This was the first book I have listened to by Charlie Donlea and let me tell you it won't be my last. This book had me on the edge of my seat!! Vivienne Leheny did such a great job narrating this story. I couldn't stop listening to her. Sloan Hastings is starting her two year fellowship in forensic pathology and to understand how ancestry DNA results work she submits her DNA. Well things get shocking from there!!! This story is full of twists and turns. You will not want to stop once you start this book. I had such a great time with this book. Hold on tight because you are in for a ride! I would HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media / Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I loved the setup of the main character, her career and family. The world building was handled well. Sloan is an only, adopted child of two dentists. She has gone into medicine focusing on forensic pathology. She has qualified for a prestigious 2 year training program. In addition to autopsies, all the students are given a project for the first year. Sloan's project is about DNA in criminal investigations and pathology. To learn more about DNA, she submits her own DNA and finds out about her biological family.

Sloan is smart and capable. She is also lucky that the first family member to reach out to her is Nora, who would be her aunt in law. Nora, like Sloan's mother, married into the family and was kind to her mother. Now she is supportive of Sloan getting to know her and the family.

It becomes clear that after 30 years, it is likely something bad happened to her parents. The local sheriff, Eric, gets her input because his father died about the same time as her parents disappeared. His grandfather always believed he was murdered. As evidence is collected, Eric and Sloan get closer to the truth. Sloan's skills help her to read autopsy reports and she gets fresh opinions from the head of her program.

Everyone from that time who knew anything seems to be dead, so you would think Eric and Sloan would be more keenly aware of the danger of digging into the cases. Eric knows it is dangerous around the family but doesn't really think his father was murdered. Sloan learns the downsides quickly and escapes with the family to avoid the press.

It's a wild and dangerous place to examine the past. I loved how Sloan dug for the truth, no matter the consequences. I hope we haven't seen the last of Sloan. We got a peek of Avery Mason (from another book) who interviewed Sloan. Long Time Gone is a stand alone. I enjoyed the science aspects and how the mystery unraveled. There were a few flashbacks to the time when her parents and Eric's father died.

Narration:
This narrator is familiar as she has narrated several of the author's books. I was comfortable with her voices and accents. Her performance with the emotional tone added to my enjoyment. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.

This was a really well-done thriller. It kept me interested and guessing and I felt like the characters were easy to care about. This is the first Donlea book I've read and I'll definitely be checking out more of his work!

Thank you Netgalley and Recorded Books for the ALC.

Story: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Narration: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another thriller hit from Charlie Donlea. When Dr. Sloan Hastings submits her DNA to a genealogy site for a research project, she is shocked by the results. Turns out her parents adopted her from someone posing as her bio mom. Sloan is actually “Baby Charlotte” who captured the nation’s attention after disappearing with her parents many years ago. What really happened all those years ago and what lengths will people go to to make sure the past stays buried?

This was so much fun and so twisty. Donlea takes a very interesting concept in true crime right now and draws a compelling mystery from it. 5 stars.


ALC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this audio. Charlie donlea is a great thriller writer and this book was no exception. I enjoyed how the story was written and how it unfolded.

The only part that I thought was a bit outrageous was that baby Charlotte took all of the photos on the last roll of film by locking her feet and hitting the button while in her cradle. That was a bit much for me to believe. But besides that, I really enjoyed it and would still recommend it!

I am always pretty thrilled to see a Charlie Donlea book releasing. The last couple of books weren’t my favorites. His debut novel, The Summit, was one of his best works in my opinion. However, this novel, Long Time Gone, took me back to that first novel. It was thrilling! It had me completely hooked and unable to pause the audio. This was truly a fascinating storyline that kept me listening from beginning to the shocking ending! Charlie Donlea is an author to follow!

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the narrator of a Long Time Gone, Vivienne Leheny. She brought this story to life with her voice. She truly gave it imagery that wouldn’t be there just by reading the story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this audiobook ARC! I felt like the writing was sometimes redundant, overexplaining pretty apparent topics. It didn't ruin the book for me. Also, it felt like some parts were a little ridiculous. I can't explain without giving any spoilers. Overall, I loved the concept of genetic genealogy and this mystery style.

Wow this was so good!! It kept me guessing and everytime I thought I had it figured out I was wrong. This was so full of twists, I couldn’t help but devour it!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

In Long Time Gone, Charlie Donlea weaves a gripping tale that spans decades, blending mystery, suspense, and the science of forensic genealogy. Narrated with finesse by Vivienne Leheny, this audiobook takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through secrets, family ties, and buried truths.

Plot Summary: Dr. Sloan Hastings, a brilliant forensic scientist, submits her DNA to an online genealogy site as part of her research assignment. Little does she know that this seemingly routine act will unravel her own identity. The results shock her: she is likely Baby Charlotte Margolis, who vanished along with her parents thirty years ago. Determined to uncover the truth, Sloan heads to Cedar Creek, Nevada—the very town where her disappearance occurred.

As Sloan delves into her past, she encounters the enigmatic Margolis family. Their influence permeates every corner of Harrison County, and Sheriff Eric Stamos believes that solving the Margolis mystery could also shed light on his father’s suspicious death. Sloan’s quest for answers leads her down a treacherous path, where buried secrets threaten to consume her.

What Works:

Dual Timelines: Donlea masterfully intertwines past and present, keeping listeners on edge. The alternating narratives reveal layers of intrigue and suspense.

Character Depth: Sloan’s journey of self-discovery is compelling. Her vulnerability and determination make her relatable, while the enigmatic Margolis family adds complexity.

Forensic Genealogy: The exploration of genetic ancestry websites and the science behind them adds a unique twist to the plot.

Narration: Vivienne Leheny’s performance captures the tension, emotion, and urgency of the story. Her distinct voices for different characters enhance the listening experience.

What Could Be Improved:

Pacing: At times, the zigzagging between timelines can be disorienting. Some listeners may find it challenging to keep track of the intricate plot.

In conclusion: Long Time Gone is a puzzle of secrets waiting to be solved. Donlea’s meticulous attention to detail and Leheny’s evocative narration create an immersive experience. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected twists, this audiobook is worth a listen.

Disclaimer: This review is based on an advanced listening copy provided by the author, Charlie Donlea, RB Media, and NetGalley.

Charlie Donlea, the USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author, continues to explore the depths of suspense and human nature. His eighth thriller, Long Time Gone, invites listeners to untangle the web of time and discover the truth lurking beneath the surface. Donlea’s storytelling prowess shines, leaving us eagerly awaiting his next enigma. 🎧📚

Got the audio for this and loved it! I think if I would have been reading it I would have finished this in a day. It’s very fast paced and the story is so captivating.
It’s twisty without being ridiculous. This is my first book to read of his, and I will totally read more of him now.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC

4.6 for my second Charlie Donlea book. I was THRILLED to be chosen by Netgalley to get this audio book early. It is out now for purchase and I would definitely recommend. This has mystery, cold case, missing family, forensic genealogy!!! It was a slow burn and I really enjoyed it. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 is because the ending was a bit far fetched. #netgalley

Let me say this up front: I'm not much of a fan of cold-case mysteries, which makes my love for "Long Time Gone" all the more impressive. After reading "Twenty Years Later," (also a cold-case book) and giving it five stars, I was excited to have the opportunity to dive into Charlie Donlea's latest novel — and I may just have found a new favorite author. Lucky for me, Donlea is prolific and there are plenty of older books for me to explore.

"Long Time Gone" gives us a little something of everything: forensic science in genetics, a family's mobster-like grip on a small town, complicated family dynamics including adoption, and a plucky main character. Dr. Sloan Hastings is working on her residency in forensic science when she receives her thesis assignment: dig deep into the use of ancestry sites to find DNA links to open investigations. Determined to learn more about how these sites work, Sloan submits her own DNA to get a first-hand feel for the process. While she has reservations in doing so, thanks to being adopted, her desire to thrive in her residency outweighs her nerves over what familial connections may crop up. The results that come back are far beyond what she could ever have imagined, however: she's a direct match for a child who went missing many years before.

"Long Time Gone" was a page turner for me from beginning to end. I found it to be a unique approach on a cold-case file, examined not by the typical determined-but-jaded cop, but instead by the unwitting victim herself. For me, it lost a half a star from being just a little over the top in its resolution... and yet also somehow a little underwhelming? This novel probably won't take up residency in my brain for the long haul, but I enjoyed every minute of the journey to its end. 4.5 stars rounded down.

Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and Charlie Donlea for the opportunity to read an advance copy for honest review!

I previously enjoyed Those Empty Eyes so I was really excited for this one and I ended up really enjoying it. The different POVs/timelines were interesting and I liked how pieces of the story were revealed and how it all came together in the end! It was fast-paced, especially with the short chapters, and I did not want to put it down!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This is my 3rd book by this author. I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. The author knows how to build a vivid engaging world. Well developed characters, interesting story that keeps you invested. Surprising twists and turns. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.

This is my second read from Charlie Donlea, I truly love his style. This story was very interesting, and I was engaged from the very beginning. Dr. Sloan Hastings is part of a prestigious fellowship on her way to becoming a forensic pathologist- she just has to learn about forensic genealogy.

So riveting. Decades old cold cases.
I listened to the audio book and I loved the narrator.

This was my first Charlie Donlea book, I have heard so many people like him. This particular book was just ok for me, there were too many characters. At one point, I didn't know who we were even talking about. Also how the pictures happened was just too much for me.

I’m on a roll this month with great books, so it was no surprise to me that my most recent read by Charlie Donlea was another winner and a 5 star read for me.

This is my second book by this author and like TWENTY YEARS LATER ( a fav ) his newest had me hooked from page one.

The FMC Sloan Hastings is embarking on a two year fellowship in forensic pathology under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty (from Donlea’s book The Girl Who Was Taken - which I have to read now! ). The area of interest she has been given-Forensic and Investigative Genealogy. It’s the DNA Science that has solved a few high profile cold cases in the last few years, most notably that of “The Golden State Killer”. She is to make a case furthering this method.

In an attempt to better understand the controversial Sloan reluctantly submits her own DNA, with her adoptive parents permission. And yup the results are SHOCKING!

Her DNA profile suggests that her true identity is that of “Charlotte Margolis”aka Baby Charlotte who captured the nation’s attention in July of 1995 when she and her parents mysteriously disappeared never to be seen or heard from again.

Until NOW.

When Sloan discovers her history she immediately reaches out to her adoptive parents and then she has to get the FBI involved. This leads to her finding her birth family. And boy…they are a piece of work!

This is a tale full of family secrets, family drama and pure lies!

Also, the narrator, Vivienne Leheny, did an amazing job. I love that she narrated Twenty Years Later by the author, as well as The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger. Definitely a narrator to look out for.

Ps. If you’re looking for a a good story which may have you questioning your DNA…THIS IS IT! I definitely recommend treating yourself to a copy today,

I also want to thank the author himself, the tagged publisher and RB Media for my reader advanced listening copy.

Charlie Donlea does it again with another great crime thriller that I could not stop listening to! I love how Donlea incorporated modern themes like DNA testing and crime, adoption inequities, and the influence of money and power into this novel. I could see how this particular novel could turn into a series featuring Sloane with her current training as a forensic pathologist (as well as the romantic undertones with more than one character), and I would be all in on that series. I loved the dual settings in Nevada and North Carolina as well as the dual timelines. I wasn't totally in love with the way things ended, but I did love how the whole book unfolded.

I don’t typically describe books as riveting, but this absolutely was! Charlie Donlea’s Long Time Gone starts with a murder. Years later, we meet Dr. Sloan Hastings, who has a fellowship in forensic pathology.

After submitting her own DNA, she finds out that she may be closer to a disappearance and murder than she could have ever imagined. This had it all - intrigue, twists, family drama, and the science was so good!

The narration by Vivienne Leheny was absolute perfection - crisp with clear distinctions for different characters. An excellent read!

Many of us are super interested in learning who proceeded us with some facing life altering surprises.

Such was the case with Dr Sloan Hastings, a woman enmeshed in the study of forensic pathology. She submits her DNA to a genealogy site only to find out her connection to a baby's disappearance thirty years ago. Sloan was adopted so the possibilities seemed endless but then when she finds that she is the long missing Charlotte Margolis who with her family disappeared thirty years ago without a trace.

Lots of mystery surrounds the Margolis family, and as Sloan heads to Cedar Creek, Nevada, she unleashes a look back in time and involves Sheriff Eric Stamos, whose father died mysteriously investigating the Margolis family.

Lots of family secrets seem to be buried in the graveyard of the family and although some are thrilled with Sloan's return, there are others who might wish her death.

Very quick paced and intense, the theme of genealogy and DNA is both fascinating and revels secrets long thought of as dead and forgotten.

Thank you to Charlie Donlea, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story already published/