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Behind Every Face
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In a gripping, relentlessly suspenseful new thriller from the #1 internationally bestselling author of
TWENTY YEARS LATER,
there’s no such thing as safe haven for a woman with a secret powerful enough to destroy the world’s most untouchable figures.
Dark 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 there is no safe haven . . .
Dark 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 there is no safe haven . . .
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2027
About the author
Charlie Donlea
37 books16.5k 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 328 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🐝 EARLY BOOK BUZZ
WHOSE NAMES ARE ON THE LIST?
This is a RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES adrenaline thriller which would be a non-stop ACTION PACKED “cat and mouse” movie if you were watching it on the big screen.
🐱 The Cat: Davis Capital
The powers behind this firm must protect the company from its blackmail scheme and the MISSING flash drive that implicates the many rich and influential people who were captured on tape in “compromising positions” with underage girls.
🐭 The Mice:
Lucas Whitaker and his fiancée, Andi Vonn-the Capital Davis employees who struck a plea deal with the FBI and
Oliver Whitaker, Lucas’s brother and the voice of the Uber popular “Whitaker Report” which covers Politics, crime, and pop culture-breaking stories before ANY of other news outlets.
A cryptic last voicemail from Lucas, to Ollie, hinted at the explosive scandal, but Lucas was tortured and murdered before he could share what he knows with Ollie and Andi Vonn, has been moved into the Witness Protection program to keep her safe until she can testify.
The story moves back and forth in time from the night of the phone call, and unfolds through several different POV’s-with Lucas, Ollie, Andi, being just three of them, but the plot is NOT character driven, it is action driven.
I have read everything that Charlie Donlea has written, as he almost always delivers, and was THRILLED to be approved for this early copy! It’s not one of my favorites by him because of the subject matter, and because things were wrapped up just a little TOO neatly, but definitely worth the read if you enjoy “cat and mouse” and can handle some graphic descriptions.
TW: Sex Trafficking
AVAILABLE January 26, 2027
Thank You to Kensington for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley.as always, these are my candid thoughts.
WHOSE NAMES ARE ON THE LIST?
This is a RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES adrenaline thriller which would be a non-stop ACTION PACKED “cat and mouse” movie if you were watching it on the big screen.
🐱 The Cat: Davis Capital
The powers behind this firm must protect the company from its blackmail scheme and the MISSING flash drive that implicates the many rich and influential people who were captured on tape in “compromising positions” with underage girls.
🐭 The Mice:
Lucas Whitaker and his fiancée, Andi Vonn-the Capital Davis employees who struck a plea deal with the FBI and
Oliver Whitaker, Lucas’s brother and the voice of the Uber popular “Whitaker Report” which covers Politics, crime, and pop culture-breaking stories before ANY of other news outlets.
A cryptic last voicemail from Lucas, to Ollie, hinted at the explosive scandal, but Lucas was tortured and murdered before he could share what he knows with Ollie and Andi Vonn, has been moved into the Witness Protection program to keep her safe until she can testify.
The story moves back and forth in time from the night of the phone call, and unfolds through several different POV’s-with Lucas, Ollie, Andi, being just three of them, but the plot is NOT character driven, it is action driven.
I have read everything that Charlie Donlea has written, as he almost always delivers, and was THRILLED to be approved for this early copy! It’s not one of my favorites by him because of the subject matter, and because things were wrapped up just a little TOO neatly, but definitely worth the read if you enjoy “cat and mouse” and can handle some graphic descriptions.
TW: Sex Trafficking
AVAILABLE January 26, 2027
Thank You to Kensington for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley.as always, these are my candid thoughts.
September 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Charlie Donlea does it again!! This book immediately reels you in and keeps you so invested the whole time!! I will continue reading and loving everything he writes 🙌
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 NetGalley
You have thrillers, and then you have THRILLERS. Real rollercoasters that will leave you breathless and energized simultaneously. Donlea has created a clever masterpiece that will tick all boxes we thrillaholics crave. There are twists, but none that feel forced. There are a lot of POVs and events going on, so much so that it can be confusing but somehow it didn’t feel confusing at all. Pair that with some really headstrong characters that think on their feet and manage to do what an average superhero would struggle with, and you have the perfect thriller that I could find no fault in.
If you have read his work before, or if this author is new to you, I’ll be VERY surprised if this doesn’t become a thriller that’s hard to forget. We think we’ve seen it all, but turns out there are still some gems out there left to discover, and luckily I found the rarest of them all.
Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for this much anticipated ARC.
If you have read his work before, or if this author is new to you, I’ll be VERY surprised if this doesn’t become a thriller that’s hard to forget. We think we’ve seen it all, but turns out there are still some gems out there left to discover, and luckily I found the rarest of them all.
Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for this much anticipated ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This book starts out with an incredible incident that pulled me into the book immediately. Lucas Whittaker and his fiance Andi Vonn have been helping the FBI investigate his boss for suspected fraudulent activity.
As the novel begins Lucas has made two phone calls, one to his brother, Oliver who is a famous journalist telling him that he has an incredible story for him. The other call is to Andi telling her that people are coming for her and to get out of her house immediately and start running. When Oliver arrives at his brother’s office he is horrified at what he finds!
The novel is told from several points of view. The story comes together well as the multiple threads of twists and turns are tied together. The characters are like puzzle pieces that put together form an incredible story of fraud and multiple other illegal activities! There is political corruption on a grand scale, conspiracies and dangerous secrets held by many.
This is a stay up all night kind of thriller - I couldn’t wait to see how the characters would come together and hopefully survive all of the people out to silence them.
To say any more would spoil the plot of this multi-layered and twisted novel.
This was a great buddy read with Debra and Carolyn, be sure to read their great reviews!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
As the novel begins Lucas has made two phone calls, one to his brother, Oliver who is a famous journalist telling him that he has an incredible story for him. The other call is to Andi telling her that people are coming for her and to get out of her house immediately and start running. When Oliver arrives at his brother’s office he is horrified at what he finds!
The novel is told from several points of view. The story comes together well as the multiple threads of twists and turns are tied together. The characters are like puzzle pieces that put together form an incredible story of fraud and multiple other illegal activities! There is political corruption on a grand scale, conspiracies and dangerous secrets held by many.
This is a stay up all night kind of thriller - I couldn’t wait to see how the characters would come together and hopefully survive all of the people out to silence them.
To say any more would spoil the plot of this multi-layered and twisted novel.
This was a great buddy read with Debra and Carolyn, be sure to read their great reviews!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
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
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 NetGalley
Tension sits at the cornerstone of all outstanding Charlie Donlea novels.
I've read them all since Charlie was a wee bit of an author years ago. He's grown into one mammoth word wizard as we speak. Behind Every Face is a smart, smart read. Donlea has done the legwork and the research and presents a novel lined with real day situations and possibilities. Headlines screech of those who don't play by the rules and those who finagle their riches from the underbelly of life. Darkness seeps in on a regular day-by-day basis.
Oliver "Ollie" Whitaker reigns as the conspiracy theorist and blogger on his daily news updates called The Whitaker Report. He has millions of followers and for good reason. Ollie backs his feed up with the facts and with the visuals. He's bold and he's in your face. But today, he's at the receiving end of a mind-blowing situation. And it's personal. And it all begins with a text that will soon shatter the life that he once knew.
Enter Ollie's brother, Lucas. Lucas is the head of finance for a well known billionaire. Money keeps pouring into his own bank account for his spectacular deals. But Lucas is now in panic mode. Something disastrous is going down. He texts Ollie with the promise of a mind-shattering story for The Whitaker Report. Lucas will be naming names and outing those who sit regally on the upper realm of public life. Lucas tells him to meet him at his office later that evening. But Ollie will come upon a blood bath with Lucas in the very center. His brother is dead and Ollie is left with that mind-blowing text. Now someone is after Ollie.
Charlie Donlea creates a stellar high anxiety read here. Every in and out is measured and is crucial to this storyline. Donlea runs with the big dogs and we as readers hyperventilate with this high-octane tension. And as readers, we live in a more sophisticated world of dark, dark possibilities. We are more familiar with bad people doing bad things on a daily basis. And yet, this one will shock you because of the course of action that Donlea takes. Charlie Donlea has upped his game over the years and it truly shows in Behind Every Face. Bring the spotlight. It's bravo time for Charlie.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Publishing and to the talented Charlie Donlea for the opportunity.
I've read them all since Charlie was a wee bit of an author years ago. He's grown into one mammoth word wizard as we speak. Behind Every Face is a smart, smart read. Donlea has done the legwork and the research and presents a novel lined with real day situations and possibilities. Headlines screech of those who don't play by the rules and those who finagle their riches from the underbelly of life. Darkness seeps in on a regular day-by-day basis.
Oliver "Ollie" Whitaker reigns as the conspiracy theorist and blogger on his daily news updates called The Whitaker Report. He has millions of followers and for good reason. Ollie backs his feed up with the facts and with the visuals. He's bold and he's in your face. But today, he's at the receiving end of a mind-blowing situation. And it's personal. And it all begins with a text that will soon shatter the life that he once knew.
Enter Ollie's brother, Lucas. Lucas is the head of finance for a well known billionaire. Money keeps pouring into his own bank account for his spectacular deals. But Lucas is now in panic mode. Something disastrous is going down. He texts Ollie with the promise of a mind-shattering story for The Whitaker Report. Lucas will be naming names and outing those who sit regally on the upper realm of public life. Lucas tells him to meet him at his office later that evening. But Ollie will come upon a blood bath with Lucas in the very center. His brother is dead and Ollie is left with that mind-blowing text. Now someone is after Ollie.
Charlie Donlea creates a stellar high anxiety read here. Every in and out is measured and is crucial to this storyline. Donlea runs with the big dogs and we as readers hyperventilate with this high-octane tension. And as readers, we live in a more sophisticated world of dark, dark possibilities. We are more familiar with bad people doing bad things on a daily basis. And yet, this one will shock you because of the course of action that Donlea takes. Charlie Donlea has upped his game over the years and it truly shows in Behind Every Face. Bring the spotlight. It's bravo time for Charlie.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Publishing and to the talented Charlie Donlea for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This addictive novel begins on high octane, as Andi Vonn receives a late night phone call from Lucas, her fiancé, telling her to fleethe house immediately; then, a moment later, there’s a gunshot on the other end of the line, as well as heavy footsteps coming up to her bedroom. Despite escaping and disappearing into the Witness Protection Program, Andi is targeted by several phenomenally powerful and relentless adversaries, who will go to any length to kill her. In addition, an FBI agent, Lucas’s brother, and a trafficked teenage girl will also find themselves in these same gunsights
Although I often pride myself on being able to predict which direction a story will take, Donlea provided so many sharp, unexpected turns that I was almost always wrong about whatever might be lurking around the corner. Indeed, this novel reminded me why Donlea is one of the very top mystery/suspense/thriller novelists writing today. In this regard, from beginning-to-end, the book had me pretty much at the edge of my seat…until finally things came together for a very satisfying conclusion. This novel is definitely a five-star read…and, my only complaint was that I stayed up far too late, as the book was nearly impossible to put down.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for honest feedback.
Although I often pride myself on being able to predict which direction a story will take, Donlea provided so many sharp, unexpected turns that I was almost always wrong about whatever might be lurking around the corner. Indeed, this novel reminded me why Donlea is one of the very top mystery/suspense/thriller novelists writing today. In this regard, from beginning-to-end, the book had me pretty much at the edge of my seat…until finally things came together for a very satisfying conclusion. This novel is definitely a five-star read…and, my only complaint was that I stayed up far too late, as the book was nearly impossible to put down.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for honest feedback.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for providing the copy of Behind Every Face by Charlie Donlea. I am a huge Donlea fan, and I jumped at the chance to read this book. The book started out great, and I loved reading about Lucas’s company retreat - who doesn’t like reading about how rich people party? The mystery was complex, and it was hard to discern who to trust. What made it even more confusing was the sheer number of characters that kept being introduced. I enjoyed how everything came together, but I didn’t like having no idea why there were suddenly so many characters to keep track of. Still, this is a great read, and Charlie Donlea never disappoints! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fast paced and engrossing thriller, the world of high finance, blackmail, investigative journalism, FBI, police and political figures all intersect in this life and death chase. I enjoyed it, it had less emotional connection than some of his earlier books but was still a good read and an involving read. Lots of characters, some we don't know whether they are good or bad and it takes awhile but it all comes together in a satisfying finish. A smart book 4.5 rounded up
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👀 like multiple POVs
🌪️ love an amazing twist
👮♀️ would agree to work with the FBI/CIA
🗺️ enjoy real-time world building
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
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 . . .
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Charlie Donlea does it again! This was another fast paced, multiple POV mystery that takes you on a wild ride across the country! I always appreciate how easily Charlie switches between his characters without making me feel like I don’t understand who they are. He is seriously gifted in that sense! I loved this back and forth between so many different players, but Ollie was definitely my favorite. Not only was he dealing with the tragic and unexpected loss of his little brother, but he was running from the very same people who disposed of them, all while keeping tabs on new developments and sharing them to his news site! My favorite part is how the characters all come together at some point though. The connections between them all, just *chef’s kiss.* The last twist though, I was honestly loving it! Definitely pick this one up. Charlie hasn’t let me down once!
👀 like multiple POVs
🌪️ love an amazing twist
👮♀️ would agree to work with the FBI/CIA
🗺️ enjoy real-time world building
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
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 . . .
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Charlie Donlea does it again! This was another fast paced, multiple POV mystery that takes you on a wild ride across the country! I always appreciate how easily Charlie switches between his characters without making me feel like I don’t understand who they are. He is seriously gifted in that sense! I loved this back and forth between so many different players, but Ollie was definitely my favorite. Not only was he dealing with the tragic and unexpected loss of his little brother, but he was running from the very same people who disposed of them, all while keeping tabs on new developments and sharing them to his news site! My favorite part is how the characters all come together at some point though. The connections between them all, just *chef’s kiss.* The last twist though, I was honestly loving it! Definitely pick this one up. Charlie hasn’t let me down once!
August 13, 2026
I received an ARC of this upcoming novel (due out in January, 2027j through NetGalley.
Charlie Donlea has become one of my favorite authors. His books are always fast-paced and they grab your attention right away. Chapters are short. Łots of activity. Never a dull moment. This book seemed a little more complex than others, as many different characters in multiple locations came into play. And there was more people chasing after people as well.
The book is about a scandal at Davis Capital. The FBI has recruited two key employees to get to the bottom of the scandal, which involved trafficking of underage girls. But the two people acting as moles are discovered by Davis Capital, which is what springs a ton of action for this story.
Keep them coming, Charlie!
Charlie Donlea has become one of my favorite authors. His books are always fast-paced and they grab your attention right away. Chapters are short. Łots of activity. Never a dull moment. This book seemed a little more complex than others, as many different characters in multiple locations came into play. And there was more people chasing after people as well.
The book is about a scandal at Davis Capital. The FBI has recruited two key employees to get to the bottom of the scandal, which involved trafficking of underage girls. But the two people acting as moles are discovered by Davis Capital, which is what springs a ton of action for this story.
Keep them coming, Charlie!
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!
September 21, 2026
Loved this! Couldn’t put it down. Charlie Donlea at his best.
Like all Donlea’s books you really don’t know where this is going as he introduces more characters. You don’t know how or when or why they will connect. I was riveted and couldn’t wait to see how this unfolded.
Clearly based on the Epstein Files but there’s so much more to it. I especially rooted for the Shelby and Gabriela characters. And I didn’t see the big twist coming at all.
I’ve been reading his earlier works and Donlea has gotten much better over time. I’m glad I started with Twenty Years Later and suggest anyone new start with that or Behind Every Face.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Like all Donlea’s books you really don’t know where this is going as he introduces more characters. You don’t know how or when or why they will connect. I was riveted and couldn’t wait to see how this unfolded.
Clearly based on the Epstein Files but there’s so much more to it. I especially rooted for the Shelby and Gabriela characters. And I didn’t see the big twist coming at all.
I’ve been reading his earlier works and Donlea has gotten much better over time. I’m glad I started with Twenty Years Later and suggest anyone new start with that or Behind Every Face.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
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 Publisher
Thank you to Kensington Books for having sent me a gifted copy of Behind Every Face. I have always loved Charlie's books and this one did not disappoint either. This book immediately gets you hooked from the beginning and all the way to the end. Definitely a fast paced thriller that will have you at the edge of your seats. Be sure to check it out!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Will post review later
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great Charlie Donlea read! Behind Every Face was suspenseful, fast-paced, and definitely a page-turner. The story moved really well and kept me interested throughout, which is exactly what I expect from Donlea.
I also really liked the character development in this one. I’d actually love to see some of these characters again—maybe even in a follow-up book.
Overall, a really enjoyable suspense read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. Thank you to Kensington publishing for the ARC.
I also really liked the character development in this one. I’d actually love to see some of these characters again—maybe even in a follow-up book.
Overall, a really enjoyable suspense read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. Thank you to Kensington publishing for the ARC.
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐** 2Stars — DNF**
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Behind Every Face by Charlie Donnelly.
Charlie Donnelly’s books have been a little hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, this one landed somewhere in the middle. I was highly invested at first and really thought this was going to pull me in, but as the story went on, it started to feel very drawn out.
The plot centers around political corruption, sex trafficking, and blackmail, which definitely had the potential for a dark, twisty thriller. But with a little less than half of the book left, I realized I just wasn’t invested enough in what happened next to keep going. By that point, I felt like most of the mystery surrounding what was happening was already gone, and the story was taking too long to get where it was going.
I ultimately decided to DNF, which I hate doing when I’ve already made it that far. There were definitely elements that kept me interested for a good portion of the book, but the pacing just didn’t work for me.
⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Behind Every Face by Charlie Donnelly.
Charlie Donnelly’s books have been a little hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, this one landed somewhere in the middle. I was highly invested at first and really thought this was going to pull me in, but as the story went on, it started to feel very drawn out.
The plot centers around political corruption, sex trafficking, and blackmail, which definitely had the potential for a dark, twisty thriller. But with a little less than half of the book left, I realized I just wasn’t invested enough in what happened next to keep going. By that point, I felt like most of the mystery surrounding what was happening was already gone, and the story was taking too long to get where it was going.
I ultimately decided to DNF, which I hate doing when I’ve already made it that far. There were definitely elements that kept me interested for a good portion of the book, but the pacing just didn’t work for me.
⭐️⭐️
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