I have totally fallen in love with Charlie Donlea’s writing, so I was beyond ecstatic to receive an ARC for his newest book.

The plot is well layered and kept me engaged. However, the sheer number of characters made it difficult to stay grounded in the story. At times, I found myself flipping back pages trying to remember who was who, which pulled me out of the momentum of the mystery. With so many moving parts and people, following the various threads became more confusing than compelling.

The ending also made me happy, so 3.5 stars rounded up!

I have read all of Charlie Donlea books, and he is definitely one of my favorite authors! I had very high expectations for this book, and he did not disappoint. Ethan Hall is a former detective who hung up his badge to become a ER doctor when his former partner Peter comes to him with the news that he is dying, and he wants Ethan's help to solve a case that has weighed heavily on him. Over ten years ago, Callie Jones, daughter of a prominent politician, disappeared without a trace. Ethan has a one hundred percent solve rate, so Peter wants him to put that record to the test. Ethan gets pulled in a surprising direction when the man who killed his father, Francis, incarcerated for over 30 years, claims he has answers to Callie Jones disappearance and on a kidnapping that was currently happening. Francis pulls Ethan into a complicated web, and just when you thought you had figured things out - guess again. The title "Guess Again" could genuinely not been more perfect for this novel. The novel was a roller coaster, but WOW - about from 80% on into the book, it was plot twist after plot twist. The ending left me speechless. Donlea knocked this one out of the park. I think I can safely say it might be my new favorite of his.

Before reading this, i had seen reviews raving about how many twists and turns were in this book and thought, “Come on. How many twists and turns can there be?” The answer to that is—enough that the final twist brought a smile to my face because it was a genuine surprise. That’s the only insight needed into how solid this book was! I will admit, the way some of the pieces fit together was a little complex. But man, this ride was worth it.

Charlie Donlea’s newest thriller Guess Again is an intense story of familial secrets, decades old disappearances brought to life, and a serial killer who seems to be in charge of it all.

It’s been several years since I last read a thriller by the author, and I ended up really enjoying Guess Again! If I’m being honest, the beginning was rough and choppy to me, and it was slow to get through. I found myself getting confused by all the POVs, locations, and dates. However, once I was hooked, I absolutely flew through it and had a hard time putting the book down. I read almost half of it during a longer airplane flight and had my hand over my mouth to cover my gasp at one of the plot twists. One of my guilty pleasures is fiction about serial killers, and the plot line surrounding our killer here was fascinating. I feel like this book needs a sequel ASAP. I ended up being super invested and want to know what happens next!

Thanks so much to Kensington for the ARC of Guess Again by Charlie Donlea.

My thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for allowing me to review this arc.

Wow! I loved this!

Former Detective turned ER physician Ethan Hall is approached by his former partner Pete, per the Governor to help solve the cold case of his missing daughter. . HOWEVER, the one person that can help the most is the man who murdered Ethan s father and has his own agenda and secrets.

Great read, engaging, twisty witn an ending I didn't see!

WOW! What a compulsive, non-stop, unputdownable read!

This new novel by Charlie Donlea is a mix of suspense, action and lots of twists that will keep readers riveted! Donlea had me hooked within the first chapter!

Donlea introduces us to Ethan Hall - an ER doctor who previously was a detective with a 100% success rate in his cases. He's a well-developed character and when he's 'encouraged' to help in a 10-year-old cold case of a missing teen, it leads him on a dangerous game of cat and mouse and his own demons come calling.

This story is a thriller lover's dream with a sinister serial killer, atmospheric small-town vibes and many red herrings. The story is layered and told using multiple timelines and POVs with well-timed reveals and short chapters.

If you geek out for thrillers with a sinister side, then you'll want to pick up Guess Again. This book lives up to its name because you'll be guessing and second guessing who is behind the mysterious disappearance.

With misdirection, building tension, great pacing and a memorable character in Ethan Hall, Donlea propelled me out of a reading slump! If you're not yet a fan of Charlie Donlea, you will be once you finish this book.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Kensington for the complimentary digital and paperback advanced copies (and the finished copy!) of this book which were given to me in exchange for my honest review and for including me in the Donlea's Detectives influencer group!

Charlie Donlea is the master of weaving multiple POVs and stories into one extremely satisfying narrative, and Guess Again continues that legacy!

Ten years after high school volleyball star Callie Jones vanished without a trace, former detective Ethan Hall is pulled back into the cold case by his dying ex-partner’s plea for closure. As Ethan investigates the disappearance in the sweltering town of Cherryview, he uncovers disturbing secrets—and a connection to his own past—that suggest someone is still willing to kill to keep the truth buried.

I was glued the pages the entire time! Every time I thought I knew which direction it was going, it switched up and had me needing to get to the end even more. Fans of layered thrillers that intertwine different characters' lives will devour this one!

A man in solitary confinement for killing a police officer escaped prison. How does he do this with help from the an accomplice. He’s a murder but at what stake will he go to get back to killing young women. This book you think has twists and turns because what starts out as the reopening of a 10 year long missing girls cold case leads to a prisoner in solitary confinement escaping. This book will keep you on your toes and locked in.

Absolutely devoured this one!
Charlie Donlea does not miss. Guess Again pulled me in right from the start and didn't let go. The twists were so good-l thought I had it figured out a few times but nope, totally wrong (in the best way).
The pacing was perfect, and the characters felt real without being overdone. I love how he builds suspense without it feeling too heavy. It kept me on edge but still fun to read. This one's definitely staying with me for a while. So if you think you've got it figured out- Guess Again
Thank you #NetGalley for this #ARC of the #GuessAgain

5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of Guess Again.

Ethan is working as an ER physician when he gets a surprise visit from his old partner Pete, they were detectives together before Ethan decided that he needed a change. Pete is sick and he needs a favor, a case from ten years ago has been haunting him and he wants Ethan to solve it. Ten years ago teenager Callie Jones vanished and no clues have ever turned up in her case. Her father is now the governor and would like to use his resources to try to get answers. Ethan agrees and he starts to investigate he is shocked to learn how twisted the case is.

This book had me absolutely on the edge of my seat until the very end. I was truly and honestly shocked by the twists and turns this story took! This is the way to do a mystery/thriller read!

4.5-Star Review for Guess Again

Guess Again was riveting right from the start—I was hooked immediately and could not put this book down! The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another unexpected turn. The pacing was spot-on, and the suspense never let up. A thoroughly gripping read that had me turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend for fans of thrillers who love a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Where and what happened to Callie Jones. She went missing between her junior and senior years of high school. Meet Ethan, who is now an ER doctor at a hospital after retiring from investigative work. He is asked by the governor and Callie's dad and an old friend to reopen the case. He meets with Francis who is a prison for killing Ethan's father over 30 years ago. You will also begin to wonder who the mysterious black haired woman is and what she has to do with everything. Once again, Charlie delivers with another great thriller!

Wow! What a ride! This book was packed with action, and I loved every minute of it. The fast-paced, twisty plot and short chapters made it an addictive read. I could not put it down. I usually roll my eyes when someone says a book is jaw-dropping, but this ending truly had my jaw on the floor. I've already recommended it to a friend. I can’t wait to read more from this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review: *Guess Again* by Charlie Donlea

Absolutely thrilling from start to finish! Guess Again had me hooked with its twists, sharp pacing, and gripping suspense. I was FLOORED at the ending and would have NEVER guessed it! Completely blown away!! One of those rare thrillers that keeps you second-guessing everything until the final page. I absolutely loved it!

Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Guess Again by Charlie Donalea is another twisty thriller that I was unable to put down. I have read a few of his novels now and they are all a great rollercoaster ride. His books have all been gripping from start to finish with characters that I liked and cheered for. Every time I thought I had things figured out there was a new twist to leave me guessing.
Ethan is now a doctor who is trying to get away from his past as a detective who had a 100% success rate catching the culprits involved in crimes against children. While he was able to put away the criminals he could never help the victims except by getting the families justice.
Life for him and his girlfriend, a victim that escaped from a serial killer is good until he is asked by the governor to help solve a cold case involving his daughter that disappeared without a trace. His life is turned upside down as he unravels connections amongst his own past and the characters involved.
If you haven't read any of Charlie Donalea's books you need to add them to your tbr list, you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.goodreads

FIVE STAR READ ALERT

To say I’m a fan of thrillers is a gross understatement. I’ve read books from nearly every author considered to be at the top of the genre.

With many of these heavy-hitters, the drama, suspense, and chills often don’t kick in until halfway—or even three-quarters—through the book. And honestly, that’s fine. Some thrillers earn their impact through a slow, tension-filled burn.

But I say all of this because Charlie Donlea’s newest release, Guess Again, doesn’t wait around. It launches straight into heart-pounding action that’s impossible to look away from. My pulse was racing from the start, and I felt that all-consuming urge to KEEP. READING. Every distraction pulled me away like it was a personal offense—I had to know how it all ended.

And what an ending! Just when I thought the final twist had landed, another bombshell dropped—and then another. I didn’t want to put it down for a second, and the moment I finished, I wanted to immediately start over knowing what I now know. I’m already planning to revisit this one, possibly through the audiobook when it’s released.

Guess Again by Charlie Donlea hits shelves on July 29th from Kensington Publishers. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the chance to take this wild, chilling ride in exchange for an honest review.

GUESS AGAIN - This is an enjoyable, immersing read with good characters and interesting story lines. I had a hard time putting this book down since it was so intriguing. Some things were predictable but there was an unexpected kicker. Good pace and good dialog. Well done. Source: Netgalley. 5*

This was my first time reading a Charlie Donlea novel, and I was excited to dive in after hearing so much praise for his other work. From beginning to end, the mystery was impressively well-crafted. I had no idea how the story would bridge the gap between Francis Bernard—a convicted cop killer imprisoned for 32 years—and the case of the missing girl, but the way it all unfolded was incredibly satisfying. I would’ve liked a bit more depth to Maddie’s backstory, but overall, the characters were likable and easy to root for. The real highlight, though, was the final twist—I absolutely did not see it coming.

Another twisty thriller from Charlie Donlea! A few twists in here that truly had my jaw on the floor. Love his novels - especially loved the setting in Wisconsin in this one!

“How do I know all of this? I’m stuck in a cell 24 hours a day with no access to the outside world. But you see, the guards here offer certain information in exchange for… 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘴. Sometimes those favors leave a bad taste in my mouth, but this last time was worth it.”

In short: I can always count on Charlie Donlea (@charliedonlea) to yank me out of a reading slump. This is one you won’t want to miss!

My initial thoughts were WTG Ethan Hall…this guy had a whole career as a Special Agent/detective with a 100% solve rate and then at 36 years old he goes to med school because he was burnt out with all of the crimes against children he saw on a daily basis.

This book sucked me in right away, I love Charlie Donlea’s writing. I don’t know what it is, his writing is just so captivating and all consuming.

He also effortlessly nailed the time jumps from before & after Callie Jones went missing.

I enjoyed the Billy Joel “Piano Man” reference…clever way to tell time 😉

This book was such a blast, although it had a lot of moving parts everything knit together seamlessly.

I’m more of a standalone book person BUT I would love to see more from Ethan and more from Francis if Charlie makes this a series. There was so many good villains and people you couldn’t really trust. The characters were all perfect in their designated roles and I absolutely loved rooting for Ethan and Maddie.

I 100% recommend this one…it’s a perfect pare turning thriller. Charlie Donlea has earned himself a spot on my #autobuy author list.

New To Me Vocab: Hybristophilia (attraction to a criminal offender).