THE MISSING HALF by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the mysterious disappearance of two young women in August 2012 in a small Indiana town. They vanish without a trace, leaving behind abandoned cars, grieving sisters, and a haunting puzzle begging to be solved.

It’s now 2019—seven years later—and Nicole “Nic” Monroe is still reeling from the loss of her sister, Kasey. Stuck in a fog of grief and guilt, Nic works at a local arcade managed by a family friend, attends AA meetings, and serves community service after a DWI incident. Her life is stagnant—until Jenna Connor shows up, determined to investigate the unsolved case of their missing sisters. Though initially hesitant, Nic is swayed by Jenna’s belief that new evidence can be found. Their search leads them down a trail of buried secrets, illicit affairs, suspicious bosses, odd odometer readings, rural roads, and abandoned cars. But as they get closer to the truth, Jenna starts to pull away, prompting Nic to question what her new ally might be hiding—and what the truth could ultimately cost them both.

THE MISSING HALF is a tense, emotionally charged exploration of grief, addiction, loyalty, and sisterhood. The novel builds suspense through misdirection and startling revelations, drawing readers into a world of emotional scars and dark secrets. Nic is a layered protagonist—raw, impulsive, and struggling to move forward—while Jenna offers a calm, methodical counterbalance as the driving force behind the investigation. The pacing is strong, and the unfolding mystery keeps the tension high. While the story delivers a compelling twist, the ending may leave some readers questioning the choices made by characters they’ve invested in. Still, THE MISSING HALF delivers a chilling, engrossing read that will appeal to fans of twisty, dark crime thrillers.