Gone Before Goodbye

Book Review
Gone Before Goodbye

January 30, 2026

Harlan Coben, Reese Witherspoon
October 16, 2025

READ VIA: I was #gifted a copy by @hachetteaudio ABOUT: Maggie McCabe, a former Army surgeon and nonprofit darling, is now financially and professionally ruined. When a former colleague of her mother’s suggests she work off the books for a Russian oligarch, she is just desperate enough to take him up on it. What unfolds is a twisty, revelation-filled trip around the world that kept me entertained as the secrets unfolded. MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this story. Perhaps it’s because I read so few thrillers that the fast pace, high-stakes writing just enthralled me. Also, I unknowingly picked up a book about medical tech, which overlapped with some of my real-life interests. I found Maggie’s complexity extremely interesting, especially in how the authors chose to portray her grief. The secondary characters were well-crafted, and the ever-changing relationships kept the reader (or listener, in my case) extremely engaged. I felt some plot points might have been predictable, but I don’t read enough thrillers to spot them. I loved the character of Maggie’s father-in-law and felt he brought a lot of warmth to the otherwise fast-moving plot. AUDIO: Ya’ll, this narration was phenomenal, a full cast narration featuring Reese Witherspoon, who I wish narrated more because she absolutely captured her character. Chris Pine was incredible, and I am begging the universe to have him narrate more books. The rest of the cast was outstanding, and the audio definitely enhanced my experience with the book. SIMILAR BOOKS: I saw several reviews say this felt like a Harlan Coben novel. I have never read his books, so take that as you will. This felt like it could be a great one on film, however. SHOULD YOU READ: I highly suggest listening to this audiobook when you need an engaging read!

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READ VIA:
I was #gifted a copy by @hachetteaudio

ABOUT:
Maggie McCabe, a former Army surgeon and nonprofit darling, is now financially and professionally ruined. When a former colleague of her mother’s suggests she work off the books for a Russian oligarch, she is just desperate enough to take him up on it. What unfolds is a twisty, revelation-filled trip around the world that kept me entertained as the secrets unfolded.

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this story. Perhaps it’s because I read so few thrillers that the fast pace, high-stakes writing just enthralled me. Also, I unknowingly picked up a book about medical tech, which overlapped with some of my real-life interests. I found Maggie’s complexity extremely interesting, especially in how the authors chose to portray her grief.
The secondary characters were well-crafted, and the ever-changing relationships kept the reader (or listener, in my case) extremely engaged. I felt some plot points might have been predictable, but I don’t read enough thrillers to spot them.

I loved the character of Maggie’s father-in-law and felt he brought a lot of warmth to the otherwise fast-moving plot.

AUDIO:
Ya’ll, this narration was phenomenal, a full cast narration featuring Reese Witherspoon, who I wish narrated more because she absolutely captured her character. Chris Pine was incredible, and I am begging the universe to have him narrate more books. The rest of the cast was outstanding, and the audio definitely enhanced my experience with the book.

SIMILAR BOOKS:
I saw several reviews say this felt like a Harlan Coben novel. I have never read his books, so take that as you will. This felt like it could be a great one on film, however.

SHOULD YOU READ: I highly suggest listening to this audiobook when you need an engaging read!

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