[I’m trying to get back on a regular reading schedule amid doctor’s appointments and other life complications. Thank you for being patient with me as I play catch up with reading your posts and posting reviews. You guys are the best!! 😊]
Charlie Donlea sets the bar incredibly high for suspense novels. His books are compulsively readable. They are automatic buys for me, and I’ve read all three of his releases. His writing style is uniquely appealing, and I connect with it immediately. From the first few pages a mental picture develops and evolves into a vivid story that’s so engrossing that I’m completely immersed until the last page.
Phew! Now that I’ve finished gushing about Donlea’s writing skills, here’s a look at The Girl Who Was Taken….
Two girls go missing one night from the same beach party. One girl, Megan McDonald, escapes her abductor and returns home. The other girl, Nicole Cutty, is still missing. The book opens about a year after the girls were taken. Livia Cutty, Nicole’s older sister, has not given up looking for her. She’s a fellow in forensic pathology and is hopeful that she will find her sister and put an end to the mystery of what happened to her. As Livia intensifies her investigation into Nicole’s life she discovers many bizarre things about her sister and the activities she was involved in—shocking things.
Nicole has been all but forgotten by the general public, whereas Megan is in the spotlight, receiving accolades and recognition from her bestselling book, Missing, about her ordeal. And while Livia can’t help feeling bitter about Megan’s lot, she also couldn’t resist buying and reading Megan’s book, hoping that she would somehow discover clues leading to her sister’s whereabouts. What Livia doesn’t expect is to perform an autopsy on a man who is linked to her sister. What, if any, clues can come about from this discovery?
The Girl Who Was Taken was spectacular!! Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat, especially toward the end when the chapter lengths shortened and the tension amped up. I felt as though I was on an exhilarating joy ride that refused to slow down and release me, and it was wonderful.
I loved the plot development. Intricate details are successively woven throughout the chapters that begin to paint a picture of the lives of the abductees. I was in eager anticipation of the twist I knew would come, and I was not disappointed. And while the book left me with a few questions, it in no way detracted from my overall opinion of it. Excellent read. Highly recommended.
(Warning: There’s some teenage foul language, and detailed forensic descriptions in this book.)
Have you read a book by Charlie Donlea?
Thanks for reading everyone!!
…and hope you’re feeling better! Hugs
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This one sounds thrilling, Laurie! So glad you enjoyed it and it turned out to be a five star read. Love those! ❤ Happy New Year!
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Charlie Donlea is an excellent writer!! I highly recommend his books.
Thanks, Mischenko. 💕
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Great review
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Thank you!! ☺️
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Great review, Laurie. I haven’t read anything by this author but I am now tempted. I need to read this one at least. So glad that you enjoyed it.
Feel better soon. You are in my prayers x
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Hi Diana. Thanks for your prayers. I sure have missed my blogging buddies, but I’m making my way back. ☺️
Read it!! Read it!! I think you’ll love it. 😉
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Most excellent review Laurie. I have not read any books by Charlie Donlea but I think I might have to start. I think I need to make a list of all the books that I want to read so I actually get to them. I love stories that pick up speed until you can’t put it down. I didn’t realize you are still having health issues. I will keep you in my prayers Laurie.
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Hi, Carla. I’ve missed you!! Yes, still dealing with some health issues and concerns, but trying to get back in the swing of things. Slowly making my way back. I miss reading these posts so much!! Thank you for the prayers, Carla. I truly appreciate it.
Carla, you HAVE to read a Charlie Donlea book. I think you’ll love his writing. I’ve enjoyed 3 out of 3. I think my favorite was Don’t Believe It, but it’s hard to choose because they were all so different.
Sorry it took so long to respond. I’ve been away from blogging for a while with everything going on. I’m sure you understand. 😉
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It is great to see you back Laurie. I was wondering how you were doing as I had not seen any posts for awhile. Glad you are on the mend, and I will keep you in my prayers while you continue to heal. I actually think I have a couple of Charlie Donlea’s books, so will put them on my list for the new year. Merry Christmas!
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Thanks, Carla. I’m glad to be back.🤗😘
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Well, I just know I;’m going to read this one! I absolutely enjoyed two other books you recommended and read them one after the other. Keep reading and recommending!
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I’m so happy to hear that, Cynthia. ☺️ I thought this book was excellent!! It’s heavy on the forensics aspects so if you’re squeamish about that sort of stuff you might want to try one of his other two: Summit Lake or Don’t Believe It. I loved both of those too.
Have a great day. Life is kicking my butt right now, but I’m determined to keep pushing. 😉
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Keep pushing, Laurie. As you know, life’s kicked my butt too. And still we persist!
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🥰 Thank you. I’m trying. Let’s keep pushing one another. 😉
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Fabulous review, Laurie! I could feel how edge of your seat you were on toward the end. The tension is felt from your words! I want to read this one too!
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Thanks, Noriko. 💕 I love his books!! Don’t Believe It is my favorite thus far, but I loved this one too. ☺️
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Wonderful review… hope your feeling well! 😊Happy Friday!
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Thanks, Lana. 💕 I’m coming along one day at a time. 😉
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I’m glad to hear that… 🤗🤗
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Super review and I particularly loved that pairing of words “compulsively readable.” Great! I’ve often looked for something to describe that feeling. Think you’ve nailed it!
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Thank you!! It just rolled out of my head and onto the page. 😂 I wasn’t even sure if it made sense but it’s how I felt.
You can’t go wrong with a Charlie Donlea book. I loved all three of his. Thanks so much for visiting. 😊
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Wonderful review, Laurie! I loved this one, too! Donlea is a special author. I hope things continue to calm down for you. ♥️ I got my first Heartwarming book in the mail! Xo
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Hi Jennifer. Thank you. 💕
Yay!! I’m on book 3 of the series now, The Rancher’s Redemption. This series is great for my frayed nerves. 😣 …😂 I sure hope you enjoy it. 😊
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Fantastic review!!! I LOVED this book too!! He is one of my favourite authors. So glad you loved this as well!!!
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Thank you!! Yes…he is so talented. Did you read Don’t Believe It? I loved that one too!! 😃
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Yes! I read and loved all of his books! 😍
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Don’t Believe It is my favorite thus far. 😊
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Loved them all but if I had to pick a fav it would be The Girl Who Was Taken. Can’t wait for his next release!!!! 💙
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Fab review darl
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Thank you!! 😘
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New author for me Laurie… Wowzer you love his books… Automatic buys… Oh I have to go to amazon now.
How’s health? You were supposed to mail me, remember?
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Hi Shalini!! Love the new logo. 😃
Yeah…I didn’t forget. I’ve just been overwhelmed. Have to have a test today. When things mellow a little I’ll be sure to update you. 💕
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Don’t worry all will be okay. My prayers are with you
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Aw…thanks, Shalini. 😘😘
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I haven’t read any books by Donlea, but it sounds like I’m missing out. I’ll certainly add him to my list. Thanks for the great review, Laurie.
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Hi Jill!! 💕 Thanks.
His books are incredible. Love them. Stay dry. 😊
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