Long Time Gone

In 1995, Cedar Creek, Nevada, is rocked by the mysterious death of Sheriff Sanford Stamos , found dead in his submerged car. The eerie presence of a Cooper's hawk adds to the mystery. Stamos , paralyzed by a drug, was investigating the disappearance of the Margolis family, hinting at foul play and a possible cover-up by powerful local figures. His death sets off a chain of events that will unravel decades later. Fast forward to 2024, Sloan Hastings embarks on a forensic pathology fellowship in Raleigh, North Carolina, under Dr. Livia Cutty. Her focus on forensic genealogy , a field that has cr

Theme 1: Mysterious Death in Cedar Creek

At its core, Long Time Gone is a meditation on loss — how grief reshapes us, and how we find ways to carry what we cannot leave behind. Charlie Donlea handles these themes with sensitivity and grace, making the emotional journey feel universal.

Theme 2: Sloan's Forensic Pathology Journey

This thread running through Long Time Gone gives the story its emotional weight. Charlie Donlea weaves it into the narrative with skill, ensuring that the reader feels the stakes as deeply as the characters do.

Theme 3: DNA Revelations and Family Secrets

Family and belonging sit at the heart of Long Time Gone. Charlie Donlea examines how the bonds we're born into — and the ones we choose — define us in ways we often don't recognize until they're tested.

What Readers Say About Long Time Gone

Long Time Gone has resonated with readers for its emotional honesty and vivid storytelling. Many describe finishing it in a single sitting — drawn forward by Charlie Donlea's prose and an almost desperate need to know how it ends.

A Passage Worth Sitting With

"Mysterious Death in Cedar Creek" — Charlie Donlea, Long Time Gone

About the Author

Charlie Donlea is the author of Long Time Gone. Known for emotionally resonant storytelling, their work has found devoted readers across the globe.