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Long Time Gone: A Novel
A family goes to drastic lengths to protect their version of the truth in this dual-timeline rural debut mystery, perfect for readers of Kelly J. Ford and Hayley Scrivenor.
In the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the truth is whatever the Coldwater family says it is. When their prodigal daughter Jessica was murdered forty years ago, their truth was that Holly Prine killed her–regardless of Holly’s innocence.
But the Coldwaters aren’t the only reason private investigator Quinn Cuthridge hasn’t set foot in the town in nearly a decade. After her aunt sent her away when she was a teen, Quinn swore she’d never return. When she gets an unexpected call from her aunt’s ranch hand, Hunter, Quinn learns that her aunt has gone missing. Reluctantly, she returns to Wyoming to investigate and soon realizes that her aunt was getting dangerously close to long-buried Wonderland secrets, including who really murdered Jessica Coldwater.
As Hunter and Quinn dig into what lies in the Wyoming backcountry, attraction flares between the two women, complicating their investigation–and Quinn’s steadfast refusal to have any ties to Wonderland. With someone threatening Quinn and her own dark past echoing in the present, Quinn must struggle against her hometown and herself to find the truth in this rich queer mystery.
In the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the truth is whatever the Coldwater family says it is. When their prodigal daughter Jessica was murdered forty years ago, their truth was that Holly Prine killed her–regardless of Holly’s innocence.
But the Coldwaters aren’t the only reason private investigator Quinn Cuthridge hasn’t set foot in the town in nearly a decade. After her aunt sent her away when she was a teen, Quinn swore she’d never return. When she gets an unexpected call from her aunt’s ranch hand, Hunter, Quinn learns that her aunt has gone missing. Reluctantly, she returns to Wyoming to investigate and soon realizes that her aunt was getting dangerously close to long-buried Wonderland secrets, including who really murdered Jessica Coldwater.
As Hunter and Quinn dig into what lies in the Wyoming backcountry, attraction flares between the two women, complicating their investigation–and Quinn’s steadfast refusal to have any ties to Wonderland. With someone threatening Quinn and her own dark past echoing in the present, Quinn must struggle against her hometown and herself to find the truth in this rich queer mystery.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2024
36 people are currently reading
4871 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Martian
2 books47 followersHannah Martian (they/she) is a writer of queer crime fiction. She is a two-time graduate of Washington State University (MA '24, BA '20) and large portions of LONG TIME GONE may or may not have been written in class while "taking notes." Hannah currently lives in eastern Washington and is hard at work plotting her next (very gay) mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 29, 2024
I tucked in and had such a good time with this book. Right away, two characters pop up, both salty and primed to brawl with the world. Quinn Cuttridge has lived in Spokane by herself since she was 16, basically abandoned by an uncaring mother. She’s been apprenticing with a private investigator, acting as their assistant so she’s got some chops now even though she’s only 22. When Hunter Lemming calls to tell Quinn that her Aunt Cora has gone missing in Wyoming, Quinn heads back to the ranch where she spent summers as a child. It’s a bittersweet homecoming because Cora also sent her away when she was a teen. Like Quinn, Hunter is already life weary even though she’s just 21. Cora is not just her boss, she is the only person that Hunter trusts so in desperation, she contacted Quinn.
The author could have easily made Quinn and Hunter cliches but they’re fully realized characters, guarded but still pushing through as best as they can in a town and in a world where poor girls with no families are invisible. When Quinn and Hunter get past the animosity and begin to grow close as friends and then something more, the meeting is at times fractured but still a genuine reach for love. Now the past plays a big part in the mystery because 40 years prior to Cora’s disappearance, the town sweetheart, Jessica Coldwater was murdered. Her best friend, Holly, was suspected but never located after the death. The book alternates between each timeline, unraveling and revealing bit by bit which kept me reading late into the night, waiting for the outcome.
Read this book if you like good mysteries, small town nonsense, messy main characters, and well written debuts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The author could have easily made Quinn and Hunter cliches but they’re fully realized characters, guarded but still pushing through as best as they can in a town and in a world where poor girls with no families are invisible. When Quinn and Hunter get past the animosity and begin to grow close as friends and then something more, the meeting is at times fractured but still a genuine reach for love. Now the past plays a big part in the mystery because 40 years prior to Cora’s disappearance, the town sweetheart, Jessica Coldwater was murdered. Her best friend, Holly, was suspected but never located after the death. The book alternates between each timeline, unraveling and revealing bit by bit which kept me reading late into the night, waiting for the outcome.
Read this book if you like good mysteries, small town nonsense, messy main characters, and well written debuts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2024
There’s a lot to like in Hannah Martian’s accomplished debut that features the ice-queen (well, maiden), hometown-return, fish-out-of-water tropes all well used individually and together.
Hang in here for the slow burn, because along the way there’s some real depth and backstory reveals that hugely inform both the MCs. This gets a lot deeper than you might think, developing into a lot more than sassy must-be-detective trying hard to melt cold, ice maiden’s heart. Both girls have faced deep-set challenges in their young lives—and face others here and now—and both will have to confront those, individually and together. How that together might be you’ll enjoy finding out.
I love a good dual timeline narrative; I love a dual narrative style. I love it when I get both… especially when I wonder for a number of pages how they connect. And connect these Hannah Martian does very well, leading to a payoff and choices that will have huge consequences and ripples for many and for a long time. This is one of those novels that you enjoy immensely while reading, and that comes back to mind days and weeks afterwards, and is fully deserving of a five-star recommendation.
Ms. Martin’s debut is exceptionally good. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes up with next.
Thank you to the author, to Crooked Lane Books, and to NetGalley for the chance to read this and give my honest opinion.
Hang in here for the slow burn, because along the way there’s some real depth and backstory reveals that hugely inform both the MCs. This gets a lot deeper than you might think, developing into a lot more than sassy must-be-detective trying hard to melt cold, ice maiden’s heart. Both girls have faced deep-set challenges in their young lives—and face others here and now—and both will have to confront those, individually and together. How that together might be you’ll enjoy finding out.
I love a good dual timeline narrative; I love a dual narrative style. I love it when I get both… especially when I wonder for a number of pages how they connect. And connect these Hannah Martian does very well, leading to a payoff and choices that will have huge consequences and ripples for many and for a long time. This is one of those novels that you enjoy immensely while reading, and that comes back to mind days and weeks afterwards, and is fully deserving of a five-star recommendation.
Ms. Martin’s debut is exceptionally good. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes up with next.
Thank you to the author, to Crooked Lane Books, and to NetGalley for the chance to read this and give my honest opinion.
October 17, 2024
Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian had so much potential, but ultimately left me feeling dissatisfied.
As the story progressed, it became overly complicated, with drama that felt exaggerated and unconvincing. I was particularly disappointed by the relationship between Hunter and Quinn. There was something missing there—any real passion or connection. Instead, they came off as stereotypical characters, two traumatized people clinging to each other more because of shared pain than any genuine chemistry.
The mystery at the heart of the book also fell flat. It felt like it could have been wrapped up in a more satisfying way, but instead, the resolution was unconvincing. I was constantly distracted by how little actual investigation was happening. Quinn, supposedly an amazing private investigator, barely did any investigating and often came across as more of a frustrated, immature character than someone capable of leading a missing person's case.
Adding to my irritation were the constant sexual innuendos, which felt unnecessary and out of place in the story. Everyone seemed to be hiding key pieces of information, making the plot feel forced. Ultimately, Long Time Gone had an intriguing premise, but the execution just didn’t live up to its promise.
As the story progressed, it became overly complicated, with drama that felt exaggerated and unconvincing. I was particularly disappointed by the relationship between Hunter and Quinn. There was something missing there—any real passion or connection. Instead, they came off as stereotypical characters, two traumatized people clinging to each other more because of shared pain than any genuine chemistry.
The mystery at the heart of the book also fell flat. It felt like it could have been wrapped up in a more satisfying way, but instead, the resolution was unconvincing. I was constantly distracted by how little actual investigation was happening. Quinn, supposedly an amazing private investigator, barely did any investigating and often came across as more of a frustrated, immature character than someone capable of leading a missing person's case.
Adding to my irritation were the constant sexual innuendos, which felt unnecessary and out of place in the story. Everyone seemed to be hiding key pieces of information, making the plot feel forced. Ultimately, Long Time Gone had an intriguing premise, but the execution just didn’t live up to its promise.
July 24, 2024
While investigating the sudden disappearance of her aunt, Quinn can't help the sensual simmering energy between herself and ranch-hand Hunter. Despite their fiery dynamic, this duo might have what it takes to find Aunt Cora-- and maybe solve a thirty-year-old murder case, too. Martian's debut novel Long Time Gone has everything-- a small town mystery, a sapphic romance, and family secrets aplenty. This thriller will keep readers on the edge of their seat-- and yearning for more beyond the last page!
January 21, 2025
This was interesting. I liked the plot for 70% of the book. I really didn’t care for the ending. But the amount of lesbians (and they called themselves lesbians) was refreshing. The premise was really intriguing and Wyoming worked so well for the setting. I think the characters just fell a bit flat as well. But overall I recommend.
November 2, 2024
No money, no family, 16 in the middle of Spokane
September 7, 2024
Loud and proud lesbian PI Quinn Cuthridge comes back to Wonderland, Wyoming, when she gets a call from Hunter telling her that her aunt has disappeared. Quinn hasn't seen her aunt Cora for eight years since she sent Quinn away and told her she never wanted to see her again.
Quinn learns that her aunt was very interested in a forty-year-old mystery when Jessica Coldwater died and her best friend Holly Prine disappeared. It had been assumed that Holly had murdered Jessica but Aunt Cora didn't believe that.
Quinn finds herself investigating the old crime while she investigates her aunt's disappearance. She learns that the Coldwater name still holds vast importance in Wonderland, and no one wants the old crime investigated.
The book is told with a dual timeline so that we can find out what happened between Jessica and Holly who are beginning their own lesbian relationship and running afoul of the Coldwater matriarch. The parallels between Quinn's growing relationship with Hunter and Holly's with Jessica provide Mirrors of each other.
The story was interesting and the characters compelling. The twists and turns of the story provided all sorts of surprises.
Quinn learns that her aunt was very interested in a forty-year-old mystery when Jessica Coldwater died and her best friend Holly Prine disappeared. It had been assumed that Holly had murdered Jessica but Aunt Cora didn't believe that.
Quinn finds herself investigating the old crime while she investigates her aunt's disappearance. She learns that the Coldwater name still holds vast importance in Wonderland, and no one wants the old crime investigated.
The book is told with a dual timeline so that we can find out what happened between Jessica and Holly who are beginning their own lesbian relationship and running afoul of the Coldwater matriarch. The parallels between Quinn's growing relationship with Hunter and Holly's with Jessica provide Mirrors of each other.
The story was interesting and the characters compelling. The twists and turns of the story provided all sorts of surprises.
October 19, 2024
Let’s GOOO
November 11, 2024
3.5 Stars
January 18, 2024
I heard the author is like….super hot and funny too….five stars for that alone
November 12, 2024
Long Time Gone sucked me in so much that I finished the audiobook in a day. It’s told in two different timelines, with chapters alternating between the present, where Quinn and Hunter are searching for Quinn’s aunt while slowly getting to know and open up to each other, and the past leading up to the town’s cold case murder of Jessica Coldwater and the disappearance of Holly Prine. It was interesting, well written, and the plot was great, getting us there without telegraphing too much. I’m looking forward to more from this promising new author! 4.5 stars rounded up.
June 26, 2024
This book is a slow burn, but the underlying story is redeemable. I just kept getting frustrated at the constant sexual innuendos! It felt like it was every other paragraph. I found myself skipping at times. And she kept referring to the character Colton as “their” instead of “he”. It was very distracting. I do think this budding author has a career in writing ahead of her. She was very descriptive, and, as I said, her story was good. I liked the two timelines as well as the descriptions of the main characters travels! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
October 24, 2024
Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian was a dual timeline missing persons/murder mystery with a heavy dose of personal trauma for our two main characters. Quinn's estranged aunt went missing, and the unaccounted-for aunt's ranch hand, out of desperation, contacted her to return to the ranch to help locate her. Quinn was sent away from the ranch 8 years prior without explanation, so she wasn't keen to return.
Hunter considered Cora family after she was taken in by her when hers were killed in an accident. Quinn became a private investigator after she was sent away, and so became Hunter's last hope of finding Cora.
Their lives are mysteriously intertwined with a cold case murder the small conservative town of Wonderland, WY, wanted everyone to forget about.
Enemies-to-loves (though I am not exactly sure why they were enemies), Quinn and Ice-queen Hunter, had to unravel these mysteries and struggle with their baggage as they bonded over their past and present experiences.
There are some heavy topics such as homophobia, child rejection, abandonment, shading dealings, excessive drinking, murder, death of a loved one, religious oppression, and childhood trauma.
The passion between the two mains was palpable, although the actual spice was off page. It worked well. The twisting dual mysteries were engaging, and I didn't expect the ending.
The bittersweet ending gave closure and hope for the future.
I enjoyed the writing style and alternating timelines. The present-day perspective was delivered from Quinn's (foul-mouthed) point of view and worked for me.
Long Time Gone was an immersive, quick read. I was wrapped up in the story from beginning to end.
This felt like a debut novel with some of the pitfalls associated with that. There were some unanswered questions, etc. However, overall, I highly enjoyed it, and this author has tons of potential. I would absolutely sign up to read more from them.
#smalltown #conservativetown #Wyoming #enemie-to-lovers #traumabonding #dealthofalovedone #religiousoppression #homophobia #childrejection #abandonment #icequeen #excessivedrinking #dualtimeline #murder #ranchhand #privateinvestigator #bittersweetending #hometownreturn #city/rural #fishoutofwater #touchheranddie
I received this free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Hunter considered Cora family after she was taken in by her when hers were killed in an accident. Quinn became a private investigator after she was sent away, and so became Hunter's last hope of finding Cora.
Their lives are mysteriously intertwined with a cold case murder the small conservative town of Wonderland, WY, wanted everyone to forget about.
Enemies-to-loves (though I am not exactly sure why they were enemies), Quinn and Ice-queen Hunter, had to unravel these mysteries and struggle with their baggage as they bonded over their past and present experiences.
There are some heavy topics such as homophobia, child rejection, abandonment, shading dealings, excessive drinking, murder, death of a loved one, religious oppression, and childhood trauma.
The passion between the two mains was palpable, although the actual spice was off page. It worked well. The twisting dual mysteries were engaging, and I didn't expect the ending.
The bittersweet ending gave closure and hope for the future.
I enjoyed the writing style and alternating timelines. The present-day perspective was delivered from Quinn's (foul-mouthed) point of view and worked for me.
Long Time Gone was an immersive, quick read. I was wrapped up in the story from beginning to end.
This felt like a debut novel with some of the pitfalls associated with that. There were some unanswered questions, etc. However, overall, I highly enjoyed it, and this author has tons of potential. I would absolutely sign up to read more from them.
#smalltown #conservativetown #Wyoming #enemie-to-lovers #traumabonding #dealthofalovedone #religiousoppression #homophobia #childrejection #abandonment #icequeen #excessivedrinking #dualtimeline #murder #ranchhand #privateinvestigator #bittersweetending #hometownreturn #city/rural #fishoutofwater #touchheranddie
I received this free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
February 13, 2025
Rep: lesbian mcs, Black nonbinary side character
August 3, 2024
A lot of potential, unconvincing execution.
This is a debut novel, and I hope we‘ll get to hear more from this author, as she has a lot of potential. However, this book still feels rough around the edges, and it definitely read more like a romance novel than a mystery/novel of suspense for big parts of it (which was not to its advantage).
In „Long Time Gone“, twenty-two-year-old private investigator Quinn Cuthridge reluctantly travels to the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming following a call from her aunt Cora’s ranch hand, Hunter, informing her that Cora has been missing for two weeks. Following her abrupt departure from that same town eight years ago, Quinn had vowed never to return, and hasn’t spoken to her aunt since. While in Wonderland investigating Cora‘s disappearance, Quinn also learns of a local, decades-old cold case involving the murder of eighteen-year-old high school student Jessica Coldwater. In fact, Cora was looking into the Coldwater murder before she disappeared. Could the two cases be linked?
The whole premise of the book was intriguing and promising, as was the dual timeline, alternating between Quinn‘s grumbling return to Wyoming and the months before Jessica Coldwater‘s murder. I also liked the idea of Quinn as a gay lead/investigator.
Unfortunately, however, there was hardly any actual investigating done. There never seemed to be any urgency on behalf of either Quinn or Hunter to actually find Cora; the two women instead mostly spent their days sniping at each other and/or giving each other the silent treatment. I‘m guessing this was supposed to be the kind of meet-cute where the two romantic leads initially cannot seem to stand one another but will of course end up together. Unfortunately, there was nothing cute about it, and instead, the way these two kept lashing out at one another got old very quickly.
Their annoying, downright rude behavior was further complicated by the fact that it was also really hard to like either one of these women. Quinn, for all her boasting of having worked for one of the best PI‘s in Washington State, really does a poor job of finding out much of anything, and if she does, she just sits on that information for days on end before proceeding. She seems much more determined to lust after Hunter than to solve the mystery of her aunt‘s disappearance. And speaking of her boss/mentor, Quinn’s repeated complaining when said boss calls to check in on her (the audacity!) - even though she only wanted to take one week off work - is not a good look, making Quinn come across as whiny and entitled, and very much affirming the stereotype of Gen Z not having great work ethic. Hunter, for her part, may have asked Quinn for help, but then refuses to give her any vital information that could actually help the investigation while simultaneously continuing to run weird errands that take up entire days and have nothing to do with Cora‘s disappearance. Because of that, her attachment to Cora never seems quite credible.
The past timeline involving Jessica Coldwater works much better, and the revelation of how the past and the present connect is both complex and satisfying. Sadly, though, that revelation leads to a real character assassination of one of the book’s most likeable protagonists, and those are already few and far between.
As an aside, the book cannot seem to make up its mind if Jessica‘s murder, having taken place in August 1981, was thirty or forty years ago, with both numbers mentioned repeatedly. There are other consistency errors, such as an English teacher who „looked to be at least sixty-five“ in 1981 but who is described in the 30/40 year anniversary piece in the newspaper as having retired this past fall, after 43 years (which would make him either 95 or 105 at the time of his retirement). But these are editing oversights in my ARC that will hopefully be caught and corrected by the time the actual book hits the shelves, so they didn‘t affect my rating.
Overall, an intriguing story from a promising author, though the execution is not always convincing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Long Time Gone“ is slated to be released on October 15, 2024.
This is a debut novel, and I hope we‘ll get to hear more from this author, as she has a lot of potential. However, this book still feels rough around the edges, and it definitely read more like a romance novel than a mystery/novel of suspense for big parts of it (which was not to its advantage).
In „Long Time Gone“, twenty-two-year-old private investigator Quinn Cuthridge reluctantly travels to the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming following a call from her aunt Cora’s ranch hand, Hunter, informing her that Cora has been missing for two weeks. Following her abrupt departure from that same town eight years ago, Quinn had vowed never to return, and hasn’t spoken to her aunt since. While in Wonderland investigating Cora‘s disappearance, Quinn also learns of a local, decades-old cold case involving the murder of eighteen-year-old high school student Jessica Coldwater. In fact, Cora was looking into the Coldwater murder before she disappeared. Could the two cases be linked?
The whole premise of the book was intriguing and promising, as was the dual timeline, alternating between Quinn‘s grumbling return to Wyoming and the months before Jessica Coldwater‘s murder. I also liked the idea of Quinn as a gay lead/investigator.
Unfortunately, however, there was hardly any actual investigating done. There never seemed to be any urgency on behalf of either Quinn or Hunter to actually find Cora; the two women instead mostly spent their days sniping at each other and/or giving each other the silent treatment. I‘m guessing this was supposed to be the kind of meet-cute where the two romantic leads initially cannot seem to stand one another but will of course end up together. Unfortunately, there was nothing cute about it, and instead, the way these two kept lashing out at one another got old very quickly.
Their annoying, downright rude behavior was further complicated by the fact that it was also really hard to like either one of these women. Quinn, for all her boasting of having worked for one of the best PI‘s in Washington State, really does a poor job of finding out much of anything, and if she does, she just sits on that information for days on end before proceeding. She seems much more determined to lust after Hunter than to solve the mystery of her aunt‘s disappearance. And speaking of her boss/mentor, Quinn’s repeated complaining when said boss calls to check in on her (the audacity!) - even though she only wanted to take one week off work - is not a good look, making Quinn come across as whiny and entitled, and very much affirming the stereotype of Gen Z not having great work ethic. Hunter, for her part, may have asked Quinn for help, but then refuses to give her any vital information that could actually help the investigation while simultaneously continuing to run weird errands that take up entire days and have nothing to do with Cora‘s disappearance. Because of that, her attachment to Cora never seems quite credible.
The past timeline involving Jessica Coldwater works much better, and the revelation of how the past and the present connect is both complex and satisfying. Sadly, though, that revelation leads to a real character assassination of one of the book’s most likeable protagonists, and those are already few and far between.
As an aside, the book cannot seem to make up its mind if Jessica‘s murder, having taken place in August 1981, was thirty or forty years ago, with both numbers mentioned repeatedly. There are other consistency errors, such as an English teacher who „looked to be at least sixty-five“ in 1981 but who is described in the 30/40 year anniversary piece in the newspaper as having retired this past fall, after 43 years (which would make him either 95 or 105 at the time of his retirement). But these are editing oversights in my ARC that will hopefully be caught and corrected by the time the actual book hits the shelves, so they didn‘t affect my rating.
Overall, an intriguing story from a promising author, though the execution is not always convincing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Long Time Gone“ is slated to be released on October 15, 2024.
October 12, 2024
Great debut! I really liked the characters of Quinn and Hunter, and the dual timeline kept the suspense going until the end. Well-plotted and paced. I can't believe I didn't see the twist coming - but it was a good one!
In the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the truth is whatever the Coldwater family says it is. When their prodigal daughter Jessica was murdered forty years ago, their truth was that Holly Prine killed her–regardless of Holly’s innocence.
But the Coldwaters aren’t the only reason private investigator Quinn Cuthridge hasn’t set foot in the town in nearly a decade. After her aunt sent her away when she was a teen, Quinn swore she’d never return. When she gets an unexpected call from her aunt’s ranch hand, Hunter, Quinn learns that her aunt has gone missing. Reluctantly, she returns to Wyoming to investigate and soon realizes that her aunt was getting dangerously close to long-buried Wonderland secrets, including who really murdered Jessica Coldwater.
As Hunter and Quinn dig into what lies in the Wyoming backcountry, attraction flares between the two women, complicating their investigation–and Quinn’s steadfast refusal to have any ties to Wonderland. With someone threatening Quinn and her own dark past echoing in the present, Quinn must struggle against her hometown and herself to find the truth
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
In the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the truth is whatever the Coldwater family says it is. When their prodigal daughter Jessica was murdered forty years ago, their truth was that Holly Prine killed her–regardless of Holly’s innocence.
But the Coldwaters aren’t the only reason private investigator Quinn Cuthridge hasn’t set foot in the town in nearly a decade. After her aunt sent her away when she was a teen, Quinn swore she’d never return. When she gets an unexpected call from her aunt’s ranch hand, Hunter, Quinn learns that her aunt has gone missing. Reluctantly, she returns to Wyoming to investigate and soon realizes that her aunt was getting dangerously close to long-buried Wonderland secrets, including who really murdered Jessica Coldwater.
As Hunter and Quinn dig into what lies in the Wyoming backcountry, attraction flares between the two women, complicating their investigation–and Quinn’s steadfast refusal to have any ties to Wonderland. With someone threatening Quinn and her own dark past echoing in the present, Quinn must struggle against her hometown and herself to find the truth
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
November 19, 2024
Young Quinn was abandoned by her aunt 8 yr ago and hasn’t talked to her since. Alerted to the fact that she’s missing Quinn returns to Montana and the town run by the Coldwater family for many generations. Quinn falls for the female ranch hand Hunter who herself is feeling abandoned. In a running second story line is the pair of young lovers Holly and Jessica. Did Jess really die one night and did Holly kill her??? Great story that got a little confusing towards the end but it was explained. I wasn’t crazy about the lesbian scenes but it is part of some people’s life…
August 22, 2024
4/5
This was such a fun thriller/mystery to read! There are multiple queer characters and two sapphic storylines brilliantly woven together to create a story about mystery disappearances in a small town. The banter and chemistry between Quinn and Hunter was really enjoyable addition to the story. My favorite part was the glimpses into the past storyline and the development between Holly and Jessica. For a thriller this author managed to nail home some really important points like queer acceptance what people in the community face when it comes to hate. This was a really incredibly thought out story and I can't wait to read what this debut author writes next!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Hannah Martian for this wonderful ARC read!!
This was such a fun thriller/mystery to read! There are multiple queer characters and two sapphic storylines brilliantly woven together to create a story about mystery disappearances in a small town. The banter and chemistry between Quinn and Hunter was really enjoyable addition to the story. My favorite part was the glimpses into the past storyline and the development between Holly and Jessica. For a thriller this author managed to nail home some really important points like queer acceptance what people in the community face when it comes to hate. This was a really incredibly thought out story and I can't wait to read what this debut author writes next!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Hannah Martian for this wonderful ARC read!!
October 24, 2024
This is the debut book for Hannah Martian, and she does a decent job with it. Like most debuts, it isn’t perfect, but it is captivating for several reasons. First of all, the narrative employs a dual-timeline structure. This enriches the story by allowing readers to unravel the past and present concurrently. This technique fosters deeper engagement, encouraging readers to actively piece together the unfolding mystery. It draws readers into the storytelling, allowing for an immersive reading experience. Therefore, when the end comes, readers don’t feel duped by the surprising family secrets and lies that are revealed; instead, they feel as if they’ve helped unveil them.
As I mentioned, family secrets and lies are a big part of Long Time Gone’s plot. The Coldwater family’s dominance over the town introduces critical themes of power and manipulation, highlighting the lengths individuals go to make sure their secrets stay buried. When the intricate web of relationships within the town and family become stressed, the fragility of trust is revealed. Each character harbors hidden truths, and as these secrets slowly unravel, the tension escalates. As the threat of exposure looms large, characters must confront not only their own moral dilemmas but the repercussions of their actions on others. Martian showcases this in well-crafted scenes, accelerating the drama in a steady pace that leaves readers racing ahead to uncover lies that have been denied justice.
The setting plays a pivotal role in this complex tale. Martian uses it effectively, pushing the plot forward in interesting ways. Wonderland, Wyoming, is a seemingly quaint town, but beneath its surface lies a darker undercurrent, one that reflects the Coldwater family’s vast influence. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the consequences of long-held secrets ripple through generations. Dark and mysterious themes emerge, heightening the tension and demonstrating why readers find these kinds of dramas appealing.
Although the Coldwater family’s grip on the town is quite compelling, it’s Quinn Cuthridge’s return to Wonderland that really stirs things up and raises the stakes for all involved. Her complicated past with the town—as well as her aunt—adds layers of emotional depth. Readers are drawn into her internal conflict as she grapples with coming back to a place filled with painful memories. Her journey resonates with readers, causing them to connect with her as she searches for answers. Ultimately, her quest for the truth is not just about solving a mystery but about self-discovery and healing, the flip side to this very complicated story.
Final remarks…
The interplay of loyalty and deceit creates a gripping atmosphere in this debut novel by Hannah Martian. The allure of deep-seated secrets is hard to resist, and Martian makes it nearly impossible to predict who will ultimately prevail. With each turn and revelation, the stakes grow higher, ultimately leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable. For those who enjoy narratives that are rooted in the darker sides of family loyalty, Long Time Gone’s twisty, turny plot will hit the spot.
Strengths…
Entertaining, suspenseful story
Compelling storyline
Intriguing characters
Promising debut
As I mentioned, family secrets and lies are a big part of Long Time Gone’s plot. The Coldwater family’s dominance over the town introduces critical themes of power and manipulation, highlighting the lengths individuals go to make sure their secrets stay buried. When the intricate web of relationships within the town and family become stressed, the fragility of trust is revealed. Each character harbors hidden truths, and as these secrets slowly unravel, the tension escalates. As the threat of exposure looms large, characters must confront not only their own moral dilemmas but the repercussions of their actions on others. Martian showcases this in well-crafted scenes, accelerating the drama in a steady pace that leaves readers racing ahead to uncover lies that have been denied justice.
The setting plays a pivotal role in this complex tale. Martian uses it effectively, pushing the plot forward in interesting ways. Wonderland, Wyoming, is a seemingly quaint town, but beneath its surface lies a darker undercurrent, one that reflects the Coldwater family’s vast influence. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the consequences of long-held secrets ripple through generations. Dark and mysterious themes emerge, heightening the tension and demonstrating why readers find these kinds of dramas appealing.
Although the Coldwater family’s grip on the town is quite compelling, it’s Quinn Cuthridge’s return to Wonderland that really stirs things up and raises the stakes for all involved. Her complicated past with the town—as well as her aunt—adds layers of emotional depth. Readers are drawn into her internal conflict as she grapples with coming back to a place filled with painful memories. Her journey resonates with readers, causing them to connect with her as she searches for answers. Ultimately, her quest for the truth is not just about solving a mystery but about self-discovery and healing, the flip side to this very complicated story.
Final remarks…
The interplay of loyalty and deceit creates a gripping atmosphere in this debut novel by Hannah Martian. The allure of deep-seated secrets is hard to resist, and Martian makes it nearly impossible to predict who will ultimately prevail. With each turn and revelation, the stakes grow higher, ultimately leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable. For those who enjoy narratives that are rooted in the darker sides of family loyalty, Long Time Gone’s twisty, turny plot will hit the spot.
Strengths…
Entertaining, suspenseful story
Compelling storyline
Intriguing characters
Promising debut
September 16, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Hannah Martian’s “Long Time Gone” is a compelling blend of suspense and romance that delves into the complexities of truth and deception in a small-town setting. The novel follows Quinn Cuthridge, a twenty-two-year-old private investigator, who reluctantly returns to Wonderland, Wyoming, after receiving a distressing call about her missing aunt, Cora.
Martian’s narrative is rich with tension and grit, capturing the reader’s attention from the first page. The plot is intricately woven, with each chapter peeling back layers of the town’s secrets and the characters’ hidden motives. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady build-up of suspense while allowing for moments of introspection and character development.
Quinn is a standout protagonist—sharp, determined, and deeply flawed. Her journey is not just about solving the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance but also about confronting her own past and the prejudices that have shaped her life. Martian’s portrayal of Quinn’s internal struggles adds depth to the character, making her relatable and compelling.
The setting of Wonderland, Wyoming, is vividly brought to life through Martian’s descriptive prose. The small-town atmosphere, with its underlying bigotry and corruption, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sense of place is so strong that it almost becomes a character in its own right, influencing the actions and decisions of the people who inhabit it.
“Long Time Gone" excels in its exploration of themes such as loyalty, self-discovery, and the impact of long-buried secrets. Martian handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The novel’s queer narrative is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective that enriches the story.
“Long Time Gone” is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries and character-driven dramas. Hannah Martian has crafted a novel that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who will stay with readers long after the final page. This book is a testament to Martian’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to create a world that is as engaging as it is unsettling.
Hannah Martian’s “Long Time Gone” is a compelling blend of suspense and romance that delves into the complexities of truth and deception in a small-town setting. The novel follows Quinn Cuthridge, a twenty-two-year-old private investigator, who reluctantly returns to Wonderland, Wyoming, after receiving a distressing call about her missing aunt, Cora.
Martian’s narrative is rich with tension and grit, capturing the reader’s attention from the first page. The plot is intricately woven, with each chapter peeling back layers of the town’s secrets and the characters’ hidden motives. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady build-up of suspense while allowing for moments of introspection and character development.
Quinn is a standout protagonist—sharp, determined, and deeply flawed. Her journey is not just about solving the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance but also about confronting her own past and the prejudices that have shaped her life. Martian’s portrayal of Quinn’s internal struggles adds depth to the character, making her relatable and compelling.
The setting of Wonderland, Wyoming, is vividly brought to life through Martian’s descriptive prose. The small-town atmosphere, with its underlying bigotry and corruption, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sense of place is so strong that it almost becomes a character in its own right, influencing the actions and decisions of the people who inhabit it.
“Long Time Gone" excels in its exploration of themes such as loyalty, self-discovery, and the impact of long-buried secrets. Martian handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The novel’s queer narrative is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective that enriches the story.
“Long Time Gone” is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries and character-driven dramas. Hannah Martian has crafted a novel that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who will stay with readers long after the final page. This book is a testament to Martian’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to create a world that is as engaging as it is unsettling.
October 22, 2025
Unfortunately, this book bored me to tears. The pacing is a slow crawl on what should have been fast and exciting. Quinn gets a call in the wee hours of the morning from a woman telling her her aunt (from whom she's been estranged for 8 years--a fact you'll read over and over and over again) is missing and offering a plane ticket back to Wyoming to find her. So far, so good, but once Quinn steps foot into Wyoming, almost nothing makes sense. The mystery woman turns out to be Hunter Lemming, her aunt's farm hand, who proceeds to initiate an incredibly cold, antagonistic attitude despite being the one to call for assistance. This is just one of the many, many aspects of this book that makes very little sense and in this case feels forced to establish a puzzling enemies to lovers trope. Both main characters are in their very early 20s (21 and 22), but have angst and emotional baggage levels off the charts, more befitting characters at least twice their age. I had such a hard time taking either one of them particularly seriously, between Quinn being a long-experienced PI (at 22) and Hunter weighed down by the world (at the ripe age of 21) but the author just kept going to town caking on the traumas. Once the story gets going properly, the chapters branch into present day and forty years prior, which detail the lives and mystery surrounding another set of young girls. I won't go into too much detail there, but suffice to say it's both very obvious where this is going but still incredibly confusing as to what the heck just happened and between whom. By the end, I was just happy to be finished so I could move on to another book.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 25, 2024
Rating 3.5 Stars
Long Time Gone is a nice quick read thriller with many twist.
For 60% of the book I felt like our main Quinn wanted to get laid then do anything else. You do understand better why but she reiterated enough why she is a great PI but really didn't do much.
I feel Hunter and Quinn chemistry would of got there without Quinn being forceful or even Hunter exposing she's queer. I would of rooted for them with their back an forth exchanges without Quinn being a selfish cocky lesbian. If anything the way Quinn acted made me feel uncomfortable and I feel this is where the story lacked maturity. I understand pain, trauma and characters might come across the way they do but she was but much. There was elements of this is book that I felt was very immature even for the young adults they wore, I found this with the older generation in the book too.
So far it might seem like criticism but it wasn't I didn't like the story. There was a lot of elements about the book and the way Martian wrote which I enjoyed. Specially going back to the past I enjoyed the flow and characters a lot better.
I don't know if its a kindle glitch but the formatting on the kindle at times I found it hard to keep the consistency. Hopefully this gets resolved.
For debut it was good and I will look out for what Martian writes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc copy
Long Time Gone is a nice quick read thriller with many twist.
For 60% of the book I felt like our main Quinn wanted to get laid then do anything else. You do understand better why but she reiterated enough why she is a great PI but really didn't do much.
I feel Hunter and Quinn chemistry would of got there without Quinn being forceful or even Hunter exposing she's queer. I would of rooted for them with their back an forth exchanges without Quinn being a selfish cocky lesbian. If anything the way Quinn acted made me feel uncomfortable and I feel this is where the story lacked maturity. I understand pain, trauma and characters might come across the way they do but she was but much. There was elements of this is book that I felt was very immature even for the young adults they wore, I found this with the older generation in the book too.
So far it might seem like criticism but it wasn't I didn't like the story. There was a lot of elements about the book and the way Martian wrote which I enjoyed. Specially going back to the past I enjoyed the flow and characters a lot better.
I don't know if its a kindle glitch but the formatting on the kindle at times I found it hard to keep the consistency. Hopefully this gets resolved.
For debut it was good and I will look out for what Martian writes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc copy
August 19, 2024
A missing family member brings P.I. Quinn Cuthridge back to a place she vowed she would never return: Wonderland, Wyoming. Quinn left unexpectedly 8 years ago when her beloved Aunt Cora sent her away with no explanation. A phone call from her aunt’s ranch hand, a brusque young woman named Hunter, summons Quinn back (reluctantly) with the news that Cora is missing. The young women first regard one another with wariness and hostility, eventually coming to the conclusion that to find the woman they both care for they need to work together.
The missing woman isn’t the only mystery in Wonderland. The town’s most prominent family has a secret that has been kept for decades and that they will try to keep at whatever cost. As Quinn and Hunter start to dig into Cora’s activities before her disappearance, they find there may be a connection between the long-kept secret and Cora.
The story is rather slow to get started, as Quinn and Hunter fight one another, the townspeople, and their growing attraction as they try to retrace Cora’s steps before her disappearance.
This is author Hannah Martian’s debut novel. I will look forward to the next to see if Quinn and Hunter reappear.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy for review.
Read
June 14, 2024Long Time Gone is an intricate mystery that follows the disappearance of Wonderland rancher Cora, who, after investigating a decades old murder, has fallen victim to suspected foul play. In her absence, ranch manager, Hunter, frustrated by the Police’s lack of momentum, contacts Cora’s estranged niece, Quinn, to return to Wonderland and assist in the search. Together, Hunter and Quinn, work towards untangling the web of intrigue that has led to Cora’s disappearance, and in doing so, attempt to solve the aged murder.
The story is tightly woven in that the intrigue is consistent and well organised. The author uses dual timeline to give insight into the circumstances regarding the old murder investigation and ties this to the current day narrative nicely. There are just enough hints to arouse curiosity and keep the reader in suspense.
With a great cast of supporting characters, including the elusive Sheriff Maddie, who’s own story would make an excellent spin-off book, Long Time Gone is a comprehensive story that brings together suspense and the angsty enemies to lover’s romance that develops between Hunter & Quinn.
The story is tightly woven in that the intrigue is consistent and well organised. The author uses dual timeline to give insight into the circumstances regarding the old murder investigation and ties this to the current day narrative nicely. There are just enough hints to arouse curiosity and keep the reader in suspense.
With a great cast of supporting characters, including the elusive Sheriff Maddie, who’s own story would make an excellent spin-off book, Long Time Gone is a comprehensive story that brings together suspense and the angsty enemies to lover’s romance that develops between Hunter & Quinn.
September 24, 2024
A debut mystery novel, Long Time Gone (2024) by Hannah Martian has a dual-timeline narrative of crimes forty years apart. The disappearance and suspected murder of two teenagers in 1981 has haunted the locals ever since. Investigator Quinn Cuthridge receives an early morning telephone call that sees her return to Wonderland, Wyoming to look for her missing aunt - who banished her eight years earlier. Hunter works on the aunt's ranch and is obstinate towards Quinn, as they search for Aunt Cora. The local sheriff and wealthy family that runs the local community make it difficult and discourage Quinn and Hunter, denying any connection between the two cases. Yet as past secrets and tragedies are discovered, the drastic consequences of the past have major repercussions. An interesting mix of crime investigation, historical mystery and romance elements make this a quality four stars read rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
January 2, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, which has a female PI, Quinn, as a main character and takes place in Wyoming. Although the location (Wonderland, WY) is a fictional town, there were references to things I recognized. The airport that Quinn flies into reminded me very much of the tiny Lander, WY airport that I have flown into. I was hoping to be transported back to Wyoming with some lyrical writing about the wide open spaces.
Instead, what I got in the first half of the book before I stopped reading by a main character who hates Wyoming. And, although I knew going in that Quinn was lesbian, I did not expect this book to be a lesbian romance as it turned out to be. Much more of it was about queer relationships both in the present and the past, and the experience of being queer in a rural conservative community, than was about the missing person mystery Quinn was supposed to be solving. To be fair, I am not a fan of any kind of romance novel, so this just wasn't my kind of book.
Perhaps I could recommend the book to those who like romance novels more than mystery novels, and especially those interested in lesbian romance. It just didn't work for me and, although I stuck with it far longer than usual in the hopes it would turn into the Wyoming-based mystery novel I was hoping for, it hadn't done so in the first half so it ended up as a DNF for me.
Instead, what I got in the first half of the book before I stopped reading by a main character who hates Wyoming. And, although I knew going in that Quinn was lesbian, I did not expect this book to be a lesbian romance as it turned out to be. Much more of it was about queer relationships both in the present and the past, and the experience of being queer in a rural conservative community, than was about the missing person mystery Quinn was supposed to be solving. To be fair, I am not a fan of any kind of romance novel, so this just wasn't my kind of book.
Perhaps I could recommend the book to those who like romance novels more than mystery novels, and especially those interested in lesbian romance. It just didn't work for me and, although I stuck with it far longer than usual in the hopes it would turn into the Wyoming-based mystery novel I was hoping for, it hadn't done so in the first half so it ended up as a DNF for me.
September 3, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝚂𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙴𝚁. 𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙴𝚁. 𝙳𝙴𝙱𝚄𝚃.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️🌈
"𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙒𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙒𝙮𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨.... 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙣 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮."
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
I love mysteries. The plot is a very common queer story. There were good moments and the pace was okay. What I loved though were the revelations around Quinn. Now that was really good especially how it was written near the end. That makes the whole waiting very good.
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
The dynamic between Hunter and Quinn was interesting. Hunter had such grumpy vibes, but with many personal issues which affected how the relationship between her and Quinn was built, probably. They both had issues, of course. Quinn was not sunshine vibes of course, her upbringing was not easy. The family twist during that revelation was good, I didn't see it coming.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️🌈
"𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙒𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙒𝙮𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨.... 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙣 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮."
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
I love mysteries. The plot is a very common queer story. There were good moments and the pace was okay. What I loved though were the revelations around Quinn. Now that was really good especially how it was written near the end. That makes the whole waiting very good.
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
The dynamic between Hunter and Quinn was interesting. Hunter had such grumpy vibes, but with many personal issues which affected how the relationship between her and Quinn was built, probably. They both had issues, of course. Quinn was not sunshine vibes of course, her upbringing was not easy. The family twist during that revelation was good, I didn't see it coming.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.
March 14, 2025
After finishing the book I immediately came here to see if anyone was discussing the glaring hole in the plot.
About 3/4 of the way through the book, we discover that Holly’s mother, Lenora, is pregnant by the married Mr. Cole. We have known from the beginning that Cora’s last name is Cole. So, it’s then confirmed (though I had previously suspected) that Cora and Holly are sisters.
Here’s where I feel like the plot doesn’t add up — did no one in town known that Lenora was pregnant by Mr. Cole? It’s clearly discussed in the beginning of the book that Cora’s mother was the other woman and Cora’s father’s wife divorced him when she found out. So, it’s not unreasonable to assume other people in town knew that Lenora gave birth to Cora.
Therefore, how did no one know or mention that Cora and Holly were sisters? And when Cora’s niece starts visiting her over the summer, wouldn’t people therefore assume that the niece is Holly’s daughter? And give them all a clue as to Holly’s whereabouts?
The plot feels like it wasn’t thought through clearly.
About 3/4 of the way through the book, we discover that Holly’s mother, Lenora, is pregnant by the married Mr. Cole. We have known from the beginning that Cora’s last name is Cole. So, it’s then confirmed (though I had previously suspected) that Cora and Holly are sisters.
Here’s where I feel like the plot doesn’t add up — did no one in town known that Lenora was pregnant by Mr. Cole? It’s clearly discussed in the beginning of the book that Cora’s mother was the other woman and Cora’s father’s wife divorced him when she found out. So, it’s not unreasonable to assume other people in town knew that Lenora gave birth to Cora.
Therefore, how did no one know or mention that Cora and Holly were sisters? And when Cora’s niece starts visiting her over the summer, wouldn’t people therefore assume that the niece is Holly’s daughter? And give them all a clue as to Holly’s whereabouts?
The plot feels like it wasn’t thought through clearly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
There was so much to love about this book. It wasn't just one mystery of a missing person but a so many threads woven and knotted together into a quilt of questions. Long ago buried secrets that someone would literally kill to keep hidden.
I couldn't put it down. The princess and the cowgirl. Two unlikely women teaming up because of the one thing they think they share, Cora Cole. But as more questions come at them, and buried secrets get uncovered, they learn they are much more similar than they think they are. Usually by the end I have a pretty good idea of the plot twist, but Hannah Martian had me staring my kindle like ' No way!'
Def a must read if you're a fan of small town with big secrets. Cold cases and hunting down the truth no matter the consequences.
Thank you Net galley for this ARC and put it in your Calander y'all! Dropping Oct 15th 2024!
I couldn't put it down. The princess and the cowgirl. Two unlikely women teaming up because of the one thing they think they share, Cora Cole. But as more questions come at them, and buried secrets get uncovered, they learn they are much more similar than they think they are. Usually by the end I have a pretty good idea of the plot twist, but Hannah Martian had me staring my kindle like ' No way!'
Def a must read if you're a fan of small town with big secrets. Cold cases and hunting down the truth no matter the consequences.
Thank you Net galley for this ARC and put it in your Calander y'all! Dropping Oct 15th 2024!
October 15, 2024
Quinn Cuthridge receives a call from ranch hand, Hunter Lemming, to say say her aunt, Cora Cole has gone missing from her ranch in Wonderland, Wyoming. Quinn flies back to see if she can find out the reason for her disappearance. The story is told using dual time lines - the present and 1981. How does Cora's disappearance tie in with the killing of Jessica Coldwater and her killer, Holly Prine? Quinn and Hunter delve into the mystery of the case of Jessica and what happened to Holly and why she disappeared after the killing. Wonderland is run by the Coldwater family and everyone else is second rate in their eyes. The book is full of secrets and lies with plenty of twists and turns leading to an explosive conclusion. It is a fast paced book and unputdownable.
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