Step into the gripping world of Frankie Elkin, where cold cases meet raw courage and redemption! Created by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner, the Frankie Elkin series follows a middle-aged recovering alcoholic who roams from city to city, solving missing persons cases that society has forgotten. With no badge, no home, and a backpack of regrets, Frankie’s relentless drive to find the lost makes her a unique heroine in the thriller genre, blending heart-pounding suspense with deep emotional stakes.
Frankie’s journey isn’t just about cracking cases—it’s about confronting her own demons. Her story resonates with readers who love complex characters, twisty plots, and themes of justice and healing. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this captivating series came to life and why it’s stealing hearts!
How Frankie Elkin Began
Lisa Gardner, a master of psychological thrillers, birthed Frankie Elkin after stumbling across an article about Lissa Yellowbird-Chase, a real-life woman who pursued cold cases of missing children, particularly those overlooked due to race or socioeconomic status. Inspired by this unsung hero, Gardner crafted Frankie—a flawed, everyday woman with no formal training but an unshakable mission to find the forgotten. Launched in 2021, the series marked Gardner’s first standalone venture in 20 years, introducing a character who’s both relatable and extraordinary.
The Heart of Frankie Elkin
The series kicks off with Before She Disappeared (2021), where Frankie heads to Mattapan, Boston, to find Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished from her high school. Facing resistance from police and the victim’s family, Frankie uncovers dangerous secrets in this fast-paced thriller. In One Step Too Far (2022), Frankie ventures into Wyoming’s wilderness to search for Timothy O’Day, a hiker missing for five years after a bachelor party gone wrong. The dense forests and hidden threats push her to her limits.
Still See You Everywhere (2024) takes Frankie to a remote Hawaiian atoll to locate Leilani Pierson, the long-lost sister of a serial killer facing execution. Racing against a tropical storm and a ticking clock, Frankie navigates a web of deception. The latest, Kiss Her Goodbye (2025), sees her in Tucson, Arizona, investigating the disappearance of Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi, entangled in a double murder mystery.
Gardner’s vivid settings—from Boston’s gritty streets to Wyoming’s untamed forests—ground the series’ suspense. Themes of redemption, guilt, and resilience shine through Frankie’s struggle with alcoholism and her haunting past. Her empathetic connection with victims’ families and her refusal to give up make each book a character-driven emotional rollercoaster, packed with twists and social commentary on issues like racism and human trafficking.
Why Frankie Elkin Resonates
The Frankie Elkin series has carved a niche in the thriller genre by spotlighting marginalized voices and forgotten cases. Fans praise Frankie’s grit and vulnerability, with reviews calling her 'a heroine for our turbulent times.' Her stories highlight the emotional toll of loss and the power of perseverance, earning starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist. With a limited series adaptation starring Hilary Swank in the works, Frankie’s reach is set to grow, cementing her as a beloved figure in crime fiction.
Gardner’s research-driven storytelling and knack for crafting broken yet fierce characters keep readers hooked. The series’ blend of suspense and heart appeals to those who crave more than just a whodunit—it’s a journey of hope and healing that lingers long after the final page.
- First Book Published: 2021 (Before She Disappeared)
- Number of Books: 4 (as of 2025)
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Notable Praise: Starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist
- Upcoming Adaptation: Limited series starring Hilary Swank
Grab Before She Disappeared and dive into Frankie Elkin’s thrilling world of mystery and redemption! Whether you’re a thriller junkie or just love a good underdog story, Frankie’s adventures will keep you turning pages late into the night.