It was nice to read a creative, inventive, original book like this. Did it go off the rails a bit? Yes. But did it also entertain me? Big time.

The character Iris is well developed, and you grow to want her to solve this crime and find peace. In the chapters that are about their childhood, you are drawn into the love/hate relationship of this set of identical twins. They are identical in looks, but not in personality. This conflict makes Iris feel survivor guilt when her twin is kidnapped and not her. As a reader, you want her to find the closure that she needs so that she can be happy in her life. This is combined with suspense filled chapters that at the beginning alternate between the present and the past. This leaves the reader wanting to keep going to find out what happens next in both timelines.
Fisher took a very familiar format of alternating chapters between past and present time, but added a new twist to it that made the book even more intriguing. The first 2/3 of the book, the chapters alternate between the time right after Piper was kidnapped and present time where adult Iris is trying to deal with the fallout of this childhood drama. Fisher wisely stopped the alternating chapters and told the present time narrative for the remainder of the book, keeping the momentum of the final push to resolution clearly on track. On the negative side, the last chapter was a disappointment. The story is resolved, but not in a way that felt very believable. It felt like Fisher tried to drop some hints that when looking back the reader was supposed to say, yeah, that all makes sense, but it didn’t. It didn’t feel possible.

Overall, this was a good book with a weak ending. I can’t say for sure that I would recommend it, but others have found that the fast-plot and the plot twists made it worth the read. I would give it 3 stars.

2.5 Stars

Another “new to me” author. The story starts with Iris Walsh on a call with 911. She has just witnessed her twin sister's kidnapping right in front of her eyes. Years later she is traumatized from the events that unfolded that night. She just can't get over the disappearance of her twin sister, Piper. What happened to Piper and is she still alive? With all of that being said, this book was a huge disappointment.

Unfortunately this book fell flat for me and I struggled with the pacing as it was all over the place. I was expecting a thriller with hopefully some twists, but that was not what I got. The storyline only finally started to picked up in the last quarter of the book.

The premise was intriguing: Iris is looking for the killer of her sister who was abducted when they were just kids. The system and criminal justice let both girls down, and left Iris with unanswered questions. Years later, she ends up working on an island at a facility for the criminally insane, where she thinks the person who is responsible for her sister's death resides. The place is creepy and filled with both patients and staff members who are...eccentric. It was supposed to be fast-paced, dark and suspenseful. However as I mentioned before, the first 60% of the book were some of the most uneventful pages of a thriller that l've ever read. Plus, even worse, I already was fairly certain that I knew exactly what the ending was going to be.

I'd like to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own. Expected Publication date March 19, 2024.

This book had so many twists and turns and constantly kept me guessing! The pacing was a bit off at times but I still enjoyed the story. The suspense built throughout the story and had me on the edge of my seat. My mouth dropped open in shock at some of the twists.

I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by Tara Sands. I wasn't really a big fan of this narrator.

I absolutely enjoyed this thriller read - I am a huge fan of Tarryn Fisher and she never disappoints.

I was not a fan of this book. It started strong and then fell completely flat for me. I would not recommend it, it was all over the place and seemed like two completely different books halfway through.

Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher dives deep into the complexities of identity, family secrets, and the blurred lines between truth and deception. Known for her dark, psychological storytelling, Fisher delivers a plot filled with twists, unreliable characters, and an undercurrent of suspense that keeps you guessing.

While the premise is gripping and the tension builds effectively, the pacing feels uneven at times, and some twists stretch believability. The emotional depth that Fisher often excels at feels somewhat muted here, leaving certain character motivations underexplored.

3 stars — a dark and twisty thriller with intriguing moments, though it doesn’t fully live up to its potential. Fans of psychological suspense may still enjoy the ride.

I enjoyed getting to meet Tarryn in person while she was in coastal NC! She was so relatable and hilarious and I absolutely love her as a person. That being said, I don't think this book lived up to the hype. It took me a while to get into it that I was able to keep putting it down and starting something new and just never really interested in coming back to it. I have read other Tarryn books that I enjoyed so I know I will try any future books but I think this one just wasn't for me.

i was excited to dive into this one - it was my first book by Taryn Fisher and won’t be the last, but this book fell flat for me. i thought the plot and setting were very intriguing and the book overall was a quick read, but i felt that the ending was a little too outlandish for me.

What?! This was a quick read but I had to question the decisions of Iris through the book. I was interested all the way to the end and it was and wasn’t what I was expecting. I look forward to Tarryn’s next book!

Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher is a psychological thriller that follows Iris, a woman whose life has been overshadowed by the mysterious disappearance of her twin sister, Piper. The story opens with a chilling event from their childhood when Piper is abducted in broad daylight, and Iris narrowly escapes the same fate. Despite Iris’s desperate search for answers, the case grows cold with no evidence and the police considering Piper a runaway. For years, Iris is consumed by the question: where did Piper go?

With a criminal psychology degree in hand, Iris decides to take matters into her own hands, securing an internship at an isolated psychiatric hospital on Shoal Island. Here, she hopes to track down a key figure who might hold the answers to Piper’s disappearance. But as Iris digs deeper, she uncovers a web of dark secrets at the hospital, where both patients and staff seem to be hiding more than they’re letting on. Soon, it becomes clear that something much more sinister lurks beneath the surface of Shoal Island, and Iris may be in more danger than she ever anticipated.

Tarryn Fisher’s Good Half Gone offers an intriguing premise and a compelling setting, drawing readers into the mystery of Piper’s disappearance. The dual timelines—past and present—add depth to the narrative and keep the suspense building, as Iris’s obsessive search for her sister contrasts with her current investigation into the psychiatric hospital. Fisher excels in creating an eerie atmosphere, with the secluded hospital on Shoal Island acting almost like a character in itself, hiding its secrets just out of reach.

That said, while I enjoyed the overall concept of the story, I couldn’t help but feel that the execution fell a bit short. The pacing was uneven at times, and I found that some of the twists, particularly toward the end, were fairly predictable. While the story held my interest, the resolution felt a little too neat and unrealistic, which detracted from the overall impact.

For those who enjoy a slow-burn mystery with a focus on psychology and suspense, Good Half Gone offers an intriguing experience. However, if you’re seeking a thriller with unexpected, jaw-dropping twists, this might not hit the mark for you. Ultimately, while I found the story enjoyable enough, it didn’t leave a lasting impression, and the ending was a bit of a letdown.

A Decent Read with Some Frustrations

Tarry Fisher’s Goos Half Gone is an intriguing story with a compelling premise, but it left me with mixed feelings. The book starts strong, drawing you in with its mysterious atmosphere and intriguing characters. Fisher’s writing style is engaging, and there are moments of brilliance in the storytelling.

However, the pacing feels uneven at times, with sections that drag while others rush through important developments. Some plot points felt underdeveloped, and I found myself wanting more depth in certain character arcs. While the book kept me interested enough to finish, it didn’t quite deliver the suspenseful impact I was hoping for.

Overall, it’s a decent read, especially for fans of the genre, but it didn’t fully meet its potential. A solid 3-star experience—good, but not great.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

Tarryn Fisher’s Good Half Gone dives into the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup, but it’s not your typical "pick yourself up and move on" story. Instead, it’s a complex journey through obsession, regret, and the messiness of love lost. The protagonist, Wren, is stuck in a cycle of reflection and emotional turbulence, unable to fully let go of a past relationship. It’s raw, it’s real, and at times, it’s a little too much to stomach.

Fisher’s writing captures Wren’s inner turmoil well, giving us a protagonist who is both frustrating and fascinating. The emotional depth is there, but it sometimes feels like the same themes are being hashed over repeatedly without much progress. The pacing is slow, with the story dragging a bit as Wren continues to circle the same thoughts like a dog chasing its tail.

The twists and revelations are interesting, but they come a little too late in the game to fully redeem the story. The complexity of Wren’s emotions is engaging, but there’s only so much self-reflection one reader can take before they start wondering if maybe they need a break.

Good Half Gone is an emotional read, but while it will resonate with some, others may find themselves wishing for more plot and less introspection. It’s a journey, but not a particularly fast-paced one.

This was a wild ride, and I was totally here for it! Tarryn Fisher does it again!

#GoodHalfGone
#NetGalley

Tarryn Fisher delivers another masterful psychological thriller with Good Half Gone, a story that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go until the final, jaw-dropping twist. Known for her dark and twisty narratives, Fisher proves once again why she’s a standout in the thriller genre. Fans of The Wives and An Honest Lie will feel right at home in this gripping tale, while The Wrong Family doubters may find their faith restored.

The story revolves around Iris Walsh, a determined and haunted protagonist who refuses to let go of the day her twin sister, Piper, was kidnapped before her very eyes. Now a decade later, Iris’s unyielding quest for answers leads her to Shoal Island Hospital, where she believes the man responsible for her sister’s disappearance may be held as a patient. As Iris works as an intern, her pursuit for justice becomes tangled with the hospital’s secrets, her own sanity, and an unlikely romance with the enigmatic Dr. Leo Grayson.

Fisher’s writing is razor-sharp, keeping readers questioning the line between reality and madness. The atmosphere at Shoal Island Hospital is chillingly reminiscent of Shutter Island, with shades of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest adding depth to the psychological tension. The narrative masterfully intertwines Iris’s personal vendetta, her complex relationships, and her growing realization that the truth she’s chasing may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.

The characters shine in this novel, particularly Iris, whose grit and vulnerability make her a compelling lead. Her grandmother, a colorful figure with a rich and chaotic past, provides a delightful contrast to the otherwise dark tone of the book. The pacing is relentless, with curveballs thrown at every turn, culminating in an ending that is both shocking and satisfying.

While the sheer volume of twists might feel overwhelming for some, they are executed with precision, leaving readers breathless and hungry for answers. Fisher expertly balances suspense, emotion, and psychological complexity, making this an unputdownable read

Good Half Gone is a twisted book about twins ripped apart by a kidnapping in which one sister will go to any length to find her missing half, including taking on the job of a single mom, caregiver for her sick grandmother, and a job on an island, away from family 3 days a week. Her job to work at a secluded mental hospital is to help find what happened to her twin and possibly meet who was involved face to face.

This thriller has some amazing potential with kidnapping, traffciking, mental hospital on a usland in the middle of nowhere.....but for me I found it lacking in the excitement/thriller factor. Although there is a pretty decent twist at the very end I did not see coming, it was hard to connect on a personal level to the characters and it was definitely not a book I couldnt put down. It kept my attention but not enough to make me want to stay awake to find out what happens.

Over all it was a decent story and not too involved or lengthy. I will definitely read more books by Tarryn Fisher but this would not be an absolute favorite.

*Good Half Gone* by Tarryn Fisher is a dark, introspective novel that explores themes of love, obsession, and self-doubt. Fisher’s writing is sharp and raw, drawing readers into the complex emotions of the characters as they navigate broken relationships and personal turmoil. While the novel offers an intriguing look into the human psyche, its heavy, sometimes uncomfortable themes might not be for everyone, but it’s a compelling read for those who appreciate flawed characters and emotional depth.

My favorite author...writes the craziest mysteries. The writing is exquisite, the twists and turns are phenomenal, the ride is mesmerizing; you'll never see it coming!!! Fisher is a master in her craft and it definitely shows in this book. Iris' story is heartbreaking and thrilling all in the same sense. Once I picked it up, I could barely put it down!

I adored Good Half Gone! Twisty, and dark with a strong level of family drama. I wanted everyone to believe Piper, but at the same time, I didn’t know if I believed her! I kept second guessing everything I knew about the characters throughout the whole book!