On her path to becoming a forensic pathologist, Dr. Sloan Hastings has been assigned a research project in the field of genealogy. While knowing she is adopted, she signs up on one of the ancestry websites to understand how it all works. The results are shocking as Sloan learns that her birth name is Charlotte Margolis who, along with her parents, disappeared almost thirty years ago from their Cedar Creek, Nevada home. This was a mystery that dominated the national headlines in 1995 and has remained a cold case. Until now. Eric Stamos, Cedar Creek's local sheriff, visits Sloan as he has long suspected that his father Sandy's suspicious death was tied to the rich and powerful Margolis family. Sloan's reappearance might enable Eric to gain valuable information. And while they appear to be overjoyed when they meet Sloan, it becomes clear that the Margolis family is a secretive, controlling bunch. The disappearance of Charlotte and her parents are only part of the puzzle.
Author Charlie Donlea shows his skill at creating riveting, skillful mystery thrillers in Long Time Gone. It's a fast-paced, suspense-filled story that I breezed through with great enjoyment. The main characters are all well done. The book volleys back and forth from past to present where clues as to what happened in the past are revealed to the reader but remain a mystery to those in the present, adding to the tension. This is a solid thriller I'm happy to recommend.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Mystery Thriller.
Publication Date: May 21, 2024.
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