About the Book:
Recently arrived refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting work three weeks ago.
Her older, domineering husband Isaad seems unconcerned.
Local police have yet to open a case.
But Sabera’s closest friend is convinced the young mother would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter Zahra alone.
When missing persons expert Frankie Elkin arrives on the scorching streets of Tucson, Arizona to pick up the case, a video of Sabera surfaces – showing the woman fleeing the scene of a brutal double murder.
Upon digging a little deeper, Frankie soon discovers there’s much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. And when Isaad also disappears and an attempt is made on Zahra’s life, the race is on to stop whoever is coming for the Ahmadis. And with the authorities not willing to get involved, it’s down to Frankie to uncover the truth that will force to her confront secrets from her own past as well.
When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love?
My Thoughts
I just finished reading Kiss Her Goodbye, and I’m still buzzing with that familiar post-thriller feeling – part adrenaline and part reflection. This is the fourth book in Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin series. I’ve read One Step Too Far before, but this one felt even more complex, more emotional, and to be honest, more important.
Summary of the Plot
Frankie Elkin, our wandering, broke expert on missing people, arrives in Tucson, Arizona, to look for Sabera Ahmadi, a young Afghan refugee and mother who has disappeared without a trace. The police aren’t moving fast enough, her husband Isaad seems strangely distant, and her best friend Aliah is desperate for answers. Frankie comes in with nothing but determination, compassion, and a talent for finding lost things.
But this case is anything but simple. A scary video comes out that shows Sabera walking away from a brutal double murder. Her husband, who was a great mathematician, comes across as if he is hiding something. Their daughter Zahra, who has an amazing memory, may know everything. Frankie finds a tangled web of trauma, secrets, and cultural tension that stretches from Kabul to the Arizona desert as she digs deeper.
Themes
What really stood out to me was how Gardner mixes suspense with very human themes like war trauma, motherhood, and the weight of survival that you can’t see. Sabera’s memories, which are spread out throughout the book, are haunting and tender. They give us a glimpse into how hard it is to leave a country at war. Frankie’s own problems, her simple way of life and her quiet grief, make her the perfect person to tell these stories through.
There is also a strong current of trust and distrust. Aid workers who can’t talk about what they know, families torn apart by secrets, and a community that doesn’t know who to protect. At first, it’s a slow burn, but once the pieces start to fit together, the pace picks up a lot.
What Worked For Me:
- Frankie Elkin: She isn’t the kind of hero you see all the time. She is humble, travels a lot, and cares deeply about others. She has a strong sense of right and wrong and is willing to put her life on the line for people she doesn’t know.
- Authenticity: The research shows – Gardner clearly did her homework on Kabul after 2021, how to help refugees settle in, and even how to take care of reptiles (yes, Frankie ends up taking care of a huge iguana and a dozen snakes!).
- Supporting Cast: Every character, from Genni the cook to Daryl the big driver, and even Zahra with her photographic memory, adds depth and heart.
- Pacing: It starts off at a medium pace, which gives you time to take in the emotional weight, but it builds beautifully to a high-stakes ending.
- Humour: There are times when you can’t help but laugh, especially when the reptiles are involved and Frankie’s dry wit comes through. It’s a nice break.
Who Would Like This Book
This is the book for you if you like crime thrillers that make you feel something. It’s also a great choice for readers who want to read stories that show the experiences of refugees with depth and compassion. You don’t have to have read the other Frankie Elkin books to enjoy this one, but knowing her backstory makes it even better. And if you like mysteries with strong female leads and character-driven plots, you’ll be hooked.
A Final Word
Kiss Her Goodbye is more than just a thriller; it’s a moving look at survival, identity, and how far we will go to protect the people we love. Lisa Gardner has written a story that is both gripping and very real, with a main character who you would want to be on your side. This book stays with you long after you’ve read the last page, and I’ll be telling everyone about it.
Please excuse me while I go see if Frankie Elkin’s next case is already on the way…
About the author:
Lisa Gardner – #1 New York Times bestselling author of suspense
Thank you to Compulsive Readers for this thrilling blog tour!
View this post on Instagram
