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kaschastern 's review for:
Guess Again
by Charlie Donlea
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cold case meets present danger in this gripping, fast-paced thriller.
Ten years after high school volleyball star Callie Jones vanished without a trace from her quiet Wisconsin town, former detective Ethan Hall is reluctantly pulled back into the haunting case by his dying ex-partner’s plea for closure. Now an ER doctor trying to outrun the horrors of his past, Ethan returns to Cherryview during a sweltering summer, determined to uncover what really happened to Callie. As word spreads, the small town clings to hope, but Ethan’s search for answers leads him beyond old evidence and into the mind games of a prison inmate with chilling insights. The deeper he digs, the closer Ethan comes to terrifying secrets, ones tangled with his own past and still deadly enough to kill for.
Told in short, shifting POV chapters, the novel wastes no time diving into the action and mystery, keeping readers on edge as identities, motives, and alliances shift beneath their feet. What starts as a standard cold case investigation quickly evolves into something far more urgent and dangerous. The unique dual timeline structure enhances the tension, flashing back to the events surrounding the original crime while the present-day plot races to save current victims. This structure not only keeps the suspense high but adds emotional depth, as readers witness how past horrors echo into the present.
Ethan, the novel’s central investigator, is a standout. Though the plot leans heavily on action and mystery, Donlea doesn’t skimp on character development. Ethan’s personal backstory is thoughtfully woven into the narrative, making his decisions and emotional responses feel authentic and relatable. His inner conflict adds a layer of humanity that grounds the high-stakes drama.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve pieced the puzzle together, Donlea expertly pulls the rug out, revealing a new twist or hidden truth. The characters are meticulous, deceptive, and layered - mirroring a writing style that deliberately keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal.
As a first-time reader of Charlie Donlea, this book was a standout introduction to his work. With its gripping pace, smartly structured plot, and emotionally compelling lead, I’ll definitely be picking up more of his books in the future.
Ten years after high school volleyball star Callie Jones vanished without a trace from her quiet Wisconsin town, former detective Ethan Hall is reluctantly pulled back into the haunting case by his dying ex-partner’s plea for closure. Now an ER doctor trying to outrun the horrors of his past, Ethan returns to Cherryview during a sweltering summer, determined to uncover what really happened to Callie. As word spreads, the small town clings to hope, but Ethan’s search for answers leads him beyond old evidence and into the mind games of a prison inmate with chilling insights. The deeper he digs, the closer Ethan comes to terrifying secrets, ones tangled with his own past and still deadly enough to kill for.
Told in short, shifting POV chapters, the novel wastes no time diving into the action and mystery, keeping readers on edge as identities, motives, and alliances shift beneath their feet. What starts as a standard cold case investigation quickly evolves into something far more urgent and dangerous. The unique dual timeline structure enhances the tension, flashing back to the events surrounding the original crime while the present-day plot races to save current victims. This structure not only keeps the suspense high but adds emotional depth, as readers witness how past horrors echo into the present.
Ethan, the novel’s central investigator, is a standout. Though the plot leans heavily on action and mystery, Donlea doesn’t skimp on character development. Ethan’s personal backstory is thoughtfully woven into the narrative, making his decisions and emotional responses feel authentic and relatable. His inner conflict adds a layer of humanity that grounds the high-stakes drama.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve pieced the puzzle together, Donlea expertly pulls the rug out, revealing a new twist or hidden truth. The characters are meticulous, deceptive, and layered - mirroring a writing style that deliberately keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal.
As a first-time reader of Charlie Donlea, this book was a standout introduction to his work. With its gripping pace, smartly structured plot, and emotionally compelling lead, I’ll definitely be picking up more of his books in the future.