Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane for this copy in exchange for my review.

Martian wrote a very intriguing book of small town Americana and the mysteries and secrets tucked within it. This had a duel timeline narrative that I've seen used before, but unlike other times the author did well in keeping them separate, coherent, and furthering along the story instead of bogging down the pace.

There are two different mysteries that get twisted together, a missing aunt and an old cold case, and I found myself glued to the page as Hunter and Quinn struggle to find Quinn's aunt Cora. Both characters are messy and fully formed and I enjoyed watching them get past their animosity to become friends and then more as the story progressed.

Overall a really great read.

Hannah Martin wrote quite the mystery with Long Time Gone. I was intrigued by the Wyoming setting and the darkness that lurks in Americana. The dual timeline was also a wonderful storytelling device in this tale. Great weekend genre read for fall. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

I tucked in and had such a good time with this book. Right away, two characters pop up, both salty and primed to brawl with the world. Quinn Cuttridge has lived in Spokane by herself since she was 16, basically abandoned by an uncaring mother. She’s been apprenticing with a private investigator, acting as their assistant so she’s got some chops now even though she’s only 22. When Hunter Lemming calls to tell Quinn that her Aunt Cora has gone missing in Wyoming, Quinn heads back to the ranch where she spent summers as a child. It’s a bittersweet homecoming because Cora also sent her away when she was a teen. Like Quinn, Hunter is already life weary even though she’s just 21. Cora is not just her boss, she is the only person that Hunter trusts so in desperation, she contacted Quinn.

The author could have easily made Quinn and Hunter cliches but they’re fully realized characters, guarded but still pushing through as best as they can in a town and in a world where poor girls with no families are invisible. When Quinn and Hunter get past the animosity and begin to grow close as friends and then something more, the meeting is at times fractured but still a genuine reach for love. Now the past plays a big part in the mystery because 40 years prior to Cora’s disappearance, the town sweetheart, Jessica Coldwater was murdered. Her best friend, Holly, was suspected but never located after the death. The book alternates between each timeline, unraveling and revealing bit by bit which kept me reading late into the night, waiting for the reveal.

Read this book if you like good mysteries, small town nonsense, messy main characters, and well written debuts.

Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian was a dual timeline missing persons/murder mystery with a heavy dose of personal trauma for our two main characters. Quinn's estranged aunt went missing, and the unaccounted-for aunt's ranch hand, out of desperation, contacted her to return to the ranch to help locate her. Quinn was sent away from the ranch 8 years prior without explanation, so she wasn't keen to return.
Hunter considered Cora family after she was taken in by her when hers were killed in an accident. Quinn became a private investigator after she was sent away, and so became Hunter's last hope of finding Cora.
Their lives are mysteriously intertwined with a cold case murder the small conservative town of Wonderland, WY, wanted everyone to forget about.
Enemies-to-loves (though I am not exactly sure why they were enemies), Quinn and Ice-queen Hunter, had to unravel these mysteries and struggle with their baggage as they bonded over their past and present experiences.
There are some heavy topics such as homophobia, child rejection, abandonment, shading dealings, excessive drinking, murder, death of a loved one, religious oppression, and childhood trauma. 
The passion between the two mains was palpable, although the actual spice was off page. It worked well. The twisting dual mysteries were engaging, and I didn't expect the ending. 
The bittersweet ending gave closure and hope for the future.
I enjoyed the writing style and alternating timelines. The present-day perspective was delivered from Quinn's (foul-mouthed) point of view and worked for me. 
Long Time Gone was an immersive, quick read. I was wrapped up in the story from beginning to end.
This felt like a debut novel with some of the pitfalls associated with that. There were some unanswered questions, etc. However, overall, I highly enjoyed it, and this author has tons of potential. I would absolutely sign up to read more from them.
#smalltown #conservativetown #Wyoming #enemie-to-lovers #traumabonding #dealthofalovedone #religiousoppression #homophobia #childrejection #abandonment #icequeen #excessivedrinking #dualtimeline #murder #ranchhand #privateinvestigator #bittersweetending #hometownreturn #city/rural #fishoutofwater
I received this free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This is the debut book for Hannah Martian, and she does a decent job with it. Like most debuts, it isn’t perfect, but it is captivating for several reasons. First of all, the narrative employs a dual-timeline structure. This enriches the story by allowing readers to unravel the past and present concurrently. This technique fosters deeper engagement, encouraging readers to actively piece together the unfolding mystery. It draws readers into the storytelling, allowing for an immersive reading experience. Therefore, when the end comes, readers don’t feel duped by the surprising family secrets and lies that are revealed; instead, they feel as if they’ve helped unveil them.

As I mentioned, family secrets and lies are a big part of Long Time Gone’s plot. The Coldwater family’s dominance over the town introduces critical themes of power and manipulation, highlighting the lengths individuals go to make sure their secrets stay buried. When the intricate web of relationships within the town and family become stressed, the fragility of trust is revealed. Each character harbors hidden truths, and as these secrets slowly unravel, the tension escalates. As the threat of exposure looms large, characters must confront not only their own moral dilemmas but the repercussions of their actions on others. Martian showcases this in well-crafted scenes, accelerating the drama in a steady pace that leaves readers racing ahead to uncover lies that have been denied justice.

The setting plays a pivotal role in this complex tale. Martian uses it effectively, pushing the plot forward in interesting ways. Wonderland, Wyoming, is a seemingly quaint town, but beneath its surface lies a darker undercurrent, one that reflects the Coldwater family’s vast influence. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the consequences of long-held secrets ripple through generations. Dark and mysterious themes emerge, heightening the tension and demonstrating why readers find these kinds of dramas appealing.

Although the Coldwater family’s grip on the town is quite compelling, it’s Quinn Cuthridge’s return to Wonderland that really stirs things up and raises the stakes for all involved. Her complicated past with the town—as well as her aunt—adds layers of emotional depth. Readers are drawn into her internal conflict as she grapples with coming back to a place filled with painful memories. Her journey resonates with readers, causing them to connect with her as she searches for answers. Ultimately, her quest for the truth is not just about solving a mystery but about self-discovery and healing, the flip side to this very complicated story.

Final remarks…

The interplay of loyalty and deceit creates a gripping atmosphere in this debut novel by Hannah Martian. The allure of deep-seated secrets is hard to resist, and Martian makes it nearly impossible to predict who will ultimately prevail. With each turn and revelation, the stakes grow higher, ultimately leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable. For those who enjoy narratives that are rooted in the darker sides of family loyalty, Long Time Gone’s twisty, turny plot will hit the spot.

Strengths…

Entertaining, suspenseful story
Compelling storyline
Intriguing characters
Promising debut

A missing aunt and an estranged niece’s quest to find her instantly captivated me in this intriguing story. While the central focus is on the missing aunt, there’s also an intriguing old cold case that somehow connects to her disappearance. This well-crafted narrative is filled with unexpected twists that will keep you engaged and thoroughly entertained.

Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian was a great mystery debut!
The author masterfully creates a fast-paced narrative that keeps you on edge from start to finish.
The characters were well developed and twists were unexpected.
If you love suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, go ahead and snag this book!
An intriguing sapphic suspenseful mystery that kept me glued to the pages.

Thank You NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Great debut! I really liked the characters of Quinn and Hunter, and the dual timeline kept the suspense going until the end. Well-plotted and paced. I can't believe I didn't see the twist coming - but it was a good one!

"In the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the truth is whatever the Coldwater family says it is. When their prodigal daughter Jessica was murdered forty years ago, their truth was that Holly Prine killed her–regardless of Holly’s innocence.

But the Coldwaters aren’t the only reason private investigator Quinn Cuthridge hasn’t set foot in the town in nearly a decade. After her aunt sent her away when she was a teen, Quinn swore she’d never return. When she gets an unexpected call from her aunt’s ranch hand, Hunter, Quinn learns that her aunt has gone missing. Reluctantly, she returns to Wyoming to investigate and soon realizes that her aunt was getting dangerously close to long-buried Wonderland secrets, including who really murdered Jessica Coldwater.

As Hunter and Quinn dig into what lies in the Wyoming backcountry, attraction flares between the two women, complicating their investigation–and Quinn’s steadfast refusal to have any ties to Wonderland. With someone threatening Quinn and her own dark past echoing in the present, Quinn must struggle against her hometown and herself to find the truth"

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

A nice debut. This is a dual time line secrets and lies sapphic mystery (I know, I know but go with it). Quinn is back in town because her aunt has gone missing but she finds herself wrapped up in an old case. I liked the Wyoming setting, the representation, and it's just twisty enough. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me.

Quinn Cuthridge receives a call from ranch hand, Hunter Lemming, to say say her aunt, Cora Cole has gone missing from her ranch in Wonderland, Wyoming. Quinn flies back to see if she can find out the reason for her disappearance. The story is told using dual time lines - the present and 1981. How does Cora's disappearance tie in with the killing of Jessica Coldwater and her killer, Holly Prine? Quinn and Hunter delve into the mystery of the case of Jessica and what happened to Holly and why she disappeared after the killing. Wonderland is run by the Coldwater family and everyone else is second rate in their eyes. The book is full of secrets and lies with plenty of twists and turns leading to an explosive conclusion. It is a fast paced book and unputdownable.

A debut mystery novel, Long Time Gone (2024) by Hannah Martian has a dual-timeline narrative of crimes forty years apart. The disappearance and suspected murder of two teenagers in 1981 has haunted the locals ever since. Investigator Quinn Cuthridge receives an early morning telephone call that sees her return to Wonderland, Wyoming to look for her missing aunt - who banished her eight years earlier. Hunter works on the aunt's ranch and is obstinate towards Quinn, as they search for Aunt Cora. The local sheriff and wealthy family that runs the local community make it difficult and discourage Quinn and Hunter, denying any connection between the two cases. Yet as past secrets and tragedies are discovered, the drastic consequences of the past have major repercussions. An interesting mix of crime investigation, historical mystery and romance elements make this a quality four stars read rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Hannah Martian’s “Long Time Gone” is a compelling blend of suspense and romance that delves into the complexities of truth and deception in a small-town setting. The novel follows Quinn Cuthridge, a twenty-two-year-old private investigator, who reluctantly returns to Wonderland, Wyoming, after receiving a distressing call about her missing aunt, Cora.

Martian’s narrative is rich with tension and grit, capturing the reader’s attention from the first page. The plot is intricately woven, with each chapter peeling back layers of the town’s secrets and the characters’ hidden motives. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady build-up of suspense while allowing for moments of introspection and character development.

Quinn is a standout protagonist—sharp, determined, and deeply flawed. Her journey is not just about solving the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance but also about confronting her own past and the prejudices that have shaped her life. Martian’s portrayal of Quinn’s internal struggles adds depth to the character, making her relatable and compelling.

The setting of Wonderland, Wyoming, is vividly brought to life through Martian’s descriptive prose. The small-town atmosphere, with its underlying bigotry and corruption, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sense of place is so strong that it almost becomes a character in its own right, influencing the actions and decisions of the people who inhabit it.

“Long Time Gone" excels in its exploration of themes such as loyalty, self-discovery, and the impact of long-buried secrets. Martian handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The novel’s queer narrative is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective that enriches the story.

“Long Time Gone” is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries and character-driven dramas. Hannah Martian has crafted a novel that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who will stay with readers long after the final page. This book is a testament to Martian’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to create a world that is as engaging as it is unsettling.

Special thanks to Crooked Lane books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This book is a mystery with dual timelines. I've read some reviews while reading it and are we now calling books "queer mysteries" and such. Does it really matter about the queen aspect?

What matters was the book is really good. Especially from a debut author. I honestly didn't see the end coming and was pleasantly surprised. 4 stars

Loud and proud lesbian PI Quinn Cuthridge comes back to Wonderland, Wyoming, when she gets a call from Hunter telling her that her aunt has disappeared. Quinn hasn't seen her aunt Cora for eight years since she sent Quinn away and told her she never wanted to see her again.

Quinn learns that her aunt was very interested in a forty-year-old mystery when Jessica Coldwater died and her best friend Holly Prine disappeared. It had been assumed that Holly had murdered Jessica but Aunt Cora didn't believe that.

Quinn finds herself investigating the old crime while she investigates her aunt's disappearance. She learns that the Coldwater name still holds vast importance in Wonderland, and no one wants the old crime investigated.

The book is told with a dual timeline so that we can find out what happened between Jessica and Holly who are beginning their own lesbian relationship and running afoul of the Coldwater matriarch. The parallels between Quinn's growing relationship with Hunter and Holly's with Jessica provide Mirrors of each other.

The story was interesting and the characters compelling. The twists and turns of the story provided all sorts of surprises.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝚂𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙴𝚁. 𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙴𝚁. 𝙳𝙴𝙱𝚄𝚃.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠

"𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙒𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙒𝙮𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨.... 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙣 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮."


𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:⁠
I love mysteries. The plot is a very common queer story. There were good moments and the pace was okay. What I loved though were the revelations around Quinn. Now that was really good especially how it was written near the end. That makes the whole waiting very good.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:⁠
The dynamic between Hunter and Quinn was interesting. Hunter had such grumpy vibes, but with many personal issues which affected how the relationship between her and Quinn was built, probably. They both had issues, of course. Quinn was not sunshine vibes of course, her upbringing was not easy. The family twist during that revelation was good, I didn't see it coming.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

I liked this book. It was thrilling and kept my interest through out. A good book to read around this time of year going into fall. This is a new to me author and I look forward to more books from her

4/5
This was such a fun thriller/mystery to read! There are multiple queer characters and two sapphic storylines brilliantly woven together to create a story about mystery disappearances in a small town. The banter and chemistry between Quinn and Hunter was really enjoyable addition to the story. My favorite part was the glimpses into the past storyline and the development between Holly and Jessica. For a thriller this author managed to nail home some really important points like queer acceptance what people in the community face when it comes to hate. This was a really incredibly thought out story and I can't wait to read what this debut author writes next!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Hannah Martian for this wonderful ARC read!!

A missing family member brings young P.I. Quinn Cuthridge back to a place she vowed she would never return: Wonderland, Wyoming. Quinn left unexpectedly 8 years ago when her beloved Aunt Cora sent her away with no explanation. A phone call from her aunt’s ranch hand, a brusque young woman named Hunter, summons Quinn back (reluctantly) with the news that Cora is missing. The young women first regard one another with wariness and hostility, eventually coming to the conclusion that to find the woman they both care for they need to work together.
The missing woman isn’t the only mystery in Wonderland. The town’s most prominent family has a secret that has been kept for decades and that they will try to keep at whatever cost. As Quinn and Hunter start to dig into Cora’s activities before her disappearance, they find there may be a connection between the long-kept secret and Cora.
The story is rather slow to get started, as Quinn and Hunter fight one another, the townspeople, and their growing attraction as they try to retrace Cora’s steps before her disappearance. Told through dual timelines, the two mysteries are explored and unraveled.
This is author Hannah Martian’s debut novel. I will look forward to the next to see if Quinn and Hunter reappear.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy for review.

This was a really good queer mystery. The dual timelines are a hard aspect to include in a story but this was done marvelously.

I definitely didn’t anticipate the twist that concluded the story.

Fantastic read.

An outstanding debut novel that dives deep into the real struggles of love, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a rollercoaster of scandal, heartbreak, comfort, and spice! The fierce female leads, their sharp banter, and incredible character growth had me hooked. The tension and intrigue were spot on—love truly wins!
Big thanks to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this gem!