Long Time Gone
Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea, published by Kensington Publishing Corp on April 29, 2025, is a 416-page novel that delves into the unsettling world of forensic genealogy. The story follows Sloan Hastings, who, upon receiving shocking DNA results, discovers a connection to the infamous disappearance of a baby nearly thirty years ago. Her quest for answers leads her to a small town in Nevada, where she uncovers a complex web of corruption and family secrets tied to the case of Baby Charlotte, who vanished in 1995.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological thriller as Sloan navigates the challenges of her investigation. The novel explores themes of identity and the impact of familial ties, all while maintaining a gripping pace. As Sloan digs deeper into her origins, she faces resistance from those who wish to keep the past buried, revealing the lengths to which some will go to protect their secrets. Long Time Gone presents a compelling exploration of truth and deception within the framework of a thrilling mystery.
Official synopsis Publisher
When DNA results reveal a disturbing connection to the mysterious disappearance of a famous baby nearly three decades ago, a woman’s search for answers draws her to an ominous small town in Nevada and a dangerous web of corruption, power, and lies in this engrossing, propulsive new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.
For fans of Alice Feeney, Stacy Willingham, Riley Sager, and Megan Goldin.
THIRTY YEARS AGO, BABY CHARLOTTE VANISHED.
TODAY, SHE WANTS ANSWERS.
On the first day of an elite two-year fellowship, Sloan Hastings receives a research assignment in the emerging field of forensic genealogy. It’s the exciting, rapidly evolving science behind the recent breaks in high-profile cold cases from the Golden State Killer to the Cameron Young murder, and Sloan enthusiastically begins by submitting her own DNA to an online genealogy site. Her goal is to better understand the treasure trove of genetic information contained on ancestry websites, but the results she receives are shocking.
Raised by loving parents, Sloan has always known she was adopted. But her DNA profile suggests her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis, aka “Baby Charlotte,” who captured the nation’s attention when she and her affluent parents mysteriously vanished in July 1995. Despite a large-scale investigation and months of broad media coverage, there were never any suspects, and the case has been cold for decades.
Racing to stay ahead of the media and true crime junkies ravenous to know what really happened to Baby Charlotte, Sloan’s search for answers leads her to small-town Cedar Creek, Nevada. There, the Margolis family’s power and influence permeate every corner of the county, and while Sloan’s birth relatives are initially welcoming, they’re also mysterious and tight-lipped. Not everyone seems happy about Sloan’s return, or the questions she’s asking.
The more she learns, the more apparent it becomes that the answers Sloan seeks are buried in a graveyard of Margolis family secrets. And someone will do anything to keep them hidden . . .
Do YOU hold the secrets in your blood?
To find out, text “CHARLOTTE” to 775-239-0320.
“Zigzagging mercilessly between past and present, Donlea keeps up the tension…in a superior thriller.” — Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW
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