Twenty Years Later: Sneak Peek

by Charlie Donlea

Be one of the first to read this sneak peek of the gripping new thriller from #1 international bestselling author Charlie Donlea, a TV news host sets out to uncover the truth behind a brutal, decades-old murder . . .

Avery Mason, host of American Events, knows the subjects that grab a TV audience’s attention. Her latest story—a murder mystery laced with kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal—is guaranteed to be ratings gold. New DNA technology has allowed the New York medical examiner’s office to make its first successful identification of a 9/11 victim in years. The twist: the victim, Victoria Ford, had been accused of the gruesome murder of her married lover. In a chilling last phone call to her sister, Victoria begged her to prove her innocence.

Emma Kind has waited twenty years to put her sister to rest, but closure won’t be complete until she can clear Victoria’s name. Alone she’s had no luck, but she’s convinced that Avery’s connections and fame will help. Avery, hoping to negotiate a more lucrative network contract, goes into investigative overdrive. Victoria had been having an affair with a successful novelist, found hanging from the balcony of his Catskills mansion. The rope, the bedroom, and the entire crime scene was covered in Victoria’s DNA.

But the twisted puzzle of Victoria’s private life belies a much darker mystery. And what Avery doesn't realize is that there are other players in the game who are interested in Avery’s own secret past—one she has kept hidden from both the network executives and her television audience. A secret she thought was dead and buried . . .

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2021

About the author

Charlie Donlea is the USA TODAY, IndieBound, and #1 Internationally bestselling author of critically acclaimed, propulsive thrillers including THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN, DON'T BELIEVE IT, TWENTY YEARS LATER, and THOSE EMPTY EYES. His ninth thriller, GUESS AGAIN, is out now.

Published in 40 countries and translated into twenty-five languages, his books have sold nearly 3 million copies in the U.S. alone.

He spends a part of each year fishing with his father in the far reaches of Canada, where the roads end and lakes are accessible only by floatplane. These majestic trips to “God’s Country” inspired the settings for his novels Summit Lake and GUESS AGAIN, coming in August 2025.

He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Tia D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, when I picked up this book and read the summary I wasn't sure that I was going to like it, it was for sure different from the YA Mystery/Thriller books that I am used to... NOW I love Charlie Donlea's books. I have only read three of them so far but I am HOOKED.

His writing is amazing, the PLOT TWISTS?!?!?! A M A Z I N G !!
Normally I am very good at predicting what will happen in books or where it is leading to but Charle Donlea keeps me on my feet.

I highly recommend this book. I loved that it had two stories that were connected but also their own story.

[Moonlight Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Heddy Fogie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not very often that the twist at the end of a book catches me off guard. Charlie Donlea managed to accomplish it in this book, and it was a rewarding ending to a great story. I really enjoyed his style of writing, and I look forward to reading more of this author's work. I give this book 5 stars.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books I’ve read from this author have been good. This story is even more interesting as it tracks a fictional author who was a casualty of 911. And, then she is accused of a heinous crime for which she can’t defend. At times, we are wondering who is good or evil in this twisted tale. The mystery and reveal is great! I highly recommend!

[Les An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from beginning to end!!
New fan!

[Deb Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie is an extraordinary author. Every book I pick up I can't put down. Keep them coming Charlie!

[Kerri Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

[Shirley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a great read. He will be at the top of my list for more thrillers.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tied together perfectly.

[Dani Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Finally I didn’t call the ending!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two separate who/how was it done stories intertwined to create an OMG one.

[Carrie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Solid free book from audible. Good twists and unexpected ending.

[Tammy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! can't wait for the movie.

[Tami Kazdal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great thriller. Easy read. Reckoned for sure

[Jaime Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. I was hooked immediately. I really liked the 9/11 elements, it was so unique. The ending definitely got me. Wow.