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Long Time Gone: Sneak Peek
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When DNA results reveal a disturbing connection to the mysterious disappearance of a famous baby nearly three decades ago, a forensic scientist is plunged into a dangerous search for answers in this engrossing, propulsive new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.
For fans of Alice Feeney, Karin Slaughter, Riley Sager, and Megan Goldin.
Thirty years ago, Baby Charlotte vanished. Today, she’s still in danger.
When Dr. Sloan Hastings submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment, her goal is to better understand the treasure-trove of genetic information contained on ancestry websites. Brilliant and driven, Sloan is embarking on a fellowship in forensic pathology, training under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty.
Sloan has one reservation about involving herself in the she’s adopted. Grateful for a loving home, she’s never considered tracking down her biological parents. The results of her search are shocking. Sloan’s DNA profile suggests her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis, aka “Baby Charlotte”, who captured the nation’s attention when she mysteriously disappeared, along with her parents, in July 1995. Despite an exhaustive search, the family was never seen again, and no suspects were named in the case.
Sloan’s discovery leads her to the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada, the site of her disappearance. It also leads her to Sheriff Eric Stamos. The Margolis family’s influence and power permeate every corner of Harrison County, and Eric is convinced that in learning the truth about her past, Sloan can also help discover what happened to Eric’s father, who died under suspicious circumstances soon after he started investigating the case of her disappearance.
Slowly, over the course of a stifling summer, Sloan begins getting to know her relatives. Though initially welcoming, the Margolis family is also mysterious and tight-lipped. Not everyone seems happy about Sloan’s return, or the questions she’s asking. And the more she and Eric learn, the more apparent it becomes that the answers they both seek are buried in a graveyard of Margolis family secrets that some will do anything to keep hidden—no matter who else has to die…
When DNA results reveal a disturbing connection to the mysterious disappearance of a famous baby nearly three decades ago, a forensic scientist is plunged into a dangerous search for answers in this engrossing, propulsive new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.
For fans of Alice Feeney, Karin Slaughter, Riley Sager, and Megan Goldin.
Thirty years ago, Baby Charlotte vanished. Today, she’s still in danger.
When Dr. Sloan Hastings submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment, her goal is to better understand the treasure-trove of genetic information contained on ancestry websites. Brilliant and driven, Sloan is embarking on a fellowship in forensic pathology, training under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty.
Sloan has one reservation about involving herself in the she’s adopted. Grateful for a loving home, she’s never considered tracking down her biological parents. The results of her search are shocking. Sloan’s DNA profile suggests her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis, aka “Baby Charlotte”, who captured the nation’s attention when she mysteriously disappeared, along with her parents, in July 1995. Despite an exhaustive search, the family was never seen again, and no suspects were named in the case.
Sloan’s discovery leads her to the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada, the site of her disappearance. It also leads her to Sheriff Eric Stamos. The Margolis family’s influence and power permeate every corner of Harrison County, and Eric is convinced that in learning the truth about her past, Sloan can also help discover what happened to Eric’s father, who died under suspicious circumstances soon after he started investigating the case of her disappearance.
Slowly, over the course of a stifling summer, Sloan begins getting to know her relatives. Though initially welcoming, the Margolis family is also mysterious and tight-lipped. Not everyone seems happy about Sloan’s return, or the questions she’s asking. And the more she and Eric learn, the more apparent it becomes that the answers they both seek are buried in a graveyard of Margolis family secrets that some will do anything to keep hidden—no matter who else has to die…
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2024
282 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Donlea
28 books12.4k followersCharlie Donlea is the USA TODAY, IndieBound, and #1 Internationally bestselling author of critically acclaimed, propulsive thrillers including THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN, DON'T BELIEVE IT, TWENTY YEARS LATER, and THOSE EMPTY EYES. His ninth thriller, GUESS AGAIN, is out now.
Published in 40 countries and translated into twenty-five languages, his books have sold nearly 3 million copies in the U.S. alone.
He spends a part of each year fishing with his father in the far reaches of Canada, where the roads end and lakes are accessible only by floatplane. These majestic trips to “God’s Country” inspired the settings for his novels Summit Lake and GUESS AGAIN, coming in August 2025.
He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.
Published in 40 countries and translated into twenty-five languages, his books have sold nearly 3 million copies in the U.S. alone.
He spends a part of each year fishing with his father in the far reaches of Canada, where the roads end and lakes are accessible only by floatplane. These majestic trips to “God’s Country” inspired the settings for his novels Summit Lake and GUESS AGAIN, coming in August 2025.
He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 20, 2024
●This is a gripping thriller that weaves a complex tapestry of mystery and suspense.
●The story chronicles forensic pathologist Sloan Hastings as she embarks on a personal quest after a DNA test links her to an infant who vanished almost thirty years prior. Her pursuit of the truth leads her through a labyrinth of family deception and hidden truths, a path that might be filled with danger.
●Donlea masterfully shifts between past and present, maintaining high tension throughout the narrative.
●The story’s twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.
●This is not just a simple mystery; it’s an in-depth examination of personal identity, family bonds, and the extreme efforts individuals will take to safeguard their hidden truths.
●This was the first book I've read by Donlea and I found him to be an master storyteller, weaving complex narratives and crafting vivid characters. I am eager to delve into more of his books!
●The story chronicles forensic pathologist Sloan Hastings as she embarks on a personal quest after a DNA test links her to an infant who vanished almost thirty years prior. Her pursuit of the truth leads her through a labyrinth of family deception and hidden truths, a path that might be filled with danger.
●Donlea masterfully shifts between past and present, maintaining high tension throughout the narrative.
●The story’s twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.
●This is not just a simple mystery; it’s an in-depth examination of personal identity, family bonds, and the extreme efforts individuals will take to safeguard their hidden truths.
●This was the first book I've read by Donlea and I found him to be an master storyteller, weaving complex narratives and crafting vivid characters. I am eager to delve into more of his books!
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this story. For some reason it didn’t always hold my attention but that was probably more of a me thing than anything.
I like learning things when I read and the science was a cool addition to the story. The many different perspectives could be a little confusing at times but it’s cool when they all come together. This is a thriller worth reading
I like learning things when I read and the science was a cool addition to the story. The many different perspectives could be a little confusing at times but it’s cool when they all come together. This is a thriller worth reading
February 12, 2024
Great sneak peak...now I need to read the full book, love this author and this has just wetted my appetite for more to see where this will end up leading.
April 19, 2024
A very interesting prequel about DNA. I loves all of Donlea’s books and am anxiously waiting for the book to come out!
March 9, 2024
Oh snap! This is going to be another very good read by Charlie Donlea. I am no stranger to his work and have read a few of his books already. This one is just what you love to read. Quick introduction to a few strong characters and then bam here we go with some suspense and intrigue. I cannot wait for this full book!
February 10, 2024
I can’t wait to read the full story. I really enjoy Charlie Donlea’s writing style. His novels pull me in from the very beginning.
His plots are believable, his characters are likable and well defined and I usually finish his books in one or two days.
His plots are believable, his characters are likable and well defined and I usually finish his books in one or two days.
August 3, 2024
WONDERFUL
I read the preceding book related to this one...It was great. This "Sneak Peek" has me anxious for more. I'm off to download the full version. I can't wait to read how this turns out.
I read the preceding book related to this one...It was great. This "Sneak Peek" has me anxious for more. I'm off to download the full version. I can't wait to read how this turns out.
February 18, 2024
Wow! Already can tell this is going to be another fabulous Charlie Donlea book. 5/21/24 can’t come fast enough to be able to complete this already intense and won’t be able to put down book.
February 23, 2024
Enjoyed the sneak peek of Long Time Gone, can't wait for the book to be released !
March 31, 2024
Can’t wait. Great sneak peak. Enough to make you want more.
November 26, 2024
Dirty trick to have to buy a book at end of kindle section to get the finish of the story
My opinion of Amazon Kindle has just come down a notch
My opinion of Amazon Kindle has just come down a notch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
brilliant, couldn't stop reading!
August 18, 2025
Excellent! Excellent! must read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews