Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
Published by Recorded Books on December 28, 2021
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 11 hours, 45 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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...
Accused of a brutal murder, Victoria Ford made a final chilling call from the North Tower on the morning of 9/11. Twenty years ago, no one listened. Today, you will.
Wow. I always enjoy this author. I found the mystery aspects to be elusive and twisty. There are a couple storylines which eventually connect and intertwine later.
I liked the characters well enough, although they are not the people I would meet in my everyday life. I understood and empathized with their feelings. Avery was a strong character and I wanted her to succeed. Walt was a bit sad and I was glad he found a new lease on life. Victoria was betrayed and I wanted her to be alive and proved innocent.
There are a lot of characters hiding things about their lives and about their pasts. It’s not always bad things but some of the facts are uncomfortable. There are plenty of sketchy, awkward or even disgusting facts here.
I don’t want to spoil this story. It’s a fascinating ride. I did figure out one thing, but it didn’t matter because everything else was a surprise. There was adequate closure to the mysteries. I loved reading Twenty Years Later and I recommend it.
Narration:
I have listened to this narrator in the past. She does a great performance with distinct voices with males and females sounding appropriate in tone. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Charlie Donlea
Charlie Donlea is the USA TODAY and International bestselling author of SUMMIT LAKE, THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN and DON’T BELIEVE IT. His fourth novel, SOME CHOOSE DARKNESS is available now (5/28/19). He resides in Chicago with his wife and two young children.
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 setting for Summit Lake. With so many choices of entertainment and countless other books to choose from, he thanks you for spending your time and treasure on his creation.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Fall
Yay! I was hoping you’d like this. I can’t wait to get to it. Wonderful review, Anne💜
It’s REALLY good. I hope you like it too.
Sounds like a fascinating idea, a murder mystery that pulls in the events of 9/11. I’ll definitely keep an eye on this!
It’s really a good one. I’ve never been disappointed by this author.
This was a great introduction to Charlie Donlea’s writing for me. I loved all of the twists and turns. Great review!
Thanks Carole! I want to read all his books.
This does sound like a good one! I’ll if they have it at my library.
I loved it. I hope you do