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?
It is such a pleasure to be hosting the blog tour for Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner today. Many thanks to Century Books for sending me a hardback copy of the novel and to Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for inviting me to take part in the blog tour.
I have been a huge fan of Lisa Gardner's Frankie Elkin series since the start and have been eagerly looking forward to the fourth book, Kiss Her Goodbye. Each new instalment features a different setting and a largely new cast of characters but the thread running throughout is missing persons expert, Frankie Elkin. Frankie could be described as the human equivalent of the Littlest Hobo as like the canine protagonist, she never settles down, always moving on to where she next feels her skills can help somebody. So far, she's been to Boston, the Wyoming wilderness and most recently, a remote atoll off the coast of Hawaii. It means the books can easily be enjoyed as standalones but the ongoing development of Frankie's character, particularly regarding how her choice of hobby affects her, is an important part of the overarching plot and so I would recommend reading the other books to truly appreciate this.
This time, Frankie is in Tucson, Arizona for a case which is a little different to her previous investigations. She usually offers her assistance to people whose loved ones have been missing for many months, sometimes even years; after the police have given up and the media circus has moved on, Frankie brings hope – at least for some form of closure – to the desperate. Sabera Ahmadi, however, has only been missing for three weeks. Her husband, Isaad doesn't seem overly concerned and the police haven't opened a case for her. Her friend, Aliah is convinced something is wrong though, and she manages to convince Frankie to take a closer look. Sabera and Isaad are Afghani refugees who have only recently been settled in Tucson and as Aliah points out, why would Sabera choose to leave her beloved four year old daughter, Zahra.
The prologue is an emotive, first person account of Sabera's memories of growing up during those brief years of peace in Afghanistan and it's clear that this intelligent young woman's thirst for knowledge was shaped and encouraged by both her parents. Her close relationship with her older brother, Farshid further underlines an upbringing filled with love. Everything she knew and held dear is snatched from her following the chaotic withdrawal of US and allied troops from the country, leaving a vacuum swiftly and mercilessly filled by the Taliban. Throughout the book there are further chapters written from Sabera's perspective which give readers a heartbreaking insight into the abject terror and horrendous, dehumanising conditions endured by those forced to flee their homeland. The scenes set in a refugee camp in Pakistan are especially difficult to read about. Lisa Gardner's stark descriptions are almost viscerally moving; knowing that although Sabera and Isaad are fictional, the horrors depicted here are not.
Frankie never accepts payment for her investigations, instead finding local work where she can. This time her enquiries about a position which also provides bed and board, finds her offered the role before she has time to even think. In a book which is so emotionally draining, Frankie's tribulations in her new job offer some much needed light relief and returning readers will enjoy the running theme regarding her relationship with some unusual housemates. However, it is through her position here that Frankie meets and joins forces with an eclectic bunch of people who are drawn into helping her. One of the most interesting aspects of Frankie's character is that although she refuses to be tied to one place, her troubled childhood and adolescence has left her constantly craving some sort of connection and acceptance from others. Roberta, Marc, Gennie and especially Daryl are wonderfully authentic characters whose support proves to be vital to Frankie on both a practical and emotional level. She is such a vulnerable, flawed character, in spite of her dogged determination in the face of danger and this is more evident than ever here as she questions whether she made the right decision walking away from the chance to feel secure and accepted.
As the investigation progresses, conflicting evidence about Sabera tests Frankie like never before. Her presence at a brutal murder scene, followed by more startling revelations mean it's impossible to know why she has disappeared and what she is capable of. What does become evident, however, is that her brilliant mind had a particular aptitude for puzzles and codes and that little Zahra understands far more than the average four-year old. Zahra also has an unusual ability which, considering everything she has been through in her short life, is more a terrible burden than a gift. It is plain throughout that Zahra is sought after by others and that there are dangerous people involved who will stop at nothing to get what they want. The sense of danger is almost palpable and Kiss Her Goodbye is an intense, exciting read packed with heartstopping twists and turns.
Kiss Her Goodbye is an intricately plotted, electrifying thriller and a searingly timely, bittersweet examination of what it means to belong. The best so far in a series which always delivers; very highly recommended.
Kiss Her Goodbye is published by Century Books, a Penguin imprint. Purchasing links can be found here but please support independent bookshops when possible.
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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. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide) and has made personal appearances on TruTV and CNN.
About the Author
Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, while also receiving the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter. Finally, Lisa received the Silver Bullet Award from the International Thriller Writers in 2017 for her work on behalf of at-risk children and the Humane Society.
For a bit of fun, Lisa invites her readers to enter the annual “Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy” Sweepstakes at LisaGardner.com. Every year, one Lucky Stiff is selected to meet a grand end in Lisa’s latest novel. Past winners have nominated spouses, best friends and even themselves.
Lisa lives in New Hampshire where she spends her time with an assortment of canine companions. When not writing, she loves to hike, garden, snowshoe and play cribbage.
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