looking for. There's a back story to the missing mom, Sabera Ahmadi. You find out what happened in the refugee camps and begin to suspect there's a reason she's missing. Gardner hints at it just enough to keep you invested in the story. And it's a pretty wild reason.
There are lots of colorful characters. Every scene with the snakes creeped me out. I could never take that job.

Hilary Huber does a nice job with the audio - lots of characters, both male and female. She is great with Frankie's voice.

There's a wild ending and some surprising reveals. Another great story from Gardner.

Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner is yet another stellar entry in the Frankie Elkin series, and it did not disappoint. Gardner’s writing is sharp, engaging, and full of twists, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Frankie Elkin continues to be a compelling and complex protagonist—flawed, relentless, and driven by a fierce desire for justice. Her journey is emotional and incredibly gripping, as she navigates a case full of unexpected turns. The plot is fast-paced, with each chapter adding another layer of tension and mystery.

What makes this installment stand out is the depth of emotion and the personal stakes. Gardner excels at balancing the action-packed suspense with Frankie’s internal struggles and relationships with those around her. The stakes feel real, and the emotional payoff is as satisfying as the thrilling twists.

Kiss Her Goodbye is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who loves a high-stakes, character-driven mystery. I can’t wait to see where Gardner takes Frankie next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Title: Kiss Her Goodbye
Series: Frankie Elkins Book #4
Author: Lisa Gardner
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Hillary Huber
Publisher: HachetteGrand Central Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Thriller
Pub Date: August 12, 2025
My Rating: 3,5 Stars!
Pages: 416

Sabera Ahmadi is an Afghan refugee who is now living in Tucson, AZ with her husband and their four-year old daughter. However now is missing from the hotel where she works. They state they haven’t seen her for three weeks. However, her husband doesn’t seem worried.
Sabera's closest friend convinced Sabera would never leave her four year old daughter.
Frankie Elkin is a missing person expert and agrees to take up the search As she investigates a video shows up a young woman to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.
Although the story starts out slowly it does get very interesting.
It is told in the present, however, the past experiences are told via a diary written by Sabera.

What a sad and terrifying life she and many others had since the fall of Kabul - the Taliban have killed so many of her friends and family.

Ms. Huber is a great job with performing the Afghan accent. I have listen to her many times and sometimes her voice is perfect for the characters sometimes not so much.

I have read many of Ms. Gardner stories and know she usually does a lot of research – which, of course. Is the case with this story.

Be sure to read her ‘Author’s Notes’ at the end as it is a very interesting read! In the audiobook this part is read by the author – I enjoyed hearing about her experience in her voice!
She tells of her research as well as how she felt with what she learned. She is very detailed with what she experienced and also is very thankful to the many who helped her. She also mentioned how she got over her fear of snakes!!!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Hachette/ Grand Central Publishing for granted me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 12, 2025.

A fast paced, with a bit of humor mystery with unique spin. 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 that point. Just when it seems like the case has gone cold, Frankie steps in and completely blows it wide open. A total page-turner—I couldn't put it down! The final stretch is especially gripping, it’s full of emotional revelations, clever twists, and high stakes moments. It’s smart, layered, and packed with tension. If you’re already a fan of the series, you’ll be satisfied and maybe even surprised. If you're looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing, this one’s for you.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

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.

Thank you Hatchette Audio and NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Gardner is an old hand at writing mysteries but I thought this one was unique. An Afghan refugee is missing and Frankie Elkin decides to take the case.
There are multiple timelines as we get to see events from the missing woman's perspective and from Frankie's. The characters were interesting too -- this is the 4th book featuring Frankie Elkins, but she was new to me. A missing persons expert, she can choose who she wants to help.
The voices were distinct and I didn't have any trouble adapting as perspective changed, and there was so much mystery and suspense! I couldn't stop listening once I got started.

While this is not my favourite Frankie Elkin book it is a solid addition to the series which I enjoyed a lot. The narration was great and i highly recommend this.

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

I picked this up not realising again that it was part of a series. Luckily I quite like Gardner's stuff and I have read the first 2 Frankie Elkin novels. So I knew what was happening. That being said, it's quite readable as a stand alone too.

Some thing(s) I liked:
✅"A girl and her lizard". Petunia was amazing, I loved her and couldn't wait for the chapters with her in.
✅Similarly, Jenny was brilliant. I want her to be my bestie.
✅Difficult topics done in a sympathetic way.
✅Dramatic showdown

Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Because Frankie is a bit like a PI the way she ambushes people can be cringe and I hate reading those bits.

“Kiss Her Goodbye” is my first experience with Lisa Gardner’s writing and I am HOOKED! This book is the fourth in the “Frankie Elkin” series but a standalone story in itself and gives plenty of insight into our main character that I was able to read it seamlessly without having read the first three. (Although I absolutely will be going back to read those now!!) I very much appreciated the queer representation as well as the quirky and humorous side characters. The narrator, Hillary Huber, does an incredible job at changing her voice to not only match different accents/dialect so well but also helps to differentiate which character’s POV we are currently hearing, which is SO important to me as someone with severe ADHD and easily loses track. 😅

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The queen of page-turning thrillers is back with Book 4 in the Frankie Elkin series, and I really liked this one much more than Still See You Everywhere.

Frankie is headed to Tucson this time, where she’s been asked to help find Sabera Ahmadi, a young Afghan refugee who vanished without a trace. The police aren’t doing much, her husband seems indifferent, but her sponsor knows something is seriously wrong. Then a video surfaces that shows Sabera at the scene of a double murder, and suddenly the case takes a sharp turn. As Frankie digs deeper into the family’s past, it becomes clear there’s way more going on than anyone realized and danger is coming for all of them, especially little Zahra, a child with a memory that might just be the key to everything

This one had more of that classic detective/police procedural feel that I really enjoy, and it worked well for Frankie’s character. The pace was tight, the tension steady, and the mystery unraveled in a way that kept me fully engaged. What really stood out, though, were the side characters. Bart, Daryl, Genni—I loved them. I genuinely hope we see them again in future books. They added heart, grit, and even a little humor to a pretty intense storyline. Not a fan of the reptile side creatures but I’ll let them be since they help with the plot at a point.

There is a strong refugee storyline which also gave the plot so much weight and depth. It felt timely and layered, and even though some parts of the plot were a bit far-fetched (as thrillers sometimes are!), I didn’t mind one bit. The emotional beats hit just right, and the writing was sharp throughout. If you like your thrillers with a mix of danger, heart, and strong female leads, Kiss Her Goodbye delivers. And I cannot wait for Frankie’s next case.

Kiss Her Goodbye comes out August 12, 2025 Huge thank you to Grand Central Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
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Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG

So I started this book as an ebook and finished it as an audio… the narrators were good and I was able to distinguish between each character which I like!

The book is a Frankie Elkin novel which I wasn’t sure I knew it was a series when I started because I’m funny about starting in the middle but this was a good standalone and I didn’t mind once I found out it was #4 in the series. I enjoyed the story that was told as it was very relatable to many in this day and age. I was a little confused by the ending but it could be because I went from reading to audio mid book. Overall it’s a solid 3 and I will read another Frankie Elkin novel.

This book is the 4th installment in a series that I personally have not read. So I started with this one and it reads well as a stand alone.

First things first. Petunia is a dear and I loved every moment with the reptiles and friends that Frankie made while pet sitting.

Second but hands down my favorite part, I absolutely loved the cultural aspects in this book and how it relates the challenges that refugees face throughout the whole process including how hard it still is once they get here! I used to work for a literacy council and we helped refugees, specifically refugees from Afghanistan as they transitioned to the town I live in. So many of the struggles and realities that they faced were mentioned in this book. I could tell the author really wanted to relate what it’s really like, the hardships of it. So I really appreciated that aspect.

I also really loved how that related to the mystery in the book. I also appreciated how it affected Frankie’s quest for information about the missing person. How everything was filtered through her identity.

The mystery kept me listening until the end. I really wanted to know what happened and who she was/why she was so important to track down for all of those people’s.

All in all this was a great book. I would recommend it.


Thank you Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for this free copy. I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.