And here comes the outlier opinion….

Long Time Gone has an interesting premise, and I do believe it will resonate with many true crime junkies. It’s a detailed story spanning 3 decades to solve a cold case that garnered nationwide attention.

While many have said it’s fast paced, I disagree. I found it to be redundant and slow. Many details were mentioned over and over again. I caught myself skimming out of repetition.

A couple positive aspects to this book: the author really did his research - very detailed story with an in depth look into the crossover between genealogy and criminology; the chapters are short and it’s a very fast, easy read.

Overall, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do think as many other reviews suggest - it’ll be a popular book.

3.5 ⭐️ I really don’t want to round it up or down, but since I’m forced to I’ll round up because I do believe this book will have a following.

Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is an absolute gem! Among Charlie's works, this one stands out as my favorite. Charlie masterfully weaves suspense throughout the book, keeping you eagerly turning pages. Sloan is incredibly compelling, and I found myself rooting for her from start to finish. The dual timelines are a brilliant touch, offering intriguing glimpses into the past and enriching the story with depth and immediacy. It's as if you're right there alongside the characters, experiencing their journey unfold in real time. I also enjoyed the few tidbits of characters from other books. It fit very nicely into the story. Highly recommend added this book to your list. I have no doubt it will be a hit!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow….
My first Charlie Donlea novel and definitely not my last. What a ride. From beginning to end. I must say this story did resonate with me since my sister was adopted.
But imagine starting your dream job only to find out that your world is about to get turned upside down and inside out. Knowing you were adopted from a young age is one thing. Finding out that your adoption wasn’t exactly what it should have been and that you were a missing child 30 years previous is a big shock.
I highly recommend this to someone who likes a good mystery/ thriller. There is so many different parts to this story it’s hard not to get sucked right in.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Would give this 6 stars if I could! (and I am stingy with 5-stars).

LOVED everything about this. Great main female character, great supporting characters, the mystery was COMPELLING. Usually I am not as invested in storylines that take place in the "past" as I am in the "present" but both storylines had me riveted. I hollered twice toward the intense ending. I almost got a little teary on the last page. This is my first Charlie Donlea book, but I am definitely going to read his back log.

Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR. Expected release May 21, 2024. I recommend only reading during times where you don't have to worry about work or sleep since it will be hard to put down.

THANK YOU to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, what a thrilling story! The plot is utterly captivating: Sloan, a forensic pathology student, delves into the world of genealogy to crack cold cases. Despite her understandable apprehension as an adopted child, what she uncovers is beyond belief: not only does she find family ties, but she also learns that her birth parents and she, still a baby, vanished under extraordinary circumstances thirty years ago, only for her to be adopted months later.

The narrative weaves seamlessly between past and present, gradually heightening the suspense until its unforeseen conclusion. The fast-paced style keeps you on the edge, making it easy to envision this story on the big screen. It's a definite recommendation from me!

A big thank you to NetGalley, Kensington, and Charlie Donlea for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this mystery and suspense novel. It was hard to put down, and included a twist that I did not see coming. Some great character development too. This was like reading an action movie. There was some information shared at the end that I wish had been alluded to earlier. Still a wonderful book though. Highly recommend. (Rounded up from 4 1/2 stars.)

When I tell you that I couldn’t put the book down, I mean I COULD NOT put the book down! I started it late at night before I went to bed and spent all day working and thinking about when I could get back to the book. It was compulsive, complex, and so so twisty! I loved the characters, the plot, and the dual timeline. This was an excellent read!

Another great one from Donlea! I just finished Those Empty Eyes the other day, so I jumped at the chance to read another one by the same author. I was not disappointed. I worked for the DA’s office in their forensic tech unit a lifetime ago, so this book was particularly interesting to me. I love all things forensic_related, but I’ve always had a particular fascination with pathology and how it relates to cases. My first masters thesis was related to chemical latent blood enhancements and the effect they have on DNA. This book gave me the best of both worlds, the pathology aspect and the forensic investigation aspect, with the added bonus of forensic genealogy. Not to mention the main character Sloan was fantastic! Donlea has a real knack for giving his reader’s characters who jump off the page. I can honestly see this book getting made into a movie. Donlea is an extremely talented writer and a study in pacing, tension, and characterization! If you haven’t read any of his books, I’m telling you now to go get all of them! You will not be sorry!

Huge thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

4.5🌟
Talk about opening Pandora's box…yikes!

Dr. Sloan Hastings dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist. And her lucky star seems to be shining brightly. She just landed a fellowship with one of the best pathologists in the field! Definitely a big boost to launch her career. For her dissertation she is given the topic of forensics in genealogy.

The first move Sloane makes is to submit her DNA to a genealogy site. She has a few qualms about opening that door, since she was adopted as a baby. But her adoptive parents are supportive and anxious to find out any information about Sloan's birth parents.

Sloane uncovers a mystery about both sets of parents that will change her life forever.

Now, like it or not, secrets are about to be revealed! Who if anyone will come out unscathed once the dust settles!

I’ve been a huge Charlie Donlea fan since the beginning! But his two previous books just didn’t hold the same magic as his earlier efforts. I was worried Charlie lost his mojo! But after reading rave reviews from all my friends I knew I had to give him one more try!

Charlie Donlea is indeed back! Once again he writes a captivating thriller that will grip you from the start, taking you on a suspenseful ride until the final explosive revelation!

Now I’m already looking forward to his next release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books

I am a new fan of Charlie Donlea and the minute I began reading “Long Time Gone” I knew I was in for a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience. The journey to finding the truth about the disappearance of baby Charlotte and her family would take Sloan Hastings, a dedicated doctor, from her home in Raleigh, NC, to Cedar Creek, Nevada, a small town with a powerful family who held many secrets. Sloan’s fast-paced research and decision to do her own investigating was just as invigorating as her beloved Crossfit routines she does to stay in shape and relax her mind. She quickly joined forces with the Cedar Creek Sheriff, Eric Stamos, whose father had originally investigated the case many years ago. The deeper they delved into the past, the more obstacles they encountered as the secrets, lies and deceptions became overwhelming and difficult to accept.

Sloan’s new family welcomed her with open arms but they seemed to have an agenda and the only person I trusted to help Sloan was her Aunt Nora, who had been very close to Sloan’s biological mother, Annabelle, at the time of her disappearance. Money and power do crazy things to people and Sloan soon found out that not everyone was glad she had come to town. Every chapter brought new questions, few answers, and more background into Sloan’s parents and what they were really like. I don’t usually read during the day but I found myself sneaking a few chapters in because I was desperate to know the truth. I was completely surprised by the shocking ending, and it was a fitting conclusion to an electrifying story!

What a unique plot on the missing child trope! Sloan is living the good life, on her way to becoming a forensic pathologist. Her thesis on genetics leads her to taking a DNA test. Imagine her surprise when she finds out she's Baby Charlotte, missing since 1995. Suspenseful and a page turner, this is my second novel by the author and I'm definitely a fan!

You know when you read a book and you just immediately think “This would be a fantastic movie”

That’s exactly what I thought about this book.

Long Time Gone follows Sloan who submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment. She’s excited to begin her future in forensic pathology but there is something that is making her reserved about being a part of the research. Sloan is adopted. She was raised by two loving parents and has never had any interest in looking into her biological family tree. This all comes crashing down when her DNA profile comes back and suggests that her true identity is a baby who went missing along with her parents in the late 90’s, to never be seen again. Sloan is determined to find the truth.

There is so much to love about this book and how it truly sucked you into the story. There were never-ending twists and I loved the feeling of never knowing who to trust.

I have truly never read any book like this, I found the premise and the story so unique and individual. I didn’t want to put it down.

Donlea has such a fantastic way of writing that makes you, as the reader, feel like you are truly viewing the book as the characters.

This was the first time I have read anything by this author, despite being recommended many of his works in the past. I will be picking up his other books soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Title: Long Time Gone
Author: Charlie Donlea
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 352

Story is told in Six Parts and alternates between Past-1995 and Present Day-2024

Cedar Creek, Nevada July 4, 1995 Two- month old baby Charlotte Margolis 2 and her mother and father mysterious go missing.

2024 : Raleigh, North Carolina - Dr. Sloan Hastings is twenty-nine and has completed her residency in Anatomical Clinical Pathology. She is excited that she has been awarded a prestigious two-year fellowship and handpicked with three others to train in forensic pathology with the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty, (Donlea fans will remember Dr. Cutty from [book: The Girl Who Was Taken]).
When Sloan meets with Dr. Cutty she is told her area of interest will be investigative genealogy.
Sloan is a bit surprised and states although it was covered in one of her college classes, she isn’t all that familiar in that area of forensics. Dr. Cutty tells her that it has been responsible for solving several high-profile cold cases- the most famous is the ‘Golden State Killer’- DNA from a genealogy databases was used and matched to a relative. The investigation then followed-up to find all the men related to that relative which was a success - solved the case as the killer was found!

Sloan was told one of the first things she needs to do is to register her own DNA with one of the genealogy companies.
Sloan has always known she was adopted and never had a desire to do a search for her biological parents; but always had the support from her adoptive parents to do a search. When she registered her DNA into an ancestry websites they were also wanted to know more about her biological parents
No One had any idea (Well! Of Course we readers suspected that there would be a connection to the 1955 cold case).
This story is definitely an unputdownable page-turner. Donlea is an awesome story teller and he delivered a WOW read!!!

This is my seventh Charlie Donlea story! I call myself a fan
I loved his ‘Acknowledgements in thanking important people who help in his research of genealogy and online ancestry websites, also Sloan being so good at CrossFit. Additionally he clarifies the real locations of Cedar Creek as well as Harrison County.

Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 21, 2024

Charlie Donlea has done it again! They created a super-charged mystery/thriller that kept me on my toes and awake too late reading. Long Time Gone is a must-read for fans of smart thrillers with a fantastic female main character.

Mainly set in a small Nevada town/county, our main character, Dr. Sloan Hastings is on her way to becoming a forensic pathologist when she decides to have her DNA checked as part of her research. She knows she was adopted, and her adoptive parents have provided her with a great life and loving home. But, once she receives the results she is shocked as her DNA matches to a missing baby, a case that happened nearly 30 years ago.

Sloan embarks in finding the truth as to what happened three decades ago. She ends up entangled with the wealthy Margolis family, a family that controls many facets of the Nevada county’s government and influence. They’re totally crooked.

The story is pretty much non-stop action and is told in two timelines, the present and 1995 (the time when the Nevada baby goes missing.) My very small criticism is about how film/print processing is described in this book, as photography plays a big role in the story. Donlea’s description of the process misses a couple steps. Saying this because I was a photo-nerd back in the day of darkrooms. I’ll let it slide, though!

This book is great for people who enjoy mystery/thrillers about smart and strong women in general, and family DNA conundrums.

PERFECTION!!! Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

WOW!! JUST WOW!! What an incredibly compelling and absolutely riveting crime thriller that you just can't put down!!! So get ready for a mind-blowing experience packed with secrets, deception, mystery, murder, action, gripping suspense, palpable tension, shocking twists, complemented by short chapters, flawless pacing, an original and authentic plot, and a satisfying conclusion! This is my first time reading a book by Charlie Donlea, and it did not disappoint! I cannot wait to read more of his books. Another book to add to my favorites for 2024!!! 💙💙💙💙💙

In this engrossing narrative, a forensic scientist finds herself entangled in a perilous quest for truth when her DNA links her to the notorious disappearance of Baby Charlotte. Dr. Sloan Hastings, driven by intellectual curiosity and under the mentorship of Dr. Livia Cutty, embarks on a forensic pathology fellowship. Unbeknownst to her, her journey will unravel a web of long-buried secrets. As Sloan delves into her own past, she uncovers startling revelations that lead her to Cedar Creek, Nevada, the epicenter of the Margolis family's enigma. Alongside Sheriff Eric Stamos, Sloan navigates the shadowy corridors of power and deceit that shroud the Margolis dynasty. As tensions rise and danger looms, Sloan's quest for truth becomes intertwined with Eric's quest for justice, both haunted by the specter of unresolved mysteries and the ominous legacy of the Margolis family. With each revelation, Sloan and Eric inch closer to the heart of darkness, where some will stop at nothing to safeguard their secrets, even if it means sacrificing lives in the process.

In conclusion, I was completely captivated from start to finish! I wholeheartedly recommend this unputdownable, impressive masterpiece and it deserves all the stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Twenty-nine year old, Dr. Sloan Hastings is just 2 short year away from achieving her dreams and becoming a medical examiner when she receives her thesis topic, forensic genealogy, but is she even Sloan Hastings?

Sloan has always known she was adopted, but when she submits her own DNA to a genealogy website to begin research of her thesis, the results uncover a shocking conclusion. Sloan’s entire world is thrown upside down and everything she thought she knew about her life is untrue. How will she deal with this life altering news?

Charlie Donlea is an auto-read author for me and I am so excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to read his newest book, Long Time Gone for an honest review! This book comes out in May and you are not going to want to miss it!

From beginning to end, Donlea does an excellent job at keeping you entwined in the drama so you never want to stop turning the pages. He is a master of cliff-hangers, which makes this another very fast read because once you’re in, you can’t stop reading! Don’t skip this newest novel from Charlie Donlea!!

A quick, fast-paced read. Donlea reels in his readers and keeps them intensely hooked in this newest novel. I enjoyed the storyline and how characters from other books make appearances. This will be another favorite to all Charlie Donlea fans.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC for my honest opinion of the book.

Charlie Donlea’s writing is outstanding and he’s become a new favorite author of mine. Genealogy and familial dna take center stage in this fast-paced and intriguing psychological thriller. The story had me hooked from the start right up to the shocking conclusion. For fans of Heather Gudenkauf and Mary Kubica.

An innocent research assignment turns into a deadly cold case investigation. What can be better than that? Dual timelines dole out information slowly and the back and forth keeps up the anticipation.
The one thing that I found odd, especially being in the same age range as her, was Sloan having apparently no exposure whatsoever to film. The developing process sure, but the parents never took a picture with a regular camera, or gave her a disposable for a trip as a kid? A little thing but really didn't matter overall. I suppose it gave the opportunity to explain the process and set up that plot point.
I enjoy seeing previous characters turn up again, kind of an Easter egg for loyal readers. And with the author's penchant for reusing characters, I hope to see Sloan appear in a later book as a full-fledged ME conducting an autopsy for another main character's investigation.
The only thing I find hit-or-miss with this author is the endings (a personal preference for seeing justice done) but this time it was spectacular, a heart-pounding reveal as everything comes together. It ties up all the threads- for readers anyway if not for the characters ("capturing" the evidence in an especially poignant way).
Suicide House was my favorite of his books prior to this but Long Time Gone may have just topped it.

Sloan, a medical doctor, is beginning a two-year training in forensic medicine. As a part of an assignment, she investigate how genealogy clues can be used to solve cold cases. Since she’s adopted, she uses her own DNA to see how website can help find links to the past. Wow, does she open open a Pandora’s box. Without give away too much, we are introduced to crimes, including murders, that took place decades ago. New relatives, sheriffs, and the FBI all get involved in a fascinating case. Would love to have a new series come from this.