1. About the Author: Ashley Flowers
Ashley Flowers is a rising voice in modern psychological thrillers. Before venturing into fiction, she gained wide recognition as the creator and host of the popular true-crime podcast Crime Junkie. Her storytelling roots lie in real-life crimes, and she skillfully translates that intensity and suspense into her novels.
Her debut novel All Good People Here became a New York Times bestseller, and The Missing Half further solidifies her reputation with sharp narratives, well-paced plotting, and emotionally layered characters.
2. About the Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld & Ashley Flowers
Saskia Maarleveld is an award-winning voice actress, known for her versatility and emotional range. She has received accolades like the Audie Award and is widely praised for breathing life into complex characters.
In The Missing Half audiobook, she is joined by Ashley Flowers herself, who narrates selected chapters. The combination delivers an immersive and emotionally charged listening experience, adding unique authenticity to the story’s more intimate moments.
3. Book Overview: The Missing Half
The Missing Half is a psychological thriller that centers on two women—Nic Monroe and Jenna Connor—whose older sisters, Kasey and Jules, go missing just two weeks apart. Their separate but parallel investigations uncover haunting secrets, painful truths, and an intricate web of deception that links their stories in unexpected ways.
The novel explores themes of sisterhood, grief, trauma, and buried family secrets—all wrapped in a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. The book has an average rating of 4.3/5 on Amazon, based on over 2,000 reviews. Though it hasn’t yet won major awards, it was a top-selling title on Audible and Barnes & Noble in its first month of release.
4. Book Review: The Missing Half – In-Depth Analysis
The Missing Half earns high marks for its layered plot and suspenseful pacing. Ashley Flowers masterfully unveils twists that are impossible to predict, keeping readers on edge with each chapter. The emotional depth of the protagonists makes their journey relatable and gripping.
Strengths of the book include fast pacing, unpredictable twists, and its exploration of grief and resilience. However, some readers felt the ending was slightly rushed, and others found Nic’s emotional decisions difficult to empathize with.
Nonetheless, the novel is a clear success. As Publisher’s Weekly notes:
“Flowers proves again she’s a master of pacing and suspense. The Missing Half will keep you listening until the final reveal.”
5. Audiobook Review: A Powerful Listening Experience
The audiobook version of The Missing Half is a major highlight. With Saskia Maarleveld’s nuanced narration and Ashley Flowers’ own voice in key sections, the story takes on cinematic intensity.
Maarleveld’s ability to shift between characters and emotional tones enhances the listening experience, making the audiobook feel like a dramatic performance rather than just a reading. Flowers’ participation adds a layer of realism and personal touch, particularly in reflective and emotional scenes.
AudioFile Magazine rated the audiobook 4.6/5 and praised it as:
“Saskia Maarleveld breathes life into each chapter, while Flowers’ own narration adds authenticity to an already powerful story.”
6. Who Should Read This Book?
The Missing Half is perfect for:
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Fans of psychological thrillers and family drama
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Listeners of Crime Junkie podcast looking for fictional storytelling with true-crime vibes
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Readers who enjoy emotional depth mixed with mystery and suspense
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Audiobook lovers seeking high-quality narration for immersive experiences
Its accessible language and intense atmosphere make it ideal for both seasoned thriller readers and those new to the genre.
7. Conclusion
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers is one of the standout thrillers of the year. With its gripping narrative, emotional stakes, and unforgettable audiobook experience, this novel deserves a spot on your reading (or listening) list.
If you’re in search of a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish—whether through the pages or your headphones—this is a must-read (and must-listen).
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook?
You can listen to The Missing Half on leading audiobook platforms:
Sign up for a membership to enjoy your first audiobook free and listen anytime, anywhere—whether you’re commuting, cooking, or winding down.
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