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Behind Every Face
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27Dark secrets, dangerous threats, and jaw-dropping twists for readers of Riley Sager, Jeneva Rose, and Alex Michaelides.
Millions of readers click onto The Whitaker Report every day. Politics, crime, pop culture—Oliver Whitaker’s wildly popular website covers it all, breaking stories ahead of other news outlets. Ollie’s investigative skills have made him a media legend and a multimillionaire. But as the biggest story of Ollie’s life unfolds, his profession becomes deeply personal.
A cryptic last voicemail from his brother, Lucas, hinted at an explosive scandal. Lucas was tortured and murdered before Ollie could reach him, and now Ollie, too, is running for his life.
Piece by piece the explosive truth comes together—a sordid blackmail scheme involving Lucas’s billionaire employer and a missing flash drive that implicates dozens of rich and influential players. Ollie isn’t the only one being pursued by those who want that damning flash drive. So is Lucas’s fiancée, Andi Vonn, who’s been moved to a new town with a new identity to keep her safe until she can testify.
It may not be enough. As a frantic news media searches for answers and the FBI fights to protect its star witness, enemies are closing in. Ollie and Andi realize that neither can outrun this web of power and influence as a chilling reality settles in: there is no safe haven . . .
Millions of readers click onto The Whitaker Report every day. Politics, crime, pop culture—Oliver Whitaker’s wildly popular website covers it all, breaking stories ahead of other news outlets. Ollie’s investigative skills have made him a media legend and a multimillionaire. But as the biggest story of Ollie’s life unfolds, his profession becomes deeply personal.
A cryptic last voicemail from his brother, Lucas, hinted at an explosive scandal. Lucas was tortured and murdered before Ollie could reach him, and now Ollie, too, is running for his life.
Piece by piece the explosive truth comes together—a sordid blackmail scheme involving Lucas’s billionaire employer and a missing flash drive that implicates dozens of rich and influential players. Ollie isn’t the only one being pursued by those who want that damning flash drive. So is Lucas’s fiancée, Andi Vonn, who’s been moved to a new town with a new identity to keep her safe until she can testify.
It may not be enough. As a frantic news media searches for answers and the FBI fights to protect its star witness, enemies are closing in. Ollie and Andi realize that neither can outrun this web of power and influence as a chilling reality settles in: there is no safe haven . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 26, 2027
About the author
Charlie Donlea
33 books16.2k 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 4 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.
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 4 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.
He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh. My. Heart!
For years now, Charlie Donlea has been one of my auto-approved authors, and honestly, at this point I should probably send him my ophthalmologist's bill. Every single one of his books has the exact same side effects on me: panic attacks, hyperventilation, racing heartbeat, bloodshot eyes from staying up until sunrise, and absolutely zero self-control once I begin reading. Sleep? Never heard of her.
Thankfully, Behind Every Face joins the elite club of Donlea's completely unputdownable thrillers. This is one of those wild, adrenaline-fueled roller coaster rides that refuses to let you breathe. Once you climb aboard, there is no jumping off until the final page. It relentlessly tests your nerves, pushes your heart rate into dangerous territory, and keeps whispering, "Just one more chapter..." before suddenly it's three in the morning and you're questioning every life decision that led you here.
From its explosive opening chapter, Charlie Donlea grabs you by the throat and never loosens his grip.
Andi Vonn receives a terrifying phone call from her fiancé, Lucas, ordering her to leave their house immediately because her life is in danger. Within seconds, a mysterious man wearing gloves is already inside the house, and an absolutely pulse-pounding chase begins. The last thing Andi hears through the phone is the sound of gunshots.
At the very same time, Lucas's older brother, Oliver Whitaker—a legendary investigative journalist whose website, The Whitaker Report, attracts millions of readers every day—is rushing to meet Lucas after receiving a cryptic voicemail promising the biggest corruption story of his career. Instead of the scoop of a lifetime, Oliver discovers something far more horrifying: Lucas has been brutally tortured and murdered.
And before Oliver can even process his grief, the killer returns.
With a chainsaw.
Yes... a chainsaw.
Oliver barely escapes with his life by jumping out of a window, only to realize that whoever murdered Lucas believes he possesses a missing flash drive—one powerful enough to expose some of the richest, most influential, and seemingly untouchable people in the country. Suddenly Oliver becomes the hunted instead of the hunter, while Andi is forced into witness protection with a new identity as the FBI races to keep their most important witness alive.
But here's the terrifying question...
If the FBI is involved, local police are pushed out of the investigation, billionaires are desperately covering their tracks, professional killers keep appearing around every corner, and people are willing to torture and murder to recover one tiny flash drive...
Just how dangerous is the truth?
As Oliver's journalistic instincts refuse to let him stop digging, every answer uncovers an even darker secret. Every clue raises the stakes. Every chapter ends with another jaw-dropping revelation. Trust becomes a luxury nobody can afford, and safe havens quickly prove to be nothing more than an illusion.
What I loved most about this novel is that beneath all the breathtaking action, relentless suspense, and shocking twists, there is a surprisingly emotional story about family, loyalty, sacrifice, and loss. The heartbreaking relationship between Lucas and Andi adds genuine emotional weight to the mystery, while the bond between the Whitaker brothers gives Oliver's investigation an intensely personal purpose. He isn't chasing a headline anymore—he's chasing justice.
Charlie Donlea masterfully balances explosive action sequences with intelligent investigative journalism, political corruption, emotional character development, and twist after twist that made me question absolutely everyone. Every time I thought I had figured things out, he effortlessly pulled the rug out from under me.
This is exactly the kind of thriller I crave: razor-sharp, brilliantly plotted, incredibly cinematic, lightning-fast, and so addictive that putting it down feels physically impossible. The pacing never slows, the tension never lets up, and every chapter demands that you read "just one more."
If you're looking for a nerve-bending, heart-stopping, pulse-racing thriller packed with conspiracies, political corruption, dangerous secrets, relentless suspense, and enough twists to leave your jaw permanently attached to the floor, Behind Every Face deserves an immediate spot at the top of your reading list.
Charlie Donlea has done it again, and honestly, I don't know whether to thank him or demand compensation for another sleepless night.
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sharing this brilliantly crafted, utterly addictive thriller with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
For years now, Charlie Donlea has been one of my auto-approved authors, and honestly, at this point I should probably send him my ophthalmologist's bill. Every single one of his books has the exact same side effects on me: panic attacks, hyperventilation, racing heartbeat, bloodshot eyes from staying up until sunrise, and absolutely zero self-control once I begin reading. Sleep? Never heard of her.
Thankfully, Behind Every Face joins the elite club of Donlea's completely unputdownable thrillers. This is one of those wild, adrenaline-fueled roller coaster rides that refuses to let you breathe. Once you climb aboard, there is no jumping off until the final page. It relentlessly tests your nerves, pushes your heart rate into dangerous territory, and keeps whispering, "Just one more chapter..." before suddenly it's three in the morning and you're questioning every life decision that led you here.
From its explosive opening chapter, Charlie Donlea grabs you by the throat and never loosens his grip.
Andi Vonn receives a terrifying phone call from her fiancé, Lucas, ordering her to leave their house immediately because her life is in danger. Within seconds, a mysterious man wearing gloves is already inside the house, and an absolutely pulse-pounding chase begins. The last thing Andi hears through the phone is the sound of gunshots.
At the very same time, Lucas's older brother, Oliver Whitaker—a legendary investigative journalist whose website, The Whitaker Report, attracts millions of readers every day—is rushing to meet Lucas after receiving a cryptic voicemail promising the biggest corruption story of his career. Instead of the scoop of a lifetime, Oliver discovers something far more horrifying: Lucas has been brutally tortured and murdered.
And before Oliver can even process his grief, the killer returns.
With a chainsaw.
Yes... a chainsaw.
Oliver barely escapes with his life by jumping out of a window, only to realize that whoever murdered Lucas believes he possesses a missing flash drive—one powerful enough to expose some of the richest, most influential, and seemingly untouchable people in the country. Suddenly Oliver becomes the hunted instead of the hunter, while Andi is forced into witness protection with a new identity as the FBI races to keep their most important witness alive.
But here's the terrifying question...
If the FBI is involved, local police are pushed out of the investigation, billionaires are desperately covering their tracks, professional killers keep appearing around every corner, and people are willing to torture and murder to recover one tiny flash drive...
Just how dangerous is the truth?
As Oliver's journalistic instincts refuse to let him stop digging, every answer uncovers an even darker secret. Every clue raises the stakes. Every chapter ends with another jaw-dropping revelation. Trust becomes a luxury nobody can afford, and safe havens quickly prove to be nothing more than an illusion.
What I loved most about this novel is that beneath all the breathtaking action, relentless suspense, and shocking twists, there is a surprisingly emotional story about family, loyalty, sacrifice, and loss. The heartbreaking relationship between Lucas and Andi adds genuine emotional weight to the mystery, while the bond between the Whitaker brothers gives Oliver's investigation an intensely personal purpose. He isn't chasing a headline anymore—he's chasing justice.
Charlie Donlea masterfully balances explosive action sequences with intelligent investigative journalism, political corruption, emotional character development, and twist after twist that made me question absolutely everyone. Every time I thought I had figured things out, he effortlessly pulled the rug out from under me.
This is exactly the kind of thriller I crave: razor-sharp, brilliantly plotted, incredibly cinematic, lightning-fast, and so addictive that putting it down feels physically impossible. The pacing never slows, the tension never lets up, and every chapter demands that you read "just one more."
If you're looking for a nerve-bending, heart-stopping, pulse-racing thriller packed with conspiracies, political corruption, dangerous secrets, relentless suspense, and enough twists to leave your jaw permanently attached to the floor, Behind Every Face deserves an immediate spot at the top of your reading list.
Charlie Donlea has done it again, and honestly, I don't know whether to thank him or demand compensation for another sleepless night.
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sharing this brilliantly crafted, utterly addictive thriller with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🐝Early Book Buzz🐝
Huge thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted copy! Another 5 ⭐️ buddy read in the books too! Grateful to share this experience with @bibliopeeks !
When a Charlie Donlea arc arrives on your doorstep, you drop everything for him! Why? Because you already know it’s going to be amazing! He is one of the most consistent thriller writers out there! Can we all agree?
I went into this story completely blind, and I’m only going to give you some nuggets.
A famous journalist walks into to meet his brother. His brother left a voicemail that he has a huge secret that he wants him to blow open wide. But when he opens the door, that brother is being murdered.
The journalist takes off on the run. His only concern is to uncover the truth that lead to his brother’s murder. The story goes backwards from there.
Donlea can narrate a tale in a slow paced manner that still leaves a sense of urgency. As more unfolds, I couldn’t put it down!
We had so much to talk about while reading the book. This is one you definitely want to buddy read! Pre-order your copy now and don’t miss out on one of 2027’s biggest releases!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 1/26/27
Huge thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted copy! Another 5 ⭐️ buddy read in the books too! Grateful to share this experience with @bibliopeeks !
When a Charlie Donlea arc arrives on your doorstep, you drop everything for him! Why? Because you already know it’s going to be amazing! He is one of the most consistent thriller writers out there! Can we all agree?
I went into this story completely blind, and I’m only going to give you some nuggets.
A famous journalist walks into to meet his brother. His brother left a voicemail that he has a huge secret that he wants him to blow open wide. But when he opens the door, that brother is being murdered.
The journalist takes off on the run. His only concern is to uncover the truth that lead to his brother’s murder. The story goes backwards from there.
Donlea can narrate a tale in a slow paced manner that still leaves a sense of urgency. As more unfolds, I couldn’t put it down!
We had so much to talk about while reading the book. This is one you definitely want to buddy read! Pre-order your copy now and don’t miss out on one of 2027’s biggest releases!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 1/26/27
July 28, 2026
In true Charlie fashion, this was like lots of puzzle pieces that came together so perfectly. His books are so clever and sophisticated whilst being still easy to read. The short chapters make it absolutely easy to devour, ‘one more chapter’ the entire time. This was about corruption, bad people and blackmail. I loved every minute of it. Thank you Kensington for my copy.
July 19, 2026
Behind Every Face by Charlie Donlea is another fast-paced, suspense-filled thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. This is one of those books that was nearly impossible to put down because every chapter revealed another twist or unanswered question.
The story follows Andi and Luca, two FBI informants working undercover to help build a case against their own boss. When the operation spirals out of control, Andi is forced into witness protection while Luca is believed to be dead. Meanwhile, Luca's brother, Ollie, a reporter, is desperately trying to piece together the truth while finding himself hunted as well.
The novel also tackles some very dark subject matter, including human trafficking, pedophilia, political corruption, and the lengths powerful people will go to protect their secrets. These elements make for a tense and gripping story with plenty of unexpected turns.
Charlie Donlea once again proves why he's one of my favorite thriller authors. His storytelling is compelling, the pacing is relentless, and the mystery keeps you guessing until the very end!
The story follows Andi and Luca, two FBI informants working undercover to help build a case against their own boss. When the operation spirals out of control, Andi is forced into witness protection while Luca is believed to be dead. Meanwhile, Luca's brother, Ollie, a reporter, is desperately trying to piece together the truth while finding himself hunted as well.
The novel also tackles some very dark subject matter, including human trafficking, pedophilia, political corruption, and the lengths powerful people will go to protect their secrets. These elements make for a tense and gripping story with plenty of unexpected turns.
Charlie Donlea once again proves why he's one of my favorite thriller authors. His storytelling is compelling, the pacing is relentless, and the mystery keeps you guessing until the very end!
July 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for the gifted ARC!
I’ve been a huge fan of Charlie Donlea for a few years now, ever since I read Twenty Years Later. While I’ve been slowly making my way through his backlist, I’ve also been trying to stay caught up on his new releases, and somehow they just keep getting better.
This one was so addicting that I read most of it in one sitting. As someone who values her sleep over just about everything, I even stayed up almost an hour past my bedtime because I had to know how it ended. The plot was clearly inspired by some real-world events, which made everything feel even more unsettling. The short chapters, multiple POVs, and nonstop pacing made it so easy to keep turning the pages. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new, and I never felt like the story slowed down.
One thing Charlie Donlea always does well is make me care about the characters just as much as the mystery. I wasn’t only trying to figure out what was going on, I was genuinely rooting for everyone to make it out alive, which made the stakes feel even higher. My only small complaint was the ending. It wrapped up a little quicker than I wanted, and I would have loved just a bit more from the epilogue. That didn’t affect my rating at all though.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that will keep you saying “just one more chapter,” Charlie Donlea continues to prove why he’s one of my favorite thriller authors.
I’ve been a huge fan of Charlie Donlea for a few years now, ever since I read Twenty Years Later. While I’ve been slowly making my way through his backlist, I’ve also been trying to stay caught up on his new releases, and somehow they just keep getting better.
This one was so addicting that I read most of it in one sitting. As someone who values her sleep over just about everything, I even stayed up almost an hour past my bedtime because I had to know how it ended. The plot was clearly inspired by some real-world events, which made everything feel even more unsettling. The short chapters, multiple POVs, and nonstop pacing made it so easy to keep turning the pages. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new, and I never felt like the story slowed down.
One thing Charlie Donlea always does well is make me care about the characters just as much as the mystery. I wasn’t only trying to figure out what was going on, I was genuinely rooting for everyone to make it out alive, which made the stakes feel even higher. My only small complaint was the ending. It wrapped up a little quicker than I wanted, and I would have loved just a bit more from the epilogue. That didn’t affect my rating at all though.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that will keep you saying “just one more chapter,” Charlie Donlea continues to prove why he’s one of my favorite thriller authors.
July 9, 2026
3.5 stars. I swear I did enjoy this book. There was a lot going on and I couldn’t wait to find out what was happening. However, this was a little too on the nose with Epstein. They even called it a Davis List. While using the idea is not bad at all, it just kind of seemed too close to what actually happened so it made it seem like less of an original story to me.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
July 29, 2026
Behind Every Face by Charlie Donlea
Publishing date - 01/26/27
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this e-arc. I’m really enjoying Charlie Donlea’s books. Behind Every Face did not disappoint: dark secrets, dangerous threats, and jaw-dropping twists! This story is told through multiple POVs and shifts between the past and present making it a page turner from page one until the very end. Highly recommend this one when it releases next year.
Publishing date - 01/26/27
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this e-arc. I’m really enjoying Charlie Donlea’s books. Behind Every Face did not disappoint: dark secrets, dangerous threats, and jaw-dropping twists! This story is told through multiple POVs and shifts between the past and present making it a page turner from page one until the very end. Highly recommend this one when it releases next year.
August 1, 2026
Another solid thriller from Donlea! This one is certainly timely and clearly inspired by recent political corruption and the Epstein files. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced element— I had been in a real slump prior to this book but found myself wanting to keep reading.
July 4, 2026
I’m not quite sure how Charlie Donlea does it but he consistently delivers 5 star thrillers. Every. single. time.
In a book slump? Pick up a Charlie Donlea book. Want something that you can read in a day? Pick up a Charlie Donlea book.
This book wastes no time getting started. Andi gets a phone call from her fiancé Lucas. “Get out of the house, they know everything.” From there it is nonstop action with several twists that left my mouth on the floor.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
In a book slump? Pick up a Charlie Donlea book. Want something that you can read in a day? Pick up a Charlie Donlea book.
This book wastes no time getting started. Andi gets a phone call from her fiancé Lucas. “Get out of the house, they know everything.” From there it is nonstop action with several twists that left my mouth on the floor.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
reading-next-arc-approvals
July 23, 2026PUBLISH DATE: Jan 26, 2027
BOOK TITLE: Behind Every Face
AUTHOR: Charlie Donlea
PUBLISHER: Kensington Publishing
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 304
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
BOOK TITLE: Behind Every Face
AUTHOR: Charlie Donlea
PUBLISHER: Kensington Publishing
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 304
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Will post review later
July 18, 2026
Wow! This book started with a bang and it never slowed down! This was my first ever read by Charlie Donlea and it did not disappoint.
Andi Vonn receives a phone call in the middle of the night from her fiancé Lucas to “Get out of the house, they know everything!” Some very dangerous people are on their way to get her and she has minutes to disappear. During the call she hears a loud bang on her fiancé’s end of the line and the phone goes dead, followed by her downstairs window breaking.
Ollie Whitaker, a famous tabloid writer, receives a phone call from his brother Lucas. Asking him to meet at a discreet location, making sure he’s not followed. Lucas states he has insider information for Ollie’s tabloid that is going to bring down some of the biggest names of some very powerful people. This will be Ollie’s story of a lifetime! When Ollie arrives to meet his brother, he finds him lying dead in a pool of blood with the murderer coming back to finish cleaning up the scene.
This book is written in multiple POVs and pieces the story together in small increments that creates crazy stressful tension. Just when you think you know who is going after who, or what someone’s involvement is in how things are playing out, you’re left turned around and sitting in shock. There are so many twists and turns that make this book unpredictable. This is a fast-paced, multi-layered read with dark and complex themes. Behind Every Face is a fitting title, because everyone seems to have their own agenda for their actions, even if they put on a different face to the public or their family.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my honest review.
Andi Vonn receives a phone call in the middle of the night from her fiancé Lucas to “Get out of the house, they know everything!” Some very dangerous people are on their way to get her and she has minutes to disappear. During the call she hears a loud bang on her fiancé’s end of the line and the phone goes dead, followed by her downstairs window breaking.
Ollie Whitaker, a famous tabloid writer, receives a phone call from his brother Lucas. Asking him to meet at a discreet location, making sure he’s not followed. Lucas states he has insider information for Ollie’s tabloid that is going to bring down some of the biggest names of some very powerful people. This will be Ollie’s story of a lifetime! When Ollie arrives to meet his brother, he finds him lying dead in a pool of blood with the murderer coming back to finish cleaning up the scene.
This book is written in multiple POVs and pieces the story together in small increments that creates crazy stressful tension. Just when you think you know who is going after who, or what someone’s involvement is in how things are playing out, you’re left turned around and sitting in shock. There are so many twists and turns that make this book unpredictable. This is a fast-paced, multi-layered read with dark and complex themes. Behind Every Face is a fitting title, because everyone seems to have their own agenda for their actions, even if they put on a different face to the public or their family.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my honest review.
July 14, 2026
**Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the digital ARC of this book.
Charlie Donlea has done it again! Behind Every Face is an intense, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view and centers on Oliver Whitaker, a multimillionaire and the well-known author of the Whitaker Report. When Oliver receives a cryptic final voicemail from his brother, Lucas, he discovers that Lucas had uncovered a massive conspiracy involving his billionaire employer, a missing flash drive, and some of the world’s most powerful and influential people. As Oliver digs deeper, he learns that both Lucas and his girlfriend, Andi, were entangled with the FBI. Before long, it becomes clear that Oliver isn’t the only one searching for the flash drive, and there are dangerous people willing to do anything to get to it first.
This book was an absolute wild ride. If life hadn’t gotten in the way, I easily could have finished it in a single sitting. The pacing never lets up, and every chapter seemed to reveal another twist or raise the stakes even higher.
Despite having multiple points of view and a large cast of characters, the story is incredibly well organized. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, and Donlea expertly balanced all of the moving pieces. The characters were easy to connect with, the suspense was relentless, and several twists completely caught me by surprise. The conclusion was incredibly satisfying and tied everything together beautifully.
If you enjoy thrillers filled with political scandals, billionaires, Hollywood elites, FBI investigations, assassins, and shocking twists, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Charlie Donlea continues to prove why he’s one of my auto-buy authors. Behind Every Face is an easy five-star read, and I highly recommend it.
Charlie Donlea has done it again! Behind Every Face is an intense, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view and centers on Oliver Whitaker, a multimillionaire and the well-known author of the Whitaker Report. When Oliver receives a cryptic final voicemail from his brother, Lucas, he discovers that Lucas had uncovered a massive conspiracy involving his billionaire employer, a missing flash drive, and some of the world’s most powerful and influential people. As Oliver digs deeper, he learns that both Lucas and his girlfriend, Andi, were entangled with the FBI. Before long, it becomes clear that Oliver isn’t the only one searching for the flash drive, and there are dangerous people willing to do anything to get to it first.
This book was an absolute wild ride. If life hadn’t gotten in the way, I easily could have finished it in a single sitting. The pacing never lets up, and every chapter seemed to reveal another twist or raise the stakes even higher.
Despite having multiple points of view and a large cast of characters, the story is incredibly well organized. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, and Donlea expertly balanced all of the moving pieces. The characters were easy to connect with, the suspense was relentless, and several twists completely caught me by surprise. The conclusion was incredibly satisfying and tied everything together beautifully.
If you enjoy thrillers filled with political scandals, billionaires, Hollywood elites, FBI investigations, assassins, and shocking twists, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Charlie Donlea continues to prove why he’s one of my auto-buy authors. Behind Every Face is an easy five-star read, and I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2026
5 HUGE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Julia @ Kensington Creator Collective for the advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.
🎭 — hidden identities / things aren’t what they seem
🔍 — investigating and looking for clues
🧩 — piecing all the clues together
🤯 — twists and shocking reveals
📖 — a great, addictive read
Charlie Donlea what have you done!! This is by far my favorite book he has written and I have read them all!! I didn’t think he could get any better and then he shocked me with this addictive page turner.
There were so many layers to this story, with clues sprinkled throughout that had me constantly trying to piece together what was really going on. I loved the storyline and all the characters!!! Every time I thought I had it figured out, another detail made me question everything. And when an author can make you feel and visualize the story that’s a huge plus for me!!
I love a thriller that makes you work for the answers, and this one absolutely delivered. The twists, the secrets, the connections — it all came together so well. I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know how everything fit.
Smart, twisty, and completely addictive. Charlie Donlea knocked this one out of the park. Easily my favorite read of the year so far! 👏🏼🖤📚
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Julia @ Kensington Creator Collective for the advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.
🎭 — hidden identities / things aren’t what they seem
🔍 — investigating and looking for clues
🧩 — piecing all the clues together
🤯 — twists and shocking reveals
📖 — a great, addictive read
Charlie Donlea what have you done!! This is by far my favorite book he has written and I have read them all!! I didn’t think he could get any better and then he shocked me with this addictive page turner.
There were so many layers to this story, with clues sprinkled throughout that had me constantly trying to piece together what was really going on. I loved the storyline and all the characters!!! Every time I thought I had it figured out, another detail made me question everything. And when an author can make you feel and visualize the story that’s a huge plus for me!!
I love a thriller that makes you work for the answers, and this one absolutely delivered. The twists, the secrets, the connections — it all came together so well. I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know how everything fit.
Smart, twisty, and completely addictive. Charlie Donlea knocked this one out of the park. Easily my favorite read of the year so far! 👏🏼🖤📚
July 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I've loved everything Charlie Donlea has written so far, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC—and it definitely lived up to my expectations.
This was an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed thriller that grabs your attention from the very first chapter. The story follows a couple who suddenly find themselves caught in the middle of an FBI investigation and are given an impossible choice: become informants or face jail time.
From there, the story races forward with shocking twists, murders, car chases, and nonstop suspense. I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view and the way the author scattered clues throughout the novel. At first, the puzzle pieces seem completely unrelated, but everything comes together brilliantly in the final chapters.
This was an outstanding read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Charlie Donlea once again proves why he's one of my favorite thriller authors, and I can't wait to see what he writes next!
I've loved everything Charlie Donlea has written so far, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC—and it definitely lived up to my expectations.
This was an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed thriller that grabs your attention from the very first chapter. The story follows a couple who suddenly find themselves caught in the middle of an FBI investigation and are given an impossible choice: become informants or face jail time.
From there, the story races forward with shocking twists, murders, car chases, and nonstop suspense. I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view and the way the author scattered clues throughout the novel. At first, the puzzle pieces seem completely unrelated, but everything comes together brilliantly in the final chapters.
This was an outstanding read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Charlie Donlea once again proves why he's one of my favorite thriller authors, and I can't wait to see what he writes next!
August 3, 2026
Life imitates art! Donlea did it again with another gripping novel that left me locked in from start to finish. I enjoyed the "ripped from the headlines" theme of this book as it seemed to be a little different than his previous books, while still holding onto to that Charlie Donlea writing style.
I have read every single one of his books and will continue to every time a new one hits the shelves!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington publishers for the arc! I am so lucky I was able to read this before the masses!
I have read every single one of his books and will continue to every time a new one hits the shelves!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington publishers for the arc! I am so lucky I was able to read this before the masses!
September 11, 2026
I just finished Charlie Donlea’s newest book 𝘽𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚, which comes out in January 2027. Thanks so much to @kensingtonbooks and @charliedonlea for my gifted arc! I got it shortly after seeing Charlie and Mary at a local book event, and was so thrilled!
In this gripping, relentlessly suspenseful new thriller, there’s no such thing as safe haven for a woman with a secret powerful enough to destroy the world’s most untouchable figures. In true Charlie form, this is filled with many unexpected twists and turns and kept me turning the pages quickly until the last one!. Lots and lots of characters to keep track of in this one, which added to the suspense!
Don’t hesitate to add this to your TBR, it’s a good one!
3.5⭐️
In this gripping, relentlessly suspenseful new thriller, there’s no such thing as safe haven for a woman with a secret powerful enough to destroy the world’s most untouchable figures. In true Charlie form, this is filled with many unexpected twists and turns and kept me turning the pages quickly until the last one!. Lots and lots of characters to keep track of in this one, which added to the suspense!
Don’t hesitate to add this to your TBR, it’s a good one!
3.5⭐️
July 28, 2026
BEHIND EVERY FACE is an expertly plotted thriller that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Charlie Donlea has done it again! BEHIND EVERY FACE follows Andi Vonn, a woman who has been given a new identity through the Witness Protection Program after her fiance was killed. As the story unfolds, a web of lies and deception threaten the safety of the characters.
This is an incredibly twisty, high stakes thriller that begins on page one. The short chapters make it nearly impossible not to devour this book in one sitting.
Donlea left no stones unturned. Oliver Whitaker is a popular journalist who is willing to take risks in order to get justice for his brother. The characters are layered and each of their perspectives added to the story.
The twists are perfectly timed and made it difficult to wrap my head around making any predictions. I was fully along for the ride!
BEHIND EVERY FACE is a suspenseful thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to discuss it with someone immediately.
Charlie Donlea has done it again! BEHIND EVERY FACE follows Andi Vonn, a woman who has been given a new identity through the Witness Protection Program after her fiance was killed. As the story unfolds, a web of lies and deception threaten the safety of the characters.
This is an incredibly twisty, high stakes thriller that begins on page one. The short chapters make it nearly impossible not to devour this book in one sitting.
Donlea left no stones unturned. Oliver Whitaker is a popular journalist who is willing to take risks in order to get justice for his brother. The characters are layered and each of their perspectives added to the story.
The twists are perfectly timed and made it difficult to wrap my head around making any predictions. I was fully along for the ride!
BEHIND EVERY FACE is a suspenseful thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to discuss it with someone immediately.
August 6, 2026
I love Charlie Donlea! 4.5 🌟
As always, he grabs you in the first few pages and you don’t want to put the book down ( I had to because I was driving to Mississippi). Which reminds me, loved the Ole Miss appearance in the book! Hotty Toddy!
Fast paced thriller that always has a twist you didn’t see coming. One of my favorite Thriller authors!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced copy for my honest review.
As always, he grabs you in the first few pages and you don’t want to put the book down ( I had to because I was driving to Mississippi). Which reminds me, loved the Ole Miss appearance in the book! Hotty Toddy!
Fast paced thriller that always has a twist you didn’t see coming. One of my favorite Thriller authors!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced copy for my honest review.
September 14, 2026
First I’d like to thank Netgalley for the ARC! ♡
Wow! This was such a whirlwind of a thriller. There are a lot of moving parts & characters, but you just gotta lock in because they all connect in such a satisfying way by the end of the story.
There’s nothing worse than uncovering buried secrets of the world’s most powerful men and finding you are now #1 on their hit list. A very suspenseful read!
Wow! This was such a whirlwind of a thriller. There are a lot of moving parts & characters, but you just gotta lock in because they all connect in such a satisfying way by the end of the story.
There’s nothing worse than uncovering buried secrets of the world’s most powerful men and finding you are now #1 on their hit list. A very suspenseful read!
September 1, 2026
★★★½☆
This kept me interested and entertained, but WOW… there were a LOT of names. 😂 Half the time I was thinking, “Who? Eh, I’ll figure it out eventually.”
There were just so many moving parts and storylines happening at once that I occasionally found myself a little lost. Still, I enjoyed the ride and stayed invested enough to keep turning the pages.
A solid thriller, just maybe keep a character list handy. 😅
This kept me interested and entertained, but WOW… there were a LOT of names. 😂 Half the time I was thinking, “Who? Eh, I’ll figure it out eventually.”
There were just so many moving parts and storylines happening at once that I occasionally found myself a little lost. Still, I enjoyed the ride and stayed invested enough to keep turning the pages.
A solid thriller, just maybe keep a character list handy. 😅
August 24, 2026
And this is why he is my favorite author!!!!
Read
June 20, 2026Behind Every Face by Charlie Donlea is the latest breathtaking novel. The hardback is Deluxe Edition with Stenciled Edges published by Kensington Publishing and worth every penny.
A gripping suspenseful story.
Ollie is a media legend and multimillionaire. When his brother Lucas send a mysterious email before he gets unalived, Oliie and Lucas' fiancee Andi investigate together. But soon they're in a race against time and enemies that come closer and closer. Twisty and full of unexpected turns that book is literally unputdownable. Dark, secretive, complex, fast paced, just my thing. 2027is up for a great bookish start, 5 stars.
A gripping suspenseful story.
Ollie is a media legend and multimillionaire. When his brother Lucas send a mysterious email before he gets unalived, Oliie and Lucas' fiancee Andi investigate together. But soon they're in a race against time and enemies that come closer and closer. Twisty and full of unexpected turns that book is literally unputdownable. Dark, secretive, complex, fast paced, just my thing. 2027is up for a great bookish start, 5 stars.
August 23, 2026
It was a great read with a lot of twist and turns. Towards the end it becomes a little frantic following new character. The end was a little rushed but overall it was great trip.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 stars
Behind Every Face starts with a bang. Andi receives a cryptic call from Lucas telling her to escape her house immediately. Meanwhile, investigative reporter Ollie is on his way to meet Lucas, hoping to uncover the biggest scoop of his career, only to discover that his brother has been tortured and murdered. As Ollie and Andi try to piece together what happened, they uncover a dangerous blackmail scheme involving Lucas’s billionaire employer, a missing flash drive, and a long list of wealthy and influential people. The FBI is involved, the media is scrambling for answers, and powerful people will do anything to keep the truth from getting out. With enemies closing in from every direction, Ollie and Andi are in a race against time to uncover the truth and stay alive.
Charlie Donlea does an excellent job at catching and holding the readers attention. I personally could not put this book down. The chapters are short and leave you reading 'just one more chapter' until you find yourself at the end. As with other books by this author, there's tons of moving parts. It's like a massive puzzle that you don't think will come together, but it ultimately clicks into place at the end and you can truly appreciate how amazing this novel is. This is one of the novels that I would say is best read in the span of a week or shorter, so the reader doesn't forget smaller details that are important later on. I really enjoyed the contrasting characters and Ollie was a true gem in this novel.
The reason I’m giving this a solid 4/5 is that I wish we had seen a bit more at the end. The ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the buildup, especially after so much tension had been established throughout the story. One character in particular was introduced as though she was going to be a major villain, but her role ultimately fell flat. Thrillers don’t always have a huge emphasis on character development, but there was some here, particularly in the relationship between Ollie and Lucas. Unfortunately, I felt that relationship could have been explored more. I also would've liked to see Andi and Lucas’s relationship fleshed out a bit more.
I have read every book from Charlie Donlea, and while this wasn't my favorite of his, he still outperforms others in the thriller genre. There's something to say about an author who consistently writes amazing books with unique storylines. I also love an author who continues to expand on the world they create in other novels. I honestly don't know how he does it, but I can't recommend Behind Every Face (or any of his other novels) more. He's in a league of his own.
Huge thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This was one of the ones I was so excited to be approved on!
Behind Every Face starts with a bang. Andi receives a cryptic call from Lucas telling her to escape her house immediately. Meanwhile, investigative reporter Ollie is on his way to meet Lucas, hoping to uncover the biggest scoop of his career, only to discover that his brother has been tortured and murdered. As Ollie and Andi try to piece together what happened, they uncover a dangerous blackmail scheme involving Lucas’s billionaire employer, a missing flash drive, and a long list of wealthy and influential people. The FBI is involved, the media is scrambling for answers, and powerful people will do anything to keep the truth from getting out. With enemies closing in from every direction, Ollie and Andi are in a race against time to uncover the truth and stay alive.
Charlie Donlea does an excellent job at catching and holding the readers attention. I personally could not put this book down. The chapters are short and leave you reading 'just one more chapter' until you find yourself at the end. As with other books by this author, there's tons of moving parts. It's like a massive puzzle that you don't think will come together, but it ultimately clicks into place at the end and you can truly appreciate how amazing this novel is. This is one of the novels that I would say is best read in the span of a week or shorter, so the reader doesn't forget smaller details that are important later on. I really enjoyed the contrasting characters and Ollie was a true gem in this novel.
The reason I’m giving this a solid 4/5 is that I wish we had seen a bit more at the end. The ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the buildup, especially after so much tension had been established throughout the story. One character in particular was introduced as though she was going to be a major villain, but her role ultimately fell flat. Thrillers don’t always have a huge emphasis on character development, but there was some here, particularly in the relationship between Ollie and Lucas. Unfortunately, I felt that relationship could have been explored more. I also would've liked to see Andi and Lucas’s relationship fleshed out a bit more.
I have read every book from Charlie Donlea, and while this wasn't my favorite of his, he still outperforms others in the thriller genre. There's something to say about an author who consistently writes amazing books with unique storylines. I also love an author who continues to expand on the world they create in other novels. I honestly don't know how he does it, but I can't recommend Behind Every Face (or any of his other novels) more. He's in a league of his own.
Huge thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This was one of the ones I was so excited to be approved on!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you're looking for a novel that hurtles forward with the force of a runaway train, Charlie Donlea once again proves he is a master of the high-stakes thriller. This is an intricately constructed, pulse-pounding novel that is virtually impossible to put down. Every chapter ratchets up the tension, every revelation raises the stakes, and every twist compels you to read just one more page. Clear your schedule—you'll need uninterrupted time to devour it.
Lucas Whitaker and Andi Vonn are not only lovers but also ambitious colleagues at Davis Capital, where billion-dollar financial deals and enormous profits are simply part of the daily landscape. Their seemingly charmed lives take a perilous turn when the FBI approaches them with evidence that corruption runs deep within their firm. Agreeing to cooperate with the investigation, they expect to expose financial misconduct. Instead, they stumble into a labyrinthine conspiracy that reaches far beyond corporate fraud, entangling powerful political figures and individuals whose influence makes them nearly untouchable.
Realizing the magnitude of what he has uncovered, Lucas urgently summons his brother Ollie, an acclaimed investigative journalist, promising him the story of a lifetime. But when Ollie arrives, he discovers Lucas murdered, his killer still at the scene. In his final moments, Lucas also manages to warn Andi: "They know everything...run for your life."
From that moment, the novel becomes a breathtaking race against time as Ollie and Andi struggle to unravel a conspiracy where every answer breeds new questions and every ally could be an enemy. Donlea expertly layers financial intrigue, political corruption, and deeply personal stakes into a narrative of remarkable complexity, never sacrificing clarity or momentum. The plot unfolds with meticulous precision, rewarding attentive readers while maintaining an almost unbearable level of suspense.
The action is relentless, but what truly distinguishes this novel is its intelligence. Donlea crafts a sophisticated mystery in which the intricate web of deception is as captivating as the breakneck pace. Just when you think you've deciphered the puzzle, he delivers a stunning final twist that is both surprising and entirely earned—a conclusion I genuinely never saw coming.
Charlie Donlea continues to cement his reputation as one of today's finest thriller writers. For readers who crave a novel that combines cerebral complexity with exhilarating suspense, this is an absolute must-read. Run, don't walk, to discover an author who consistently raises the bar for the modern thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Lucas Whitaker and Andi Vonn are not only lovers but also ambitious colleagues at Davis Capital, where billion-dollar financial deals and enormous profits are simply part of the daily landscape. Their seemingly charmed lives take a perilous turn when the FBI approaches them with evidence that corruption runs deep within their firm. Agreeing to cooperate with the investigation, they expect to expose financial misconduct. Instead, they stumble into a labyrinthine conspiracy that reaches far beyond corporate fraud, entangling powerful political figures and individuals whose influence makes them nearly untouchable.
Realizing the magnitude of what he has uncovered, Lucas urgently summons his brother Ollie, an acclaimed investigative journalist, promising him the story of a lifetime. But when Ollie arrives, he discovers Lucas murdered, his killer still at the scene. In his final moments, Lucas also manages to warn Andi: "They know everything...run for your life."
From that moment, the novel becomes a breathtaking race against time as Ollie and Andi struggle to unravel a conspiracy where every answer breeds new questions and every ally could be an enemy. Donlea expertly layers financial intrigue, political corruption, and deeply personal stakes into a narrative of remarkable complexity, never sacrificing clarity or momentum. The plot unfolds with meticulous precision, rewarding attentive readers while maintaining an almost unbearable level of suspense.
The action is relentless, but what truly distinguishes this novel is its intelligence. Donlea crafts a sophisticated mystery in which the intricate web of deception is as captivating as the breakneck pace. Just when you think you've deciphered the puzzle, he delivers a stunning final twist that is both surprising and entirely earned—a conclusion I genuinely never saw coming.
Charlie Donlea continues to cement his reputation as one of today's finest thriller writers. For readers who crave a novel that combines cerebral complexity with exhilarating suspense, this is an absolute must-read. Run, don't walk, to discover an author who consistently raises the bar for the modern thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charlie Donlea has delivered another riveting, tension filled, and gripping mystery thriller! Behind Every Face was hard to put down, well thought out, and thrilling. The stakes are high and getting higher with each page. This book kept me on my toes and wondering how everything was going to come together. Behind Every Face starts out strong and never loses steam! This book is full of secrets, power plays, danger, suspense, and dread! Like the characters in this book, I never knew who could be trusted or what was coming next!
Lucas Whitaker made two calls at the beginning of this book. One is to his brother, Oliver (Ollie) who is an investigative journalist, and one to Andi Vonn, his fiancé. Lucas let his brother know that he has a major scoop and to come to his office immediately. He frantically calls Andi to tell her that "they know" and to get out! My heart was pounding and my interest was piqued!!!!!! When the FBI and a local police officer begin to investigate the events that unfolded after those two phone calls, things ramp into high gear.
I enjoyed how Behind Every Face is told through the POV of several characters and shows two timelines. There are quite a few characters and story acr's and at times I did not know how or why they were important, but I have read enough books by Charlie Donlea (9 in total) to know that everything would come together in the end. As the suspense, tension, and danger mounted, I could not get enough of this book. I had to know more - no, I needed to know more. As everything came together, I was left feeling completely satisfied having read a wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping page turner!
*A wonderful Witches Words buddy read with Carolyn and Dorie - Cats&Books :)! Please read their reviews to get their thoughts on Behind Every Face!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lucas Whitaker made two calls at the beginning of this book. One is to his brother, Oliver (Ollie) who is an investigative journalist, and one to Andi Vonn, his fiancé. Lucas let his brother know that he has a major scoop and to come to his office immediately. He frantically calls Andi to tell her that "they know" and to get out! My heart was pounding and my interest was piqued!!!!!! When the FBI and a local police officer begin to investigate the events that unfolded after those two phone calls, things ramp into high gear.
I enjoyed how Behind Every Face is told through the POV of several characters and shows two timelines. There are quite a few characters and story acr's and at times I did not know how or why they were important, but I have read enough books by Charlie Donlea (9 in total) to know that everything would come together in the end. As the suspense, tension, and danger mounted, I could not get enough of this book. I had to know more - no, I needed to know more. As everything came together, I was left feeling completely satisfied having read a wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping page turner!
*A wonderful Witches Words buddy read with Carolyn and Dorie - Cats&Books :)! Please read their reviews to get their thoughts on Behind Every Face!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
Fairly engaging thriller that starts off fairly strongly with an exciting setup and good action and pacing, but the plot kind of goes off the rails in the last half or so, with a bunch of characters suddenly being introduced to move the plot along, leading to a ridiculously implausible happy ending.
Oliver Whitaker runs a very popular news website and one day gets a voicemail from his brother, Lucas, saying that he's found an enormous scandal involving some very important people and that Oliver needs to come see him in person. Oliver goes to the meeting place, only to find Lucas dead, and Lucas's killers are on his tail, too. The plot goes along at a good pace, revealing a conspiracy involving Lucas's incredibly wealthy boss and blackmail videos that Lucas and his fiancée have uncovered. There's FBI agents, a woman in witness protection, a sexy female hired assassin, a presidential hopeful with secrets, and so forth, so it's a lot of fairly typical thriller fare, but the first half builds up a big conspiracy and the background of it pretty competently at a good pace.
But in the back half, it kind of went off the rails for me. There's new characters suddenly dumped into the plot, including that sexy female hired assassin, but also an abused wife who also has skills needed to thwart the conspiracy somehow, and a convenient mole that is feeding the bad guys information while somehow completely evading detection. They're there to advance the plot, clearly, but it felt clunky having these new characters that weren't very well-developed thrown into the second half of the novel, and in the case of the mole, only appearing in a couple of scenes just for convenience. There's some ridiculous things happening in the second half, like a villain being quickly dispatched with fire in a very implausible manner, someone surviving an incident that seems impossible to survive, and people associated with the government falsifying crucial information that comes to light later but seemingly facing no consequences. It all leads up to a conveniently happy ending that feels incredibly contrived and unrealistic, even for a thriller like this where implausible things happen.
The setup hooked me, and the first half had me invested in the plot. But then the second half was such a letdown, with its multiple new underdeveloped characters, ridiculous plot developments, and an undeserved happy ending, that it left a sour taste in my mouth at the end.
Fairly engaging thriller that starts off fairly strongly with an exciting setup and good action and pacing, but the plot kind of goes off the rails in the last half or so, with a bunch of characters suddenly being introduced to move the plot along, leading to a ridiculously implausible happy ending.
Oliver Whitaker runs a very popular news website and one day gets a voicemail from his brother, Lucas, saying that he's found an enormous scandal involving some very important people and that Oliver needs to come see him in person. Oliver goes to the meeting place, only to find Lucas dead, and Lucas's killers are on his tail, too. The plot goes along at a good pace, revealing a conspiracy involving Lucas's incredibly wealthy boss and blackmail videos that Lucas and his fiancée have uncovered. There's FBI agents, a woman in witness protection, a sexy female hired assassin, a presidential hopeful with secrets, and so forth, so it's a lot of fairly typical thriller fare, but the first half builds up a big conspiracy and the background of it pretty competently at a good pace.
But in the back half, it kind of went off the rails for me. There's new characters suddenly dumped into the plot, including that sexy female hired assassin, but also an abused wife who also has skills needed to thwart the conspiracy somehow, and a convenient mole that is feeding the bad guys information while somehow completely evading detection. They're there to advance the plot, clearly, but it felt clunky having these new characters that weren't very well-developed thrown into the second half of the novel, and in the case of the mole, only appearing in a couple of scenes just for convenience. There's some ridiculous things happening in the second half, like a villain being quickly dispatched with fire in a very implausible manner, someone surviving an incident that seems impossible to survive, and people associated with the government falsifying crucial information that comes to light later but seemingly facing no consequences. It all leads up to a conveniently happy ending that feels incredibly contrived and unrealistic, even for a thriller like this where implausible things happen.
The setup hooked me, and the first half had me invested in the plot. But then the second half was such a letdown, with its multiple new underdeveloped characters, ridiculous plot developments, and an undeserved happy ending, that it left a sour taste in my mouth at the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A High-Stakes, Paranoid Ride—Classic Donlea with a Brilliant Witness Protection Twist!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Solid 4 Stars)
As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I am always on the hunt for a plot that can actually keep me guessing without relying on cheap tricks. Charlie Donlea is usually a reliable bet for a gripping read, and Behind Every Face absolutely delivers on the suspense. It’s a fast-paced, multi-layered conspiracy thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The setup hooked me immediately. We follow Oliver Whitaker, a media mogul whose world is upended by a final, cryptic voicemail from his brother Lucas just before he's murdered. From there, the story spirals into a massive blackmail ring involving a missing flash drive, a billionaire employer, and dozens of untouchable, high-profile figures.
What really worked for me was the dual perspective and the cat-and-mouse tension. On one side, you have Ollie running for his life and trying to piece together his brother’s final clues from a remote cabin in Maine. On the other side, you have Lucas’s fiancée, Andi Vonn, who has been placed in a supposedly "safe" witness protection town in the Pacific Northwest called Harmony Falls.
I loved the atmosphere in the Harmony Falls chapters. Donlea does a fantastic job building a deep sense of isolation and creeping dread around Andi. You can feel her paranoia—she doesn't trust the FBI, she doesn't know who is watching her, and she's desperately trying to figure out where Lucas hid the flash drive so she can use it as leverage for her own immunity. The long-distance alliance that forms between Andi and Ollie is brilliant, and watching them work together while being hunted from different corners of the country kept the stakes incredibly high.
My only minor gripe—and the reason it’s a strong 4 stars instead of a perfect 5—is that with so many moving pieces, a frantic news media, the FBI, and a massive web of powerful enemies, a few of the secondary plot lines felt slightly rushed toward the end. I wanted a little more time to breathe with certain twists.
That said, if you love a propulsive, high-stakes political suspense novel where absolutely no one is safe and the tension never drops, you will thoroughly enjoy this one. It’s an addictive, clever puzzle that proves once again why Donlea is a master of the genre. Highly recommended!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Solid 4 Stars)
As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I am always on the hunt for a plot that can actually keep me guessing without relying on cheap tricks. Charlie Donlea is usually a reliable bet for a gripping read, and Behind Every Face absolutely delivers on the suspense. It’s a fast-paced, multi-layered conspiracy thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The setup hooked me immediately. We follow Oliver Whitaker, a media mogul whose world is upended by a final, cryptic voicemail from his brother Lucas just before he's murdered. From there, the story spirals into a massive blackmail ring involving a missing flash drive, a billionaire employer, and dozens of untouchable, high-profile figures.
What really worked for me was the dual perspective and the cat-and-mouse tension. On one side, you have Ollie running for his life and trying to piece together his brother’s final clues from a remote cabin in Maine. On the other side, you have Lucas’s fiancée, Andi Vonn, who has been placed in a supposedly "safe" witness protection town in the Pacific Northwest called Harmony Falls.
I loved the atmosphere in the Harmony Falls chapters. Donlea does a fantastic job building a deep sense of isolation and creeping dread around Andi. You can feel her paranoia—she doesn't trust the FBI, she doesn't know who is watching her, and she's desperately trying to figure out where Lucas hid the flash drive so she can use it as leverage for her own immunity. The long-distance alliance that forms between Andi and Ollie is brilliant, and watching them work together while being hunted from different corners of the country kept the stakes incredibly high.
My only minor gripe—and the reason it’s a strong 4 stars instead of a perfect 5—is that with so many moving pieces, a frantic news media, the FBI, and a massive web of powerful enemies, a few of the secondary plot lines felt slightly rushed toward the end. I wanted a little more time to breathe with certain twists.
That said, if you love a propulsive, high-stakes political suspense novel where absolutely no one is safe and the tension never drops, you will thoroughly enjoy this one. It’s an addictive, clever puzzle that proves once again why Donlea is a master of the genre. Highly recommended!
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