What a unique plot on the missing child trope! Sloan is living the good life, on her way to becoming a forensic pathologist. Her thesis on genetics leads her to taking a DNA test. Imagine her surprise when she finds out she's Baby Charlotte, missing since 1995. Suspenseful and a page turner, this is my second novel by the author and I'm definitely a fan!

You know when you read a book and you just immediately think “This would be a fantastic movie”

That’s exactly what I thought about this book.

Long Time Gone follows Sloan who submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment. She’s excited to begin her future in forensic pathology but there is something that is making her reserved about being a part of the research. Sloan is adopted. She was raised by two loving parents and has never had any interest in looking into her biological family tree. This all comes crashing down when her DNA profile comes back and suggests that her true identity is a baby who went missing along with her parents in the late 90’s, to never be seen again. Sloan is determined to find the truth.

There is so much to love about this book and how it truly sucked you into the story. There were never-ending twists and I loved the feeling of never knowing who to trust.

I have truly never read any book like this, I found the premise and the story so unique and individual. I didn’t want to put it down.

Donlea has such a fantastic way of writing that makes you, as the reader, feel like you are truly viewing the book as the characters.

This was the first time I have read anything by this author, despite being recommended many of his works in the past. I will be picking up his other books soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Title: Long Time Gone
Author: Charlie Donlea
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 352

Story is told in Six Parts and alternates between Past-1995 and Present Day-2024

Cedar Creek, Nevada July 4, 1995 Two- month old baby Charlotte Margolis 2 and her mother and father mysterious go missing.

2024 : Raleigh, North Carolina - Dr. Sloan Hastings is twenty-nine and has completed her residency in Anatomical Clinical Pathology. She is excited that she has been awarded a prestigious two-year fellowship and handpicked with three others to train in forensic pathology with the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty, (Donlea fans will remember Dr. Cutty from [book: The Girl Who Was Taken]).
When Sloan meets with Dr. Cutty she is told her area of interest will be investigative genealogy.
Sloan is a bit surprised and states although it was covered in one of her college classes, she isn’t all that familiar in that area of forensics. Dr. Cutty tells her that it has been responsible for solving several high-profile cold cases- the most famous is the ‘Golden State Killer’- DNA from a genealogy databases was used and matched to a relative. The investigation then followed-up to find all the men related to that relative which was a success - solved the case as the killer was found!

Sloan was told one of the first things she needs to do is to register her own DNA with one of the genealogy companies.
Sloan has always known she was adopted and never had a desire to do a search for her biological parents; but always had the support from her adoptive parents to do a search. When she registered her DNA into an ancestry websites they were also wanted to know more about her biological parents
No One had any idea (Well! Of Course we readers suspected that there would be a connection to the 1955 cold case).
This story is definitely an unputdownable page-turner. Donlea is an awesome story teller and he delivered a WOW read!!!

This is my seventh Charlie Donlea story! I call myself a fan
I loved his ‘Acknowledgements in thanking important people who help in his research of genealogy and online ancestry websites, also Sloan being so good at CrossFit. Additionally he clarifies the real locations of Cedar Creek as well as Harrison County.

Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 21, 2024

Charlie Donlea has done it again! They created a super-charged mystery/thriller that kept me on my toes and awake too late reading. Long Time Gone is a must-read for fans of smart thrillers with a fantastic female main character.

Mainly set in a small Nevada town/county, our main character, Dr. Sloan Hastings is on her way to becoming a forensic pathologist when she decides to have her DNA checked as part of her research. She knows she was adopted, and her adoptive parents have provided her with a great life and loving home. But, once she receives the results she is shocked as her DNA matches to a missing baby, a case that happened nearly 30 years ago.

Sloan embarks in finding the truth as to what happened three decades ago. She ends up entangled with the wealthy Margolis family, a family that controls many facets of the Nevada county’s government and influence. They’re totally crooked.

The story is pretty much non-stop action and is told in two timelines, the present and 1995 (the time when the Nevada baby goes missing.) My very small criticism is about how film/print processing is described in this book, as photography plays a big role in the story. Donlea’s description of the process misses a couple steps. Saying this because I was a photo-nerd back in the day of darkrooms. I’ll let it slide, though!

This book is great for people who enjoy mystery/thrillers about smart and strong women in general, and family DNA conundrums.

PERFECTION!!! Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

WOW!! JUST WOW!! What an incredibly compelling and absolutely riveting crime thriller that you just can't put down!!! So get ready for a mind-blowing experience packed with secrets, deception, mystery, murder, action, gripping suspense, palpable tension, shocking twists, complemented by short chapters, flawless pacing, an original and authentic plot, and a satisfying conclusion! This is my first time reading a book by Charlie Donlea, and it did not disappoint! I cannot wait to read more of his books. Another book to add to my favorites for 2024!!! 💙💙💙💙💙

In this engrossing narrative, a forensic scientist finds herself entangled in a perilous quest for truth when her DNA links her to the notorious disappearance of Baby Charlotte. Dr. Sloan Hastings, driven by intellectual curiosity and under the mentorship of Dr. Livia Cutty, embarks on a forensic pathology fellowship. Unbeknownst to her, her journey will unravel a web of long-buried secrets. As Sloan delves into her own past, she uncovers startling revelations that lead her to Cedar Creek, Nevada, the epicenter of the Margolis family's enigma. Alongside Sheriff Eric Stamos, Sloan navigates the shadowy corridors of power and deceit that shroud the Margolis dynasty. As tensions rise and danger looms, Sloan's quest for truth becomes intertwined with Eric's quest for justice, both haunted by the specter of unresolved mysteries and the ominous legacy of the Margolis family. With each revelation, Sloan and Eric inch closer to the heart of darkness, where some will stop at nothing to safeguard their secrets, even if it means sacrificing lives in the process.

In conclusion, I was completely captivated from start to finish! I wholeheartedly recommend this unputdownable, impressive masterpiece and it deserves all the stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Twenty-nine year old, Dr. Sloan Hastings is just 2 short year away from achieving her dreams and becoming a medical examiner when she receives her thesis topic, forensic genealogy, but is she even Sloan Hastings?

Sloan has always known she was adopted, but when she submits her own DNA to a genealogy website to begin research of her thesis, the results uncover a shocking conclusion. Sloan’s entire world is thrown upside down and everything she thought she knew about her life is untrue. How will she deal with this life altering news?

Charlie Donlea is an auto-read author for me and I am so excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to read his newest book, Long Time Gone for an honest review! This book comes out in May and you are not going to want to miss it!

From beginning to end, Donlea does an excellent job at keeping you entwined in the drama so you never want to stop turning the pages. He is a master of cliff-hangers, which makes this another very fast read because once you’re in, you can’t stop reading! Don’t skip this newest novel from Charlie Donlea!!

A quick, fast-paced read. Donlea reels in his readers and keeps them intensely hooked in this newest novel. I enjoyed the storyline and how characters from other books make appearances. This will be another favorite to all Charlie Donlea fans.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC for my honest opinion of the book.

Charlie Donlea’s writing is outstanding and he’s become a new favorite author of mine. Genealogy and familial dna take center stage in this fast-paced and intriguing psychological thriller. The story had me hooked from the start right up to the shocking conclusion. For fans of Heather Gudenkauf and Mary Kubica.

An innocent research assignment turns into a deadly cold case investigation. What can be better than that? Dual timelines dole out information slowly and the back and forth keeps up the anticipation.
The one thing that I found odd, especially being in the same age range as her, was Sloan having apparently no exposure whatsoever to film. The developing process sure, but the parents never took a picture with a regular camera, or gave her a disposable for a trip as a kid? A little thing but really didn't matter overall. I suppose it gave the opportunity to explain the process and set up that plot point.
I enjoy seeing previous characters turn up again, kind of an Easter egg for loyal readers. And with the author's penchant for reusing characters, I hope to see Sloan appear in a later book as a full-fledged ME conducting an autopsy for another main character's investigation.
The only thing I find hit-or-miss with this author is the endings (a personal preference for seeing justice done) but this time it was spectacular, a heart-pounding reveal as everything comes together. It ties up all the threads- for readers anyway if not for the characters ("capturing" the evidence in an especially poignant way).
Suicide House was my favorite of his books prior to this but Long Time Gone may have just topped it.

Sloan, a medical doctor, is beginning a two-year training in forensic medicine. As a part of an assignment, she investigate how genealogy clues can be used to solve cold cases. Since she’s adopted, she uses her own DNA to see how website can help find links to the past. Wow, does she open open a Pandora’s box. Without give away too much, we are introduced to crimes, including murders, that took place decades ago. New relatives, sheriffs, and the FBI all get involved in a fascinating case. Would love to have a new series come from this.

I have only read one other book by this author, but after reading Long Time Gone, I will be searching for more! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity to read an early copy.
I read this book in one sitting because it was so good! I love when books use multiple timelines and this was done so well with this story, that I couldn't put it down. It was fast paced. I enjoyed everything about the plot and the characters. I found the ending to be twisty and satisfying.

First I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC! What can I say about this book, other than I loved it! Charlie Donlea has become one of my favorite authors! I finished this book in less than a day. Donlea’s storytelling through dual timelines seamlessly come together to tell what happened to a family missing for nearly 30 years.

Sloan Hastings, a fellow at OCME in Raleigh has been tasked with researching forensic genealogy. To get a better idea of how genealogy and their websites have help crack cold cases, Sloan submits her own DNA. When the results come back, she finds out she is in the center of one of the biggest missing person cases in the country.

Quickly Sloan’s life is turned upside down with police and FBI questioning her and her adoptive parents, and because her DNA matched with close family on a genealogy website, she is now thrust into meeting family she never knew existed.

In this fast paced, page turning book Sloan finally finds out what happened to her birth parents and how she came to be adopted by the parents she has always known and loved.

📖Long Time Gone
✍️ Charlie Donlea
🗓️ 21.05.2024
📝 Kensington Books, Kensington

Holy moly what a ride!!!!
I went into this blindly after a good friend recommended this to me. So of course I went to request it. Not regretting this for a second!

This was definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’ve read quite some so far, I am impressed!

I’m afraid that I’ve never heard of Charlie Donlea, but they are on my radar now, definitely will be watching out for their future novels!

I loved the fast pacing of this, the characters and the story in general. The scenario is nothing you’d wish on anyone and I felt for the characters. The character building was so incredibly well done!

The book was not only entertaining but also informative. Forensic Genealogy, definitely fascinating.

I do love myself a dual timeline, that was well done. This had so many things I like, the genealogy aspect, kidnapping story, fast past and dual timeline.

I will be reading Donlea’s book again, definitely!

⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.

I loved this mystery thriller! This story is suspenseful and leaves you guessing till the end. It is an easy 4.5 stars for me. The character building was just enough not to take away from the plot itself. It was not too detailed to lose interest yet detailed enough to keep the pages turning. I loved it! Will recommend to others.
Big thanks to Kensington publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You have officially hooked me as a reader for this author!

Wow!

Long Time Gone is the first novel I’ve had the opportunity to read by Charlie Donlea and it really blew me away!

As a mother, the missing child storyline is not something I typically like reading but Donlea made this story unique and interesting without following the same old tropes.

The characters were easy to root for, especially baby Charlotte, her parents, and the Stamos’s. The twists were great and the story was fast paced. I cannot recommend more!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this early ARC before its intended release date of May 21, 2024!

Charlie Donlea hasn't disappointed me yet! In this his latest to be published book, he hits the mark again! One of the things I love about his books has been that every single one has been very informational as well as entertaining. I love the explanations of things as we uncover clues in a story and he manages to use professional characters who are able to do this ,and it makes you feel more involved in the plot!

In “Long Time Gone” by Charlie Donlea, a startling revelation upends the life of forensic scientist Dr. Sloan Hastings. When her DNA results hint at a connection to the decades-old disappearance of Baby Charlotte, Sloan is thrust into a dangerous quest for answers. As she delves into her past and uncovers buried secrets, Sloan teams up with Sheriff Eric Stamos to unearth the truth behind the enigmatic Margolis family. But as they dig deeper, they find themselves entangled in a web of deception and danger, where uncovering the truth may come at a deadly price.

This is a holding story of secret, tension, and persevering through looking for equity. The secret kept me speculating until the end. The creator’s careful exploration loans genuineness to his accounts, raising them above numerous others in the class. Stunning exciting bends in the road lead me up sometime later. It got somewhat wild towards the end and somewhat mind-boggling, notwithstanding, it didn’t much make any difference. I cherished this extraordinary story and will peruse it in the future.

There were a lot of characters that assumed fitting parts, giving you heaps of whodunnit suspects without being exaggerated. I didn’t see the whodunnit coming and had bounced from a couple of individuals all through the novel, so it was a wonderful little treat to have been deceiving. This is a high speed and elements characters from Donlea’s different books. There’s a great deal of gore close to the end so be cautioned.

I have read quite a few of Charlie Donlea’s books and always enjoyed the deep dive and commitment he exhibits in learning about the different and complex topics he rolls up into every book and this one is truly one of my favorites! I also enjoyed seeing some familiar characters from past books (even in their small parts).

This book takes us into a world and topic that is blowing up the crime world, Forensic Genealogy. I will be the first to admit it can become annoying and overwhelming when every author jumps on the newest trend (ex: crime podcasts) and we are stuck reading the same “book” over and over… HOWEVER..Donlea didn’t do that with this book! He made it unique and just enough of genetic science to reel me in and not confuse me.

We meet Dr. Sloan Hastings who has started her fellowship under Dr. Livia Cutty, and the topic she is assigned to study is Forensic Genetics. Wellllll Sloan is in for a mind blowing revelation when she decides to better understand the topic it would be best to submit her own DNA to a site and see what happens. Sloan does this knowing she is adopted, but what she doesn’t know is she is actually baby “Charlotte” . Charlotte and her parents completely vanished over 30 years ago in 1995 and the story was EVERYWHERE for years, but never solved. Suddenly Sloan is a missing piece that is about to unravel the dark, twisted, complicated truth of what happened all those years ago… whether some people want it out or not.

This chapters alternate between the past (1995) and the present in a way that flows nicely and gives us the background information we need. Sloan’s character develops well and I was compulsively reading to put this whole crazy story together!!

I absolutely loved this book , it was a well written book, fast paced, and kept me intrigued the entire time. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to the Author, Netgalley, and Kensington Books for the ARC!

Long Time Gone
by Charlie Donlea
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
When DNA results reveal a disturbing connection to the mysterious disappearance of a famous baby nearly three decades ago, a forensic scientist's increasingly perilous search for answers draws her to an unsettling small Nevada town in this engrossing, propulsive new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.
This book reminded me of why I usually LOVE the author’s work. His meticulous research lends authenticity to his stories, raising them above many others in the genre.

I sat down to read a few chapters this morning and cancelled my plans so I could finish this one today!

And, I have no regrets!

Always so good to read a Charlie Donlea book! Long Time Gone did not disappoint.
Imagine doing a DNA test and finding out you are a missing person? And that you disappeared with your parents, who are still missing? Dr. Sloan Hastings gets this information while completing a research assignment, and her whole life is upturned.
But there are some people who can’t allow the truth behind her kidnapping to come out. Can Sloan trust her new family?