the setup…
Dr. Sloan Hastings is a forensic scientist working on a fellowship in forensic pathology, being trained by the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty. Each of the participants are given a research assignment and Sloan’s is in genealogy, examining how these online sites can be useful in forensic science investigations. Coincidentally, Sloan was adopted thirty years ago and for the project to be most productive, she’ll need to submit her own DNA as the analysis tool. With her adopted parents’ approval, she proceeds and the results are earth shattering. She’s THE “Baby Charlotte” who along with her parents vanished from Cedar Creek, Nevada under suspicious circumstances.
the heart of the story…
What starts as a research project pivots into an investigation into how Sloan came to be adopted by her parents. Sloan’s goals are broader than the FBI’s as she has to contend with a biological family she’s never known. Before she can fully grasp her new circumstances, she’s surreptitiously approached by Cedar Creek Sheriff Eric Stamos. His father originally investigated her parents’ disappearance and the fatal car accident associated with her mother’s car but he died strangely before he could resolve the case. He engages Sloan in the middle of a giant puzzle that includes lots of potential danger as it’s uncertain as to who she can trust.
the narration…
I initially believed the story should have had multiple narrators but Leheny was quite masterful in not only the storytelling but in voice distinctions. There were times if sounded as if there was more than one performer!
the bottom line…
We should have learned by now that dipping into these genealogy sites should be a step you don’t take lightly. I have my own experience but knew enough to be cautious. Sloan is smart with great instincts and they served her well. The transitions from 1995 to present kept me riveted and they were timed perfectly. While I arrogantly believed I’d solved the thing there was still a big twist I missed. Believe the hype because this mystery is big time!
Book Info
- Release Date: May 21, 2024
- Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 19 minutes
- Publisher: Recorded Books
Listen to a Sample!
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(Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
I love Donlea’s books and I was loving this right up until the ending, I don’t know why the reveal didn’t convince me as I expected, I think it was because there weren’t many characters so it was pretty easy to guess… Fab review, I need to review this one on my blog!
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Thanks, Ani💜 I don’t know why I didn’t consider that surprise person but thinking back, the clues were there. He left some situations open and I think it was intentional as not everything was tied up with a bow.
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I loved the genealogy aspect though, and it kept me so engaged… I was just disappointed by the ending but I think it’s just me haha
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I did enjoy this story. Makes one think differently about thr possibility of a genealogy search. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 You know what happened to me so one should be prepared for anything if you choose to dip your toes into these sites😏 At least I prepared myself before starting.
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This sounds like a great read. Great review, Jonetta 😊
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Thank you, Jody💜
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I love the sound of this book and off to see if my library has it. Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 It’s something I think you’d enjoy!
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I loved this with the science aspects. I am a fan of the narrator and author.
Anne
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I liked how they covered the forensic science applications for law enforcement. The issues are sticky.
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Seems you had a far better experience with this one than I did.
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Not your cuppa?
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Fab review Jo! I love it when a twist is really big and unexpected!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 For me, it was a whopper.
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Is it weird that I was sad to find nothing unexpected when I did the DNA thing? 🤣 This sounds super compelling. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 That’s probably because your family has already tracked your heritage extensively. My experience? I found a sister and lots of other answers.
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I am ashamed to say that this is still sitting on my NG tbr shelf, Jo. I need to get to it. Great review. 💕📚
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Thanks, Sandy💜 I bumped it up because too many other friends’ reviews got me excited.
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Thanks Jo. I’ll be doing the same. 💕📚
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Fab review! This is another one I can’t wait to read. xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 I think you’ll be pleased!
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I do love Charlie Donlea’s books but haven’t had the chance to read or listen to this one yet. I have read a lot of books where DNA and genealogy play a role and I find it fascinating. Great review, Jo.
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Thanks, Carla💜 You’re in for a good one!
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