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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Charlie Donlea delivers a compelling and tightly woven thriller in The Girl Who Was Taken, blending psychological tension with sharp investigative detail. This dual-POV story follows a forensic pathologist still haunted by her sister’s disappearance and a recently returned kidnapping survivor, creating a chilling, character-driven narrative about memory, trauma, and truth.
As an audiobook, the story is brought to life with precision and control. The narration is strong and steady, maintaining suspense without ever overwhelming the listener. It was easy to stay immersed, and the pacing matched the story’s unfolding layers of mystery perfectly.
While slightly predictable in parts, the book still kept me questioning my own theory until the final chapters. It had everything a good thriller should: unsettling atmosphere, layered characters, and just enough doubt to keep you hooked. The ending fell just short of being jaw-dropping, which is the only reason it’s not a 5-star read for me—but it was absolutely satisfying and well-executed.
For fans of medical thrillers, cold cases, and dual-timeline storytelling, The Girl Who Was Taken is a gripping, high-recommend listen. It’s smart, chilling, and perfect for thriller readers who love to play detective right alongside the characters.
As an audiobook, the story is brought to life with precision and control. The narration is strong and steady, maintaining suspense without ever overwhelming the listener. It was easy to stay immersed, and the pacing matched the story’s unfolding layers of mystery perfectly.
While slightly predictable in parts, the book still kept me questioning my own theory until the final chapters. It had everything a good thriller should: unsettling atmosphere, layered characters, and just enough doubt to keep you hooked. The ending fell just short of being jaw-dropping, which is the only reason it’s not a 5-star read for me—but it was absolutely satisfying and well-executed.
For fans of medical thrillers, cold cases, and dual-timeline storytelling, The Girl Who Was Taken is a gripping, high-recommend listen. It’s smart, chilling, and perfect for thriller readers who love to play detective right alongside the characters.
I don’t generally get scared while reading books, but I was scared for the last 10%.
1. How are Casey and the cop connected?
2. I think it’s unlikely, but did the cop take Casey’s brother?
3. Where are the rest of the girls he had taken?
4. How did Casey benefit from the relationship except for the initial kidnapping?
1. How are Casey and the cop connected?
2. I think it’s unlikely, but did the cop take Casey’s brother?
3. Where are the rest of the girls he had taken?
4. How did Casey benefit from the relationship except for the initial kidnapping?
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"The Girl Who Was Taken" is my second Charlie Donlea novel, and I’m officially hooked on his writing style. The story is told through multiple POVs, which takes a minute to settle into—but once you do, it’s like working through the most satisfying puzzle. Every perspective adds another piece, and before you know it, you’re racing to see how it all clicks together.
The twists? Perfectly placed. The pacing? Addictive. The plotting? Utterly sharp. This is the kind of thriller that keeps you saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Donlea has quickly become an author I can’t wait to read more from. If you like thrillers that are clever, layered, and completely unputdownable, this one’s a must.
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Just when you think you predicted the ending, it twists on you! It was a good book the ending had a lot of twists and the turns that kept you captivated to read in order to find out what happened. It’s a good one!
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The positives: the book will hold our attention and it's an easy listen. The story is sort of interesting and at least interesting enough to keep going. The negatives: the characters aren't that likable. The flashbacks to high school days are very cliche. The relationship between Megan and her parents, especially the dad, is super cringe. The premise of a kidnapping club is unbelievable but it does bring up for consideration people's gross obsession with people who've been kidnapped. Overall, I'm glad to be move on from this book.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced