Long Time Gone

By: Charlie Donlea

Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great book

I love Charlie Donlea’s books! This one did not disappoint. Yeah, there are some details that I feel wouldn’t have really happened the way they did and the reveal of who done it wasn’t a surprise, but it’s still a great book!

Loved everything

Excellent story, never boring. Listened while I painted. Great performance! Like that I was easily able to listen at 1.2 speed.

Only one complaint

Overall….good book, good story, good performance! However, I coached and competed in CrossFit for a decade and even I found the details of all of Sloan’s workouts tedious and unnecessary. This lowkey felt like an advertisement for CF. It was weird.

Outstanding author and narrator.

My husband I both enjoyed this book so very much. Love the author and narrator.

Wow What a Ride

This book was just absolutely fascinating and I could not stop listening! With genealogy becoming so much more mainstream, the story seemed so relevant and maybe even something that could actually occur as a result of somebody submitting their DNA to a database. The narration was perfect and I was actually sad to see the book end. I would love it if the author would continue with Sloan as a forensic pathologist in future novels. Highly recommend

Excellent mystery!

I liked the story plot with all its twists and turns. I also liked that the story was told without a lot of swearing, graphic violence or graphic sex! It was very enjoyable and the narrator was excellent as well. I’ve found that a good narrator is necessary for an enjoyable audio book, and a bad narrator can destroy even a good story.

Love this book!

Great characters and great story. Love the narrator. Found the author recently and enjoy his books.

Incredible! Worth the Wait!

I stumbled across Charlie Donlea a few months ago and was hooked. I’ve listened to every single one and I love how they are subtly interconnected (if you’ve read all the books, you know what I mean!). Charlie Donlea has become my favorite author very quickly. I waited months for this book to release and it did NOT disappoint!!! Such a cool story line, and the main characters are so well developed. I couldn’t stop listening! His writing style is so captivating, and the narrator is just the cherry on top! I highly recommend this book! I am begging for another one!! Please don’t make us wait too long, Mr. Donlea!!

Did not disappoint!

Charlie Donlea has done it again. I couldn’t quit listening. Great story, kept me wondering.

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!