If you are looking for a book that will suck you in look no further. This book started out with a bang and ended with one. It’s been some time since I’ve read a thriller and this one didn’t disappoint. You will be taken on a roller coaster of a journey. Some parts will take you up, down and upside down and others will leave you wanting to speed things up a bit. I’m not very good at seeing what’s coming next, so for people like me you won’t see the twist coming. By the time this one ended I was still left with questions because I over analyze everything! Overall though I did enjoy this one and recommend it!

Received an arc for a honest review.

Writing a review for this book without starting with WTF was that twist would be wrong, so WTF was that twist? It is rare that I do not see something coming in my reads, but Tarryn Fisher tends to be the one that catches me off guard and she certainly did with Good Half Gone. With a slow, character-focused start and a break-neck finish, Good Half Gone is a psychological thriller that takes readers into the mind of the twin left behind after a kidnapping. We follow this twin, Iris, as she continues to chase answers into adulthood, all the way to Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. At Shoal Island we meet a host of individuals, all of whom are psycholigically impacted by their time at this remote location and their time with the patients. From wild art to unbelievable stories, Iris gives the hospital her all, taking everything in, because time and dedication means she'll soon be behind the locked down D dorm doors and with the person who holds they key to her sisters disapearance. Of course, it wouldn't be a Fisher novel without twist upon twist upon twist. Things are much more sinister than just a pile of criminals on an island.

Iris is a difficult character, but who wouldn't be a difficult person with the childhood experiences she had. She is hardened, distrusting, and driven to the point of obsession. Her path to the truth has left little time for anything else and also leaves her suspectible to naivety once amongst the criminals. As we slide into the past, watching young Iris face disinterested police, we are gifted with the realities of just how little others truly understand about her sister's case. It is a twisted web and one that has to be read to be understood. I couldn't put it down, even as each twist left me in unbelievable shock, unprepared and unaware of how each would change the story. If it were not for some plot holes and characters that are built up, then lost, this would be a five star read for me. It is so different to what else is out there, but looses some of its oomph through pieces of the web not tying in.

Readers are going to love this thriller from Fisher and for fans like me, it's as clever and dark as she comes.

Synopsis:

Iris narrowly escaped her pretty, popular twin sister’s fate as a teen: kidnapped, trafficked and long gone before the cops agreed to investigate. With no evidence to go on but a few scattered memories, the case quickly goes cold. As an adult, Iris wants proof, and she's willing to find it her own way; by interning at the Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane, where secrets lurk in the shadows and are kept under lock and key. But Iris soon realizes that something even more sinister is simmering beneath the surface of the Shoal, and that the patients aren’t the only ones being observed…

Review:

This book went between present day and back to the time of the kidnapping, which kept me engaged as I tried to reconcile what was happening now with what happened then. I've always been fascinated by twins and their special connection and this book highlighted that as well as the frustrations that can come with it. I had no clue what was coming so I really appreciated the suspenseful build up and the twists that came at the end.

Thank you @htpbooks for my digital ARC!

3.5⭐️ I’m starting to think Tarryn Fisher may be a little bit bonkers. These books she writes are all over the place! Good Half Gone is the story of Iris who is trying to get justice for her sister Piper who was abducted and/or murdered years prior. Iris inserts herself into a hospital for the criminally insane as an intern, hoping to find the man who killed her. She finds him alright.

This was a fun read, and I was definitely curious to see how it would play out. However, I thought there were a lot of loose ends and there was so much happening by the end that I definitely don’t think it was all tied together as nicely as it could have been. I also saw the “twist” coming relatively early on. Still an enjoyable book, though!

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of this ebook!

Good Half Gone’s premise was promising but the ending ruined the entire book.

Iris narrowly escaped being kidnapped as a teen, but she lives with survivor’s guilt. Her sister was drugged, thrown in a car, and taken away. The cops don’t believe Iris and claim the sister ran away. At least her grandmother believes her and helps push the cops. But because they waited so long; the trail goes ice cold. Now grown, she is beginning a work-study at the Shoal Island Hospital for criminals with mental illnesses. But Iris has ulterior motives; someone there knows something about her sister.

I really liked Iris and her desire to get justice for her sister. She’s the kind of character I like to read about. She is also in a common family set-up that has been popular of late: siblings being raised by grandparents because of something bad with their parents. I was glad to see that she was able to be a good mom even with everything she had gone through.

The story setup is confusing. The story goes back and forth between past and present for chapters until it suddenly stops once the author no longer needs the shock factor. The reader loses the pattern and is questioning because no one has said what is actually going on with the sister. In the present, a lot of things happen but it’s of very little consequence. Only Iris's romance has any payoff when the entire story comes crumbling down and the pace goes at a frenzy.

Though I liked Iris, I just can’t with this book. Tarryn Fisher creates a conspiracy that would never, ever happen in the real world. In fact, she doesn’t explain well enough how it happened in the fictional world! I lost all suspension of disbelief even though I did call it one of the twists. The last quarter of the book is outrageous and I just wanted to throw the book against the wall (but since I read on my phone, I did not).

Good Half Gone is mistitled as clearly Iris is the good half. She’s a great character. But the plot is ridiculous. This one gets both thumbs down.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing for the book #GoodHalfGone. This book is about a twin that was abducted years earlier and the search her sister is doing to find her. I loved everything about this book-the abduction, the baby, the lengths he sister is willing to go to find her and the amazing plot twist at the ending. Highly recommend.

Tarryn Fisher's highly anticipated latest novel, "Good Half Gone," is set to hit bookshelves on March 19th, 2024. This thrilling and suspenseful read is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow main character Iris on her quest to find answers about her twin sister's abduction. What happened to Piper? And is there still hope for her safe return? With a captivating dual timeline structure and well-developed characters, "Good Half Gone" is a must-read for fans of both Tarryn Fisher and the thriller genre alike.

Good Half Gone is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. From the first page, the heart-wrenching event of Piper's abduction draws readers into the story and sets the stage for a tale of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.

The protagonist, Iris, is a relatable and strong-willed character whose unwavering determination to find her sister is both admirable and inspiring. As she sets out to uncover the truth behind her sister's abduction, readers can't help but sympathize with her and share in her hopes and fears. Fisher does an excellent job of immersing readers in Iris's relentless pursuit for answers, making us feel as though we are right by her side every step of the way.

One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is how Fisher seamlessly weaves together two distinct timelines – one in the present and one in the past. This narrative technique not only adds depth to the story but also allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of Iris's character development. Through flashbacks, we witness the formative experiences that shaped Iris and her relationship with her sister and grandmother, as well as the struggles they faced with a neglectful mother. These scenes are depicted with raw emotion and honesty, making it easy for readers to empathize with the characters and understand their motivations.

The setting of Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane adds a chilling element to the story, and Fisher's vivid descriptions make it feel like a character in itself. As Iris delves deeper into the mysteries of the hospital, the tension and suspense build, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns. While the ending of the book delivers a thrilling and fast-paced conclusion, some may find themselves grappling with moments that require a suspension of disbelief. Despite this minor caveat, "Good Half Gone" remains a captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. Fisher's sharp and engaging writing style shines throughout the novel, drawing readers into a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and unyielding determination.

Overall, Good Half Gone is a well-crafted and gripping novel that explores themes of family, trauma, and the power of determination. Fisher's writing is engaging and emotive, drawing readers into the story and making it difficult to put the book down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a suspenseful and emotionally charged read. Tarryn Fisher has once again proven her talent as a writer, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Recommended for fans of the thriller genre and for those who can set aside skepticism and enjoy a good book for the pleasure it brings. It is a captivating story with strong characters and a compelling plot which is why I have given it a 4 out of 5 star rating.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Tarryn Fisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Overall, I recommend Good Half Gone for fans of the thriller genre and for those who can set aside skepticism and enjoy a good book for the pleasure it brings. It is a well-crafted and captivating story with strong characters and a compelling plot which is why I have given it a 4 out of 5 star rating. Tarryn Fisher has once again proven her talent as a writer, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing-Graydon House, and Tarryn Fisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.

You could probably predict from the title Good Half Gone that this is about a set of twins, but that’s all you can predict with this thriller! Thank you SO much @netgalley and @htpbooks for gifting me access to this book.

This story is told in two timelines (past and present) following a sister searching for her twin who was abducted in front of her when they were fifteen. While the police think Piper is a runaway at first, Iris knows she wasn’t and will stop at nothing to find her.

There are quite a few twists and turns and just when you think you have it figured out- you realize you don’t! The ending is quite surprising and would make an epic scene in a movie!

This book sucked me in from the beginning and I could not put it down. The raw emotions from Iris and her fight to try and advocate for her sister are incredible as she becomes obsessed with finding answers to what happened to Piper. I loved every bit of it until about 87%. Then ... what in the actual hell? We go from trying to find kidnappers to a murderer and the turn of events are actually ridiculous. The twist at the end is so unrealistic that I'm actually angry about it. For the majority of this book it is so well paced, there's a creepy factor underlying and then....

**************** SPOILER ***********************

The doctor of the mental hospital is actually an inmate with plastic surgery? ARE YOU SERIOUS? This feels like when you're sick as a kid and fall asleep on the couch on a sick day and wake up in the afternoon and the TV is on some soap opera and you giggle to yourself at the ridiculous story line. The people in charge are INMATES!?!? Are you kidding me? This is .... I can't even put into words how absolutely annoyed I am.

How did Dr Grayson/Jude get an apartment?
Did NOBODY notice? Really? 100 staff members and they just went with it? Oh okay they killed anyone who said anything... yeah okay.

I am actually so annoyed with this book because it was SO GOOD. If it had been ridiculous from the beginning then I wouldn't feel like a major bait and switch happened.

Iris, a girl who watches her twin get abducted and no one takes her seriously. She spends the next decade in a pursuit of justice, ending up with an internship on Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. She has taken matters into her own hands and is trying to get close to the man she believes killed her sister. Leaving her grandmother and son at home, she works to get into the secure unit where the most dangerous criminals are kept. But there are roadblocks, and Iris has to be careful or she will be in just as much trouble as her sister was....

I am a little torn on this book. I had high hopes as Tarryn Fisher's past novels have not disappointed. I really enjoyed the setting of an island with a psych hospital. I really enjoyed the back story as well for Iris. There were so many details that seemed irrelevant to me and ended up being loose ends. I also felt there were some plot holes. 3 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you to @netgalley & the publisher for the eARC.

I’ve been a fan of Tarryn Fisher’s since I read her book THE WIVES a few years ago & couldn’t wait to read her newest book! Right away we learn that our MC, Iris has taken a job on Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. I’m a big fan of isolated & creepy settings for thrillers. Shoal Island was the perfect spot to set the scene for our story & to add to the suspense as the story unfolds. This story is told in 2 timelines which helped to keep the pace of the hook up. Both storylines were so intriguing! The chapters were short making this book feel like an even quicker read!

The first half of the book was lacking a little bit in suspense but the story that was being told in the past was so interesting that I didn’t care. When things really started to happen I felt like the ending wrapped up very quickly. There were so many twists & curveballs & it was moving so fast that I really had to stop & think about what I had read when I finished. I devoured this book in the span of 24hrs because it was so fast moving & exciting. I truly enjoyed it so much!

This ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a wild plot! This was very suspenseful and creepy. Iris was a strong MC and I could see a lot of myself in her. I really enjoyed her relationship with her Gram. Sometimes I felt like I missed something while reading but really it wasn’t told to the reader yet. While I guess that was intentional it wasn’t really something I enjoyed. The incompetent police were soooooo frustrating in this one! I would have lost my mind if I had to deal with them. The ending had me shook as I was complete surprised.

Iris and her twin, Piper were out at the movies one evening and Piper was kidnapped. No one believes Iris. The cops just think she ran away. But Iris knows the truth and she will not rest until all the secrets are revealed.

Give me a novel with family secrets and a creepy asylum and you have a winner. This one has all of the above.

Iris is a character that my heart went out to. She has been raised by her grandmother because her mother is addicted to drugs. Then her sister is kidnapped. But that is not all, a baby has been dropped off at her house and it is Piper’s, her kidnapped sister!! So, where is Piper???

This story just kept twisting and revolving and I was there for all of it! I wanted more! Great characters, great setting and don’t forget all the secrets!

Need a good thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Good Half Gone follows Iris who can’t seem to shake the mystery of watching her twin sister Piper be kidnapped in front of her when they were 15. The case has gone cold, no one really believed that Piper was kidnapped and wasn’t just a runaway, but Iris is convinced that the man who did this is at a hospital for violent patients. Iris gets a job there and works to uncover the truth.

The premise of this one was so intriguing and I loved the remote setting of the hospital on an island. Immediately I was sucked in and hoping for big reveals and surprises.

I felt like the timeline was a little confusing at times between past and present. It wasn’t clearly stated if this was the story of the kidnapping or this was present day. There also was a lot of build up for maybe just the last 15% of action which didn’t satisfy me the way that I wanted it too, but books are subjective and you might love the way this one ends!

Check this one out if you like ;
🌊 remote hospital island settings
🌊 missing person storylines
🌊 exploration of grief
🌊 some sweet family dynamics (a moment for Cal!!!!)

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! out now! 3/19!

If you love a fast-paced thriller with an unexpected ending, this is your book.

Iris has never gotten over her twin sister, Piper's, kidnapping - and the lack of help from the police. With the case gone cold, Iris decides to finish the investigation herself and lands the perfect internship at Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. She believes her sister's killing was sentenced there and her plan is to find him under the guise of this internship. It turns out that the inmates are not the only ones being observed. I loved the storyline and was genuinely surprised at the ending, but there were several threads along the way that never clearly revealed their purpose. That being said, it's an easy, fast read that will entertain and surprise you.

To tell a really good mystery/thriller, you must set the scene. An asylum for the criminally insane is a plus. A twin sister lost many years ago gives the characters a reason to be digging in dangerous territory. A sorta romance with a young good looking doctor, a distraction that's covering up a criminal act....oh yes. Add in a first class author who's really good at hiding clues and tying up a story with some misguided twists. You'd find Tarryn Fisher's GOOD HALF GONE, as in the good half of a set of twins. Fisher took what sounded close to a hundred other plot lines and stirred in her own brand of original clues to give readers the story they deserved. Will Iris find Piper? I'll never tell.....you need to read the book.

From the terribly twisted and fabulous mind of Ms. Fisher comes a harrowing tale of love loss and the determination of family.

This is the story of Iris and Piper, twins in looks only. They are polar opposites when it comes to their behavior and style and that's just fine.

When tragedy occurs and Iris and Piper are separated, you get to see the absolute determination from Iris to find her sister. She does anything and everything possible. Taking years away from living her own life, she does what it takes to get to the end of the story, what really happened to her sister.

This story is going to keep you on the edge of your seat. There is mystery, lies and surprises aplenty. And the ending...gahhhh! The ending is superb! You never know what you are going to get when you crack open a Tarryn Fisher book. Every time I think she can't come up with something as twisted as her last story, she blows it away!

This is the first Tarryn Fisher book I read. I enjoy her writing a lot! The beginning through about 75% had me so hooked and I couldn't put the book down and couldn't stop reading. The ending wasn't it for me. It didn't seem realistic and it needed something different. I would of liked more details in some of the situations that happened throughout the book to wrap up the book.

Tarryn’ Fisher’s latest thriller is full of twists and turns that will give you whiplash.

Good Half Gone follows Iris who at age 15 witnessed her sisters kidnapping. After little to no help from the police over the years her sisters case goes cold. Now Iris is an adult and has secured an internship at the isolated Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. There Iris hopes to finally get answers about her sister, but soon Iris discovers things aren’t quite as they seem and something more sinister might be going on at the hospital on the island.

I went into this book blind as I always do with Tarryn’s books and I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoyed the story and the past and present timeline was interesting and compelling which kept me fully engaged and feverishly turning pages. I loved reading especially about life at the island hospital, it was creepy and I found myself looking forward to those chapters. The past storyline was great in helping understand Iris’s mind and the crappy police work that lead her to her decisions now. There were a few inconsistencies that bothered me and a few things/characters I wanted more of especially as the ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed the book it was exciting, twisty, and an enjoyable read!

If you’re craving a good twisty thriller with a mystery that will keep you turning pages and searching for answers, this is the book for you!

Nearly 10 years ago, Iris's twin Piper was kidnapped right in front of her. Now, she takes an internship at Shoal Island Hospital, where she thinks one of the kidnappers is a patient.

This is the third book I have read by this author and unfortunately it was my least favorite. While I liked the alternating chapters of past and present, the story felt too forced and far-fetched. Some of the twists were super predictable and the ending was absolutely bonkers.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.