Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
Published by Recorded Books on May 21, 2024
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 304
Length: 9 hours, 19 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Thirty years ago, Baby Charlotte vanished. Today, she’s still in danger.
When Dr. Sloan Hastings submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment, her goal is to better understand the treasure-trove of genetic information contained on ancestry websites. Brilliant and driven, Sloan is embarking on a fellowship in forensic pathology, training under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty.
Sloan has one reservation about involving herself in the she’s adopted. Grateful for a loving home, she’s never considered tracking down her biological parents. The results of her search are shocking. Sloan’s DNA profile suggests her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis, aka “Baby Charlotte”, who captured the nation’s attention when she mysteriously disappeared, along with her parents, in July 1995. Despite an exhaustive search, the family was never seen again, and no suspects were named in the case.
Sloan’s discovery leads her to the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada, the site of her disappearance. It also leads her to Sheriff Eric Stamos. The Margolis family’s influence and power permeate every corner of Harrison County, and Eric is convinced that in learning the truth about her past, Sloan can also help discover what happened to Eric’s father, who died under suspicious circumstances soon after he started investigating the case of her disappearance.
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.
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:
- 24-COYER
I’m just looking at the wonder stars on this one as it’s coming up for me this weekend. So happy you loved it, Anne💜
I really enjoyed the science and genealogy aspects of the mystery. But the danger is huge so suspenseful.
That was supposed to say “wonderful” stars.
Excellent review, Anne. This sounds really good, I’d read it for sure😁
Thank you Tammy. I really liked it and especially the science aspects.
This one sounds good, the forensics part of it sounds interesting. Great review.
Thank you Naida. yes the science parts really add to the investigation. I was in suspense over the real dangers too.
I’ve liked the few books by Donlea that I’ve read. This sounds like one I would enjoy reading.
It was very enjoyable for me. I hope you get to read it.
I like the sounds of this one.
It had more science than most mysteries and I was there for it.
Love Charlie Donlea, I loved how Livia and Avery made an appearance!
YES! I love his books and those little sort of Easter eggs for fans were fun.
I really enjoyed this one and hope we see more of Sloan, too! I plan to get my review up on Saturday.
I always really enjoy this author. I look forward to your thoughts.
I do want to read this. I’ve enjoyed a couple of Charlie Donlea’s books.
I really have liked all his books. Good twists in the mysteries.
Adding this one to my TBR. I love the sound of the premise and have been wanting to try something by this author.
I don’t think you could go wrong with any of his books.