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Long Time Gone
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.
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 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…
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 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…
Library Binding
First published May 21, 2024
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About the author
Charlie Donlea
28 books12.6k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,776 reviews
May 21, 2024
RIVETING, COMPULSIVE READING!
You won’t want to put this book down!!
Dr. Sloan Hastings is embarking on a two year fellowship in forensic pathology under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty (from Donlea’s book The Girl Who Was Taken). If she is to succeed in reaching her goal of one day working side by side with a major homicide unit, she will have to do more than just complete the required number of autopsies…
She will also need to present her research on a topic assigned to her-and knock it out of the park.
The area of interest she has been given-Forensic and Investigative Genealogy. It’s the DNA Science that has solved a few high profile cold cases in the last few years, most notably that of “The Golden State Killer”.
And, she will have to make a case for furthering this method.
In an attempt to better understand the controversial “treasure trove” of information contained on ancestry websites, such as Ancestry.com, Sloan reluctantly submits her own DNA, with her adoptive parents permission.
The results are SHOCKING!
Her DNA profile suggests that her true identity is that of “Charlotte Margolis”aka Baby Charlotte who captured the nation’s attention in July of 1995 when she and her parents mysteriously disappeared never to be seen or heard from again.
Until NOW.
Ryder Hillier, the host of the popular podcast “Unsolved” has covered many cold cases-some well known ones such as JonBenet Ramsay and others more obscure such as the death of Julian Crist, the American medical student who fell to his death under mysterious circumstances in St. Lucia (from Donlea’s book Don’t Believe It).
She is successful because she relies on her fans (Unsolved Junkies) to help get her answers.
And, she has just been given a lead about Sloan…
This will drive Sloan to Cedar Creek, Nevada, the place where “Baby Charlotte” vanished from-in search of answers.
The book alternates between the PAST (1995) and the Present (2024).
I am a big fan of the author’s backlist so nobody was more surprised than I was, when I decided to DNF last year’s “Those Empty Eyes.”
But this book reminded me of why I usually LOVE the author’s work. His meticulous research lends authenticity to his stories, raising them above many others in the genre.
I sat down to read a few chapters this morning and cancelled my plans so I could finish this one today!
And, I have no regrets!
This book is AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Kensington for the gifted ARC provided through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
September 24, 2024
Okay, hear me out.
The author credits a darkroom photography source in the acknowledgments (I suppose this person is an expert).
But everything from how the camera works (Nikon FM10) to how the film is developed — guys, it’s wrong in the book. So very wrong.
And this isn’t a big deal…unless this whole case relies on film photography.
I can’t even take this book seriously, even though it was a good enough mystery, because even with a darkroom expert on hand, shit still doesn’t make sense.
The author credits a darkroom photography source in the acknowledgments (I suppose this person is an expert).
But everything from how the camera works (Nikon FM10) to how the film is developed — guys, it’s wrong in the book. So very wrong.
And this isn’t a big deal…unless this whole case relies on film photography.
I can’t even take this book seriously, even though it was a good enough mystery, because even with a darkroom expert on hand, shit still doesn’t make sense.
May 27, 2024
Recently accepted into a prestigious fellowship program in forensic pathology, twenty-nine-year-old Dr. Sloan Hastings is assigned the topic of forensic genealogy as her research project. To enhance her knowledge and gain a better understanding of the field, she submits her DNA to a genealogy website. She has always known she was adopted but little did she know that the results of her DNA analysis would result in a shocking revelation about her real identity – a revelation that connects her to the mysterious disappearance of three members of an influential family in Cedar Creek, Nevada in 1995 - a young couple and their two-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
As Sloan embarks on a quest to find out more about the cold case, her biological family and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her adoption, she travels to Cedar Creek where she meets members of her biological family who are overwhelmed to be reunited with “Charlotte” after all these years. She finds an ally in the local Sheriff who has a personal interest in the cold case but finding out what happened to her biological parents after all these years won’t be easy and whatever information she does gather leaves her with more questions than answers. Complicating matters further is the media frenzy brought on by “Charlotte” being found and the fact that there are people who would resort to any means to prevent Sloan from discovering the truth.
The narrative is presented in dual timelines – the present day where we follow Sloan as she pursues her search for the truth and 1995, wherein the events that led to the disappearance of Charlotte and her parents are slowly revealed.
Charlie Donlea’s Long Time Gone is UNPUTDOWNABLE! It’s been a while since I found a thriller that kept me glued to the pages and I couldn’t be more pleased. With an intriguing premise with a solid mystery at its core, interesting characters and dual timelines that are equally absorbing and seamlessly woven into a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative – this book checks all the boxes!
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Vivienne Leheny, which made for a riveting immersion reading experience. I finished this one in a single day!
This is my third time reading Charlie Donlea and I can’t wait to explore his backlist while I wait for his next book!
Many thanks to Kensington Books for the digital review copy and RB Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
March 16, 2024
If you are just now reading one of my reviews for the first time, I will let you in on a little secret….
I can be quite critical of popular authors. I’m not a fan of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, BA Paris, Lucy Foley, Freida McFadden, or Alice Feeney. The reason I’m telling you this is because I’m always looking for an author that stands out. Keeps me on my toes! Doesn’t have the most ridiculous twists. Folks, it appears I have found a new author that has blown me away! Charlie Donlea is one heck of a writer! 👌
Sloan Hastings is a pathologist that has to go into a two year fellowship under another forensic pathologist. As part of the study, she is asked to do a DNA test for an online genealogy site. Sloan is adopted. With permission from her adoptive parents, she takes the plunge. However, Sloan isn’t ready for what they find out.
Her results suggest she is the daughter of a couple who went missing thirty years ago. A nationwide case that rocked the country, she is in fact baby Charlotte Margolis! Her father, mother and her vanished into thin air. Why was the story so famous? The Margolis family was and is a successful family of wealth full of lawyers and political ties. Only thing is, there were some suspicious deaths back then that were tied to the case.
Whew, that was a lot of information. I know.
Sloan decides to head to Cedar Creek, Nevada to meet her new family and find out what happened to her real parents. How did she become adopted? Who gave her up for adoption when her parents were missing? What really happened to those people with suspicious deaths? How in the heck is this all tied together?
When we get to the meat and potatoes of the story, I was incredibly fascinated! Donlea thought up a brilliant link to bring all of this together! This is exactly what I’m talking about, a completely unique plot of a story with a common trope, the missing child trope. I enjoyed every single minute of it and I think you will too!
I truly believe this book will explode! Several times last night, my mouth flew open and I gasped out loud. I mean, how could I stop reading? Shocking twists and turns lead me up late into the night. It did get a little wild towards the end and a little unbelievable, however, it didn’t even matter. I loved this unique tale and will definitely read him again.
I am grateful to Kensington, NetGalley and Charlie Donlea for the opportunity. All opinions are my own. Publication date May 21, 2024.
4.5 ⭐️ raised to 5
Run and add this to your TBR now!!!! 😊.
I can be quite critical of popular authors. I’m not a fan of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, BA Paris, Lucy Foley, Freida McFadden, or Alice Feeney. The reason I’m telling you this is because I’m always looking for an author that stands out. Keeps me on my toes! Doesn’t have the most ridiculous twists. Folks, it appears I have found a new author that has blown me away! Charlie Donlea is one heck of a writer! 👌
Sloan Hastings is a pathologist that has to go into a two year fellowship under another forensic pathologist. As part of the study, she is asked to do a DNA test for an online genealogy site. Sloan is adopted. With permission from her adoptive parents, she takes the plunge. However, Sloan isn’t ready for what they find out.
Her results suggest she is the daughter of a couple who went missing thirty years ago. A nationwide case that rocked the country, she is in fact baby Charlotte Margolis! Her father, mother and her vanished into thin air. Why was the story so famous? The Margolis family was and is a successful family of wealth full of lawyers and political ties. Only thing is, there were some suspicious deaths back then that were tied to the case.
Whew, that was a lot of information. I know.
Sloan decides to head to Cedar Creek, Nevada to meet her new family and find out what happened to her real parents. How did she become adopted? Who gave her up for adoption when her parents were missing? What really happened to those people with suspicious deaths? How in the heck is this all tied together?
When we get to the meat and potatoes of the story, I was incredibly fascinated! Donlea thought up a brilliant link to bring all of this together! This is exactly what I’m talking about, a completely unique plot of a story with a common trope, the missing child trope. I enjoyed every single minute of it and I think you will too!
I truly believe this book will explode! Several times last night, my mouth flew open and I gasped out loud. I mean, how could I stop reading? Shocking twists and turns lead me up late into the night. It did get a little wild towards the end and a little unbelievable, however, it didn’t even matter. I loved this unique tale and will definitely read him again.
I am grateful to Kensington, NetGalley and Charlie Donlea for the opportunity. All opinions are my own. Publication date May 21, 2024.
4.5 ⭐️ raised to 5
Run and add this to your TBR now!!!! 😊.
May 26, 2024
4.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ North Carolina & Nevada
Publication date ~ May 21, 2024
Page Count ~ 379 (p+ 77 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 19 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ 6 part story, dual timeline ~ past and present
Sloan is adopted and has never wanted to find her birth parents. As part of her research assignment she takes a DNA test. The results are unbelievable and set forth a roller coaster of a ride as we try to piece together how Sloan was once known as Baby Charlotte.
Eric is the sheriff in Nevada trying to get answers about his father, Sandy’s, death 30 years ago. Sloan just might be able to help him get the answers and closure he needs. I don't love romance in my thrillers, but I was actually hoping for a little with these two.
In the past we hear from Sandy and learn more about the early investigation into the Margolis family when Charlotte and her parents went missing. In the present we have a true crime podcaster, Ryder, that is annoyingly helpful.
The dual timelines and multiple POV’s were very easy to follow along with and totally built up the suspense nicely. I was on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see how Baby Charlotte ended up being Sloan and I was not disappointed. A little implausible with how the pictures came about, but overall this was an utterly shocking and grippingly gripping read.
I was lucky enough to have both the ebook and an audio copy. Both ways worked perfectly well.
Narration notes:
Vivienne did a fabulous job giving each character a distinct voice.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ North Carolina & Nevada
Publication date ~ May 21, 2024
Page Count ~ 379 (p+ 77 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 19 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ 6 part story, dual timeline ~ past and present
Sloan is adopted and has never wanted to find her birth parents. As part of her research assignment she takes a DNA test. The results are unbelievable and set forth a roller coaster of a ride as we try to piece together how Sloan was once known as Baby Charlotte.
Eric is the sheriff in Nevada trying to get answers about his father, Sandy’s, death 30 years ago. Sloan just might be able to help him get the answers and closure he needs. I don't love romance in my thrillers, but I was actually hoping for a little with these two.
In the past we hear from Sandy and learn more about the early investigation into the Margolis family when Charlotte and her parents went missing. In the present we have a true crime podcaster, Ryder, that is annoyingly helpful.
The dual timelines and multiple POV’s were very easy to follow along with and totally built up the suspense nicely. I was on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see how Baby Charlotte ended up being Sloan and I was not disappointed. A little implausible with how the pictures came about, but overall this was an utterly shocking and grippingly gripping read.
I was lucky enough to have both the ebook and an audio copy. Both ways worked perfectly well.
Narration notes:
Vivienne did a fabulous job giving each character a distinct voice.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
September 29, 2024
Sloan is adopted. She was raised by a very loving supportive family. Now she is in a doctorate program where she is excited to be a part of the emerging field of forensic genealogy. So, it makes perfect sense for her to submit her own DNA to an online genealogy site. What doesn’t make sense are the results of the test. In fact, they are shocking to her.
Could she really be the missing baby to affluent parents who also vanished in 1995?
And as a cold case, what will happen if Sloan decides to open this case to discover the truth of what happened?
Well, as it turns out, someone isn’t happy about it, and the closer Sloan gets to the truth, the closer danger gets to her.
This page-turning, twisty, engrossing, propulsive novel is undoubtedly, Donlea at his best.
Could she really be the missing baby to affluent parents who also vanished in 1995?
And as a cold case, what will happen if Sloan decides to open this case to discover the truth of what happened?
Well, as it turns out, someone isn’t happy about it, and the closer Sloan gets to the truth, the closer danger gets to her.
This page-turning, twisty, engrossing, propulsive novel is undoubtedly, Donlea at his best.
April 11, 2024
4.5🌟
Talk about opening Pandora's box…yikes!
Dr. Sloan Hastings dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist. And her lucky star seems to be shining brightly. She just landed a fellowship with one of the best pathologists in the field! Definitely a big boost to launch her career. For her dissertation she is given the topic of forensics in genealogy.
The first move Sloane makes is to submit her DNA to a genealogy site. She has a few qualms about opening that door, since she was adopted as a baby. But her adoptive parents are supportive and anxious to find out any information about Sloan's birth parents.
Sloane uncovers a mystery about both sets of parents that will change her life forever.
Now, like it or not, secrets are about to be revealed! Who if anyone will come out unscathed once the dust settles!
I’ve been a huge Charlie Donlea fan since the beginning! But his two previous books just didn’t hold the same magic as his earlier efforts. I was worried Charlie lost his mojo! But after reading rave reviews from all my friends I knew I had to give him one more try!
Charlie Donlea is indeed back! Once again he writes a captivating thriller that will grip you from the start, taking you on a suspenseful ride until the final explosive revelation!
Now I’m already looking forward to his next release!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books
Talk about opening Pandora's box…yikes!
Dr. Sloan Hastings dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist. And her lucky star seems to be shining brightly. She just landed a fellowship with one of the best pathologists in the field! Definitely a big boost to launch her career. For her dissertation she is given the topic of forensics in genealogy.
The first move Sloane makes is to submit her DNA to a genealogy site. She has a few qualms about opening that door, since she was adopted as a baby. But her adoptive parents are supportive and anxious to find out any information about Sloan's birth parents.
Sloane uncovers a mystery about both sets of parents that will change her life forever.
Now, like it or not, secrets are about to be revealed! Who if anyone will come out unscathed once the dust settles!
I’ve been a huge Charlie Donlea fan since the beginning! But his two previous books just didn’t hold the same magic as his earlier efforts. I was worried Charlie lost his mojo! But after reading rave reviews from all my friends I knew I had to give him one more try!
Charlie Donlea is indeed back! Once again he writes a captivating thriller that will grip you from the start, taking you on a suspenseful ride until the final explosive revelation!
Now I’m already looking forward to his next release!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books
May 31, 2024
The outlier soars in on a black tailed Cooper’s hawk!
First Half –A solid 4 stars.
Last Half – Had dropped to 3 by 60%, and 2.5 closer to 2 following the conclusion of the mystery.
The summer of 1995 is a tragic one for the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada.
24th June – A local man is the victim of a hit-and-run on a lonely stretch of road.
4th July – The Margolis Family – father, mother, and baby – vanish without a trace, last seen at the Split the Creek Gala.
13th July – The Cedar Creek Sheriff drowns when his car crashes into Cedar Lake.
Fast forward to Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024. Sloan Hastings’s life is turned upside down when she submits a DNA test to a genealogy site. Sloan has always known she was given up for adoption as an infant – but her test results reveal something shocking – Sloan is the baby who disappeared from Cedar Creek all those years ago.
Well, this was certainly a book of two halves for me. The prologue was disturbing and emotional, and my heart was in my mouth the entire time. I enjoyed the premise and beginning and thought the lead-up and way Sloan discovered her true identity was unique. At first, I really warmed to Sloan as a character, until she started making stupid decisions that is. I liked the setting of Cedar Creek and could completely picture it in my head. The flashbacks were utilised well (again only for the first 50%), and I liked how we were given POV’s from bit characters – the truck driver, executive assistant, etc.
But the last half… honestly, I’m still shaking my head in disbelief over how everything could’ve crumpled so fast. There’s no way I can say it nicely – the plot was ludicrous. Mild spoilers for my rant just to be on the safe side.
I can’t possibly recommend Long Time Gone, but given the many positive reviews, I say go for it, and hopefully your experience will be better than mine. Glad mine was a library book.
First Half –A solid 4 stars.
Last Half – Had dropped to 3 by 60%, and 2.5 closer to 2 following the conclusion of the mystery.
The summer of 1995 is a tragic one for the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada.
24th June – A local man is the victim of a hit-and-run on a lonely stretch of road.
4th July – The Margolis Family – father, mother, and baby – vanish without a trace, last seen at the Split the Creek Gala.
13th July – The Cedar Creek Sheriff drowns when his car crashes into Cedar Lake.
Fast forward to Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024. Sloan Hastings’s life is turned upside down when she submits a DNA test to a genealogy site. Sloan has always known she was given up for adoption as an infant – but her test results reveal something shocking – Sloan is the baby who disappeared from Cedar Creek all those years ago.
Well, this was certainly a book of two halves for me. The prologue was disturbing and emotional, and my heart was in my mouth the entire time. I enjoyed the premise and beginning and thought the lead-up and way Sloan discovered her true identity was unique. At first, I really warmed to Sloan as a character, until she started making stupid decisions that is. I liked the setting of Cedar Creek and could completely picture it in my head. The flashbacks were utilised well (again only for the first 50%), and I liked how we were given POV’s from bit characters – the truck driver, executive assistant, etc.
But the last half… honestly, I’m still shaking my head in disbelief over how everything could’ve crumpled so fast. There’s no way I can say it nicely – the plot was ludicrous. Mild spoilers for my rant just to be on the safe side.
I can’t possibly recommend Long Time Gone, but given the many positive reviews, I say go for it, and hopefully your experience will be better than mine. Glad mine was a library book.
July 6, 2024
Sloan Hastings has just begun her two-year fellowship with the eminent Dr. Livia Cutty. The Chief Medical Officer for the City of Raleigh, her program is known to be the best in the nation. On her very first day, Sloan is handed an assignment for her research project, which is to try and expand the field of forensic genealogy and its use in fighting crime. Trying to nail down what case she’ll use for her dissertation, Sloan submits her own DNA to a genealogy site in order to learn more about the process. What she learns, however, knocks her world right off of its axis.
Sloan has always known that she was adopted. Coming from a secure, happy childhood, however, it never really entered her mind as all that important. Until she gets her report from the ancestry site. With the help of an expert, it’s revealed that her real identity is none other than Charlotte Margolis. Last known to have disappeared with her parents at just two-months-old, her case captured the curiosity of the nation in July of 1995. Despite a rigorous investigation and plenty of attention, however, the case went cold and has stayed that way for the last twenty-nine years. Until now.
Hoping to learn more about her birth parents and what happened almost three decades ago, Sloan returns to the place she was born—Cedar Creek, Nevada—and the bosom of the Margolis clan. There she discovers that the family rules the area with an iron fist. Welcomed in immediately, Sloan nevertheless begins to wonder. Could they have had something to do with what occurred all those years ago? Or is she merely being overly suspicious? One thing is certain, however, someone isn’t happy that she’s back—and they’ll do almost anything to keep the past dead and buried for good.
Amazing amazeballs of amazingness! With Long Time Gone, Charlie Donlea utterly knocked it out of the park! From a truly stellar character list to dead on perfectly research facts, there seriously wasn’t a thing that could have been improved about this twisty, twisty plot. Considering that this author already had my undying adoration, to be able to outdo even himself? Well, let me just say—ding ding—he managed it with this original take on a standard missing child trope.
My absolute favorite piece to the stunning, compulsively readable book was definitely Sloan herself. A strong female main character if I’ve ever seen one, she was clever, witty, brave, and powerfully fit. Nothing and no one was going to scare this admirable young woman. That’s not to say she was the only impressive persona. Believable, genuine, and perfectly sculpted for the role each of them played, each ran the gamut from endearing to unlikeable and everywhere in between.
The plot, though, still outshone even Sloan. With realistic details and a well-thought-out structure, the storyline alternated between the past and the present through six mind-blowing parts. Slowly, slowly, the details came into focus until the heart-pumping climax came roaring onto the scene. More times than I could count, I had my jaw on the floor as a twist came out of nowhere ready to take the story to yet another level. Even the omniscient perspective—something Donlea does oh so well—revealed just enough to keep me firmly in the dark.
All said and done, with riveting suspense, an expertly paced plot, and immersive storytelling, Donlea was at the top of his game yet again. And thanks to a storyline with a ripped-from-the-headlines feelpertinent topics concerning DNA and its uses within law enforcement, this book will also surely take up residence in my brain for the foreseeable future. So if you want a psychological thriller that will have you pulling an all-nighter, look no further. That describes this book to a T. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Charlie Donlea and Kensington Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: adoption, mention of: financial crimes
Sloan has always known that she was adopted. Coming from a secure, happy childhood, however, it never really entered her mind as all that important. Until she gets her report from the ancestry site. With the help of an expert, it’s revealed that her real identity is none other than Charlotte Margolis. Last known to have disappeared with her parents at just two-months-old, her case captured the curiosity of the nation in July of 1995. Despite a rigorous investigation and plenty of attention, however, the case went cold and has stayed that way for the last twenty-nine years. Until now.
Hoping to learn more about her birth parents and what happened almost three decades ago, Sloan returns to the place she was born—Cedar Creek, Nevada—and the bosom of the Margolis clan. There she discovers that the family rules the area with an iron fist. Welcomed in immediately, Sloan nevertheless begins to wonder. Could they have had something to do with what occurred all those years ago? Or is she merely being overly suspicious? One thing is certain, however, someone isn’t happy that she’s back—and they’ll do almost anything to keep the past dead and buried for good.
Amazing amazeballs of amazingness! With Long Time Gone, Charlie Donlea utterly knocked it out of the park! From a truly stellar character list to dead on perfectly research facts, there seriously wasn’t a thing that could have been improved about this twisty, twisty plot. Considering that this author already had my undying adoration, to be able to outdo even himself? Well, let me just say—ding ding—he managed it with this original take on a standard missing child trope.
My absolute favorite piece to the stunning, compulsively readable book was definitely Sloan herself. A strong female main character if I’ve ever seen one, she was clever, witty, brave, and powerfully fit. Nothing and no one was going to scare this admirable young woman. That’s not to say she was the only impressive persona. Believable, genuine, and perfectly sculpted for the role each of them played, each ran the gamut from endearing to unlikeable and everywhere in between.
The plot, though, still outshone even Sloan. With realistic details and a well-thought-out structure, the storyline alternated between the past and the present through six mind-blowing parts. Slowly, slowly, the details came into focus until the heart-pumping climax came roaring onto the scene. More times than I could count, I had my jaw on the floor as a twist came out of nowhere ready to take the story to yet another level. Even the omniscient perspective—something Donlea does oh so well—revealed just enough to keep me firmly in the dark.
All said and done, with riveting suspense, an expertly paced plot, and immersive storytelling, Donlea was at the top of his game yet again. And thanks to a storyline with a ripped-from-the-headlines feelpertinent topics concerning DNA and its uses within law enforcement, this book will also surely take up residence in my brain for the foreseeable future. So if you want a psychological thriller that will have you pulling an all-nighter, look no further. That describes this book to a T. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Charlie Donlea and Kensington Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: adoption, mention of: financial crimes
May 17, 2024
Charlie Donlea uses the current trend of genetic research as the basis for his latest thriller, Long Time Gone. Dr. Sloan Hastings is in training to be a forensic pathologist. When her research project calls for forensic DNA tracking, she submits her own to a geneology research group to learn more about the process. What comes back startles her. She’s always known she was adopted. But the DNA proves she’s Charlotte Margolis, a baby who went missing along with her parents when she was only two months old. The Margolis family are powerful people in Cedar Creek, Nevada. And not everyone seems happy for “Charlotte” to reappear.
While the plot sometimes felt a little clunky and had some gaps in logic, I will admit to being thoroughly entertained through the first 80% of the book. But then, it went so far OTT I was literally rolling my eyes. It went from being an almost four stars to barely a three. I can’t believe his editor didn’t call him out on how outrageous the one main plot point was. Or maybe they expect readers to be too young to see the incongruity.
I found Vivienne Leheny to be a strong narrator.
My thanks to Netgalley and RB Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
While the plot sometimes felt a little clunky and had some gaps in logic, I will admit to being thoroughly entertained through the first 80% of the book. But then, it went so far OTT I was literally rolling my eyes. It went from being an almost four stars to barely a three. I can’t believe his editor didn’t call him out on how outrageous the one main plot point was. Or maybe they expect readers to be too young to see the incongruity.
I found Vivienne Leheny to be a strong narrator.
My thanks to Netgalley and RB Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
August 14, 2024
4.25✨'s
✨ What a Thrilling Ride ✨
Sloane Hastings has a dream of becoming a forensic pathologist and on her journey she enters into a two year fellowship. During her first year, she is given the research topic of forensic and investigative genealogy. Sloane must examine and analyze how DNA has helped solve major cases in the past and how she can advance the subject in some way for the future of forensics. To better understand how the online geneaology databases has helped solve cold cases, she seeks the guidance from a local genealogist. He informs her that the best way for her to understand the process is by submitting her own DNA so he can guide her through the whole process.
Hesitant, Sloane wasn't sure if this was something she wanted to do. Sloane has always known she was adopted but had never planned on finding her adoptive parents and before submitting her DNA she wanted to discuss it with her adoptive parents. Agreeing to sumit her DNA, she is completely speechless when her results come back matching a baby that went missing almost 30 years ago. The search came back that her name was "Charlotte Margolis" a relative of the famous and well-known Margolis family. Sloane decides to to go back to Cedar Creek, Nevada to meet her family and to figure out what happened to her biological parents. Her new family have a lot of power and influence in their local town, a family that also has a lot of secrets...... secrets that have been buried for years, and secrets tht are about to be revealed.
I thorougly enjoyed this mystery and psychological thriller. The first few chapters started off a little slow and I was wondering where it was going. However, when Sloane went to visit the Margolis family, the plot and storyline became riveting and addictive. The story follows two different timelines....the past in 1995 when Sloane "Charlotte" went missing and then the present in 2024. I did not want to stop listening to this book. I had to know what was going to happen and what did happen in the past. The author hit this one out of the park, the twisty plot continued to keep suprising me throughout the story. The author's writing had you at the end of your seat as the story continued to build with a riveting climax. This was one of those thrillers where you thought you knew, but then it would hit you with another twist. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
Pre-Read Review:
✨TBR jar Prompt: Title that starts with the same letter as your first name✨
Making my way through some of my thrillers; listening on audio.
✨ What a Thrilling Ride ✨
Sloane Hastings has a dream of becoming a forensic pathologist and on her journey she enters into a two year fellowship. During her first year, she is given the research topic of forensic and investigative genealogy. Sloane must examine and analyze how DNA has helped solve major cases in the past and how she can advance the subject in some way for the future of forensics. To better understand how the online geneaology databases has helped solve cold cases, she seeks the guidance from a local genealogist. He informs her that the best way for her to understand the process is by submitting her own DNA so he can guide her through the whole process.
Hesitant, Sloane wasn't sure if this was something she wanted to do. Sloane has always known she was adopted but had never planned on finding her adoptive parents and before submitting her DNA she wanted to discuss it with her adoptive parents. Agreeing to sumit her DNA, she is completely speechless when her results come back matching a baby that went missing almost 30 years ago. The search came back that her name was "Charlotte Margolis" a relative of the famous and well-known Margolis family. Sloane decides to to go back to Cedar Creek, Nevada to meet her family and to figure out what happened to her biological parents. Her new family have a lot of power and influence in their local town, a family that also has a lot of secrets...... secrets that have been buried for years, and secrets tht are about to be revealed.
I thorougly enjoyed this mystery and psychological thriller. The first few chapters started off a little slow and I was wondering where it was going. However, when Sloane went to visit the Margolis family, the plot and storyline became riveting and addictive. The story follows two different timelines....the past in 1995 when Sloane "Charlotte" went missing and then the present in 2024. I did not want to stop listening to this book. I had to know what was going to happen and what did happen in the past. The author hit this one out of the park, the twisty plot continued to keep suprising me throughout the story. The author's writing had you at the end of your seat as the story continued to build with a riveting climax. This was one of those thrillers where you thought you knew, but then it would hit you with another twist. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
Pre-Read Review:
✨TBR jar Prompt: Title that starts with the same letter as your first name✨
Making my way through some of my thrillers; listening on audio.
March 16, 2025
This is my fourth Charlie Donlea book. I have rated two of his books five stars: Twenty Years Later and Don't Believe It. I rated Some Choose Darkness with four stars.
Long Time Gone started out like I had boarded a supersonic jet for the very first time. Liftoff was exciting and different than the other Donlea books I had read. A 29-year-old woman does genetic DNA sampling and discovers she has an incredulous family history. She knew she was adopted but what she learns is jaw dropping.
Then the supersonic jet ride became smooth sailing without any turbulence. It was a slower pace than I prefer, and I almost fell asleep mid-flight. But I held on because I know Donlea always has interesting, very twisty endings. The landing was okay and for me, somewhat uneventful.
I encourage readers to read many reviews because there are many rave reviews about this book. I am an outlier.
Long Time Gone started out like I had boarded a supersonic jet for the very first time. Liftoff was exciting and different than the other Donlea books I had read. A 29-year-old woman does genetic DNA sampling and discovers she has an incredulous family history. She knew she was adopted but what she learns is jaw dropping.
Then the supersonic jet ride became smooth sailing without any turbulence. It was a slower pace than I prefer, and I almost fell asleep mid-flight. But I held on because I know Donlea always has interesting, very twisty endings. The landing was okay and for me, somewhat uneventful.
I encourage readers to read many reviews because there are many rave reviews about this book. I am an outlier.
June 25, 2024
the setup…
Dr. Sloan Hastings is a forensic scientist working on a fellowship in forensic pathology, being trained by the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty. Each of the participants are given a research assignment and Sloan’s is in genealogy, examining how these online sites can be useful in forensic science investigations. Coincidentally, Sloan was adopted thirty years ago and for the project to be most productive, she’ll need to submit her own DNA as the analysis tool. With her adopted parents’ approval, she proceeds and the results are earth shattering. She’s THE “Baby Charlotte” who along with her parents vanished from Cedar Creek, Nevada under suspicious circumstances.
the heart of the story…
What starts as a research project pivots into an investigation into how Sloan came to be adopted by her parents. Sloan’s goals are broader than the FBI’s as she has to contend with a biological family she’s never known. Before she can fully grasp her new circumstances, she’s surreptitiously approached by Cedar Creek Sheriff Eric Stamos. His father originally investigated her parents’ disappearance and the fatal car accident associated with her mother’s car but he died strangely before he could resolve the case. He engages Sloan in the middle of a giant puzzle that includes lots of potential danger as it’s uncertain as to who she can trust.
the narration…
I initially believed the story should have had multiple narrators but Leheny was quite masterful in not only the storytelling but in voice distinctions. There were times if sounded as if there was more than one performer!
the bottom line…
We should have learned by now that dipping into these genealogy sites should be a step you don’t take lightly. I have my own experience but knew enough to be cautious. Sloan is smart with great instincts and they served her well. The transitions from 1995 to present kept me riveted and they were timed perfectly. While I arrogantly believed I’d solved the thing there was still a big twist I missed. Believe the hype because this mystery is big time!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Dr. Sloan Hastings is a forensic scientist working on a fellowship in forensic pathology, being trained by the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty. Each of the participants are given a research assignment and Sloan’s is in genealogy, examining how these online sites can be useful in forensic science investigations. Coincidentally, Sloan was adopted thirty years ago and for the project to be most productive, she’ll need to submit her own DNA as the analysis tool. With her adopted parents’ approval, she proceeds and the results are earth shattering. She’s THE “Baby Charlotte” who along with her parents vanished from Cedar Creek, Nevada under suspicious circumstances.
the heart of the story…
What starts as a research project pivots into an investigation into how Sloan came to be adopted by her parents. Sloan’s goals are broader than the FBI’s as she has to contend with a biological family she’s never known. Before she can fully grasp her new circumstances, she’s surreptitiously approached by Cedar Creek Sheriff Eric Stamos. His father originally investigated her parents’ disappearance and the fatal car accident associated with her mother’s car but he died strangely before he could resolve the case. He engages Sloan in the middle of a giant puzzle that includes lots of potential danger as it’s uncertain as to who she can trust.
the narration…
I initially believed the story should have had multiple narrators but Leheny was quite masterful in not only the storytelling but in voice distinctions. There were times if sounded as if there was more than one performer!
the bottom line…
We should have learned by now that dipping into these genealogy sites should be a step you don’t take lightly. I have my own experience but knew enough to be cautious. Sloan is smart with great instincts and they served her well. The transitions from 1995 to present kept me riveted and they were timed perfectly. While I arrogantly believed I’d solved the thing there was still a big twist I missed. Believe the hype because this mystery is big time!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 15, 2024
Long Time Gone
By Charlie Donlea
Read by Vivienne Leheny
I dislike prologues.
I dislike random chapters in books that convey what WILL happen.
I dislike the killer's pov taking up a large portion of the story, carefully ambiguous so as not to give you a clue about who it is.
I can tell you, with 96% success, I have entirely skipped these portions and NEVER MISSED A THING.
Try it. You'll thank me unless you just like listening to words.
I was ensnared by chapter four. But then it all went wrong. Literally every event was recounted like 5 times. By chapter 50, precisely three things had happened. Half of the book was devoted to three things happening.
They each deserved a chapter. By my math, that's THREE chapters. So we have FIFTY chapters out of THREE.
Just a note: in 1995 there weren't pocket sized cell phones available to the general public, if anywhere. My dad was a trucker and he had a CB radio and nothing else. There were car phones that came next, with huge antennaes that mounted with strong magnets to the top of your vehicle to be sure you could reach the teeny tiny signal that was projecting somewhere far off IF you were fortunate. Do some simple fact checking, guys.
And another note: the Audi didn't become the "it" vehicle until some time in the past 10-15 years in the US.
Another note (because I'm a nit picker...gross,why do people SAY that?) hawks screech, cry, call, and make odd "cak-cak" sounds. What they do not do is "crow".
There's quite a lot of re-hashing. It gets a little tedious hearing the events recounted when the protagonist is explaining the situation to other people. It would be more conducive to just write "she/he filled them in on what she/he knew/experienced" rather than going through it over and over in a blow by blow. It turns into filler or what I call "word carbs".
*The term is "bald faced liar" rather than "BOLD faced". Just sayin'.
Sloan is ridiculously slow on the uptake ("35 mm? Develop pictures? Dark ROOM? Yes, Sloan, to develop photos in the 90s, we had to actually go into a DARK ROOM-literally.)
I was born in the 70s and I wasn't aware of what life was like back then, but when I was in my 20s, I had read things (Like BOOKS, Sloan! Imagine!) that taught me things ABOUT the 70s because I didn't think life began when I was old enough to remember it. It's like the woman thought digital cameras always existed, sheesh! She's a freakin' DOCTOR!
There was nearly an entire chapter devoted to the explanations to Sloan of things my kids learned from a Nancy Drew game! (Back in the olden days, Sloan, we had actual DISCS we had to put in the computer-on an actual DESK!) It grew tiresome listening to the wonder Sloan got from watching her face appear like magic on film.
It was time to speed it up to double time.
Listening to the podcast stalker's pov was absolutely painful. Skip it, trust me.
At least 5 solid minutes listening (several times) to Sloan's entire workout routine. Including water consumption and the wiping of sweat.
Just.
Please.
8 hours of my life I'm never getting back.
I gave the narrator the 2 stars. She deserves more, but I just couldn't give this nonsense more.
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for a brutally honest review!
By Charlie Donlea
Read by Vivienne Leheny
I dislike prologues.
I dislike random chapters in books that convey what WILL happen.
I dislike the killer's pov taking up a large portion of the story, carefully ambiguous so as not to give you a clue about who it is.
I can tell you, with 96% success, I have entirely skipped these portions and NEVER MISSED A THING.
Try it. You'll thank me unless you just like listening to words.
I was ensnared by chapter four. But then it all went wrong. Literally every event was recounted like 5 times. By chapter 50, precisely three things had happened. Half of the book was devoted to three things happening.
They each deserved a chapter. By my math, that's THREE chapters. So we have FIFTY chapters out of THREE.
Just a note: in 1995 there weren't pocket sized cell phones available to the general public, if anywhere. My dad was a trucker and he had a CB radio and nothing else. There were car phones that came next, with huge antennaes that mounted with strong magnets to the top of your vehicle to be sure you could reach the teeny tiny signal that was projecting somewhere far off IF you were fortunate. Do some simple fact checking, guys.
And another note: the Audi didn't become the "it" vehicle until some time in the past 10-15 years in the US.
Another note (because I'm a nit picker...gross,why do people SAY that?) hawks screech, cry, call, and make odd "cak-cak" sounds. What they do not do is "crow".
There's quite a lot of re-hashing. It gets a little tedious hearing the events recounted when the protagonist is explaining the situation to other people. It would be more conducive to just write "she/he filled them in on what she/he knew/experienced" rather than going through it over and over in a blow by blow. It turns into filler or what I call "word carbs".
*The term is "bald faced liar" rather than "BOLD faced". Just sayin'.
Sloan is ridiculously slow on the uptake ("35 mm? Develop pictures? Dark ROOM? Yes, Sloan, to develop photos in the 90s, we had to actually go into a DARK ROOM-literally.)
I was born in the 70s and I wasn't aware of what life was like back then, but when I was in my 20s, I had read things (Like BOOKS, Sloan! Imagine!) that taught me things ABOUT the 70s because I didn't think life began when I was old enough to remember it. It's like the woman thought digital cameras always existed, sheesh! She's a freakin' DOCTOR!
There was nearly an entire chapter devoted to the explanations to Sloan of things my kids learned from a Nancy Drew game! (Back in the olden days, Sloan, we had actual DISCS we had to put in the computer-on an actual DESK!) It grew tiresome listening to the wonder Sloan got from watching her face appear like magic on film.
It was time to speed it up to double time.
Listening to the podcast stalker's pov was absolutely painful. Skip it, trust me.
At least 5 solid minutes listening (several times) to Sloan's entire workout routine. Including water consumption and the wiping of sweat.
Just.
Please.
8 hours of my life I'm never getting back.
I gave the narrator the 2 stars. She deserves more, but I just couldn't give this nonsense more.
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for a brutally honest review!
May 16, 2024
Big sigh. For most of this book I was hooked and thought it was going to be a 4 or 5 star read. But then the ending ruined it for me. Spoilers ahead.
I went into this book without knowing anything of the plot - just that it was the new book by Charlie Donlea who is an auto read author for me ever since Don’t Believe It.
I thought the whole setup of Sloane’s program and why she decided to submit her dna to a genealogy site was great. I was so pulled in as we learned who she was and what happened 30 years ago. I felt like the pace dragged a little in the middle but I was still along for the ride.
But then that ending. A key part to how the whole case was solved involved a baby in a bassinette happening to kick the button on a camera and get photos that managed to clearly show how multiple murders occurred. WHAT?!?! This is the most over the top unbelievable thing ever. They stayed exactly in the frame for all of those shots?? Or the fussing baby kept kicking the camera into just the right angle and every shot came out clear? NO WAY. And then the present timeline final showdown was also over the top and unbelievable and that ending just entirely lost me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.
I went into this book without knowing anything of the plot - just that it was the new book by Charlie Donlea who is an auto read author for me ever since Don’t Believe It.
I thought the whole setup of Sloane’s program and why she decided to submit her dna to a genealogy site was great. I was so pulled in as we learned who she was and what happened 30 years ago. I felt like the pace dragged a little in the middle but I was still along for the ride.
But then that ending. A key part to how the whole case was solved involved a baby in a bassinette happening to kick the button on a camera and get photos that managed to clearly show how multiple murders occurred. WHAT?!?! This is the most over the top unbelievable thing ever. They stayed exactly in the frame for all of those shots?? Or the fussing baby kept kicking the camera into just the right angle and every shot came out clear? NO WAY. And then the present timeline final showdown was also over the top and unbelievable and that ending just entirely lost me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
A good thriller!
Dr. Sloan Hastings is starting her forensic pathology fellowship. As part of her fellowship, she needs to do research. She decides to center hers on DNA. Due to this, she decides to submit her own DNA to an ancestor website. Sloan knows she is adopted and even though she had never wanted to meet her biological parents, this could bring insight into her planned research.
No one is more shocked than Sloan when her DNA comes back proving that Sloan is none other than Charlotte Margolis, "baby Charlotte", who went missing with her parents back in 1995. The Margolis family has power and connections everywhere but what do they know about her disappearance?
After making the discovery, Sloan is approached by Sheriff Eric Stamos. His father was the Sheriff in 1995 investigating a hit-and-run case where her mother was a suspect. Just a few days after her parents disappeared, the Sheriff died from an overdose. Eric believes his father was murdered and he needs Sloan's help to prove it.
Quite a compelling plotline with remarkable characters. The suspense was just right.
I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Dr. Sloan Hastings is starting her forensic pathology fellowship. As part of her fellowship, she needs to do research. She decides to center hers on DNA. Due to this, she decides to submit her own DNA to an ancestor website. Sloan knows she is adopted and even though she had never wanted to meet her biological parents, this could bring insight into her planned research.
No one is more shocked than Sloan when her DNA comes back proving that Sloan is none other than Charlotte Margolis, "baby Charlotte", who went missing with her parents back in 1995. The Margolis family has power and connections everywhere but what do they know about her disappearance?
After making the discovery, Sloan is approached by Sheriff Eric Stamos. His father was the Sheriff in 1995 investigating a hit-and-run case where her mother was a suspect. Just a few days after her parents disappeared, the Sheriff died from an overdose. Eric believes his father was murdered and he needs Sloan's help to prove it.
Quite a compelling plotline with remarkable characters. The suspense was just right.
I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
March 12, 2024
Hot Diggty Dang!! Charlie Donlea's latest thriller had me on the edge of my seat, with my fingers practically smoking as I raced through the pages. In this gripping tale, Donlea ingeniously utilizes DNA as a plot device to breathe fresh life into the tropes of missing children and toxic family dynamics. The disappearance of Baby Charlotte and her parents in 1995 takes center stage. When her identity is revealed through DNA testing, it opens a Pandora's box of mysteries surrounding their vanishing act.
The suspense in the story is consistently intense, urging me to click through the pages swiftly. Donlea expertly paces the narrative, gradually revealing twists and revelations, leading up to an exhilarating stand-off that had me on the edge of my seat. The final reveal stunned me, with a clever and entertaining resolution that still has me laughing. Donlea's storytelling and unexpected plot twists make for an exhilarating read from start to finish.
A Witches Words read with some of my favorite witches!!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
The suspense in the story is consistently intense, urging me to click through the pages swiftly. Donlea expertly paces the narrative, gradually revealing twists and revelations, leading up to an exhilarating stand-off that had me on the edge of my seat. The final reveal stunned me, with a clever and entertaining resolution that still has me laughing. Donlea's storytelling and unexpected plot twists make for an exhilarating read from start to finish.
A Witches Words read with some of my favorite witches!!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
May 6, 2024
Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea is a decades old murder mystery coming to a thrilling conclusion in the present. The story in Long Time Gone of course is one that takes place in dual timelines of the past and present and with some changes of the point of view.
Dr. Sloan Hastings is still in the process of studying for the career she has always wanted in forensic pathology. During her studies Sloan is asked to look into how DNA and ancestry websites have helped solve crimes so she contacts a specialist to help answer questions on the subject. Sloan is told the best way to study is to submit her own DNA for analysis so she does with some shocking results.
Sloan finds the ancestry website matches her to the Margolis family in Cedar Creek, Nevada where thirty years ago Sloan was known as “Baby Charlotte”, the daughter of two of the Margolis family who had gone missing along with their infant daughter. Once it becomes known of her match Sloan meets Sheriff Eric Stamos who’s father originally was investigating the Margolis family and let’s her in on a few secrets hoping the two can help one another find answers.
Charlie Donlea is an author that certainly knows how to weave a tail that keeps the pages turning. The story in Long Time Gone quickly became an addicting one with both the past and present pulling me in and not wanting to let go. I really did fly through this book faster than any others I have read in probably a few months. The characters were interesting and held my attention and I enjoyed navigating the twists and turns until the very end. Definitely an author to check out for the thriller fans!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Dr. Sloan Hastings is still in the process of studying for the career she has always wanted in forensic pathology. During her studies Sloan is asked to look into how DNA and ancestry websites have helped solve crimes so she contacts a specialist to help answer questions on the subject. Sloan is told the best way to study is to submit her own DNA for analysis so she does with some shocking results.
Sloan finds the ancestry website matches her to the Margolis family in Cedar Creek, Nevada where thirty years ago Sloan was known as “Baby Charlotte”, the daughter of two of the Margolis family who had gone missing along with their infant daughter. Once it becomes known of her match Sloan meets Sheriff Eric Stamos who’s father originally was investigating the Margolis family and let’s her in on a few secrets hoping the two can help one another find answers.
Charlie Donlea is an author that certainly knows how to weave a tail that keeps the pages turning. The story in Long Time Gone quickly became an addicting one with both the past and present pulling me in and not wanting to let go. I really did fly through this book faster than any others I have read in probably a few months. The characters were interesting and held my attention and I enjoyed navigating the twists and turns until the very end. Definitely an author to check out for the thriller fans!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 17, 2024
Dr. Sloan Hastings is training to become a medical examiner and, as part of a research assignment, submits her DNA to an online genealogy site. She knows she's adopted but has never been interested in finding her biological parents. Her DNA profile indicates her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis who captured the nation’s attention when she and her parents mysteriously disappeared in 1995.
This story goes back and forth between 2024 and 1995 and the transition is very smooth in both time periods. It's so weird because I started reading this book on July 7, 2024 and the events in the book take place beginning on July 1, 2024. I felt like I was following a current news story. The story is very suspenseful and the pace is excellent as twists and turns are gradually revealed. The characters are well fleshed out and I'm happy to report there was only a whisper of a possible romance.
It's been a while since I read a Charlie Donlea novel and this one is absolutely stunning. I intend to backtrack and read some of his books that I've missed.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the London Public Library.
This story goes back and forth between 2024 and 1995 and the transition is very smooth in both time periods. It's so weird because I started reading this book on July 7, 2024 and the events in the book take place beginning on July 1, 2024. I felt like I was following a current news story. The story is very suspenseful and the pace is excellent as twists and turns are gradually revealed. The characters are well fleshed out and I'm happy to report there was only a whisper of a possible romance.
It's been a while since I read a Charlie Donlea novel and this one is absolutely stunning. I intend to backtrack and read some of his books that I've missed.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the London Public Library.
May 20, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
I do not understand how this book has such high reviews here on GoodReads—this is one of the least enjoyable (dare I say… bad?) books I’ve read this year. The storyline/plot/case itself is super interesting, but I just could not deal with the emphasis on super random, unimportant details and the repetitiveness and over-explaining of things. Oh, and how completely absurd the ending was. Just… not a good time.
I do not understand how this book has such high reviews here on GoodReads—this is one of the least enjoyable (dare I say… bad?) books I’ve read this year. The storyline/plot/case itself is super interesting, but I just could not deal with the emphasis on super random, unimportant details and the repetitiveness and over-explaining of things. Oh, and how completely absurd the ending was. Just… not a good time.
May 10, 2024
I started this one on audiobook and I liked the narrator. You should understand though that I really only listen to audiobooks while I am driving or out for a walk. So when I was done driving for the day I decided I absolutely couldn’t wait to know what happened and abandoned that audiobook for the kindle and devoured this one. Dr. Sloan Hastings has just started the most prestigious fellowship in forensic pathology and she is given the topic of using genealogy to help solve crime as her dissertation project. After consulting with a genealogist she decides to upload her own DNA to one of those sites to really understand the process to give her a better foundation. While she always knew she was adopted she was shocked to find out she and her parents disappeared almost 30 years ago and the adoption her parents did wasn’t completely above board. Sloan is quickly drawn into the mystery of Charlotte Margolis and her parents and is determined to figure it out. I loved this one. I like Charlie Donlea but I felt like this one actually blew me away. It’s not that the mystery was super twisty, but the book was so engrossing I literally did not want to put it down.
June 15, 2024
Dr. Sloan Hastings, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, just finished a clinical pathology residency and is entering a two-year program to become a medical examiner.
During the first year of her training Sloan will be required to assist with autopsies and complete a research project. Sloan's project, assigned by program director Dr. Livia Cutty, is forensic and investigative genealogy.
Forensic and investigative genealogy works something like this: law enforcement officials send the DNA of an unknown perp (perhaps from a rape kit) to a national DNA database; if there's a hit, that person is related to the perp. This technique was used to catch the notorious Golden State Killer.
Twenty-nine-year-old Sloan has always known she was adopted, but never considered sending her DNA to a site like Ancestry.com to find her biological parents. As part of her research project, though, Sloan decides to send in her DNA, and the results are shocking. Sloan is actually Charlotte Margolis, who disappeared nearly three decades ago.
Sloan learns that her biological parents are Preston and Annabelle Margolis, who - along with their baby Charlotte - vanished from Cedar Creek, Nevada in 1995.
Preston was the scion of Cedar Creek's VERY rich and powerful Margolis family, and the disappearance led to an extensive search and national publicity. However, no trace of the trio was found.....until now.
Once word gets out that Sloan is actually 'baby Charlotte', the press descends on Raleigh in droves. Someone else comes as well: Sheriff Eric Stamos of Cedar Creek, Nevada.
The sheriff tells Sloan that the disappearance of her biological parents might be related to the (supposedly accidental) death of his father, Sandy Stamos, who was once sheriff of Cedar Creek. In 1995, Sheriff Sandy Stamos was investigating the hit-and-run death of Baker Jauncey, a partner in the Margolis Law Firm.
A car belonging to Annabelle Margolis (Sloan's biological mother) was found near Baker's body, but Annabelle insists she was home that night. As it turns out, the circumstances of Baker's death are NOT what they seem, and Eric thinks his dad learned something that led to his murder.
To cut to the chase, Eric convinces Sloan to 'go west' to meet her Margolis family in Cedar Creek, Nevada. Once Sloan is accepted into the clan, she can do an undercover investigation into the disappearance of her biological parents AND the death of Sheriff Sandy Stamos. Sloan agrees, and takes a plane to Cedar Creek.
When Sloan arrives in Nevada, her biological grandparents and aunts and uncles make a 'welcome Charlotte' party, and Sloan is provided with a comfortable guest cottage for her visit.
Sloan makes it her business to snoop around.....
.....and also secretly meets with Sheriff Eric Stamos, to further their joint inquiries.
The story alternates back and forth between the 1995 and the present, and surprising secrets are revealed in both timelines.
I enjoyed this edge-of-your-seat suspense novel, which is well-plotted and well-written. Highly recommended to fans of thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley, Charlie Donlea, and Kensington for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 7, 2025
3.5 genealogy stars.
Great audiobook! 🎧
A thirty-year-old missing persons cold case. A forensic medical examiner students’ first project. A small town run by one wealthy family.
This book was so extremely addictive! I was invested as soon as I started listening. I was fascinated by the genealogy element which was a major plot point. I loved following the process of how cold case crimes can be solved using this scientific tool.
The characters were excellent! I loved the main character and everything she brought to the storyline. Through her character, the reader learns about genealogy and how it can be used in police investigations.
There is a true crime element to the storyline that I loved. This involves some returning characters from other books by this author which was a fun addition (but you don’t need to have read the other books).
There was an intensity that kept me gripped, and propelled the first 75% of the story forward at lightning speed. I was hanging on every word. The last 25% was different. The last quarter brought the storyline together, however, many of the conclusive elements were extremely far fetched and unbelievable. I was able to accept them and be entertained, but it definitely took away from my overall connection and enjoyment. Up to the 75% point, this was a 4.5 star reading experience. The last 25% took away a star bringing it down to a 3.5 star for me.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The audio narrator did a great job presenting this story. She was enjoyable and enhanced my connection to the storyline.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
Great audiobook! 🎧
A thirty-year-old missing persons cold case. A forensic medical examiner students’ first project. A small town run by one wealthy family.
This book was so extremely addictive! I was invested as soon as I started listening. I was fascinated by the genealogy element which was a major plot point. I loved following the process of how cold case crimes can be solved using this scientific tool.
The characters were excellent! I loved the main character and everything she brought to the storyline. Through her character, the reader learns about genealogy and how it can be used in police investigations.
There is a true crime element to the storyline that I loved. This involves some returning characters from other books by this author which was a fun addition (but you don’t need to have read the other books).
There was an intensity that kept me gripped, and propelled the first 75% of the story forward at lightning speed. I was hanging on every word. The last 25% was different. The last quarter brought the storyline together, however, many of the conclusive elements were extremely far fetched and unbelievable. I was able to accept them and be entertained, but it definitely took away from my overall connection and enjoyment. Up to the 75% point, this was a 4.5 star reading experience. The last 25% took away a star bringing it down to a 3.5 star for me.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The audio narrator did a great job presenting this story. She was enjoyable and enhanced my connection to the storyline.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
August 22, 2024
What an awesome ride!! Thank you to everyone who wrote wonderful reviews suggesting it!
February 25, 2024
Charlie Donlea, the master storyteller is back with another page turning mystery. I am a huge fan of this author, his books always have so much depth and feeling, while telling a cracking story. I raced through this book, with its short chapters and multiple timelines, each chapter leaving me needing more. As always, we have some characters from previous books appearing throughout, but this is absolutely a stand alone.
Sloan Hastings has always known that she was adopted. But never in a million years did she imagine that putting her DNA on a genealogy website would open up a 30 year old cold case of a missing family. The more she finds out, the wilder this case becomes, and she is right at the centre of it all.
Just brilliant! i had no idea how this was going to play out and ai loved being drip fed information from the past. This was one insane family story and I just loved it.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the chance to read this so early. Absolutely loved it
Sloan Hastings has always known that she was adopted. But never in a million years did she imagine that putting her DNA on a genealogy website would open up a 30 year old cold case of a missing family. The more she finds out, the wilder this case becomes, and she is right at the centre of it all.
Just brilliant! i had no idea how this was going to play out and ai loved being drip fed information from the past. This was one insane family story and I just loved it.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the chance to read this so early. Absolutely loved it
June 18, 2024
4.5 stars - rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Charlie Donlea book. Now I’m hitting myself wondering why!?
The synopsis grabbed me immediately:
A forensic scientist does a DNA test as a research assignment only to discover there is a connection between her and a baby that disappeared 30 years before. WHOA!
I simply could not and did not want to put this book down. It’s so good! Fast paced with shocking twists - you’ll stay glued to these pages.
Highly recommend!
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Charlie Donlea book. Now I’m hitting myself wondering why!?
The synopsis grabbed me immediately:
A forensic scientist does a DNA test as a research assignment only to discover there is a connection between her and a baby that disappeared 30 years before. WHOA!
I simply could not and did not want to put this book down. It’s so good! Fast paced with shocking twists - you’ll stay glued to these pages.
Highly recommend!
June 11, 2024
OUTLIER ALERT:
Although the book's "DNA profile reveals a woman's true identity" premise was intriguing, "Long Time Gone" was waaay too long with too many eye-rolling moments.
Quite frankly, I lost track of the number of times I heard myself saying "This would never, ever happen in real life."
I listened to the audiobook read by Vivienne Leheny, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
This 9-hour audiobook easily could have been a 6-hour book.
Unfortunately, the nine hours I invested in this book is "long time gone".
Onto better!
May 15, 2024
Wow!! My first book by this author!! Review to come
May 24, 2024
Many of us are super interested in learning who proceeded us with some facing life altering surprises.
Such was the case with Dr Sloan Hastings, a woman enmeshed in the study of forensic pathology. She submits her DNA to a genealogy site only to find out her connection to a baby's disappearance thirty years ago. Sloan was adopted so the possibilities seemed endless but then when she finds that she is the long missing Charlotte Margolis who with her family disappeared thirty years ago without a trace.
Lots of mystery surrounds the Margolis family, and as Sloan heads to Cedar Creek, Nevada, she unleashes a look back in time and involves Sheriff Eric Stamos, whose father died mysteriously investigating the Margolis family.
Lots of family secrets seem to be buried in the graveyard of the family and although some are thrilled with Sloan's return, there are others who might wish her death.
Very quick paced and intense, the theme of genealogy and DNA is both fascinating and revels secrets long thought of as dead and forgotten.
Thank you to Charlie Donlea, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story already published/
Such was the case with Dr Sloan Hastings, a woman enmeshed in the study of forensic pathology. She submits her DNA to a genealogy site only to find out her connection to a baby's disappearance thirty years ago. Sloan was adopted so the possibilities seemed endless but then when she finds that she is the long missing Charlotte Margolis who with her family disappeared thirty years ago without a trace.
Lots of mystery surrounds the Margolis family, and as Sloan heads to Cedar Creek, Nevada, she unleashes a look back in time and involves Sheriff Eric Stamos, whose father died mysteriously investigating the Margolis family.
Lots of family secrets seem to be buried in the graveyard of the family and although some are thrilled with Sloan's return, there are others who might wish her death.
Very quick paced and intense, the theme of genealogy and DNA is both fascinating and revels secrets long thought of as dead and forgotten.
Thank you to Charlie Donlea, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story already published/
May 11, 2024
☹️☹️ this was awful; lacking in basic research and extremely poor writing / editing. Disappointing to say the least…
This book is a slower (often dragged out and boring) pace until the end when it races at lightning speed.
I found it impossible to believe several parts of the ending/reveals, particularly around old photos. I also couldn’t get past how much of this seemed inspired by or borrowed from the Murdoch family / murders. If you know any details about that this story is spoiled for you.
The location also kept taking me out of the story. There was a lot of emphasis that they were in bend, or (The towns name is stated multiple times) at a vineyard there. OH HELL NO. Bend is the high 🌵 desert there is no way there can be a large, sprawling vineyard there. The grapes can’t as grow there. Grass can’t grow there. The ground is frozen most of the year so bodies can’t be buried there. There also isn’t the land for this type of estate in bend. It made me nuts trying to read this having been to central Oregon myself. The author could have spent 5 minutes googling the area???
There were also other aspects that annoyed me, such as introducing a character at length, even setting him up to be a “love interest”, and then he’s more or less never mentioned or seen again. I’m not sure why he was introduced to me in such depth. Same for the MCs family, career, job, etc. None of it mattered to the story and after a lengthy setup was abandoned. Even the podcaster who was introduced was a throw away. 🤷🏻♀️
The only redeeming aspect or kind thing I can say is that the MC finding her biological family and her feelings about it were more authentic than lifetime. However she would have had more feelings and emotions around this which were never brought up.
This author has been a favorite but this was a huge miss for me.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC.
SUMMARY: Sloan submits her DNA to a “23andme” as part of research for her job. Having been adopted she was nervous to do this, mostly because she had no interest in finding her birth family.
Turns out Sloan is the daughter to a couple that went missing 30 years ago. (This I found interesting).
The son of the detective working that case visits her and tells her about the corrupt “Murdoch family” err the Margoles family and his belief one of them knows the truth and also killed his father because he got too close. He wants her to be a “Trojan horse” and go undercover into the family. They’ll want her back, after all.
Sloan takes a leave of absence to do this and the rest of the book is Sloan meeting her bio family and looking for clues/answers with her newly discovered aunts help. There’s also a few chapters of the detectives son doing his own investigation. Sloans life becomes in danger when she finds old photos her bio mother took. The press is closing in on finding Sloan so she better wrap things up! Next blink, the bad guy gets caught/discovered. Sloan goes back to her old life but with a new aunt and boyfriend. The end.
Note: I typically reserve 2 stars for DNF but couldn’t give this a 3.
This book is a slower (often dragged out and boring) pace until the end when it races at lightning speed.
I found it impossible to believe several parts of the ending/reveals, particularly around old photos. I also couldn’t get past how much of this seemed inspired by or borrowed from the Murdoch family / murders. If you know any details about that this story is spoiled for you.
The location also kept taking me out of the story. There was a lot of emphasis that they were in bend, or (The towns name is stated multiple times) at a vineyard there. OH HELL NO. Bend is the high 🌵 desert there is no way there can be a large, sprawling vineyard there. The grapes can’t as grow there. Grass can’t grow there. The ground is frozen most of the year so bodies can’t be buried there. There also isn’t the land for this type of estate in bend. It made me nuts trying to read this having been to central Oregon myself. The author could have spent 5 minutes googling the area???
There were also other aspects that annoyed me, such as introducing a character at length, even setting him up to be a “love interest”, and then he’s more or less never mentioned or seen again. I’m not sure why he was introduced to me in such depth. Same for the MCs family, career, job, etc. None of it mattered to the story and after a lengthy setup was abandoned. Even the podcaster who was introduced was a throw away. 🤷🏻♀️
The only redeeming aspect or kind thing I can say is that the MC finding her biological family and her feelings about it were more authentic than lifetime. However she would have had more feelings and emotions around this which were never brought up.
This author has been a favorite but this was a huge miss for me.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC.
SUMMARY: Sloan submits her DNA to a “23andme” as part of research for her job. Having been adopted she was nervous to do this, mostly because she had no interest in finding her birth family.
Turns out Sloan is the daughter to a couple that went missing 30 years ago. (This I found interesting).
The son of the detective working that case visits her and tells her about the corrupt “Murdoch family” err the Margoles family and his belief one of them knows the truth and also killed his father because he got too close. He wants her to be a “Trojan horse” and go undercover into the family. They’ll want her back, after all.
Sloan takes a leave of absence to do this and the rest of the book is Sloan meeting her bio family and looking for clues/answers with her newly discovered aunts help. There’s also a few chapters of the detectives son doing his own investigation. Sloans life becomes in danger when she finds old photos her bio mother took. The press is closing in on finding Sloan so she better wrap things up! Next blink, the bad guy gets caught/discovered. Sloan goes back to her old life but with a new aunt and boyfriend. The end.
Note: I typically reserve 2 stars for DNF but couldn’t give this a 3.
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