A lot of potential, unconvincing execution.

This is a debut novel, and I hope we‘ll get to hear more from this author, as she has a lot of potential. However, this book still feels rough around the edges, and it definitely read more like a romance novel than a mystery/novel of suspense for big parts of it (which was not to its advantage).

In „Long Time Gone“, twenty-two-year-old private investigator Quinn Cuthridge reluctantly travels to the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming following a call from her aunt Cora’s ranch hand, Hunter, informing her that Cora has been missing for two weeks. Following her abrupt departure from that same town eight years ago, Quinn had vowed never to return, and hasn’t spoken to her aunt since. While in Wonderland investigating Cora‘s disappearance, Quinn also learns of a local, decades-old cold case involving the murder of eighteen-year-old high school student Jessica Coldwater. In fact, Cora was looking into the Coldwater murder before she disappeared. Could the two cases be linked?

The whole premise of the book was intriguing and promising, as was the dual timeline, alternating between Quinn‘s grumbling return to Wyoming and the months before Jessica Coldwater‘s murder. I also liked the idea of Quinn as a gay lead/investigator.

Unfortunately, however, there was hardly any actual investigating done. There never seemed to be any urgency on behalf of either Quinn or Hunter to actually find Cora; the two women instead mostly spent their days sniping at each other and/or giving each other the silent treatment. I‘m guessing this was supposed to be the kind of meet-cute where the two romantic leads initially cannot seem to stand one another but will of course end up together. Unfortunately, there was nothing cute about it, and instead, the way these two kept lashing out at one another got old very quickly.

Their annoying, downright rude behavior was further complicated by the fact that it was also really hard to like either one of these women. Quinn, for all her boasting of having worked for one of the best PI‘s in Washington State, really does a poor job of finding out much of anything, and if she does, she just sits on that information for days on end before proceeding. She seems much more determined to lust after Hunter than to solve the mystery of her aunt‘s disappearance. And speaking of her boss/mentor, Quinn’s repeated complaining when said boss calls to check in on her (the audacity!) - even though she only wanted to take one week off work - is not a good look, making Quinn come across as whiny and entitled, and very much affirming the stereotype of Gen Z not having great work ethic. Hunter, for her part, may have asked Quinn for help, but then refuses to give her any vital information that could actually help the investigation while simultaneously continuing to run weird errands that take up entire days and have nothing to do with Cora‘s disappearance. Because of that, her attachment to Cora never seems quite credible.

The past timeline involving Jessica Coldwater works much better, and the revelation of how the past and the present connect is both complex and satisfying. Sadly, though, that revelation leads to a real character assassination of one of the book’s most likeable protagonists, and those are already few and far between.

As an aside, the book cannot seem to make up its mind if Jessica‘s murder, having taken place in August 1981, was thirty or forty years ago, with both numbers mentioned repeatedly. There are other consistency errors, such as an English teacher who „looked to be at least sixty-five“ in 1981 but who is described in the 30/40 year anniversary piece in the newspaper as having retired this past fall, after 43 years (which would make him either 95 or 105 at the time of his retirement). But these are editing oversights in my ARC that will hopefully be caught and corrected by the time the actual book hits the shelves, so they didn‘t affect my rating.

Overall, an intriguing story from a promising author, though the execution is not always convincing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

„Long Time Gone“ is slated to be released on October 15, 2024.

Long Time Gone
by: Hannah Martian
due 10-15-2024
Crooked Lane, New York
5.0 stars plus

Compelling thriller, with a wonderful enlightening representation of Lesbian relationships, small town thinking, and the power of friendship and love. The use of a dual time-line was brilliant, and added depth and understanding to the mystery within a mystery of this complex book. A family that is scared its secrets, if revealed, could mean their fall, and the end of their power over a small town. I fell in love with Quinn and Hunter. Holly and Jessica have a story told so well; distinct, yet relatable. Every character is significant and well developed.

I loved this book. I absolutely loved it. I never wanted it to end. It captured my heart, and its grip just got warmer and tighter, as I read. Excellent LGBTQIAP+ mystery thriller. I will be recommending this. I can't wait til it is on my bookshelf.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending this e-book ARC for review.

This is a rare DNF for me. The dialog was so unnatural, especially Hunter's, because it was trying to be rural and western-y I suppose. How long Quinn's aunt has been missing was mentioned over and over, but neither Quinn nor Hunter showed any urgency to start looking for her. Maybe it gets better, but I wasn't invested enough to find out.

Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian


A family goes to drastic lengths to protect their version of the truth in this timeline ritual debut mystery.

Takes place in a small town in Wyoming. The Coldwater’s daughter was killed 40 years ago. Cold case. Now t he aunt is missing. I enjoyed this novel. Characters became friendlier as the book moved on. The small town background was interesting. I recommend this book.

I love a good dual timeline narrative; I love a dual narrative style. I love it when I get both… especially when I wonder for a number of pages how they connect. And connect these Hannah Martian does very well, leading to a payoff and choices that will have huge consequences and ripples for many and for a long time. This is one of those novels that you enjoy immensely while reading, and that comes back to mind days and weeks afterwards, and is fully deserving of a five-star recommendation.

This book will have you guessing until the end,.
In a small town in Wyoming, there is a family that rules. The Coldwaters. Their daughter was killed 40 years ago and they fingered the killer, regardless of who really did it. That person was Holly Prine.
Quinn is a private investigator who used to live in that town. She used to live there with her aunt until her aunt found out she was a lesbian. Quinn hasn't been back since. That is until her aunt's ranch hand calls her with news that her aunt is missing.
Quinn is thrust into everything that happened 40 years ago and why her aunt is missing. She also begins to realize that there are somethings that may have been better left alone.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I could give this 10 stars. This is such good story, depicting the truth of what lesbians (and so many others) have had to go through for love. It’s scandalous, sad, heart warming, and spicy all at the same time. I love the strong female characters, the bantering back and forth, and all the development that takes place. The mystery and suspense was perfect. Love wins!

Long Time Gone is a very enjoyable dual timeline mystery. I enjoyed the story and it kept me entertained until the very last page.

Hannah Martian’s debut, “Long Time Gone,” is a masterful blend of rural mystery and gripping family drama that kept me hooked from start to finish. Set in the small town of Wonderland, Wyoming, the dual-timeline narrative intricately weaves together the past and present, revealing the lengths a family will go to protect their version of the truth.

Martian’s portrayal of the Coldwater family is both chilling and compelling. The mystery surrounding Jessica Coldwater’s murder forty years ago and the wrongful accusation of Holly Prine creates an intense backdrop for the story. The family’s influence over the town is palpable, and their determination to maintain their narrative adds layers of tension and intrigue.

Private investigator Quinn Cuthridge is a standout character. Her reluctance to return to Wonderland after being sent away by her aunt adds a personal dimension to the story. The unexpected call from Hunter, her aunt’s ranch hand, and the discovery of her aunt’s disappearance propel Quinn back into a world she thought she had left behind. The chemistry between Quinn and Hunter adds an exciting and emotional element to the investigation, making their journey even more captivating.

The exploration of long-buried secrets in the Wyoming backcountry is riveting. Martian’s descriptive prose brings the setting to life, immersing the reader in the harsh yet beautiful landscape. The tension between Quinn’s dark past and her present investigation keeps the stakes high, making it impossible to put the book down.

“Long Time Gone” is not just a mystery but a rich, queer narrative that delves into themes of truth, loyalty, and self-discovery. Martian’s ability to create complex characters and a multi-layered plot ensures that readers are in for a thrilling ride. This book is a must-read for fans of Kelly J. Ford and Hayley Scrivenor, and anyone who loves a well-crafted, suspenseful mystery.

There was so much to love about this book. It wasn't just one mystery of a missing person but a so many threads woven and knotted together into a quilt of questions. Long ago buried secrets that someone would literally kill to keep hidden.

I couldn't put it down. The princess and the cowgirl. Two unlikely women teaming up because of the one thing they think they share, Cora Cole. But as more questions come at them, and buried secrets get uncovered, they learn they are much more similar than they think they are. Usually by the end I have a pretty good idea of the plot twist, but Hannah Martian had me staring my kindle like ' No way!'

Def a must read if you're a fan of small town with big secrets. Cold cases and hunting down the truth no matter the consequences.

Long Time Gone is an enjoyable debut. The plot and characters are engaging and there are secrets to uncover and twists to enjoy. It is more of a slow burn mystery, but it's easy to read and follow. Recommended for mystery/thriller lovers who enjoy slower-moving stories.

Pub Date: Oct 15, 2024

#LongTimeGone
#NetGalley

This book was interesting and I mean that in both the positive and the negative.
When a main character (22) returns to the place where she used to spend her summers to find her missing aunt her troubled past comes to light, ever so slowly. And equally slowly the other main reveals more of hers as well. And shows how troubled she is by being gay.
These mains have lived a Life at such a young age. Yes, capital L.
Where I have issues is with the angst and the mystery, I just don’t feel it. And the dual timeline? The “then” timeline detracts from the “now” if you were to ask me. The angst is very repetitive and gets boring and annoying (sorry).
This book could have been so much more, but it just missed marks for me.

This book is a slow burn, but the underlying story is redeemable. I just kept getting frustrated at the constant sexual innuendos! It felt like it was every other paragraph. I found myself skipping at times. And she kept referring to the character Colton as “their” instead of “he”. It was very distracting. I do think this budding author has a career in writing ahead of her. She was very descriptive, and, as I said, her story was good. I liked the two timelines as well as the descriptions of the main characters travels! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

Rating 3.5 Stars

Long Time Gone is a nice quick read thriller with many twist.

For 60% of the book I felt like our main Quinn wanted to get laid then do anything else. You do understand better why but she reiterated enough why she is a great PI but really didn't do much.

I feel Hunter and Quinn chemistry would of got there without Quinn being forceful or even Hunter exposing she's queer. I would of rooted for them with their back an forth exchanges without Quinn being a selfish cocky lesbian. If anything the way Quinn acted made me feel uncomfortable and I feel this is where the story lacked maturity. I understand pain, trauma and characters might come across the way they do but she was but much. There was elements of this is book that I felt was very immature even for the young adults they wore, I found this with the older generation in the book too.

So far it might seem like criticism but it wasn't I didn't like the story. There was a lot of elements about the book and the way Martian wrote which I enjoyed. Specially going back to the past I enjoyed the flow and characters a lot better.

I don't know if its a kindle glitch but the formatting on the kindle at times I found it hard to keep the consistency. Hopefully this gets resolved.

For debut it was good and I will look out for what Martian writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc copy

Long Time Gone is an intricate mystery that follows the disappearance of Wonderland rancher Cora, who, after investigating a decades old murder, has fallen victim to suspected foul play. In her absence, ranch manager, Hunter, frustrated by the Police’s lack of momentum, contacts Cora’s estranged niece, Quinn, to return to Wonderland and assist in the search. Together, Hunter and Quinn, work towards untangling the web of intrigue that has led to Cora’s disappearance, and in doing so, attempt to solve the aged murder.

The story is tightly woven in that the intrigue is consistent and well organised. The author uses dual timeline to give insight into the circumstances regarding the old murder investigation and ties this to the current day narrative nicely. There are just enough hints to arouse curiosity and keep the reader in suspense.

With a great cast of supporting characters, including the elusive Sheriff Maddie, who’s own story would make an excellent spin-off book, Long Time Gone is a comprehensive story that brings together suspense and the angsty enemies to lover’s romance that develops between Hunter & Quinn.

There’s a lot to like in Hannah Martian’s accomplished debut that features the ice-queen (well, maiden), hometown-return, fish-out-of-water tropes all well used individually and together.

Hang in here for the slow burn, because along the way there’s some real depth and backstory reveals that hugely inform both the MCs. This gets a lot deeper than you might think, developing into a lot more than sassy must-be-detective trying hard to melt cold, ice maiden’s heart. Both girls have faced deep-set challenges in their young lives—and face others here and now—and both will have to confront those, individually and together. How that together might be you’ll enjoy finding out.

I love a good dual timeline narrative; I love a dual narrative style. I love it when I get both… especially when I wonder for a number of pages how they connect. And connect these Hannah Martian does very well, leading to a payoff and choices that will have huge consequences and ripples for many and for a long time. This is one of those novels that you enjoy immensely while reading, and that comes back to mind days and weeks afterwards, and is fully deserving of a five-star recommendation.

Ms. Martin’s debut is exceptionally good. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes up with next.

Thank you to the author, to Crooked Lane Books, and to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC and give my honest opinion.

Quinn arrives back in Wyoming to search for her missing aunt. Hunter, is her aunts ranch hand and friend. But Hunter is not happy that she had to bring Quinn to help.
These two mix like oil and water as they look for answers. The path leads them to discover a local family’s deep secrets that set the wheels in motion for Cora, the missing aunt and Quinn.
These is a great story and quick read. The back story from 40 years ago is easy to follow.
You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you #Netgalley #Crookedlanebooks #Longtimegone for this ARC

This was enjoyable and different than most thrillers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Excellent characters thriller. So many great twists. I was holding my breath in some parts and grinding my teeth in others. Wildly explosive.

A roller coaster of a story line and I loved it!!! Excellent writing and characters.
I look forward to more from this author.