Long Time Gone

By: Charlie Donlea

Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny

In this engrossing, masterfully twisting new thriller from the #1 internationally bestselling author, a forensics trainee learns through a DNA test that she mysteriously disappeared as a baby thirty years ago—and her life is 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 experiment: 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 her disappearance.

Slowly, over the course of a stifling summer, Sloan begins getting to know her relatives. Though initially welcoming, the Margolis family is also mysterious and tight-lipped. Not everyone seems happy about Sloan’s return, or the questions she’s asking. And the more she and Eric learn, the more apparent it becomes that the answers they both seek are buried in a graveyard of Margolis family secrets that some will do anything to keep hidden—no matter who else has to die …

©2024 Charlie Donlea (P)2024 Recorded Books

So good!

Mr. Donlea can sure spin a riveting tale! The only complaint is the use (again) of the Podcaster to advance the story. The first few times he used this device was fine, and integral to the story. But now, it's getting old. That minor quibble aside, this book was fantastic and thr narration was excellent!

Good story

Had to keep listening after I stopped the car. Good story, good reader, I would recommend it. 😊

Great read

Loved the story. I am adopted, so that drew me to this book. I find the widget used genetic testing a fascinating way to learn things about our backgrounds. Great mystery also. I loved the narrator as well! Great job

Excellent writing. Easy to follow storyline.

I have loved all of Charlie Donlea’s previous books and saved an audible credit for this new one as soon as I learned of its upcoming release. It did not disappoint. I spent a whole day listening and I enjoyed the original storyline with twists and turns, I just couldn’t stop. Thank you Mr Donlea for a day of entertainment. I can’t wait for your next book.

Take a Chance

Excellent storytelling. Did not follow standard trope; adopted person seeking their bio parents. Took an elevated, mote interesting approach with a great pay-off.