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.

From the get-go, this book had me gripped. Its storyline was like a rollercoaster, full of unexpected turns that kept me guessing till the very end. And boy, that ending! I won't spoil it, but let's just say it blindsided me in the best possible way. Now, onto the not-so-great stuff: the formatting. I'm not sure if it's a Kindle glitch or a publishing hiccup, but it definitely made some parts a chore to get through. Despite that, the mystery itself was so compelling that I powered through. Overall, a thrilling read that never lost its momentum.

Slight criticism - there were about 4 or 5 headings intermittently throughout the book that had no apparent relationship to the part they were at. However I found this book quite intriguing. Hunter and Quinn are searching for Quinn's Aunt Cora who has gone missing. Hunter and Quinn work together to try and find Cora. Initially the two women are quite at loggerheads with one another but slowly realise how much they actually have in common. Cora's disappearance seems to be connected to a 40 year old murder. The story ending has quite a twist in it and I felt such an idiot because I had been working in the right direction but didn't connect the dots properly!
I would recommend this book. It is quite an absorbing read.