4 ⭐️

THE MISSING HALF by Ashley Flowers and Alex Kiester

Is this the most unique premise? Probably not, but I thought it was well-executed for what it was. Nicole is struggling with alcoholism after her big sister disappeared 7 years ago. Kasey’s body was never found, and when Jenna - whose sister also disappeared around the same time - asks Nicole to become an amateur sleuth with her, the sleuthing gives Nicole some purpose. Nicole is a messy character, which adds a wrinkle to the sleuthing. 

➕ Quick, propulsive read

➕ I really liked the first person narration, and I liked our flawed main character Nicole. 

➖ Not a unique premise

➖ Sometimes it felt like it got lost in the weeds, but even when it did, I was still invested. 

This is an ideal book for the beach. Not too long, not a complicated plot, not too many characters, not high literature but still well-written, engaging story. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review. 

It publishes May 6, 2025.